single girl in a new city

An all too familiar concept, but I’m throwing myself into this cliché. Where might I be going? Let me give you a few hints: west coast city, vertical winding streets, amazing food trucks and restaurants, and home of the Golden Gate Bridge and Uncle Jesse. Yup, you guessed it! San Francisco here I come.

I’m so excited to transition to this new chapter (or book, if you will) in my life and I thought it could be an entertaining story for me to share with you all. I'm humbled to be able to have this opportunity and I pray that God will challenge me in this new experience. 

Here's the low down: 

I've been living in a small city my whole life. Grand Rapids, Michigan- a typical Midwest city, family friendly and cozy town. It's now time for me to leave this place for some time and explore a whole new culture, location and community. I'm going from a small town to a BIG one. "Why San Francisco?" you may ask. Why not?!

I'll be living in this wonderful place for the summer to explore and immerse myself into the city.

What I wanted to share with you are my experiences, celebrations and trials. I'm going to be real.  Looking for a job, exploring a new city, meeting new people and all the new and exciting things that come with living in a new city will be documented here. 

I'll still try to keep a "simpleness" focus on the whole experience- striving to enjoy the simple things around me while I survive in the city with a simple budget and show you all how to find simple but lovely pleasures in any city. 

So here it goes! I'm here. Enjoying the little things.  I'll keep you posted...

photo via: SanFrancisco.net

pattern play

Let's face it, patterns can be so joyful. The array of colors, whimsical tones, and the execution of some is so unique creating so many possibilities.  The energy of mixing patterns this season is addicting. Not only wearing mixed patterns but designing with them has been my new favorite hobby. 
Framing patterns, sketching patterns, painting patterns, mixing patterns, the possibilities are infinite and so fun!  Here are just a few of my favorite patterns I've discovered through Pinterest and such. 

work space

As a student, I spend HOURS sitting at my desk. I don't have an office, a studio (though a girl can dream) or a large space for spalling out. But one thing I do have is a desk. It's important to me to make my work area inspirational and full of color to keep things enjoyable while I work. I've found that you don't have to have a lot of space for a fun work area. Some use their closets (I'm not willing to sacrifice that much) some use a little corner and some find a nook to fill with inspiring clippings, note pads and always fresh flowers. Here are a few images that have inspired my work space:  

image 1/ image 2/ image 3/ image 4/ image 5/ image 6/ image 7/ 

for the boys

While I was in San Francisco a friend of mine took me into the most amazing men's store I have ever seen, it's called Taylor Stitch. This company is an "independent shirt maker based out of San Francisco" and clearly focuses on their quality brand. The store contains "ready-to-wear" shirts made in California and offers custom tailored shirts made in New Jersey. 

Every detail in the clothes, from the thread, to the interlinings are carefully thought through and produced by a diverse list of producers around the world. 

Not only does this company value quality but they promise a classic and timeless look that is effortlessly refined. The simply chic garments are irresistible on just about any gent.   

Take a look into their brand and store located on 383 Velencia Street San Francisco. 

For more check them out here. 

Keep in mind their clothing would make great gifts. 

images via Taylor Stitch

while I'm away

I'm visiting San Francisco this week so I'll soon have some shots for you all of my inspirational time here. In the mean time I want to show you one of my favorite closet visits yet! 

This is Helen Johannesen - the director of operations / beverage director at two restaurants  Animal and Son of a Gun in LA. I love her relaxed and colorful style in her closet and home. But most importantly we share a favorite style icon; Diane Keaton.