Shop You Should Know {Parc Boutique}

One of my favorite things about Instagram is the ability to discover unique and beautiful shops. I'm constantly stumbling over new shops and pretty Instagram accounts I hadn't known before. Ah, the power of social media. Recently I came across Parc Boutique. Based in Minneapolis, they are a shop for the modern and minimalist. Located only a couple hours from my hometown, I definitely need to make a trip back to the city just to check them out in person. 

I mentioned earlier that I'm drawn to modern, neutral styles lately. I'm in a bit of a transition and shying away from my usual brights to more muted and chic designs. Parc Boutique has modern and clean written all over it and I am OBSESSED. They nailed it on the head with a perfectly curated boutique of beautiful jewelry, clothing, and pretty packaged products. And if you are looking for some inspiration (who isn't?) then you should check out their Instagram, like now. Thao is a creative genius and I'm totally stalking their account for styling tips. 

The Chock Block Copper Necklace, Leather Bracelets, Horse Watch, Linear Earrings, Soy Candle, and White Vest are a few of my favorites from the shop, though honestly I wanting everything. 

Do you have a favorite shop you think I would love? I want to hear about it! 

All images via Parc Boutique Instagram

Obsession

Do you look at Tumblr? I know I'm wayyy behind the times here, but I'm now just getting lost in the incredible Tumblr world. I don't know what it is, but there are thousands of Tumblrs out there with the most amazing photography. I like using it as inspiration. What are your favorite Tumblr accounts?

Happy Friday! Tomorrow is a full day of shooting for Apartment 34 -- I always learn the best styling tips!

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Questions

via Waiting on Martha

It's officially two weeks into the new year and I am already feeling behind and playing "catch up." I was thrown a couple curve balls this year already and I as a result, I am not on schedule like I hoped. Do you feel the same way? I am trying not to dwell on it, but rather use it as motivation to keep focused. Jess Lively spoke on a similar topic and I loved her take on it. Instead of setting specific resolutions for 2014, I decided to focus on one over-arching theme for the entire year. You can read more about it here.

I have been thinking a lot about what I need to do to bring me closer to my new year's resolution. Sometimes we think it's best to take in knowledge and hope the right answer comes to us, but in reality I think it takes trial and error. We need to take action. The article by Lindsey Saletta for The Everygirl really hit home with me. 4 Questions Everyone Should Ask Themselves challenges us to think about what we are actually doing with ourselves. My favorite of the 4 questions was the first, "How much of your day do you spend consuming what other people have created? How often do you create?" One of my challenges is getting caught up in learning and consuming other's content rather than creating my own. I have a handful of blogs I visit daily and my inbox is constantly filling up with newsletters and e-mails that I turn to for answers. There comes a point when I need to experience it myself, and try it on my own. I am so concerned about keeping up with my Bloglovin' feed that I forget to just write what's on my mind, instead of reading others' posts to figure it out like I usually do.

It's like that time when I had the opportunity to take an internship a year ago. I contemplated the decision for days, and then finally decided to take the chance and go for it. It turned out the internship wasn't for me, but I would have never known had I not taken the chance. Now I have a better idea what I want to do for my career. It's funny how something good can come in the most unexpected way.

So, what can I do today that will help me reach my path/goal?

What goals did you set for the year? What do you do to keep motivated and stay on track? What are your biggest challenges?

2014.

Happy New Year! 2013 started out rough and I am a little glad it's finally over. What was supposed to be a great internship experience in January, actually ended up being a miserable 5 months. I hate to say that the internship was a bad experience, because really, I learned a lot about myself and what I wanted for a career. Sometimes it takes a few bumps in the road to really find what you are looking for. Although the internship ended up being everything I DIDN'T want in a career, and left me feeling uninspired and clueless as what to do next, I'm glad I had that experience to realize it wasn't for me before it was too late. Say, like after graduation.

During those 5 months it was a time of lots of positive and negatives. It only took 2 weeks to discover the job wasn't for me. Unfortunately (or fortunately, however you look at it) I couldn't quit, so I stuck it out and ended up doing tons of research in hopes of discovering what it is I wanted to do for. I realized the one thing I was missing most was creativity. That's when I started reading blogs, and eventually started my own.

This blog has lead me to some amazing things and great people. At the beginning of 2013, I wanted to work for a big business in the marketing department and now I have done a complete 180 turn and want to work for a small business or agency and freelance. I wouldn't have it any other way!

With graduation in May, moving, and starting a full-time job, 2014 will be full of change. I have no idea what's in store, but I'm certainly excited for it. Rather than coming up meaningless resolutions that I forget about by February, I love the idea of "identifying just one word, as an overarching theme for the entire year." My theme for this year is "clarity." Whether it's clarity for which full-time job offer to accept, or clarity for the direction of this blog, that's something I have to figure out.

Have you tried this simplified version of new year's resolutions? Did it help you stay focused?

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Jessica Russell Flint

Hello again! It has been a while, hasn't it? The past few weeks have been a bit crazy with the holidays coming up and the end of the semester nearing. Our professors conveniently schedule group projects and presentations due right after we come back from Thanksgiving break, so we're scrambling to have most everything done before our break starts next week. Not complaining though because that means we only have 3 weeks left of the entire semester once we come back from break! It's getting real. Graduation that is.

 Besides school, I am also brainstorming/working on some projects ideas that I can't share with you just yet, but in the next month or two hopefully. Remember the apartment tour I was supposed to do like 2 months ago on here? Well, I am making it up to you and I think you will be pleasantly surprised :) That's my clue.

With all of the back and fourth from class, group projects and assignments and then to personal projects it's hard to get my brain to focus on blogging and come up with creative posts. My brain is dead at the end of the day so all hopes of any creative juices flowing are gone. And I don't want to bore you with any old blog post.

A few days back I was reading some articles online and came across the work of illustrator, Jessica Russell Flint. Recently I've looked into illustration as I'm using it in one of my upcoming projects so I've research it and noticed it more around the web. I instantly loved the use of color and texture Jessica uses, but you can't deny the uniqueness in each piece. A little quirky and unusual, she totally defines her own style and doesn't set boundaries. I'm completely obsessed with her manifesto and her work, especially the box of cards, cushions, and makeup bags. Can you image some fantastic wallpaper adorned in the wildly colorful  illustrations? So good.

Inspiration Overload: the Hunted Interior

Get ready for a boat load of inspiration today, guys. A yellow door, cozy dining room, perfect gallery walls -- all of which are affordable. What's not to love? I first discovered Kristin Jackson of the Hunted Interior on The Everygirl featuring her home tour, and I keep finding myself going back to her website for ideas and inspiration. It was love at first sight --with her home that is. She's got an entire website dedicated to her DIY tutorials so that pretty much makes us best friends. Filled to the brim with pretty dressers (Can you guess which ones are DIY?), end tables, trinkets, and a killer desktop image. Have a look for yourself...

The dining room is my favorite room in the house. Its layers are absolutely perfect, down to the stuffed fireplace, built-in shelving and gallery wall. I love a home that feels so cozy to the point where it almost feels crowded. 

Such a fan of the mismatched end tables.

A colorful home filled with life and functionality. Happy Friday!

I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22

When I look for inspiration while decorating my apartment, I usually turn to Pinterest. That's a no brainer. But with so much content in one place, it can be hard to find exactly what you're looking for without wasting lots of time. I'm guilty of browsing Pinterest and putting off homework, giving myself one more hour. It's amazing how quick an hour goes by, and I still don't have that paper written. So when I come across a few pinners I particularly like, I remember them so I know exactly where to look for ideas on my next project. 

Caitlin Wilson Textiles is one of my favorites to reference. She likes lots of pink, gold, and pretty prints mixed throughout. Emily Henderson has spent her fair share of time on Pinterest and she has the boards to prove it. The DIY board has projects the average person could do and My Style Pinboard will have you swooning. Another great source I keep going back to is Amber Interiors for her rustic style.

Who are some of your favorite pinners? Since today is the big 22, I've shared some festive inspirations with you all :)

Fun fact: I actually share my birthday with my twin sister, Audrey! Yes, we're identical.

All images via Emily Henderson's Party Party Party

Can't Get Enough

I'm having so much fun selecting designs for my apartment makeover. Like it is all I think about, but in a good way. My move is coming up in August and I plan to reveal the finished product in early September once I get everything situated! Get excited. I have always loved interior design ever since I was a kid. I remember looking at the JCPenny big catalog we received in the mail and picking out the items I'd want for my future home, everything from bedding to mailboxes. Over time my love for interior design has only grown, but my style has come a long way from the JCPenny catalog. In fact, just over the past couple months I've noticed my style evolving. Remember in my early blogging days when I was obsessed with pastel pink?  Well, I have come a long ways since my pastel obsession. Style is constantly changing based on your surroundings, your feelings, inspiration. All of which makes the decorating process an ongoing thing. 

My inspiration right now? This. I'm so happy I discovered Emily Henderson and her blog. Pushing limits in design is important and I think she does just that. 

Emily Henderson's living room

Bri Emery's living room, designed by Emily Henderson

I mean can we just take a second to take in these masterpieces.

Instead of just saying "I like this", I want to point out the details that really make these rooms so perfect.

1. The rug. It's from West Elm and it's used in both spaces. It's texture and neutral color play up the space just enough to make it interesting. I loved it so much I bought my own (cheaper) version of the rug for my apartment. More on that in my apartment reveal :)
2. Midcentury furniture. Notice the coffee table and sofa in each living room. The peg legs are what make it midcentury.
3. Unique use of accessories. One of my favorite accessories in the entire collection are the arrows on the mantel in the second image. The simplicity of taking something that was not initially designed for decoration and making it work is completely cool.
4. Pops of color. Different forms of color are found throughout both living rooms, yet it doesn't feel overdone. The turquoise couch for example. She ties it in completely with wall art, lamps, pillows and the key, a neutral rug. 
5. Personality. I don't know about you, but every time I see a room straight from a catalog I cringe a little. Everyone has their own taste, but a room doesn't feel like yours unless it has pieces that make it yours. Fun accessories and a little mixing with furniture helps create that finished, not too perfect look with your own touch.

Happy Friday!

All images via and via 

Copy Cat

How cute are they?!

Have you ever browsed a fashion blog and after looking at oodles of fabulous outfits, want to completely change your wardrobe? I do. All the time. I love fashion and putting together outfits myself, but every time I step out on the street or browse Pinterest, my outfits suddenly feel...obsolete. Like it's not as put-togehter, cute, or fashionable as the rest. 

Recently I have been stalking the stylish gals over at A Piece of Toast for outfit inspiration in hopes of ending my lackluster fashion once and for all. Sally and Molly's style can be described as classic, crisp, and effortless. Every outfit they post seems to just get better and better. Seriously, they could make a paper bag look good-- and their legs for miles helps too.

What I love most about these two is how true they are to their own style. Molly wears lots of white and blue. Sally likes to add a pop of color. Some call it boring wearing the same styles over and over...but if it isn't broken don't fix it, right? 

When I'm shopping I have a tendency to pick out pieces that don't necessarily go well with the rest of my closet, which makes pairing outfits difficult. My style can range from super girly to very edgy. Not that you shouldn't change up your style once in a while, I just would like to find a style that I'm happy with day in and day out. Looking at what other people are buying and wearing is a way for me to find particular styles I like and resemble them. That's what inspiration is all about!

After going through pages and pages of outfit inspiration, I've rounded up a few of my favorites. This is what I am striving for on a day to day basis. Now if I just copy the purchases, I'll be set!

*All images via A Piece of Toast 

Worth Stealing {Ladder Shelf}

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I hope you are all recovering from a fun holiday weekend! I enjoyed the sun a little too much and now I have a nice sunburn I'm doing my best to keep from peeling. Any tips?

Coming up with ideas to furnish a home takes lots of creativity and risk taking when decorating on a budget. A good, sturdy shelf usually costs hundreds of dollars and that's a bit over budget, especially when furnishing my college apartment. A week or so ago I was browsing Pinterest like usual looking for shelving ideas. I need something that is big enough to hold odds and ends and also sturdy enough to stand on its own without leaning against a wall, since I want to use it as a divider in my studio apartment. Most Ikea shelves need to be secured to a wall to prevent tipping.

To the individual that came up with the idea of using a ladder and wooden boards for a shelf I give you major kudos. In fact, I'm slightly mad I didn't come up with the idea myself...

I love the idea of using a ladder that my dad has stuck away in the shed and some boards from Lowe's to create a useful shelf. The overall look is industrial and cool, don't you think? You could even spray paint a metal ladder gold for a less rustic look. The possibilities are endless!

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Get to Know: Social Stylate and Ashley Brooke Designs

As a blogger, it's safe to say I spend the majority of my time on the Internet. Whether it's catching up on my daily reads (Which are constantly growing, I think I'm up to 50 blogs on Bloglovin.), searching for blog post content, or just browsing, I stumble across some pretty neat stuff. A week or so ago I fell into the rabbit hole of endless clicking (Does it happen to you?) and discovered Social Stylate, a creative marketing boutique. After browsing their client list and portfolio you'll quickly discover the dynamic duo behind it all are marketing geniuses. Discovering a pot of gold like Social Stylate gets my heart pumping and creative juices flowing. I love connecting with the people behind such creative businesses. They really know how to do it all: web design, social media, writing, branding...

Not only do the ladies at Social Stylate write for clients, but they write their own blog featuring a series called Boss Lady. They interviewed the founder of Lulu & Georgia, which I gushed about last week, and a slew of other talented successful businesswomen. 

After spending a good hour scanning the Social Stylate website and catching up on their Facebook feed, I came across Ashley Brooke Designs.

Ashley Brooke Designs illustrations are gorgeous and cheeky making all of us want our own personalized stationery. Receiving a card by Ashley Brooke is bound to brighten anyone's day. My own love for paper goods brings her sweet designs even closer to my heart. But Ashley doesn't stop at paper. Witty sayings adorn T-shirts and mugs. 

Ashley Brooke Designs customizes invitations and cards for birthday and bridal parties, wedding announcements, and more. What makes her designs so different is she captures your own personality by actually illustrating you, your significant other, and furry friend if you'd like on each card. Such a fresh and unique take on personalization. 

It seems as if Ashley Brooke Designs has mastered the art of paper and illustration. I can't wait to see what new things she will be drawing up next. Imagine personalized baby announcements and family holiday cards with the whole family!


*All images via Ashley Brooke Designs

Crushing on: Lulu & Georgia

Ever since discovering the lovely rug and home decor brand, Lulu & Georgia, I am having major rug envy. Big time. There isn't one beautifully designed rug from their website that I wouldn't want in my home. They make a room pop and help create a focal point.  Lulu & Georgia quickly became one of my favorite home shops and I am constantly going back to their website. After some serious time spent just browsing their website, I found that not only do they have fabulous rugs but their home accessories and furniture are equally as cool.

As I mentioned before, I am moving into a studio apartment and have been working on redecorating  the entire place, all before actually moving in. I've come up with a color scheme, layout, the majority of the furniture selections and accessories. You can follow me on Pinterest and see where I'm getting my inspiration!

After finding so many great pieces at Lulu & Georgia, I decided to come up with my own board of inspiration for my living room with all of my favorites. These things need to make their way into my home, starting with the rug!

Rug // Ruby pillow // Fur pillow // Side table // Chair // Wood table // Mirror // Print // Lamp

One Important Word

Graduation is supposed to be a celebration. You survived 4 years of college lectures with professors that are often hard to understand, assignments that seemed to go on forever, and tests you studied hours for in hopes it will all pay off. What an accomplishment! You should feel proud. However, reality can quickly hit after graduation. College is like its own little world. You get comfortable in your habits and are shut off from the rest of the world's schedule. That nice little Spring Break you see every year in March does not happen after graduation, nor will your boss give you a whole month off for a winter break just because you need it. 

But life goes on. I know, graduation isn't around the corner and typically occurs in December or May. I still have 2 semester left myself, but I am doing all I can this precious last year to prepare for the future so when it comes time to landing my first job, I will be fully equipped and ready to take on the world. Or something like that. 

When preparing for anything, research is always key. I am constantly researching new things. Whether it's career or blog related, I always learn something new and find something more I should be doing to better myself. As my high school social studies teacher said, "Preparation is the key to success." The more we are prepared the better chances of avoiding the dreaded post-college syndrome.

During one of my research escapades, I came across an interesting word: portfolio. I know design majors put all of their work in a professional portfolio for employees to look at,  but it never occurred to me that maybe I should have one even without a design major. I typed "marketing student portfolio" in Google and sure enough, I found loads of information explaining why you need one, what should be included, etc. 

Without much convincing, I am now in the process of creating my portfolio. Maybe I was just naive and the rest of the world already knew a portfolio was a must?  Whatever the case, resumes are no longer sufficient when your competing against the best competition for one job opening. 

I'm wondering...do you have a portfolio? Do you have a favorite resource when creating your portfolio? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Image via Pinterest

Worth Stealing {Wallpaper}

Some of you are probably shaking your head in disgust at the computer screen with the thought of even mentioning wallpaper, let alone suggesting it. Thought wallpaper was a thing of the past and had no chance of a comeback? Like any trend that comes and goes, it returns with a slight twist. These are not your everyday small floral prints that you remember growing up. Now I'm not saying you should go wallpaper your entire house, but a little wallpaper can spruce up a room if you're looking for major change. 

Window treatments pull a whole room together and are an easy way to bring in fun prints and colors. Wallpaper is just another way to bring interest to a room and make it feel complete. Imagine what the bathroom above would look like without the wallpaper. It would have no visual interest and I definitely wouldn't be showing it to you guys as inspiration.

I'm sure you all have your opinions on it so I'd love to hear them! 

Left: Anthropologie Right: Bloom Papers

 Wallpaper doesn't have to mean wild prints. I love the old painted wood wallpaper from Anthropologie. It has a worn effect that is perfect for a rustic look, which we all know I love :) 

Which one is your favorite?