Art & Design of Kelli Murray

Slouched Sailor Blouse / Joe’s Jeans / Nixon Watch / Vintage Hat & Belt / Steve Madden Heels

FIrst, I just wanted to say thanks to those of you who responded to my last post.  It meant a ton to me and I was so encouraged by what you all wrote.  Nothing will be changing here as far as content goes (other than hopefully MORE content)….there will just be a new look or “face”, if you will, to the site.  It’s a work in progress, as is life, and I really do appreciate your feedback!  You’re pretty great.

But about this outfit…it’s one of my fav’s and i’m not sure why.  I think it’s just one that well represents my everyday style. I love it’s ease and simplicity.  I think black will forever be a dominant color in my wardrobe.  I have tried so many times to get away from it, but it’s impossible.  I love it too much.  Although a lot of my lookbook posts are taken of me wearing skirts, dresses and tights….these black skinnies by Joe’s Jeans are my favorite go-to.  I wear them ALL the time.  I dress them up and down….but mostly try to style them to fit somewhere in the middle of casual and fancy! It is in fact the best place to be!  My favorite nail color right now is this mint colored Hello Kitty Nail Lacquer by Sephora.  Really, anything mint gets me excited. But I have to admit, the Hello Kitty shaped bottle is really what sold me!  It’s super thick and opaque, which is sometimes hard to come by in nail polish.  Anyway…nail polish has been fun lately because my fingernails are actually long enough to warrant polish.  I have always been a biter, but something about pregnancy made them grow like crazy….and i’ve finally curbed my habit (crossing my fingers) for forever.

Get ready for a MASSIVE (text heavy) post tomorrow!! SO much I’ve been DREAMING about! And I need your help.  But for today….here are some sun drenched photos, resurrected from my archives, taken by the ever talented JOIELALA girls. I miss them.  This is back when I was 5 months prego.  Love them blousy tops! ha!

This bag is just cool.  Almost as cool as the cool kids who made it. A few friends of mine, Kahana Kalama and Billy Wickens, opened the retail shop ALOHA SUNDAY in May of 2011.  It’s located in the heart of Northpark and houses a collection of surf-inspired clothing and craft…some old, some new.  The name stemmed from the commonly used Hawaiian phrase “Aloha Friday” which is basically a celebration of the end of the workweek. As a play on this concept Aloha Sunday was born… a challenge and encouragement to live passionately and in a way that celebrates the start of the week. Good, right!?  So proud of these guys for making their dream a reality.  If you live in San Diego and have yet to check out the space….do yourself a favor.  Or check them out online here:

SHOP  / BLOG  / TWITTER / FACEBOOK

Aloha Sunday recently partnered with Apolis Activism to create this limited edition Market Bag.  Perfect for trips to the farmer’s market or getaways to the coast.  So glad I got my mitts on one!  Limited to only 50 pieces.

We have had the most splendid January days the last few weeks!  The temperature in the upper 70′s!  The sun is warm and the air is crisp! I am soaking it up while it lasts!  This was the outfit I wore the other day on a date night with Sam….and Rylee.  Our “dates” no longer consist of just the two of us.  But at least we are attempting to still go out!  Rylee is HUGE!  Every time I look at her I can’t believe how big she is.  I’ll post more pictures soon.  She’s not my tiny little peanut anymore.  Now she’s my chunky monkey and her cheeks are taking over her face!! haha.  Love that.

In other news, I am officially working as a FREELANCER now! I have been employed full time at Jedidiah since I was 20 years old.  7 years! Yow….that is a long time!  It has been a great place to work for so many years, but my new life as a mom needs something more part time.  I will still be working as a freelance graphic designer for Jedidiah, but my workload (and pocket book) will scale down significantly.  I’ll take that trade any day if it means more time with Ry.  I’m excited for what lies ahead and to see how I do with working just freelance.  It’s something I have considered for years.  Perhaps it will leave room for more custom art projects!  Hooray for new beginnings!

Happy New Year!! Let’s make it a good one!