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:

 

GOT QUESTIONS or FEEDBACK? Share it HERE!

Direct download: Mentorship__the_Freelance_Life_with_Arianna_Jones.mp3
Category:Style Story Conversations -- posted at: 4:30am CDT

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.

 

 

 

 

Sources I didn't mention in the podcast but you should still totally check out!

Direct download: Vote_with_Your_Style..._A_Holiday_Gift_Guide_That_Matters.mp3
Category:Solo Show -- posted at: 4:00am CDT

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

Find Gina's work on Instagram and hire her for all your stellar branding needs!

 

SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS AND FEEDBACK HERE ~


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:

 

"You have to be willing to be bad at it in order to be good at it." - Mary Going

Direct download: What_Is_Personal_Style_Anyways_.mp3
Category:Solo Show -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

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:

Direct download: A_Week_in_the_Life_of_a_Prop_Stylist.mp3
Category:Solo Show -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

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:

Direct download: What_Is_Too_Much_Inspiration__Other_50th_Episode_Musings.mp3
Category:Solo Show -- posted at: 6:00am CDT

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!

Direct download: Layered_Homes__Self-Confidence_with_Kris_Drayovitch.mp3
Category:Style Story Conversations -- posted at: 5:00am CDT

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:

 

And be sure to check out Jayme and Allie's portfolio of work at Yetiandthebeast.com and on Instagram @yetiandthebeast.

 


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 - TargetWorld MarketUrban 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 - 123

Small Rug Examples - 1234

 

Question #3:

from Anastasia - What do you recommend in terms of arranging multiple smaller area rugs in one given space?

REFERENCE -

Layered Rug Examples - 123456

 

 

Direct download: Style_Questions..._No._2.mp3
Category:Style Questions -- posted at: 10:42pm CDT

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