If you take a peek at the "mood" page of my site you'll see that the last mood board I posted was, hmmm let's see here...May. MAY??? sh*t
I know it's been a while, but as promised I am posting more regularly with the new site, so I will be creating mood boards for your viewing pleasure on a monthly basis, and not just when I feel like it.
I don't really know where my summer went. One day, it was June 7th and I was finishing my last final exam of the Spring Semester. The following week, I was starting a summer class. As of today, I only have a couple short weeks of school-free days before it's back to the books.
With a summer class and my part time jobs, I wasn't able to take that summer vacation to Mykonos, or that cross-country road trip some others had the ability to take. The furthest I traveled was to the west side (of Los Angeles). This mood board pretty much represents what I *wish* my August looked like - white one-pieces on the beach, with a breezy white button up as a cover up. Vintage finds (you can never have enough levi's) at a Sunday flea market. A two-week cozy beach town stay in a beautiful hotel complete with drool-worthy furniture and an indoor garden.
BEACH KNITS
There comes a time when one realizes that her blogspot-based blog called "Pretty Undecided" is well overdue for an upgrade.
So here I am, with a namesake domain, photos taken not with my iPhone, but with cameras wielded by super talented photographers, and a consistent posting schedule.
I used to think that a career in a creative field was completely out of reach — that finding success doing what I loved would be impossible. At the same time, I've become increasingly aware that this is what I love to do. I love taking photos, finding beauty in everyday things, and creating content to inspire others. I will find success doing what I love.
In my mad dash to get my new site up and running in just two short weeks, I had to enlist the help of many, including my friend Rick, who was a godsend and shot these photos.
Let me tell you something — the beach in summer in LA is much colder than I would like it to be. Pushing through the goosebumps, we got these (very moody, if I do say so myself) dripping-in-sunlight shots.
I think I have an obsession with knits. I just want more chunky knit sweaters, ribbed knit underthings, ribbed knit bodysuits...
Now let's move on from my little outburst about loving knit pieces, and go back to why I revamped my blog/website. Growth is important. Change is a good thing. My previous blog mainly featured flatlay pictures of coffee and croissants, front-on, full-body outfit pictures, and the occasional mood board. I know I have so much more to offer.
There's so much more that I have to show, so many more people I want to meet, so many more brands I want to work with. And all of that starts here. It starts with being sure of myself and showcasing my work. I'm going after what I want.
(this new site is also about posing differently...)
With all of that being said, here's to new beginnings, moving forward, and going after what you're passionate about. I will be posting inspiring and cool content much more frequently, and would love any feedback you may have!
Sweater - Madewell | Bodysuit - Urban Outfitters | Photography - Rick Bhatia
ALFRED x CAITLINNTAYY
I recently "took over" the ever-popularAlfred Coffee's Instagram account. Comped coffee, pastries and whatever else I desired? What could possibly go wrong?
Not only does Alfred serve great coffee, but they also sell pastries made locally at Farmshop, a market/restaurant located in Santa Monica. Another fun fact: Alfred serves a signature coffee drink. No, not the $10 latte. I'm talking about the Waffle Cone - a waffle shot cup lined with dark chocolate, and filled with an espresso drink of your choice. If I could have one (read: "five") of these daily, my life would be complete.
Another funny story...this one I actually feel kind of bad about. When the barista heard I would be posting these pictures on Alfred's Instagram, he became a full-blown perfectionist.
Let me preface this by saying that Alfred never disappoints with their latte art. His first attempt at latte-art'ing my latte was beautiful. As were his second...and third...attempts. After 10 minutes of perfecting the swirly foam atop the latte he proudly handed me the cup and I went to my table to take a picture. It was then that I realized I wanted to order a waffle shot because the pictures were looking kind of one-note and I figured there was no better way to spice things up than with a waffle, chocolate bar and macchiato all in one. After the waffle shot was made, I went back to my table to find the latte art the barista had so painstakingly perfected, destroyed.
This is what happens with coffee. But ah, there is beauty in destruction and the show must go on. I also just didn't have the heart to tell the guy what had happened to his masterpiece. Hence the deflated latter art depicted in this photos is in no way a reflection of the barista's talent.
After my initial attempt to take photos at Alfred in the Alley, I wasn't completely happy with the variety of photos I had produced so I decided to take another trip. This time, to Alfred Silverlake. Because why the hell not?
My dad accompanied me on this excursion and even took the photo of me, above, while precariously perched atop the rail lining the outside patio area. What a winner.
There are many wonderful things I can say about Alfred. The coffee is always delicious, the pastries are fresh and always hit the spot, and that waffle cone...well, you already know how I feel about the waffle cone. Make sure to go check out an Alfred near you if you haven't already!
NICOLE VIENNA
I celebrated Norwegian Independence Day the other day. No, I am not Norwegian. But I have Norwegian neighbors, and they invited us over for waffles. I'm always up for waffles.
And these aren't your average American waffles that are slathered with butter and doused with syrup. Oh, no. I think I need to move to Norway, because they eat waffles on a regular basis - for dessert, for holidays, for breakfast and snacks...And they eat them with toppings including ice cream, sour cream and jam, cinnamon sugar and a signature item - brown cheese.
How fitting is it, then, that I wore this beautiful watch from Scandinavian-influenced brand Nicole Vienna, to the festivities? I've never been much of a jewelry/accessory person. I stick to the pairs of earrings, and nose ring, I wear on a daily basis, and that's pretty much it. This watch changes things.
I love this piece for its beautiful simplicity and versatility. The black marble dial is both minimal and luxurious, while the gold mesh strap adds a little something extra to the simplest of outfits.
Oh, and these flowers? I bought them to take over to the neighbors' house to thank them for inviting us, but I couldn't resist using them as a prop first. Does that make me a horrible person?
Find my watch here.
MAY MOOD BOARD
Yes, I realize that it's already halfway through May.
Is it too late to give you some monthly inspo?
After a lull in creative inspiration (I've been saying this for months), I'm feeling a second wind. With summer on the horizon (I have three weeks of school left), I feel more determined than ever to get back into blogging and Instagramming with full force.
I hope I can emulate some of these awesome sources of inspo in the process.
Bring on the pins, architectural tours of awesome homes around LA, random art projects and unique jewelry.
