Blogger's Favorites -- Joanna of Keep Feeling Fascination

The creative process is endlessly intriguing to me. Contrary to what we might perceive to be the case, highly creative people, regardless of their medium, are constantly observing, processing and then somehow reinterpreting. Rarely does an idea just sort of drop out of the sky...

Essential to this process (but often not as celebrated as they should be) are those people who "inspire" the creatives... Hugely creative themselves, they sort of cull from the clutter, creating libraries and archives and resources that prompt others to create.

Joanna is one of these people...

She's evolved a successful career as a fashion reporter and editor into her new business, kneeland co., which sells vintage textile and prints; embellishments; and jewelry to designers to be used as inspiration for creating product. She further inspires the masses through her beautiful blog, Keep Feeling Fascination, a space, in her words, "dedicated to creative inspiration". I visit her blog daily and never fail to be moved by her amazing eye and aesthetic sensibility. She's just awesome. So of course I had to ask her to share some of the things that make her tick...It's a good list friends!

Without further ado, herewith Joanna's favorites. Enjoy and have a fantastic weekend!



Books and Magazines: I really can’t get enough of them. A disease? Probably. There is nothing I love more than curling up with a good book or magazine and a cup of tea. Magazines opened my world to so much as a kid. When I was in 5th grade I wrote a letter to Vogue asking how much money editors made, because I wanted to be one. Yes, I got a response. It was something along the lines of, “Not very much.” Most of my memories spending time at my grandparents’ house are of me sitting upstairs by the bookshelves devouring fairy tales and lots of Ramona Forever. And don’t even get me started on Sweet Valley High. That was my jam. Right now I’ve got 4 biographies on deck and I am super duper excited.



Notebooks: It’s kind of ridiculous how many notebooks I have. Most of them are blank. But every time I find one that is beautiful and chic that speaks to me I get a wave of inspiration and I just know that that notebook is going to become filled with all kinds of epic stories and ideas. I’m a huge list maker, which is probably why I have a thing for beautifully wrapped paper.



Music: I discovered music right around the same time I discovered fashion in elementary school. My older brother was heavy into the new-wave scene as was my fashionable cousin and they are responsible for my love of music. My first concert was Morrissey in Houston, Texas and it changed my life. I’m a super nostalgic person so it makes sense that I have a very soft spot for good ‘80s tunes and the post-punk genre. I’m currently obsessed with the Henry Rollins show on KCRW on Saturday nights. His enthusiasm, insane knowledge, and passion for music are contagious. He’s a good role model, that one.



Accessories: As much as I love clothes, it’s really accessories that make my heart skip a beat. Bags, shoes, jewelry – they are my go to loves in life. Great accessories can make any outfit. I love old and new, cheap and luxe. Right now I’m obsessed with my new Object + Totem necklaces, Isabel Marant scarf, and leather fringe bag from Morocco.



Self-Discovery: I’m in my early 30’s and I’ve learned and discovered so much about the human condition and myself since being in my 20’s. It’s like a totally different world. I’m a big thinker and analyzer (and over-analyzer!) and I really try to embrace the changes, challenges, and amazing-ness that happen in my life as a woman. Personal growth feels amazing to me.



Inspiration: I am inspired by so many things in this incredible world. Whether it’s a great idea, a superb movie, the weather, or random acts of kindness there is nothing that comes close to the feeling of inspiration. I want to bottle it. A constant source of inspiration for me are those people who are living unconventional lives outside the norm of what society dictates and really staying true to what they believe in. Renegade women like Patti Smith and Miuccia Prada fit into that category.



Friends and Family: I am pretty lucky in this category, and incredibly grateful as well. My husband who is my best friend (and I guess my family, too!) is a huge influence in my life and I couldn’t create a list of favorites without mentioning him. I have a huge family that inspired my business name, Kneeland Co., and I am in total awe of them. I have a solid group of friends who make me laugh like crazy and who provide an endless amount of unconditional love and inspiration.



Sunsets: When I get to witness a magical sunset I feel so much peace. I realize how much bigger nature is than all of us, and it makes me feel as if I’m on the right path and like all my tiny problems are so miniscule. My screen saver on my phone is of a sunset in Big Sur.



Travel: It’s the best education anyone can get, in my opinion. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world and I’m certain it has helped me to become the person I am. I love exploring and discovering new food, crafts, cultures, etc. I usually take at least one big trip a year to some far-flung corner of the world, and a few trips in between to some of my favorite getaways like Big Sur and New York. I have an obsession with Paris and Istanbul, and I’m really looking forward to an upcoming family reunion in Mexico City for Thanksgiving.



Dinner and a Movie: The way to my heart is through dinner and a movie. Food in general is major in my life, especially when it comes to fish tacos or the perfect pasta. But getting dressed up and going to eat somewhere delicious and having good conversation followed by a really good film is A++ in my book. I just had my favorite fish tacos at Alegria in my neighborhood of Silverlake, and then took in the new Mike Mills movie, Beginners, which was total perfection.