I have placed myself on a shopping hiatus. At {almost} 43, I am sort of stuck stylistically. First, let me reassure you, I don’t prescribe to any notion of “dressing your age”. Women absolutely don’t need to be told what they can and can’t wear. For me, it’s more a change in my attitude towards clothes and fashion. My life is quite simple and I don’t need a separate work wardrobe. Other than workout gear and casual apparel {jeans and tee}, I’m still finding my way. So, instead of buying more of the same and creating more clothing waste, I am just taking a break for a while.
The idea of Fewer, Better is a great principal. It is the philosophy behind the brand Cuyana. “We believe in style over trends, in quality over quantity, in loving your closet. We believe that fewer, better things lead to a fuller, better life.” Oh my gosh, YES! Less stuff. Their design aesthetic is clean, simple lines and tailored silhouettes.
I had never purchased from their site, but was recently gifted this amazing leather pouch. It is the perfect color blush and made from soft, supple leather. I have used it as a clutch on a night out and in my carry-on to hold my headphones and Kindle. I can tell that it is going to last and it is beautiful to carry. I will be happy to support this brand in the future. Investing in fewer, quality pieces is a step in the right direction.
PS:// I love their Lean Closet movement and I am putting this weekender bag on my birthday wish list.
I have been thinking about, planning, postponing and drafting this post for many months. If you have been a reader for the past few years, you surely noticed my absence in posting regularly-or posting at all. A brief history of Where is June? starts with the blog being a private, “just between friends” space to share my small victories and shortcomings as a mother. Somewhere around 2011 I decided I missed writing and I thought blogging would be a fun outlet. My blog became public on Blogspot. As I began to write and post more frequently, I started to obsessively follow other blogs. The community was creative and intoxicating. I read books about successful blogging practices, attended a conference, learned to take photos, purchased my own URL and Where is June?, as you see it today, was born in 2013. I found success with growing readership, collaborations with companies, and a shout out in a Better Homes & Garden round-up. It felt great. Until it didn’t.
I lost my way. While I really wanted to find a niche and somehow make money by writing and blogging- it was out of reach. Or at least it felt like it. I am the first to admit I do not have an entrepreneurial mind set (I started as a business major and made a quick switch after one year. Undeclared was better than one more business class.) Should I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone? Probably. Could I have asked friends and acquaintances for business advice? Absolutely. BUT…I didn’t.
If I wasn’t going to monetize the blog, what would it be? I dream of fashion, but I am not a fashion blogger. I try new recipes all the time, but I am not a food blogger. I love my kids desperately, but I am not a mommy blogger. Working out feeds my soul, but I am not a fitness blogger. Nothing makes me happier than planning a trip, but I am not a travel blogger. Home design is an obsession, but I’m not a designer. I enjoy creating layouts and taking pictures, but I’m not a graphic artist or photographer. If I’m not any of those things, what the hell am I doing? So I stopped.
And now I am ready to start again. {Thank you for reading this far. You made it through all the rambling} I have decided Where is June? can be anything I want it to be. {It does seem obvious, I know.} I don’t need to follow any rules or any specific model. As the posts begin to pop up more frequently, I hope they are inspired and a bit different. I want it to feel like a conversation you might have with your girlfriends while sharing a bottle of Rose. Nothing forced. Just me sharing with you, just like I would with my friends. The pictures will probably be from my iPhone and the layouts won’t be perfect, but I promise the writing will be real. It will be authentic. And most importantly, it will be me.
I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading. If you have ever shared one of my posts, you are a lovely human. Here is to more great posts and to building an online community of friends.
PS// I’d love to hear what you have enjoyed reading here on the blog in the past. Leave a comment below or direct message me.
About 2 weeks ago, while washing my face before bed, I noticed my double piercing in my left ear lobe. Strange how you notice things, right? I had the piercing done in high school, but I haven’t worn an earring in it for probably 20 years. I spontaneously decided to try and poke an earring through. With a little work (and a bit of discomfort), VOILA! Since then I have worn one of these simple studs, which I absolutely love. Now I’m totally smitten with multiple piercings and on the search for alternatives to wear. Catbird, a jewelry design company in Brooklyn, has so many great options. They have simple, modern styles that are perfect for a second piercing. They even sell some earrings as singles.
Happiest Friday to all of you! We are just back from a week long ski trip to Steamboat Springs, CO. Maybe some of you saw the pictures over on Instagram. We didn’t get any new snow, but the blue skies and sun were pretty amazing for this “barely” intermediate skier. After 2 seasons on downhill skis {something I said I would never do}, I am starting to grasp the obsession. My favorite part of of skiing on this trip? Quiet moments on the chair lift with my husband or my kids. Which, of course, were directly followed by real moments of my ten year old swearing like a trucker and my almost teen rolling his eyes at me. Gotta keep things balanced!
Here are few things that interest and inspire me this week:
1. Frame wallpaper and your own printed snap shots would be so great in a play room or kitchen.
3. Northwest winters require sturdy footwear and these boots might be the perfect investment. Don’t you think they will only get better with time? I was surprised by the brand!?!
4. I came across LIVELOVESARA when I was packing for a recent trip to NYC. Now I’m obsessed. She breaks down packing for trips and dressing for the everyday.
5. Cement tiles are one of my favorite things. These black and white beauties surrounded the bar at Salt and Lime in Steamboat Springs. So good. {PS/ I love their URL!}
6. No, I’m not going vegan. But, since I don’t cook with dairy, these recipes are great for me! Maybe try to cook one vegan meal a week and see how it goes?
Before it closed, I was able to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I wish I had gone earlier during its run because I would have loved to have gone back! Either way, it literally took my breath away. Admittedly, I think of fashion art, so this exhibit spoke to me. Yves Saint Laurent was a true artist. From his sketches, to the dresses, to the way he incorporated modern art and mood into his collections-it was obvious he was a genius and his medium just happened to be clothing. His genius is timeless. Many of gowns could be worn on the red carpet today and the celebrity would land herself on the the best dressed list. Quality and details matter. In the age of fast fashion- fit, craftsmanship, and detailing is often overlooked. He painstakingly chose fabrics and added details that make his work inspiring.
Here a few of my favorite snap shots from the exhibit {all taken on my iPhone}:
There were hundreds of his sketches from collections spanning decades. He sketched each gown or ensemble and added fabric swatches for each creation.
Any one of these pieces could be worn today! The prints, draping and details feel so modern.
The 1980’s, in all its absolute grandeur! That bow.
Modern suiting at its finest. I’d love to see an actress rock that modern tuxedo at a movie premier! The cuffs and collar {heart eyes!}
The showstopper. She stood alone. In a room of Andy Warhol paintings. Simple, but so edgy!
I’m eager to watch this film about Yves Saint Laurent. Like any artistic genius, he was tormented much of his life. After seeing his work, I am so curious to know more about him.
It has been frigidly cold in Seattle this week…but it came with abundant sunshine and I will take it! What are you up to this weekend? I am FINALLY going to see YSL exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I tried to go on Thursday with my sister-in-law, but the exhibit was sold out. Ooops. Instead, we did a little day drinking……
Here are a few things that inspire and interest me this week:
1. Where is this snowy oasis? Makes you want to ski week, doesn’t it?!
If I’m being honest, I didn’t love 2016. Not at all. My family is healthy & happy and we had a wonderful year. And yet, I felt unsettled. Is it age? Is it my health? Is there something more for me? Loud, giant questions- with what I’m sure will be simple, quiet answers in the months and years to come. I want to feel hopeful in this new year. I read something this weekend to eliminate resolutions and turn them into revolutions. Oh, how much do you love that?!?
So, in this first week, I am starting personal practices that will carry me through the year. Mindfulness, wellness, journaling, strengthening connections, and creating joy. If I know myself, the starting is easy and the follow through is the challenge. I hope that creating structure to each practice will enable me to keep it going. It’s going to be tough work and I’m certain I will be uncomfortable, but I also know it’s going to be worth it!
A giant storm is heading toward us. The rain has already arrived and the wind is set to hit later today. If we are lucky enough to keep our power, it will be a cozy weekend. The boys want to make Halloween cookies and I want a big pot of soup. Stay dry, stay safe and give your little ones an extra long hug. Life is precious.
Here a few things that interest and inspire me this week:
1. A DIY costume that’s too sweet for words! If only I was willing to “make” a costume. {Although I can’t wait until Big W’s costume arrives in the mail!}
This week was an absolute blur. I worked Monday – Thursday {more on that in an upcoming post} and suddenly it’s Friday. The forecast shows rain all weekend, so it seems we are entering our hibernation mode. {At least I will be.} Time to break out that happy light! Are you going hunting for the great pumpkin this weekend? It is that time of year!
Here are a few things that inspire or interest me this week:
It’s a Friday Night Lights kind of night. We are headed to the UW v. Stanford football game this evening. Well, actually the fun starts this afternoon. Looking forward to catching up with college friends and being back on campus. What are you up to this weekend? Fall is here! Have a good one. xo
Here are few things that inspire and interest me this week:
1. A misty view at Machu Picchu. Seriously on the bucket list.
2. Have you ever heard of magic cakes? Looks delicious, right?
3. Calm living at its finest. This takes “dwell well” to a whole new level.
