Now that I'm a full time intern at L'Oreal, my weekends have become more valuable than ever before. Friday afternoon (half-day L'Oreal perks), Saturday, and Sunday are now dedicated to spending time with my family and friends. Knowing this, Clayton surprised me with a trip to Magnolia Market, a place I have always wanted to go to. He selflessly spent the whole day listening to me saying how "cute" everything was. Thank you, Clayton :) Magnolia Market was everything that I had thought it would be - and more. I had scrolled through pictures of the details woven into the indoor and outdoor spaces that have put Waco, Texas on the map. Chip and Joanna Gaines inspire me to think creatively and to think of a home as a canvas and a story that you build for yourself.
Kendra Scott Earrings | Socialite Top | PacSun Shorts | Tory Burch Sandals
I'm obsessed with this hot pink off the shoulder top from Socialite. It wouldn't be a fashion post of mine without talking about my favorite Kendra Scott earrings at the moment. These are from her summer collection. Pacsun has some great shorts on sale. These light denim shorts have a sexy lace up detail that I love.
If you've ever watched Fixer Upper, the HGTV hit staring the Gaines, you know that the show has a special aspect to it. The chemistry between the hosts initially draws you in, but the big reveal of the final design coming to life is what convinces you that you too can create something from nothing.
Since I can remember I wanted to be an architect. Ask anyone in my family - instead of "playing house" I was drawing homes. I wasn't drawing the typical house with a chimney and the sun placed in the corner of white printer paper. I was drawing real floor plans that included where doors would go. I was obsessed.
When I was a little older I started playing Sims. Bring on the nerd jokes, I know. I still play to this day and I think it's inspired me to try new designs and has expanded my creativity. Watching shows like Fixer Upper prove that creativity is vital to change. It's what our ancestors used to build structures that didn't exist prior to someone wanting something new. I think design is the spice of life. Everyone has their own recipe for style.
One thing I noticed at Magnolia Market was how simple everything was. I think that's what makes their brand so acceptable to a broad market. Chip and Joanna have struck gold formulating the perfect cocktail of classic staples and simplistic colors and textures. It's almost like they supply the foundation to create something spectacular without imposing too much on you style-wise. You're free to add your own touch and personality to their basic designs.
The photo below is one of my favorites. I love plants and hope to one day have my own yard where I can decorate an outdoor space for my family. First, I love the hanging plants in this photo. Sometimes floral decorations can take up too much table real estate. By taking plants off of the table, your'e left with more room for table settings and most importantly, food!
Fun little fact: Magnolia Market had the cutest iced tea stand. You could get it unsweetened, half sweetened, or sweet. They served it in a custom glass mason jar. Clayton waited ten minutes with me just to watch me smile when it was my turn to order. It tasted even better than it looked. That's saying a lot because it was over 100 degrees.
I think I will always love homes and design. It makes up so much of our lives. Design is the intersection of practicality and style. My surprise trip to Magnolia Market inspire me in many ways. Primarily, it reminded me of how much I love interior design. Get you a man like Clayton who plans a whole day just for you. I am so appreciative of you, Clayton! Thank you!
Stay inspired!
-mms