Friday, April 19, 2013

Orangerie


Shirt: Urban Outfitters (last seen here) | Skirt: H&M (similar here) (last seen here) | Belt: Abercrombie (last seen here) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Shoes: MICHAEL (similar here) | Bag: Coach | Necklace: LOFT (similar here and here) | Bracelets: ALDO, Boutique | Watch: Michael Kors

Another drive-by post from me today--seems like I've been doing a lot of them lately (sorry, guys!). Between the abysmal weather recently and craziness at work, it's been tough getting time to blog.

I've also plunged into exploring calligraphy lately and have been spending a lot of time writing with an actual pen (the kind you dip into an inkwell) and paper, which has been challenging (to say the least) but surprisingly fun and relaxing. I've always loved giving and receiving handwritten letters and cards, and I've been wanting to learn lettering and calligraphy for a while, so I went and bought some supplies on a whim and have totally fallen in love. I have found myself trying and learning so many new things since I started this blog, which is wonderful. The more I pick up new skills (photography, graphic design, coding, etc.), the more I want to learn! I think my blogging experience has been a major catalyst in finding the inspiration, motivation, and confidence to try my hand at some of the items--blog-related or not--that have been sitting on my things-I-want-to-try-one-day list.

Have any of you experienced this phenomenon? What inspires you to learn something new?

     

20 comments:

  1. Love this outfit! I can't believe this skirt is from h&M!

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  2. I went to a Catholic school all my life. We had an actual class called Calligraphy from 1st to 6th grade. It was an easy class to get an A on, if you took your handwriting seriously enough, and I have those classes and its teacher, Mrs. Cruz, to thank for my pretty awesome cursive handwriting. But I've never tried using actual pens with inkwells! That really sounds like so much fun to me!

    I love your use of bows. In fact, in my last post I specifically referenced one of your looks that inspired me to tie my dress's bow in the front instead of the back. :)

    xo,
    -Nathy
    Earnestyle

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    1. Oops, forgot to not include my blog link unless it's relevant. The first link was, but not the second one. I apologize!

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    2. No worries at all! I was just hoping to discourage the "nice post folloooow meeeee link link link link link" sort of comments--I saw you addressed those in one of your recent posts, and I am definitely on the same page!

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  3. I love the bright orange skirt! It really brings out the warm tone of the entire outfit!!

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  4. Beautiful look. I love the skirt, and the bow belt is too cute! I've always wanted to learn calligraphy and use the fountain pen so I'm envious!
    xo
    Lia
    Smart n Snazzy

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  5. Absolutely adore this look, Tam! The colors and prints together make a stunning combination.

    Calligraphy is definitely a lost art -- heck, even writing normally is becoming extinct with how much we rely on technology nowadays. I know you just put up a new blog header, but wouldn't it be cool if you were to replace it with one showing off your calligraphy skills?

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    1. Thanks, Cee! I would absolutely love to design myself a new header, but I don't think I'm skilled enough yet. Maybe soon, though!

      I agree that writing by hand is definitely a dying practice. I have to do it for work (writing on file jackets, filling out some non-computerized paperwork), but whenever I can, I take notes on my laptop because it's so much faster and easier. Emails are so much quicker than letters, but letters are capable of conveying so much more than typewritten words, in my opinion. I really hope our society doesn't ever let handwriting go entirely by the wayside!

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  6. My little sister does a lot of calligraphy and she seems to like it! My handwriting is terrible, there's no way I could ever pick it up!

    I love the addition of that belt!

    Bold Subtlety

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  7. I love the bow belt, Tam! I did some calligraphy with my grandma when I was a kid - needless to say, my handwriting sucks now, haha. Also, when I was in Italy several years ago, I picked up a Murano glass pen. It's all glass with a pointed tip. I dip that into ink to write with - it's interesting! ;-)

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  8. very pretty, i rarely wear orange but you look amazing in it!
    xo, aiyanajane || www.citystylecountrysmile.com

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  9. Tam, this post speaks directly to me. I have been experiencing the very same surge of creativity since beginning my blog. I'm fairly new at this blogging thing, started in September, and it has totally ignited what was once a very dim flame. I used to do a lot of sewing, crafting, and art...and I found myself getting very ho-hum. Miraculously, that has turned around after creating my blog. Inspiration, motivation, confidence; well said! I follow you on Pinterest, and have been seeing lots of calligraphy and lovely font pins. I took a calligraphy class almost 30 years ago,{Gak} and really enjoyed the art of it all.

    Okay, I've rambled on enough. Your skirt is brilliant. I'm keen to add more orange to my wardrobe as I've just bought a cute pair of orange patterned sandals. Your leopard spotted heels are a great touch.

    Great blog,

    Sue xo

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    1. What a happy side effect of blogging, isn't it? I'm glad you have experienced the same thing. I think it's good for the mind, body, and soul to keep trying new things and honing new skills, but as adults, it seems like there are limited opportunities to do that. I love that blogging has spurred me to be a little more adventurous that way.

      On Pinterest--I think that my followers probably see what's percolating in the back of my mind before I even consciously know it's there!

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  10. Beautiful as always Tam! OMG that reminds me as a kid my dad bought me a calligraphy book and we would practice writing together :) Sad so say those skills did not stay with me :P

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  11. I couldn't agree more Tam! Blogging has definitely been the catalyst for a snowball of creative inspiration for me too. I love learning and experiencing all of the new things that the blogosphere has introduced me to and am so happy you're enjoying calligraphy! I know we would all love to see a little of your work some day.

    xoxo,
    Chelsea

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  12. Adore EVERYTHING about this, Tam!! I also wanted to let you know that I have a new URL so that you don't get lost trying to find me! :/

    xo
    Rachel

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  13. I taught myself a little bit of calligraphy when I decided to address my own wedding invitations. It was pretty cool! I just used the cheater calligraphy markers, though - I didn't actually use an ink well! You are hardcore. Anywho, once again I love this bow belt. The bow belt should be your "thing." (if you want to have a thing)

    ~Sarah of Sarah's Real Life

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  14. Hi Tam ! I've been visiting your blog for months now but never commented before. I really love your outfits and that bow belt is gorgeous. Love it. Let the creativity flow ! Have a nice weekend.

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  15. I absolutely adore that skirt on you!!looks so flawless and chic
    kisses from Milano
    http://sienastyle.blogspot.it/

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  16. this is great - you look fantastic! calligraphy is such a lost art - i did a lot of it too, when i was younger. i'd love to see you post what you've created so far!

    xo P

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