a Taylored Approach
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2/19/2018 0 Comments Sleepless in SeattleIt wasn't a weekend spent looking for my Sam Baldwin but instead, full of warm and fuzzy moments when you realize how quickly time can get away. When the stars aligned for a much needed escape, I jumped in. Meeting a new pink door and two Moana obsessed boys was on the agenda plus a catch up with a gal who I was lucky enough to spend my early retail years right next to. It's amazing how those 6 years feel like a lifetime ago and I really don't know how we were able to run successful businesses being neighbors as the routine always included a long morning coffee break, a midday shopping fix, followed by a jaunt or two around the store. We were bosses though and loved every minute of it. I still remember the day when we found out we would be moving closer to our respective hometowns. Amazing opportunities and what allowed us to navigate our careers with ease but a goodbye where I couldn't even say the word. And alas, what continues to ring loud and true in my life are the girl bosses I've cultivated along the way have each helped me feel good in my own skin. This babe is no exception and one who has pushed both sides of myself; the fearless career girl and the naive girl who has slowly disappeared. Looking back in my early store years, I always thought I would end up in Seattle sitting in a corner office as a Savvy buyer. Flash forward and although, my career took me on a different journey, there was something about exploring the city that felt familiar even though I had only been there once before. Maybe it's the marble and pink coffee shop I had to venture to in Ballard for a photo op or the hot pink elephant sign I snapped on the side of the road. If you find yourself looking for a sweet treat, venture to The General Porpoise. It's chic and reminded me of Mr. Holmes Bakehouse. The chocolate and marshmallow donut was divine. Another highlight, a meet cute with a new pink door. I was totally unprepared wardrobe wise but took in the scene. The old Taylor would have fixed her hair 80 times, reapplied her makeup and if one hair was out of place her day would be ruined. Aside from a few snaps, I was in the moment. Coffee strolls and reminiscing the ghost of boyfriend's past, my heart was full. Throw in a few dirty martini's and gummy bears in bed watching a chic flick at our downtown hotel escape was a bonus. And the girl who thought she would be a Savvy buyer was a woman who realized things fall into place for a reason and even though you may not talk to that special friend everyday, they are right there with you and 3 years of not seeing them feels like 3 minutes. Those relationships are truly the most special. And the big one that surprised me was how much I fell in love with those Moana obsessed boys. Typically the anxiety of being around kiddos overwhelms me but it's amazing how much of her that sassy little four year old has. Ironically, his name is a country bar here in the Marina and Jaxson, if mom is reading this to you, I'll buy you a beer there one day. And although I had to work today, I came back refreshed, happy and ready to take on the week. I'm really into this weekend getaway thing and need more in my future! Next on the list is either a stay-cation in the city or a night away in Napa. Just needs to include a few pretty cocktails, cute decor and even better company.
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2/14/2018 0 Comments Love Without LimitsI can't totally take credit for the blog post title this week but the phrase is on a new Gorjana bracelet I've been donning lately, alongside my evil eye and arrangement of cables + middle initial. I'm newly obsessed with this stack, rarely take it off as it complements the crystals I've got going here on Chestnut St. Yes, you read it correctly. Crystals from this NYC shop I discovered and I'm totally into my 2018 vibe thanks to these metallic gals. The inspo for this week is probably no surprise. It revolves around that pretty red shape and matters of (you guessed it), the heart. As I think about things in my life I've been able to conquer with ease, it's time to address the dreaded L word, where I admit I've stumbled along the way and that's OK. I'm here to say boldly, I'm bad at love. Don't cue that Top 40 song just yet, although it's catchy. Instead, hang out for a sec while I tell you why. You're not ready for real love until you have self love. Enter Carrie Bradshaw's quote on the biggest relationship you'll have is with yourself. And let me tell you, it's SO true. It's a big one and something that has taken me a bit to find. To say I've been hard on myself is an understatement and those who know me well can attest to it. I failed to see the positive, failed to understand the power of my presence and was always quick to criticize any part of myself. I couldn't see what others saw in me both inside and out. I got in my own way. Always. Until now. Something the blog has taught me is to appreciate any photo op (no matter how awkward I may get) and instead of picking myself apart, finding a hair out of place or an angle that is not my best, I choose to see a girl who is happy, a girl who shines and more importantly, a girl who believes it. And that's the key, belief. Don't get me wrong, I still have my days like any girl but I've grown leaps and bounds in the last few years that I barely recognize the insecure blonde, tan babe in old photos. I've become a confident, independent and at very small moments, an undercover sensitive Sally (although I hate to admit that) who has taken the time to find herself. So this Valentine's Day, I'm raising my glass to you, TC. A girl who never saw boundaries in the office and who slowly realized there aren't personal boundaries if you choose not to see them. She knows who she is, funny quirks and all and is not afraid to be herself. Whether it be Blanche covered in sequin in Palm Springs, realizing I'm an 85 year stuck in a 33 year old body watching Dateline or the girl who is ecstatic about finding a duo of gold birds. It took awhile but I'm here now. And silly things aside, I will always be loyal, always see the good in people and always give you cheeky words of advice.
And alas, since it is love day, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite quotes. "Your company. The pleasure of your company. I want your input on video rentals. I stand there for hours, I can't pick anything out. I want someone to say goodnight to, a last call of the day. I don't have a last call of the day. Do you?" Buddy Amaral (Bounce) "I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." Harry Burns (When Harry Met Sally) 1/28/2018 0 Comments 28 Days Into 2018With every New Year comes a progress report with a resolution list you did not necessarily accomplish when you reflect on the year prior. Save x amount of money a month, work out x times a week, put yourself out there, meet a guy. What I have come to find is my resolution list is a bit repetitive each time a year changes. Although, it's easy to be hard on yourself and feel like you may not be accomplishing those lofty personal goals, I've decided to meet those moments with optimism that some of those take their time for a reason and you don't need an official list. Those bullet points are worth waiting for. They say it takes 21 days to make a new habit stick. We're 28 days in and it's brought new changes, additions and habits that have made my 2018 so far. The first and oh so important change, my hair. After a great yoga sweat-sesh, I had this idea to start parting it down the middle again. Oh so high school and a way to savor my youth perhaps? I typically love a side sweep where I can perfectly tie back a few bangs or most times, hide my face. I can't even remember when I started doing that. When I was looking in the mirror last week, I made a game time decision for a middle part and I'm loving it. A nostalgic piece of high school TC but it's something so simple that's put a pep in my step. The quilted addition has been a definite highlight so far and a surprise. I stumbled upon this vintage CC and had to take the plunge. It was too good to be true and for those of you who love Confessions of a Shopaholic as much as I do won't judge me when I say the stars aligned and I knew this bag was meant to be mine. A coveted classic and one I am loving wearing when I'm in a chic turtleneck or lately, my Adidas sneaks, Alo leggings and gray thermal. She's become a new favorite gal pal and frequents Chestnut St. Although this could also be considered an addition, I am calling it a new habit to bring on a fresh mindset. I spotted the Amethyst Aura Quartz on an Instagram girl crush of mine's coffee table. When I read about the power of this stone, I was sold. Encourages the heart to speak it's truth. Enhances mental clarity and communication. A Writer's stone. It felt like a great complement to not only the space I've created but a way to build on those personal side of life goals. The shape at first funnily enough reminded me of Fool's gold I used to collect as a little girl but let me tell you, this piece is anything but. She's a beauty and it's been fun to explore different stones you can add to your space to help your mind and cultivate positive energy. The best part is the dish this amethyst is glowing in boldly states Girls Just Wanna Be CEO. She fits right in and she's like really, really pretty. Hope your January has felt like a runway to find new ways to better yourself, continue the good that's going and open your heart to the rest of this year's possibilities. 337 more days to make it amazing.
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