LOVELY + RUST

I'VE MOVED

2013-03-17T21:42:00.001-04:00

Blogger has been oh-so good to me, but I'm excited to announce that Lovely + Rust is now at lovelyandrust.com! Yippee! Please bookmark the new site, and stick with me while I figure out how to navigate wordpress.

A LITTLE ON OUR LATELY

2013-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday, friends!

I haven't been very good about instagram or twitter lately...

and when I started gathering what few instagram pics I had,

I realized it appears all we do is drink and eat!

Now, while there is a fair share of that going on...

I assure you, it's not all that we do.

Apparently, just all we do worth documenting (*wink wink).

Work hard. Play hard.

Right?

Have a wonderful weekend full of playing.

a little on the above...

the talented Mr. Israel Martin (that'd be my husband) // a wonderful evening with friends

a high school football pic of my Mr. that makes me smile daily // breakfast at one of our fav places

Bailey has rediscovered the faucet // World of Beer

a rare occurrence = being able to make it to Friday happy hour = the Mr. headed into our standby

The Pearl for my mom's wonderful birthday dinner // guest blogging for Capital Style

the Mr. has perfected our favorite drink // a fire + Moscow Mule + friends in town

a perfect Sunday evening is being able to sit on a patio // jeni's ice cream (my new pick is pistachio)

brunch tacos at Local Cantina // photo shoots require comfy clothes

ON THE HUNT: THE PERFECT TOTE

2013-03-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

I blogged about finding a leather tote back in September. At the time, I basically just wanted a leather tote as my new handbag. I have yet to make that purchase - and it's a good thing, because now I need a tote for work and I've realized I need something a bit different! Something I can load up with lots of stuff and not worry about the handles breaking... something I can throw on the floor at work, or at a photo shoot, and not worry about it getting dirty.

What do you think? Do you have other suggestions? I've been searching and searching. All of these (with the exception of the last three) are waxed canvas, which I love, but as you can see below they can get pretty pricey. I adore the Filson tote, but I'm just not sure it's big enough to fit my laptop and everything else I'd want to toss in there. The L.L. Bean and Lands End bags are definitely a good quality and value, but are they too preppy for me? Or maybe just classic? I do like that you can customize your own at L.L Bean, by choosing strap colors, adding a zipper, etc.

Oh... the big decisions in life.

Stanley & Sons ($207) | Filson (leather straps: $110, tin cloth: $90) | Artifact Bag Co ($145)

Strawfoot Handmade ($198) | L.L. Bean (sz large starts at $32.95) | Lands End ($37.50) | Carhartt (?)

WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT ?

2013-03-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

one | two | three | four | five

ON THE HUNT: NEW BOYFRIEND JEANS

2013-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! A few of our friends were in town for a comedy show. The show was great and afterward we made moscow mules, had a fire, and stayed up late (later than this old gal has been up in a long time). It was pretty perfect, and so nice to catch up with friends.

I couldn't come up with a clever way to transition into today's topic... boyfriend jeans. So, that was my non-transition transition. The first time they were a "big" thing (about 4 years ago?) I snatched up a cheap pair at forever 21, and I wore them all the time. Gradually they sort of made their way to the bottom of my jean stack. Recently boyfriend jeans are having a resurgence - and that is just fine with me. I love the laid back, undone look they add to any outfit. I just need to update my old pair, so I'm on the hunt.

The newest style I have seen is a bit more straight leg and cropped (the two images below). I suppose you might not even call them "boyfriend jeans". Either way, I really like them. They're a bit more classic, and feel fresh and new.

Below are a few options I've come across in my search for a new pair. And I use the word "options" loosely because some of these are too pricey to actually be options. I really am liking the more straight, less baggy, cropped without having to be rolled style. I also like it when they are at least a bit distressed.

What do you think? Did you jump on board with this trend the first time around? Are you now?

(Gap $69.75 // Asos $59 // Genetic Denim $231 // NSF $298 // J. Crew $168 // 7 For All Mankind $225)

THEN... AND NOW.

2013-03-02T16:19:00.004-05:00

Sorry I've been completely MIA! I had one of those crazy weeks at work where you don't have time to check your email or respond to a voicemail. We've all had them, so I'm not complaning. Merely explaining my absence. Thanks so much to all of you who told me you missed L+R, and reached out. It was so appreciated!

Today my beautiful mom is celebrating her birthday! So, this morning I was trying to think of a picture I could share alongside these words, and lo and behold - both of these pics are on our fridge. Besides my sister, Kate, and I being flipped - it's pretty much the same picture... give or take 30 years (and the beers).

Mom, wishing you the happiest of birthdays. We are all so very lucky and blessed. The best friend and mom two girls could ask for. Love you to the moon and back.

OBSESSED...

2013-02-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

jacket // blouse

STYLE MUSE - STEFANY MOHEBBAN

2013-02-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

I'm really excited to share today's L+R Style Muse, beautiful lady - Stefany Moheban. She is a stylist and textile designer living in NYC. I first found her via Instagram, and she is one of my favorite folks to follow. Her style is an eclectic mix of thrifted, vintage, and designer... casual and glamorous. Never too serious, and always a little unexpected. I think her style is practically perfect in every way. Stefany is definitely one of my style muses. Her blog - Pretty In Thrift - is as personal and unique as her style (I really appreciated this honest post she just wrote).

Thank you, Stefany, for being a L+R Style Muse!

[You can purchase Stefany's bag, borrowed from one of her favorite vintage sellers (Omnia Vintage), here]

L+R: Who are your style muses?

S: Elisa Nalin (she's an italian stylist), and of course Edie Sedgwick!

L+R: Have you always lived in New York?

S: I was born in Milan, Italy and moved to NYC in 1994... I haven't lived anywhere else since.

L+R: Tell us a little about your career, and journey to becoming a stylist.

S: In my early 20's I knew I wanted to work in fashion but was not sure in what way. I assisted fashion designers, costume designers and worked on my own art for a while before I realized that Textile Design was a great fit for me. I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. While I was studying textile design I developed a love for styling, at first providing my services (that sounds weird haha) to friends and family. In the spring of 2011 I won a contest on Fascism (a cool fashion blog), which led to an amazing weekend where I learned from one of the best stylists: Stacy London, all the tricks of the trade. I became a stylist for her network Style for Hire and have been doing both editorial and personal styling ever since.

L+R: How would you describe your personal style?

S: My personal style is a melting pot of urban, vintage, ethnic and European sensibilities which are a culmination of my exposure to both Milan and NYC. I love the edge of a downtown girl, but also appreciate the beauty of vintage prints and silhouettes, while my love for high end fashion always keeps me striving for a polished finish. My style philosophy is all about balance and that element of the unexpected. I love juxtaposing unusual colors, textures and shapes to make a statement, and also find pleasure in imperfection. I find that messing something up a little bit is fun because perfection can feel a little boring :)

L+R: Where are your favorite places to shop in NYC?

S: NYC is so full of amazing boutiques and shops that it's hard to have favorites. I thrive on mixing high and low, vintage and new to create an interesting look. I shop at flea markets, vintage shops (mostly in brooklyn or the lower east side), thrift stores and the occasional luxury department store (Saks, Barneys, Bloomingdales) to achieve unexpected combinations. Some of my go-to vintage and thrift stores include: Amarcord Vintage, Beacon's Closet, Buffalo Exchange, Vice Versa.

L+R: Are there pieces in your wardrobe you find yourself wearing constantly?

S: I've been wearing my Pamela Love x Nine West western booties with pretty much everything I own. I also can't get enough of motorcycle leather jackets, and crew neck sweaters. I picked up a bunch of vintage grandpa sweaters from various thrift stores at the beginning of the season and they have been my go to on chilly NYC days.

L+R: Your favorite fashion "find"?

S: Lately I haven't been able to stop wearing my thrifted Ralph Lauren Blanket Coat. It's the coziest and most over-sized piece I own, and I just adore the combination of warm colors and the southwest inspired pattern.

L+R: Have you always had a love for vintage?

S: Growing up my family didn't have much money, so I wore a lot of hand me downs from family, and ended up using my mom's closet to fill in a lot of the blanks. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because my mom's closet was a dream. We lived in Italy for a long time, so her closet was filled with beautifully made and great quality European designer pieces. This helped not only develop my love for styling, but also appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of vintage.

L+R: Ok, last one is just for fun. Three beauty products you can't live without?

S: Aveeno body lotion, NARS eyeshadows, Makeup Forever lipsticks (they live up to their name (last forever!), and are very high pigmented.

(photos by Naomi of Omnia Vintage)

MADEWELL SPRING 2013

2013-02-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Madewell's Spring 2013 Lookbook yet? I think it's a little bit different for them, but not in a bad way! Lots of indigo, khaki, white and leather accents. The color they do show is a bit muted and candy colored, like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms cereal (yes, I still eat that). My favorite looks are the top two (#4 and #10), and I would kill for the dresses in #13 and #22. Well, not really "kill"... but I sure do like them!

What looks or pieces are your favorite?

DATE NIGHT

2013-02-17T21:35:00.005-05:00

Last weekend the Mr. and I decided to go out for dinner + drinks and have a proper date night! It's been a long time since we've went somewhere nice - just the two of us. We had a wonderful evening that ended in line for ice cream (both a bit tipsy).

I apologize for the quality of these photos. I asked the Mr. to snap a few pics before we left (because I haven't had daylight hours to document many outfits!), but my camera battery was drained and the charger is MIA. iPhone to the rescue.

The tassel necklace I'm wearing is from my friend, Meredith Piccin - the fabulous gal behind Honey Rose & K. I've talked about HRK before here! Every time I wear it I get compliments. (A gal in line at the ice cream shop asked me where I got it!) Meredith's pieces get snatched up on Instagram and via her facebook as soon as she posts them! So, if you see something you like - I recommend not taking the time to think about it! :)

Top: H&M

Jeggings: Paige Denim

Jean Jacket: A&F (here)

Boots: Dolce Vita "Jax"

Short Necklace: Forever 21

Long Necklace: c/o Honey Rose & K

Cross-body: Vintage

WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

2013-02-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Circle YES, NO or MAYBE.

The Mr. and I don't really celebrate Valentine's Day in a big way. We don't believe in exchanging gifts, especially after Christmas and both of our birthdays in January. We usually just get extra-good cards, and celebrate at home. In the past that has meant take-out from any number of our favorite places, and sharing a big ole dessert. Last year my hubby poured milk in wine glasses to have with our chocolate cake. We're so fancy.

STYLE MUSE - JUSTINA BLAKENEY

2013-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am beyond excited to share today's L+R Style Muse, Justina Blakeney. I first found Justina when her beautiful wedding was published in Martha Stuart Weddings. I was captivated by the bohemian style and DIY details. Since then, I have followed Justina's fabulous blog - which was recently named one of the Best Home Decor Blogs by Refinery 29. Justina affectionately calls her home (shared with her husband - Jason, and baby girl - Ida Sky) their Jungalow. And you should most definitely take the time to click here and here to check it out.

Justina Blakeney is a creative force to be reckoned with. She doesn't follow trends, and her uniqueness is refreshing. She just does her thing, and does it oh-so well. It's a quality I admire most in people, and I find her completely inspiring. I love this recent post where she writes about clothing for curvy women (using photos from the shoot she did for L+R!).

Thank you, Justina, for being a L+R Style Muse!

<<< Q+A below >>>

L+R: Who are YOUR style muses?
J: Peggy Moffitt, Iris Apfel, Frida Kahlo

L+R: Where are your favorite places to shop in LA?
J: Flea Markets, Squaresville, New High Mart, Tavin

L+R: Your favorite fashion find (s)?
J: Oh gosh too many to name--have a look at my Get in my Closet Pinterest Board!
http://pinterest.com/compai/justina-s-style-pinboard/

L+R: You're a designer, consultant, interior stylist, and you've written 4 books!
Tell us a little about your career path and journey.

J: I began my career simply by doing the things that love. The more I designed--the better I got at it. I volunteered, interned, worked for trade and got involved with anything that sounded fun and/or interesting to learn as much as possible about art and design. As far as formal education, I got my Bachelor of Arts degree at UCLA in World Arts and Cultures and I minored in Italian. I then got a post graduate degree in fashion design from Polimoda on Florence, Italy, but ultimately I feel that travel, and collaborations with people that I admire have provided the best education.

L+R: You lived in Italy for 7 years. What took you there, and what brought you back to California?
J: I grew up in Berkeley, CA and moved down to LA to go to UCLA when I was 18. I fell in love with this city--so warm, so vast, and so many cultural enclaves throughout. I made a ton of friends that are still my friends today. My junior year at UCLA I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I studied communications and became enamoured with Italian language and culture. When I came back to the US after my junior year I decided to return to Italy after graduation. When I went back my sister Faith came with me and we did our post-graduate work at Polimoda. The following year we launched a boutique and a design collective. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing Italian designers and learn so much from them. Something about being a foreigner and always being just a little bit outside of my comfort zone forced me to observe, observe and observe more-- so I learned a ton. I came back when I fell in love with my now husband, Jason--a California boy.

L+R: What does a typical day look like for you? and how has this changed since you've gotten married, and had Ida Sky?
J: As a full-time consultant, each day is drastically different. My main job is a creative consultant. I help people and businesses with creative concepting and design. This can mean one day I'm doing home decor and interior styling and the next day I'm art-directing a photoshoot. My 'gigs' are kinda all over the map and I like it that way. Since I had Ida and got married, I work more from the computer and phone. I do less graphic design and more styling because styling projects have a set start and finish time where as graphic design projects can go on and on and that's hard with a baby.

L+R: How would you describe your personal style? and how does that reflect on your interior design work?

J: My personal style is Jungalow and Globoh (global/bohemian) -- that goes for everything in my life. My personal style does not change from fashion to home to food--or whatever--my tastes are pretty consistent. I like it wild.

L+R: What inspires you or influences you the most creatively?

J: TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL--and that could mean to another continent or to the corner store. Being outside of your comfort zone--hearing, feeling, tasting, seeing and smelling new things and people.

L+R: Ok, last one just for fun :) Three beauty products you can't live without?

J: Josie Maran Argan oil, Mixed Chicks Leave-in-Conditioner, Funny Face Lipstick by Nars

(These fabulous photos were taken by Justina's husband, Jason Rosencrantz.)

THESE THINGS // THIS WEEK {NO. 12}

2013-02-08T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday, folks. Have a wonderful weekend!

These are the things I am loving this week ...

this sweater from She Inside...

seriously pining for these Frye "Lucy Lace Up" boots...

this pin is one of my favorite style pins of the week - simple, chic style...

(original image source)

how cute is this glass water bottle by Faucet Face...

might have to try these banana breakfast sandwiches this weekend...

loving these Object & Totem necklaces (left // right)

really wishing this Style Mint shirt wasn't sold out (sad face)...

this is something I always need reminded of...

THE ENDLESS PONCHO SEARCH

2013-02-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

Ponchos first made their way onto the fashion scene in the 70's. They had a resurgence about 30 years later, but the ponchos of the late 90's / early 2000's are better off forgotten. Cringe worthy - they were usually cropped, often asymmetrical, and over-all just plain awful. I had a bright turquoise one with fringe... oh yes, I did.

I've been hunting for a poncho over the last few years. I have come across some fabulous designer-y versions that were out of my budget, and I've searched Etsy for hours, but I have yet to find the one for me. Sigh...

image sources: one // two // three // four // five // six

ponchos: one // two // three // four

(If I haven't purchased this vintage beauty [#4] before you read this, you better beat me to it!)

FORTUNE BY KIM DULANEY

2013-02-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Fortune jewelry by Kim Dulaney... I found her little Etsy shop thanks to Pinterest, and I adore her necklaces. A lot of the designs are made with vintage pieces, so there are usually only 1 to 4 of any same necklace. If it's not "one of a kind", it's pretty darn close. I'm coveting this first one for myself, but Kim currently has her shop closed while she creates more necklaces (she'll be back February 8th!), so I'll have to keep pining for a bit.

How was your weekend? Did you watch the Super Bowl? Or did you eat lots of bad for you - good food and watch the commercials? I think Doritos knocked it out of the park with the goat, and the little girl bribing her Dad with Doritos to play dress up. I also loved the Budweiser clydesdale commericial, and the Dodge "God created farmers" commercial. Oh, and the Taco Bell one with the old folks partying. What commercials were your favorites?

AMERICAN BUFFALO

2013-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

I am coveting this buffalo print so very badly. I originally thought it was a painting, but it's actually a photograph by Sharon Montrose. Her style of animal photography is just so unique. You can (and should) check out the rest of her amazing photographs in her shop, The Animal Print Shop.

Unfortunately, the American Buffalo print above is a bit north of our budget. So, I've been obsessed with finding something similar (unfortunately nothing compares once you've fallen in love). Below are a few I've found... Which one is your favorite?

(Lone Buffalo by Jill Fleming via Society 6)

(Street Walker by Kevin Russ via Society 6)

(Bison and Calf by Olivier Le Queinec)

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

TOP KNOTS

2013-01-30T06:30:00.000-05:00

Top knots. A super high bun that is sometimes ballerina-esque - simple and classic, but sometimes messy and a bit undone. In my opinion, the bigger and more messy - the better. I know... I'm a little late blogging about this. It's been a trend for awhile now, but it shows no signs of letting up!

one // two // three // four // five // six

BASEBALL HATS (THEY'RE NOT JUST FOR HIM)

2013-01-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

(image sources: one | two | three | four | five)

I love hats. I usually gravitate towards wide brim, a bit western inspired (like this), or knit stocking caps. But right now I am loving that baseball hats are having a fashion moment. They're unexpected and a bit playful... like wearing a cotton tee with a sequin skirt, or layering on rhinestone necklaces with jeans.

In the images above - I love the burgundy leather hat in the second image, but I think I'd wear one like the fifth image much more often.

So, what do you think? Are you on board like me? If so, here are a few options! Personally, I want a gray wool or something simple like number one from Madewell.

(one. Madewell - $22 // two. Sears - $12 // three. Rag & Bone - $125

four. Pendleton - $39 on sale // five. Archival - $40 // six. Asos - $26)

(I adore this leather brim hat via Free People, but at $263 I'm going to have to keep on dreamin'.)

BRAND LOVE: HELLO

2013-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Via their website, "Hello Merch is an independent company started in 2008 by Sam Means as an outlet for artists to manufacture and sell merchandise online and on tour, without giving up their rights by signing major label-style merch contracts."

Hello Merch also has their own line of shirts - Hello Apparel (shown here). These tees and sweatshirts are extremely popular right now with bloggers and readers, and are blowing up on social media (check out their instagram!). Click here to see all of the shirts they carry, and here to see the rest of their own line.

I have been wanting the "I'M SO TIRED" tee, but after they just released the below styles - I think I might have to do the crossed arrows instead (since it's my logo!). I also love the baseball stripe tee just below.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

xoxo

ZARA: TRF

2013-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Zara's TRF collection is just. so. good.

I feel like Zara can do no wrong.

TRF (Trafuluc) is like the casual litter sister to the more sophisticated main line.

And as always - certain pieces are selling out quickly.

I'm not really an impulse buyer. I actually don't like shopping in stores because I get overwhelmed, can't decide, and end up leaving with nothing. I'm an online shopper... I need time to think about my purchases and make decisions. However, after missing out on items from Zara numerous times before (remember those leopard sandals?) this time I got a jump on it, and ordered a few of these pieces. SO not me to do that, and I was actually quite proud of myself. Yep, proud of myself for shopping.

A NEW NIGHTSTAND

2013-01-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hello there!

Some of you are probably enjoying a 3-day weekend (myself included),

but for those of you who had to head back to work today - I'm sorry.

Boo!

I'm looking for a new nightstand for our bedroom...

a home for my cup of water, glasses, phone, and whatever book I might be reading.

And while I'm loving the mid century modern stands above,

I also adore the idea of simply using a stool.

one // two // three // four // five // six

FRIDAY'S NOVEL

2013-01-18T06:50:00.001-05:00

(One of my favorite quotes... I know I've shared it with you before.)

Hello all, This post is a long one. Today (with her permission) I am sharing bits of emails from a lovely gal who emailed me last spring. We got together to talk about blogging, as she was looking to start her own blog; however, since then she has decided not to - for reasons that I fully understand and respect - and reasons described below. I know it's a lot to read, and I don't expect you to read it all, but she is such a wonderful writer (so funny and honest)... even her emails were good. I hope maybe you'll at least read the last email.

>>> <<<

4-25-12

to the author of lovely and rust, molly -

my morning routine is simple. take the lid off of my traveling coffee to cool, check emails, but before responding to them...i read my most favorite blogs. many at the top of my list are written in new york, australia, spain, some in chicago and russia. but when thinking of beginning my own blog, mainly to share what i view as most inspiring to women in columbus, i was at a loss to find anything that seemed to fit "my style." that is, until i came across your recent post on nat the fat rat.

i'm not sure if you've ever had the feeling of an empty spot on your creativity shelf, but being in columbus, often surrounded by a lack of unique design and fashion, it's been a struggle to find a way to connect my lifestyle with my online loves. you do it so well. hip-hip-hooray!

i'm still hoping to start a blog to let all my inspiration flow out of me like a sprinkler. if you're free, i'd love to treat you to a coffee and blog chat. it would be so nice to know how someone got started.

cheers,
m.

6-15-12

to molly, the girl who gave me a wonderful compliment and whom i'm looking forward to meeting.

would you be free next thursday by chance? i'm open to locations as i want to be sure you aren't going out of your way or jumping hurdles to find a parking space.

open to dates.
open to times.
open to locations.
closed only to tube tops.

6-21-12

thanks, molly. i'm sure i sound incredibly creepy by my confidence in pointing you out from the photos you've posted on your blog. however...i'm confident that i'll be able to point you out from the photos you've posted on your blog.

see you there!

6-25-12 (post meeting)

both blindly and quickly, i put my hair in a bun on the top of my head. a 3pm ritual, my eyelids became heavy as excel sheets served as a wall between my day and my evening. and then, as i shifted my glasses to the bridge of my nose, i decided that an email to you could serve as my break. i take a sip of cool water from an old panera coffee mug to get me started. and now, i'll let my fingers dance over the keys while i tell you how much of a pleasure it was to have met you.

i'm sure most people in my life have grown sick of the stories i told them about the night under a green umbrella in grandview. mostly because it was genuinely refreshing to sit with someone who understood what it is i struggle with creatively, and how important it is for people like you, and perhaps like me, to express it.

to sit.
to sip.
to discuss likes and wants without needing to explain why or what.
it was all so appreciated. truly.

as for progress, i've set up a new email address and tumblr account to house all of my colors, shapes and letters. i'm running with your advice, and not even stopping to be sure my shoes are tied. i hope to spend some time in the next couple of weeks really working on a basic design and text to begin. i work well with deadlines and hope that in a month or so i can finally write to you once again, only this time wearing the "blogger" label.

9-27-12

to the blogger who was kind enough to remember my birthday,

I'm going on my eighth day of being 27. and before the first of those days neared, i read an article in the new york times. what i remember most from the paragraphs of words, was sehnsucht, which translates as "addictive yearning." i read further, and almost like wiping a window covered in steam from the kitchen, something became clear to me.

my unacknowledged desire to want. and my constant reach for something i couldn't find.

maybe this unacknowledged desire was my longing for tangible aesthetics (clothes, the cross-shoulder leather bag, a patterned rug that was born to live in my short north living room), but perhaps it was a strong desire of a lifestyle that i lacked. the blogs i read (present company's excluded), have stayed alive by breathing photos of beautiful girls in alleyways; of quiet mornings in a parisian coffee shop with the token cappuccino; of friends drinking wine and beer on a brooklyn rooftop that's beautifully urban. all of these images had one thing in common - none of them were my reality.

i would often begin my mornings with coffee and blogs. by lunch i would think my life was only a shadow of something i truly wanted. was it a bigger city that i longed for? maybe it was simply a candid photo taken of me and sean laughing on a night i wore my signature red lipstick. in any case, i became obsessed with clicking through the most beautiful people on the internet trying to find what i believed would make me feel complete and brave. pretty and purposeful.

i wasn't happy. i felt lost and unsure. and then, there it was. sehnsucht.

i would like a place to store my creativity; my words; those photos i flag as inspiration to cook, dress, decorate. although leafing through my google reader is still seemingly routine, i spend little time wanting what someone else has, and enjoying what i already do. for me, it's been a step back from my own crippling thoughts of what should be and welcoming what already is. because of this, i've decided against beginning my own blog.

not all blogs fall under the sehnsuct umbrella, however. i still flag inspiring posts. without them, how would i know to hang a set of antlers on my wall next to a $3 mirror from a local flea market? how could i have possibly known that neon tennis shoes and the perfect bag was what i craved for weekend strolls (a nod to your most recent post)?

your encouragement has been nothing short of necessary. perhaps you were the nudge i needed to reintroduce myself to writing. over beers and hummus i met someone in columbus ohio who inspires me through her postings and makes me feel like knowing your personal style is not a task, but enjoyment. that living in ol' columbus town is not small, but a welcomed challenged to create your own urban lifestyle.

your style friend, and follower,
m

>>> <<<

Thank you for reading; and allowing me to share ~~something~~ someone that really made me think. The last email struck such a cord with me. To be honest, like m, I constantly struggle with comparing myself to others. I recently had a good friend say something to me about my lack of confidence lately... and when I thought about it, sadly, I think it has a lot to do with reading blogs. Isn't that horrible? I think sometimes it's hard to read blogs written by beautiful women, who have beautiful families, who are given clothes and things by sponsors, and who appear to have perfect lives... and to remember that their lives are not perfect. And it's hard to not compare yourself or your life to theirs. Or at least it's hard for me... but I'm trying to stop.

I named my blog Lovely + Rust for many reasons. The name represents my love for lovely things... beautiful things, as well as my love for vintage and history. And the name of my future vintage shop (which is now a reality; although, I'm having a hard time finding time for it). But, the name was also supposed to represent appreciating the good and the bad in life. You stumble across that piece at a flea market that is lovely and rusty all at once... and it's perfect because it's imperfect, and it has so much history. And I think life is a lot like that. There is beauty in imperfection, and no one has a perfect life. Sometimes I think we all forget that.

Thank you, m, for writing such beautiful emails and being so honest. In asking for my help, you inspired me in turn. Especially now, when I'm struggling with finding time to blog, it's so nice to know there are people reading and silently pushing me along.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

BIRTHDAY FISH

2013-01-16T06:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband!

Today, he works all day and has class all night (boo!), so we celebrated an evening early by going to one of his favorite places for dinner (Surly Girl). The Mr. ordered one of those meals they serve in a school lunch tray. Not only do you get a cupcake, but you also get a toy, or some other sort of gadget like the kind in Cracker Jack boxes. Tonight he got the Fortune Teller Fish...

...and the fish says my hubby is jealous and fickel (lying fish).

Happy Birthday to my funny, intelligent, loyal, thoughtful, talented, handsome husband - Israel.

I love you more than words can say.

GIRLS ON BIKES

2013-01-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Free People's January 2013 lookbook - Girls On Bikes - arrived in our mailbox late last week, and I immediately sat down to study every page. It is beyond good. The lookbook was shot in Amsternam by Guy Aroch, and I simply felt transported there.

And it's especially cool while flipping through - to see Ax + Apple jewels on the gals (above right - ax necklace). Jamie Lyn, you are a rockstar, my friend!

I just want to put on a long flowy dress and be somewhere warm. Click here to shop the January 2013 Free People collection.

HAPPY WEEKEND

2013-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hello there, I hope you all had a wonderful week. My first week at the new job... and I want to thank you in advance for sticking with me until I figure out how to make time for Lovely + Rust! Blogging is really not something I intend to stop doing, but I am realizing my free time is going to be pretty limited, so I'll do my best to keep this space updated. You can sign up for email updates on the right sidebar, and you will receive an email when I post something new.

Yesterday was my birthday, and I came home to the table set for dinner (cooked by the Mr.) and wine on the table. He gave me a gift card for an hour long massage, and the sweetest card I've ever received. I've only had a massage once before, and it was about eight or nine years ago. Needless to say I'm pretty excited!

Thanks to all of my friends for the texts, voice messages, and facebook posts... and thank you, Daisy May dog for my picture messages (and thanks to her momma, Nicole! Photoshop skills of a professional).

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!