Inspiration

Don’t Let Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good

I was reminded of the detriments of perfectionism by a recent episode of Happier, an all too familiar happiness stumbling block I often find rearing its ugly head.

Of the two types of perfectionism, the one I struggle with most is avoiding starting something at all, unless I think it can be done perfectly*. Naturally, this leads to unnecessary procrastination, when getting somewhere would have been much better than getting nowhere at all.

I’m leaving this here as a reminder to just get on and get it going. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good

* The other type is not finishing something unless it’s perfect. Ironically this one isn’t as much a problem, as once I start something I’m compelled to get it out. Funny that.

July 25, 2017 652 comments

Inspiration

Lotta Agaton

agaton_home__51159531e087c317763b1ed5

Tim & I have been looking for a new place for awhile now.. and let me tell you, it’s not easy. Though its pictures of beautiful homes that keep me motivated in the hopes of finding a place I can turn into the space I want. Lotta Agaton’s home in Stockholm, recently featured in Residence magazine, is one of my favourites. It is, in my view, the perfect balance between clean, modern white and black softened by earthy accents (wood, greenery) with stylish bottles, framess, and other knick knacks around the home keeping the mood fresh and adding plenty of character.

March 7, 2013 72 comments

Inspiration

Kate Wagoner by Victor Demarchelier

I don’t usually post editorials, but this particular set of images from The Block spring/summer 2012 magazine is just all kinds of wonderful. Model Kate Wagoner plays a bachelorette living in Manhattan, with all of the photos taken inspired by movie stills. I love the big sixties hair, peter pan collars, trim waistlines, and big smokey eyes. So pretty.

May 30, 2012 71 comments

Inspiration

Shoe Storage

Shoe Storage | Style by Joanne

I’m obsessed with the creative ways in which people store shoes, largely because I’m trying to find a way that works for me. I adore bookshelves-for-shoes, and if space wasn’t an issue for me I’d be all over it. Right now I’m working on a solution that’s a bit more practical for me, but still allows me to keep my favourites on display. Click ‘More’ for more of what’s fueling my shoe storage obsession…

May 18, 2012 324 comments

Fashion and Style Inspiration

Alice Couture in Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland

I saw Alice in Wonderland in the weekend and truly enjoyed it – though I recommend seeing it in 3D to take full advantage of Tim Burton’s wonderland.

Alice and her new story aside, the costumes in the movie particularly caught my eye. Designed by Colleen Atwood, each of Alice’s gowns are incredibly beautiful, intricate couture pieces, each one more amazing than the last. What is particularly striking is how they appear to be ‘thrown together,’ (sans the opening dress) or accidental in the case of the first dress she shrinks into.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland | Alice in Blue

Her familiar classic, the pale blue dress, benefits from the addition of romantic, sheer sleeves.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland | Alice

Ruffles and a halter neck, Alice does a bit of running in this dress and those ruffles play their part.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland | Alice

This is the second version of the above dress, after Alice shrinks, again, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter does a bit of frenzied DIY on the above dress. I wish it were that easy to create beautiful rose gatherings on the bust line.

Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland | Alice

This is the most brilliant of the gowns designed for Alice. In the story, this dress is supplied by the Red Queen. There’s something about how the material gathers into ruffles that reminds me of feathers, and turns the dress into something quite tribal.

Alice in Wonderland | Alice in Armor

The armor Alice wears toward the end of the film is quite striking. Not as much as the dresses for me, but she looks quite elegant despite being covered neck to toe in metal.

If you haven’t seen it already – then do go ahead and enjoy it! I was somewhat disappointed to hear a number of bad reviews it received, and now the 3d visual isn’t quite as stunning as Avatar but it is still fun and better than most of what’s out in the theaters at the moment.

Images from here. You can view the rest of the Alice in Wonderland costumes here.

March 8, 2010 503 comments

Inspiration

Things I Love and Look Forward To Over Christmas

via Visualizeus

Are you excited about Christmas?! I am, for perhaps the first time in several years. Things are different this time around. I am spending the holidays with not only my family, but my boyfriends family. There is going to be a lot going on, and it’s going to be different and interesting.

Also factoring in is that my sister is in Denmark this year for Christmas. I’m not happy about this, but she has been sending wonderful photographs of snow and all things white Christmas-y which has been getting me in the mood.

Here are a few things that I love about Christmas, and look forward to (although some have already occurred!).

I love the moment when you realize your Christmas shopping is complete. In fact, finding the perfect gift for anyone in the process of shopping is pretty amazing.
On that note, I can’t wait to exchange gifts with my boyfriend! I have bought him the perfect present, sticking within our budgeted limit on a technicality. He’s worried about this fact, but it is going to be completely worth it.
I love planning what I am going to wear on Christmas morning. Cute and ready for photographing. 🙂
Hoping for clear skies and sun, the summer weather that makes me, down in New Zealand, think that Christmas time is here. On that note, I love Christmas photography that features clear skies and pohutukawa tree’s.
Driving past streets full of houses done up for Christmas. Magical.
Carols churned out on loudspeakers. Despised by many, but I love them. They’re cheery and silly!
Walking into a room lit up by the lights of a Christmas tree. Also, magical.
The food and wine. I will not overeat, nor write myself off after consuming too much wine, but I love sharing food and drink with family and friends over the Christmas season. Special and delicious, I love the turkey, the gravy, roasted vegetables – and the cake, pudding and custard that follows. Mmm, yes!

The most magical of all things I love and look forward to is that moment when you wake up on Christmas morning and realize that it is, in fact, Christmas. New, exciting and yet to be tainted by the chaos that comes hand in hand with Christmas day. It’s a moment worth noticing, because it’s too easy to miss!

What are you looking forward to this Christmas?

December 19, 2009 238 comments