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Last Christmas I received this from my dad, I wasn’t surprised since I actually picked it out. What surprised me was how many complements I get while wearing this bag. First of all it’s not just a purse, Trade as One’s motto is “change lives with everything you buy.” These bags are made from recycled feed or rice bags by women that were either in or vulnerable to the sex trade in Cambodia. Learning this craft has enabled them to, “support their families with dignity and respect,” says the Trade as One website.

For awhile I wore this bag as a fanny pack and now I’ve switched to wearing it like a tiny messenger bag which comes in handy when you need to grab things quickly. Make a $13 investment into someones life and draw a lot of complements as well. Also check out their other designs!

Truth be told I haven’t always been that concerned about the latest trends or even fashion. But as other areas of my artist life have become supressed as I enter adulthood I find myself fascinated with colors, textiles and creating clothes that reflect my artistic personality. As a graphic designer I’m also suppose to keep abreast to the lastest happenings in the Pantone world…So 2011 is Honeysuckle! Surprise, didn’t see that one coming did you? Me neither. I’m not crazy about this color, probably because my pallet always leans towards hot pink or pale pink, but I’m willing to try it. I was recently watching a documentary called 180° south, which so far I recommend, but the main character Jeff Johnson said, “The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn’t even think to ask.” How that ties in with fashion? Sometimes you simply have to try something on in order to realize that you love it. But without going on that journey of discovery you would have never known that that very color was your favorite! So here goes 1. west elm has this fantastic pillow   for only $19 check it out and add a dash of color to your gray couch or bed 2. Love, what is it good for? I love a dash of floral, I tend to avoid excess flowers but anthropologie has a great typography pillow for $68 3. I love these jeans, I need to get a pair of these! They feel so punk rock, wearing these with a vintage black T-shirt would be perfect for hanging out at the park on Saturday. Find them here  $158 4. Wallpaper, yes wallpaper, this wallpaper in a powder room would be so elegant and classy! Gold and tree accents, yes please $198 per roll 5. I received a wedding invite today for an old roommate and this would be the perfect party dress for a early fall midwest wedding $425 6. Hello Kate Spade, my dear friend Sahra works at KS and always has the greatest structured leather hand bags. This is just another fine example of KS’s handy work. $395 7. Flats are perfect for work or fun, a pair of these would be perfect with skinny jeans and a huge comfy sweater, I can hardly wait for the season to change! These Kate Spade flats are so lovely and feminine! $198 8. I’m constantly struggling to figure out what proper work attire is, but I do feel it is important to always dress better then expect. This skirt from anthropologie is perfect for work, pair it with a fitted top and a skinny belt. Divine! $98 9. Mod fashion always puts a pep in my step. Yes, I said that. I would love to wear this dress with a white head scarf as I speed around in a 62’ vw Karmann Ghia, convertible of course. $526 10. Living in Texas I wear sandals till November and this pair is great to wear with a high waisted pleated skirt, very Audrey Hepburn. $162 11. If you plan on doing some kissin’ or just like making your lips look happy check out Sephora’s lip gloss line espcially in their Think Pink color. For $3 who can refuse?

This summer has gone by so quickly. I spent a month away from my desk and two weeks in the desert, which gives me a greater appreciation for the whole tribal, dusty, vintage look. My wardrobe was fairly simple while I traveled, but when I had the chance I ditched the jorts and camelpak. I picked up a few great items and mixed them with old favorites. 1. I finally stopped “borrowing” my father’s fedora and purchased my own, Forever21 was having a great yellow tag sale. This hat was perfect for those days the beach and the wind screwed with my hair a bit to much. I just put a hat on it. duh. 2. God I love my vintage coach purse, if you don’t have one, get one. I love the vintage leather and slinging it over my shoulder. Check the vintage shops and get you one. 3. I purchased my $6 stretchy skirt from H&M but you can find a great one at Forever21 for a similar price. I plan on wearing this skirt at least once a week for work. I call that a good investment. I love pairing it with a baggy blouse and my fedora. 4. TooLate, love my glow in the dark rubber band watch. This watch makes me feel like I’m part of the rubber band bracelet trend, but I’m not. It’s pink. It glows in the dark. It’s a rubber band. It kind of keeps time. What more could you ask for? 5. I got my pair of warn in leather boots in a small thrift store in Alamogordo, NM. They were half off which made them $2 I couldn’t refuse. I love these boots because I had a very similar pair when I was in 4th grade and I loved them then and was so sad when they went out of style. God loves me and now they’re back in style, rejoice. At the same store I also purchased four framed vintage flower prints, a tribal denim sleeveless shirt, and a sweet striped belly shirt all for $10. So if you’re ever in Alamogordo check out King’s Treasure Thrift store. 6. Finally, I usually stick to classic necklaces. I rarely keep up the with trendy owls or glasses pendents so I just collect alot of heart pendents and a few others that have deep meaning. My heart pendent I found at Canton Trade days somewhere off i-20 in east Texas. They have a great garage sale area that you usually can find some great deals.