Before I dive in to today’s BTS, I wanted to mention that I’m guest posting over on Because It’s Awesome today. So once you read about the fabulous Dawn below, be sure to hop on over to Tobe’s blog for some housewarming gift ideas!
And yes, you read that right. Dawn from the incredibly inspiring blog The Alternative Wife is here today to share a little sneak peek into what makes her tick! Have you checked out The Alt Wife before? It’s an amazing mix of beautiful, ultra-feminine, super glamorous photos that you’re sure to want to pin. Dawn has such a good eye for a beautiful editorial shot…just take a peek at her blog and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Along with the photo goodness, she offers little peeks into her life as a New Yorker; however, I was excited to learn even more about her here. Take it away, Dawn!
I love to travel and if I’m not on vacation you will find me planning my next trip. Next destinations on my list are…
Unfortunately, I hardly have the time to read between work and blogging. I have a very short commute to work, 15 minutes on a bus, and J is with me for 10 of the 15 minutes so that leaves little time for reading. And when I do have a minute to read I try to tackle my never ending pile of fashion magazines. I usually only read books on vacation and on the beach in the summer and I tend to keep it light.
I would love to own an apartment or home. I’ve pretty much lived in the same apartment in NYC for 19 years and although I love my home, I’m craving a change. And renting kind of limits how creative you can be with the changes you can make. I’d love another bedroom so I could turn that into an office/studio.
Also I love to cook but the size of my kitchen isn’t really conducive to spending hours on end cooking.
I also plan on continuing to travel and learning more about other places and cultures.
Carving time out to be more creative.
I used to illustrate when I was in high school and college and actually wanted fashion illustration to be my career. However with some serious prodding from my father, I decided to go the business route of fashion instead and ended up majoring in Fashion Buying & Merchandising and the eventually Cosmetics Marketing. Although I don’t regret that choice, I’ve been able to make a fabulous career for myself and I do love my job, I do miss illustration with all of my heart as it’s my true passion.
But I do have a plan! I’ll be breaking out all of the supplies soon and plan on starting to illustrate again once the holidays are over.
Also I’d love to learn more about photography. J bought me a fabulous camera, a Nikon D5000, for my birthday over a year ago and I still don’t really know how to use it. Private photography classes came along with that gift and I’ve yet to cash in on them but I plan on arranging them real soon.
Another goal that I’m making a priority is taking better care of myself. I can’t believe it but I’m going to be 40 in July and I figure the time has come to start. I’ve recently experimented with going vegan and gluten free and I felt better than ever. It’s not something that I plan on doing long term but I’ve learned new ways to incorporate healthier food options into my life and I’m enjoying this new balance. I’ve also been going back to the gym and I just love how much stronger I feel mentally and physically.
I’ve really been dreaming about indulging in my creative passions. I’m so excited to finally get back into illustration and to hone my photography skills. I’d also love for my blog to evolve to focus more on them. One day I hope to feature some of my own work. And who knows, maybe I’ll even open an Etsy shop :)
I started my blog which was originally titled The Alternative Bride while I was planning my wedding. I’ve always identified with the word alternative because I’m pretty unconventional. Once I was married I changed it to The Alternative Wife. I know my creativity is off the charts, right? :)
I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I get inspired on a daily basis by the countless amazing blogs out there. Travel, magazines and design books are a constant source of inspiration and my inspiration board is constantly being amended.
But truly I can get inspired by basically anything really. I once created a cosmetic line color story based on the colors of the sky at dawn and dusk. Colors and or finishes of cars or gems have inspired me to create new nail colors. There’s beauty in everything and I’m always looking out for it.
That’s a tough one. I guess I’d say that I’ve managed to be in same relationship for over 25 years and after all of these years I’m still blissfully happy and more in love than ever.
Anywhere close to water. We rent a beach house in the summer and also own a timeshare in St. Thomas so I’m lucky enough to get that opportunity fairly often. The expression “take the waters” really resonates with me.
It will be 3 years this coming February. Wow, I can’t believe it’s actually been that long!
I started blogging while planning my wedding and it was primarily a place to organize my thoughts. I never really planned on continuing it much beyond my wedding but it became such a huge part of my life that I could never let it go.
It’s my creative outlet, makes me dream and think big, and I have made so many true friendships through it. That was my biggest surprise, the relationships that I formed from our wonderful community of creative, supportive and inspiring women & men.
Thank you so much Victoria for having me!
xoxo
Dawn
Thanks so much for having me, Victoria! Have a wonderful day :) xoxo
Loved that you featured Dawn on Behind the Scenes! She is such a sweetheart and it is fun to learn more about her dreamy life in NYC/the beach!
I absolutely cannot wait to see your illustrations Dawn, I can only imagine how gorgeous they will be!! Loved learning more more about you!!
A wonderful guest post. It’s so nice to learn more about you, Dawn. Oh, I would love to see some illustrations of yours, Dawn. Don’t let that dream go! xoxo
Ada
Dawn is indeed fabulous and inspiring! Hope you will find the time to explore your creative outlets. I’m sure you will be great at them!
loved to know more about Dawn!.. I hope she goes for her passion! would love to see her work!
LOVE BTS series. Been reading Dawn’s blog for a while so it’s so great to get to know her better. CANNOT BELIEVE she’s turning 40. Who else thinks she looks amazing?! And, I can relate to engaging more with my creative interests… photography is a goal of mine, too. Thanks for sharing more about yourself, Dawn. :) xo
Brilliant as always Dawn! So lovely to get to know you a bit more xoxo
http://www.intotheblonde.com/
I love this, such a great interview. I really feel like we learned a lot about her!
love the BTS series, keep em’ coming Victoria :)
http://threadtheneedleblog.blogspot.com/
Fabulous interview. I love Dawn’s blog. And I’m so happy to have found your blog from Tobe over at Because Its Awesome. Great guest post today!
thanks dawn for the spectacular interview! i just love your blog and this blog is gorgeous as well!! and btw ~ not that 39 is old, but i thought you were in your 20’s! anyways ~ keep up the great work because your blog is an inspiration to us all!!
xo ~ kristina
Dawn has the absolute best eye for pretty! So happy to learn a little more about her.
Dawn is super sweet. She was one of the few bloggers who even gave me the time of day when I first started. I will forever like her.
Dawn is totally one of my girl crushes so getting to know her better is amazing! She is one of my very favorite blogs! So talented and beautiful…love it!
Dawn is one of the nicest and loveliest bloggers around! This is such a beautiful post; I loved learning more about Dawn and her passions! xx
I love Dawn and of course it’s fun to learn a bit more about her. I for one would love too see her illustrations! Her blog is a dream. xo
You are beautiful my love! :) I can’t tell you how much I enjoy getting to know you and your sweet self! Love these personal posts… and did you say the big FOUR {dash} ZERO?????? Heavens… what is your skin regimen?
I just love this series!!! It’s always so fun to learn more about bloggers in a single post!
What a treat to learn more about the beautiful and gracious, Dawn!!!!
loved reading this! and way to go on starting your fashion illustration!!! go for your dreams!xo
Dawn is awesome and so beautiful. I feel flattered that she used my bathing suit photo with the passport. And it was great learning more about this lovely lady!
Love Dawn and learning so much more about her! And Victoria, I’m telling you this series really helps each guest get much more clear about where they are, and where they want to be. Dawn, I seriously hope you do open up that Etsy shop!!!
I heart Dawn!! The first blogger I met and what an incredible dinner we had, chatted forever. Great feature!! xoxo
I absolutely ADORE Dawn and loved learning even more about her hear- I was lucky enough to meet her in NYC and she is even lovelier in person. I can’t wait to see her illustrations and photography- quite sure both will be amazing- everything she touches is gorgeous!