Embracing Summer and Rediscovering My Creative Roots: A Journey Beyond Home Decor
Welcome to the official start of summer 2023! Today, I’m thrilled to share a very different kind of post, a personal reflection that takes a delightful detour from my usual focus on home decorating. While transforming living spaces remains a passion, this summer, I’m embracing a creative journey back to my roots.
Many long-time readers might know this little secret, but for those new to my corner of the internet, you might be surprised to learn that when I first started blogging, my very first post wasn’t about home decor at all. It was actually about women’s fashion.
From Visual Merchandising to Digital Creations
My blogging adventure began in 2009. At that time, I was navigating life as a new empty-nester, suddenly finding myself with more time to explore creative pursuits. My professional background as a visual merchandiser for department stores had instilled in me a deep love for style and presentation. One of my favorite weekly tasks involved dressing mannequins with the latest arrivals, accessorizing them with my unique flair. It was a truly enjoyable part of my career, one I greatly missed after transitioning to a stay-at-home mom.
Around 2005, I started sketching my outfit ideas on paper, simply for the joy of it. This rekindled passion for illustration eventually led me to create this blog, a platform where I could share my colorful drawings and other creative endeavors.
The Unexpected Turn: From Fashion to Home Decor
I accumulated many illustrations over the years. Some found their way into frames, while others remained tucked away in notebooks. The blog was initially conceived as a space to bring these visual stories to life. However, the path of blogging often takes unexpected turns.
One of my early posts, far removed from fashion, shared a simple yet ingenious idea: how to hang plates on a wall using ordinary paper clips. To my absolute astonishment, it went viral! The response was overwhelming, and I quickly realized that my readers, especially new ones, were incredibly enthusiastic about budget-friendly ideas for their homes. This pivotal moment shifted the blog’s direction entirely. I began posting more content focused on DIY home projects and decor tips, and the blog flourished, leaving my initial vision for a fashion-focused platform temporarily behind.
Summer Refresh: Returning to the Art of Illustration
Fast forward to today, and with summer officially here, I’ve just wrapped up a major home improvement project – the cable railing installation on our front porch. This achievement has inspired me to take a well-deserved break from large-scale DIY endeavors this season. While I’ll still be sharing updates on three smaller decor projects as they come to fruition, you won’t see me hauling lumber from Home Depot or Lowe’s, or wrestling with power tools over the next few months.
Instead, I want to dedicate time to drawing again. I find the process incredibly relaxing and meditative. My aim isn’t to be a fine artist, but rather to enjoy the creative freedom of drawing realistic objects using vibrant markers. This passion was ignited in my pre-teen years, captivated by the colorful and whimsical illustrations of Hallmark artist, Betsey Clark, back in the early 1970s.
Influences and Iconic Fashion Illustrations
As I matured, my artistic inspirations expanded. I meticulously studied every page of Susan Branch’s enchanting books, admiring how she blended her beautiful illustrations with written narratives about cooking and life on Martha’s Vineyard. The renowned fashion stylist, Kim Johnson Gross, also profoundly influenced my appreciation for style and presentation.
Over time, I discovered that my favorite subject to illustrate was women’s fashion. Long before blogging became commonplace, I created a series of fashion illustrations that I transformed into greeting cards. Each card was a tribute to iconic outfits, drawing inspiration from memorable scenes in movies starring Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn, as well as the beloved vintage Barbie doll dresses from the 1960s.
For instance, the elegant black dress with palette sequin trim, depicted above, is a direct homage to the outfit Audrey Hepburn’s character, Regina Lambert, wore in the thrilling Palais-Royal scene near the end of the classic film Charade, co-starring Cary Grant. The vibrant yellow dress with a delicate pearl top was inspired by Doris Day’s character, Carole Tempelton, in the romantic comedy, Lover Come Back. This particular outfit was worn in the scene where Rock Hudson’s character, Jerry Webster, arrives at her apartment for dinner, albeit with ulterior motives.
The timeless red boucle suit in my “Ladies Who Lunch” illustration was inspired by a charming Barbie outfit, embodying the sophistication of mid-century fashion. Similarly, the striking belted leopard coat, featured in another illustration, was a beloved Barbie ensemble owned by one of my friends. These vintage Barbie styles, with their impeccable detailing, provided endless inspiration for my artwork.
The “Prom Night” dress also stemmed from a cherished Barbie gown. For “Just Browsing,” I drew inspiration from a chic pink day dress famously worn by Jackie Kennedy during her trip to India as the First Lady, capturing her iconic elegant simplicity.
The elegant green gown with its sparkly top and a luxurious mink stole was yet another nod to Jackie Kennedy’s impeccable style. For “Strolling the Promenade,” I was inspired by the sophisticated brown and white polka dot dress worn by Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian Ward, in the memorable polo watching scene from the beloved movie Pretty Woman. Each illustration tells a story, reflecting a moment in fashion history that continues to inspire.
Sharing the Art: Free Fashion Printables
These detailed illustrations were originally created for print, optimized for tangible greeting cards rather than screen resolution. However, I’m excited about the possibility of transforming them into free printables for anyone who would love to have them. It’s a wonderful way to share a piece of my artistic journey with you.
It’s fascinating to observe how fashion content creation has evolved. When I first began drawing these intricate illustrations, the concept of fashion flat lays created with phone apps simply didn’t exist. Today, it’s a popular and incredibly easy method, utilizing images directly from retailer websites to curate stylish looks. This evolution highlights the dynamic nature of both fashion and digital content.
Summer Style on a Budget: Walmart Fashion Finds
Coincidentally, just last week, I received an email from Walmart inviting me to create a post featuring their fashion or beauty finds. Initially, I hesitated, given my blog’s primary focus. But then, a thought struck me: why not embrace this opportunity? I genuinely love fashion, and my blog has always been a space for authentic self-expression. This collaboration felt like a natural way to reconnect with my fashion roots and offer valuable content to my readers.
So, I accepted the challenge and delved into Walmart.com, curating a few fun and stylish outfits that perfectly capture my personal summer style. This exercise allowed me to revisit the joy of creating coordinated looks, much like I did when dressing mannequins, but now in a virtual space. It’s about combining individual pieces – from clothing to accessories and jewelry – to craft a complete and cohesive ensemble for a specific occasion.
Outfit Idea 1: Casual Chic for a Day Out
For a relaxed yet chic “out and about” look, I envisioned a versatile summer dress paired with essential accessories. This easy-breezy outfit is perfect for brunch with friends, a casual shopping trip, or simply enjoying a warm afternoon. The simplicity of the dress provides a perfect canvas for layering accessories that add personality and polish. Think comfort meets effortless style, all found at incredible prices.
Dress | Sunglasses | Bracelet Set | Handbag | Sandals
Outfit Idea 2: Stylish Activewear for Pickleball or Tennis
In my high school and college years, tennis was my life. While hip issues prevent me from playing Pickleball now, I’m constantly captivated by how adorable and functional modern athletic wear has become. The flirty tennis skorts, in particular, always catch my eye. For this outfit, I imagined a vibrant and comfortable ensemble perfect for a morning on the court. It’s a testament to how activewear can be both practical for performance and incredibly stylish, allowing you to feel confident and look great while staying active.
Sleeveless Shirts | Visor | White Skort or Flouncy Skort | Sneaker Socks | Pickleball Racquet | Totebag | Tennis Sneakers
I have a particular fondness for tennis and golf skorts that feature a gentle flare, or those adorned with a playful flouncy ruffle along the bottom. They present a much more polished and stylish alternative to traditional shorts, in my opinion. The photo above, taken at El Dorado Royale on the Yucatan coast in Mexico, shows me wearing a flared skort, though it’s hard to distinguish the detail. This type of activewear truly blends elegance with functionality.
Outfit Idea 3: Dinner and a Movie Elegance
During the warmer months, my go-to choice for casual outings is often a simple, above-the-knee dress. However, for an evening activity like dinner and a movie, a slightly longer dress, paired with a light jacket, becomes an absolute necessity. Movie theaters, for some reason, always seem to be freezing, even in the height of summer! This outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfort for a night out and preparedness for varying temperatures, all while maintaining a refined yet relaxed aesthetic.
Dress | Denim Jacket | Handbag | Bracelet | Shoes
Your Signature Style: What Do You Love?
Do you have those beloved clothing items that you adore so much, you consider buying more than one just in case one gets stained or damaged? That’s precisely how I feel about my tennis skorts – I own quite a few! They are my ultimate comfort and style go-to.
I’d love to hear from you: What item of clothing do you consistently reach for in your closet without a second thought, confident that it always looks great? Share your style staples in the comments below!
I hope you enjoyed this journey into a different side of my creative life, perhaps one you weren’t familiar with. It’s been a joy to share these personal reflections and fashion explorations with you. XO.
Here’s to a Stylish and Creative Summer!
Beyond Fashion: DIY Posts with an Artistic Touch
Even within my home decor content, I’ve often woven in my love for illustration and creative detail. Here are a few DIY posts where my artistic touch has shined through:
- How to Make Decorative Trim for Decor
- Reinvent a Gift Bag with Creative Details
- Creative Ideas When Sending Letters Via Snail Mail