{Porch Style: Mood & Inspiration}

I have a spacious balcony attached to the front of my second-floor apartment in Minneapolis, but I haven't taken advantage of it often enough since I've yet to put any energy into making the space my own. Today I did some brainstorming. Here's the inspiration.

To Start:

Plow and Hearth $39.95

    Dot & Bo $44.99

World Market $19.99

Dot & Bo $24.99

 Ikea Panel Curtain $14.99

World Market $149.99

Urban Outfitters $229

Anthropologie $88

Anthropologie $118

  

{Apartment Inspiration: Phantom Forest Eco Reserve}

One of my favorite places to stay in South Africa is Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, just outside of Knysna. Aside from the treehouse suites and amazing, remote location that overlooks a river and lagoon, the decor is really great, as is the incorporation of outdoor elements in indoor spaces: 

Here are some pieces that echo the decor of Phantom Forest:

jossandmain.com

Urban Outfitters          Anthropologie

                                  Anthropologie           Urban Outfitters

Dot & Bo

{Autumn Haze}

Today was one of those mind-clouded days where everything seems just a bit hazy and out of focus.  I've been wanting to wear this outfit, though, against an autumnal backdrop, and what a beautiful backdrop I found on a walk by the Mississippi River this evening.  By the end of the walk, the world had regained a semblance of sharpness.

 

 
 

{Simply Frida}

I adore the iconic images associated with Frida Kahlo's style--bright colors, floral hairpieces, statement jewelery.  The subtler side of her style, though, is often overlooked but just as lovely.   

Her bold and playful style seemed to be an extension of her equally strong personality.  One of my favorite stories I've read about Kahlo is when she was bed-ridden but refused to stay home on her exhibit's opening night, arranging to be transported by ambulance and then carried in on her bed.

Photo Copyrighted to Mexico Today

"I was born a bitch. I was born a painter." --Frida Kahlo

For me, fashion's always been a medium for self-expression, a way to contain the many different ideas that exist within me, as well as a way to concretely reflect the slight shifts in self that occur each day, week, month, year, or decade.  As such, I find inspiration in Frida Kahlo as an artist and woman who embraced the multitudes that were within her.