Off-line Inspiration

Of all the online sites which consume my time, one site I don't frequent much is Pinterest. I definitely see the appeal of an online bulletin board and think I should utilize the site more often, but there is a part of me that feels deflated by what I see each time I browse pins: the phenomenal photography, the detailed staging, the ideal lighting, and even the perfectly posed pet on the sofa. Is the scene livable, realistic, available, or affordable? Many of the vignettes seem so out of my reach that I sometimes leave the site actually feeling uninspired. 

I prefer to find my inspiration in person. Shopping is not only a personal hobby and a retail business necessity, but also serves as my source of inspiration. I like being able to see the price, ask questions, talk with designers and artists, and see people's passions and talents intersect.

Two weeks ago, I spent hours at garage sales that weren't even in garages. The Palmer Event Center happened to host both the Austin City-Wide Garage Sale and Le Garage Sale the same weekend - that meant junk and boutique clothing at steep discounts under the same roof! Talk about inspiring!

I met the artist of some gifts I gave for Christmas. The South Austin Gallery produces some of the coolest coasters and cutting boards I've ever seen, with great scenery of this weird town.   

I also had the opportunity to meet talented jewelry designer Naomi Celestin of New Orleans. Her business, Restrung, features handmade jewelry using old guitar strings. What a creative concept! I loved her accessorizing with vintage suitcases, and the fact that she is so talented that she was crafting beautiful jewelry while talking with me. 

Megan of Salvaged had a great space amid the clothing and jewelry. I found some beautiful vintage china plates for a friend; Megan used them at her wedding, channeling mismatched dishes long before Pinterest features the trend.  

Love her crafty designs and mid-century finds. 

Yesterday I took a trip to the Hill Country and love the typewriters and ticking fabric pillows stacked at Whimsey's.

One of my favorite stops yesterday was at Finds! Of All Kinds in Burnet - but not for the goods as much as the great company! This store has evolved significantly since it first opened a few years ago; it now features lots of gift decor alongside antique treasures, and its Pinterest-worthy vignettes are designed by my talented friend Karen.

Taking a road trip is certainly more time-consuming (and gas-guzzling) than online browsing, but I enjoyed visiting with talented designers and came home with a few new treasures and lots of great ideas. 

I even got to check out a few bald eagles in their nest on the drive home. 

I should add this perfectly imperfect picture to my Pinterest board. 

Have a chic week,

~Sarah