Winspirsession 2016

2016, you guys!! 2016?!! Where did the time go? Is anyone else still in the mindset that 2006 wasn't that long ago and 2011 was, like, yesterday? I kind of thought people were exaggerating when they said time speeds up as you get older, but there's no use denying it anymore: we're on a roller coaster here.

I thought I'd pull together a little inspirsession post, since I haven't produced one since... last winter? Eeps. Anyway, I guess I've been tracking my inspirations and obsessions via other modes (Bloglovin', bookmarks, and mood boards, to name a few.)

Anyway, without further adieu, here's what's been keeping my head a-spin and my heart a-flutter this season:

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This past year has been mostly transient for me. Since moving out of our Seattle apartment, J and I have transitioned from one temporary home to another, and now we're more than ready to settle into something more permanent. Interestingly, I've noted this feeling of transience in my psyche as well. It seemed to be a year of examining and observing for me, rather than playing and teaching.

This removal manifested itself in my sudden embrace of a neutral, normcore wardrobe, an embrace of minimalism with almost zero shopping allowance and a by-proxy movement away from vintage and thrifting. I have always viewed getting dressed as "putting on a character," and it only makes sense that a year without acting should align with a personal style hiatus. Though I'm ready to reintroduce secondhand shopping, dinners out, and auditioning back into my life, I do think this was an important process for me; it highlighted what I needed to let go of (grudges, habits, "stuff") and also illuminated what I actually need in my life (family, writing, a regular exercise routine...)

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All J has been able to talk about lately is getting a kitty. My own excitement increased tenfold when I found this picture.

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I recently became the proud owner of a KitchenAid stand mixer. It's red and shiny and pretty much the best thing ever.

Jenna Marbles says you're officially an adult when you start getting excited about kitchen appliances. I feel like the goddess in the photo above each time I operate this unicorn of a culinary device, so I guess I'm all grown up now.

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A recently-discovered, new favorite view of Manhattan... Lord, I love this city. Every time I step out onto the streets after work, it still takes my breath away.

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As I've explored my sense of style more deeply, I've come to realize that the deeper colors I typically gravitate towards (in clothes, decor, etc.) are actually favorites handed down from my mom. While my mother is a very important part of my life and style, and while I'm blessed to have much in common with her, our tastes are also quite different. Only in the past few years have I grown more comfortable embracing softer, more muted palette, rather than the bold, fiery ones she taught me to love. I can't wait to see how my new apartment reflects both these sources of inspiration.

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Enjoy your winter, wherever ye be!

xxo,
Rachel