The Idlewild

What is creativity?

The ability to think on your feet? To create the unbelievable? To do things opposite of the status quo? I mean, I guess creativity can be defined as all of that. But the point that most people don't realize is that it can be defined as whatever it is you want. The biggest proponent of creativity is YOU. Creativity is what you define for yourself, how you break your own boundaries, and how you express your self as an individual.

 I believe we are all capable of being "creative", and for me that is the definition of being part of The Idlewild. We are all a collection of young, individualistic, and creative minds.
(FYI: No affiliation with outkast, much respect though lol)

I started this blog to express my individuality and outlooks on things that interest me but hope to expand this to including others that inspire me and belong to the idlewild! So basically expect more variety of content through the end of the year and don't be shy to subscribe if you like what you read or see. ;)

xoxo Hope

Hello Details

In the midst of NYFW, I decided to follow suit and put together my spin on 'high fashion' on a young professional's budget. You don't need a runway in New York to showcase style :).

In this shoot i'm wearing a gorgeous longline blazer and blouse from H&M. The details on this blazer are soo lovely and pair well with my neutral outfit.

Working in corporate environment makes it soo hard to really wear what I want nowadays, so when I can I try and mix it up but still keep it professional.

Featured in one of the pictures is my adorable pup who has been taking up essentially 70% of my weekends. Wish I could hide him in my suitcase every week to come with me :(

Love, Hope

Diy Halter Top

This super easy tutorial will show you how to make a halter top out of any bandana in 5-10 minutes!

Materials Needed: 

1. Sewing Needle
2. Sewing Thread
3. Scissors
4. Bandana
5. Measuring Tape
6. A Spool of String or Elastic (15 feet or longer)

Instructions:

1. Fold the bandana into a triangle as shown below. 
   


2. Measure the bottom of the bandana and cut the string to a length that is twice the length of the bottom of the bandana. For example, my bandana was 27 inches wide so I cut my string into a piece that was 54 inches long. You can make it longer based on the size of your torso area! I wear a small and this length was perfect for me. This piece of string will be used for the bottom half of the halter top.
   
   


3. Measure the top of the bandana from the point to about 2-3 inches down. This is how far down you will fold the top of the bandana to begin stitching. You can measure it further down if you want the halter top to be shorter!
   
   


4. Now you need another piece of string for the top of your bandana. The piece I cut in this picture was too small so I had to redo it, make sure to cut yours into a piece that is at least 35 inches. Again, it depends on your neck size so just make it long enough to tie around your neck and make a bow. Fold the top of the bandana as far down as you measured in step 3. 
   


5. Sew along the bottom of the string to secure it into place as shown below. 
   


6. Now to work on the bottom of the bandana. Place the string that you cut in step 2 inside of the bottom of the bandana. Sew about 5 stitches on both corners of the bottom to hold the string into place. Make sure you sew the stitch as close to the string as possible. In this picture below I am only starting the stitch.
   

Thats it! You're all done! Please comment below with any questions of the steps I provided above and I will be glad to explain further!

Love, Hope

Stars & Stripes

I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence weekend! I'm still trying to recover from all the food on Saturday. On Sunday I decided to go for a more simple and classic look. I recently purchased this super affordable grid dress and decided to pair it with a white blazer for a very 'clean' look.

I've been searching for black heels that are comfortable enough for work, yet still chic enough to not look 'boring'. I love pointed heels because of how versatile they are! I can wear them with chic dresses such as this one, yet I can still wear them with jeans for a more casual look.

My leather Kate Spade purse was the perfect accessory to complete this outfit. The pastel pink color blends well with the white and cream tones in my outfit! Its always important to invest in accessories that are timeless and versatile. These black heels & pastel purse can be mixed and matched with tons of different outfits ;).

Love,  Hope

No World

Inc - No World (2013)

The Los Angeles bred duo, Inc, is composed of two brothers, Andrew and Daniel Aged. I stumbled upon their music last summer on Spotify and have been hooked ever since. Their 2013 album No World is pretty high on my list of top albums right now. Similar to FKA Twigs, their music also resembles 1980s R&B with a new-age electronic feel.

No World has a beautiful mix of upbeat songs such as "5 Days" and "Careful", but it also has songs like "The Place" and "Trust" with a slow and melancholic tempo. "Angel", one of my favorite songs off the album talks a somewhat toxic relationship with a girl who he knows "walks with the devil" however she will "always be there". In the chorus he yearns for her to stay with him and to take him to the river so that he can be her "Angel". These sort of chilling, yet beautiful lyrics truly embody the authenticity and simplicity of their entire album and their music in general.

I feel like with music there are three different interpretations: what the artist truly felt while writing it, what you interpret for yourself, and what the artist wants their listeners to feel. However you choose to interpret this album, I would definitely recommend giving it a listen. Give a listen on days where your mind is free of any distractions. Those are the days that you truly appreciate music the most.

Love, Hope