Sneak Peak: Free People Kansas City

Happy Friday!! Though I'm very much looking forward to flying home to my loved ones in Seattle today, I'm also sad to leave our beautiful new Free People in Kansas City. It was my first time being the only display coordinator at an opening and though it was a lot to take on I feel so proud and inspired by what I was able to accomplish. So here is a little sneak peak of what I've been up to in KC this week...

More to come in the next week and make sure to pop over to Design For Mankind later today for this week's edition of Artful Interiors. Hope you all have a wonderfully inspired weekend, Enjoy!

Love it / Live it: A Painted Pant

Hello! I apologize for how little I've been posting lately, I've been going nonstop for weeks and just haven't been able to get away to gather and compile inspirations to share. But I've certainly been inspired, creating art full time for my favorite brand, Free People, has been absolutely incredible.  Today I'm actually coming to you from Kansas City and I have to say it is kind of wonderful here. The weather has been gorgeous and sunny and the city itself is quite beautiful with green, blossomed trees sprinkling every street. More on that soon but in the mean time I wanted to share these painterly gems with you...

I love the unusual palette of artist Allan P. Friedlander's textured painting. The pink and green create a surprisingly fresh vibe and these pants are unbelievable. They're the perfect mix of savvy business chic and freestyle artist all in one comfy little pant. Anyone know where to find them? I may have to just whip up a pair myself...Enjoy!!



Love it / Live it: To Climb a Mountain

As I've mentioned, I've been completely enthralled with the mountains this year. I love their enormity, the strong juxtaposition they provide to the tree lined horizon, and the life metaphors they represent. There is so much growth, shedding of the old and gaining of the new and lovingly labored accomplishment in climbing a mountain, whatever that mountain may be in your life, that having them in view is awe inspiring to me. With that said, I love this serene sunlit view of Mt. Rainier painted by William Wendt...

William Wendt / skirt via Nasty Gal

and naturally I'm in love with this mini, a mountain view in my favorite palette? Yes, please! Hope you're having a wonderful week so far...Enjoy!

An Artful Weekend // Paul Brewster

Ah, Friday. Although this has been an amazing week surrounded by some very talented and creative people, I'm happy Friday is here because it means I'll be heading home to Seattle. However, I've been warned that the weather has been quite miserable so I'm taking in these bright blues from artist Paul Brewster for my clear sky fix in anticipation...

I love the transparency of the blues and the play of positive and negative space. They're seemingly simple yet I can't stop looking into each giclee print more and more...Enjoy!

Photo Diary // Free People Aspen, CO

Happy Monday! I'm so excited to share some tidbits from last week's adventure to Colorado to visit Free People's three stores there, and the absolute highlight of the trip was getting to go to the beautiful mountain town of Aspen. I fell completely in love with this place and I fell hard. The town is so peaceful and lovely, and everywhere you look you are completely surrounded by snow covered mountains. And when I say surrounded, I mean they are seriously right there. Given the love affair I've been having with the mountains this year, I was pretty much ready to move in. We completely lucked out with a couple clear sunny days and when it came time to head out I did not want to leave...

The brand new Free People there is stunning with high white ceilings and a distinct Wintery feel. From the warm wood floors to the stenciling and woven rattan light fixtures, it quickly became my favorite Northwest District store. And by the time I had a chance to tackle the big blank wall I was sent there to beautify, I was beyond inspired...

The Aspen store feels so special and unique I wanted to give them their own special twist on the neon and jute string art we've been adding to our Spring display. And doesn't it pair perfectly with the Nearly Famous Shift Dress? I might just have to snag the grey version for myself...Enjoy!



Impactful Inspo // This Shape..

One of my favorite parts about traveling for Free People is getting to see all the different Urban Inc. stores around the country. It's so wonderful to see how the experienced and veteran display artists at Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters across the country use the same inspiration in so many unique ways. I was especially inspired by this gorgeous pentagonal moment in Denver's Urban Outfitters [oh yeah, and that ombre tower isn't too shabby either..]...

This artist at the Heidi Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne, Australia took it to a whole other level making the scale larger than life. And the intricately woven pops of color make it even more amazing, who knew wood and string could be so impactful? What's been inspiring you lately?

Patterned Pastels

I'm not usually one for soft or dull hues, but these perfectly patterned pastel moments have me changing my tune. With such bold and repetitive designs, the warm cream gives your eyes a lovely little break....

via ATMOSTHEORY

I'm currently writing from Denver, Colorado and I have to tell you, I kind of love it here. The mountains are even closer and more exquisite than in Seattle and there is a wonderful outdoorsy vibe that makes me feel at home. We've hit Boulder and Cherry Creek and later this afternoon we'll be hopping on a flight to Aspen to see Free People's new store there too! Did I mention that I am still pinching myself at this amazing job?! Enjoy!

Colored Daylight: Teal + Light

It is becoming increasingly evident that I have a bit of an addiction to the color teal, without even realizing it, it has become one of the most dominant colors in my home and wardrobe. And I'm especially loving it paired with bright moments of efforvescent light...

from top: Catherine Jeltes / via FASHIONISENDLESS / Dale Frank / Bailman 2012

The color is stunning in sheer silk or textured velour, catching the light beautifully. Happy Monday everyone, what color is your life lately? Enjoy!