tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85332543424375673862024-03-14T03:57:27.467-04:00stafford bensen • blogStafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-41937905559826700862014-10-15T08:16:00.002-04:002014-10-15T08:17:04.711-04:00this den though<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Moment of silence for the cutest den that ever was. It's everything I could've ever wanted for our basement apartment in DC, but unfortunately our lack of windows prevents it from becoming reality. The colors, plants, and overall airy feeling feed my soul for real. Whimsy plus whimsy times whimsy, squared.<br />
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Well done, <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2014/09/room-to-grow-in-texas.html" target="_blank">person</a>!Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-67098927551115144512014-09-16T21:21:00.002-04:002014-09-16T21:44:51.325-04:00keeping the focusI've said it time and again. I'm terrrrrible at keeping up with this blog. Sorry folks! Having a full time job and being a real person in a real city has proven to be a little hectic to start, but I'm quickly getting the hang of it. New apartment, new "roommate" (hi honey), new workplace, new clients, new habits.<br />
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We moved in at the end of July and immediately bought all the essentials. Here I am, sitting here, telling you that we purchased all this random stuff the week we moved in just to fill the voids of the space we had here. This is the <i>only</i> thing I tell people who are moving/just moved to avoid doing. "You'll end up with a bunch of sh*t you don't even like," I would say. But here I am.<br />
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The place was bigger than we thought it would be and with an absence of WINDOWS on the walls (basement living to the fullest), I began to panic a little. We bought mainly kitchen essentials because cooking is like totally our thing. We bought bookshelves because <i>someone</i> has a lot of books, and that someone is not the girl writing this blog. We bought the cheapest coffee table we could. We swooped in and got the hand-me-down-and-free dining table and chairs from his old house. We have yet to do anything with said dining table and chairs besides put a lot of junk on it. BUT... we bought a small rug for under my lovely couch, both of which I actually love. Those can stay for awhile.<br />
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My bedding mixed with Jeff's mattress was like heaven on earth the first night we got to sleep in the apartment. Other than that, the bedroom is bare. BARE, Y'ALL. I am having a mini crisis just trying to figure out what to do with it, so I resorted to Pinterest (per usual). Just to remind myself that did have a general look/feel of this place in mind when we found it and moved in. Sometimes this process needs to happen before things get really weird and you end up with some red paper lamp.<br />
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I bought one last year at this stage. It's currently behind me.<br />
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1. cozy home with pretty things.<br />
2. coziest bedroom with neutrals and nothing crazy<br />
3. awesome desk for doing awesome things like this blog and a secret project I've started in the last month or so. oh, and we are totally getting a desktop just like this wood one. Talk about a *big girl desk*<br />
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Let's make a list of adjectives just like in middle school. Just so we're on the same page.<br />
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I want our home to be:<br />
cozy, comfy, pretty, inviting, welcoming, light, textural, colorful, fun<br />
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Having only <i>two</i> windows in the front of the house (thankfully this is the bedroom) and <b>zero</b> in the main living area has proven to be a little tricky. While we have great recessed lighting, I think lamps are going to be the savior here. Let's hope.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2013/10/07/lovestru-ck-home-tour/" target="_blank">001</a> / <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/megans-midc-modern-mix-in-denver-house-tour-199898#gallery/46395/1" target="_blank">002</a> / <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/vote-for-the-best-office-space-in-the-remodelista-considered-design-awards-amateur-category" target="_blank">003</a>Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-61838916147330310642014-03-14T12:49:00.002-04:002014-03-17T10:29:48.275-04:00on making it perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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When it comes to making a home your own and really styling it to your liking, I have a lot to say. My thoughts generally include angst toward those who just can't seem to make up their mind on how they want to style their home. </div>
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Styling the place you spend all of your nights sleeping (well, mostly all of your nights, unless you travel and such) and all of your weekends baking and brunching (I wish) should not be hard. It should not be a task. It is a straight-up hobby. Something you do as you go along in life and find what speaks to you.</div>
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Where people first go wrong is when they say "I need pillows" or "I need a nightstand." Let's be honest - you don't need it. That tupperware bin that you've been using as a nightstand will suffice until you find the right thing and you are 110% happy and excited with your purchase. I have lived with odds and ends of furniture all through college and can honestly say I did not care. </div>
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The second area in which people go wrong when furnishing their home - caring. People really really really care about what other people think about their home. Albeit Pinterest and Houzz have sparked this care, you should genuinely not give a shit about whether or not someone will judge your decision of interior furnishing. Why does it matter? They aren't living there. You are. <b>You </b>need to be the one that loves and cherishes that space most and the journies that lead you to the things in there.</div>
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Nothing bothers me more than when someone insists on having their hand held when shopping for home goods. <i>"Is that going to look ok?"</i> <i>"Can I do that?"</i> To which I often want to reply, "Is your home being photographed by Domino in the next month?" To which their reply would 99 times out of 100 be "No." Rule #1: There are no rules.</div>
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So why does it matter? I believe (and am certain) that this all stems from the want and need to be accepted by our peers. You want them to pat you on the back and think you have the coolest home on the block, right? Right...</div>
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I style my home because it makes me happy. Maybe I have some talent I was born with that allows me to have a better eye than others when it comes to this thing called "decorating." The truth is that I am no better at it than anyone else - I just know what makes me happy inside. My kitchen is a happy place because I love being in there. Every room should reflect how you feel.</div>
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If you find the need to have a status (say, if you are a housewife in a million dollar mansion with a husband that makes 6 figures), <b>hire a designer.</b> Hire a professional that knows what they're doing. Designers are really good at doing all the worrying and nitpicky things that come along with furnishing and styling an entire home. Trust me, I deal with them everyday and have vowed to never become one of them. They will design a space to a tee and make sure it's presentable enough for the President of the United States (sup Obama) to have dinner. All while you just sit back and relax (and pay the big bucks).</div>
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If a designer is not in your realm of affordability (seriously, who can afford a designer before age 40?), do your research. Get on Pinterest. Start boards. Find what inspires you and look for a common thread amongst the pins you like. Then, start doing things. This next part is very important:</div>
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<b>Do not treat every decision like it's the end of the world. </b>Because, guess what? It isn't. The world will not come to a close just because you buy the wrong size end table. If you are genuinely happy with something you buy because it is a good representation of who you are and how you style your home, that will not matter. You thought it would work well next to the sofa, but now you realize that maybe it would be awesome next to your random old hand-me-down chair in the bedroom. Boom, swapped. Problem solved.</div>
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Serial shopper & returners are retail workers worst nightmare. It's okay to change your mind, but it should not happen with every purchase. You do not need your "designer friend"s second opinion on the mirror you bought. There's a reason you bought it - you like it. Keep it. They will not judge you for your purchase.</div>
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So please, friends. Trust your instincts. Furnish and style your home the way you like to. After all, it's a representation of who you are, just as the way you dress. Not someone else's representation of you.</div>
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image <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/2014/01/24/built-to-last/" target="_blank">via</a></div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-6980689761106799232014-03-07T18:40:00.000-05:002014-03-17T10:33:32.365-04:00the pretty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today being my only day off this week definitely merited some online window shopping to the usuals. By usuals I mean the "I just realized I'm broke and can't afford anything other than this" stores. Harsh realities y'all. I found a lot of patterns that spoke (sang, rather) to me, including <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=love21&Category=love21_skirt&ProductID=2000071001&VariantID=" target="_blank">this</a> skirt, <a href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/dresses/floral-print-dress-c358003p1805501.html" target="_blank">this</a> Zara dress (never have I ever found something at Zara?), and <a href="http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=love21&Category=love21_dresses&ProductID=2000063516&VariantID=" target="_blank">this</a> dress. Spring is coming, you guys. It's about damn time. We deserve it. I had more snow days that I've had since 2006. Many a fire were made, many a comfort foods were eaten. Christmas is a distant memory. The dresses are practically leaping out of my closet.</div>
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Aside from online window shopping, I did my fair share of Pinterest. By Pinterest I mean "staring blankly at the scrolling iPhone screen and tapping." Most inspiring and warm fuzzy generating were the ones of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/139752394661212598/" target="_blank">peonies</a> (one of the most perfect things on this planet), and beautiful places in <a href="http://www.claryphoto.com/blog/view-france/#" target="_blank">France</a>, because... Hello, France. What I would give to transport to Paris right this instant and have a chocolate croissant. My local bakery just isn't cutting it anymore...</div>
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A seemingly <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/fiction/features/2013/07/08/130708fi_fiction_wolff" target="_blank">Greek town</a> just getting some sun. Pastel buildings, bright blue water, whitewashed everything. In reality, I have no idea what that is. All it says to me is "you belong here." I'm down...</div>
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This week also marked a week where I actually tried to start sketching again. It lasted for two days. Such is life.</div>
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But I did find some inspirations along the way. Someone I've admired from afar (in a totally uncreepy way, guys) since my <a href="http://laffystaffy.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">brief</a> stint on tumblr (ain't nobody got time) - <a href="http://bouffantsandbrokenhearts.com/" target="_blank">bouffants & broken hearts</a>. She definitely knows what she's doing.</div>
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<a href="http://issuu.com/antiquaria/docs" target="_blank">Watercolor</a> is a thing of the past for me, but maybe I'll find some inspiration once the weather warms and things start looking alive again, as opposed to crunchy, dead, withering plants. One can hope! Experimenting with <a href="http://www.lutheen.com/" target="_blank">sketching</a> and watercolor could be a fun little proj to try out... The second my deck is free of clutter, dead plants, snow, and dirt, I'm absolutely sitting out there with a cold beer (or wine!) and getting some pretty things made.</div>
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To the weekend I go (actually I work tomorrow and Sunday, I don't remember what a weekend actually feels like?)!</div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-33375317032414778932014-03-03T12:29:00.001-05:002014-03-17T10:34:16.126-04:00a post that makes no sense<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh hey there, blog. It's been so long. I'm sorry it's taken [yet another] snowy day to bring us back together for the first time since Halloween.</div>
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This post is about getting your shit together and doing what you want to do in life. Accomplish what you want to accomplish! Don't let your day job get in the way of what you really strive to achieve. Hell, maybe even try to combine your goals into your day job, if possible. I know it's possible for me. Some people, however, those financial consultants that really dream of being golf pros, maybe this isn't as attainable.<br />
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But if you're working at a boutique small business that is already basically a design firm/store in itself, why not try to merge your graphic design talents in there as well? Shake things up a bit. Everyone will benefit from a rebranding strategy. You will get to do graphics work, and the business will look better. Win win, right?<br />
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Maybe. Let's explore.</div>
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First, a sketch. One that reminds me to keep sketching, because I can. This is one of a series of 30 from a garden at school. It was the bomb. I have vowed to sketch one page per day. Maybe this will help me determine my priorities.<br />
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Let's start with where my greatest interests lie. Interior design? Not really. Though it should be top on my list seeing as I spent about 6 years studying the science of interior design... This is not my greatest interest. I've managed to twist and turn it into more of a hobby and past time. Ironically enough it's what I spend my days doing (in peoples' homes, though, and not commercial or public spaces - which I've found to be more rewarding anyway as you develop a personal relationship with these people). I could spend hours on home styling blogs and pin boards and yadda and yadda. I spend the better half of my time on Pinterest looking through home images to get ideas for my new home in the end of the summer. Maybe it's a girl thing. We nest. We gather. We make homes.</div>
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Gotta make your loved ones cozy! Duh.</div>
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But I'm not sitting here 24/7 in Revit putting together a building with HVAC and doing all the boring stuff. And for that, I am glad. I remember in studio critiques when my professors would ask me what a particular aspect of my design would be made out of. "What material do you think this is?" they would say. Hell if I know. I just know what I want it to look like.</div>
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For that reason, maybe I wasn't the best interior design student. But I did know one thing - I had an eye for graphic quality. My other professors noticed this early on, and I probably knew that back in the day when I had a website in middle school (to this day I cannot remember what was actually on there, but I remember making it pretty). </div>
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Unfortunately, I realized this about halfway through my degree. No backing out now. So what did I do? Turned all of my projects into a graphic project. I challenged myself to present it in a way that no one else was presenting. To turn an interior project into a graphic project. But still having enough "interior design" qualities to make it okay with my professors. It lacked some technicalities, but in the end I think they know what I was trying to do and who I was trying to be.</div>
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Let's stop rambling and start getting to the point. My top interests are:</div>
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<b>1. graphic design</b></div>
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<b>2. food/baking</b></div>
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<b>3. interiors</b></div>
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Yes, food and baking wins out interiors. After work, I come home, window shop online, pin design pins, and most of all - read cookbooks. I typically fall asleep reading a cookbook. I think about food most of the time. I watch food network any time that I'm home. Every night before leaving work, I find a recipe to make. Must be a given talent that I have to be able to read a recipe, because apparently this hard for some people... I would like to help those people. How sad it would be to not know how to read a recipe. And for those of you wondering - yes, reading a recipe is different than reading reading.</div>
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Graphics & food... Graphics & food... Sounds like <a href="http://www.spoonforkbacon.com/" target="_blank">Spoon Fork Bacon</a> to me, but also sounds like an opportunity to blog more. And that I will. Maybe I'll even start photographing some food after I cook it for my honey. That is, if he doesn't eat all of it instantly. Also if we ever make dinner before 830 PM on a weeknight when the sun is still up.</div>
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Likeliness: Zero.</div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-79928140504828509672013-10-31T12:23:00.001-04:002013-10-31T12:31:55.761-04:00are we seeing a trend here?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welp, here I am on the last day of the month. I am counting this as my October post. I've noticed that my blog posting has been entirely too sporadic for my liking (once a month!). As I've slowly started to show this secret little world to close ones, strangers, and dreamers alike, it's become apparent that maybe I should try a little harder to keep it up.</div>
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To that I say "bring it on" but I also know that next week I'm going to be like <i>ehhhh sleepinginsoundsgood</i> and to that I would also say there is no point in forcing inspiration. Cause that's just dumb. When you're inspired, you're inspired. If you're not, you ain't. Ya know?</div>
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I'd rather post when I mean it as opposed to just spewing posts onto this blog for the sake of having posts. Quality over quantity, y'all.</div>
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This brings me to my October post. Since working at the most colorful, fun, lively, and adorable shop in the DC area, I've noticed a little change in my precious home board. Lawd knows I barely have time to pin anymore, but when I do, I notice some trends to my liking. These make me want to paint things and buy pretty things. But let's be real, I'm broke, ain't got time, etc etc.</div>
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A girl can dream though? </div>
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These colorful, lively spaces are unique, exciting, everything I could ever dream to have, yaddayadda. You may be saying to yourself, "is this girl planning to live alone forever? Ain't no way a male body would live in such a home." Well, friend, that just makes it obvious that your home lacks any and all personality. Color is color, whether feminine or masculine. A well-styled home is a cozy home, and one that you are welcome to come home to. Plus, some men are colorblind... So there's that.</div>
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I am well aware that most husbands have some sort of complex which makes them shy away from "cute" and "pretty" homes created by their wives. They need man caves. They need big TV's and ugly dark furniture. I will never understand this.</div>
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Wouldn't you much rather live in a place that's rich in texture, pattern, and color? Something you are proud to call your own? Let's be real. This formula for "texture, pattern, color" can go wrong entirely too easily, and I have seen it happen. But when you truly pick things that speak to who you are and what you love, you can't go wrong.</div>
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The main problem is that people buy huge homes with nothing to put in them. Then, they get frantic and start cramming shit in there. Stuff that's "affordable" and cheap, that will be sufficient enough to sustain the beginning of their life in their new home.</div>
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... Let's look at this for a second. We're spending a lot of money on furniture we don't actually love, that we plan on getting rid of anyway when we have a little bit more money for nicer things? I'd rather sit on fold-up chairs than spend real money on bad furniture. Why don't we just wait until we have money for the things that we will love for a long time, and that will also last as long? This is ironically turning into my perspective on dating. <b>Awkward.</b></div>
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Point is: buy what you love. Don't buy what you need. My Aunt Jeanne (who is probably reading this) has this mentality when she shops. She knows exactly what she wants, and gets it then and there. No doting, no dwelling, no calculating. And guess what? Her home is my favorite of all time. Of all time, y'all. That's big!</div>
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<a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2013/09/a-modern-textile-filled-home-in-los-angles.html" target="_blank">01</a> <a href="http://www.ahouseinthehills.com/ahouseinthehills/2013/10/30/a-very-exciting-house-update.html" target="_blank">02</a> <a href="http://brightspaceint.squarespace.com/bright-space/2012/1/18/painting-a-room-in-one-colour.html#.UnKF6Pk3sUI" target="_blank">03</a></div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-24838324451298347742013-09-04T11:25:00.004-04:002013-09-04T11:35:36.526-04:00whimsical patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One thing I must say I'm good at (among everything, obviously) is making patterns. Though these are not mine (I wish), they are entirely representative of who I am as a designer. The cute, adorable shapes and colors that just make you all warm and fuzzy inside. No joke, I would have the two on the right as wallpaper in a heartbeat. Maybe not that intense, but I would definitely think about it.</div>
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I designed some carpet for corridors in apartment buildings when I was at my interior design internship. It was something completely new and different than what I had been doing in school. Keeping in mind where doors were going to be placed, making sure the corridor was telling a story down the hall... I was all, <i>whaaa</i>? Typically I think carpets such as these (similar to ones in newer hotels) are way overkill in a space, but it was fun to play with pattern. My boss even commended me on my pattern making skills using some shapes found in a Charley Harper book. Boom.</div>
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Speaking of wallpaper... Some favs:<br />
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<a href="http://www.creativityexplored.org/art/view/2442/abstract" target="_blank">01</a> <a href="http://venetianred.net/tag/block-printed-textiles/" target="_blank">02</a> <a href="http://www.shopbando.com/print-shine-bobbi-set/prod/556?rc=59" target="_blank">03</a> <a href="http://bouffantsandbrokenhearts.com/" target="_blank">04</a> <a href="http://estiloescandinavo.wordpress.com/2013/03/13/papel-pintado-en-la-decoracion/papel_pintado04/" target="_blank">05</a> <a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2013/7/31/lilly-bunn.html" target="_blank">06</a> <a href="http://indulgy.com/post/6SflxPVDI1/horizontal-bead-boarding#/do/page/1http://indulgy.com/post/6SflxPVDI1/horizontal-bead-boarding#/do/page/1" target="_blank">07</a>Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-83666948429691582662013-08-21T12:42:00.002-04:002013-08-21T12:50:50.670-04:00charm, brought to you by new england.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Let's just not talk about that time I drove to New England by myself and somehow zoned out and missed the turn for the Delaware Memorial Bridge and ended up in Philly. Let's also not talk about how I took one wrong turn after the GW Bridge and ended up lost in Queens at 4 pm on a Friday afternoon in the summer. I was painstakingly close to throwing up in my car out of nervousness upon realizing I was lost in Queens with 30% iPhone battery. Yeah, that happened.<br />
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And finally, let's not talk about the constant paranoia I faced while sitting in traffic for two hours on the Merritt Parkway with antsy rich people going 0-60 in 3 seconds flat behind me as I'm at a standstill. I drive a hatchback, y'all! And my phone is dead. Your massive Jeep rear-ending me is the last thing I need.<br />
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But let's definitely talk about New England. Once you get past the city and the crazy of rich folk in Connecticut driving 85 mph on a 55 mph winding road, you reach the land of charm.<br />
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When you recently find yourself in a life and career transition, you go on a road trip. Solo. It must be solo. If you bring someone with you, you're just going to appear as needy and weak. Plus, you don't have to tend to someone else's needs.<br />
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You want to see that historic landmark in a small colonial town? You do that. You go. You want to go antiquing? Knock yourself out. And definitely check out that flagship Yankee Candle store. Because, why the hell not?<br />
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Yes, all of that lobstah roll was devoured. Everything on that plate, minus the lemon. Good eats, y'all. New England's got 'em!<br />
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All photos were taken in Deerfield and Northampton (NoHo), Mass. Rarely do I stop and wander around in Massachusetts, but it seems this trip was dedicated to doing just that. Even picked up an antique alarm clock, and managed to talk myself out of buying the pair of vintage pink lamps with the gold accents on them. Self control at it's finest.Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-625695767011400402013-07-25T08:44:00.000-04:002013-07-25T08:48:18.270-04:00beginning stagesI moved in almost a month ago and I've already moved things around at least 3 times since then. So far, I've been trying to inject color into any place I can, cause I didn't realize A) all of my stuff is white and B) the walls in here are a light tan. The sheets I bought from Target are... drumroll please... white background with a tan print. So yeah! I have a lot of work to do here in adding my personal touches. Lots of plans for this place. Lots of wall space to be filled. BTW, I forgot what it was like to have a bed so high up. Been living on the box spring on the floor style since 2010...<br />
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<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-67024342243293877522013-03-31T20:03:00.001-04:002013-03-31T20:09:53.462-04:00blogging is hard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Between working about 30-35 hours a week in the store, and countless hours outside the store working on evolved and freelance work, blogging is hard. I love making graphics for posts and getting a good one all together and presentable. Getting home from a long day of dealing with pretty terrible strangers really takes it out of you - and on that note, I think everyone at some point in their lives should have to work retail for at least a month to see how terrible some people can be. It'll make you a better stranger to others, trust me. I am rarely rude to anybody.<br />
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What's that one quote? You can tell a lot by a person by how they treat others who can do nothing for them? I think so. That quote is my ish.<br />
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Moving on, <a href="http://www.instagram.com/staffbens" target="_blank">Instagram</a> is just about the only thing I keep up to date these days, seeing as it keeps me inspired and is easy as shit to use. You have <b>got</b> to be able to see things in different light or else you'll never see the beauty in the world. Trust me on this one. I may be young but that's one thing I've held close to me since 'nam.<br />
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<b>ONE • </b>designing a board for a fictitious couple moving from upstate NY to downtown NYC with no children; a musician and an artist - this story was screaming for a crazy fun apartment. I mean, hello? I went all out with a lotus pink sectional, mint walls, and yellow accents. Very pretty. Very me.<br />
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<b>TWO •</b> I bought this set of pencils a couple years ago in Norwich, VT while spending the day at Dartmouth. I picked up this one from the cup one day last week and thought the message on it resonated with my current life. My paychecks may be diddly but I'm still pretty content with where I am and most importantly, where I'm headed<br />
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<b>THREE • </b>the flight from Vegas got in around 8:30 pm, and I didn't get home until 10:30 or so. We had an install for a DC model at 8 am bright and early the next day - but somehow my jet lag subsided until <i>after</i> the install (thank gawd). These white gallery frames looked magnificent if I do say so myself.<br />
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<b>FOUR • </b>before working at west elm, I hardly ever wore flats, but since our dress code strictly calls for close-toed shoes, I have no choice. I finally got up the courage to trash all the ones I've been wearing since August as they're 1. disgusting and 2. disgusting. These two pairs at UO spoke to me in ways that only oxfords can speak to a mild hipster at heart. And my first loafers. WHO KNEW? I tried loafers all through fall but could never get myself to like them. But these. These are different. They were worth the money I spent on them.Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-44970792732198588932013-03-21T16:39:00.003-04:002013-03-21T16:57:06.667-04:00one for every lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Working on turning my main logo from my <a href="http://www.staffordbensen.com/" target="_blank">portfolio</a> into a print series with different colorways for different ladies. Exciting! Patterns are next. Especially lovely when someone tells me I look like my icon with my hair up. :)Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-39377623089454543122013-03-06T20:47:00.002-05:002013-03-06T21:12:52.502-05:00the realest of real<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">As I was sitting there, just writing the first cover letter I've had to write in months, something sparked in me. I no longer wanted to write some bullshit paragraphs about how great I was or how awesome of a team player I would be. I </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">do</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> work well with other designers, and I </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">am</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> awesome. I don't have to hide behind a grammatically stiff and contraction-less robot tone. I sat down and wrote the realest cover letter that ever was. Inspired a little by a finance student that I heard about on the radio who wrote a 100% serious cover letter and got an internship in a heartbeat for being so honest. Since my customers love me (at least, the ones that love me - some hate me for good reason - not sorry) for my honesty, I figured I'd give it a shot in a cover letter. Chances are I don't get this job, but I literally have nothing to lose.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Then there's this. (after the jump)</span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px;">I went to my inbox and saw this incredible note from Roseanne. The girl in studio that wasn't putting up with no shit from nobody, just like me. We got held back together. We bonded. We knew how awesome each other was in their own way. And this betch totally knows me as I am, truly. I love her dearly. And her graduation card made me shed real tears. Ugh, the realest. It's still on my bulletin board, or taped in the adorable notebook she gave me. yeah, yeah it's there. It should be on the bulletin board and or framed, though. NEXT PROJECT.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">To Whom It May Concern,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Getting straight to the point- Stafford C. Bensen is one of the most talented, young designers that this industry has yet to discover. Let's focus on the last part of that statement- the industry is completely moronic for not taking a shot with this brilliant individual. She is a risk-taker, an innovator, and one of the most compassionate people I know. When I think of Ms. Bensen, I think of the last three years I spent getting to know this individual at one of the most challenging, and ego-crunching, times of our lives- studio. Being placed in first-year as a college junior did not deter her spirit. She's risen to the top ranks of the design studio, achieving the admiration of her professors and peers, being voted frequently as the top design in our class competitions. She's got a design style unlike what the mainstream currently fixates on- this sleek, minimalist, cold style. Her designs are full of warmth, are based off unique concepts, and are full of signature Stafford Bensen colors. When you see a Stafford Bensen work, you will have no doubt as to who designed it. Born to stand out, she is also a team-player and very adaptable to any given task. She's true to herself, to her friends and colleagues, and to her world. You want to make an impact on the design world? Then take a chance on this person. Let her into your world and give her the experience she needs to succeed. She's earned every right to the amazing opportunities before her. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">There's really nothing more to say. So, hire her.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Thank you for your time.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Sincerely,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Ms. Roseanne Santo Domingo</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Kickass Teacher, or Trying to Be.</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Roseanne, you are truly the illest. For all that you do. And that's why your kids love you. (and why am I rhyming?)</span></b></div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-1570600426436805672013-02-27T21:13:00.003-05:002013-02-27T21:31:26.534-05:00style-sesh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After getting a degree in interior <b>design</b>, I never thought I'd be working a job that is basically interior decorating and styling. I never thought I'd like it either. I always styled my own room and made little vignettes out of habit, but no one seemed to care except me. Until now! Behold, the West Elm home stylist team. I was told to create three vignettes along with three corresponding stories/people (all were basically versions of me... hehe). It was actually really fun to tear up the house and set up imaginary spaces with borrowed merch. Approximately $1k worth of merch. In accessories. YEAH.<br />
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Here are the results. (after the jump!)<br />
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<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-52880354418326164182013-02-18T08:00:00.000-05:002013-02-18T08:00:14.173-05:00Channeling the Betty <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's no surprise that I'm kind of left out of this era. I wear oxfords and don't understand why only a select few girls like wearing cutesy dresses with heels and rosy pink blush with a lot of mascara, minus the semi-slooty eye make-up. I also don't understand how people have completely forgotten about the magic of Motown and music from the 50's. Yes, times were tough then - like I would know. (the 80's were rough too... wait I missed those also). But come on, ladies. Let's relax with the boyfriend jeans and flannel shirts and bodycon dresses with pumps for a second and concentrate on the one thing guys <b>can't</b> wear. Dresses. Cute ass dresses. Cute ass dresses with cute ass prints! I'm a sucker for an adorable print, which is probably why I own 483290 notebooks (that Target aisle gets me <b>every time</b>). That mint dress on the left has cars zooming, but clearly you were too distracted by how adorable it is.<br />
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It's also no surprise that I've been entirely obsessed with <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/" target="_blank">ModCloth</a> since I found it a few years ago. The names of every single one of their products is so cheesily thoughtful that it hurts. Sadly, I'm poor (read as "help me I'm poor" line from Bridesmaids) and can't afford them. <b>But</b>, watching Mad Men is kind of like pretending I'm wearing that really cute printed dress with an apron, right? Yup. Betty and I are one in the same. Sassy, classy, a little bit smart assy. Except she's also a little (lotta) bit crazy, but we kind of all are. Especially when we're married to Don Draper. Let's not even go there.<br />
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People who know me in real life (hi Corey) know that once the weather gets warm, I hardly ever (aka never) wear anything other than a skirt or a dress. Team No Pants is in full effect once spring comes. The name of this blog was actually inspired by how people (one male in particular) described my style as "precious" since I was forever wearing dresses. I'm also 99% sure all four of these dresses have pockets. So, there's that, too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/driven-to-dazzle-dress#" target="_blank">01</a> • <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/heart-and-center-dress" target="_blank">02</a> • <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/very-berry-charming-dress-in-black-and-white" target="_blank">03</a> • <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/fantastical-voyage-dress" target="_blank">04</a>Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-62086946288181401032013-02-13T22:03:00.001-05:002013-02-13T22:10:08.496-05:00virginia opts out of snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Snow has been desolate in Virginia since like, 2010. I remember in February 2010 there were approximately (precisely) 3 blizzards in a row - one weekend after the other. Besides the fact that I was a "senior" (read: 4th year, but 2 more years to go) in college and going to as many happy hours as humanly possible, I met a very special person during that time. That was <b>three</b> years ago! I remember sidewalks disappearing for an entire month and having to climb mountains to get on the bus to campus. I remember endless igloos on the main quad. Then it's like all of a sudden, snow stopped happpening.<br />
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In fact, I go to my family's other house in New England often in the winter (and summer for that matter because, duh, New England summers are delightful) just to get my dose of snow. Almost a foot was on the ground a couple weeks ago - meanwhile it was 60 degrees in Virginia. It's FEBRUARY. Let's GO. We've received about 3" of snow in the last two years, I think that's what I read this morning...<br />
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There's nothing quite like the soft light that bounces off snow once the sun goes down. There's something madly ethereal about it. Same can be said for sunrise and snow - lots of purples, pinks, blues, and oranges happening there. It's screaming for a moodboard eh? Already three steps ahead of you brah.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658831858/" target="_blank">01</a> • <a href="http://instagram.com/p/TyTXDIgma9/" target="_blank">02</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658831893/" target="_blank">03</a><br />
<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-62648167494604827252013-02-07T22:29:00.002-05:002013-04-03T20:44:11.221-04:00dress accordingly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the last few years I've started seeing how my style works - what I'm drawn to, what makes me all big smiley-faced when I wear it, and what others basically have come to expect me to wear. It's not that I've set a precedent for looking cute, I just enjoy being dressed and playing dress up. I don't know the last time I wore sweatpants or Ugg boots in public (other than in the state of Vermont in a small town with a population of 2,000 - it's acceptable, okay?). I don't feel confident in hoodies. I don't like the way tee shirts feel on me, unless it's a V-neck and meant for casual wear, not football games.<br />
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Designing myself has been a task I've been taking on since 2010. Some people may find this pompous, arrogant, etc. I like to refer to those people as people without dreams. Sorry boutcha. You crush everyone's hopes and dreams. You're that person in 8th grade math class that passed a calculator with 55378008 on it to me in the middle of lecture. And hey, by the way, I'm a DD now. In. Your. FACE.<br />
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There's a pin on Pinterest about style. It's simple: <b>1. Know Who You Are 2. Dress Accordingly</b><br />
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Brilliant.<br />
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Since I'm newly 25 and still defining my style, it goes to show how long of a process this can be. I'm sure it'll evolve with time, but for now I've made a list of sorts. Essentials, if you will.<br />
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<b>1. RED/CORAL/PEACH BAG •</b> Except the last year and a half or so I've been rocking a nude one from H&M, which has served it's time very proudly. But prior to that... red, peach, etc. each serving a good year until they began splitting at the seams and/or acquiring holes (I lost so many things between the lining and bag textile itself... important things. Toothbrush, where are you?)</div>
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<b>2. CINCHED WAIST •</b> Almost anything I wear has this. Point being, when I was a junior/senior in college and drinking 5 out of 7 days of the week (yolo), no waist was visible. I was an oval plump skinny-limbed girl and it was weird. Then all my friends graduated and left me behind, limiting me to about one day out of every two weeks that I went out. Yeah, drastic changes there. Cinching the waist is just the most feminine thing you can do, and the easiest to make you feel like a lady. But once you eat lunch it gets iffy. (andddd I'll let the ol' belt out a notch...)<br />
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<b>3. OXFORDS • </b>Hello. My name is Stafford, and I fucking love oxfords. I'm not talking saddle shoes, I'm not talking the super masculine ones. I will swoon when I see a guy wearing some nice warm brown leather oxfords and a suit though - nothing is more appealing. But when it comes to ladies oxfords, they have to be unique, and delicate. Nothing clunky or heavy. Nono. One time a friend made a joke (two years ago, before oxfords were in their trendy time aka now) "what is this? the 18th century?" Clearly he didn't know how to predict fashion trends. Also, I hate flats. Also, I <i>especially</i> hate ballet flats. The only time I'll be seen wearing either is at work, where I'm forced to wear them.<br />
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<b>4. DRESSES •</b> I could go on for days about how much I hate wearing pants. It's nearly impossible to find the right fit, and even when you do, chances are: the length is off. Waaay off. I'm talking they're to the floor, or at your calf. There is no medium. And don't even get me started on rises... and how it accentuates a butt I don't even have. Dresses are my answers to bottom woes. I like my legs, and I like to show them off. I also like cinching my waist, which is what a dress does, about 90% of the time. Plus, ultra feminine and fun. Duh.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKP-nGFM52g/URRtvjhJWvI/AAAAAAAABw0/Cw3sZip1ykM/s1600/westwaysunglasses.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IKP-nGFM52g/URRtvjhJWvI/AAAAAAAABw0/Cw3sZip1ykM/s1600/westwaysunglasses.PNG" /></a></div>
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<b>5. CHEAP SUNGLASSES •</b> I can honestly say I don't remember the last time I wore a regular pair of sunglasses. Probably sometime in high school. Ever since the plastic fake colored Raybans came into style in all their patterned, printed glory, I haven't looked back. What better way to say "I'm kinda serious but not that serious" than with neon yellow sunglasses? I definitely don't wear them with business caj attire, but even my pair for those outfits is a little weird. (after searching for a good pair for this image, I found these, and directly added them to my bag to be purchased tomorrow... signs of a problem.)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Yf8Fx2K9o/URRqtvRpFnI/AAAAAAAABv4/H9d0lOQz6pU/s1600/bows.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Yf8Fx2K9o/URRqtvRpFnI/AAAAAAAABv4/H9d0lOQz6pU/s1600/bows.PNG" /></a></div>
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<b>6. BOW JEWELRY •</b> In all shapes and sizes, people. I have gold, I have silver. I have earrings, I have pendants. Hell, I even have a bow belt. I love bows. They're an easy way to put an extra precious touch onto any outfit, just to let people know you mean business in the business of happy. Maybe it brings back memories of those clip-on bows from childhood? Or Christmas? Who knows. Either way, bows = happytown.<br />
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<b>7. WHITE FLOWY TOPS •</b> Because who doesn't want to camouflage what they have neglected for months (if not years...)? White flowy tops are feminine, almost always pretty, and especially darling when they're textured (hello, lace). They also go great with, oh, anything. Pair them with a skirt. Pair them with jeans. Pair them with sweatpants. Ok, no sweatpants, but you catch my drift.<br />
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That's all for now. There's a whole other list for my make-up/hair characteristics that'll come later. For now, I think this list is pretty on point. Props, me.<br />
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<a href="http://maritishere.tumblr.com/post/26845455030" target="_blank">01</a> • 02 • <a href="http://crushculdesac.tumblr.com/post/17357718396" target="_blank">03</a> • <a href="https://www.maraisusa.com/products-page/new-arrivals/open-oxford-ivory/" target="_blank">04</a> • <a href="http://capecodcollegiate.tumblr.com/post/30071067273" target="_blank">05</a> • <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=25827122&parentid=W_ACC_SUNGLASSES#" target="_blank">06</a> • <a href="http://instagram.com/p/S_AWamgmds/" target="_blank">07</a> • <a href="http://www.kendieveryday.com/2012/07/plain-white-tee.html" target="_blank">08</a><br />
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Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-3764401673681833702013-02-06T21:50:00.003-05:002013-02-06T21:53:39.287-05:00bill clinton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It started yesterday when I searched "peach blazer" on Pinterest for some outfit inspiration for my new precious baby. Then it quickly snowballed into "omg I love peach. I like actually love peach." I do this with, um, everything. It's just a phase. I also had a pancake phase last week... And a donut phase on Monday (4 donuts, 3 donut holes, in the span of a 9-hour work shift). That's beside the point. Check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/staffordbensen/" target="_blank">boards</a>. Peach is everywhere... And just so you know - it's almost earned a spot in my top 3 color category (first place: neon coral, second place but close runner-up: mint {obvi}).<br />
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<a href="http://www.kendieveryday.com/2012/09/party-face.html" target="_blank">01</a> • <a href="http://absolutelyaida.tumblr.com/post/3371399762" target="_blank">02</a> • <a href="http://richesforrags.tumblr.com/post/26978846161" target="_blank">03</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658906668/" target="_blank">04</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658906563/" target="_blank">05</a><br />
<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-58273181747812252442013-02-05T18:41:00.000-05:002013-02-05T18:41:35.834-05:00peachy keen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes when you walk past a store after working since 5:30 AM counting dishes, pillows, and tiny air ferns, you get a little delirious. Delirious enough to sight a peach colored <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/springlooks#path=1.1.6&transition=1&duration=500" target="_blank">blazer</a> from the hallway, walk directly into the store, grab your size, try it on without a fitting room, and go straight to the register. I mean, for $25, why not? Today (after much sleep and rehab from such a grueling wake-up call yesterday) I played dress up with my closet. It was fun to mix this into my new ishhh - making me that much more excited for spring! P.S. Thank you Punxatawney Phil (even though you are probably full of shit).<br />
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<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-68193403805207566502013-02-04T17:51:00.002-05:002013-02-04T18:26:19.100-05:00Amsterdoodle<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhKYVAU9DW8/URA4-70pTAI/AAAAAAAABtE/mue27zK48ww/s1600/c9b38306c5deb31f2e3fcadfff2f97a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhKYVAU9DW8/URA4-70pTAI/AAAAAAAABtE/mue27zK48ww/s1600/c9b38306c5deb31f2e3fcadfff2f97a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhKYVAU9DW8/URA4-70pTAI/AAAAAAAABtE/mue27zK48ww/s1600/c9b38306c5deb31f2e3fcadfff2f97a5.jpg" /><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDuiyj4x1l0/URA5slaPGbI/AAAAAAAABtM/Zvgy7M4BP5Y/s1600/ce8f7b197864c9e93f11863cfd262faa.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">There's something about Amsterdam. My eyeballs have a weird gravitational pull to pictures of charming Amsty on Pinterest. Prague and Amsterdam both. The only thing that's a little iffy to me about Amsterdam is the obvious. But it's really made out to be a quaint little European city with plennnty of charm, don't you think? At least that's how Pinterest makes it out to be.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span><a href="http://illusion.scene360.com/news-community/amsterdam/" target="_blank">01</a> • <a href="http://weheartit.com/entry/22635708" target="_blank">02</a><br />
<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-53644631773318809852013-02-03T10:12:00.001-05:002013-02-03T10:17:55.396-05:00world's prettiest dumpster<img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u9czYZFll0A/UQ5-Vupp3OI/AAAAAAAABsg/3998hcDB1Xk/s640/blogger-image--1703335876.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
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It's all about finding beauty in ugly things, y'all. This gem was found at a service area in none other than the sunshine state itself: New Jersey! Glad to see we're upping the ante with these typical eye sores. It's amazing what an Instagram filter can do for a dumpster, right?<br />
<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-85004452369167727882013-02-02T10:08:00.001-05:002013-04-03T20:44:43.306-04:00I Subconsciously Enjoy V-Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROvbvw--s2E/UQ0ri742t5I/AAAAAAAABr4/YwSy9VRQdbE/s1600/secretlylike_02022013.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROvbvw--s2E/UQ0ri742t5I/AAAAAAAABr4/YwSy9VRQdbE/s1600/secretlylike_02022013.png" /></a></div>
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I pretend not to like Valentine's Day. From the forced affection to the b.s. gifts, I'm one of those girls that will always think, "ugh. It's coming." at or around the end of January. But, apparently, I like it. Just last night, I pinned all of these above in a row! Never have I ever been a pink gal--until recently. I love it in most forms, but find that it has to be a warmer-toned pink (i.e. coral, peach, neons!) rather than a cooler-toned pink (i.e. hot pink - ew). Let's not even talk about how often I wear my coral lipstick these days...<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658846564/" target="_blank">01</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658880257/" target="_blank">02</a> • <a href="http://marisaseguin.blogspot.com/2012/08/illustration-olympiad-day-four-and-five.html" target="_blank">03</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658880252/" target="_blank">04</a> • <a href="http://www.instylemag.com.au/Gallery/Project-Pink2/1/2634" target="_blank">05</a> • <a href="http://www.behance.net/gallery/Bohemian-Design/2177821" target="_blank">06</a> • <a href="http://www.brightbazaarblog.com/2013/01/mr-bazaar-explores-paris-in-the-snow.html" target="_blank">07</a> • <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/139752394658878050/" target="_blank">08</a> • <a href="http://www.hitherandthither.net/2013/01/kitchen-lights.html" target="_blank">09</a><br />
<br />Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-20270721898872490932013-01-30T08:17:00.001-05:002013-01-30T08:19:12.732-05:00Solo road trips free the soulMy family has owned this house for about 12 years now. It's 10 hours from the other house, and not once have I driven that journey alone/myself. Recently turning 25 made me think, "hey, maybe its about time to go up to the other house randomly on a whim." So that's what I did. The drive is so much more relaxing when you're alone and get to listen to your own music the entire way. I felt by the time I got here, I could've easily gone all the way to Canada with no problem.<i> *real adult status*</i><br />
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Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-7985783210075629962013-01-28T16:50:00.001-05:002013-01-28T16:52:47.582-05:00Quote unquote "gallery wall"In progress. I used a 97 cent napkin from our clearance section to make quick wall art. It's the back of the napkin, which I find is a much more "me" kind of color than the actual printed front. Mom's Z Gallerie frames made it in with a couple of my Blacksburg Instagrams [ sad face ]. I think it's coming along very nicely! <br />
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Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-318357872214766892013-01-14T17:56:00.004-05:002013-01-14T17:58:22.418-05:00Color Studies in Watercolor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was still at my program in college, I was kinda <b>known </b>for my color choices being bold and pastel-y at the same time. I'm getting back into that groove with some watercolor color studies! (redunnnndant!) These are two I did today and I hope to do more soon. It's fun (and extremely easy) to mix watercolors on my palette. And as usual, I still want to get some gouche and experiment...</div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8533254342437567386.post-88695827615530018072013-01-11T20:00:00.002-05:002013-01-14T20:45:11.646-05:00Georgetown in Watercolor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD0SARKhBxw/UPC1kxdTmFI/AAAAAAAABiE/ieAXelCvdEk/s1600/georgetown.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RD0SARKhBxw/UPC1kxdTmFI/AAAAAAAABiE/ieAXelCvdEk/s1600/georgetown.png" /></a></div>
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This was the first time-consuming painting I've done with actual details and coming from an actual photograph I took in Georgetown this past summer. It was fun! I loved working on it and hope to do more. The colors in real life are more vibrant, and I'm sure they would've been conveyed more clearly if I'd scanned them but uh, our scanner is kind of ridiculously bad at things so. I plan on buying a Magic Wand from Target when I have money (which is probably never) and scan all of my prized Presented with a Bow pieces for the upcoming Etsy shop. Goal is to have the shop open by... April. Eeeeeek.</div>
Stafford CBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18163930554037799799noreply@blogger.com0