STYLE INTERPLAY

MONTANA SOUL

2018-08-30T18:48:00.001-07:00

I recently took a long weekend in Montana and the first morning there, felt inclined to write. For me that means journalling, sometimes riffing feelings and thoughts... coming to realizations I like to share with people close to me. This is one of those pieces.

Figured why not start publishing some writing like old times...

Placid Lake, Montana.
8/17/18. 9:30am.

We spend so much time listening to what our heads tell us. What our hearts tell us. But, what is your soul telling you? Have you spent time with her? Where is she? With you, behind you, or ahead of you?

We live with such a dynamic ability to think, learn, and feel. There is no “me,” when you think about it. It’s “us.” It’s every single side of you that has been conflicted at the face of a decision. Everything in your being working together to make your body function every second of your life.

I want to be on the same playing field as my soul. To be the body she wants to exist in; the heart she wants to love with; the mind she wants to communicate with. I want her to be happy with the body, heart, and head she has right now. I want her to be taken care of, to feel safe, and to feel like she’s growing. I want her to be the fullest expression of who she wants to be. For her to experience everything she wants to experience—so that the next vessel she finds herself in, she can live that much more of a beautiful, wise, and caring life.

That perspective explains a lot about my beliefs about comfort in my life. I value it immensely. Comfort is one of the best ways for me to measure balance and happiness. When I think of discomfort, I liken it to a feeling of being unsettled. Something between the innerworkings of my head, heart, and soul are in different places. It's my responsibility to find a compromise between all of those energies to find my ultimate comfort. My ultimate balance. My ultimate happiness.

Sometimes my heart will win. Sometimes my head will win. My soul steps in last, I think. I feel it more as a guiding energy that I can choose to listen to—and live for—or not.

Maybe the soul is the most sensitive of the three. The one that needs most care. Like the younger sibling everyone wants to make decisions for and take care of; but, really is pretty smart and knows the best decision for them.

I'd describe the feeling as an instinct. An unwavering knowingness. Everyone has it, but I think where some lose sight is not trusting it, or even lacking the awareness that it exists inside them.

We’re so wrapped up in thinking about the “me,” letting our hearts or our heads take over. Sitting for hours, days, sometimes years in confusion about the direction and purpose of our lives. I think we are the most ourselves when we reign in the battle of our heart and head, find rest in our body, and feel the energy of our soul.

When you find it, feel it. Sit, and listen. When you let your soul’s energy flow through you; balance will find you. You don’t have to force what is ahead one way or another. It’s your job to listen to your soul and act accordingly. But, you have to have that close relationship to your soul to feel it, listen to it, trust it, nurture it. Keep it close because you're lucky to have it.

At the end of the day, when you ask yourself things like, are my kids safe? Is my partner happy? Is my family healthy? Maybe we should signature that with, is my soul with me today?

JUNE MOOD

2017-06-19T21:10:00.002-07:00

pretty kitchen, le ciel, beach home, dad portrait, pussy party, dawgs, hands.

Things that have happened in June.

Tying jute in pretty little bows.

Jumping, playing juveniles.

Summoned to the jury.

Happy Father's Day, Joe.

June 28, the day we met.

Find me here: @taylerworrell

TAKING STOCK: LOAFERS & OXFORDS

2017-05-29T15:44:00.002-07:00

I popped over on instagram stories to talk about these babies, but figured it'd make a great post as well. SO— here's what we've got.

In 2014 I bought the patent leather mila loafers from Topshop. These babies have traveled across the country with me, have been my everyday go-tos to class back in college, and have made a few appearances post-college as well. I've worn and loved them so much that there is a hole straight through the ball of the foot on both shoes. Some of my favorite posts featuring these shoes are this everyday look, this outfit with my fav Rachel Comey jacket, and with the spring dress I made.

I've kept them because they are still a favorite, but haven't worn them in two years. I moved on to the Everlane Modern Loafer, which was my first purchases from Everlane. Loved these. The breaking in process was very similar to my Brixton boots, which I reviewed here. These are my every day, wear with anything loafers. At this point, I need to get the sole repaired, and see if there's anything we can do about the toe dimple happening at the tips of the toes. If you guys have any tips on fixing or avoiding that—please let me know!

Now, the new new. I was shopping at Crossroads this weekend and ran across a pair of Everlane Modern Oxfords. (Far right in the image above.) Very excited for this find, especially because I got them for $37.50 and they retail for $168. Also, I am a size 8/8.5 shoe, in Everlane I size up to a 9, but in my experience with the Brixton boot and Modern loafer I think I should go up another half size. So, finding these at a size 9.5 was perfect. I can finally bid farewell to my Topshop oxfords and replace with these new babes.

This has made me want to take stock of a bunch of other things in my closet. Sneakers, tees, jeans, button downs... Might be a good addition to make sure I'm getting rid of old or unworn things, as I invest in the new definitely-will-wear-every-day things.

Find me more frequently on instagram @taylerworrell

MAY MOOD

2017-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Paloma Wool, Melissa Sonico, other unknowns on pinterest

For male and female

To get out of our minds

Outside in May, most

Masking melancholic smiles

Mesmerized by the masterpiece

That lies in months ahead.

Possibly monumental

Only to mark my age.

Just let those words flow from your gut, mind and fingertips, ya know?

Find me more frequently on instagram: @taylerworrell

STRUGGLING TO BE A CONSCIOUS CONSUMER

2017-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

A quick entry in frivolity.

Friends.

Actually though. And as someone who really isn't a big shopper to start, it weighs on me even more every time I shop. Here's what's going on.. First, it took me forever to return that dang Fjällräven backpack. Returning things... hate it. No idea why it is such a road block for me. Then, I remembered that USPS pick up is a thing, so voila. Block lifted.

Before I even did the return, I had received a $100 visa gift card. This was right after three weeks of working really long days at work, I was tired, stressed and just wanted some immediate... something. Things. I just wanted things...

I dropped it on two dresses and one tunic from Asos. Love one dress and the tunic, the other dress I had decided to keep... but after getting back into the right mind space, realized it honestly is never going to get worn. It's going back. (Still need to do that.)

The urge hadn't left. The following week I went to Target.com, who knows why. I don't even remember why I was looking. Ended up seeing a buy one get one deal on shoes, where I discovered the Who What Wear collection for Target. Ended up checking out with two pairs of mules, and a bralette because the underwire popped out of my everyday bra that week.

Got the shoes and they were pretty to the eye but such crap quality. The heel cap broke off one pair after only one day, and the straps on the other dug into my foot like no other. Back they went, but this time Target's online return policy wasn't as kind, so I took them in-store and returned without a problem. Then perused the entire store, even tried on about ten items from the WWW for Target collection that were so cute— pieces that I would have totally bought previously, but after a deep breath I hung them back up and left empty handed.

Why am I even writing about this? Does anyone care? Here's how I see it. Buying stuff is on my mind often. Money's always on my mind...know what I'm sayin? I can afford to buy a cart of shit things here and there... but money isn't growing in my backyard either. Constantly in a state of wishing I had more money and with that money, would be able to get and do more of what I want.

I feel a sense of guilt because there are so many messages out there these thoughts are so "millennial" of me. But you know what? I work for everything I have. I have loans up the ass like all the rest of you, money isn't and wasn't ever just given to me. Ain't got no old money... just working for all that new money, ya know?

Ok sorry, if you get those stolen lyrics, thank you... But I'm also very sorry. Just GAH. Frustrations. Feeling a bit of a slump, but the part where I've finally identified it and am moving on. Maybe this blog post is part of that journey. Writing usually is.

Today, I went and bought $100 worth of plants, pots and soil for my apartment. And you know what? I always feel damn good buying and growing plants.

Find me more frequently on instagram: @taylerworrell

MARCH MOOD

2017-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

What's meaningful is malleable.

Twists and turns but stays the same.

Months move pass...

Beyond the motions of each minute.

Today in three tens plus one.

Making it more than mediocre.

Messy words for March. Written in twelve minutes.

Images found on my pinterest.

Next week: my review of the Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack I shopped for in my previous backpack shopping post.

Find me more often on instagram: @taylerworrell

RECENTLY

2017-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

Because there are mental bookmarks, bookmark bars, pinterest, sticky notes, < no subject > emails full of copy and pasted links, tumblr, screenshots.... It feels better to narrow down what actually sticks. Hopefully these links don't die after this month.

Recently bought: this Bridge & Burn tee.

Recently seen: these windows. I'm a sucker for windows.
Recently lusting after: all the dresses from olive. A new-to-me shop based in the UK I found via pinterest.
Recently drooling over: Faye Andrada earrings.
Recently reading: and always reading, Reading My Tea Leaves blog.

FEBRUARY MOOD

2017-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

February frightens lovers heighten.

Frenzies of fearful marchers.

Fickle for a fixed four.

Filled with fumes.

Feeling fucked.

Words? Do I know poetry? I do not. And none of that is what I am inspired by. I've found myself in a constant exhale sinking deeper into the pit of my stomach, stays sunken till I remember to inhale again. Scrolling Facebook and twitter feeds I'm forced to pass. It's my job, you know. Social media. There's not a day that goes by where my spark is crushed with a ferocious headline looking to steal the attention I don't want to give.

Masking the despair with images that make me want to inhale.

images: pinterest.

RECENTS WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC

2016-05-13T10:58:00.000-07:00

Allison Reaves, an optimistic, down to earth creative soul with a knack for making things look "just so." A look not many can emulate, but many aspire to obtain— now we can get close in her new clothing line: The General Public.

One of the best Saturday breakfast mates, and someone who's taught me a thing or two about photography; I've had the privilege of watching Allison's idea behind: i am, you are, we.; unfold.

"It's a process of empowerment. It's a mode of being when uniqueness leads to participation and participation leads to unity. Every act true to the self strengthens the whole."

Old photos of her family in snowy Montana, skinny love sketches from her sister hang on an old cork board with a beautifully tacky truckers Montana mug in hand. A blend of things that couldn't be found anywhere else makes Allison's creative vision truly one of a kind.

Americana reds come to life hanging alongside medium wash denim blues, and give workwear canvases a place outside of the neutral color palette into everyday go-to's.

Anytime I get the chance to hear her speak about what inspires her, I'm always in awe of the familial heritage at the core of her spirit. How she takes that and turns it into something contemporary that everyone wants to get their hands on. I think it's because it does come from such an honest place. The line makes up everything she really loves, not many designers can take such unique personal inspiration and turn it into something for The General Public.

Well... She has. And that's just what it is.

She let me try on some pieces.. I'm waiting for the decoy jumpsuit (as I posted about here) and the covey dress in red!

Find out more about The General Public here
Instagram: @shopthegp / @allisonreaves

CAREER JUMPS

2015-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Life's a changin', Again! Always! For those of you who don't follow me on instagram, I got a new job! woot woot. Anddd what am I doing? Blogging and social media. YEP. Who woulda thunk? It's been a month now and I have to say.... I LOVE IT. Sure! I'll do all the creative things I've loved to do my entire adult life all day every day. :) Anyways....

This jumpsuit. A new key piece in my monthly rotation. I usually have a hard time with jumpsuits because I'm 5'7" with a long torso. That means jumpsuits = camel toe and wedgie all day. No one likes that. But this new loose, relaxed jumpsuit trend going on is perfect. I'll rock it well after the trend dies. One of my favorite examples are the Ace & Jig Onsie Jumpsuits. My coworker has one and it looks fab on her. With little clogs or ankle booties... It's on my wishlist.

What I'm wearing: H&M Jumpsuit, (similar), Target sandals (now on sale!). It doesn't take much to style this piece. I wore it with sandals here, but I could easily throw a sweater and wear it with booties too. Or dress it up with a necklace and nicer flats or heals. I'm a big fan.

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Bloglovin' | Photos by Riche

6 YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY

2015-08-24T21:43:00.001-07:00

The cool thing about being a native to Portland, and having gone to college in a nearby town, is that making connections through mutual friends and acquaintances happens so often. As the city grows and gains credentials in the industry I'm in, I feel like I'm growing right along side it. It's an awesome feeling being a new generation in the professional world, in the industry I've been been working towards being a part of for 6 years. Now, I'm here and feeling like I'm just now getting started.

These pics were taken by Riche, an up and coming boss photographer who reached out to me in referral of other creatives she's featured on her blog, Stumptown Fix. Look forward to a interview with me on her blog soon!

I've wrote this blog post tons of times in effort to make a decision as to where I see it going next. But the reality is, I have no idea. I thought about telling my career journey story and how my blog has really backed me in all my professional ventures... I started writing more of a personal entry about being self confident even during slow and seemingly pathetic lulls in your career. I began writing about what it's like to be 23 and how I actually achieved the goals I set for myself six years ago.

Any of those posts would be way too long for this anniversary post, and might even be the kinds of topics I write about next. I realized what really needs to happen is a big huge thank you...

This blog was never really about reach for me as much as much it was just serving as a space for me to express and explore things in life. But, to those that do follow my journey, whether it be here on this blog, or elsewhere, I really do appreciate every comment, like, share, and interaction I get to have because of this little blog here I started six years ago. We're on the same team and I'm not sure if I would have continued blogging if it weren't for the comments here and there asking where I've been. Being able to make the connections I have is truly invaluable.

A thank you to my friends and the fam who've been there to support me even if they don't fully understand the path I'm headed. You guys give me the support and voice of reason I need when I'm just getting too serious about things and need to chill and be patient. A thank you for just letting me be who I am with no expectations or exceptions.

As for ms. Style Interplay here... She's still alive, I'll letchu know when there's a new post :)

You can find my super affordable embroidered top here, and these similar denim shorts.

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5 PODCASTS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

2015-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Image: Creative Start

Creative Start - This is probably my favorite, which is why it's at the top of my list. Hosted by Courtnee Lauren Brown, it's a series of interviews with creative entrepreneurs— getting into the knitty gritty of how they got their creative start. This is my favorite because she interviews a variety of people in different industries who all have very different ways they got to the place they are now. The episodes run anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and were perfect for me on my commute to work. What I didn't know until I went to write this post, is that they also have a beautiful blog and website!

Being Boss - I think I heard of these ladies directly from one of the Creative Start episodes. They're two friends with different company's who just re-hash what it's like to run their own business. They interview each other and like minded business women in a way that's more unstructured, and they don't hold back. They are up front and honest about the problems they face and how they found solutions to them. It's real, honest and both their voices are so charming. The Accidental Creative - Short motivational episodes by, Tod Henry, a guy who is very obviously super into what he does. These are short, 5 - 25 minute episodes including interviews and quickfire tips and tricks on anything from running your business to just getting through the day. One of my favorite episodes so far is Following The Muse. Think, Make Sell. - Also a great one. More of a no - fuss, direct interview style podcast that tends to focus more on web developers, web experts, writers who write about websites... you get the gist. A straightforward look at developers who have started working for themselves outside of an agency or big tech company. If you are looking to get into a tech start up, this one is for you.After the Jump - This was the very first podcast I ever listened to! And it's a great one. It's by Grace Bonney, the gal behind Design Sponge (which is how I found it), and she interviews creatives, entrepreneurs, branding experts, store owners and everyone in between. Along the same lines as Creative Start, these people talk about how they started their own business, and what day to day life really looks like.If you have favorite podcasts that follow the same creative entrepreneurial theme, please send them my way!

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GREENHOUSE pt. 3

2015-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Taken by Boone Rodriguez as pt. 3 of our Greenhouse series.

Oui! It's mid-March already, time goes by way too fast. What have I been up to? Eating too much food. Spending a lot of time on the apartment hunt, getting ready for more changes in my career, lifestyle and all around well-being.

I recently received a Passion Planner that I ordered just after the new year. It's got me writing down goals, making me really think about and put a timeline on how and when I am going to achieve them.

I put a decent effort in making sure I indulge in things that make me happy. To take time for myself everyday, week and month and make sure I do a few things that I feel really good about. Whether it's something simple like writing a blog post, making myself a great meal, going on a run or purging my closet.

The planner has helped me look back and recognize what those things were and remember what I did achieve. So often I look back and devalue what I've done in the day and think I've achieved nothing. But when I write everything that I've done down, I can look back and realize my achievements and feel more accomplished.

It has helped a lot, really. I'm not a type-A personality at all. I'm not a hyper organized crazy planner person, so I didn't really know if the planner would help me at all, or If I'd even use it. But, I do. Not on a daily basis, but on a weekly one. I'll write down the big things I want to do in the week, and write down all the things I actually did. Whether they helped me achieve my original goals or not.

I think everyone at one point in life realizes that no matter how much planning or work you put into achieving your goals, things sometimes just don't go your way. And instead of being bummed and thinking you aren't getting anything done, looking at what you did do makes a huge difference on how you look at achieving your goals.

Using the planner has definitely helped me in the past month, I'd suggest looking into it. Also, yes! These photos have nothing to do with that, other than maybe inspiring a fresh start to spring!

Wearing jacket and tank that I made, and Gap track pants (that are now on sale). And as some people have asked, tattoo is by Tally Matthew.

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INSPIRATION: SPRING 2015

2015-02-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Nada Dora by, Blanca Gomez. Love this piece.

Ace & Jig Spring 2015. This is me. My alter ego. The inner workings of the gal behind Style Interplay, this is her dream outfit. Marine Vacth. A gorgeous face, I'm always drawn to re-pin or re-blog photos of her. Richard Vergez. I like his stuff. I just like it.

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GREENHOUSE pt. 2

2015-02-15T21:24:00.001-08:00

I don't care what the groundhog saw, spring is in the air! Honestly, groundhog day still confuses me and I really wonder why it's still a thing. He defintiely doesn't know what he's doing anymore, he's wrong.

These photos were shot by Boone Rodriguez here in Portland at Pomerius Nursery as pt. 2 of our greenhouse series.

This little guy was the cutest thing. He belongs to the Nursery owner and was wondering about having fun while we were shooting, and decided to join in and give me kisses! I'm usually not a fan of small dogs, but he was so sweet. Just look at him!

This place really was so dreamy, and I will be sure to come back here when I'm ready to dress my new place and care for some greens. It perfectly overlooked the Freemont bridge with a large outdoor perennial garden surrounding it. Can I live in a greenhouse?

Wearing a top that I made, H&M jeans, Topshop Oxfords, tattoo is by Tally Matthew.

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GREENHOUSE pt. 1

2015-02-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

These photos taken at Promerius Nursery with sir. Boone Rodriguez are a simple artifact of Instagram. Portland whereabouts and the correct usage of tags— blogger meets photographer happens once again. A simple story of two creatives collaborating to make luscious photos.

I'm going to let the photos speak for themsleves this week. Wearing Asos Coat, H&M Jeans, Topshop oxfords.

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HECK YEA 2015

2015-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Stepping up my game for 2015!

Way kidding, I just didn't have any professional shots this week so this is what we get, my fresh faced look. Behind the scenes, outtakes, if you will.

I'm starting my year off with new projects and am in route to gaining new perspectives. I'm excited for what 2015 will bring. If you haven't seen my year-end reflection post check it out here. It's a great reflection practice that I think everyone should take part in!

Wearing: Asos Coat, New Balance 574's, Gap Cable Knit Sweater, Madewell work shirt, Asos High Waist Jeans. (I wouldn't recommend the workshirt. The sleeves are short, overall fit is very strange and the fabric is much more lightweight than I expected— but for whatever reason I'm layering with it anyways).

I figured I have enough stellar outfit photography in my repertoire that this is okay. One of my 2014 goals was to amp up the quality of my blog and I think I achieved that. (Special thanks to my collaboration with ILL Gander for helping acheive that goal). I'm very proud of what Style Interplay has turned into and I look forward to a new year of blogging and more collaborations with my peeps in Portland and beyond. This year my goals are all just about personal growth. Not taking myself too seriously and learning more about everything and anything. I'm a learner. I'm good at learning, so I hope to find new things that catch my eye that I can document and share with all of you!And no, I never seem to get tired of tooting my own horn. toot. toot.Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Bloglovin'

50 QUESTION YEAR IN REVIEW: 2014

2015-01-01T19:09:00.001-08:00

So I ran into a little corner on the web called Into Mind. It is by far my new favorite site, and I found a 50 question year in review. I was so intrigued by her perspective on reflection that I sat and answered every single one of these questions alone, out loud, on my bed and reflected. They aren't your typical shitty New Years successes and goal making type questions but really made me think about my year on the whole. Knowing that year 2014 has been one of my worst years personally, it helped me recognize why it was a bad year, but also helped me realize this was one of my most successful years professionally.

I'm an internal/introverted person, so I'm constantly reflecting and thinking about my future. But this was a different take on how I reflect and I have to share. I sent these questions over to my best friends and realized that I really just want to urge everyone to go through this whether you have the best year of your life or your worst. By the end of this post, if you read through, you'll also understand why I decided to publish all of my answers to my blog.

So, here it is. Cheers to 2015!

1.What one event, big or small, are you going to tell your grandchildren about?
Interviewing at Coach, getting an award for my senior collection.

2.If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words, what would they be?
Anxious, emotional, stressful.

3.What new things did you discover about yourself?
I have more anxiety issues than I was aware of, that I can be a hard ass and a total baby at the same time.

4.What single achievement are you most proud of?
Getting an award called, "Best use of technique, innovation and originality." for a collection of garments I created.

5.What was the best news you received?
That I was invited to interview at Coach in New York.

6.What was your favourite place that you visited in 2014?
New England.

7.Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?
Common sense, determination.

8.Who was your number one go-to person that you could always rely on?
Myself and my bestie Rachel.

9.Which new skills did you learn?
Taught myself how to weave and basic html coding.

10.What, or who, are you most thankful for?
My family and closest friends.

11.If someone wrote a book about your life in 2014, what kind of genre would it be? A comedy, love story, drama, film noir or something else?
Documentary/drama.

12.What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2014?
To tell the people close to me that I love them and why.

13.Which mental block(s) did you overcome?
Heartbreak (...almost).

14.What 5 people did you most enjoy spending time with?
My family, Rachel, Laurel and Chandra.

15.What was your biggest break-through moment career-wise?
Getting two job offers before I graduated college.

16.How did your relationship to your family evolve?
Tremendously, for the better.

17.What book or movie affected your life in a profound way?
Neither, an album by Penny & Sparrow.

18.What was your favourite compliment that you received this year?
... I'm not quite sure, honestly.

19.What little things did you most enjoy during your day-to-day life?
Making breakfast and eating it.

20.What cool things did you create this year?
I created a 5 look apparel collection that I made out of textiles that were hand-woven myself.

21.What was your most common mental state this year (e.g. excited, curious, stressed)?
Anxious, heartbroken.

22.Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life this year?
... It's sad I can't think of one. Oh! I got my first tattoo.

23.What was your favourite moment spent with your friends?
A night full of laughter at Edgefield over the summer with old and new friends.

24.What major goal did you lay the foundations for?
I've created a pretty strong foundation for my professional career.

25.Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary?
I'm a stressed and anxious person. They all seemed necessary and I'm not sure I've let go enough to see that they weren't.

26.What experience would you love to do all over again?
Probably too private to publish on le blog.

27.What was the best gift you received?
The continuous gift of friendship and support from my best friends.

28.How did your overall outlook on life evolve?
Overall became more confused and unsure than ever about my future. But also became more capable of focusing on my day-to-day.

29.What was the biggest problem you solved?
... Not quite sure. Maybe something having to do with school or work that I can't remember right now.

30.What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?
In the car with Rachel, both with horrible senses of direction and getting completely lost in a different state, but then trusting our instincts and solving it without a GPS. We were tired, and it will only ever be funny to us.

31.What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?
My tattoo.

32.What one thing would you do differently and why?
I always feel like I could have put in a little more effort into everything that I did/do.

33.What do you deserve a pat on the back for?
Letting myself feel and be open about it.

34.What activities made you lose track of time?
Being on the internet, blogging, working in the sewing lab at OSU.

35.What did you think about more than anything else?
What was going to happen after I graduate, my ex.

36.What topics did you most enjoy learning about?
I enjoyed learning how a marketing office works at a University. I was a writer for OSU in the Interactive Comm office and it was a cool and new environment to both work and learn in.

37.What new habits did you cultivate?
Only bad ones...that I can think of.

38.What advice would you give your early-2014 self if you could?
Trust your instincts.

39.Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 this year?
Yes. I'm sure it's obvious from the answers above and previous blog posts.

40.What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?
Rachel.

YOUR 2015

41.What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be?
Happiness, exploration.

42.What do you want to see, discover, explore?
Anywhere, everywhere— I'm not picky.

43.Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?
In general, I just want to meet more new people I can connect with.

44.What skills do you want to learn, improve or master?
I don't really consider painting a skill, but I'd like to do that more often.

45.Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen?
Emotional openness and communication.

46.What do you want your everyday life to be like?
Calm yet exciting and new everyday.

47.Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?
Checking social media is now almost an obsessive habit, and I don't want it to be anymore.

48.What do you want to achieve career-wise?
Just to be somewhere I can connect with and support myself from.

49.How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now?
That it was a year of happiness and improvement.

50.What is your number one goal for 2015?
Allow myself to be happy and let go of anxieties.

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BIG OL' INSPIRATION

2014-12-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Only the best of the best of colors.

Photos taken from my inspiration roll.

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MISTY MOODS AT THE PORT

2014-12-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

It is far too cold for anyone in Oregon to be barefoot right now. Yet, I still needed to share the last installment of the lifestyle shoot I did with Allison Reaves. So here are the photos along with rambles here and there about what's going on in my life!

Last week was a big week. My grandpa had surgery on his skull, of which he is still in intensive care for. I finally got to go visit him over this past weekend. Going to the hospital for any reason is always a strange feeling and experience. Never an easy one. But the best thing is to always keep spirits up.

My brother turned the big two-o. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm the eldest of 4 kids at ages 20, 17 and 16. It's been pretty crazy watching them all grow up. We're all still babies but I'm proud of them.

Last part of my weekly news update is that I got a tattoo. I got somewhat of a spontaneous opportunity to get tattooed by Talley Matthew. Someone who I had been following on intagram for a while who happened to be traveling through Portland last week. I love the piece so much I could cry! See his instagram photo here to see what I got. I'm sure I'll post a process type post about it later when it's all heeled! I'll post updates on my instagram too so catch me there :)

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COZY PORTLAND

2014-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

A lovely lady named Sofala reached out to me before her travels to Oregon and asked to collaborate. Took a look at her site and immediately agreed. We met up last week at the Portland World Trade center and took some beautiful shots together! She was an absolute joy to shoot with and I hope we get to shoot again! Her site: Sofala Mai and instagram @sofalaa.

I've been searching for a great wool blend cabled knit turtle neck. But it is outstandingly hard to actually find a real wool blend sweater like this that is in my budget. So, I ended up being impatient and purchasing an acrylic based cheap one from Forever21. It's a beautiful color and the cable looks really great so it'll do for this season! Ahh I can't wait till the day that my aesthetic needs and desires match up with my budget.

I've just added a new section to my blog where I filter in some of my materialistic obsessions. Head on over to the SHOP tab to see what those are!

Wearing: Skinnies, Oxfords, Green Cable Knit, Denim Jacket, Plaid Flannel, Coffee.

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I'LL GROW BACK GOOD IF I BREAK

2014-11-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Photos by, Allison Reaves Photography.A continuum of my shoot with Allison, we had coffee this last Friday morning at the Ace. One of those people I can chat with and feel the inspiration jitters the rest of the day. Good vibes coming from her soul and I appreciate that. Below is a non-outfit, related re-hash of things in my week!

This past week I went and saw Penny & Sparrow and it was truly an amazing experience. Their album Struggle Pretty was released a month before my breakup, and I connected with Andy and Kyle's words like I haven't ever really before. The emotional trauma I went through was exacerbated by lies, and finding out through the grapevine I had been cheated on. It's a shitty thing to go through and I'm still trying to deal with it.

Nearly every song on the album pierces me in the gut and I haven't been able to listen to some of them without crying. That didn't change when they immediately opened their set at Mississippi Studios with their songs Honest Wage and Fantine. I had taken out my camera to snap a picture of them as they were walking up to the stage and immediately put it away, the first strum of Honest wage and I knew I was about to be the one balling in public.

And I was right at the start. Silently. Trying not to cry with all the muscles in my face and just letting the tears flow. I'm not good at sharing my emotions, or understanding them even. But this is just one of those things where I quite literally have no control of them. No, they weren't tears of joy, they were of extreme heartache. But that's okay. It's a good release and a way to connect with others I don't typically allow myself to do very often.

I'm a very private person, I know that. But I couldn't share their music without also sharing a part of why I love it so much, and I know many can relate. I am a real person behind pretty outfit pictures and my seemingly stern face.

So, listen to their music. My favorites are Fantine, Bread and Bleeding, Stoic, and Rattle. Basically the whole album who am I even kidding— it's perfect. Plus, Andy Baxters voice is the best I've heard in forever and Kyle Jahnke's man bun is exceptional and I like his blazers. Maybe you have a reason to take some solace in their words like I have.

Wearing: JCrew Toothpick Denim, Target Flannel Shirt, Topshop Mila oxford (sold out, here's similar) Vintage hat (similar), Timex Watch.

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EARLY MORNING CABLE KNIT & COFFEE

2014-11-03T07:30:00.000-08:00

....I woke up like dis

Photography by, Allison Reaves Photography.

I'm thankful to have talented friends around me to collaborate with. Wednesday morning on Oct. 29th Allison and I went out to shoot some photos in one of my absolute favorite spots in Portland. Directly below the St. Johns bridge, aside from Cathedral Park having coffee on the boat docks.

I grew up in St. Johns, and although the park has become one of the most overshot places in the city, it's for good reason. We were up bright and early, stopped in at Anna Banana's before 7:30 am for coffee, and then headed to the boat docks.

There's something I really love about being on the water. I've never been one to get seasick, in fact, I reminisce about the times and feeling being on the water gives you. The up and down of the waves is especially calming for me.

This sweater I've had for years and years. It's shown up on this blog every fall/winter season. These jeans I accrued from a naked lady clothing party over the summer. They're a low waist peg leg jean but in a size or two too big which give them a relaxed look. This scarf was an H&M find. I need to stop shopping there, I go way too much but it's because I always score things I really love, including this scarf. And everyone should know by now about my scarf obsession.

We started shooting right after sunrise at 7:45 and as someone who doesn't usually get to work till 10, it wore me out but was so worth it. I wouldn't go as far as categorizing myself to morning person, but it's amazing how an early start can effect my mood and level of productivity throughout the day. But it's kind of like working out— you know how good it makes you feel, but the level of effort it takes to make it part of your routine is much easier said than done.

I'd love to get to that point. Train myself to wake up at 6 a.m. and start productivity before 10 a.m. It'll require an early bedtime and probably a quick 15 minute sesh of coffee making and pinterest pinning to get me inspired for the day. Has anyone else done this? Trained themselves to be a morning person? I just read Patricia Brights blog post about being a morning person and she has some good tips! If you have more tips send them my way!

PS: I wen't to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show in Portland the night before Halloween and it was so great. The crowd wasn't as participatory as I had expected, but it's totally a thing I could see myself getting into and going wild with it every year. Plus, I love watching drag in general. The showing I went to was at the World Trade Center theater in Portland- who knew Portland had a world trade center? Who knew that there was a theater in it? It's pretty neat in there if you ever have a reason to go!

What I'm waring: Topshop Milla Oxford, JCrew Toothpick Denim, Cable Knit Sweater-Similar, H&M Scarf.

There's a whole series of looks we shot around here, stay tuned every monday for the next couple weeks for more looks.

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OCTOBER INSPIRATION

2014-10-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

October style and life inspiration all pulled from my tumblr.

A little dreary, soft light, low saturation, calmness and content.

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TAYLER WORRELL F/W 2014

2014-06-23T07:30:00.003-07:00

In support of my design portfolio, I wanted to share some of my favorites from my collection editorial, shot by: ILL GANDER. Recently I did a sneak peek called: Tayler Worrell: Fall 2014 Preview, and here is my complete my Fall/Winter 2014 collection!

Proud to share that this collection was voted "Best use of Technique, Innovation and Originality" by Apparel industry professionals in the Pacific Northwest during the senior thesis showcase.