Do you ever get so restless that your skin almost crawls at the very thought of sitting still? That's how I've been feeling lately. There's something stirring inside me, but I can't quite figure out what. I've gone through phases of boredom, anger, depression, elation, determination, ambition, and calm. And that's just in June! It's as if the universe is trying to point me in a direction, but hasn't decided what direction that is yet.

In the past, when I've had these stirring feels, it's lead to two very distinct reactions. I either get extremely inspired and create like a mad-woman, or I runaway. Though I've had moments where running away seemed like the best bet, I'm beginning to feel as if this is about inspiration (and the lack there of, as of late). I've been going through a creative dry spell for sometime now, and could really use a boost.

Summer feels like primetime for creative energy. Everything is so lush and full of life, it only makes sense that I would start to feel more alive too. In some ways I'm anxious to see where these stirrings take me, but the anticipation can be quite fun too. What's been inspiring you lately?

I love big, billowing bouquets of flowers - the wilder, stranger, and more haphazard the better. As a little girl I'd gather tiny buds and flowering weeds in small handfuls for my mother, gleefully showing off my creation as I returned home. Even now you can find me foraging for blooms on Saturday afternoons, filling a growing array of vases with my discoveries. In recent years I've tried to squelch this love, and hide it away. The reasons are vague, but it was a combination of feminist leanings, the ridiculous cost of flower shops, and guilt of killing a living thing. I've come to the conclusion however, that despite my internal objections, I love flowers arranging and I want to learn more about this amazing craft.

I'd love to attend a workshop in my area, something like this perhaps, but I'm going to try and take it slow. I've just begun my research, but I'm amazed by the resources online (surprise, surprise). I feel like I've already picked up a few new tips on best practices for flower arranging. Here are a few of my favorite:

+ Working in season is not only better for the environment, but you'll also get the biggest, and most beautiful blooms that way

+ There are two ways to go about starting an arrangement; one being to start with the greenery, the other to start with the biggest blooms

+ There are a lot of flower names out there, so you may want to get a flower encyclopedia and start memorizing

+ A good arrangement is as much about the vase as it is the flowers

+ Learn the basics of composition before you venture out with color

+ Rules are made to be broken so you can ignore the rest

And...in case you get a hankering to learn a little about flower arranging yourself here are a few beginner resources I've been reading through:

+ You can never go wrong with Martha Stewart, she's my baseline for most things

+ A lovely tutorial on transforming market flowers from House of Earnest

+  Five oddly insightful flower arranging tips from Lauren Conrad

+ Another wonderful go-to resource is always Real Simple

+ This post seems a little dated, but the content is so good. Their illustrations are very helpful when thinking through an arrangement

+ And just for fun, I'm in love with the Pageant of the Masters series on the House That Lars Built

I'm itching to get started. Time to find a field and start picking. - b.

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all images courtesy of Rijksmuseum 

Better late than never? It's been a long time in the making, and with summer knocking at my door, I'm finally ready to share my five piece french wardrobe selects for spring! I've been enjoying all of the pieces for a few weeks now and I'm extremely pleased with the way this challenge has worked out for me thus far. Being forced to consider each piece I'm adding to my wardrobe before buying is giving me a new perspective on my personal style and the way I shop.

For those of you new to this series I recommend reading part I and II before continuing the post.

Prior to starting the five piece french wardrobe challenge I never really considered myself a big trends buyer. I've never had the expendable income to really do so, or so I thought. But since starting this challenge I've realized that a majority of my closet is made up of poorly made, cheap clothes with no chance of lasting more than a season or two of wear.  It's been really eye opening, and I'm now forcing myself to rethink the worth of clothes and just how much is reasonable to spend when a product is made of high quality fabrics, constructed beautifully, and unique to my wardrobe. A beautiful example of this being my new Elizabeth Suzann top; the Marlena Top is handmade in the US out of gorgeous crepe de chine silk (bonus it's reversible)!

That's not to say I think clothes have to be expensive to be worthwhile. One of my selects for spring was an ASOS jersey swing dress. I chose it because I needed something very basic, black, and wrinkle free for travel. It's been my go-to piece since buying it way back in February and I couldn't be happier. What I am saying though, is that the quality, fit, and construction now trump my immediate need to fill a gap in my wardrobe. I now research, search, and second guess every product I add to my shopping cart.

Another area I'm happily finding myself dig deeper into is seeking out unique, one-of-a-kind pieces to add to my wardrobe. Like the blue embroidered skirt and huipil top I found on Etsy for spring. They're both vintage, handmade items that make me feel instantly special whenever I wear them. Who doesn't want to walk confidently in a room, knowing they'll be the only one wear [fill in the blank]? 

It's a good feeling.

Selects:

1. Blue embroidered skirt - Vintage from Etsy

2. St. James Striped Shirt - J.Crew

3. Marlena Tank - Elizabeth Suzann

4. Embroidered Huipil Top - Guatemalan Vintage from Etsy

5. Black Swing Dress - ASOS

I don't think I'll be stopping this challenge any time soon, and my closet will continue to thank me. I'm half was through my summer selections so I'll be sharing more french five goodness soon. - b.