Norge

I'm not Norwegian. At all. Not even 1/8th or anything. Yet, having spent a summer there two years ago, there's hardly a place other than home I feel closer to.
Norway taught me so much about myself, what friendship truly is, the power of nature, and what it means to live life as an adventure.
The recent events that have taken place in Oslo have truly saddened me. I feel as though Norway now has a huge gash in it's soul that will take ages to mend. Of all the places I've ever been, domestic and international, Norway was truly the most peaceful.
As a foreigner, you are welcomed with open arms and an invitation to join the Norwegians in their culture. They are the most open and generous people I have ever met. They take such pride in their nation, the land, and their heritage. Coming from America, it is more than refreshing to see people truly grateful and optimistic about their nation, rather than here where it feels as the country as a whole has fallen into a state of lethargy and ambivalence.
The events this week, are simply unfathomable. You simply cannot make sense of it. Who was this guy? And a norwegian? How could he? It's HIS country. The police don't even carry guns, and then this guy...a Norwegian terrorist. It's like something out of a horror movie. See, it makes absolutely no sense.
I send my condolences to all those who were affected, especially the families of all the teens who were met with such a sad occasion. Luckily, I have not known anyone who has been hurt, or even directly affected. Still, it feels almost personal.
I have been impressed at how the politicians in Norway have responded to the horrific events. They have done so in mourning, but with grace. I look forward to seeing how Norway will grow from this experience and I hope that America, will be able to look to them as inspiration to overcome devastating events not by pointing fingers and fighting, but by a sense of national hope and desire for further understanding.
I send my love to Norway, and can't wait to see you again soon.

What the Walls Wore

Orange Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know this ad is rather orange, but the weather has crossed over 40 degrees (!!!!) and it has me dreaming of summer.
Hopefully it won't be long before the sun is all the warmth we need!

Floral Stems

It's only the second day of fashion week, but after looking through all the shows so far, I can tell that printed pants are going to be all the rage. I'm definitely not complaining! I've been lusting after a floral pair for quite some time. These pants by Steven Alan are the epitome of vintage cool. The print is super fun and poppy, but the relaxed flare shape makes them super wearable. I know printed pants seem intimidating, but I think this trouser shape and the varied size of the flowers really flattering. Plus...isn't it time to have a little color in fall fashion?
I definitely think some floral pants will be the cure to the next year's round of frigid weather.
Photo via Style.com

It's a Hazy Tropical Winter

Beautiful Pictures taken in Kuala Lumpur
I love the way there is such a blend of decay and beauty. I stumbled upon these photos on a whim searching through images on Google. It is truly amazing what you can find.

Røsslyng

I've begun (or at least reinstated) a tumblr.
You can find it at http://rosslyng.tumblr.com
Røsslyng is the the Norwegian national flower. In English It is commonly called heather. This little purple flower as an individual flower can get lost in the wild landscape, but when it joins itself with others, it becomes the landscape itself.
It's beautiful and at least a little...thoughtful.

If You're Going to San Francisco

I love the idea of wearing flowers in hair for daily wear, and especially taking it to the next level and making the flowers really sculptural and unique. Both of these photographs, despite the attention to the accessories, really capture the romantic beauty of these ladies (the top one being Lia Ices, which is an incredible musician). I can't wait to try this out once spring hits. I have a feeling this is the perfect way to elevate a minimal look into something really special.

Odille and Odette

I love these images from Vogue Russia February 2011.
I think it is entirely appropriate for this editorial being in Russia, one of the ballet centers of the world.
Following the Black Swan buzz, I think it's really interesting to play on how ballet and fashion work together. The play between Good and Evil, Odille and Odette within these images is fascinating and quite clever.
I've always been inspired by ballet and this editorial does an absolutely phenomenal job juxtaposing the two in a very interesting way. I'd love to see how they'd interpret other famous ballets.
Maybe when the next movie about ballet makes it big....

Agnes Obel

Agnes Obel "Just So" 

This song is so beautiful. It sounds like a winter evening alone.

How Perfect.

Studio Dreams

I'm beginning to think that moving out of my parent's house may actually become a reality. One of the things that is really important to me when I'm choosing a place is that I really want to include a studio or working space into my home. My mom reminded me that if I live alone I don't have to have a typical living room, kitchen, bedroom, but I can have my space however I like it.
This studio from Oh Happy Day is the absolute epitome of what I would love my studio to look like. I love the colors, the textures, and the incredible amount of light. I absolutely had to share such an inspirational space!