Categories
1980's 80's 80's fashion 90's accessories adults affordable Amazon Amazon Fashion anthropologie art blog autumn awesome backpacks bag bags bargain beach style beach wear birkenstocks blog blogger boho boho chic boho style booties boots brandname bright colors bucket bag camera capris casual casual chic cheap chic childhood clothes collaboration color colorblock colorful comfortable commentary crazy crossbody bag curvy daily look deal design envy design inspiration designer designs dolce vita Draped dress dressy dressy summer outfit esty ethnic fabric fashion fashion blog fashion blogger fedora felt hat For Love & Lemons forever21 Free People fun funny gallery geeks gif gladiator sandals gojane guest blogger h&m handbag handmade happiness happy harem harem jumper harem jumpsuit Health/Wellness hilarious hip Hope How To humor ideas inspiration instagram j.crew jacket jersey jersey fabric jersey knit jersey tank jumpsuit jumpsuits Lake Michigan laugh leather Leather backpack leather bag leather sandals life life goals life list lifestyle blog lightweight live colorfully. living lol Lyst macys madewell magazine maxi dress MC Hammer minimilist style modern moodboard MTV NastyGal nickelodeon nordstrom Nordstroms on sale OOTD OOTD Magazine OOTD Submit open toe opinion outerwear outfit outfit of the day oversized personal style personal style blogger pinterest polyvore pop culture positive project prozac Pure Michigan retro Revolve Clothing rompers rustic sale sandals satchel self love shoes Shopbop shopping shorts shoulder bag showcase simplistic spring spring 2015 spring fashion Spring Style Springtime fashion street style style style blog style blogger styling summer summer 2015 summer dress summer fashion summer style summer time swimsuit cover up tips To Do tooled leather tooled leather bag trapeze Traverse City trends trendy trousers Uncategorized unique Vanilla Ice versatile vintage vintage bag wardrobe wardrobe update wellness work studio

Harem Jumpers: Stylish & Comfy Style or 80’s Fashion Relic?

harem jumper OOTD

I am a child of the late 80’s/early 90’s and I loved every wacky, bodacious second of it. Although as we reflect back on those years, it is undeniable that an overwhelming majority of our most painfully awkward and embarrassing pop culture moments occurred in the 80’s.  It was a decade that produced some of the most memorable cringeworthy style fads of all time, such as: Acid wash jeans, scrunchies, hairspray and perms, neon colored wind suits and of course harem pants. Inspired by the greats of the era, MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice.


 

(I still firmly believe those were the greatest fashion years of my life. Sometimes I wonder if it was growing up in the late 80’s early 90’s that gave me my flare for the dramatic when it comes to clothes (hence wearing an oversized jumper in 2015 and loving it))

Just recently I saw a picture of everyone’s favorite overgrown man child, Justin Beiber, wearing some serious harem pants and  I literally said outloud: “Hammer did it better.” Bc. how could anyone forget this:

or this:

and while we’re at it, this:

unfortantly, hammer pants were one of the few fashion items my parents refused to purchase for me (along with glittery  pink, fringed cowboy boots). I see now that my parents were doing me a favor because i have a feeling my hammer pants wouldn’t have gone over very well with all the kids at my school in West Texas. So, thanks guys for that.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t fulfill my Hammer Time fantasy as an adult! I am free to make my own bad decisions! Sometimes being an adult IS great, because no one can tell you “no” if you want to buy an oversized diaper jumper and wear it in public!

I was pleasantly surprised with how it fit, although it’s a very thin jersey knit fabric so it attaches its self to unappealing areas (the crutch and the butt). I did wear it on a really windy day which didn’t help with that though. It is really comfortable and I actually really like the styling and draping of the fabric. I had to be careful when I walked because this particular jumper always ended up giving me a wedgie. The jumpsuit I purchased was the cheap version (as usual) which may speak to the thinness of the fabric. Shopbop has a designer brand option which is undoubtably better quality in their  Basic Terrain Harem Jumpsuit, for $158.00:

basic terrain jumpsuit


to wear or not to wear:

It’s not an item I will be wearing very often but it’s really fun to have in my closet for days when I  am feeling bored with everything else in my closet and also because I like to put it on and do the Hammer Time dance in the mirror when I need a quick trip down memory lane. Plus, I bought mine on Amazon for less than $15.00

In conclusion: no one pulls it off like the Hammer but I have a feeling the harem jumper hasn’t had it’s final style moment yet…
harem jumper street styleMy Outfit details: Spaghetti Strap Harem Jumper, $14.95, vintage tooled leather bag, Gottex Women’s Laurent Felt Hat, $79.00 on Amazon, Yara Birkenstock Thongs $120.00

yara birkenstock thongs

 

so the final question is: would you? I am totally okay if your answer is a resounding no.

Categories
accessories Amazon Fashion anorak jacket anthropologie art blog art inspiration bag bags beach beach style beach wear beautiful beauty birkenstocks blog blogger blue bodycon boho boho chic camera capris casual casual chic casual dress chic clothes collaboration collage color colorblock colorful colors comfortable converse sneakers creative cute cute animals daily look denim design design board design envy design inspiration designs Diesel Denim digital design dresses dressy dressy summer outfit espadrilles esty ethnic etsy fashion fashion blog fashion blogger For Love & Lemons forever21 Free People friends funny gallery gallery wall Gap Grand Rapids graphic design guest blogger h&m hair cut hair dye hair style handbag handmade happiness happy health Health/Wellness inspiration inspiring inspo instagram j.crew jersey fabric jersey knit jersey tank joy kittens Lake Michigan landscape Leather backpack leather bag leather sandals life lifestyle blog live colorfully. living lol love lovely macys madewell midi skirt minimilist style mod cloth modern mood board moodboard motivation moving on nature nature walk ocean OOTD OOTD Magazine OOTD Submit open back open toe outfit outfit of the day oxfords Paris personal style personal style blogger pinterest polyvore portfolio Pure Michigan reading reflection Revolve Clothing rocks rompers rustic sale sam edeleman Sam Edelman sandals satchel sea self love shoes Shopbop shorts shoulder bag showcase simple simplistic slip dress social media spotlight spring fashion Springtime fashion stars street style Stripes style style blog style blogger styling summer summer 2015 summer dress summer fashion summer heels summer style summer time sunshine swimsuit cover up The book of awakening the waves tooled leather trapeze traveling travels Traverse City tribal tutorial Uncategorized unique varsity tee versatile vintage wall decor wallpaper wardrobe wardrobe update wedges white white denim

Beach Day Essentials

 

 

“Summer isn’t over, summer isn’t over.” I am hoping that if I keep telling myself, I can make it true,  or at the least live happily in my own delusion for a little while longer and the reason I am determined to do this post even though it’s practically September and everyone is about ready to gear up for Autumn.

h1BD6E152

Apparently my refusal to accept that summer is over is subconsciously coming out in the clothes I am choosing to wear. Walking down the stairs today, my boyfriend greeted me by saying “Ahoy sailor,” and saw that I looked like I was ready to set sail on a catamaran in the following outfit:

beach day ootd

 

not that I minded being mistaken for an overzealous mariner…..As a fairly new resident of Michigan, the magic that is summers on Lake Michigan has yet to loose any of it’s potency on me. I could spend all day walking up and down the Lake shoreline gathering driftwood and pebbles, or laying on the sand and reading cheap literature until my skin is burnt to a crisp and spend every night watching the sunset over the lake, and drinking unhealthy amounts of white wine with friends around a campfire….There is no better medicine for my soul.

So that’s my excuse for spending an absorbent amount of time putting together my first style board set on polyvore

on which I spent an unhealthy amount of time obsessing over and that I awkwardly titled “Final Beach Day Trip of the Summer:”

final beach day trip of the summer.

 

final beach day trip of the summer. by thiswildpreciouslifeblog featuring fragrance candles

 

IMG_5073

 

 

 

 

Categories
abstract art adults adventure affirmation affirmations art art blog art ideas art inspiration commentary facebook inspiration love love wins marriage equality opinion politics pride quotes religion same sex marriage social change social media Uncategorized wiki WWJD

Love Wins. (I’m Just Gonna Set This Here).

you are so so loved.This is an easy one for me and maybe it is for you too. I know that if you have spent any time on social media these last few days, you’ve been bombarded by news of the the Supreme Courts’ ruling regarding same sex marriage equality nation wide. Unless of course you’ve been living under a rock and if that’s the case….is there room for me under there?)

It seems like everyone and their uncle (especially those cranky old uncles) have been putting their two cents in on the Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Obergefell vs. Hodges that passed marriage equality rights to same sex couples Nationwide.


Why do I feel the need to add my voice into the mix? I probably don’t. No, I most likely don’t. In fact, I’m still trying to talk myself out of adding to the noise.

But after much thought, I begin typing…. if only just to settle my restless heart a bit….it’s important for me as I come from a religious background where my opinion is not popular.

And just to be safe, here is where I put my personal disclaimer regarding this post:

{I should state that I am only speaking from my personal experience growing up in the church.  My personal opinions on this subject (and others) differ quite a lot from the Evangelical Christian Church’s stance and I do not want to mis-represent myself by claiming that I speak any religious or political groups, these are merely my experiences and opinions}


 

I come from a family of pastors, Evangelical Christian preachers, to be more specific. Both of my grandparents were pastors. My father is a prominent, well known pastor in the Chicago suburbs as are his siblings in their respective areas around the States. My father and his siblings all pastor large congregations in various parts of the United States.

AND make no mistake- I love my family with all my heart. My parents are kind, generous, thoughtful, loving people. My father and his siblings are passionate, people of faith, who together have raised millions of dollars for all types of people in need around the world. I have witnessed nothing but integrity and love from my family.  I have also witnessed the Church when it is at it’s best- fulfilling it’s true purpose, being a community, and welcoming in and being family to many hurt and lonely people.

 


My dad pastored his first church in North Carolina, where I was born but remember nothing of because  We moved to West Texas when I was 11 months old where my dad pastored another growing church. At the age of 12, we moved back to North Carolina where my dad pastored a church for a few years until moving to Illinois when I was 15.


All of that basically to say that…you know those people on your Facebook feed, the ones who shocked you with their angry and sometime hateful posts about the perilous state of America now that same sex couples could marry legally? Yeah,  I know those people. Some of them I know better than I wish I did. I grew up in ‘Merica, amidst confederate flags, racial tensions, and Jebus.  Shockingly, I never learned about Evolution (other than hearing that it came from the bowels of Hell) until High school. I never allowed myself to even question the sheer awesomeness of the Universe because when I did, I couldn’t reconcile it’s magnitude with the the seventh day creationism I was taught in SCIENCE CLASS.

Sorry, I am already rambling on a bit… but needless to say, I was, and am a bit of a weird one and I never fit into the preacher’s daughter mold or the preacher’s wife mold even though I tried and wanted to, for my family’s sake. My parents always tried their best to let me be and to love me for me, and I have met some of the most amazing and loving people in the Church- who loved me at my darkest and most prodigal daughter moments (Wanda Burgund).

I was always surrounded by love and that is the message I chose to take away from the church. Love. I know if I was to walk into the church today, I would leave feeling loved. I read the other day that the young man (whose name I refuse to acknowledge) who walked into the Emmanual African Methodist Episcopal Church and killed Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd (54), Susie Jackson (87), Ethel Lee Lance (70), Depayne Middleton-Doctor (49), Clementa C. Pinckney (41), Tywanza Sanders (26), Daniel Simmons (74), Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45), and Myra Thompson (59), when being questioned after by the police he said he almost didn’t go through with his plan because of how nice everyone was to him while he was there. Wow.

http://sarahgreenillustration.tumblr.com
http://sarahgreenillustration.tumblr.com

It’s funny because as a kid I loved my WWJD bracelets, and was especially fond of my rainbow colored one, oh if only I could find that one now I would wear it with gusto. Because it is true- Jesus would love- not just love but he would be right up there shaking peoples hands at the Pride festival. In my mind he’s covered in glitter and shaking his bon-bon too but maybe thats a little bit too much of a stretch for most people. Who am I to judge someone, anyone else? I am a sinner- I am divorced, a sin. I have lied, a sin. I am guilty of gluttony and lazinessness, both sins. I have gossiped, I have been selfish and most recently I haven’t stood up for what I believe in to be right  when I know I should have because I was too scared of offending other people. Let love in, let love transform you. Hate and anger will harden your heart and destroy you slowly. And if that isn’t enough of a reason…

Let he or she that is without sin throw the first stone. So let’s all put down our rocks and use them to build something USEFUL together.

This is a place where all are welcome to voice their opinions…and you are most welcome to converse here about your own stories or opinions.., although anything hateful will be deleted. I would love to hear from you guys on this. Don’t be afraid of telling me how you feel.

Categories
Amazon Badgley Mischka BCBGMaxazria casual dress cocktail dress drape back evening gown EVENING/COCKTAIL formal gown game of thrones HBO jersey fabric LEON MAX Lyst Max Studio maxi dress on sale open back sale Shopbop swimsuit cover up Uncategorized

Personal Style File Game of Thrones Fashion Geek Out Edition

The last few days have consisted of binge re-watching Game of Thrones with my boyfriend. Previously, I had made it up all the way through to the dreaded Red Wedding Episode in Season 3, which after viewing I decided I needed a GoT break). He hadn’t seen any or read any of the books up until  about three days ago and now, we are up to the middle of season 3,  a good 25 hours logged of GOT. Hey, go big or go home right??

yeah, no, I have no life. It’s okay, I should just accept it.

Watching GoT the second time around has proved beneficial (or so I try to tell myself) Besides giving me a GoT storyline refresher and giving me the chance to annoy my boyfriend with all my GoT knowledge and foreshadowing of things to come…

I’ve mostly enjoyed taking a closer look at the opulent costumes the badass female characters wear throughout the show.

One of the characters who has slowly become one of my favorite female characters (besides Khaleesi of course) is Shae, the *cough* *cough* courtesan, who wins over the heart of Tyrion Lannister.

ShaeAndTyrion

I am in love with the style of dress she wears in just about every scene she appears in, especially the dress’ drapey open back. You can get a good look at the design of the back in these pictures:

tyrion-and-shae-house-lannister-35788873-4255-2820

I love how versatile the dress is and how she (or the really the costume designer) changes it up adding a thick embroidered fabric belt and metal fastenings or allowing the dress to flow freely behind her.

game-of-thrones-season-4-sibel-kekilli-hbo-shae

So I quickly became determined to find a similar style dress to try and pull off and would most likely bring shame to the Lannister family name.  So here is the best I could do:

twisted draped back dress

 

Although there were some good costume replicas of Shae’s dress on Etsy, they were out of my price range and  I unfortunately I couldn’t find anything else in the lovely lilac color Shae wears.  So I settled with some purple daisies.

The dress I ended up buying online was this Twisted Back Dress available online from Chiquelle for around $60.00 (they are British so their prices are in euros):

chiquelle twisted back dress

ootd: Game of thrones geek edition

Besides the dress I bought, I was able to compile several other similar styled dresses (and one top) available out there for anyone who might be interested in geeking out with me:

 

1. This Twisted Back Maxi Dress available for only $9.00!!!! via The Iconic:

zalora basics twisted back maxi dress

2. Another online steal from Maykool with their Beige Round Neck Twisted Back Charm Dress for $24.00:

dresses-beige-round-neck-twisted-back-charm-dress-007700_3

3. This BCBGMaxazria Karli Twist Back Top for $78.00:

BCBGMAXAZRIA top

4. For the fancy route, this Drape Back Jersey Gown
Badley Mischka, for $495.95:

badgley-mischka-ivory-jersey-drape-back-evening-gown-white-product-0-735228649-normal_large_flex

5. Zimmerman Back Drape Dress via ShopBop for $395.00:

zimmerman back twist dress

6. Another Evening/Cocktail dress, this one from Max Studio 50% off at $198.00:

max studio draped back dress

 

7. And finally, this scandalously low back Staring at Stars Crochet Cut-Out Cover Up Maxi Dress from Urban Outfitters, $59.00:

staring at stars crochet cut out cover up urban outfitters

Do you have any outfits inspired by your favorite TV shows? I would love to see! And also it would be comforting to know someone else out there is as nerdy as me…..please be my friend.

Categories
abstract art acrylic acrylic paints art art blog art gallery art inspiration art studio art wall art wallpaper artist artwork blog blogger blue bright camera canvas collage color colorful colors craft creative creative inspiration creative project creativity design design board design envy designs detail digital design digital download download easy craft etsy fashion fashion blog favorite free free download free graphics free wallpaper freebie freebies fun gallery wall graphic graphic design graphics home decor How To illustration inspiration inspiring interior design iphone iphone wallpaper lifestyle blog lists live living marbleize minimilist style mixed media modern mood board motivation murals oil pastels opinion original original art paint painting paintings personal style blogger photography picture frames pictures pinterest pop culture portfolio portraits print printables prints project projects retro screensaver sketch sketchbook spotlight spring spring 2015 street art studio wall style style blog style blogger styling summer summer art tie-dye trendy Uncategorized versatile wallpaper wallpaper download watercolor watercolors web design wellness

Free Original Art Desktop Wallpaper Downloads

Hi everyone, this is my first attempt at creating wallpaper designs of my own, using my own art. .This has definitely been a learning experience for me, the wide world of graphic designing is a bit overwhelming  but I figure, I have to start somewhere.

I did three different designs and made two different pixel size versions of each….there are so many different display screen sizes out there (including the screen on the mockup photo I used…I still don’t know what size that is supposed to be)  so if any of the sizes don’t fit for your screen, feel free to email me at thiswildpreciouslifeblog@gmail.com and I will add one for you.

My next task is to figure out how to link a google doc or dropbox account directly to my blog so you can download from there but for now, just click on each individual image to save the wallpaper designs to your computer.

I hope you enjoy!
abstract art destkop wallpaper design mock up.001

 

 

1440x990 pixel version
1440×990 pixel version
2560x1600 pixel version
2560×1600 pixel version

free marbleized desktop wallpaper.001

 

1920 x 1200 pixel version
1920 x 1200 pixel version
1440 x 990 pixel version
1440 x 990 pixel version

abstract art screensaver background mockup.001

 

2560 x 1600 pixel version
2560 x 1600 pixel version
1440 x 990 version
1440 x 990 version

 

Categories
80's 90's abstract art accessories acrylic activities activity adults adventure affirmation affirmations Alabama Shakes Amazon anthropologie antique arrange arrangement arrnage art art blog art gallery art ideas art inspiration art journal art lessons art studio art wall artist artists artwork Asics ASOS awesome backpacks badass bag bags beach beautiful beauty birkenstocks blog blogger boho boho chic boho style book cover art book list book reviews books boot booties bright bright colors bucket bag casual casual chic change chic children literature clothes collaboration collage color colorful colors coral craft creative creative inspiration creative process creative project creativity crossbody bag cute daily look decorating design design board design envy designs detail digital design DIY creative DIY project dolce vita download dressy dressy summer outfit eco friendly Electric Feathers espadrilles etsy fashion fashion blog fashion blogger favorite favorite books fitness floral flowers forever21 free free download Free People friends fringe leather bag gallery gallery wall Gap geeks gojane gold leaf goodreads Grand Rapids graphic graphic design graphics guest blogger h&m handbag handmade happiness happy health Health/Wellness hearts home decor home decorations Hope How To humor ideas illustration illustrations infographics ink inspiration inspiring inspo instagram interior design j.crew journal journaling joy jumpsuit jumpsuits leather Leather backpack leather bag leather sandals life life goals life list lifestyle blog Light on Yoga lists live living lol love lovely macys madewell marble marbleizing May minimilist style modern moleskine mood board motivation moving on murals music NastyGal nature nordstrom Nordstroms oil pastels OOTD OOTD Magazine OOTD Submit opinion organization original original art outerwear outfit outfit of the day oxfords PacSun paintings pants paper goods pendant people perfume personal style personal style blogger photography pinterest poetry pop culture portfolio quotes reflection relationships relaxing Revolve Clothing ring rompers rucksack sandals scarf seasonal decor self love shoes shopping showcase simple simplistic sketch sketchbook skirt skirts smile spotlight spring spring fashion spring outerwear Spring Style Springtime fashion street art street style studio wall style style blog style blogger styling summer summer style sunshine sustainable living template The book of awakening the waves tips To Do to the light house traveling travels trendy tutorial Uncategorized unique vase versatile wall art wall decor wallpaper wardrobe watercolor web design website wedges white words work space world wuthering heights yoga zen

The Monthly Inspiration Edit: The May Mood Board Mash-up (Jesus Sandal Couture, The Return of Fat Amy and Alabama Shakes)

 

I’e been wanted to create my own mood board since I discovered the wonderful world of digital mood boards. I’ve always loved making collages and inspiration boards in my journals and on my wall-I love the physical and visual process of creating collages and have spent countless hours absorbed in arranging and rearranging pictures…. something about the process is soothing to me and have found them to be a helpful tool for aiding in my creative process because I often find new inspiration for creative projects and ideas.
With online mood boards it’s like a whole new world of inspiration has opened up to me. There are so many talented, artistic designers and artists out there to find inspiration from-

I’m going to try and do a round-up at least once a month….

BUT

I would really love to see what is inspiring every one else out there and wanted to offer to anyone who might be interested in being a guest blogger and creating their own individualized mood board on This Wild Precious Life. It could be any handful of things that are inspiring you at the moment: books, music, food, shoes, movies, art, diy projects…and give you a chance to share here! If you are interested just email me at thiswildpreciouslifeblog@gmail.com with the subject title “my mood board” and we can work out the details!

moodboard may FINAL

 

So here is what is inspiring me in the month of May (2015)….

Wear- Jumpsuits and Rompers

 

 

 

free people flutter romper

http://www.freepeople.com/clothes-jumpsuits-rompers/flutter-romper/BCBGeneration Womens racer front jumpsuitBCBGeneration Women’s Racer Front Jumpsuit
BCBGeneration Women’s Racer Front Jumpsuit

electric feather green jumpsuit spring 2015

Infinite Rope Jumpsuit in Ivory Cream Raw Silk {Made to Order}

WALK- 

I’m really happy simple leather sandals (or Jesus sandals as I like to call them) are making a come-back. I don’t know why every time I see a pair of simple classic looking leather sandals I just want to be walking around in Greece or Italy…so the closest I can get to either of those places at the moment is a pair of my very own jesus sandals.

free people cafe wrap espadrille

http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-sandals/cafe-wrap-espadrille/

birkenstock mayari birkenstook
Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Birkibuc Sandal

http://amzn.to/1dqgBIM

FP collection Durango Metal Gladiator

http://www.freepeople.com/shoes-sandals/durango-metal-gladiator-sandals/_/PRODUCTOPTIONIDS/83886FE0-6740-46FF-AABD-B3BC062AB204/

STEVEMADDEN-SANDALS_DONDDI_TAN-LEATHER

Steve Madden Women’s Donddi Sandal

Blowfish Women’s Gill Fisherman Sandal
womens-steve-madden-d-band-cognac-multi-423403_366_45

Steve Madden Women’s D-BAND Sandal

LISTEN: 

Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes

Falling Faster Than You Can Run by Nathaniel Rateliff

Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens

Pitch Perfect 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Carry:

rebecca minkoff fringe backpack

Rebecca Minkoff Julian Backpack

jericho backpack free people

http://www.freepeople.com/accessories-bags/jericho-backpack-32078669/

patricia nash vasto leather backpack

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/patricia-nash-vasto-leather-backpack/3816140?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=&resultback=6239

 

the sawyer etsy bag

https://www.etsy.com/listing/184422924/the-sawyer-hand-made-leather-backpack?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=leather%20backpack&ref=sr_gallery_4

READ- 

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

The Book of Awakening: Having the Life You Want by Being Present to the Life You Have by Mark Nepo

What Alice Forgot

a href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805210318/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805210318&linkCode=as2&tag=thiwilprelif-20&linkId=BP5TUZMGSEASXI5X”>

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

 

Categories
accessories affordable Amazon anthropologie ASOS bag bags beach blog blogger bodycon boho boho chic booties boots brands bright bright colors bucket bag cardigan casual casual chic cheap chic clothes collaboration colorful colors comfortable crossbody bag curvy cute daily look denim jacket design detail dolce vita Draped dress dresses dressy dressy summer outfit espadrilles ethnic fabric faces fashion fashion blog fashion blogger favorite floral forever21 Free People fresh fringe fringe leather bag gardening Grand Rapids hands happiness happy hosiery humor ideas instagram j.crew jeans jersey jersey knit joy Leather backpack leather bag leather heels life lifestyle blog lol macys midi skirt minimilist style MINK PINK mod cloth modern mood board NastyGal nature necklace necklaces Nordstroms OOTD OOTD Magazine OOTD Submit open toe outfit outfit of the day oversized sweater oxfords pattern patterned skirt patterns pendant personal style personal style blogger pinterest print prints rag and bone retro Revolve Clothing ring rustic self love shoes Shopbop shopping simple simplistic skirt spotlight spring spring fashion Spring Style Springtime fashion statement jewelry street style style style blog style blogger styling suede boots summer summer heels tribal jewelry tribal pendant tutorial Uncategorized versatile wedges white denim

spring style: fun, flowy, floral, boho dresses

hooray for all things Spring….Sun, flowers, rain, birds, allergies. I’ll take it all if it means I can stand outside for more than a minute without getting frostbite.  I’ve been waiting for a day that was nice enough to wear my Free People Parker Dress. Although there aren’t enough photoshopping or fliters that help my legs look less blindingly white and pasty.

free people dress black esparilldos

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite floral spring dresses I found online:

Free People Parker Dress, $69.00:

FREE-people-parker-dress-sage

MINKPINK Women’s Moon Flower Midi Dress:

mink-pink-midifloral-dress

Needle & Thread’s Summer Garden Floral Sequin Bodycon Dress ($360.00):

needle&thread-bodycon-sequin-garden-dress

Free People First Kiss Dress, $98.00:

free-people-first-kiss-boho-dress

 

Free People Embroidered Austin Dress, $148.00:
free-people-austin-embroidered-dress

Needle & Thread Gilded Filigree Three Quarter Sleeve Cocktail Dress:
needle&thread-gilded-filigree-dress

 BB Dakota ‘Heleen’ Print Fit and Flare Midi Dress ($98.00) at Nordstroms:

BB-dokata-heleen-floral-dress

Volcom Juniors Nevermore Dress

volcom-floral-dress

 

Categories
abstract art aceo acrylic acrylic paints adventure affirmation affirmations anthropologie art art blog art gallery art ideas art inspiration art lesson art lessons art wall artist artwork awesome beautiful blog blogger bright colors canvas collage color colors craft crafts creative creative inspiration creative project creativity custom design design board design envy designs digital design DIY creative download drawing easy craft fashion blogger favorite favorite books floral free download free wallpaper fresh fun funny gallery graffiti graphic graphic design green grey handmade happiness happy Health/Wellness Hope illustration illustrations inspiration inspiring inspiring quotes instagram interior design iphone wallpaper journal journaling joy lesson life life goals lifestyle blog live live colorfully. living lol love lyrics mixed media modern moleskine motivation murals ocean oil pastels original art paint painting paintings paper goods pattern personal style personal style blogger pinterest portraits print prints relationships relaxing self esteem self love simple simplistic sketch sketchbook studio wall style blogger styling symbols tie-dye typography VSCO cam wall art wallpaper watercolor watercolors waves wax pastels web design website wedding words work space work studio

Daily Affirmation: Live Colorfully (Free Downloadable Design)

 

 

live colorfully originalshort and sweet today, just wanted to share a little design I did last night using some abstract art I’ve been having fun playing around with.

Categories
abstract art accessories acrylic activity Amazon anthropologie arrangement art art blog art ideas art inspiration artists artwork ASOS badass bag beautiful beauty beenie blog blogger bodycon boho boho chic booties bright colors cardigan casual casual chic chic clothes collaboration collage color colorblock colorful comfortable coral creative creative inspiration creative project creativity crossbody bag curvy cute daily look decorating decoration denim design design board design envy designs DIY creative drawing dress dresses dressy dressy summer outfit fabric fashion fashion blogger favorite floral flowers Free People friends fringe fringe leather bag graphic design h&m handbag happiness happy health Health/Wellness hearts humor ideas illustration illustrations ink inspiration inspiring instagram j.crew jeans jersey jersey knit jewelry journal joy lace leather leather bag life lifestyle blog lists lol lovely madewell magazine midi skirt minimilist style mixed media modern mood board motivation murals music NastyGal necklace New Balance nordstrom Nordstroms OOTD open toe opinion original art outfit outfit of the day oversized sweater oxfords paige denim pendant personal style personal style blogger pinterest print rag and bone retro Revolve Clothing running shoes rustic self love shading shoes simplistic sketchbook skirt socks spotlight spring spring fashion Spring Style statement jewelry street art street style style style blogger styling summer summer heels t-shirt tips To Do TopShop trainers trendy trousers tutorial Uncategorized varsity tee VSCO cam wall art wardrobe watercolor watercolors wellness white white denim Zara

Art Collaboration with The Mom Edit Style Blog

mom edit march art style fashion collaboration jessica ross

I am so so excited to be collaborating again with the AMAZING Shana, and her equally amazing blog: The Mom Edit on a series of monthly fashion themed art pieces.

Shana's latest spring OOTD on the mom edit.
Shana’s latest spring OOTD on the mom edit.

I love being able to collaborate with Shana. She has been an enthusiastic supporter and an advocate for me and my art, even when I usually can’t stand whatever it is I’ve made. supporter and cheerleader  She is passionate, enthusiastic and just all around bad ass. I love all of her style and she approaches each post with honesty and frankness about life that makes me laugh out loud.

I was really struggling creatively the last few months and this collaboration has  breathed new life into  my art and given me a new purpose and direction. This project has also been hands down the hardest artistic challenge I’ve undertaken simply because it’s so scary for me to have my artwork “out there” to be seen and judged. I usually have two modes: 1) being super impulsive about what I publish on social media and then afterwards feeling embarrassed or 2) overthinking and analyzing every thing I make until I just stop mid-way through and never finish it.

Here is the March art piece I did for The Mom Edit along with Shana’s picks to go along with it:

jess ross mom edit art collaboration march spring style

jessbobess march-collage-01-614x1024

And here is the link to her article:

http://themomedit.com/2015/03/hello-march-and-some-exciting-news/

This is the art piece I did for the February collaboration with The Mom Edit:

valentine-01 mom edit art collaboration

Here is her AMAZING outfit that inspired the art I did for her and the LINK to her article Winter Florals and Leather Jackets (The Anti-Valentines Day Outfit):

chiffon-maxi-leather-jacket-winter-floral-beanie-681x1024 chiffon-maxi-skirt-winter-floral-tank-leather-jacket-sole-society-winter-beanie

 

Categories
80's 90's abstract art aceo acrylic adventure affirmations Amazon anthropologie apartment arrange arrangement arrnage art art blog art gallery art ideas art inspiration art studio art wall artist artists artwork asymmetrical awareness awesome beautiful beauty bird birds blog boho boho chic bright bright colors bucket list cactus chalkboard change chic circles collage color colorblock colorful colors craft crafts creative creative inspiration creative project creativity decorating decoration design design board design envy designs diy DIY creative DIY project easy craft idea fashion blogger favorite feathers floral flowers fresh fun gallery gallery wall geometric graphic design happiness happy health Health/Wellness home decor home decorations ideas illustration illustrations ink inspiration inspiring instagram interior design joy laugh life life goals life list lifestyle blog living lol love lovely Matisse mixed media mood board motivation murals nature nesting original original art painting paintings paper goods pattern patterns personal style personal style blogger photography pictures pinterest plants poetry pop culture portraits positive print prints project self love spotlight spring Spring Style stars street art studio wall style style blogger styling succulent succulents summer sunshine terrarium To Do traveling trees Uncategorized unique van gogh vase VSCO cam wall art wall decor wallpaper watercolors web design words work space work studio zen

Current Studio Art Wall Inspiration: A Spring Mood Board Refresh!

Today, the birds were chirping and the sun was out and the snow is melting into muddy lakes, but if that means spring is on it’s way…I’ll take it.

studiowall

Some much needed refreshing of my studio walls and work space. I’d like to try and change my art wall at least once a month but we’ll see how that goes!

art studio work space mood board inspirationThis one day of sunny weather has got me feeling all sorts of alive again.  

Categories
affirmations beautiful beauty bright bucket list change colorful creative creativity family forgiveness friends inspiration journaling life goals motivation quotes reflection Uncategorized

The Continued Battle for a Life of Happiness

I’ve really struggled this month with staying positive and I’ve been feeling discouraged by a slight relapse into negative thinking patterns. I’ve also been saddened by the sudden lost a friend this week, who was a genuinely good person and had a kind authentic soul. But the other day I came across the following quote:

we create our own reality

and later on I found this: happiness quality of thoughts

These quotes helped to re-frame how I’ve been thinking lately and spurred the following thoughts I jotted down in my journal last night:

“I am just realizing I have been stuck inside my head these last few weeks and started to really believe that the negative thoughts I have about myself are the truth of who I am. I need to remind myself that I don’t have to live a life where I am unhappy and dislike myself.

I am responsible for my own happiness and for creating my own reality. I want to create a life built on love- love for myself and for others- a life where I find and focus on joy and happiness in every moment instead of choosing to focus on the negative. happy thoughts quoteI want to get back to the basics of life, an honest, authentic and unselfishness life invested in the happiness of the people around me- a life where I truly believe I am enough and worthy of love, worthy of happiness…A life where I choose to forgive myself for the mistakes I’ve made and the hurt I’ve done to myself and where I choose forgiveness towards others that I feel have wronged me instead of holding onto anger and resentment.

I can have that life. anyone can have that life.

I just have to continually remind myself of this especially when I start to feel I am sliding into the false world I created for myself based on negative thinking and behavioral patterns.

I am more than my thoughts & there is more to life outside my head and  self-obsession.

I choose to make a life of love and joy- and I choose to continue to fight for that life for as long as it takes.”

This is my mantra and affirmation for the month of January 2015.

p.s. (I’m not even sure if anyone else struggles to remember these things, but you aren’t alone if you do. )

p.p.s. sorry for the self-absorbed focus, but I guess that’s what a blog is aye?

Categories
abstract art acrylic acrylic paints art art blog art gallery art ideas art journal art lesson art lessons artist artists artwork bright colors cactus Canson change collaboration collage colorful colors craft crafts crayons crazy creative creative project creativity design design board design envy designs DIY creative diy gift idea DIY Holiday Gift Idea easy easy craft easy craft idea easy crafts floral flowers graphic design happiness happy humor ideas illustration illustrations ink inspiration inspiring inspiring quotes journal journaling life life list lifestyle blog lines lists living lol love lovely lyrics mixed media moleskine murals nature oil pastels opinion original art painting paintings paper goods patterns pen pencil pencil skirt pinterest poetry pop culture print prints questions quotes simple sketch sketchbook smile songs spotlight street art succulent succulents sunshine terrarium To Do tree trees triangles tribal upcycle watercolor watercolors waves wax pastels words

More of my sketchbook pages.

 

 

floral sketchbook page quote

 

The start of a new year means a new sketchbook. I get really excited about starting a new journal- especially at the beginning of a new year. It literally allows me to turn a fresh page in my life and re-organize, reflect and motivate. I’ve been slowly compiling pictures of some of my sketchbook pages from this past year or so and funny, I never realized before just how often my pages center around a quote or lyric that is inspiring me at that time. I think because a big part of the reason I keep a journal is to motivate me and to help me stay positive. Oh, I also apparently am big on bright colors and florals.

 

 

 

 

 

sketchbookpagejessross

also, I’m really interested to know (for any fellow art journalists who stumbles across this page)…what your favorite sketchbook/journal is(Mixed media paper, watercolor paper, bound, spiral, small, large….)? I have over 30 journals and have tried all different types and sizes and I am starting to narrow it down to my favorites but I still feel like my perfect sketchbook is out there somewhere undiscovered and waiting. just really want a large sized sketchbook with pages that don’t bleed through…I like the watercolor moleskine sketchbook but it didn’t have very many pages and was quite expensive.
Here are my go tos:

The Moleskine Art Plus Watercolor Album

(12″ X 8.5″) Professional Folio Series, Hardcover $27.37

click on the picture to view in Amazon

pros: thick, heavyweight, high quality watercolor paper, super absorbent and doesn’t bleed through.

cons: expensive & only has 60 pages while most sketchbooks have at least 100 pages.

 

The Canson 180-Degree Art Book ($13.79)

(8.3′ x 11.7″) 80 sheets 

canson art sketchbook, click picture to view in amazon

Pros:  Lays flat, nice design

Cons: Paper is not high quality, and poor quality paper, rips easily

Strathmore Hardbound 500 Series Mixed Media Art Journal

(11.5″ x 8.5″, 64 Pages)

Strathmore Sketchbook, Click picture to view in Amazon

Pros: Great size and Price

Cons:

 

stormsrootsstitched together quote rjournalpagemixed media sketchbook page lyricsWhat inspires you? Do you have a favorite medium when journaling? What is your go-to when you are sketching or journaling… I always wish I wrote more….  but I never do….abstract ocean blue sketchbook page
journal illustration page