Another non-solid colored item of clothing

I found this girl wearing a pretty Madewell dress (with a print) -

I like how she cinched it with the leather belt -



I am still searching for cute non-solid colored clothing.  After shopping at several stores on Saturday and searching the internet, I only came across 2 printed blouses that I really liked - both from Zara.  The one in the store was not in my size, and this one on the internet was not in the store - 

I'm not quite sure why Zara doesn't have an on-line store.  Let me know if you see it somewhere. 

This is the very reason I started sewing.  I can't find what I'm looking for!  So, I've also started making a blouse from some silk fabric (with a print) that I bought last year.  I'll let you know how it turns out...

Pattern

As the weather is getting warmer here in Atlanta, I have realized that my "warm weather" wardrobe is severely lacking in interest and originality.  I tend to wear a lot of solid colored tank tops with solid colored shorts or skirts.  I try to spice it up with an accessory or two, but I'm so bored with this uniform!

Last week, I was in Old Navy trying on yet another solid colored outfit.  I left the dressing room in disgust (no offense to Old Navy) and ran into this girl -

Now, that's what I'm talking about.  A pattern!



Unfortunately for me, she bought this sweater in Korea.  But her shoes are Nine West (available here in a different color) -

And what fun gold toe nail polish!  So, I'm on the look-out for some patterned tops (and maybe some gold polish).  I'll let you know what I find...

Renewal

Lately, I've been inspired by this azalea bush sitting by our driveway -

I potted this plant 2 years ago, and last year it produced no flowers.  All year it looked like a dead stick bush.  I kept intending to replace it but never got around to it.  It was a symbol of my failure as a gardener.  Then, to my surprise it decided to bloom this month! 

This bush reminds me that all things can change, grow, and be renewed.  Now, it is a symbol of hope.  (Plus, I love it when a task gets crossed off my list.)

Inspiration from food

I decided to really challenge myself.  Today, I am inspired by food -



Chocolate truffle pie as featured in Bon Appetit*





You can be inspired by anything!  I had to end the post with a bite of real food -

* I would have posted the recipe except for the fact that it seemed unnecessarily difficult.  If you feel a strong urge to bake a truffle pie right now, let me know and I will send you a delicious (and simpler) recipe.


Photo credits for this post go to my father.

Gray and gold

I found it again.  I love this color combination.  I think the reason the gray and gold combination seems so fresh is because it goes against the old fashion rule of not mixing silver and gold.  Now it seems that fashion is all about breaking the rules. 

Street Style - Little Five Points, Atlanta

  

Contrasts

Last week, I saw this girl shopping in Little Five Points.  She had a sweet bow in her hair and a heart clock around her neck -

...and tough boots on her feet -




Boots from Cathy Jean

I liked the contrast.  Contrasts can take your outfit from "matchy-matchy" to "interesting and unique".