May 30, 2015Comments are off for this post.

ESSENTIALS: TRAVEL PACKING / 03

It seems like forever ago that I was solo traveling through Maastricht + Amsterdam. Isn't that how it happens, though? You arrive home from a trip and within just a few days, feel like you never left. The only remedy for that, in my humble opinion, is planning another travel adventure.

Anyways... I figured this post is better late than never, because I'm feeling a lot more confident in my ability to pack minimally. Before hopping on a bus to Chicago to catch my flight, I packed for this trip in 30 minutes. I attribute my speedy packing skills to being an added benefit of a pared-down wardrobe + really honing in on my style over this past year. The fact that spring in the Netherlands is very similar to spring in Wisconsin helped a lot as well.

That being said, this wardrobe could easily be tailored to summer or winter weather. Swap out the above tops for some airy tees + tank tops, or thick knit sweaters. Exchange the jeans for summer shorts or a few more dresses. Switch out the flats or boots for sandals or winter boots. Any way that I mix + match it, I think this combination is my new baseline for all future packing.

Plus, all of this fit with plenty of room in my favorite Everlane weekender bag ( <- worth every penny ), so I could pick up a few gifts + a new dress to bring home. And of course, if you feel like packing this simply is restricting, I recommend bringing a bright, bold shade of lipstick. Like I learned from my grandma, lipstick is the great equalizer.

The Netherlands | Hollis Anne

^^ riding in Roermond + hanging with my uncle, plus the mucho bueno amigos ( hi guys! ) ^^

stripes, plaid, chambray (sale!), scarf, jacket, dress, cardigan, sweatshirtjeans,
flats, distressed jeans, boots (similar), tights, lipstick (similar), tote

May 26, 2015Comments are off for this post.

TYPE LOVE / 03

I'm smack dab in the middle of wedding invitation season. That means I get to rationalize endless Internet / Pinterest searches for pretty wedding things, and call it work.

This season, the majority of my clients are all about gold, and I'm certainly not one to argue with that. Gold is sophisticated yet versatile, and when paired with calligraphy, it makes for seriously stunning wedding invitations. I love how there's so many styles of calligraphy—each one different than the next, and each one with their own distinct personality. I haven't calligraphed anything in awhile, so it's been nice to hit nib to paper again ( sneak peek here ).

With that, I'm off to warm up my wrist + hand-letter a very special save the date ( not my own, I assure you ). Make it a happy Monday, friends.

[ clockwise from top left: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 ]

May 17, 2015Comments are off for this post.

LIFE LATELY / 05

There's something I love about rainy days. It's feels like an excuse to drop whatever pressing matters are at hand and cozy up on the couch to relax instead. It's silly because we, of course, have the option to do this whenever we want. But it seems easier and more well-deserved when those water droplets are falling heavy outside. It's raining as I type this. Huge, roaring downpours are alternating between brief reliefs of quiet, and it's been the perfect excuse to stop working, enjoy an extra cup of coffee and write this post.

Over the past few weeks, I've been to Minnesota to see my new nephew, then back home to shoot some freelance projects, letterpress print wedding invitations for some dear friends and enjoy the summery weather that's slowly encroaching. So yes, this rainy day was needed. A slight reprieve in an over-scheduled life ( <- working on this ) to remind me to slow the eff down. Here's some good web finds from the past few weeks. Enjoy, my friends.


The pillow of my dreams.

If I hadn't committed to that whole not shopping thing ( still going strong! ), I would've bought a pair of these lemon yellow beauties by now.

Oh, and this necklace + this swimsuit too.

I found this list of iconic Friends episodes, and now my work days are far less productive. Thanks a lot, Buzzfeed + Netflix.

This 5-minute green sauce is, indeed, magic.

Loved this post with advice from female entrepreneurs. The best advice was from the ladies of Food52—I'm so guilty of using the word "just" in email and conversations about my work.

A new discovery, this blog is just so lovely. Bonus, she's a Wisconsin gal.

Amy Schumer is killing it in her new season. Funny, smart + on-point. I want to be her friend.

After paying for a rather large tax bill + unexpected medical expenses, I'm dreaming of a trip that I cannot afford to here.

I love you, John Oliver.