For all of you wondering how I make things work behind-the-scenes of my blog and Instagram feed... this is it. The tell-(almost)-all of how David and I survive the work week as two very busy working professionals with a toddler and two dogs.   SHOW NOTES: The Basics -  Daycare After school care Dog sitter  Meals -  Hello Fresh Casseroles or Dish-in-One meals Take out!  Bonuses -  Starbucks mobile order Outfit planning (thanks B. Jones Style!) Weekend staycations Expectations

How I Survive the Work Week

If you were looking for a reason to tidy up in the new year, this. is. it... The stunningly edited home and wardrobe of Jamie Lyons. If you haven't seen her Style Story from last week, stop what you're doing. Right now. And go check it out! Seriously. I'm questioning all of my previously held beliefs about my proficiency to ward off clutter. In the wake of my visit with Jamie, I am clear on one thing... I am a total amateur. But today you'll get the full scoop from Jamie herself. In our conversation for the podcast, she and I dive deep into topics such as why she's chosen a minimalist lifestyle, how she achieves such a clean aesthetic, where she shops, and what she believes makes a successful fashion stylist and styling assistant.    Jamie describes her style as minimalist, mono-chromatic and elegant.       SHOW NOTES:   Melanie Tarver's Style Story Seaminx Artist Management Agency Gaston Made Flea Style  "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo Set & Co. Jamie's Instagram, @theanticolor    JAMIE'S FAVE SHOPPING RESOURCES:  Mur Lifestyle: http://www.murlifestyle.com Labour And Wait: https://www.labourandwait.co.uk Kaufamann Mercantile: https://www.kaufmann-mercantile.com Maufactum: https://www.manufactum.com (The "Martha Stewart Mop": https://www.manufactum.com/sponge-mop-p1517753/?a=49184&h=10&s=mop) Qui Shave: https://www.ouishave.com (If I hadn't bought the one below, I love these.) Ockham Razor Co.: http://www.ockhamrazorcompany.com (I have an all black version of this from when it was still being Kickstarted. I LOVE it.) Fog Linen: http://www.shop-foglinen.com Verso: http://www.versoskincare.com (Currently using and love.) Need Supply Co.: http://needsupply.com (A few favorites include Grown Alchemist, Aesop, and The Laundress) My favorite toothbrush: https://shop.goop.com/shop/products/binchotan-charcoal-toothbrush-standard Ebay Tradsey Poshmark Vestaire Collective The Real Real  Amber glass spray bottle  Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds cleaner Closet paint color - Farrow & Ball "Off-Black"

Minimalism + Self-Discovery with Jamie Lyons

When I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each.   #1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit.   from Kelly Christine Sutton Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and definitely in line with this first Style Story lesson. Get the full scoop HERE. Read Kelly's Style Story. Listen to Kelly's podcast episode.     #2 Powerful impact starts in our own backyard.    from Carly Burson Carly's company Tribe Alive, offers sustainable economic options for women in poverty in developing countries. Read Carly's Style Story. Listen to Carly's podcast episode.   #3 Do the work. Trust the path. The dots will connect eventually. from Jamie Ditto & Allie Hill Read Jamie and Allie's Style Story. Listen to Jamie and Allie's podcast episode.   #4 Confidence is a work in progress... Like anything. from Kristi Drayovitch Read Kristi's Style Story. Listen to Kristi's podcast episode.   #5 Hard work and kindness, practiced daily, have lifetime effects. from Elaine and Christopher Moock Seaminx, the artist management agency that represents my work as a prop stylist, is going into their 18th year of business. Turns out, the strategy for success doesn't have to be overly complicated or exceptionally original. #bekindworkhard Read Elaine and Christopher's Style Story and interview.   #6 Successful artistry is deeply rooted in working with what you've got. from Gina Bender Read Gina's Style Story. Listen to Gina's podcast episode.   #7 Find your tribe... In real life. Take note. Be encouraged. from Arianna Jones   Read Arianna's Style Story. Listen to Arianna's podcast episode.   In closing, a poem shared by my in-real-life acquaintance, Emily Paben, creative director of Magnolia Home.   "the year is done. i spread the past 365 days before me on the living room carpet. point to the one where i decided to shed everything not deeply committed to my dreams. refused to be a victim to self-pity. here is the week i slept in the garden. in the spring i wrung the self-doubt by its neck. hung your kindness up. took down the calendar. danced so hard my heart learned to float above water again. in the summer i unscrewed all the mirrors from their walls. no longer needed to see myself to feel seen. combed their weight out of my hair. i fold the good days up and place them in my back pocket for safekeeping. draw the match. cremate the unnecessary. the light of the fire warms my toes. i pour myself a glass of hot water to cleanse myself for january. here i go. stronger and wiser into the new." The Year is Done by Rupi Kaur

Lessons + a Poem for 2017

There was never a question that Arianna Jones would have a creative career. Artistry and entrepreneurship were in her bones and she knew from early on that she was meant to live a certain kind of artist's life. The question was more nuanced... How was she going to live that life. What would it look like, feel like... How would it come together, grow and operate on a daily basis. These aren't questions a person can necessarily answer on their own and, lucky for Ari, she didn't have to. Her journey has included some powerfully inspiring mentors along the way. In today's episode, I talk with Ari about just that - her creative journey from high school crafts to a college fashion degree and now freelance styling career and Owynn bag line. Additionally, Ari shares her reasoning for keeping a capsule wardrobe and a simplistic approach to fashion.   Show Notes:  Owynn History of the "capsule wardrobe"  What is a "capsule wardrobe"? (from my favorite capsule blogger) Madewell Lou & Grey Aritzia American Apparel @laurenashleymaddox @paige_morse The Business of Fashion MUJI Tina Fey Julia Louis-Dreyfus    GOT QUESTIONS or FEEDBACK? Share it HERE!

Mentorship & the Freelance Life with Arianna Jones

There are so many instances in which I feel like I don't have control. I mean... have you ever tried to reason with a toddler? Parenting at this stage (and who am I kidding, probably at any stage) is an exercise in learning to live without control. The world's problems are so great and the solutions can seem so very far out of reach. But I'm here today to say that while we may not be able to solve all the problems in all the places just by the swipe of a card, we do have a profound power to affect positive change simply by the ways and places in which we choose to spend our money. Yes. I'm talking about responsible consumerism and social enterprises. We have more power than we think!  Political voting may have closed (for now), but the opportunity to affect change in our world is still here and it's so much easier than it may seem. All you have to do is buy something! Let's put our money where our values are this season and buy from businesses that are producing responsibly and give back generously.  Tune in to today's episode for my version of a holiday gift guide that will make a difference.    Branded Collective - Tiny Brass Cuff Gaia Empowered Women - Mini Kitty Purse (Paula Minni's Style Story) Tribe Alive - Convertible Pocket Backpack (Carly Burson's podcast episode)     Nisolo - The Emilio Chukka Boot (2012 Dhaka factory fire as mentioned in podcast) Accompany - Jute Macramé Wall Hanging Noonday Collection - Fringed Crescent Earrings FashionABLE - Ring Bar 48 & Sea - Flour Sack Napkins in Dusty Rose, Set of 4 The Citizenry - Enzi Basket Ten Thousand Villages     Everlane - "Tissue Tee" Turtleneck Elizabeth Suzann - The Florence Pant in Silk    Sources I didn't mention in the podcast but you should still totally check out!  Mi Golondrina - Tuxedo con Flor (Cristina Lynch's Style Story) Worn - Vintage Silk Crochet-Edged Scarf (Abbi Ice's Style Story) Redone Jeans (thanks for the rec B. Jones Style) Akola Project - Layered Horn Necklace Redemption Market - Gold Marble Journal Cuyana - Poplin Boatneck Tee Zady - Zady Silk Skirt Sseko Designs - Yoga Mat Bag Girlfriend Collective - Leggings (for the cost of shipping!) Etsy - My shop favorites The Good Trade (a fantastic reference site for all things ethical fashion!)

Vote with Your Style... A Holiday Gift Guide That Matters

Gina Bender describes herself as humble, creative and nurturing and her personal style as a mix of classic vintage, layers of color and mindfulness for minimalism. Today on the podcast, we talk about her work as a graphic designer - where she got started and how it has evolved into the work she does today - as well as the yin and yang, give and take, ebb and flow of being a working SAHM. I have tremendous respect for all of Gina's hard work as a mother and designer! Additionally, Gina shares a few tips for successful garage sale shopping and purifying the air in your home.     Show Notes: NEW Our Style Stories RESOURCE FORUM   Jayme and Allie's Style Story UNT Communication Design Program Joan Miro art Built By Bender, Milan's business with his 3 brothers Built By Bender logo Devendra Banhart music  Sai Baba incense  Palo Santo sticks Heylee Heep's Style Story  Himalayan salt lamp  Find Gina's work on Instagram and hire her for all your stellar branding needs!   ~ SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK HERE ~

The Yin and Yang of Being a Working SAHM with Gina Bender

Today's episode is courtesy of years worth of pondering on the subject of personal style. What it represents... how it's developed... where it comes from... how it manifests itself. Indulge me as I take a brief dive into these thoughts and more in today's podcast show. Additionally, get the scoop on two books I HIGHLY recommend for personal growth and personal style development. Plus, a few quotes to get your week going!   "...It is a compass for creating a life that reflects what's true to you in every way. From your wisdom to your wardrobe, from your longings to your living room - [it] is where your essence meets your expression."  Quote from Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte   Show Notes:   Style Statement Danielle LaPorte  The Fire Starter Sessions The Desire Map  Design*Sponge at Home  In the Company of Women Mary Going of Saint Harridan Ira Glass on Storytelling    "You have to be willing to be bad at it in order to be good at it." - Mary Going

What Is Personal Style, Anyways?

Miracle of miracles... I'm back with another podcast episode and it didn't take me three months! Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are.  Today, I'm sharing a glimpse into what a week of my work life as a prop stylist looks like. My schedule, my work load, the idiosyncrasies of this very unusual job. It's all there plus a bit more. I hope you enjoy!   And if you're an aspiring stylist and want to know more about breaking into this behind the scenes industry, drop me a line! The link to my voicemail box is below.   Show Notes:   "My Favorite Places to Shop for Props" blog post Send me your feedback... Leave me a voicemail!

A Week in the Life of a Prop Stylist

You may have thought I left podcasting (I wouldn't blame you... it's been forever), but NOPE! I'm still at it. In fact, this is officially my 50th episode, if you can believe it! Who knew? (I nearly missed it myself.) Turns out, I've been at this whole podcasting thing for quite some time but when you publish as irregularly as I do, 50 episodes takes ya a while. But no matter. I'm not letting that get in my way of creative expression and experimentation!  Speaking of which, today's show is a bit unusual for Our Style Stories. It's just me (no Style Story guest) riffing on a topic that has been nagging me for the past few months. Aspiration versus contentment. What is too much of one and not enough of the other? And how do I manage the pitfalls of comparison and the vicious perfectionist's cycle that can be Pinterest and Instagram? I discuss all that plus more. Don't worry, I won't be preaching from my soapbox every episode! ;-)    Show Notes:  My styling portfolio Magnolia Home  Real Talk with Real Moms... On Comparison (blog post) Speak Pipe feedback (send me your feedback!)

What Is Too Much & Other 50th Episode Musings

Last week's Style Story visit into the home of home Kris Drayovitch was all about rich layers, worldly textiles and inviting details. In today's podcast, you'll hear from the equally beautiful Kris herself. Besides sharing her personal tips on for shopping second-hand furniture and decorating a home that is welcoming and layered, Kris opens an honest and graceful conversation about her interior struggle with perfectionism and self-confidence... two things I'm sure many of us can relate to! If you connected with Kris' traditional Southern meets travelled global style, this episode will definitely interest you as it is a lovely journey into the thought process and care that went into her home.   Hope you enjoy!

Layered Homes & Self-Confidence with Kris Drayovitch

Jayme and Allie are co-owners of Yeti and the Beast and housemates in the coolest arts and crafts home (did you see their Style Story?). They blew me away with their insights when we sat down to record today's podcast. To summarize, we touched on business partnerships and how to make the most of them, honesty and flexibility in regards to your work, the creative process, #anthrowindows, stress as a type of creative rut (and how to work your way out of it), inspiration and why you shouldn't be looking to fellow creatives in your industry, "kid temp" and oh so much more!    Here are a few quotes from our chat: On style... Jayme, "I don't feel the same everyday so I don't dress the same and I don't style the same everyday." Allie, "I'm not a 'set' person. I don't think I have two things that match!"   On creative work... Allie, "Coming from design school, we've learned not to fall in love with our own work... It's better to be flexible and open to suggestions." Jayme, "There's always a chance for things to be made better!" Allie, "We have to be honest with ourselves. We're still figuring that out too... playing to our strengths and really taking advantage of the differences between [us]."     Podcast references:  Micah Player  Land of Nod Charley Harper Jessica Hische #anthrowindows Bonnee Sharp of Studio Bon Textiles Madewell Paige Denim Beltracchi on Netflix What Happened, Miss Simone? on Netflix A Chef's Life on PBS The Other Side of Style blog series    And be sure to check out Jayme and Allie's portfolio of work at Yetiandthebeast.com and on Instagram @yetiandthebeast.  

Collaboration + Creative Process with Jayme Ditto and Allie Hill

Ok, who's ready for a little style Q & A?
Today, I published the second episode of my new Style Questions series. In it, I'm riffing on a few design questions that some of you submitted (don't forget, you can send me questions too using the prompt on the right side of this page). Hopefully I've presented some creative solutions to your design dilemmas.
 
SHOW NOTES
 
Question #1:
from Mary Evelyn - How do you keep a home looking fresh and stylish without investing in large purchases or home projects?
REFERENCE -
Plant Baskets - HomeGoods
Curtains - Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters 
Wall Decals - Walls Need Love
 
Question #2:
from Lacey - Rugs! Any tips here, I always struggle with shape, color, size, etc.
REFERENCE -
Large Rug Examples - 1, 2, 3
Small Rug Examples - 1, 2, 3, 4
 
Question #3:
from Anastasia - What do you recommend in terms of arranging multiple smaller area rugs in one given space?
REFERENCE -
Layered Rug Examples - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 
 

Style Questions... No. 2

Today's conversation comes as a perfect follow-up to my Conscious Gifting Guide from last week. It's becoming a well-known fact that "fast fashion" has a tragically negative affect on the people that are employed to produce the items. Carly is tackling this problem head on with her fashion company Tribe Alive by adopting a socially responsible business model. In her opinion, doing business in such a manner is nothing extraordinary, or at least she feels it shouldn't be. Rather, it's just the right thing to do. 
In the course of our conversation, Carly and I discussed everything from her morning routine to her style icons and creative influences and her journey from visual designer at J. Crew to becoming the founder of a company that's, if not extraordinary, truly inspiring and significant! 

Fashion and Philanthropy with Carly Burson

Today's post has been a looong time coming. Since it's inception, the podcast has always played second fiddle to the blog for a variety of reasons but primarily because audio is not my area of expertise. But now that I've established a fairly solid rhythm on the blog, I'm finally ready to step up my game on the podcast. And today is the day!
As part of my improvement of the podcast, I asked for your style questions and today I'm answering the first few of them. Below, you'll find the four questions I answered in the show and the links I referenced in response to each question.
As an added bonus, you can find me on the Style Matters podcast today. Karen June and Zandra interviewed for what is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows all about style.
 
Question #1:
Do my shoes and purse have to match? My shoes and belt too?
REFERENCE -
My Pinterest board on "Fashion".
 
Question #2:
How do you make nursery decor grown-up-friendly for a master bedroom/nursery combo?
REFERENCE -
Reading My Tea Leaves
Mother Mag
 
Question #3:
When decorating a the kitchen, how do you make it stylish yet still functional?
REFERENCE -
World Market
 
Question #3:
Any tips on fashion flats for businesswomen? It’s hard not to feel frumpy especially when you’re on the shorter side!
REFERENCE -
Asos
Everlane
 
And don't forget to send me YOUR questions!!

Style Questions... No. 1

Kelly Christine Sutton is a photographer, film-maker, plant whisperer and rainbow decorator. In her words, her style is colorful and spontaneous. If you've seen her Style Story, I'm sure you're dying to hear the rest of her story! Today we're chatting about her creative impulses and stylish preferences.
I've changed up my usual questions for some new, more style focused inquiries. You'll learn about Kelly's personal style from all angles... fashion, home, morning rituals, creative career, travel, music, dining and more!

Podcast reference links:

VeeCaravan (& Christine's Style Story!)
Kelly Christine Photo
Kelly Christine Films
First Monday Canton
Karen Musgraves
El Come
Cane Rosso
Brett Dennen


 
Kelly sells prints of her photographs online and we've arranged A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for Our Style Stories' readers - your choice of an 8 x 12 print from Kelly's collection!! Her photos are so wonderfully interesting and colorful. To enter, hop over to our Instagram accounts HERE and HERE where you'll find entry instructions. (Basically, follow both of our accounts and then leave a comment confirming your entry.)
The entry period will close on Saturday, Oct. 10th, at 12:00am and a winner will be announced on Monday, Oct. 12th.
 
In addition to her shop, Kelly is offering limited time Family Small Shoot sessions in Dallas, Houston and Nashville for very reasonable rates! She'll come to your home and capture such sweet, precious moments with you and your family. For dates, rates and details, visit HERE.

Colorful Spontaneity with Kelly Christine Sutton

Brooke Fish, the co-founder and crafter behind the baby product company Fresh Bib, takes me through her journey from fashion student to corporate employee, stay-at-home mother and finally product designer and entrepreneur. She shares some of the struggles and lessons that she and her husband Adam have learned along the way as well as her favorite four letter word and how to make a lot out of a little by shopping second hand.
As a special gift for all Our Style Stories listeners, Brooke is offering a giveaway for one month's subscription to their monthly Fresh Box, which will be curated for September in a vintage theme by Brooke herself! 
Visit OurStyleStories.com/freshbibgiveaway for details on how to enter.
 
Take away quote:
"You have to be careful not to compare your insides with everybody else's outsides." 
 

Podcast reference links:

Todd Oldham
Todd Oldham for Target
Kid Made Modern
Fossil
Tandy Leather
Pure and Noble
Bloesem Blogs
Fresh Bib
Foot Cardigan
Melanie and Dalton's podcast interview
Colleen Whitver's Style Story
Sherlock
George Gently
Downton Abbey
Nordstrom Rack

Visit www.ourstylestories.com to see a tour of Fresh Bib's studio space.

Handmade Goods and Family Business with Brooke Fish

Jane Cheek is a mother of many talents. She is an artist and teacher by trade, a mother to three (now) and a crafty home decorator to boot. You saw her lively home in last week's Style Story, right?
In today's podcast episode, I sit down with Jane in her Dallas studio and discuss just she how manages it all... family, kiddos, studio time and homemaking. To my surprise, Jane has gone to some unusual ends to simplify parts of her life. At the end of our conversation, she describes a new approach to simplifing her morning routine by eliminating all color from her wardrobe. Yes, I know... sounds crazy! But I think she might be onto something. (And you know that means a lot, coming from me.) 
Podcast reference links:

Batik
Resist painting technique

 
Closing note: Our Style Stories podcast is very much in the growing phase of things and you can help it grow more! Leave a review in iTunes and help make this show that much more visible to new listeners in the process. Simply follow THIS LINK to leave your review.

Art + Motherhood + a Simplified Wardrobe with Jane Cheek

At long last, Melanie and Dalton get their turn on the podcast. If you saw their Style Story, then you know that in addition to their day jobs as commercial photographer and still life stylist, they enjoy a delightful variety of hobbies. Vegetable gardening, beer home brewing, group running and bath salt mixing. It's all on the table, my friends. This is officially your Summer guide to having a cool hobby, courtesy of the Tarvers.
 
Listen below or on your smart phone in iTunes to hear our conversation.


 
Podcast reference links:


J. Hilburn


Neiman Marcus


Fossil


Allison Vieger


Laura Busby's Style Story


IA Agency


DoTerra essential oils


Silicon Valley


Brew Dogs


Brew Masters


A Cup of Jo


Thrasher Magazine


Xeriscaping


 
 
Closing note: Our Style Stories podcast is very much in the growing phase of things and you can help it grow more! Leave a review in iTunes and help make this show that much more visible to new listeners in the process. Simply follow THIS LINK to leave your review.

Melanie and Dalton Tarver: A Guide to Cool Hobbies

Earlier last week, I shared Heylee Heep's Style Story on the blog and today - after traveling to Salt Lake City and back for the Alt Summit conference - I'm back with a her podcast interview. Get ready for some serious design savvy. Heylee is a master of editing and in today's episode she's going to share a few pro tips on how to edit your own space and wardrobe plus reasons why you should consider working with a neutral color palette and what it was like to launch her styling business. 
 
Podcast reference links:

White Elephant Antiques
Lula B's
Give and Take
Oil and Cotton
Design*Sponge
Remodelista
'Illustrator' on Nicole's Classes
Furbish Studio
High Street Market
Zara
J. Crew
Madewell

 
Closing note: Our Style Stories podcast is very much in the growing phase of things but you can help it grow! Leave a review in iTunes and help make this show that much more visible to new listeners in the process. Simply follow THIS LINK to leave your review. 

Editing Your Style and Launching a Design Business with Heylee Heep

Not long ago, I shared a peek inside the home of Robbie and Adam's inviting family home but now it's time to dig a little deeper into the story behind all those cool art pieces and charming decor. Robbie is a baker and owner of Stir Crazy Baked Goods and her husband Adam is an art educator and visual artist. Along with their children Amaris, Paige, and Asher they've followed an adventurous and creatively motivated life together. In today's podcast, Robbie and Adam share some of those highlights. For instance, how they got through the early and quite challenging years of school, marriage, and first-time parenthood. As well as the process behind opening the bakery and forging a new career path.
 
Podcast reference links:

Stir Crazy Baked Goods
Fort Worth South
"Stuck" by Oliver Jeffers
Author and illustrator Peter Reynolds
"Little Owl Lost" by Chris Haughton

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