THE CITIZEN INDEX

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Picture Perfect: Local Color

Local Color: the sights and delights of Ballard. Seattle, Washington

The above is how I see the world. Because it's MY world. As I adjust to living in Seattle, specifically the Ballard district, I can not help but delight in the local color. The skyline, always a breath taker, competes with the most interesting of details- the white of frost, a red cart, a green window, a blue light and above all, a wonderful sense of place
Ballard's Best: A Mannequin at Beats + Bohos Models a Colorful Vintage Red Raincoat and Leopard Scarf

I seem to be permanently crushed out on my neighborhood! I love the overgrown sidewalks, the ever present moss, fern and firs, the way people grow food gardens on their lawns, but never seem to bother to eat it. The plethora of lounge chairs that dot every other porch or patio, and the general friendliness of this humble spot. Even the birds and the squirrels seem friendlier here.

Many of the details captured above are also shared on Instagram (@rosebudz). Looking at the images together I see a common theme they share with my wardrobe- the red hot crush of cobalt, red, mints and yellows, and the quirky new obsession with shape and geometry. Fashion imitates life, and life is certainly fashionable.

Is there anything about your hometown or neighborhood that inspires your dress?




23 comments:

Susan B said...

Love these photos, Bella! You have such a great eye for color and composition! So glad to hear you're enjoying your new neighborhood.

Anupriya DG said...

Love the way you capture the essence of the place in these snapshots!

Flora Cruft said...

I love those colour POP photographs, Bella! So lovely to see images of the sunshine, we're all snowed in here in Devon... Enjoy the new neighbourhood!

mispapelicos said...

Such a poem in pictures, dear Bella.
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Becky said...

Sounds and looks so pretty! Lovely photos :)

Rosalind said...

Funnily enough, before I got to the part where you observe that the colours you've captured share a theme with your wardrobe, that's exactly what I was thinking!
I have a feeling as well that one of the reasons you love your new neighbourhood is because everyone you meet must adore you too.
The hills and fields and woods around me definitely inspire my colour palette.

Curtise said...

Great pics, Bella, so many wonderful colours and quirky shapes and details. I can totally understand why these things would make a neighbourhood appeal to you. I stick out like a sore thumb in my neighbourhood, there isn't much variety or colour. But the folk are nice (even if they dress a little uniformly...) xxx

The Cranky said...

Love the colours and sense of place.

Like pastcaring, I stick out like a sore thumb here...I love brilliant pops of colour (especially against black) and have decided to make a largish change to my hair. I think a brilliant red lip colour would look amazing with snowy hair, don't you?

Pull Your Socks Up! said...

I love seeing your neighbourhood pics and it makes me happy to know you're settling into your new home and find beauty all around you:). xoxo

Amber of Butane Anvil said...

So beautiful and vivid! And an interesting question that I'll have to think more about, hmm. I'd guess I carry the spaciousness and freedom of isolation with me, as well as the occasionally humorous practicality of farmer-style.

Patti said...

I love the colors of your new place, and the way your artist's eye interweaves them with your wardrobe! I wear almost all neutrals, but I am inspired by the beautiful, changing sea just 100 yards away.

Pam @ over50feeling40 said...

How talented you are, Bella...the color and images you see are so much fun! I love your colorful world...and forgive my slow response, this week has been so stressful and I cannot find the tape measure. I will respond to you!!

Sheila said...

I love posts like this - I love seeing where my favourite bloggers live and the things they see. I'm inspired by the ocean near me (you can go to "On My Travels" in my Stuff About Me page to visit my city), and all the old architecture from the Gold Rush era.

Thanks for the great pics, Bella!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you're loving Seattle, because I still love it even though it's faraway in time.

Here in my neighborhood, I love the mix of houses from a few old farm houses and funky shacks to '70s and '80s houses, to a few newer ones. We have lots of huge trees, and a park right across the street with trails that lead through a nursery. And a convenience store only two blocks away!

Anonymous said...

I love your expression, "crushed out." I've always felt that way about the entire Seattle area. Lived here all my life because of it. I'm so happy to read about you enjoying your life here after uprooting and changing your living arrangement. I'm a proud Seattlite!
Hey, when we gonna meet for lunch?

SeƱora Allnut said...

really love that red and any other bold color details all around your neighborhood, your always inspiring photos make me feel enthusiastic and happy!
glad you're sharing with us!
besos & color

Vix said...

What a fabulous piece of writing, Bella. You've certainly got a keen eye for colour.
My area's renowned for it's friendliness but it ain't called The Black Country for nothing, all disused factories, pollution choked canals and concrete shopping centres. xxx

Jean at www.drossintogold.com said...

You make me want to move!!! The pics are gorgeous and I love the way you describe the city. I've spent some time in Portland OR so i can envision exactly what you're talking about. I love it. XXOO

Unknown said...

I always love to see your hood pics and your style and beauty is second to none!
Hugs
Reeves

Stacey said...

As a colour lover, I'd be right at hone in your neighborhood! Loving these pics!

Unknown said...

Welcome to my world of color.

Heather Fonseca said...

Is there anything about my neighborhood that inspires my dress? Hmm. Well, there are obvious things about the environment, like the bright light that necessitates year round wearing of sunglasses, but I'm not sure how the local architecture affects my style.
Love the idea though! Ill have to think about it more. And I love your photos!

CityScape Skybaby said...

These are gorgeous pics Bella, Seattle is a place that has always sounded really interesting to me. The thing about this place that influences me is the fact that it's cold! It's been voted the ugliest town in Britain quite a few times, so there's not a lot of inspiration going around. Friendly people and a few great charity shops here though. xx