Postcard from Buenos Aires

Hello Darlings, finally I finished my postcard from beautiful Buenos Aires after much deliberation. She embodies both the feminine and masculine sensuality of tango and wears the vibrant La Boca neighborhood on her shirt. This is a mixed media illustration with colored paper, acrylic paint, and ink. She exemplifies not only my growth as an illustrator but also just how greatly I was marked by my trip to Argentina. The memories stay with me daily as does the cultural joie de vivre.

Greg and I arrived at our apartment in Palermo Hollywood, BA on Wednesday March 19th, 2014 and immediately fell in love with the charm of the city.

We wander(lusted) through the shops of Palermo Soho en route to the tranquil Jardin Japones.

With luck in our back pockets, we found our way to the steps of Malba (Museum of Latina American Art of Buenos Aires) just in time for Mario Testino's exhibition In Your Face.

FAST FASHION

Jeremy Scott for MOSCHINO FW14 in NYC

Good Morning My Loves,

I hope you are all having a great start to your weekend. I spent yesterday evening and the greater part of my Saturday morning painting for this post, because it is inspired by a topic that I have been DYING to discuss with you all here on Travel Write Draw!! Fast fashion is a contemporary term that has been tossed around these past few years, to describe the crazy phenomenon of quick runway to retail turnaround of high end designs made accessible to the masses. Usually Zara and H&M are names that follow closely in the same sentence. But Fast Fashion for me is a MUCH more loaded term than one just used to describe the $1,500 sweater on the runway today, made available for $15 tomorrow. 

For one, this past February saw some of the biggest designers turning to the culture of fast food and lowbrow everyday grocery shopping (MOSCHINO and Chanel respectively) for inspiration for their collections. Not to mention that every blogger in attendance was already wearing the now infamous golden arches of MOSCHINO to the show, before it even came down the runway. And another prong of the term concerns the mania of instagram where I get my daily dose of anxiety scrolling through my fellow fashion illustrators posting new works everyday, upwards of 5 times per day. All the while, I'm sitting at my full-time job, 5 days a week, wishing I could just run home to sketch, paint, post, repeat.

Work in Progress: Postcard from Buenos Aires

Good Evening My Loves,

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! I've been feeling SO inspired lately, with the redesign of Travel Write Draw, my Blogging for Fashion Business course at FIT, and some much needed critical feedback on my illustration portfolio. I've been painting, practicing, and experimenting more than ever before these days and I can't wait to share the results with you here. One thing I don't do often on Travel Write Draw, is showcase to you all the process behind my pieces. After painting the illustration for Postcard from Rio de Janeiro, and my FIT classmates wanting to know more about the behind the scenes of its creation, I thought it would be really interesting to show the steps that go into illustrating an original Meagan Morrison piece.

Above are four images I snapped this weekend while conceptualizing and drafting my upcoming Buenos Aires postcard. The creative juices are flowing, as are the watercolor inks, and I couldn't be happier. My process for this piece went a little something like this:

TWD's Rio De Janeiro Top 10

Living Authentically

Good Evening My Loves,

I have a lot to share with you tonight, so let me start by saying that I have been marinating this post in my head and in my heart for the past week or so now, and I finally feel ready to sit down and write it. I'm here in my tiny little room in the West Village, cramped between fashion magazines, and yesterday's laundry, hovering over my computer in silence. I'm quiet because something big just happened today - frankly I should have expected it because the skies are calling for a very tumultuous April 2014. Regardless, I didn't see it coming. Today my team at work was called in for a huddle and our Creative Director announced her departure from our company, my company, and I was absolutely, positively, SHOCKED. Just when you think you know how everything is going to play out in life, a hurricane hits, and washes your sandcastle away.

Obviously I haven't known about this for even 24hrs yet so you're probably wondering how I've been conceiving of this post for a week then. Well I guess it came full circle when I asked her how she felt about leaving not only our company but New York as well. "Living here is like being in a constant swirl, inside the eye of a tornado, and now...I just want to be on the outside looking in" she said, along with classic, adorable hand gestures that only she can make. And suddenly it hit me, how much more of the madness can I take?! Clearly she is at peace to let it go, she's done her time here and she's ready to say goodbye. So after nearly 5 years here, what exactly am I still holding onto? What more do I feel like I need to prove in this city?

For those of you who don't live in New York, the only way I can describe it is like being in the most toxic love hate relationship you've ever had. It's the boyfriend (or girlfriend) you just die to be around, do anything you can to accommodate, just to have 5 minutes of their time (even if it means squeezing into claustrophobic subway cars or apartments), who only ever gives you just enough to keep you interested, but never enough to keep you truly fulfilled, is completely inconsistent (hello transit system!!), totally high maintenance, and expensive to date, and is always unfailingly wavering between the extremes (oppressively hot or cold, never in between). It's the relationship that should have ended years ago, but the chemistry is too much of a high to let it go.

Postcard from Rio De Janeiro

This postcard is inspired by my incredible journey through Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She is a curation of the beauty, sights, and colors I saw while being there. Referenced from the runway of Rio Fashion Week, she wears Cristo Redentor, Corcovado, and Sugarloaf Mountain in her hair, coconuts from her ears, and the boardwalks of Copacabana and Ipanema around her neck. She is a pure reflection of how my heart was perpetually marked by this extraordinary city, country, and the people within it.

We started our journey in beautiful Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro on the morning of Saturday March 15th leaving the frost of New York City behind us.

We drank cappuccinos at Terzetto Cafe and wandered through the trendy streets of Ipanema Beach. 

I blended with the Portuguese blue tiles of the city streets...

and discovered the chic store for all "Rio It Girls" - FARM RIO

At night, Cine Santa Teresa glowed for all to see and beckoned us to a Rio of the past. 

Rio de Janeiro & Buenos Aires Bound!!

Good Evening My Loves!! 

I hope you have all been well. I'm thrilled to be back on the blog and sharing this painting with you as it was/is inspired by my imminent departure to South America TOMORROW NIGHT!! I cannot believe after almost 3 months of dreaming and planning that we are finally taking off to brilliant Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires in less than 24hrs. 

This will be my first trip to South America and after so many years of fantasizing about Corcovado, Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema, Copacabana, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the sensual tango dancers of Buenos Aires, I'm practically leaping out of my skin!! I'm thrilled to be taking you all there with me and will definitely be sharing the adventure across my instagram.com/travelwritedraw. 

I've also challenged my boyfriend to a sketch a day while we are away and plan to share the results with you here. I hope to fill an entire book with beautifully inspired brush & ink illustrations from our observations. Colors, beaches, sun kissed skin, I can practically feel the sunbeams on my face right now!! If you've been to either Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires, I would SO appreciate your recommendations in the comment section below.

Until next time, wish me luck, and I'll be speaking with you soon. 

SO much love,

Meag xx

Paris Fashion Week Men's FW14

Happy Sunday Lovelies!!

I cannot believe it's already February 2014. January was such a wonderful whirlwind which brought the approval of my O1 Outstanding Artist's Visa, as well as a quick jaunt to Paris (photos here) to see my boyfriend debut his FW14 namesake menswear collection ABASI ROSBOROUGH. It was such an extraordinarily special trip for so many reasons and I feel beyond blessed to have experienced it with my love.

I've never been to Paris for Fashion Week before, certainly not Menswear, and it was so incredibly cool to see buyers from around the world zipping throughout the streets of Le Marais where we were staying. We attended fashion week parties at Silencio and the original Le Baron, and I even enjoyed my last brunch at the now infamous La Perle where I practiced my French with a zippy Parisian male server.

I'm back in Canada now for the obligatory visa switch, with the agenda of painting on the brain, so stay tuned for some more illustrated posts to come!!

Much love,
Meag xx

Palm Beach Paradise

Happy Monday My Loves,

I just wanted to share with you all a quick post from my weekend in Palm Beach this past Saturday and Sunday. Nothing brings you back to life like a weekend spent soaking up the sun, great tunes, food, and amazing company. As expected, I have my next destination on the brain. Until then, wishing you all an incredible week ahead.

Much love,
Meag xx

READY, STEADY JET SET

Happy Saturday My Loves!!

Finally I'm back on the blog after such a long hiatus!! Needless to say, when you take 10 days off from work, you spend the next 20 trying to catch up. I had some really incredible events take place the past few weeks. I illustrated my first scarf for my company's SS14 collection, finally met the gorgeous girls over at Perth Style as well as Lubov Azria of BCBG, modeled for a creative with Lily Qian, attended one of my best friend's weddings and GOTHAM Magazine's Cover Party with my love Alyssa of A-Listed. Now I'm prepping for a quick jet set home and I couldn't be happier.

I read this amazing quote today that said "travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light". I feel like I'm living in the light right now. Can't wait to share more illustrations with you all and finally get crackin' on my Greece Postcards!!

Much love,
Meag xx

Blue & White - Mykonos

Hello Hello My Loves,

How have you all been?!! I have finally returned from my Greek Island hopping extravaganza and I can't begin to tell you how much I fell in love with that country!! From Athens, to Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, I experienced all things white & blue. Those who follow me with Instagram came right along for the ride as I documented my journey from ferry to land and back again. I can't wait to share the oodles of inspiration I gathered while abroad but in the meantime I leave you with this snapshot from my first night in Mykonos. Lets just say it was a night to remember. Stay tuned for postcards, trend posts, and illustrations galore.

Much love,
Meag xx

Illustrated Packing List: Greek Island Hopping

Hello, Hello, Hello My Loves!!

I'm so excited to be back on TWD to reveal my Greek Island packing essentials!! This Friday May 24th I will be embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, leaving all the stresses of New York City behind ahhhh. I can already feel that Mediterranean sunshine permeating my skin. That reminds me...I still need to buy SPF 100 lotion because right now I'm grossly Snow White. Anyway, it seems that this trip's packing list is all about statement accessories. Truthfully, bohemian white maxi dresses just aren't that fun to draw ;). Starting from the top left:

Mary Katrantzou Medium Print Pouch Clutch

DOLCE & GABBANA Filigrane Embellished Gold-Plated Clip Earrings

mally Lip Magnifier in Sexy Siren

Zac Posen Illesteva Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses

ALAIA Studded Cutout Leather Sandals

Mara Hoffman Pow Wow Printed Bandeau Bikini

I fell absolutely in love with this season's prints and pop color accents like chartreuse, coral, and tangerine. I'm having visions of Santorini's aqua blue waters as the backdrop to my saturated colored ensembles. The outfits make the trip don't they?! How are you all spending your Memorial Day holiday? Have any of you been to the Greek Islands? If so leave your suggestions below.

Much love,

Meag xx

Greek Island Hopping Getaway!!

Hello Hello My Darlings!!

I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself!! A little under three weeks from now I will be jetting off to Athens to kick-start my Greek Island Hopping Extravaganza. On the agenda is Mykonos, Paros, and breathtaking Santorini. I can't wait to take you all there with me through my blog. This will be my first time traveling to Greece and I've been told just HOW extraordinarily beautiful it is. 

I searched high and low for references for this illustration and finally landed on an editorial from VOGUE Hellas. I wanted it to feel authentic and equally fashion/travel driven. I loved her headpiece as it related to Greek Mythology and the fact that she seemed to mirror my sentiments towards Greek island hopping (eager). I've been devising my packing list to illustrate here so stay tuned.

Before I sign off, I am dying to get recommendations from you all on the "must-sees" of Greece. Leave your comments and suggestions below and don't forget to include any post tips on themes, photos, postcards that you would like to see here upon my return. Thrilled to bring you Greece inspired posts galore and sink my teeth into a new country. Enjoy the beautiful weekend!!

Much love,

Meag xx   

For the Love of Blog!

Hello My Loves,

I hope you all had a fantastic week! Fortunately, I wrapped up a very exciting two week project which left just enough time for some Friday self reflection. I started sifting through the archives on my slowly dying vintage MacBook and came across this bloglovin' icon I designed for TWD two years ago. And like a floodgate, all the incredible memories I have of starting my blog came rushing back to me. Of all the new ventures I embarked on in NYC, by far the most rewarding has been my blog.

When I look at this luggage tag icon, not only do I see how far I've come stylistically, but I'm reminded of the thrill I experienced joining the bloglovin' community. I remember discovering Danny Roberts' blog Igor + Andre and realizing the power, the magnitude, of starting your own blog. I never dreamed that my words would connect with people in such a meaningful way; that my fears could be stifled by complete strangers rooting for me from behind a computer screen.

Postcard from Paris

I arrived in Paris on a beautiful Saturday morning in the 18th arrondissement.

I found my way haphazardly to my girlfriend Julia's flat using broken French and my smile!

I opened the gate to paradise...

and documented myself in the mirror to make sure this was all real.

I rode the metro from Chateau Rouge to Palais Royal to find my Paris daydream.

A Tale of Three Handbags

Hello My Darlings!!

I'm finally back on TWD woohoo!! I've wanted to do this post since before I left for Europe back in September. I had this idea about embodying each city (New York, London, Paris) in a handbag. I do work for a handbag company here in New York after all ;). I spend so much time everyday staring at bags, making interesting graphics, thinking about trends, that naturally I relate everything to handbags now. Kate Spade, Alexander McQueen, and Hermes seemed like the perfect designers to capture the essence of New York, London, and Paris respectively.

I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to be posting this. I'm finally starting to feel like myself again. And with so many exciting prospects coming my way, I assure you I will be updating here A LOT more frequently. I also want to thank ALL of my new Travel Write Draw Facebook Page followers. You have no idea how touched I am that you have been so receptive to it. That is definitely the space to get behind the scenes with me and my illustrations on TWD. Anyway, I'm happy to announce that Postcard from Paris is on its way so stayyyy tuned my loves!!

Much love,
Meag xx

LONDON SCRAPBOOK

Choosing Keeping

LOVE FROM LONDON

Across the Atlantic and back again...a picture from my last night in LONDON TOWN!!

Thank you immensely to my incredibly gracious hosts for showing me the best of the best in London & Paris. My experience in both cities was so much different than it has ever been and I'm more in love with London than I thought possible. Visions of driving through the city in a Zipcar blasting Feel The Love by Rudimental will live on in my memory forever and ever.

But it doesn't stop there my darlings. Off the plane and onto the launch party of Allie Kingsley's novel The Liar, the Bitch, and the Wardrobe (thank you Mr. Heisler ;), and Fashion's Night Out at Lord & Taylor tomorrow evening!! NYFW will soon be in full effect and the city is already sizzling with the influx of Fashion's power-players. I shall catch up with you all when the madness dies down this weekend. Until then, HUGS & KISSES from yours truly!!

Much love,

Meag xx

Illustrated Packing List: London & Paris

Hello Lovelies!!

I can't believe HOW quickly my trip crept up on me and now I'm manically packing for my getaway to London and Paris tomorrow. I have so many people and places to see, I'm beyond excited. Of course, the fun can't begin until the obligatory suitcase styling commences. On second thought, that is actually where the fun starts!! What's on my packing list for Labor Day in London and Paris?! Check out my illustrated essentials to see:

Annabelle Dexter-Jones Denim Flat Cap - Faith Connexion

Anabela Asymmetric Leather Biker Jacket - IRO

Honey Lip Lacquer in Aurora Apple Red - Bite Beauty

Bachelor Round Toe Flat - Sigerson Morrison

Two-Tone Stretch-Jersey Contour Dress - Stella McCartney

Covent Garden Clutch - BODHI

Deluxe Hand Me Down Stack Ring - Henri Bendel

Where are you all spending this fabulous Labor Day weekend and what's on your packing list?! Can't wait to bring back loads of pics and inspiration galore. See you all soon.

Much love,

Meag xx

New York - London - Paris!!

Hello Again Darlings,

I'm so excited firstly to be posting twice in one weekend, and secondly to be announcing my imminent travels to EUROPE. August 29th I will be zipping off for an extended labor day weekend to visit not one, but two, of my favorite cities in the WHOLE world. London, Paris, London, Paris, oh my where do I even begin?! The vibe, the sweets, the art, the fashion, I'm bursting at the seams with excitement. It's been five years since I was last in Paris and my heart aches thinking of all the things I miss so dearly. Laduree I'm giving you ample warning!!

Before I sign off I would love to ask you, my beautiful readers, what you would like to see more of from my upcoming travels? In the past I've blogged massive postcards but I'm thinking of breaking it up. I want to be able to cover more individual moments, special happenings, amazing street style, cool on site sketches?! What do you all think? Travel is after all at the forefront of my inspiration here on TWD, so why not delve a little deeper into my getaways across the globe?! Let me read your thoughts below...

Bisous Bisous,
Meag