Next Chapter

This is a post that I've been putting off, and that's because, well, I really didn't want to accept the fact that it's time to say a bittersweet goodbye to blogging for me. Starting as a confused and bored 14 year old, this blog has given me an irreplaceable outlet where I could embrace who I was and explore a world that was so foreign and exciting to me before. In the recent months, the blog has been put to the wayside and I think it was my subconscious telling me that I needed to move on. Who knows, I may be returning to this lovely little corner of the Internet one day, but for the time being it helps relieve some stress knowing that I don't have to manage it. 

That being said, I have other really exciting projects going on elsewhere. I'm really going to focus on Atwood Magazine and putting as much energy as I can into the publication, so it can hopefully grow to reach its full potential. Also, The Atwood Blog, a sister to the magazine, is up and running and I'm also going to be putting energy into developing that, as well. Aside from that, I'm going to start becoming more serious about photography and learn more about film photography. So, I'm not dropping off the face of the Earth, just waving this lil site goodbye for the time being.

It's been real. 

my life, in black and white

As always, I've been a little absent from blogging recently, so I thought I'd share a few updates on what's been going on in my life:

A few weeks ago, I saw Freelance Whales in concert. I had always been a fan of the band, and was really excited to have the opportunity to take photographs of them for their feature in Atwood Magazine. The venue was super small and intimate, and the band certainly lived up to my expectations. I would definitely see them again. 

I've also been hard at work at my new job in sales and social media development at a new, local boutique. Being the social media nerd that I am, it is really fun to work with it in a professional environment, and also to use it to achieve a business goal. I'm learning new things every day, and, hey, pinning all day is a pretty sweet gig.

And, as always, there has been lots of laughing and celebration. My bestie's birthday was this month and I always love making it a great day for her. 

I have some super exciting summer plans formulating, so stay tuned for a post on that! 

A flashback to September...

image source +

So, as I was perusing Style.com, I came across the Spring 2013 3.1 Phillip Lim line and it actually took my breath away, and I'm not even trying to be dramatic. I decided to post some of the close shots on my personal blog because the details really are impeccable. The colors were perfectly chosen and I think there is an amazing level of craftsmanship in these garments. I also like looking back to the runways for the current season because it helps me make the best trend decisions for now. Although I try to keep up with fashion week as it comes, it can sometimes be confusing jumping ahead two seasons. 

See my full post on this collection for (the brand new!) Atwood Blog +

monday inspiration: pattern perfection

(image source +)

I thought this Monday needed a little inspiration, and I came across this shoot of Olga Butkiewicz by Craig Salmon for FGR, which seemed like the perfect thing to share! I've always been a nerd for patterns and I've recently been trying to challenge myself to take risks when it comes to mixing them. I'm also a little scared of bright colors, but these photos are definitely making me reconsider that fear. 

Also, an inspiration post would not be complete without a song!: 

(Anyone who knows me is aware that I'm a huge fan of Youth Lagoon and I'm obsessed with their new single)

"Dropla" Youth Lagoon

(^click!)

here's to change

I've said a million times that my blog has acted as my vehicle for visual expression and a lot of the content that I share on this site is all about aesthetics and creating my own photo diary of sorts. And, I've truly enjoyed filling the void of the internet with photographs of my outfits, adventures, and bored moments in my yard for the past THREE YEARS. Whoa. That's a long time, a sixth of my life to be exact and blogging has kind of become inherent and a way for me to establish my identity and has opened doors for me. To be honest, I really started my blog because I was bored and my interests weren't addressed in a school setting, or even activities that I could easily find in my community. It has made me into an Internet nerd, and I'm completely cool with that, proud actually. I'm not quitting blogging. That probably won't happen for a very, very long time, if ever. I've just officially decide to completely shift the focus of my blog. I may share a photo here or there, and I'm trying to not define the content that I'll share on the blog, but I'm entering a new phase and I really just want to write. I've always considered myself a writer, or even better, a commentator at heart. I spend a lot of time observing without documentation and this blog can a platform for these thoughts and musings. I'm going to try to not be a boring text only blog, which is why I'm not going to set my content to a particular subject or style because that's boring and not very progressive, don't you think? 

So, here's to a new outlook and change and all that exciting stuff. 

(...and photo of the sky because I don't think I could ever just be text only.)

sparkling

With everything going on, it's a rare occurrence that I find time to take outfit pictures. I had be drooling over these Steven Maddens for months and am super glad I got them. I'm probably going to have to purchase them in black too. 

the second step...

So, here it is: Atwood Magazine's second issue. Honestly, I didn't know I would get to this point. The first issue was like the honeymoon period, where everything was flowery and fresh, but the second issue presented its own challenges. I feel like I grew a lot as a leader (of such a talent team) during work on the second issue. This has been such an amazing experience for me and I really can't wait for all of the exciting things Atwood has in store for the future. We've already started work on our third issue, and I know it's going to show further growth of the publication. I'd like to thank my editors, directors, and artists--Annie, Anna G, Anna P, Hope, Erin, and Jeannine--,my editing assistants, and those who took the time to be a part of issue 2. Here's to round two and a step in the process of figuring this whole thing out. 

View Issue 2, Frosty Lawns and Fireside Chats here:

http://issuu.com/atwoodmagazine/docs/atwoodissue2finall

back again

It has been forever since Emily and I ventured out to the barn and fields. Despite the freezing weather, it felt right doing our after school photos again. 

a collection for the season

 A few somber forgotten pictures for the winter season

current obsession: Erdem prefall 2013

I feel like this is a throwback to when I started my blog four long years ago, my naive and slightly delusional fourteen-year-old self who knew nothing about fashion (note: I still know nothing about fashion), but when I see something I love, I need to share it, and I love Erdem Pre-fall 2013. 

Normally, I don't keep up with the runway shows and collections because, frankly, I can't afford them and I just don't have the stamina to constantly check style.com and lie in misery over the fact that the perfect garments will never be on my body. Yes, I'm one of those people. Anyways, Erdem killed it, like always. Obviously, given that this is Erdem: king of print, the patterns are incredible in this collection. The colors are rich, the florals are amazing. This collection has the air of classy, pompous society, holding cocktails and gossiping in the corner with perfectly slicked back hair. Normally, I would roll my eyes, but, in all honesty, I want to be the women in these Erdem garments. No words can truly describe the perfection that is this collection. 

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