What We Wore: His & Her Style

I thought it would be fun to ask Mr. Blake to join me this time. :) Outfit details:

Haley's wearing: tank, skirt, belt, necklace - Forever 21//shoes - Steve Madden

Blake's wearing: shirt, shoes - Urban Outfitters// jeans - Forever 21

Today we celebrated my cousin Max's 2nd birthday. He's the sweetest. I love seeing him, but he lives in St. Louis, so it's very rare that I actually get to spend more than a few days at a time with him. But.. his parents are currently vacationing in Africa right now, so we get to spend 2 weeks with the kiddo. Stoked.

I'm finishing up the last of packing/organizing before moving out this week! I still have so much to do... wish me luck!

xo Haley

Randoms.

I am so exhausted! I have been up since 4 am with a silly earache sort of thing. My ear doesn't really hurt...but its just..blah. It feels like my ear is under water. Gross, I know. I've seriously been on the couch all.day. I've watched too many hours of Teen Mom & The Hills today. I'm going crazy!

But, I just wanted to stop by and say hello, and tell you how grateful I am for all of you! I was just thinking about how my blog has progressed over the past 2.5 years (I used to blog over at WordPress. Scary lack of blogging skills. For real), and I would've never imagined that more than 3 people would be reading this. I seriously love you all. :)

This next week is a big one for me! On Monday, I start training for work & on Tuesday I begin moving everything into the new apartment! I'm so so excited for all of these changes. They are definitely good ones.

Random: My hometown is known for having the longest running 4th of July Parade west of the Mississippi River. My family has this huge tradition of going to the parade (and sitting on the same corner, every year..ha!), and then grilling and swimming at my house with the whole family. Its going to be so strange leaving when it's all over, and going to my new home. Ah! So strange.

This was just a quick hello, and now I'm just rambling.

I'll be back soon, hopefully tomorrow, with a long overdue outfit post.

Love you all!

xo Haley

(blogger) Colby Kern.

I'm interviewing one of my favorite bloggers today! You probably already know him... but everyone meet my best friend, Colby.

You are very involved in photography, interior design and fashion. What sort of career are you looking to pursue? Something that involves one or all of these?

All of those are huge passions of mine, and each of them are an outlet for my insane, creative energy. People keep asking me to choose between them, and I keep wondering why I have to choose! I plan on living a long time and I need something to keep me busy! I would love a career in fashion photography, I definitely see my life going in that direction. At the same time, I see myself designing beautiful rooms. I am confident that I can do it all! Why limit myself?

How did you get started in photography? Who are your inspirations?

I can always remember a time when I was interested in photography. Remember those disposable cameras? When I was 10, my parents couldn't afford to buy me a real camera, so I would get those instead. I would take pictures of my sisters and my toys. They were really really bad, but I loved them. I started getting serious about photography when I was modeling for other photographers, and it just unfolded over the years. My absolute biggest inspiration is Steven Klein. He's the guy who shoots most of the really awesome D&G ads. His work is so unique and bold. I try to model myself after him, because he really doesn't give a sh*t. That's refreshing to me. Google him.

I absolutely love your men's style feature. Which look has been your favorite so far?

Thank you! That's a tough question, because my style is always evolving. I like my more outrageous looks, because I love making a statement. Specifically, the military look from the fall. The one with the eye patch, remember? That sure turned a few heads, it was fierce.

Speaking of men's fashion, it seems that there aren't many men's fashion bloggers out there. Is that an advantage to you? In such a limited field, who are your inspirations?

It's true that there are not a lot of men's fashion bloggers, at least not quality ones. I like to think it makes my blog stand out from the lady dominated world of blogging, but 80% of my readers are women. I would love to reach more guys, because let's face it, men generally have bad taste. I don't have any male fashion blogs that inspire me, I am most inspired by people on the streets. Actually, I'm working on a blog post all about street fashion from my latest trip to NYC. I am really starting to develop a unique look, and I don't want to subscribe to a certain label or brand, you know? I do love high fashion and couture though, yes ma'am.

Regarding interior design & fashion, how would you describe your personal style?

My fashion and interior taste can be described as high class. I love big and fancy, I use the term "colonial funk" to describe my interior design style. It's a remix of traditional design. Think of Buckingham Palace mixed with really chunky metal furniture, and abstract art. That's what I want my house to look like. As for my clothes, I want to look like I belong on the runway, all the time. I am always going to make a statement, with both interior design and fashion. I'm gay, I can't help it.

You are incredibly talented when it comes to designing the overall look of a room. What got you so interested in interior design?

My grandmother Iris. She had impeccable taste. I spent a lot of time at her house when I was younger, and we were always working on some new project. I mean, it would be 10 o'clock at night, and she would get the urge to completely rearrange the living room. So we would! Honestly, everyday was something new. She taught me a lot about color coordination and fabric. I was sewing pillows at age nine! She also taught me the art of thrifting! She rarely bought anything new! I still apply that when I'm designing a room today. She passed away a few years ago from a long battle with cancer. It was hard for me because she was one of the few people in my family who understood me. But I can say that she is the reason I love interior design. You can thank her for all of that.

You just transferred to Missouri State! What is your official major, and why did you choose it?

I am so excited to finally transfer! My official major is photography with a minor in interior design. It's been a rocky journey getting to M.S.U. but that's a whole other story. Hard work pays off, kiddos! I chose that because it's something that I can see myself doing anywhere, especially since I am not sure where my life is taking me!

Your boyfriend, Blake, worked in London for a semester, and you say that you would love to work there someday, too. Do you see yourselves moving there after graduation?

I love London and I completely see myself there with Blake. I'm pretty sure you can count on us living there someday. Maybe not right after graduation, but eventually. New York is also somewhere I can picture us. His career is in theater, and those are the premier cities in the world to be for that. Lucky for me, they also work for my career too. But nothing is set in stone, and life is crazy. So who knows! All I can say is that I expect great things to happen in my life.

Considering that photography is both a creative outlet & a business, what are your long term goals creatively & professionally?

Honestly, I have so much creative energy that I don't have a fulfilling outlet in Missouri. My taste is far too controversial for the midwest, you know? As far as my long term goals, I hope to be able to combine my creative energy with business. Like I said before, I would love to work in fashion photography. Someday, I want to own my own studio as well. I need to get busy, huh?

My favorite Madonna song is "Like a Prayer." What's yours?

Obviously, it's no secret that Madonna is my biggest idol. I love that woman. Do I have to choose just one?! After a lot of thought, I'm going with "Like a Prayer". I guess that's why we are best friends! That song is flawless.

Thank you so much Colby, this was just about the cutest idea you've ever had! Love you best friend!

:)

Be sure to stop by Colby's blog (he's interviewing me too!) and look at his pretty photos and awesome fashion features!

xo Haley

Summer Fun.

Summer is officially here.

I'm so excited for next few months (they bring SO much). I've got a few things up my sleeve for next week, as well as this week (Mr. Colby is interviewing me, and I'm interviewing him!) so I'm hard at work with blog stuff. :)
My mom, dad & I went to a (country) music festival in Springfield this past weekend.. it was a ton of fun, even though I only ended up staying a few hours because the heat was too much for me (I got that whole tingly face, pass out kind of feeling. gross). But I got to see Aaron from Big Daddy's House on Food Network cook (and got to try the meal), and heard Kelly Pickler & Little Big Town perform. I also got to hear the beginning of One Republic's set, but I left before I heard any songs I actually knew. Haha. It was such a fun day, and a good treat for Father's Day.
That, my friends, is Milo Tucker. :)

I got to *finally* hold him. He's the sweetest little baby ever! I can't wait to see him again. ♥

I've also been doing some extra blog stuff lately, soon to be revealed, I'm sure. But I can tell you, it is so exciting (for me at least). I've been working with Breigh and Claire to create a brand new blog. Spending time on creating this blog has been so refreshing and such a positive thing in my life. I am getting so excited about sharing it with you all!

xo Haley

ps next week is moving week!

Florida.

I totally realized that I never shared photos from Florida.

Obviously, these are not all of them.. but they give a fairly decent idea of what the week was like. :)

(the pool was better than the beach...)

this is what Blake & I did for the whole week.

we read. and read. and read.

any guesses as to what he read?? Twilight.

(me, my momma, and brother's girlfriend, Amber)

which shoes don't belong??

I got a huge kick out of the fact that my brother only went to the beach once or twice, and wore boots/jeans every day.

We had a wonderful time. We rode back with my aunt to St. Louis (the lucky woman got to spend her birthday driving 13 hours), and spent Sunday celebrating her birthday with shopping, pizza, and pedicures... It was so, so much fun (even though we made Grandma very angry...)

Update on Miss Breigh:

She is doing well, she has awful headaches though. It seems as if her daily routine is waking up with a headache, taking a mid morning nap to sleep it off, go to bed with a headache, and then do it all over again the next day. I wish there was something I could do to help her feel better. Her surgery should be in August, sometime... she won't be returning to school until either next spring, or fall '12, and she probably won't be returning to our current school, but go to one of the Christian universities in town. I am proud of her decisions regarding school, she knows whats best for her, and I'm excited to see where the change in schools will take her.

Ps. Enter Colby's giveaway! Now.

life has its ups.

Hey!

So I've been quite the busy girl lately! I wish I had pictures to show you but... I don't.

Plus, everything I've done lately isn't too photo worthy.

I have so many things going on right now (Etsy and a top secret project with sweet Claire). On top of that, I am officially an employee of Oxford Health Care. And on top of THAT, I am moving out of mommy and daddy's house, and moving a whole 25 minutes away to Springfield.

(my new roommate is this cute girl. Two bloggers in one house?! Crazy talk!)

Yesterday I went in for my job interview at Oxford, and the interview was semi short (maybe 40ish minutes), and after it was over she immediately offered me the job (she was super into the fact that I stay the night with Breigh & her grandma that has Alzheimers every Tuesday). I'm super stoked to start working! And in the first week or so of July, I should be moving in to my new place. So, the blog may or may not be quiet until then. I only have 2 weeks to pack up everything I own and get moved in! Craziness. But I'm excited.

Oh, and I have some disposable camera photos (one regular camera, and the LOL Cam from UO) to share, as soon as I get them developed. #stoked

See you soon!

:)

xo Haley

The Midwest Indies!

Like I mentioned yesterday... last night was my first time seeing Blake play with his band, The Midwest Indies. I was so excited! They were actually very good, and I'm super looking forward to their next show in July.

The show was a benefit concert for Joplin, so a ton of people came and donated money and all that jazz. A girl in Springfield that makes clothes was selling them last night at the show, and was donating 25% of her profit to Joplin. All of the skirts she made were so stinking cute.

Speaking of clothes.... The Midwest Indies got their new t-shirts in. Seriously, how creative was this idea?! Want one? I'm gonna talk them into letting me sell them on Etsy... ;)
I'm super proud of you, Mr. Tucker!

xo Haley

ps. check out Blake's favorite albums of the year so far on his blog!

My boyfriend's band.

I get to hear my boyfriend's band play live tonight!

In the 6 months that we've been dating, I have yet to hear him play with them.

They're sort of like... Mumford & Sons part 2.

So yeah. I'm pretty stoked.

Yay Blake! You're so cool! Love you :)

xo haley

Outfit + Jobs

Outfit details

top - full tilt//tank, necklace, shorts, sandals - forever 21// sunglasses - target

I am so overwhelmed with this whole getting a new job thing.

I kinda just wanted time to chill out and enjoy the summer for a while. But. I have a car payment and a Starbucks habit to fund, so I need a job!

Breigh and I spent the morning scouring the internet for jobs and such yesterday, and I found a ton of cute little jobs around Springfield - including the girl's store Justice (Justin Bieber t-shirt central! HOLLA), and Build-a-Bear (seriously. cutest. ever). I also applied for a job at health care place to take care of some old folks. Not quite my first choice... but my friend Cassie works there, and she loves it. So anyways, I applied, and I got a call today! I have an interview on Monday. I'm excited/nervous (my 2nd job interview ever! the first being with Elsie at Red Velvet - so that was super relaxed - I have a feeling this one won't be the same. Haha). Wish me luck!

But I'm still keeping my options open... if I end up getting an interview for Justice.. totally gonna try to work there! ;)

Have a good afternoon, loves!

xo Haley

New(ish) Shop!

I originally decided to reopen the shop on Friday... but I was bored, and couldn't wait any longer!

So, the feather painting (that every single one of you seems to love!) is currently reserved for Carly. I am most definitely going to start working on more to list for you, or if you'd like a variation on that, definitely go for the custom painting option, that way you'll get exactly what you want!

I've been out of the painting habit for quite some time, and its been so refreshing jumping right back into what I love. I'm so blessed to have such great friends and supporters such as you guys!

I should have more paintings available in the next few days. Keep your eyes peeled for those! :)

(Visit the shop here.)

xo Haley

*AND*
Have you guys seen this?? A free trip to Paris?! Sign. me. up.

I'm only telling you about this because you have to in order to win.

So. um, sorry, but don't enter. Because I want to win. kthxbye ;)

Sleigh Bells + Neon Indian.

Yesterday, Blake and I went to Kansas City to celebrate our 6 month anniversary. We had such a good day just walking around the Plaza, doing some shopping (I got the LOL Cam from UO. Totally stoked about using it), and got yummy red velvet layered cheesecake. Seriously so good. Here's a few Instagrams of our day :)
I got a much needed pedicure while I was in St. Louis after going to Florida. Blake was such a boy, and wouldn't get one. Lameo!I got this at Forever 21 yesterday. And it was so hot outside, I put it on like right after I bought it. And I have yellow nails. Neon Indian! I have never listened to them before, and I was very impressed. Not necessarily my favorite kind of music (hello, Band of Horses is my favorite band. haha) but I enjoyed it a lot. A lot a lot.Sleigh Bells. So good live. So good. I freaked out a little though. But I still enjoyed it, despite the fact that I had a headache, couldn't breathe, and had to keep my head down most of the time. But I loved it!

Ps. Have you seen this photo??

Its from the photobooth at Elsie & Jeremy's wedding. I love it so much! It's pretty much the cutest ever. Love love love.

xo

Haley

Home.

Well, almost.

I'm back in St. Louis. I'm leaving later today though, and then I'll be home.

But then tomorrow, Blake and I are going to see Sleigh Bells/Neon Indian in Kansas City.

And then Colby and I are making plans to have a sleepover before he leaves on Friday.

And I need to go on a job search (BLAH), and maybe even an apartment search before the week is over.

So... Etsy has sort of been put on the backburner. For this week, at least.

I'm hoping to find some painting time soon, and then I'll start listing things.. hopefully by the end of next week. :)

Hope your Sunday is beautiful :)

xo Haley

ps. thank you all SO much for your kind words regarding Breigh.

I'm so proud of that girl. In the recent months, with her health not being so great, she's never once been 'pity me' or thought of herself over others. She'll be the first to go pray with you if she knows you're hurting or sick, even though she's suffering two diseases and a brain tumor. And despite all of that, she spent yesterday helping clean up in Joplin. I am so proud to call her my best friend. Thanks for you prayers and your support. You all are truly amazing.

♥

Breigh.

I am asking - practically begging - for your thoughts and prayers right now.

I got a text from Breigh an hour or so ago that her test results from last week came back, and that she does have a brain tumor. They are testing her tonight to see if it is cancerous, and she and her family meet with a surgeon on Monday.

This is all becoming so real right now.

I have never sat in a shower just...crying. My heart is breaking right now. I can truly say that I have never experienced this much emotional pain in my life.

My best friend has a brain tumor.

How do I deal with this? How do I stay strong for my best friend who needs me most right now? What happens now? I have so many questions, and absolutely zero answers.

I am at a loss of what my role is in all of this.

I am praying so hard for Breigh, and for her family right now.

I know I keep asking you guys to keep her in your thoughts and prayers, but she truly really needs this right now. I know she would love it knowing that you guys are thinking of her, and I really appreciate how thoughtful you all are. I love each and every one of you guys. Really.

-Haley

june.

june is full of birthdays and sweet treats. concerts and bubble tea. days made up completely of frozen pizzas and lifetime movies. grandma nights and biffy nights. spending full days with blake. praising God for the miracle He's worked in Breigh lately*. finding a new job and trying to not complain too much.

this month will be a long one. and an interesting one.

i have one month left of being a teenager. it's pretty surreal and i'm not quite ready to be able to say i'm in my 20s.

xo haley

* breigh went to the eye doctor for a normal eye exam, and couldn't see out of her left eye (for the most part). after looking at her eye, the dr. said that her left optic nerve was pinched, which mainly only happens when you have a stroke. after going to the hospital, they have decided she most likely did have a stroke the last time she passed out (passing out is a common side effect of her kidney disease). i think at one point, they had thought she might have a brain tumor, but i'm not sure if they've developed that idea any further. anyways, her mother announced via facebook, that breigh can see out of her left eye again. God has been so good to her, and her family lately. its scary having this happen to your best friend, and dealing with a possible brain tumor is not a cool feeling at all. although she can see again, this was just a small little mountain, and there are probably many more to come. so please continue to pray for my best friend. we'd both appreciate it. ♥