Noun: Refusal to accept any standard short of perfection.

This word has held me captive and cost me my confidence on more occasions than I care to discuss. But all that is changing.

Only great things can come from letting loose and embracing imperfection.

So with that…

A couple weekends ago while in Richmond, Virginia, my family and I spend Mother’s Day at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. For whatever reason, that Sunday, that particular museum visit (this was not my first by far), I had a sort of spiritual awakening. I have yet to fully unpack what happened to me at VMFA, but I am certain that the world of art and supporting the artists around me are now more of my mission than ever before. It was some kind of profound turning point.

These are the art pieces that captured my heart. I especially enjoyed the Pop Art exhibit and the private collection of Sydney and Frances Lewis, who have an incredible story and history of art acquisition and artist friendships.

So dark and moody, it’s almost a neutral.

Perfect bag, perfect garden, perfect wall (and red heels), perfect Basquiat

My love for cities is a constant source of inspiration. It’s been this way since I was a child. On our many family road trips, I would request that my parents wake me up when we drove through a city in the middle of the night.  Their grandeur always widened my small eyes.

Elements of urban life can always be found in my work and creations. As an artist, I’m inspired by the gold and silver gleam of tall building windows and the neutral palette of gray, cream and black concrete and stone. I’m incredibly inspired by the color and irreverence of graffiti and neon.

The particular city makes no difference to me, neither does the continent. They all speak to me. London, Paris, Rome, Hong Kong, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, St. Petersburg, New York, Chicago, Tokyo…

Which cities do you love?

Sometimes it’s so good to look back and remember the day that changed your life.

Today, I’m celebrating three years of marriage to my husband. What a wild journey it’s been.

*Video courtesy of Elizabeth Russell

Angela Allen’s Spring Giveaway

The Rose Gold Collection

- Set of 4 Cards

- 3 Gift Tags

- Petite Gilded Paperweight

- Single Magazine-Lined Card

To enter, leave a comment below for each of the following:

- Like Angela Allen on Facebook

- Retweet my giveaway post on Twitter

- Repost and tag @angelaallen on Instagram

- Repin the giveaway photo on Pinterest

The winner will be announced on Friday, April 26.

The Angela Allen paper collection is expanding to include Rose Gold.

This shade is so chic, warm and perfect for spring.

So look for card sets, gift tags and a few new items!

These have to be the sexiest of leather pants.

Nude heels and white t-shirt complete the perfect summer fashion trifecta.

The 80 degree weather has me thinking about ways to create the chicest of outdoor living spaces on our back patio. Nothing sounds dreamier than lounging outside on summer nights.

Wicker, zebra, french doors, cream cushions, a plethora of green offer plenty of inspiration.

I spent my entire Sunday pinning gorgeous variations of gardens and patios that caught my attention.

See more here: Gardens

Where do you keep your most treasured hand-written notes & letters?

1. Tucked inside a box

2. Sitting out on the desk

3. Hidden in a drawer