Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Blogger Profile: Hilary Inspired


Hey guys!  So happy to bring you the next installment of our new blogger profile series.  See the first one with Charlotte's Fancy, here.  This week we bring you the lovely Hilary Inspired.  I was first drawn to this blog because of the succinct tag, "art & life".  How perfect.  After that, I quickly got into the thoughtful writing and lovely brand design. . . then I realized Hilary herself is a local Metroplex girl.  A lovely design blog by a local?  L.O.V.E.  Then, I read about her musician husband and saw her personal style reflected in her 'outfitting' posts and that was it.  It was meant to be.  I've been a faithful reader ever since, and you will be too.  Now here are a few more lovely details from Hilary that will no doubt keep you (wait for it). . . Hilary Inspired.  I couldn't resist.  Enjoy!  xx - m.m.

[smmidge] Describe your blogging style.
[Hilary Inspired]In a few words... Thoughtful, slow, curious, and original. Thoughtful because it's more than just a photograph or collage. It's an idea, a lifestyle, or a perspective. I have a hard time posting a photo with only a brief description. I want to bring more to my readers than that. So, often my posts include a narrative of ideas and thoughts to ponder alongside the images. I blog because I love it and not because of an obligation to post everyday. Sometimes this results in a slower pace.  When I say my blogging style is "slow", I don't mean that in a bad way. I tried blogging every day of the week when I first started two years ago. It worked for a while but then I made the decision to begin producing as much original content as possible and so naturally that slowed the process down a bit.  I take my time in considering post topics, developing the content, and composing the message. After a year and a half of feeling controlled by my blog and the schedule I had set for myself, I finally came to the realization that I am much happier when I produce fewer  posts that I feel are excellent rather than many posts that I know are mediocre. I love discovering new things, which is part of what attracted me to the blogging community in the first place! I've taken up photography and now thoroughly enjoy exploring my curiosity through that medium. Of course, originality goes without saying... it's what I love most about blogging. It allows me to express myself individually and self-publish a body of work that I am proud of and happy to share. :-)

[smmidge] Your personal style? And one favorite piece (each) in your home and wardrobe that reflects your style.
[Hilary Inspired] Oh dear, isn't that ever evolving? Sometimes I think I've got it all figured out and then other days I feel totally lost. Right now, though, I would say my personal style consists of classic shapes and elements brought together with unusual styling and detailing. I love vintage and the thrill of a unique treasure found!! My design aesthetic warbles somewhere between nostalgic traditionalist and progressive modernist... or at least that's what I think. ;-)

My favorite wardrobe piece is currently the tall, black boots I picked up at Nordstrom Rack. They are tailored, elegant, and beautifully made. I fully intend to quirk them up a bit with a flouncy skirt or high-waisted retro jeans. My favorite piece in my home is still the over-sized stage light bulb that my husband David brought home one day. He is a music MBA student at TCU and noticed this gem discarded outside of the main performance hall. I think it is fascinating and throws you off when you first see it! (see a more about this in one of Hilary's recent posts here)

[smmidge]What keeps you inspired both on the blog and in life?
[Hilary Inspired] I keep my inspiration fresh and alive by exposing myself to new things outside my job and the internet. I think it's so important to give yourself other hobbies, interests, or occasional experiences outside of that one thing you do a lot of (ie your career). For instance, I spend most of my days working online in the social media design community. But I take a modern dance class on Tuesday nights and am guest performing with a local contemporary dance company this Spring. It stretches my mind and body and allows me to exercise different approaches to creativity.  I also relish my trips to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Nature walks are sublime and such an incredible source of inspiration and rejuvenation for me!!

[smmidge] Your 3 favorite songs to listen to while blogging.
[Hilary Inspired] I don't know that I have 3 favorite songs but I can give you 3 favorite Pandora stations instead! Right this very moment, in fact, I'm listening to Ray LaMontagne's station. I also get a kick out of James Brown's station, and my Beatle's station is a steady go-to.

(This is just another reason I love this girl!  Ben and I have loved Ray since we started dating in '04.  He's so soulful.  See one of my reasons for loving his music, here.)

[smmidge] Last book you read and loved.
[Hilary Inspired] Yikes... I'm not much of a reader. I know, bad me. I did, however, read Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte's style self-help book, Style Statement. Well, actually I'm still reading it! The concepts are fantastic, thought provoking, and revealing. I would recommend it to anyone! 

[smmidge] Your top three favorite blogs.
[Hilary Inspired] What if I give you a few recent discoveries? I follow many of the big names such as The Sartorialist and From Me, To You because I think their work is wonderful, but that's not a very interesting answer, is it? Right now I am really enjoying The LocalsA Daily Something, and The Ruffle House. And of course, SMMIDGE!!

Aww, so nice!  Loved this interview so much, and it's cheesy (I KNOW) but the name says it all. . . it's so inspiring.  Thanks Hilary, so much, for having some fun with us and sharing a bit more of your world.  It was great to have you!  xx - m.m. 

Smmidge Style: Yellow Jacket, Splatter Paint & Grocery Store Run


my have yellow blazer and a splatter painted tee.
Hiya friends.  I've been away for a bit, but am happy to be home and back into a groove again. Fun things to share from being out of town, but that's for another time.  Now I wanted to share my favorite wool blazer before it gets too warm around here. . . this was taken around New Year's and I can't even believe how fast this year is going.  I'm freaked out by it, actually, but I'll save that session for a therapeutic girls night or something. . .  It's almost March and I'll have to put this little yellow lovely away soon but hopeful to get another wear or two out of it.  I love love love yellow and this cream piping makes me so happy.  This day I layered a splattered painted tee (why not?) on pattern, on pattern, on yellow (again, why not?) and off we went to the grocery store.  Looking forward to spring, but even if the cold snaps again I feel sunny in this - even if I channel a Century 21 agent, just a bit.  Happy Wed.  xx - m.m.
pattern on splatter paint, a definite fave.
what would we do without these cars?!
step away from the chips.
the yogurt debate.


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Instagram-able 5

Hey guys! The last few weeks have been the same as always--peppered with trips (work and family) from LA to Austin, parties (yes that was and 80s party and yes I danced my face off), Valentines day which is now more about making handmade cards for Doss (sorry babe!) than anything else, and of course the usual quick outfit detail, Doss and trains, a couple of cool lighting options and a great Emerson quote. All moments that meant something... As evidenced by my instagram feed. Happy Thursday! Xx- m.m.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Minty Fresh

image via macaron
Absolutely beyond thrilled that minty green is all over the place this spring.  I am a lifelong lover of this fresh, happy hue.  Hope you are too.  Here are some lovely little bits covered in this freshness.  Happy weekend.  All images can be found and linked through my pinterest boards here
image via The Life of Riley


image via Modcloth

image via whowhatwear
image via svpply
image via dreamingaboutsuits

image via fuckyeahprettynails
image via tenjuneblog
image via refinery29

image via ohcomely magazine

image via Barneys

Monday, February 13, 2012

Hearts and Trucks and Valentines


Anybody else struggle with Valentines for little boys?  I wasn't sure what to do for a little guy who loves trucks and just wants to share that love. . . I talked to my mom about it and she said, "of course you can mix valentines and trucks". . .just say "keep on truckin". Perfect, a truck valentine. Then I remembered his favorite toy which gave me easy shapes to base it on. . . and voila.  Valentine, Keep on Truckin'. xx - m.m.



Thursday, February 9, 2012

Instagram-able 4

February always makes me antsy. In Texas we often get a taste of spring this month which makes the colder days even harder to swallow. And it always makes me ready for some change. This edition of instagram- able captures the random that have made up the end of January and the first part of Feb including travel, days at the park, super hero cape, knitted trees, twinkie days at work, speedily leaving work (see blurry photo), simple pleasures (like flying horses on fabric, lounging and a fabulous latte at Oddfellows) and collage by our 3yr old that we are (of course) over the moon about.  "It's about things I love, girls and babies".  Really, little guy?  Really?  xx - m.m.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A Shepard Fairey Mural on the Way to School

On our way to take Doss to preschool, we are lucky enough to pass right by this new mural at the base of the Belmont Hotel.  A mural by renowned street artist, Shepard Fairey (remember the Obama/Hope poster from '08).  He was just brought to town by the Dallas Contemporary and caused major buzz as he worked on 5 different pieces around town.  Check out this post on Dallas Observer for even more photos and a good interview of Shepard. . . An artist with my son's middle name.  Even more to connect with than his mesmerizing take on ideas, on walls.  

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Tuesday Tune: Boy of Nine, Buxton



Came across this video by Buxton (newly obsessed) on the blog, Jukebox Holiday.  Love those gals over there.  Always providing something lovely or inspirational and this fits the bill.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Smmidge Style: Print on Print on Color

Mix it up Monday.  I've always loved an unexpected mix and (in my world) stripes call for some surprises.  This little jacket I could wear everyday, and even though I'm saying how much I love crazy mixes here, I'm actually looking forward to doing some more traditional looks with this.  Oh, and this is another little bag update.  More to come on that.  xx - m.m.

Friday, February 3, 2012

The Universe and Forever

I love this print and all that it illustrates.  I think it's so poetic. It's called The Universe and Forever by Wendy MacNaughton.  Ideas, Dust. . . Feelings, Dust.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Desperately Seeking Dining Chairs

Tolix A Chairs - image via Apartment Therapy
As you guys know from previous posts, I'm currently obsessed with updating my dining room furniture.  Primarily, I want to update my dining chairs.  We have a beautiful hand-me-down Ethan Allen table & chairs from my in-laws.  It was in there casual dining space for almost 30 years and we would love to keep the table forever. When we received the set as newlyweds we were over the moon.  I did, however, immediately spray paint the chairs (my sweet in laws graciously said that would be fine by them) silver.  They are that 70s captain chair style. . . you know the ones.  Stylistically, they now seem to fit somewhere between "ahoy matey" and "ride 'em cowboy".  Anyway the silver grooved them up for us, but now that we are (ehem) mature adults I feel that we need to purchase or find something that is perfect for us.  These images reflect my favorites, mostly for purchase, and one for project (the windsor chair - or whatever perfect wooden chair we might find).  Also, most of these are what I would call expensive, with one super affordable option (see the Erland chair from IKEA below).  Click on the image source for more info - wish me luck and let me know what you think!  xx - m.m.
Glossy Windsor Chairs - image via Apartment Therapy

Eames Molded Plastic Chair - Image via Room and Board

Erland Chair - image via IKEA

111 Navy Chair - image via Design Public

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