Kelly Rae Roberts's Blog, page 26

The War Of Art: Best book ever

Friends, I've had this book on my nightstand for weeks but I finally picked it up last week and OMGoodness, this book is the best book ever. Powerful. Inspiring. Sucker-punch after sucker-punch of truth. It's not just about art, it's about LIFE. As I was reading through it, I got so inspired and excited that I started taking photos and instagramming a couple of the passages. I could barely help myself.

Like this one. He had me at page one, that Mr. Pressfield. Wow. 

And then this one. How true, no?
And this one made me tear up a bit. Because it's also true. Hard. But true.  
Everyone I know is getting a copy for Christmas. For reals. It's not everyday that I'm impacted by such a book. I had to share. Highly recommended. 

(new holiday art!)
PS: Stay tuned these next couple of days. On Sunday, I'm announcing my next e-course (hello, nerves!). And then next Tuesday, we're having a HUGE holiday giveaway party here on the blog with over 60 prizes up for grabs (WHOA!). 
X to the O, friends. I hope your season is off to a good start. More soon!Kelly Rae

The Wear Your Joy Project

One day I started to get more intentional about what I was wearing, choosing only to wear clothes that delighted my spirit and lit me up. And then I started to share my almost daily #dressedupinjoy selfies over on my Instagram feed.  And then I invited others to join me, using #thewearyourjoyproject as the hashtag. This project has reminded how nothing in this life is superficial - but rather when our hearts speak, we gotta listen. We just never know where it will take us. In this case, it's taken me to something bigger - it's not about boots or pairing together perfect outfits. It's about wearing our joy.
Click here to read the full story of how this project came to be. 
Click here to see/read all the blog posts in this series. 
Click here if you want to follow along in Instagram (use #thewearyourjoyproject to join in!)

I'm reminded how nothing in this life is superficial - but rather when our hearts speak, we gotta listen. We just never know where it will take us. In this case, it's taken me to something bigger - it's not about boots or pairing together perfect outfits. It's about wearing our joy. - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2...
I'm reminded how nothing in this life is superficial - but rather when our hearts speak, we gotta listen. We just never know where it will take us. In this case, it's taken me to something bigger - it's not about boots or pairing together perfect outfits. It's about wearing our joy. - See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/2... are a few of my favorite dressed-up-in-joy outfits from the last couple of weeks....


Nothing I love more than a dress/sweater piece. I bought this one a a tiny boutique in Kansas City a couple of years ago - not sure of the brand of it, or the red boots (also a really old pair/purchase) either. The earrings are a favorite staple, by the crazy talented Jen Goff - The Takara Collection. I adore everything Jen creates. Love her style. The skinny jeans are NYDJ (best jeans ever for anyone with muffin top, like me) and the slip dress is a wardrobe essential from Free People. 

My stylist friend, Lynx, taught me how to create a dress "look" with a slip, a cotton fitted tunic (from H+M Basics Collection), and a shirt. The result? LOVE! This shirt is from Tumbleweed, one of my all time favorite boutiques in Portland (and where I got my wedding dress 12 years ago). And the boots are Fryes. Love the pairing of purple and blue...who knew?

I've had these l.o.v.e letters on my mirror for years - a good reminder to have some self-compassion. Both the shirt and the ruffle sweater are old Anthro finds and my skinny jean go to brand. 
John bought me this shirt last year for Christmas. He rarely buys clothes for me, but love it when he does! It's a Free People shirt that he found at Nordstroms. Speaking of Nordies, I'm loving that you can now buy online with free returns/shipping, just like Amazon. Hello, ease.

Same ol skinnies (I have a couple pair of these that I'm always rotating in/out of the wash). Plus my Old Gringo boots. Plus a favorite shirt I bought earlier this year at....you guessed it, Anthro :)

More layers! Theres a skirt under that ruffle slip dress (from Anthro years ago), paired with a cropped yellow knit sweater I've had for years and years. And my go to Fryes. Man, I love boots.  

Wanna join the Wear Your Joy Project? Feel free to join in with me over on Insta (use #thewearyourjoyproject to join in!) or Facebook or your blogs or just in private.

Feel free to join in with me over on Insta or Facebook or your blogs or just in private. I hope you'll learn what I'm relearning: Style isn’t superficial. It’s the call of your heart, made visible — and wearable.- See more at: http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/s... hope you'll learn what I'm relearning: Style isn’t superficial. It’s the call of your heart, made visible — and wearable.

XO,
Kelly Rae

PS: You guys have been asking for these for a long, long time. I'm finally happy to announce that we have POSTCARDS Packs!!!!! And they're gorgeous, friends. Frame them. Give them away. Gift them. They. Are. Awesome. And you can get them here! 

Around Here Lately

I've been working hard over here in the studio. Feeling completely LIT UP these days with art, with upcoming projects, with ideas. Love it when this happens. I've been creating new imagery in the way of feathers and hearts and (oh!) a hummingbird which so sweetly emerged on my studio table the other day. Love that. 

I've also been typing my heart out this week (and writing giant notes on the wall again), working on an announcement for my first ever e-course (announcement coming next week!). If I'm being honest, I haven't been this nervous in a long time. It's been a long time since I last put my heart out into the world in this way, and it's all been a good reminder that we gotta be brave with our work, our lives, our hearts. Crazy excited. 

Speaking of putting yourself out there, my mom not only started her first ever Etsy shop, but she also rented a little space in one of Portland's antique/vender markets (For those of you in PDX, the store is called Found, on Freemont Ave) to sell her assemblage art. Go, mom! Speaking of Etsy, have you guys seen this article about Etsy on Msnbc.com? Having started my art business on Etsy back in 2006, I am FOREVER thankful for the opportunity it gave me to create a living as an artist. 

We had a long stretch of gorgeous, sunny Autumn weather - a nice treat for our usually rainy season. I'm in love with this time of year. I've been bundling up in the mornings in my Wear Your Joy outfits and loving that new practice (will post again about it soon).

The other day the elevator was broken at the studio so I had to take the steps and look what I found. Love how the universe works - this is a tag from the Take What You Need signs! Reminds me of the time I was walking the streets of San Francisco and found my first ever business card sitting there on the sidewalk (whoa!). True story. 

Holiday season is in full effect! We kicked it off with a trip to the Zoo Lights. 

And then a trip downtown to see the holiday parade (we all loved it). I can't remember the last time I went to a holiday parade or to see zoo lights (ever?), but having kids brings in the magic of such things.  It's such a dear and fun time of life. Grateful. 

And then there was the decorating of the tree. I adore this shot of someone's little chubby arm and hand reaching into the box. Love, love, love. I'll share pics soon of our holiday decor - we're fully decked out over here. You?

And then this happened. We were having breakfast with the grands before the parade and True decided to draw Grandpa. This is his first person drawing ever and with "fancy legs and arms." I'm also loving the hair that isn't quite attached to the head! As he recently turned three, I was wondering when people drawings would begin and voila! I cannot tell you how much I love this. Definitely getting framed. Did you know that there is a company out there that will take your kid drawings and make them into soft toys? How amazing is that? Thank you to Cherilyn and all the others who posted cool tips about kid drawings over on the FB post (apparently there are companies that can help turn your kid's art into jewelry, too. Who knew?)

I wanted to send a warm thank you to those of you who supported our Cyber Monday Sale yesterday. I'm always overwhelmed by the sincere interest, and support. I heart you, big. For those of you who missed the sale, something tells me that the code "CYBER" is still working for just a little bit longer (wink). 

Ebooks AND signed/matted prints on sale (yee-haw!)

Friends,

It's one of our biggest sales of the year! We are so delighted to offer not only 25% off all signed, matted prints but also 25% off our ebooks, too. Ebooks, too, you say? YES, ebooks too, including the super popular Flying Lessons: Tips + Tricks To Help Your Creative Spirit Soar.

Be sure to enter the code CYBER at checkout to get 25% off!


Here's a little preview of some our favorite prints for gifting (they all come signed, matted and ready to frame): 



An all time favorite for those we cherish and whose lights shine brightly. Available here. 

We love these for our best girlfriends, moms, sisters, soul sisters, and anyone who sees us fully, celebrates with us, and love us deeply. Left: I heart your heartRight: Your heart will never be alone. 

For those in our lives that are seekers of light, of joy, of truth.Left: EmbraceRight: Yes to growing

For those in our life needing some encouragement during the holiday season.Left: The Be Brave ManifestoRight: Breathe

For our mothers, daughters, sons, teachers, and any child we hold dear.Left: Side by sideRight: The Dear Child Manifesto

For those in our lives that we thank our lucky stars for.Left: You are beauty-fullRight: It reads "together, it was a journey of hearts"



EBOOKS are on sale too! 
(lots of love for these ebooks...they're changing lives)



Ever wonder....

: How to build a devoted following and online presence?
: How ultra-successful artists sell, price & package their work?
: How to create a visually stunning website + blog, without spending a lot of $$?
: How to effectively organize your time & energy, and deal with all the outrageous fears that pop up, when you “go public” with your heart’s work?
: How to get published, licensed, and accepted to art shows?
: How to diversify + expand your income with possibility-drenched revenue streams?
: How to stay engaged with your heart while managing the business side of creating a business?

You aren't alone. It took me half a decade of wondering & wandering (and very hard work) to find answers that worked for me. And now, I’ve bundled up my very-best resources & how-tos … for YOU.



Your dream is not impossible. Quite the opposite. Take it from a passionate Possibilitarian, who knows. 

The testimonials and love for these ebooks continue to pour in. They are changing lives! Go get em!



Recap:
* All prints are 25% off. They arrive signed, matted, and ready to frame. Enter code CYBER during check out.
* All ebooks are 25% off. Enter code CYBER during check out.

Xo,
Kelly Rae

ps: We are not very time sensitive over here, so if you read this post, say on Tuesday after Cyber Monday has passed, we're certain the code will still work for you. Hello, ease!

Holiday Gift Ideas to Nourish the Soul!

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.  May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.  Click here to see all the posts in this series. 
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop.   International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them  at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.  


I adore these pop frames! They come in three different colors, all sizes that the canvases come in, and you literally just "pop" any of the wall canvases into the frame. The frame makes the wall canvas, look, I dunno, more "finished" - I just love, love. Find them all right over here. 



I just LOVE these hanging wings...They're big, but not huge. And the color is awesome (this is not the best photo). Comes with chain OR keyhole hanger on the back for hanging. Get yours right over here. 

We are loving these sweet charm necklaces! Vintage inspired, great for layering and totally beautiful! Find them right here: Shine, Explore + Grace. There's also Grow, Fly + Create.

Show up to the party with cookies on this beautiful tray and leave it behind as a hostess gift! Available for purchase here.  We've got lots of trays, actually. Check em out!

I have this frame up in our bedroom. These frames are a mis of canvas art and photo frame! You can see the full length here. These were in the works for a long time and I love having them in the collection. There are three of them. One. Two. Three.


Thanks, friends. Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. I so love what I do.
Warmly,
Kelly Rae

On slowing down and liking YOU (a lot)

(signed print here)
I can feel the holiday vibe out there. The streets and grocery stores are bubbling. There is a higher intensity/vibration level in my body and I can feel my nerves beginning to get a little hay-wired. Just last night, I was checking in with myself to slow down, breathe, and be present. Life moves so quickly these days. It's a constant (sometimes hard) practice to slow it down and connect with our hearts, no?

This year we're doing something we've never done before for Thanksgiving. We've ordered our entire meal from the grocery store - all we have to do is heat it up! Yep, we're taking it eeeaaassssyyy. We'll have the parents over, watch the Packers win (hopefully), turn on the holiday music, and decorate the house for Christmas. There will be lots of togetherness, and not a lot of dishes. Sort of digging the simplicity :).

(signed print available here)
As we move into the Thanksgiving weekend and into the holiday season, I just want to send out deep gratitude for you. I feel so fortunate to be a part of a community that embraces the joys, the messes, the triumphs, the struggles, and the wholeness of deeply lived and loved lives. From my little corner to yours: Joy & Peace. Always. 
A few other things I'm grateful for lately:* John making me tea and lunches to take to work. I'm in major building mode at work right now and his support is critical to our joint efforts to make the dream happen. We're a good team.* True's eagerness to talk and talk and talk and talk and talk :). Loving our conversations lately.* Parenthood, the TV show. I look forward to watching it every week and it makes me cry. Every time. Love that show.* Friends that allow me to make mistakes and don't jump to judgments, but rather understanding. I made a big boo boo the other day and the grace extended my way was healing. * Definitely my parents. So not sure what we'd do without them.* Definitely my health, John's health (continued negative biopsies - woohoo!), our family's health. Having been through, lived through, and witnessed hard stuff, our health and wellbeing I know to be precious and I don't take it for granted. * Grateful for the people who help me make it all happen. My team. They have changed my life this year. * Grateful for normal, everyday days. They are magic. 


Happy Thanksgiving week, you guys! Enjoy your moments. I'm gong to try and pause and slow down and take it all in. I don't want to miss a thing! 
PS: We're hosting a big "Cyber Monday Sale" next week, but between you and me, the codes are already in the system. So, if you fancy yourself one of my super popular ebooks (on how to grow your creative biz) or signed/matted prints, feel free to go for it! They're 25% off with code CYBER. And the sale continues into next week.
XO,Kelly Rae

thank you and a secret message at the bottom of this post!

I really hesitated publishing that post - the one about all the mean spirited comments that come my way. I worried it would trigger more harsh comments. But the second I hit "publish", I felt lighter. And that was a good clue. And then you guys sent me so much love. In the comments of the blog post. On Facebook. In my inbox. Text messages. On Instagram. I didn't realize it, but my heart needed to have its encouragement well filled. And you filled it. And you made me cry in the process.

So, thanks for that. I love this community, like for reals.


In other news, I've been pouring my heart and soul and thoughts and energy into a mixture of BIG projects: my first EVER art e-course is coming soon (sign up for the newsletter if you want to be sure to get on the list), new website coming in 2014, new paintings, and new products just to name a few. Whew! 
It's been a long time since I worked this hard - lots of pieces flying all over the place. It kind of feels and looks a bit chaotic at the moment, but I'm certain it will all land softly and in just the right time and sequence. Been trusting the divine timing of things lately and trying very hard to slow my pace. Hard, but good. 
If I'm being honest, it's been a long time since I've put something like a new e-course in the world - not since True was born, actually! It's a ton of heart work and a ton of hard work, which has me leaping and nervous and excited and afraid and bursting with joy all at once. It's gonna be good, friends. I can't wait. I should have the full details and a sign up page up on the website in another week or so. 

Between all the love and chaos of work, I've been painting and collaging it up here and there. Working on new imagery, including feathers. Feathers! Feels really really good to be in a good practice of making stuff on a regular basis and to expand my horizons, creatively. Good for the soul. 


Speaking of good for the soul, True and John came and painted with me at the studio the other day where True had the best time painting on our studio wall where we normally have our canvases up. In the video, you can hear him say that he's painting a "storm trooper." Love that sweet voice.



And speaking of goodness, I am so delighted and excited to be featured in this month's GiftBeat. It's the first time they've ever featured a licensing artist for their BizBeat profile on the front page, and I'm just so thrilled. The article is all about how I made my way from social worker to artist, and how in many ways that journey is a full circle journey for me (same message, different medium). For those of you who don't know about GiftBeat, it's an industry magazine that gathers data on how products are selling nationwide and is super valuable/useful for retailers nationwide. Thank you, GiftBeat!  




The Vintage House in Carrollton, Texas sent us a photo of their Kelly Rae Christmas tree. WOW! They've been open for 25 years in a PINK house that is over 100 years old and we're delighted they chose to feature our Christmas goodies this year. Thank you, Vintage House! 



A few other little bits and pieces on my brain that I wanted to tell you:
- I did a signing at Garden Gallery this past weekend. SO FUN. I'm doing one more in-store signing event this year. It will be at Cindy's Hallmark (the coolest Hallmark you've been to, promise) on Friday, Dec 6th from 3-6pm. I'll be there, with smiles. Address: 8705 SW Tualatin Sherwood Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
- Many of you have been asking if I'll have any originals listed before the holidays. I will not, but friends, have you seen our new holiday prints? I'm sort of geeking out on the tree and the wreath.

More soon!
X to the O

ps: Don't tell anyone, but our Cyber Monday codes are already in the system. I know it's not for another few days, but feel free to go ahead and use code "CYBER" to get 25% off prints and ebooks. Ebooks, too? YES, ebooks too, including the super popular Whole Shabang (tips + tricks to help your creative biz soar).

Meaningful Gift Ideas to Nourish the Soul!

Each week, I shine a spotlight on a few creations that I'm particularly proud of.  May you be inspired - and perhaps find a little something to nourish your soul.  Click here to see all the posts in this series. 
PS: All of the products featured below (and more) are sold online via Garden Gallery Works (a local shop here in the Portland area), but if you're looking for signed/matted prints and/or originals, you can get these in my online shop.   International customers, Garden Gallery is HAPPY to ship worldwide. Please email them  at gardengalleryorders@gmail.com to get started.  

Decorative Art Girlies:


Besides our wall art canvases, these hanging angels continue to be our best selling item. I've always loved them. 

Blooming is available here . Don't forget she hangs OR you can drop her inside our super cool display stand.
They hang or they stand!
All of these girlies hang OR you can drop them inside our super cool display stand as shown above with the Soul Sister girlie and the Mama girl (which would make awesome gifts if I do say so myself).

Jewelry: These two are from our vintage inspired collection and we think they'd make really thoughtful gifts! Plus, they are completely affordable at $10! Medallion (on the left) can be found here.  And Vintage Pearl (on the right) is available right here.  If you like these you'll also love our Vintage Flower here.

Another from our vintage collection! When I first saw this one my heart could hardly believe it! They are so well made and completely gorgeous! This beauty if available here. 


Aaaand we've got bracelets, friends! Lots of them! The matching bracelet for the above necklace is right here. 

ANd don't forget about our GORGEOUS collection of cuff bracelets too! Explorer of Truth + Beauty cuff here. 
6x6 Wall Canvases: 
I love this size for gifting, friends! Perfect as a stand alone or to add to collection or art wall!

We've got loads of 6x6 canvases which we think make awesome, affordable gifts (only $15!!). This one has long been one of my faves and is available here.



Thanks, friends. Our mission is to continue to create products that blend creativity with meaning, beauty with function. I so love what I do.
Warmly,
Kelly Rae

Some thoughts about all the mean-spiritedness as of late

(I've always loved this one.)
People are surprised when I tell them that just about every week, sometimes several times a week I get nasty, mean-spirited comments that come through my email, my Facebook page, my blog. Ever since I made the decision to step into the creative life and start selling my work almost 7 years ago. Ever since I've put myself out there. Ever since I became a mother. Ever since my work has received more visibility. It just keeps coming - a hazard of what I do. Of course, there are the supporters and life-line encouragers, too, for which I'm incredibly grateful.

But man, the judgments. Judgments about my not having any room to "complain" or struggle given my "amazing life." Judgments on how I do or don't market my products and e-courses. Judgements about perceived privilege,"selling out", success, and so on. Judgements about how I parent, don't parent. I received a few nasty-a-grams about my recent Wear Your Joy Project post - folks telling me I'm copying fashion bloggers who also post selfies and lots of judgement about where I shop, how etc.

I know I'm not alone in this. I receive stories like this often from my friends, near and far.

I keep thinking about something Donald Miller said recently during a talk of his that I attended. He said  this: we are not our failures but we are not our successes either. 

I think about this a lot when it comes to my work in the world, as well as the comments I receive. Honestly, between all the social networking sites and regular ol' email, sometimes it feels like a ton of momentum/energy coming toward me - the lovely, supportive comments (thank you, immensely), the helpful feedback (always useful), and then the mean-spirited comments (fear-based, hostile). Although I care about what people think (I'm human), I work really hard on my boundaries and to not allow my worthiness to get caught up in any of it - the good or the bad. I don't want my self-esteem to become other-esteemed by how much good feedback or negative feedback receive, if I'm having "commercial" success or not, if so likes me, etc etc. This is something I think a lot about, checking in with myself often.

I am not my failures. And I am not my successes.

I'm just a girl, a woman navigating her True North, showing up, putting herself out there, and creating a life that she loves with her family and her art.

Whenever people ask me advice on how to handle the criticism they're receiving, or when I need to be reminded on how to handle it myself, I always refer to my friend Brene Brown who has taught me so much about this subject in our conversations and in her books.

In her book, she shares and writes about the Theodore Roosevelt quote:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
Ahhh yes. This always brings me back to center. Brene's work on this subject challenges me to consider a few things. Are the critics in the arena with me? Are they also being brave with their lives, putting their work out into the world, engaging authentically? Then, I'll listen, especially if it's useful feedback. But if they're not, I gain perspective and try and move on, though sometimes, especially if it's a tender week, I feel the sting. I'm human. Ouch. 
By the way, this is an awesome Q+A she did on this subject that I just read for the first time and that I found to be really helpful.

So here's to those of you in the arena with me. It takes a ton of vulnerability and courage to keep showing up, putting our work out there, staying true to our voices, telling the truth even when it's hard (like this post feels for me) despite making a ton of mistakes (sometimes publicly) along the way, and despite the mean-spirited judgments that come our way from people who don't know us, and perhaps people who do. Count me as one of your biggest supporters, encouragers along the path.

Really + truly,
XO
Kelly Rae

How cowgirl boots have led my heart home (I'm not even kidding) + the birth of The Wear Your Joy Project

It all started when True was about 8 months old. I was in those awkward new mama throws of figuring out how to stay at home with him as much as I could while still running my business.

(True and Papa, 8mos old)
Life was joyful, but it was tight, full to the max. Barely enough sleep, and barely enough time to shower, let alone get dressed. I could sense that I was losing bits of myself to the experience of becoming a new mom - just in the small (but big over time) choices I would make. And getting dressed was one of those choices I let slip. Before I knew it I had a drawer full of funky tights that hadn't seen the light of day in a year. Or all the cute skirts and dresses I once adored and claimed as part of my creative style went MIA from my daily outfits. Part of it was never losing the baby weight and not fitting into my clothes. And part of it was not showing up for myself every day in a way that felt intentional, and conscious despite the changes in my body.

And then one day, it all changed.


I fell in love with a pair of Old Gringo cowgirl boots. And then I bought them. And then I wrote a love letter to them because I quickly realized that it wasn't about the actual boots, but about what they represented to me. They were like a postcard from my former self, reminding me that I could still integrate joy into my wardrobe.
I wrote an entire post about this, including the love letter I wrote back in 2011.  

Fast forward a couple of years until just a few weeks ago when I bought another pair of cowgirl boots during a trip to Texas at a time when I was up against a personal growth edge (a good one). They were red. And, for me, they were another postcard from some bigger version of myself, encouraging me to step into the next chapter with courage and moxie. I wrote more about that in this recent post. 
And then I was onto something - something began to shift for me internally in a new way. I know it sounds crazy that it started with a pair of boots, but it did. I'm reminded how nothing in this life is superficial - but rather when our hearts speak, we gotta listen. We just never know where it will take us. 
In this case, it's taken me to something bigger - it's not about boots or pairing together perfect outfits. It's about wearing our joy. 
I began to get excited about getting dressed in the morning. What jeans could I pair with these red boots? What skirt could I pull out of the depths of the closet that I haven't seen in forever? What TIGHTS would look amazing with these boots?

(left: red boots, NYDJ skinny jeans, Free People vest. right: Keen boots, an old Anthro sweater + belt, H+M tank layer)
For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you know how this story goes. I began to take selfies of my daily outfits with my iPhone . I had no idea WHY I was doing it, but I just allowed myself the delight of answering the urge.
Because if there's one thing I've learned these last many years as I made my way into a creative life, it is this: when we have an urge to do something, even if we don't know WHY, it's likely that it's our intuition calling us - a little whisper nudging us in a direction that will lead to joy.

(left: keen boots, hand-made skirt, leggings from H+M; right: NYDJ skinny jeans, H+M tank layer, old Anthro sweater, Frye cowgirl boots)
And that's what happend. I began to enJOY the practice of getting dressed in the morning with intention. Do I love it? Great, then it goes on my skin. Do I not love it? Then it doesn't go on my body. The self talk is moving from what do I want to look like to how do I want to feel? And it's also moving from I'll never lose the weight to I have big gratitude for this healthy body and how can I celebrate it's creative spirit/expression today?
Sounds so simple, but I believe the energy translates. It's not about putting together perfect outfits. It's about wearing our joy. 
(left: Old Gringo red boots, purple tights, sweater from Papaya Living; right: yellow tights, slate Frye boots, vintage slip, slip dress from Anthro, Gap Jean Jacket)
About three weeks into documenting my daily outfits, I had one of my favorite human beings come over to my house. Her name is Lynx. I fell in love with her earlier this year (we were roommates in Bali - more about that here) at a time when I was beginning to see myself more clearly inside the fog of a few life hurdles (around confidence, mainly). Lynx is a big part of my story this year. Since meeting her in Bali, she's become a dear friend and is one of my studio mates at Soul Shine Studio. She's a sacred, whole life stylist and I just feel deeply seen by her. She inspires me to remember and to be who I am. Our good friends are like that, I think. They're sacred permission givers. So she came over and worked her professional magic and helped me create new outfits with clothes that I already had.
She gave me permission to follow my whim (despite the gremlins) to layer clothes on top of more clothes, to put purple tights with red boots, and to PLAY with my wardrobe just like I do with my paintings, which are also deeply layered and colorful.
It was a flurry of activity. Clothes everywhere. I loved it. And she helped me deepen the journey I was already on with capturing my daily outfits with my iPhone. 
(left: Old Gringo red boots, NYDJ skinny jeans, Free People slip dress, H+M basic layer; right: Keen boots, Target leggings, Gap jean skirt, Garnet Hill tie sweater)
And so I kept going....creating time in the morning to embrace my new routine of being intentional and conscious about what I was choosing to wear.
Have you ever wondered why you’re drawn to certain things, and not others?

This couch, not that one?

This sweater, not that one?

I have a theory.

Everything we find “beautiful” is actually a quiet whisper … calling us closer towards the life that is waiting for us.

That’s why surrounding yourself with beauty is never "shallow" or "superficial."

Quite the opposite.

Whenever you make or are drawn to something beautiful, you are directly responding to the call of your heart.
(left: Red Boden dress, Old Gringo boots, vintage slip, and belt from Target ; right: Frye cowgirl boots, purple tights, old Anthro skirt + shirt + sweater)
Which is why it's so crazy important that we get conscious about our choices: Do I even love this pair of shoes? Does my heart light up when I see that sweater? Or am I just unconsciously wearing clothes, picking out paint colors for walls, and choosing things that aren't even me? Nothing is superficial. All of our choices matter. 

Also, getting dressed shouldn't be a daily opportunity to critique ourselves, or wishing we were 10 pounds smaller. It's about being with our bodies and our selves today, in this skin, in this vessel. And choosing to dress ourselves up in joy. Today. Not when we lose more weight. Or grow out our hair. Or have enough money. Or or or. 


(left: Old Gringo boots, NYDJ skinny jeans, H+M tank layer, old Anthro shirt and sweater; right: Keen boots, NYDJ cords, Prairie Underground hoodie, handmade scarf)
Over on Instagram, I've been calling it The Wear Your Joy Project and I'm using #thewearyourjoyproject to document my outfits over there. Lots of folks have joined in. And I'd love if you joined us too. Now that Facebook does hashtags, I think I'll start posting some of these over there as well with the invitation for anyone to join in. 
It's not about having perfect photos (a cell phone will do) or about having perfect outfits. It's about first honoring, and then wearing our joy. 
(left: Keen boots, tights, H+M basic tshirt, old Anthro dress; right: Keen boots, NYDJ skinny jeans, handmade schoolhouse tunic)
So that's where I've been, friends! I'm surprised how fun it's been - how not a chore it's been. I've also been surprised at the undercurrent of what's really going on. How this all started with the purchase of a pair of cowgirl boots and how honoring that small whisper/piece of myself has gently led me back home in a way. Home to that place where inherent creativity and joy live. Where I get to play again. Where I can make conscious choices again. 
(left: red boots [brand unknown], tights, jean skirt, old anthro sweater, faux leather coat from Target)
In some ways it's been a beautiful reintegration of my current life with my former non-mama life but also my old life as a kid where memories flood in of my taking risks and having fun with my clothes. 
Do you remember those days when we wore jelly bracelets up our arms and wore mismatching converse sneakers and how much we loved our parachute pants? Did you know I was voted most likely to wear stripes with plaids in high school? Reintegration, friends. Remembering who we are and what lights us up. 

(left: Old Gringo boots, NYDJ skinny jeans, Anthro shirt and sweater, H+M long tank under layer; right: NYDJ straight leg jeans, anthro shirt and sweater)
Feel free to join in with me over on Insta or Facebook or your blogs or just in private. 
I hope you'll learn what I'm relearning: Style isn’t superficial. It’s the call of your heart, made visible — and wearable.

You in? I so hope so!
XXOOO! 
ps: I've tried to include links to specific clothes above. Honestly, I shop the sale racks at Anthropologie a lot, so a lot of the Anthro clothes aren't available anymore - they've been in my closet for years, but I tried to link to specific products when I could. The phone cover you see in all of these photos is available for just about any cell phone model right over here. 
pps: Any and ALL mean-spirited comments will be deleted. Please keep it positive. If you disagree with where I shop, my outlook on life, or how I dress, please move on (respectfully).