The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style
Education:Self-Improvement
"I see inspiration everywhere - from the fashion flitting past as I am crossing 7th Avenue to the overgrown flowers exploding from the window boxes of the brownstones of the West Village to the monkeys blinking back at my son and me as we wander through the tropical zone of The Central Park Zoo. It is all waiting to be painted. I often feel giddy, dizzy, overwhelmed by all that there is to paint." —Inslee Fariss
In February 2011 I first came across the watercolor fashion illustrations by Inslee. At the time, my blog was just over a year old, and I was looking for a way to put my signature on the heading. With four images including one of Sarah Jessica Parker in a favorite final scene of SATC, one of Ines de la Fressange and yet another one of Henry Bendel's illustrations of stylish women, I reached out to Inslee who was in Washington D.C. at the time. In a matter of two weeks, after a couple of emails back and forth and one phone call, the first TSLL woman was complete, and I was over the moon (see the woman below in the white dress with red clutch (center)).
Since our first collaboration, Inslee's painting career has blossomed, and she has been living and working in New York City with a studio in the West Village. Painting for Rachel Zoe, working with Elizabeth Arden and many other well known names, she also works on private commissions, some for businesses like TSLL and many for personal stationery, imagery, etc.
As you will hear in our conversation in today's episode of the podcast, she shares her journey to finding what working environment works best for her to create regularly, how and when she knew she had a gift, as well as how one of her figure drawings (nude silhouettes) ended up being purchased by the now Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle).
~Inslee's illustration purchased by Meghan Markle as discussed on today's episode~Her observations about enjoying the everyday, what it feels like being a mother to her 17-month-old boy Jackson and where she finds inspiration for her annual calendar are also topics that she talks about.
Since 2011, I feel extremely fortunate to have received 15 exclusive, commissioned illustrations for the blog (12 of which appear in TSLL's 1st book, one which was created for my teaching blog and the final two which appear on TSLL's new book - Living The Simply Luxurious Life and the blog's header). All of the illustrations are below.
As we discuss in today's episode, one of her amazing talents is to create what her customers are envisioning in their minds. She brings to the canvas her knowledge of fashion and style, the human body, as well as the observations of everyday life that we may dismiss or take for granted, but when appreciated can enliven the quotidian moments more than we might have imagined.
Be sure to stop by Inslee's website, shop her recent launch of the 2019 desktop and wall calendars (Book Worm & Botanical) as well as her newly launched 2019 Planners complete with exclusive illustrations and beautiful leather binder from Neely & Chloe (the steel blue one has my eye, but there are more beautiful colors available). You can also shop prints of her illustrations and contact her for a commission project.
As was mentioned in the episode, her Instagram (especially her Stories) will brighten your day. (follow here @inslee).
Lastly, I want to extend my deep appreciation to Inslee for being a guest on The Simple Sophisticate. Until our next collaboration together!
~2019 Book Worm desk top (March)~ ~2019 Wall and desktop Botanical calendar, September~ ~2019 Desktop and Wall Calendars, May~ ~Steel Blue Planner and binder~ ~The Simple Sophisticate, episode #233~View all episodes of THE SIMPLE SOPHISTICATE
SIMILAR EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY: #219, How to Cultivate Surroundings For Everyday Contentment #227, 16 Ideas for Simple Everyday Self-Care #194, The Road to Success is Paved with Happiness
Sponsors for today’s episode: Holly & Tanager, The Professional: Backpack Purse (check out the video below) Visit hollyandtanager.com/SIMPLESave 15% off your first order with promo code SIMPLE at checkout Blinkist visit blinkist.com/SS promo code SS – to start your free 7-day trial Neat www.neat.com/SIMPLE
381: The Power of the Clarity of Our Intention AND Where We Direct Our Attention: Understanding Our Mind
380: How Rituals Enrich Our Lives IF We Choose and Engage with Intention
379: How (and Why) to Be Your Own Best Friend
378: Choose to Compost Your Past: How the Arrival of the Spring Season is a Metaphor for Life
377: The Slow Productivity Approach that will Elevate the Quality of Your Entire Life, as taught by Cal Newport
376: Wise Investments: Understand the Difference between a Good Value and a Good Deal
375: How to Become a More Skilled Participant in the Living of Our Life
374: What I Have Learned in French Class, So Far - part sept (7)
373: How to Nourish Your Creative Being: Cultivate An Artistic Hearth & Home
372: Simple Rituals to Enhance the Everyday and the 5 Characteristics of Simply Luxurious Rituals
371: Savoring A Quiet Christmas — Simple, Yet Significant
370: Savoring the Many Benefits of Being Single at Heart, my talk with author Dr. Bella DePaulo
369: How to Make Your Everyday Taste Better (11 Ideas)
368: What is a Simple Sophisticate? The 14 Characteristics
367: How to Create Décor that Welcomes & Comforts: How to Embrace the Ethos of Slow Decorating
366: My First-Hand Travel Tips for Flying Internationally to and Arriving in Britain with Ease and Comfort
365: How to Have Good Taste when it Comes to Décor, inspired by interior designer Heidi Caillier's Memories of Home
364: Energy Management for Quality Everydays: 6 Daily Habits to Include
363: Elizabeth Bougerol talks about The Hot Sardines' new jazz album C'est La Vie
362: The Fundamental Ingredient in a Well-Lived (and long) Life: Honor What Makes Your Heart Sing, 13 life lessons from Dr. Gladys McGarey
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