A Picture A Day

I'm going to a Bachelorette party in Vegas next month. I'm so not a partier, I don't even stay up past 10:30 most nights, so I'm nervous. What do I wear? How hip and ritzy will it be? And what is it going to be like? I've never been to Vegas!

So in order to ignore all the nervous feelings, and to get excited, I'm focusing on the fun part. WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR!?!?

Below are three possibilities for nights in Vegas. What do you think?

 

 

 

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Designer Inspired

This spring season bold prints in bright colors are everywhere and I can't help but love each of the below looks and pieces. It's easy to pick up a few and mix and match with your everyday basics that you already have in your closet. Below is a selection of pieces that would be incredible additions to make any wardrobe up-to-date for spring. And since the top group is all designer pieces, and well out of my budget, I picked some similar and more affordable pieces as well. 

Prada heels, JCrew Floral Capri, Milly poppy Tote, Gucci Printed top, DVF floral top.

Prada Shoes: $950, JCrew Capri: $298, Milly purse: $295, Gucci top: $465, DVF Top: $210 

Total: $2,218

Zara Floral Pant: $79.90, Floral Scarf : $14.99, Coral floral dress from Express: $59.90, ASOS poppy shopper: $50.13, Michael Antonio floral heel: $69

Total: $273.92

Pinterest Pics

Polka dot glam, sequins and Louis, lounging, glamorous closet, great hat and smoky eyes, sequin suit, black and white

A Picture A Day

I know, it's still February, and it's definitely still winter, but I think I'm a beach bum at heart. All I want to draw are beachy, summery images. A pleated mint maxi, a colorblock beach bag, a polka dot scarf, and big white rimmed glasses. It's going to be me all spring and summer (and maybe on the weekends in my house until the weather really warms up!)

What do you think?

Currently Reading: The Heritic Queen

Barnes and Noble

So it's another case of "Recently Read" and not "Currently Read" I just loved this book and read it to quickly to post! And I know, another book by Michelle Moran!? But yes, I love her. I have literally loved every book I've read so far. She only has one more left, Nefertiti, and I'm sure I'll be reading that in the next few weeks. And I have to say it again, if you love history, The Heretic Queen is another incredible read.

The Heretic Queen was about a period in Egypt's history that I was not familiar with, and I really enjoyed reading about it. The book is told through the eyes of Nefertari. Nefertari was the niece of Nefertiti, the Heretic Queen. The rein of Nefertiti was considered a terrible time in Egypt's history, so terrible in fact that the people of Egypt will not utter her name and punish Nefertari for what her aunt did. Nefertari is ignored and treated lowly in the palace even though she is a Princess. But Ramesses, a childhood friend, and the Pharaoh falls in love and marries her and together they must prove to the people that they can make Egypt and keep Egypt great.

Loved this book. Has anyone else read it? Or read any other book by Michelle Moran?

A Picture A Day

It's Monday Sweets and I'm finally back. Between a wonderful trip, some really fun freelance projects, and the flu! I lost last week. So now that I'm finally feeling better and it's the start of a new week I'm ready to show a new picture. Later this week I will also have a new Currently Reading, and my regularly scheduled Pinterest Pics, Designer Inspired, and Fashion Friday! I'm so excited, and so happy to be feeling better!! lol can you tell!?

The below illustration is another little peak at a project I've mentioned a few times before, but the latest was here. I literally can't wait until June to see the full project and share it with you, but for now, I still have to keep it secret! So below is your little peak and how cute is this pup!? I couldn't resist showing her to you.

Enjoy the illustration and I'll be back in the next few hours with a Currently Reading.

xo

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day

Good morning Sweets and how was your long weekend!?

Mine was absolutely wonderful. Spent in the warm sun in Ft. Lauderdale and I loved every minute of it. And so, instead of an illustration of my trip (although one might come at a later date) I have some photos of the view.

There is just something so perfect about being by the ocean. The warm, sticky, salty air, the small of sun block, flip flops and bathing suits, and sundresses. Yes, take me back :-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday!

xo

 

Designer Inspired I heart D.V.F

It's New York City Fashion week, and while winter is still here and I should be thinking of spring and summer looks, I have been distracted by the beautiful fall reds, black and charcoal tweeds, sparkly gems and sequins, caramel colored wool, and deep burgundy hues.

So for a slightly different take on Designer Inspired I picked Fall 2012 looks by Diane Von Furstenberg that are absolutely stunning and then found similar patterns and colors that I can wear now.

All found on Vogue.com

J.Crew Ram Bracelet, Maison Scotch Metallic Tweed Shorts, Forever21 Oval Bead Ring, Forever21 Feather Earrings, Loft Patterned Dress, Jellypop Tribal Sandals, Banana Republic Two-tone Ballet Flats, Red Pleated Skirt, Black Peplum Shirt with Red Belt

What do you think?

A Picture A Day: I heart custom projects

It's Wednesday Sweets halfway through I heart week. So for my next I heart, I heart custom projects. I heart them for a couple of reasons. Mostly though, it's because I love meeting new people, hearing about their ideas and concepts and then bringing them to life. Below is an example of one of my custom projects.

This illustration goes with the sketch for "Project two" first shown here. I still can't tell you who it is for, but I love where it's going. This is probabaly one of the most fun points in a custom project design when the idea turns into reality and there are just final "tweaks" left to make it just right. I love seeing that idea come to life and I absolutely can't wait to see the final in use.

What do you think!?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

I Heart the Hunger Games Trilogy

http://hungergamesdwtc.net

I fought it and I fought it... I was not going to read a kids book... And then, somehow, I ended up in Barnes and Noble, browsing the shelves, and left with the First of the three books. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

I was really about to read it. I felt so silly... for maybe the first five lines... and then I was hooked! I finished the first book by the end of the next day, bought the second on my way home from work, finished that one by the next morning, and bought the third the third day in.

The books are a little dark but so addicting. Suzanne Collins creates characters that draw you in and a plot that moves at a perfect pace so that you literally can't put the book down. You need to know what happens to the characters.

Set in the future, in a country called Panem, where North America used to be. The country is run by the Capital and there are twelve districts that surround the Capital. The Capital is cruel and continues to make the citizens from each of the districts pay for an act of rebellion 74 years in the past. They hold games every year, and one boy and one girl from each district is selected to take part in. They will fight to the death and only one can be crowned winner. 

If you haven't read these books I highly recommend them! And if you have, what did you think!? I need to talk to someone who has read them lol!

Pinterest Pics I Heart Kelly Green

Garden, Clutch, Ring, Shoes, Room, Dress 1, Dress 2

A Picture A Day I Heart L.A. In the Bay

Happy Valentine's Day Sweets! Do you have any fun plans for today?

Today, for day two of I heart week I have a project reveal for you! Do you remember this illustration originally shown here? One of the blog header designs that I wasn't able to tell you anything about...

Well I can finally share!

I created this illustration for the super sweet and incredibly stylish Lauren for her blog L.A. In the Bay.

I absolutely love her blog, it's a daily read, and I was so flattered when she asked me to create an illustration for her header. Below is an image of what her blog looks like but also check it out and become as addicted as I did to L.A. In the Bay.

I heart Exciting Announcements!

So it's been killing me to not share this exciting news with all of you. In case you didn't already know I have the patience of an ant! But I finally am able to... A few months ago I was approached by the wonderful company Invitation Consultants and asked if I wanted to be a Guest Designer for them. I could provide illustrations that they would then add to their produts and each piece that featured one of my illustrations would be co-branded with the Invitation Consultants and Sweet Musings Paperie logos.

It almost seemed to good to be true that this company wanted to have my illustrations on their site, but over the next few months agreements were signed, work was submitted, and now the first few invitations featuring my work are live on their site! More work will be added in the future but for now I have sent in bridal and baby shower designs.

Check out Invitation Consultants and if you are looking for baby shower, bridal shower, wedding, birthday, any type of invitation, card, and/or gift it is definitely the place to look!

Here is one of the cards on their site featuring an illustration of mine that I first showed you here.

A Picture A Day "I Heart Illustration"

Good Morning Sweets and Happy Monday!

Valentines Day is tomorrow and so in honor of the holiday and the hearts all around I'm making this "I heart" week on Sweet Musings. For my first "I heart"... "I heart illustration".

It's always been my passion, but over the last year I've really pushed myself, tried new things, and attempted to create something new every day. It's been a great year and I hope to continue into another one.

Below is just one more example of illustration :-)

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Friday

Rachel McAdams, Blue and Green, Essie Color, Mixing and Matching, Navy tote, Polka dots

I'm loving the color blue this season. Especially in beautiful bright patterns with stripes and polka dots and water colored floral designs. And that navy tote...it's a must!

What's your favorite color right now?

Designer Inspired

I love love love Tory Burch. I would buy her pieces every year and every season all the time if I could. Below is an outfit that I would love for an afternoon spring wedding, graduation, or a great date night in town on a warm summer night. And below that, the more afordable alternative.

What do you think!?

Tory Burch Pieces: Darya Dress: $450, Robinson Satchel: $550, Classic Cat Eye Sunglasses: $150, Amina High Heel Sandal: $350, Gingham Pendant Necklace: $225, Flower Stud Earrings: on sale for $137.50. Total: $1,862.50

The Look For Less Pieces:  Rare Peter Pan Collar Colorblock dress: on sale for $39.39, Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch: $26.86, Cat Eye Cutie Sunglasses: $11.99, Hotlist Sandals: $89, Deco Pendant Necklace: $6.80, and Never to Jaded Earrings: $12.99. Total: $187.03

Currently Reading Cleopatra's Daughter

As I said earlier today, I'm feeling so far behind. And I'm reading faster then I'm posting, so the currently reading title is a bit of a stretch. Today it should probably say Recently Finished. 

A few weeks ago I read the book Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran. The book was incredible. The mix of history and the way she tells the story were just perfect. I loved her writing style and literally was not able to put the book down. So I wanted to read more books by Michelle Moran.

I picked up Cleopatra's Daughter. An incredible story about the conquering of Alexandria, the fall of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, and what happens to their children. I've read very few books about the Egyptian and Roman empires and even fewer that I have been set in time period B.C. and I found it fascinating. This may now be my new favorite book, or at least in the top 15, I have a lot of favorite books lol... Michelle Moran is so descriptive, not only in the characters, but she almost makes the fashion, and architecture, and place, a character too. You are transported to Rome during the time of emperor Octavian. It was one of those books that when it ends you are a little sad because you just want to keep reading about each of the characters.

If you like books about history I would highly recommend this book and any other by Michelle Moran.

A Picture A Day

Good morning and how is your week going?

I'm running so behind this week. Between work, illustrations, and reading The Hunger Games (which I'm currently obsessing over) my time has just been slipping away. So as an attempt for missing both posts yesterday, here are a multiple hand drawn illustrations that I've been working on for multiple projects. I'll share more details with you once both are finished :-)

Later on I'll have a new must read for you.

Have a great Wednesday Sweets.

xo

Project 1

Project 2

Both images are copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day

... or in this case some dessert for the day!

Good Morning Sweets and how was everyone's weekend?!

Mine was fun, I was lazy all day Saturday and the most "work" I did was sketching for a few freelance projects and then I made a TON of doughnuts for a Superbowl party we were hosting Sunday night. I'll have to show you the sketches later this week because today I'm featuring doughnuts for your viewing pleasure!

These doughnuts were made with the babycakes recipe from their cookbook and then I used their doughnut maker which is basically like an awesome waffle maker.

I started with lots and lots of ingredients...

I made the plain cake doughnuts and the chocolate cake doughnuts. I added a red vanilla glaze (for the Patriots), a cinnamon and sugar coating (my personal favorite), a milk chocolate icing, and a chocolate and peanut butter sprinkle coating and mixed up the toppings on each of the doughnuts.

And since it was the first time making them, my husband and I had to try them out!

Mmmmm! Has anyone else tried to make doughnuts or have a doughnut obsession like me?!

These were so much fun to make and I will definitely be using both of the recipes again!

Have a wonderful Monday Sweets!

A Picture A Day Fashion Friday Inspired

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

I'm still seeing yellow and I have an update to yesterday's A Picture A Day "scribble"

Have a wonderful weekend Sweets!

xo

Fashion Friday Seeing Neon

From designers Like Jason Wu and Mulberry to the stores like H& M and Forever 21 neon yellow seems to be everywhere. And while yellow is a color that looks terrible on me, and I do try to avoid it at all costs, I can't help but love these looks.

Ann Taylor Dress, H&M Top, Jason Wu Spring 2012 Gown, ASOS scallop shell, Mulberry 2012 ad campaign

The Freelancer

Hi there Sweets and Happy Thursday! There is something that I have been struggling with, and keep going back and fourth about, but I finally came to a decision. It's now, or never, and it's time to follow my dreams. I CAN do this :-)

It's hard for me to be open and to really express my feelings. I try to keep them bottled up. Keep the exterior calm, collected, and together. I don't like to express my goals out loud either. I'm always afraid. What if I fail!? Then I look like a fool. And since I said it out-loud everyone will know and think I'm a fool too!

I know people always say that the worst that happens is you don't succeed and you just pick right up and start on something new. And that you never know unless you try. I acknowledge that they are right, but I also feel like my art is an expression of me. So it will be a really hard blow if I fail.

While studying art at school I painted scenes and landscapes. I've never showed the figures and characters, that you've seen me do, they were what I truly wanted to do and I was terrified to show people. What if they hated them, what if my bubble burst, who would I be then? And so I painted and did work that I didn't really love just to get through it. And I kept the style I really wanted to do hidden. I saved them for doodles and sketchbooks.To be loved and unjudged by me and only me.

But with all of that being said so many things seemed to line up over these last few months/almost a year. Signs to tell me just jump, do it, you can do it! Even matchbook magazine had an article this month titled "Now or Never." Maybe it's because I wanted to see them as signs or I was even looking for them, but either way, I'm ready!

It means so much to me, the positive feedback and support from my family, friends, followers, clients, and readers! It's been an incredible journey over the months since I started this blog. And yet, I'm still terrified and cautious. But it's time to take the leap where I put all my faith in myself and my work and just jump into it full-time. To be a freelance artist.

What do you think? Can you relate? Do you have any advice?

A Picture A Day

Okay so here's a little tidbit about me... I always always have a sketch book and pencil case with an array of pens, pencils, markers, etc. (yep just like a five-year-old Or a mom of a five-year-old - of which I am neither) in my purse. I keep it there because sometimes I get these ideas, they just pop in my head, usually when I'm in the middle of something completely unrelated, and I think will make a great illustration. But since at that moment I don't have time to actually work on it I'll quickly pull the sketch book and select writing utensil out of my purse, draw as fast a humanly possible, and tuck it back in my bag for another day. So here is an example of that. A little one minute hand drawn sketch to get my idea out on paper until I find time to complete it. She will be a fashionista on an over stuffed suitcase, but for now, she sort of looks like a scribble.

Happy Thursday Sweets!
xo

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Designer Inspired

I'm going away for a long weekend later this month and of course I am thinking about what to pack already. So for my second edition of Designer Inspired I'm LOVING Chloe's Resort 2012 line with feminine details, sheer flowing fabrics, and soft muted tones. How perfect would each of these looks be for a warm destination in mid-February!?

Vogue.com Chloe Resort 2012

And so I used the details and colors from this collection as inspiration and set out finding pieces that fit in my budget but still make me feel chic.

sheer polka dot blouse, blazer with coral belt, floral maxi, color-block tote, saddle colored belt, nude t-strap flats, sheer floral scarf, mint dress, bangles

What do you think? What designer is inspiring your outfits currently?

A Picture A Day

It's been awhile since I shared a logo design and I thought it would be nice to show a new one to you and talk a little about my process. A logo can be such an important part of a business identity. It has to be something timeless that the client will love for their specific company and will not go in and out based on trends. In addition to that a logo should be eye catching. The logos below are part of my phase 1 sketch phase. I like to provide three options that we can discuss and go from there. Below are three very different logos, each with a different feel. I really love the top one, but depending on the clients needs or message they wish to portray one of the others might work better.

What do you think/which one is your favorite?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.