Hello, conference attire. Let’s do this.

[Blouse: Libby Story, Romper: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Simply Vera at Kohl's, Vintage Cameo Necklace: Flea Market Find, Turban: Target]

I’ve been in San Fran attending conferences and teaching classes nonstop. And because I’m here for eight days with just a carry-on, monochromatic is the name of the game.

Black, white, solids, patterns. Done. Also, hello! I miss you.

FULL DISCLOSURE

Last week, I flew to NYC to attend a press preview for BHLDN’s new fall line, and today was pleased to find a time lapse video of the entire night in my inbox!

It was a lovely event indeed, and the collection is gorgeous. Thanks, BHLDN!

Gosh, how is it mid-July already? I’ve been flitting about all summer here and there, and have completely forgotten to fill you in. Here’s some recent press / news / goodies:

Last month, I was thrilled to be a 2Modern Trendsetter and shared lots of lust-worthy picks with their fans.
Last week, IndyStar.com interviewed me for tips on pulling off an oversized sweater in the heat!
This week, What Women Make spotlighted my work.
In the next few weeks, I’ll be judging American Cancer Society’s More Birthdays Contest. (psst.. you can still enter)
Toward the end of July, I’ll be flying to Chicago to speak at TechWeek with some lovely ladies.
Next month, of course, I’m hosting a business/creativity course in San Francisco and speaking at Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs.

A busy summer, indeed! What do you friends have planned?

As part of the summer blog tour celebrating my friend Lisa‘s new book A Collection A Day, I thought it only fitting to share with you a small part of one of my collections: vintage typewriter ribbon tins. I’ve always loved a typewriter: the clickety sounds, the return bell (ding!), announcing that a new paragraph has begun. Watching the mechanics work together to produce the written word. It has always fascinated (and will always fascinate!) me.

Anyway, Lisa’s book is an exceptional read and it comes in the cutest little collector’s tin. I’m smitten. Congrats, Lisa! On with the blog tour!

p.s. You can get $5 off your book order with the code ‘iheartthings’ in checkout.
p.p.s. Follow the rest of the summer blog tour right here: July 20th (DesignWorkLife), July 27 (Poppytalk), Aug 3 (sfgirlbybay).

This is what I wear to a breezy rooftop soiree where there is wine to be had. The pants are crazy flowy and wrinkled and just… perfect. Also? Wide legs are an appetizer-lovin’ girls’ best friend.

[Tee: H&M, Palazzo pants: ASOS, Clutch: gift, Nude heels: Payless, Blush skinny belt: H&M, Coral ring: flea market, Necklace: flea market, Photo: Betsy King]

See you Thursday with a new favorite ensemble!

Happy fourth, friends! See you tomorrow.

Both of my parents are retired teachers, and to be honest, I never ever expected to follow in their footsteps. Yet after saying “Yes!” to leading a workshop in Portland last week, I will announce: I am 100% addicted to teaching others.

There were hiccups. My confidence was shaky and my sensitivity came out in all the wrong places. But wow. I learned a lot. I learned that I really can rely on myself and myself alone. I learned that I’m stronger than I imagined. I learned that when things around you become chaotic and you feel the world is crumbling, your soul sings a lullaby. It’s inherent. I think that’s what it’s there for.

I learned that something magical happens when you group together 20 inspiring women. I learned that community is inevitable. I learned that energy is contagious. I found that taking the high road is always, always the best decision in life.

I learned that I want to do this for the rest of my life. I learned that investing in others financially, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and academically is my calling. I learned that I can do this.

I learned that I will do this.

I’ll be leading another creativity course (albeit a different format!) in San Francisco next month. I’d love for you to be there to be a part of the amazing, life-changing experience that is grouping together like-minded strangers and storming the castle of awesome.

Please come. I’ll meet you there.

I’ve lost many loved ones to cancer in my twenty-something years on this planet (including my beloved father-in-law just under a month ago), and although it doesn’t get any easier, I’m a firm believer that we can use our experiences in the past to shape our future, both individually and collectively.

Thus, I’ll be judging a contest for the Create More Birthdays campaign with The American Cancer Society next month. I’m thrilled to be in the company of two fellow creatives in doing so, and can’t wait to see you guys come out of the woodwork to support a gigantically inspiring cause.

MORE >

Oh look! More cobalt blue! In love. This is my smart outfit, which is what I wear when I have a client meeting. That’s a trick sentence there, because you see? I don’t meet clients in person. I live in the middle of nowhere and engage in phone meetings only. It’s lovely, because I don’t even have to brush my teeth to make money.

But. Here’s the deal. When I have on my smart outfit (a blazer is always a smart outfit, fyi), I feel wayyyy smarter than I truly am. So even the phone meetings require a full get-up. That way, I bring my A game.

[Sweatshirt blazer: Nordstrom, Necklace: Local Boutique, Nude tee: H&M, Cobalt pants: ASOS, Heels: Modcloth, Photo: Betsy King]

You love those shoes, don’t you? Me, too.

Sweet Jonathan sent me the latest copy of his pub, At Your Leisure, and if it doesnt’ scream Erin, I don’t know what does. Thanks, Jon!