Meet Megan of Crazybananas

The first time I came across Crazybananas, Megan boldy wrote about her ups and downs with a bright red lip. I just loved this post. What struck me was Megan's transparency, along with her witty writing style. So I kept coming back for more. And the more I came back, the more I just loved knowing Megan. Her photographs, artsy eye, youthful yet mothering heart, and the way she sees the world is refreshing. A true lifestyle blogger, she writes about everything from the daily bedtime stories with her kids, unexpected adventures, room redos, and relationships. And she's been doing it since 2004. Way to be (this is where we applaud Megan for not giving into the comparison trap, pursuing her creative space despite what life throws her way, and sticking something through). I can only hope in ten years that my blog is as bold and transparent a place as Megan has created hers to be.

Meet Megan:

Megan has a great life, one she tends to enjoy sharing with all of her very close personal friends on the Internet. Her personal lifestyle blog, Crazybananas, has been around since 2004. Megan is "Mama" to a seven-year-old who believes fairies are real (of course they are!) and a two-year-old who believes he is a dinosaur (the jury is still out). Her life is quite glamorous, as you can probably imagine. Her blog is a place where she write about things she likes and people she loves. Her favorite things include (but are not limited to) photography, personal style, good music, Doctor Who, the color orange, YA novels and Britney Spears. She went to Space Camp as a kid and she's proud to say it is the best place in the whole world. She is not easily embarrassed. Megan is based in Kansas City with her husband and kids, and spends her free time pursuing her love of photography, art, balance and all around happiness. 

One of Megan's Favorite Posts: I'm a Quitter 

Megan is so fun. You should find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! (PS, Isn't her family just gorgeous?!)

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In this mini-series you'll get to meet the ladies behind a few of my favorite blogs, and hopefully spend some time exploring their creative spaces, reading their inspiring words, and feeling like you just sat down for coffee with a dear friend. You can read more about the features here. And catch up on past MEET features like Anne's here and Christina's here.

WEAR | Denver Hardware

Free People Sweater // Marshalls Red Tag   Striped Scoop Back Dress // Urban Outfitters Sale

  Leggings // Target    Booties // Target Sale    Cat Eye Look /// HERE   Top Knot // HERE

It's pretty much the best moment in frugal shopping when you find an otherwise high priced label at a markdown red tag price. Such was my luck with this sweater wrap (what Matt likes to call my "Aztec" sweater) when shopping at Marshalls in Burbank, California. Free People brand for fifteen bucks. And you know what else is the best? When you almost pass up trying on an item of clothing at a thrift store or on red tag because it looks awful on a hanger. Such was also the case of the Aztec sweater wrap. But lucky for me, I tried it on. And it has become my weekend staple every fall since. We like this one so much, when I found it three months later at a Marshalls in Colorado, I bought a second and shipped it to my best friend. Bestie Aztec sweaters? Yes, that's right. 

Details

nightstand // flea market find   watercolor // antique shop   butterfly coaster // thrifted  

 phrenology head // prop from my dad   gold bowl // Target   red hardback book // thrifted   

   orchid // sprouts farmer's market   spools // vintage   shell // Sayulita coast

It is all in the details. Bright light, books, botanical styling, and other vintage odds and ends are what make this corner in our guest room so cheery. You know what I love about this little space? Most everything is thrifted, from the flea, antique, or was my grandma's (who most likely thrifted it herself). It's just so me. The cups hold remnants of paper, buttons, and sewing thread as this space doubles as our craft room ( an office...and movie viewing area..and Shelby's play zone...) The nightstand is one of my favorite finds ever from the Rosebowl Flea (which is this next weekend if you live near Los Angeles!)--isn't it a pretty shade of seafoam?

The Loveliest Things

Over at The Lipstick Gospel today, I'm sharing about those things in life I find oh so lovely. You can meander over and read what I have to say about these things that are near to my heart. It's important to stop and think about the simple things, the little things, and those which are the loveliest--because, really, is it not those things that we often overlook when being grateful? Read the full post here >>

What about you? What are your Loveliest Things?

In a World Where There Are Octobers

I was in complete denial. I still want it to be summer. But after a run through City Park this afternoon, I couldn't ignore the leaves all around me, the smell of fireplaces, and the reality that Autumn is here. And then I ate pasta with pumpkin sauce. (Which may have been the final convincer.) So I've decided to warm up slowly, and enjoy what this new season brings. Summer was such a great season for me, and I think in part I don't want to let go of the warm fuzzy feeling when I think about our travels, time spent with friends, and all the time outdoors in this beautiful state. But October, oh October, it's here and I am ready for what it has for me. (And the snow is on Friday's forecast was a bit of a reality check!) 

So to warm up (or get crisp and cool) for Autumn, here are some October links, plus a few other good ones:

>>This October desktop calendar and iPhone background.

>>Tweed and Cordourouy mixed with leather and embroidery--on an classic baseball cap? Yes please. Quite possibly the perfect messy hair day life saver this month. A round up of favorites on Thoughts by Natalie.

>>A whimsical film, over at Darling, called The Mystery of Charm.

>>Venture Magazine's October Issue is out!

>>10 pieces to help your wardrobe this fall, by Kendi Everyday. (And how many of these items might we find at a thrift store?) 

>>A heart warming video about a father's love for his daughter.

>> Autumn Came for this super cute family.

>> A candle project.

>> My go to hair style as of late.

What about you, are you jumping into fall and throwing orange and yellow leaves up into the air, or are you slow to warm up to the season this year like me?

WEAR | On The Fence

Top//Marshalls  Skirt//Nordstrom Rack   Bracelet//Thrifted  Belt//Mango  

 Roller Wedges//Anthropologie   Sunnies//Steve Madden.

I've been on the fence lately. Fall has clearly made her presence--with the Aspens changing to bright golds and burnt oranges, pumpkin flavored brews popping up all over Denver, Oktoberfest this past weekend, and the inevitable fall to winter chapped lips. Yet, my wardrobe and personal style still holds on to lingerings of summer. I love my boots, sweaters, and cozy socks, but I'm not quite ready. I've been on the fence as summer transitions to autumn, not wanting to part with my maxi dresses, bare legs, sandals, and short sleeves. So I'll hang on for another week or two. I'll milk this warm weather and get a few more days of legs free of tights, toes free of socks, and Vitamin D accessible attire. Am I the only one not fully ready for boots? (Maybe I'm really just not ready for cold days and snow. I'll blame the California in me.)

Nervous / Excited

This is my nervous excited face. 

Why a nervous excited face, you ask?

Well, let me tell you:

 After a few nudgings from friends and always wanting to share my personal style...

I am setting out to do just that.

I really want to inspire myself and you as readers to buy thrifted, upcycled, affordable, or second hand clothing on a more regular basis. How amazing would it be if Goodwill and consignment shops became our go-to's just as often as we default to other favorite stores, like J.Crew, Madewell and Anthropologie?

I am all about finding styling trends and inspiration from favorites and then setting out to find that look for less. It's actually how I fell in love with style at the very beginning of my eyes being opened to fashion. I was a highschool girl who until that Freshman year grew up wearing uniforms--school uniforms or a swim suit, as my life outside of school was mostly spent in the pool. My best friend and I would scour thrift stores and swap meets, finding the best things ever. And that is what I wore. All the time. Thrifted and second hand, this was my style. And I loved it. And I still love it but it has become only about 25% of my wardrobe. Slowly, as I've matured, my thrifted clothing has become less. Which now, I'm determined to change.

So why exactly a nervous face? All of the above is so exciting! It's exciting to share style and move towards changing the clothing perspective, for myself and hopefully for others. But it is nerve racking to be photographed. It is nerve racking to see a handful of photos of yourself. And it is even more real  in the nervous department to post those photos for all to see. But I need to change my perspective on that as well. I need to not be nervous about any of that--those photos are me! And I am beautiful just the way I was made, imperfections and all. This is what I wrote about the process the other evening, after Matt snapped a few photos of me last week:

"What started as continual fear of being photographed to reflect my personal style for the blog ended up being a truly freeing experience, especially so having my husband take the photographs. I'm excited to share style that is thrifted, second hand, and affordable in the coming months--with hopes to inspire you to shop for used items. And if not shopping second hand, why not make it a goal to donate a used clothing item or two to the homeless or Goodwill for every new item you do bring into your wardrobe? I'm completely up for the challenge, what about you?"

I write a lot about true beauty here, and I feel this fits perfectly. I want  to continue to change my own perspective on outer beauty and the worth that I put on clothing. (Which at times, is a lot of worth, let's be honest). So my hopes with this series, I'll call it WEAR, is that my heart would change in the process. That I'd be moved to shop second hand, donate unused clothing more often, and find myself content with the clothing that is already in my closet--ridding that desire to consume more and more, yet being frugal and thoughtful about it when I do shop. 

What do you think, are you with me?