ON THE BLOG//
archive
Thinking Bigger: How Simplicity Changes Everything
I have been reflecting on this time a lot, and as I am sure most of us are, thinking about new routines and positive habits that we have developed during this stay at home order that we want to bring with us as we enter back into "normalcy," which I assume will never be the same. Although this time has so much heaviness and devastation that surrounds it, I continually think about how wonderful it has been to be forced to stop, to pause, and to be where we are.These reflections have led me to start a collection on the blog focusing on Thinking Bigger – Over the next few weeks, my hope is to cover topics that have been developed in this time like the power of simplicity, serving others, new rhythms and routines, and digging into new passions.Before this pandemic, the general answer from the majority of us when asked how we were doing would be, "we are so busy."
Even though our days still remain full since Jase and I's work has shifted and continued, our days look so incredibly different. We are able to start our day in a more restful way, we have been spending hours in the fresh air and sunshine every day, we have been extra present and available for little Bennett doodle (our 5-month-old puppy), and we are more intentional with who we connect with virtually + having time and space to think about others more, to help small businesses, and the list goes on. Not to mention, shows such as The Today Show (the majority being filmed from their homes) and even my husband's show (currently transitioned to interviews on IG Live) have all felt so personal and so genuine, which I think we have all craved without even knowing it.
I didn't realize how much mental space was taken from coordinating and deciding on social plans, organizing travel schedules, unpacking just to repack, going to appointment after appointment, and driving to and from everything. This realization has given me a little hint as to why I feel like we are doing things so differently during this time. I really had to sit and think about why we didn't spend our evenings outside before this since the time in the evenings have stayed quite similar from then to now, why cooking felt more like a chore then and is a joy now, why FaceTiming with family and friends felt distracted then and is longer and so focused now. As I have realized in the past through my own experience is that traumatic times seem to show us immediately what is important. It filters out the fluff and hones in on necessities to live – the simplicities that keep our joy kindled.The things that this time has brought that I feel so grateful for: hearing the birds outside, noticing things in nature that I have never had the time to enjoy before, listening to music all day, buying our groceries from a local farm, starting a masterclass that has taught me so much about cooking, planting a garden, going for long neighborhood walks while getting to know the neighbors from a distance, and reaching out more to friends and family to check-in.
One last thought: isn't it so interesting to think that this is so similar to how our parents and grandparents grew up? Neighbors knew each other, people borrowed an egg from the person next door, so many gardened and enjoyed the simple things, cooking and dishes were day to day tasks...Questions to leave with:What has changed in your routine that you feel thankful for? What is one thing you want to continue when the world starts opening up again?Shop the tank here.[show_shopthepost_widget id="4023495"]
The Story Behind the Blogger: Tracy Nour
Los Angeles is a city saturated with places to play, love, and see! For non-locals and residents alike, the over-population of awesomeness needs a personal perspective, lenses to look through to spot the newest hot spots (or maybe old ones that are super cool and totally loveable). So for you travel fiends and city explorers, fashionistas and personal style blog addicts, head over to exploRED in Los Angeles. After one scroll down the page, it's bound to end up on your favorites!Why did you start blogging?I started blogging after I moved to LA so that I would have an "excuse" to really get out and explore myself and the city. Beyond this, I wanted something to put all of the things I loved in one place. I love fashion, traveling, music, etc. and I wanted to be able to share this with my friends and family. I found after a month or so that my outfit posts were getting the most attention, which was flattering of course, so I have really tried to incorporate fashion as much as I can.
I was sitting at my desk at work, looking through some online shops when my friend leaned over and asked me why I don't look at fashion blogs. She immediately showed me all of her favorites and I was so overwhelmed (in a good way) by all of the amazing photography and clothing. I thought, "Wow, I could do this!" and I went out a few days later, bought a DSLR camera, and started exploREDinLA.
My favorite part about having a blog is having an archive of memories. I love going through old posts and reminiscing on what I was doing that day or how fun all of the different experiences were. It's really amazing to have a digital "memory box" versus the ones I had in high school full of printed out photos and concert tickets... It's also fun to see how I've changed even since I started. Sometimes I look at old posts and I'm like "I wore that?!" It's just fun...
My mission is to give people inspiration to get motivated, to take risks and do what they love. I think it's great to take risks in fashion and hopefully, through my own, I can inspire others to do the same. Through sharing music, restaurants and events, I hope to help others discover something new that they may not have found on their own.
My favorite restaurant, as of right now, is Echi Sushi. It's super casual, in walking distance from my house, and has the best fish and seafood I've had in LA. I get the baked mussels appetizer and a California hand roll probably 3 times a week... my friends tell me I'm going to turn into a sea creature. Oh well! It's sooo yummy!
Favorite coffee shop is probably Urth Cafe. Cliche, I know, but it's the best place to people watch and has great boba tea.
Favorite store to shop?My favorite store to shop is Kitson on Robertson Blvd. I love that there's always new stuff from designers all over the world, and it doesn't carry what every other store has. Also, I can't walk through without laughing out loud reading the quirky book titles and little knickknacks.Style icon?My celebrity style icon is Kourtney Kardashian. She always looks so put together and classy, but not boring. She stands out in a room and her outfits are always stunning. On top of all of this, the way she carries herself is beautiful in itself.
The Story Behind the Blogger: Caroline Christine
If you have thought about starting a blog and hesitate, read on and be inspired...
For many years, I have known that my career focus would be fashion. As a college student, I currently spend hours every week in the university sewing room working on draping projects and I love every minute of it.
A little over a year ago, I started a blog called Death of Chivalry. It wasn’t anything special – just something to get my thoughts out and keep a journal of things that interested or inspired me. But the more I blogged, the more I fell in love and the more it became a part of me. It’s become the place where I go to reflect and get my creative juices going.
I keep this quote at the top of my blog. It has always been one of my favorites:“To be yourself in a world that is constantly fighting to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
I want Death of Chivalry to inspire women to have confidence in who they are. Most posts on my blog are anything but normal – artists that people have never heard of, outfits that some wouldn’t dare to wear, and homes that aren’t exactly traditional. The general vibe is something beyond what most 20 year old females have an interest in, but that’s why I love it. It’s a representation of me. I want other women to feel that same comfort in their own skin.Fashion isn’t a way of dress, it’s a way of life. I’ve tried to portray that through my blog. It’s filled with laid back, acoustic, soulful numbers – the music you can just sit back and enjoy. It encourages a put-together, but relaxed garb, filled with staple wardrobe items and neutral colors. It offers Anthro and Victorian inspired environments where creativity can flourish and serves dishes that arouse a healthy appetite.
My own personal fashion revolves around natural beauty. I value beauty over sex appeal and effortless sophistication over perfected suave. The more effort you put into perfecting something, the less beautiful it becomes. If we open our eyes and value life’s simple pleasures, we can see beauty.
“Beauty is in everything, just not everyone sees it.”
Photo: Alison Busher