Be An Original

Many of you know about my little “Target problem.” Like how I can’t resist the latest fashions in the Converse line, or their newest shoes, or Thomas O’Brien’s linens. Well, recently added to my Target problem is my ever-expanding J. Crew problem...and my rapidly budding Pottery Barn problem.

It’s a sickness really.

It’s a sickness that I was thinking about this weekend as I tried to keep myself out of the stores and away from spending money. I was standing in my living room looking out the window and trying to decide which new shade of Maybelline lipstick I liked the best when suddenly I noticed my throw pillows.

They were lined up on the window seat in an array of colors and patterns, and they looked so nice under the gray light cast from the cloudy skies. It occurred to me then that what I liked most about the pillows was that they were original--meaning that I made them myself, from my own designs.

And then this small mental sidetrack about originality began to snowball. I started to think about all of the other things I own that I appreciate for their uniqueness. Like my thrift store armoire, and my handmade coverlet, and the new sweaters and dresses I’ve been crafting lately. And I realized that as much as I love J. Crew and Target, there was just something special about an original item. As if they have “Stephanie” labels on them--fit just for me.

My thinking didn’t stop at “stuff,” either. Soon I was contemplating originality as a goal for living. Yes, I suppose that it is a bit cliche--like the earnest goal of a teenager trying desperately to be different--but I enjoy a good cliche every now and then, don't you?

So I thought that I would spend the next several weeks talking about Being An Original--about the pursuit of our originality expressed through our choices.

As you might guess, I’ll be sharing some original design projects with you all (starting tomorrow with my newest dress!), but I’ll also be talking about originality expressed in other areas too, like interests, intellect, and character. I'm excited to see what big-picture thoughts are stirred up by this series, and of course what unique projects are uncovered too.

And as always, I love to hear your thoughts and comments. What makes you An Original? What is your favorite unique item, or recent alternative decision? Share anytime by posting your comments here, or emailing me at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com!

See you tomorrow!