PRETTY PONDERINGS

NOAH K. EVERYDAY

2010-01-07T00:18:00.000-08:00

I just saw this posted by one of my Facebook friends: Noah K. Everyday. He takes a photo of himself every day, and has since January 11, 2000. It's just plain awesome. And very committed!

Images courtesy of http://www.everyday.noahkalina.com/

JULIE MORSTAD

2010-01-06T11:38:00.001-08:00

I came across the lovely illustrator Julie Morstad on one of my favorite design websites, Book By Its Cover. Her illustrations and drawings are so whimsical, yet have a dark edge to them. I love that contrast! The colors and use of line are very well-done, and her subjects very imaginative. She's now been added to my list of favorites! See her website here for more of her work and information.

All images done by Julie Morstad, found at www.juliemorstad.com/

REAL WOMEN

2010-01-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

I love clothes, I love fashion, and I love the art that encompasses these two things. Although I hope to one day enter the fashion world through an art department of a magazine, I don't necessarily believe in the "skinny" of the business. Yes, I understand a designer's point of view, but I also think my point of view, and the views of millions of women (and men!) are correct as well. Actually, I consider the latter to be much more relevant! Don't get me wrong, I think thin girls are beautiful, just as long as they're healthy. Hell, my mother is 5'7" and a size 2, and has been since high school. But when women, such as those seen below, are labeled as "fat" and "disgusting" and "obese," I find myself growing increasingly angrier. Mainly because, to the point, I am those women; as are the majority of women in the U.S. and many countries of the world. I may be more like them, yes, because I am a whopping 5'11," but those women and myself are not obese. We are not fat. We are not plus-size! When people comment on plus-size model's figures with remarks such as "Ugh! She is disgusting and so overweight!" I think, "Would you say that about me?" I'm healthy, I eat fairly well, I exercise, and in so many instances people have said, "You have a great body!" I am like these women below. I am 5'11," 155 pounds, give or take a few, and a size 8-10. I'm proud of what I am, what I look like, and who I am (And not to mention, I have a man that can't keep his hands off of me!) And I'm proud of women who could do what they are doing down there. Are they not gorgeous?! I do envy them. And I have all the reason to. And I applaud to no end for Glamour magazine to showcase these photos. I believe their act, and models such as Crystal Renn and Tyra Banks, among others, speaking out, will truly make an impact on the world. They are showing, yes, that every woman is beautiful. And rightly so. Because we are, in every way.

Yes, this was a very sappy, if not a tad cliche, thing to write. But I felt so inspired, I had to say it.

Images courtesy of Glamour magazine

POP OF COLOR

2010-01-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

BLACK TULLE

2010-01-03T15:52:00.001-08:00

PINK + BLUE

2010-01-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

HELLO, NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T17:50:00.001-08:00

2009 PARTY DRESSES

2010-01-01T17:46:00.001-08:00

Some of the top celeb party looks from 2009. Love Ashley's and Emma's looks.

Images courtesy of Style.com

SHINY NEW YEAR

2010-01-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

LOUBOUTIN LOVE

2009-12-30T23:47:00.000-08:00

LE ZEBRA

2009-12-30T12:44:00.001-08:00

UNICORN VS. NARWHAL

2009-12-29T22:28:00.000-08:00

DESERT STORM

2009-12-29T22:12:00.001-08:00

SOLVANG

2009-12-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

Day trip with the boyfriend to Solvang, California. Can't get enough of that Danish food.

BLACK GLOVES

2009-12-28T12:39:00.001-08:00

AT THE HARBOR

2009-12-28T11:20:00.001-08:00

And my boy, the lovely photographer:

COOKIES!

2009-12-21T18:55:00.001-08:00

UNDER THE MISTLETOE

2009-12-17T15:42:00.001-08:00

And... Dress!

DAY TRIP!

2009-12-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

Day trip to Santa Barbara. No big deal. Just a little shopping.
And I held a snake around my shoulders! I didn't get a picture though. But it was pretty cool.

LIGHT AT 3 PM

2009-12-14T18:55:00.001-08:00

BREAK IS HERE!

2009-12-14T14:16:00.001-08:00

LIGHT+DARK

2009-12-14T13:06:00.001-08:00

BAG MONSTERS

2009-12-07T12:38:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this video today and thought it was very cool. Joshua Allen Harris' inflatable bag monsters.

Before seeing this, I actually had a similar idea for an outdoor installation sculpture project.

His execution and craftsmanship is way more impressive than mine would have been.

Just imagine running into one of these on the street!

HOT CHOCOLATE

2009-12-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

I love peppermint hot chocolate. Especially when it's freezing. And when I'm studying.

DEATH BY FLASHCARDS

2009-12-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

Ah, it's that time of the quarter again. Finals week. I have three intense ones to study for, two of which are Art History classes. 70+ images for each class? Yes. 149+ images total. YES. Verdict: Death by flashcards. May I please make it through to break.

Oh, and I really wish that all Gothic European cathedrals didn't look the same.

LIGHT!

2009-12-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I had a lovely photo adventure tonight, and it was quite quite successful. We got some pretty great shots. And I have a feeling, with a little more practice, we could get pretty good at it.

TREES!

2009-12-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

First Winter-themed illustration. Trees!

CURRENT SHOE LUSTS

2009-12-03T22:06:00.001-08:00

Just to name a very select few.

Aldo

Esquivel

Camilla Skovgaard

Steve Madden

PANTIESSS

2009-12-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

Victoria's Secret fashion show tonight! Yay!

BUSY DAY

2009-12-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

Happy first day of December!

Job interview today. I think it went well. Fingers shall be crossed until I hear back!

Blouse: Grace

Skirt: Essentials by ABS

Boyfriend Blazer: Thrifted

Clutch: Forever 21

Necklace: Thrifted

Shoes: Nine West

hi

2009-12-01T00:15:00.001-08:00

Playing with type before bed is always fun.

SWEATER WEATHER

2009-11-30T15:03:00.001-08:00

My first ever outfit post! I'm going to try to make this a regular addition to the blog-a-blog.

New sweater from Old Navy. I'm loving it. And the weather that allows me to wear it!

Sweater: Old Navy

Skirt: Forever 21

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Thrifted

Necklaces: Forever 21

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Bangles: Forever 21

There was a bug on my window today! Eeeee! I like it.

Some yummy sweet potato fries and crab cakes. Trader Joe's is the best thing in the world.

FEATHERY FETHERSTON

2009-11-28T23:03:00.000-08:00

Erin Featherston Spring 2010

A LITTLE SKETCHY

2009-11-28T16:19:00.000-08:00

My first fashion sketch in a long while.

Derek Lam Spring 2010. One of my favorite looks from his collection.

THANK YOU THANKSGIVING

2009-11-28T13:31:00.001-08:00

A very excellent Thanksgiving. Good food, good company, good time. Now onward to Christmas!

ON THE ROAD

2009-11-23T17:32:00.001-08:00

I'll soon be on the road home. I can almost taste the mashed potatoes and apple cider!

PRIDE & PREJUDICE

2009-11-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love. My most recent theatrical obsession. I adored the book, of course, and saw the 2005 movie version when it came out. I loved it then, but saw it on television the other night and just could not get enough. I realized how beautiful the filming is, and how mesmerizing the soundtrack is. I've become more and more fond of classically-influenced music over the years, and the songs featured in the movie are some of my newfound favorites. All I want to do is turn up the volume and let the sounds waft through my window and out into the world.

SOME MO'

2009-11-22T15:02:00.001-08:00

Charles Anastase

Cynthia Rowley

Images courtesy of Style.com

PANCAKES

2009-11-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

I love pancakes. Most of all, I really want some right now.

WRITING

2009-11-21T14:29:00.001-08:00

Writing on a Saturday seems so cruel, but this Art History paper must be written!

Ancient art... not exactly my forte.

HAPPY!

2009-11-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

I'm as happy as a clam today because I received a call about a job interview for the graphic designer position I applied for!

Yayayayayayayay!

December 1st will hopefully be a very good day.

SPRING 2010

2009-11-19T21:14:00.000-08:00

I've been making my way through Style.com for what seems the millionth time, pouring over the recent collections. It's been hard to pick out my favorites, for there are many, but I have decided to post the ones that I deem most so. There are quite a few, so I plan on posting a few each day, but an endless array of inspiration is sure to follow.

Alexander Wang

Araks

Antonio Berardi

Behnaz Sarafpour

Brian Reyes

All images courtesy of Style.com

ALEXANDER McQUEEN

2009-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

Alexander McQueen always amazes-- fashion heavy-hitter and forward-thinker. As always, his Spring 2010 collection was show-stopping. Everything from the ornamented clothing, to the sky-scraper hair, and of course, the shoes. Ah, the shoes. Have you ever seen such things? They cannot even be described, for they are so unique, so sculptural. I for one find them beautiful, mainly from the artistic, constructional point of view. Some seem as if they are welded together, some look like melted wax or plastic, and others seem as if they have been carved by marble. Absolutely fabulous. I don't believe there is any other way to describe them. I believe they have impacted the fashion industry in a very blatant way, and I hope to experience more of this style in mainstream fashion. But, as was put by an onlooker while writing this post, "How the heck are you supposed to walk in those things?"

Ah, but I believe we all would agree, with shoes such as these, such an ability is a technicality.

All images found at style.com

PIE

2009-11-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

I love pumpkin pie.

The end.

CLASSROOM DOODLES

2009-11-17T11:54:00.001-08:00

When boredom strikes in class, what does one do? Doodle.

Here is a product from last night's class.

PICASSO

2009-11-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

I never was very fond of Picasso until I started learning more about him, and how versatile he is as an artist. He possesses so much formal, academic skill, yet chooses to explore other styles. His work has always been somewhat dismissed in the critical view due to its more outlandish nature, but in the world of art and understanding of style and technique, it's quite profound.

Family of Satlimbanques, 1905

La Celestina, 1904

La Vie, 1903

Lady with a Fan, 1905

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon, 1907

Paul as Harlequin, 1924

Portrait of a Girl, 1914

Seated Man (Self-Portrait), 1965

Still-life with Fruit-dish on a Table, 1914-15

THE SIMPLE THINGS

2009-11-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

While reading PostSecret earlier this morning, one of my Sunday rituals, I discovered a link posted by a reader to this very cool site called 1000 Awesome Things. In it, is just as the name says.

It just shows that the little things in life are what makes it so worth living.

Image found at www.1000awesomethings.com

COLD

2009-11-15T02:16:00.000-08:00

And the cold is rolling in.

I'm loving it. Looking forward to winter.

If only it snowed on the central coast of California... Here's to dreaming.

Fall 09: Tough Chic(k)

2009-11-14T16:08:00.001-08:00

Some of my favorite pieces from the Fall 09 shows that demonstrate the "tough chick" look. I've been trying to incorporate more of this trend into my every day wardrobe.

Below, some pieces that can create a similar feel.

Vera Wang

Stella McCartney

Richard Chai

Nina Ricci

Luella

Louis Vuitton

Giorgio Armani

Fendi

1. Alexander Wang Leather Sleeve Wool Blend Jacket, nordstrom.com

2. Mike & Chris Trevor studded leather vest, net-a-porter.com

3. Diane von Furstenberg Safina Dress, shopbop.com

4. Aqua Color-Block Zip-Front Dress, bloomingdales.com

5. Alice + Olivia Layered Neon Cutout Dress, bloomingdales.com

6. Preen Line Quilted leather skirt, net-a-porter.com

7. Phi Zip detail printed skirt, theoutnet.com

8. Juicy Coutoure Multi-Chain Drama Necklace in Black, urbanminx.com

9. Banana Republic Enchantment Ring, bananareoublic.gap.com

Shoes Shoes Shoes

2009-11-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Aren't these beautiful? I want, I want...

Giuseppe Zanotti Clavier in White

Giuseppe Zanotti Cam Cedrataya in Mirror

Alessandro Dell'Acqua Ankle Strap Heel in Black Patent

Charlotte Olympia Maxine sandals

Christian Louboutin Beaute Sparkling Peep Toes

Christian Louboutin Circus 120 cutout boots

Christian Louboutin Josefa 120 platform sandals

Tory Burch Mairin cross-over sandals

Marie Antoinette

2009-11-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

I've loved this movie ever since the first time I saw it. I can't get enough. It's beautiful, in every way, and is an endless source of inspiration.

It's been a while...

2009-11-11T16:13:00.001-08:00

It's been quite a while since my last post. I think I've needed time to relax. I haven't been doing much in the realm of creating my own art, but instead focusing on my internship. I created a few things over summer in regards to PR and design, and am pretty satisfied with what I have done.

I'm starting to attempt branching out a bit more with what I am doing. I'm applying for a new graphic design job, and hopefully I will get it and continue down the road of design, hopefully leading to my dream job. We'll see how it goes :)

Here is what I've done since I last posted:

The Cal Poly Green Campus Program's logo

Cal Poly Green Campus Program T-Shirts

Cal Poly Green Campus Program Poly Canyon Village Energy Competition Magnet, placed in 617 apartments

Cal Poly Green Campus Program Poly Canyon Village Energy Competition flyer, placed in 617 apartments

Cal Poly Green Campus Program Poly Canyon Village Energy Competition Posters

Cal Poly Green Campus Program Poly Canyon Village Energy Competition Mid-Competition magnet

I've also worked on the Green Campus Program website, which can be found through this link: http://cpgreencampus.googlepages.com and various other promotional efforts.

More to come, of course! :)

Balloons!

2009-05-15T20:30:00.001-07:00

Flickr user hocouture

Flickr user Dextress

Flickr user SHREYA

Flickr user miiichheeLLLe

Flickr user planetschwa

Peter Callesen

2009-05-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

I discovered Peter Callesen's work the other day and I think it's absolutely amazing. I love his medium and intricate forms.

It's Been An Exciting Week...

2009-05-14T19:47:00.000-07:00

And the busy-ness continues! Hopefully things will start slowing down a bit so I can get down to working on my own stuff a bit. I've been so bogged down with work for classes, I haven't had time for myself!

But in other news...

I landed the internship!

It's paid, $10.00 an hour, for upwards of 10 hours a week.

I start in mid-June and I continue for the next year.

I'm so excited! :)

And I had a job interview at EXPRESS on Wednesday. So hopefully I'll get a job there too for summer.

Wish me luck!

I'll try to have some work up soon! :)

Ai Ai Ai!

2009-05-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Super busy lately. Projects, projects, projects, papers, and more projects. I have an interview for a design internship tomorrow. I'm nervous, but I'm sure it will go well. Fingers crossed!

And a little some green...

Umbrellas-ellas-ellas

2009-04-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

Pretty Curtain Patterns

2009-04-22T16:21:00.001-07:00

Tree Garden Curtain, Urban Outfitters

Woodside Blockprint Curtain, Urban Outfitters

Hibiscus Line Flower Curtain, Urban Outfitters

Asian Poppy Curtain, Urban Outfitters

A Little Decor Inspiration

2009-04-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

All items from Urban Outfitters

A: Snail Lamp Base

B+C: Tree Pillow by Alena Hennessy,

D: Lulu Chair

E: Jet Set Storage Bench

F: Oragami Squares Pillow

G: Velvet Pouf Pillow

H: Antoinette Fainting Sofa

Spring Wish List Continued

2009-04-20T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ecote

Kimchi Blue

Tikirani

Silence & Noise

Rapscallion by Samantha

Spring Wiiiiish Liiiiist

2009-04-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters never ceases to impress. These are just some of things I am currently lusting after. Just the dresses and skirts, anyway.

Tikirani

Urban Renewal

Kimchi Blue

Urban Outfitters

Kimchi Blue

Ecote

Shexy Shoes

2009-04-20T00:48:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin

Chloe

Giuseppe Zanotti

Fendi

PLV by Pour La Victoire

Dreamy Dresses

2009-04-20T00:27:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be lovely to have the thousands it takes to own one of these pretty, pretty things. Some day, some day...

Notte by Marchesa

Lover

Lela Rose

Diane von Furstenberg

Steven Alan

Busy Busy Busy

2009-04-18T16:34:00.001-07:00

I've been busy busy busy lately. So much to do! Here is a recent project I've been working on, as well as a final project from an Illustrator class I took last quarter. Now time for a nap!

Pretty Little Trees

2009-04-15T00:41:00.001-07:00

A is for Advertising

2009-04-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy lately, and it's only going to get worse! I've had so much work to do lately, it's only slightly overwhelming. But apart from that, here is a little advertising bit I did for my dorm for an upcoming event. I'm pretty pleased with it.

Just A Little Something

2009-04-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

Pretty Poppys

2009-04-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday Swap Meet

2009-04-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

I just love the Swap Meet. So many random, wonderful things. I always say I love Europe much more than America regarding the richness of history, and I'm sure the Flea Markets and such are much better over there, or so I've heard. I'm dying to check them out when I make my way over there again next summer! For now, however, I must stick with the one I have.

And here are today's finds:

Porcelain Elephant, $5.00

Small Pewter Vase, $1.00

Large Rose Glass Bottle, $2.00

Snails and Birds

2009-04-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Playing With Pattern

2009-04-03T18:41:00.001-07:00

A Little Bird

2009-04-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

A Productive Day

2009-03-31T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm Back.

2009-03-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely week off of spending some quality stress-free time. Lots of sleep, lots of nice weather, lots of time to be inspired.

Snail Series Contd.

2009-03-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

Snail for Sale

Snail Eating Kale

Snail in Jail

Snail on a Tail

Snail Trail on a Hay Bale

Evolution

2009-03-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

It's funny how one's style can change so drastically, and the way one views art and their appreciation of it. For years I only focused on creating "realistic" work, things drawn from the world around me. I was good at it, sure, but did that really constitute true art? I understand now. As with many things in my life, I've just come to understand myself better, and in turn my art has evolved. I draw from my imagination, I've developed a liking in certain types of art, and am just now discovering my true style. I'm comfortable, I'm enthusiastic, and I'm adventurous. I just want to create.

I haven't felt this free for a while.

And here are a few pieces I did, pre "artistic self-discovery." :)

Snail Series Continued

2009-03-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Snail on a Tale

Snail on a Nail

Snails Who Sail

Little Things

2009-03-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

Just some little pieces I was playing with.

Snail Series

2009-03-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

I love snails; it's a fact. I've loved them since the day I stuck my finger in one when I was two (out of love and curiosity, of course.) And although my finger was covered in green, slimy, hard-to-scrub-off goo, snails had entered my heart as something fabulous. So after endless battles of keeping my mother from squishing them in her garden, to buying several children's books about them, to naming myself after them when I was a counselor at an elementary school nature camp, I figure doing a series out of them would be fitting. And by the way, there are many more snail stories I have to tell. Ask if you wish! :)

Snail Stack

Snail on a Pail

Snail Mail

And my personal favorite.... Snail on a Whale

More to come soon, of course!

Midnight Doodling

2009-03-13T00:44:00.000-07:00

Just a little something before bed.

A Pink Shoe

2009-03-12T13:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a little snippet of an Illustrator project I am currently working on. More to come soon of course!

Cupcakes Cupcakes Cupcakes!

2009-03-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've always been fond of cupcakes, for their cuteness and yumminess alike. Lately I've been perusing the web for cupcake blogs and such, and I stumbled upon a few, but namely cupcakes take the cake. They have many gorgeous cupcakes featured, and I must admit I've become addicted to wandering their pages, and not to mention craving something sweet!

The Blushing Bakeshop

Couture Cupcakes on Flickr

The Sweet Tooth Fairy

Twitter cupcakes by Bakerella

Snowflake Cupcakes by Glorious Treats on Flickr

Daisy Cupcakes by Flickr user paulahennig

A Dainty Design

2009-03-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is what I worked on today. Just a little doodle.

Tantalizing Typography

2009-03-10T15:14:00.001-07:00

I've always been fascinated with type, but recently I've become infatuated. I often find myself browsing design and typography websites when I have more pressing matters at hand. I can't help myself though. I think it's beautiful. Obviously typography on paper is wonderful, but lately I've been coming across some great designs for the home, as well as accessories that incorporate great type. I may just need to do some DIY dabbling!

Monogram Pillowcase, $18.00, Urban Outfitters.com

Monogrammed Mug, $4.99, Urban Outfitters.com

Signature Mugs, $10.95, H&FJ

Plywood Alphabet "P," $2.99, Urban Outfitters.com

Leather bag designed By Assouline for Cole Haan, $450

Recycled Metal Letters "N," $8.00, Urban Outfitters.com

"Welcome" Coast Rack, $14.99, Urban Outfitters.com

Charlotte Ronson, Seventeen Organic Tote, $48.00, Shopbop.com

Alphabet Bag "R," $28.00, Urban Outfitters.com

A Whimsical Series

2009-03-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

These were created for my Foundation of 2-Dimensional Design class. They are meant to tell a personal story of a sentimental object, but I think that takes the fun out of them. What story do they tell you?

A Fresh Start

2009-03-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

I've recently found a few blogs that have provided me with great intrigue and a whole lot of inspiration. I must admit, I'm addicted. It only makes sense that, due to my current obsession, and my eternal love for all things arty and creative, I start my own blog where I can display my "pretty ponderings." I think it will be refreshing. And I'm quite excited for it. I don't know how frequently I will update, but as long as I have new work coming in, there will be posts! :)