Our Style Stories
Welcome to your digital version of grabbing coffee with a good friend. In this show, Hilary Walker leads casual conversations with the guests of her blog on topics such as creative work, personal style, daily habits, girlboss-ness, momboss-ness and generally all the cool lady stuff we’re eager to learn from each other. Tune in bi-weekly for new episodes, including personal musings from Hilary on life as a freelance prop stylist in Dallas, TX. Visit ourstylestories.com for the photographic stories that accompany each episode.
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How I Survive the Work Week
02/06/2017
How I Survive the Work Week
For all of you wondering how I make things work behind-the-scenes of my blog and Instagram feed... this is it. The tell-(almost)-all of how David and I survive the work week as two very busy working professionals with a toddler and two dogs. SHOW NOTES: The Basics - Daycare After school care Dog sitter Meals - Casseroles or Dish-in-One meals Take out! Bonuses - Starbucks mobile order Outfit planning (thanks !) Weekend staycations Expectations
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Minimalism + Self-Discovery with Jamie Lyons
01/19/2017
Minimalism + Self-Discovery with Jamie Lyons
If you were looking for a reason to tidy up in the new year, this. is. it... The stunningly edited home and wardrobe of Jamie Lyons. If you haven't seen her from last week, stop what you're doing. Right now. And go check it out! Seriously. I'm questioning all of my previously held beliefs about my proficiency to ward off clutter. In the wake of my visit with Jamie, I am clear on one thing... I am a total amateur. But today you'll get the full scoop from Jamie herself. In our conversation for the podcast, she and I dive deep into topics such as why she's chosen a minimalist lifestyle, how she achieves such a clean aesthetic, where she shops, and what she believes makes a successful fashion stylist and styling assistant. Jamie describes her style as minimalist, mono-chromatic and elegant. SHOW NOTES: by Marie Kondo Jamie's Instagram, JAMIE'S FAVE SHOPPING RESOURCES: Mur Lifestyle: Labour And Wait: Kaufamann Mercantile: Maufactum: (The "Martha Stewart Mop": ) Qui Shave: (If I hadn't bought the one below, I love these.) Ockham Razor Co.: (I have an all black version of this from when it was still being Kickstarted. I LOVE it.) Fog Linen: Verso: (Currently using and love.) Need Supply Co.: (A few favorites include Grown Alchemist, Aesop, and The Laundress) My favorite toothbrush: Closet paint color -
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Lessons + a Poem for 2017
01/06/2017
Lessons + a Poem for 2017
When I look back on 2016, a lot has happened. Much has baffled and disappointed me. But I've learned a lot and met some fantastic people along the way. Today's podcast is a review of this past year's Style Stories and the lessons that I learned from each. #1 Prolific creativity is often the result of a youthful spirit. from Kelly Christine Sutton Sidenote on Kelly... This past year, she and her husband took what I'm now going to call a "leap of youthfulness" and purged the majority of their belongings in order to downsize into a mobile tiny house. It's pretty cool and definitely in line with this first Style Story lesson. Get the full scoop . Read . Listen to Kelly's . #2 Powerful impact starts in our own backyard. from Carly Burson Carly's company , offers sustainable economic options for women in poverty in developing countries. Read Carly's . Listen to Carly's . #3 Do the work. Trust the path. The dots will connect eventually. from Jamie Ditto & Allie Hill Read Jamie and Allie's . Listen to Jamie and Allie's . #4 Confidence is a work in progress... Like anything. from Kristi Drayovitch Read Kristi's . Listen to Kristi's . #5 Hard work and kindness, practiced daily, have lifetime effects. from Elaine and Christopher Moock , the artist management agency that represents my work as a prop stylist, is going into their 18th year of business. Turns out, the strategy for success doesn't have to be overly complicated or exceptionally original. #bekindworkhard Read Elaine and Christopher's. #6 Successful artistry is deeply rooted in working with what you've got. from Gina Bender Read Gina's . Listen to Gina's . #7 Find your tribe... In real life. Take note. Be encouraged. from Arianna Jones Read Arianna's . Listen to Arianna's . In closing, a poem shared by my in-real-life acquaintance, Emily Paben, creative director of Magnolia Home. "the year is done. i spread the past 365 days before me on the living room carpet. point to the one where i decided to shed everything not deeply committed to my dreams. refused to be a victim to self-pity. here is the week i slept in the garden. in the spring i wrung the self-doubt by its neck. hung your kindness up. took down the calendar. danced so hard my heart learned to float above water again. in the summer i unscrewed all the mirrors from their walls. no longer needed to see myself to feel seen. combed their weight out of my hair. i fold the good days up and place them in my back pocket for safekeeping. draw the match. cremate the unnecessary. the light of the fire warms my toes. i pour myself a glass of hot water to cleanse myself for january. here i go. stronger and wiser into the new." The Year is Done by
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Mentorship & the Freelance Life with Arianna Jones
12/12/2016
Mentorship & the Freelance Life with Arianna Jones
There was never a question that Arianna Jones would have a creative career. Artistry and entrepreneurship were in her bones and she knew from early on that she was meant to live a certain kind of artist's life. The question was more nuanced... How was she going to live that life. What would it look like, feel like... How would it come together, grow and operate on a daily basis. These aren't questions a person can necessarily answer on their own and, lucky for Ari, she didn't have to. Her journey has included some powerfully inspiring mentors along the way. In today's episode, I talk with Ari about just that - her creative journey from high school crafts to a college fashion degree and now freelance styling career and bag line. Additionally, Ari shares her reasoning for keeping a capsule wardrobe and a simplistic approach to fashion. Show Notes: (from my favorite capsule blogger) GOT QUESTIONS or FEEDBACK? Share it !
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Vote with Your Style... A Holiday Gift Guide That Matters
11/25/2016
Vote with Your Style... A Holiday Gift Guide That Matters
There are so many instances in which I feel like I don't have control. I mean... have you ever tried to reason with a toddler? Parenting at this stage (and who am I kidding, probably at any stage) is an exercise in learning to live without control. The world's problems are so great and the solutions can seem so very far out of reach. But I'm here today to say that while we may not be able to solve all the problems in all the places just by the swipe of a card, we do have a profound power to affect positive change simply by the ways and places in which we choose to spend our money. Yes. I'm talking about responsible consumerism and social enterprises. We have more power than we think! Political voting may have closed (for now), but the opportunity to affect change in our world is still here and it's so much easier than it may seem. All you have to do is buy something! Let's put our money where our values are this season and buy from businesses that are producing responsibly and give back generously. Tune in to today's episode for my version of a holiday gift guide that will make a difference. - - (Paula Minni's ) - (Carly Burson's ) - (2012 as mentioned in podcast) - - - - in Dusty Rose, Set of 4 - - - in Silk Sources I didn't mention in the podcast but you should still totally check out! - (Cristina Lynch's ) - (Abbi Ice's ) (thanks for the rec ) - - - - - - Leggings (for the cost of shipping!) - (a fantastic reference site for all things ethical fashion!)
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The Yin and Yang of Being a Working SAHM with Gina Bender
11/11/2016
The Yin and Yang of Being a Working SAHM with Gina Bender
Gina Bender describes herself as humble, creative and nurturing and her personal style as a mix of classic vintage, layers of color and mindfulness for minimalism. Today on the podcast, we talk about her work as a graphic designer - where she got started and how it has evolved into the work she does today - as well as the yin and yang, give and take, ebb and flow of being a working SAHM. I have tremendous respect for all of Gina's hard work as a mother and designer! Additionally, Gina shares a few tips for successful garage sale shopping and purifying the air in your home. Show Notes: NEW Our Style Stories art , Milan's business with his 3 brothers Built By Bender music incense Find Gina's work on and hire her for all your stellar branding needs! ~ ~
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What Is Personal Style, Anyways?
10/24/2016
What Is Personal Style, Anyways?
Today's episode is courtesy of years worth of pondering on the subject of personal style. What it represents... how it's developed... where it comes from... how it manifests itself. Indulge me as I take a brief dive into these thoughts and more in today's podcast show. Additionally, get the scoop on two books I HIGHLY recommend for personal growth and personal style development. Plus, a few quotes to get your week going! "...It is a compass for creating a life that reflects what's true to you in every way. From your wisdom to your wardrobe, from your longings to your living room - [it] is where your essence meets your expression." Quote from Style Statement by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte Show Notes: Mary Going of "You have to be willing to be bad at it in order to be good at it." - Mary Going
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A Week in the Life of a Prop Stylist
10/08/2016
A Week in the Life of a Prop Stylist
Miracle of miracles... I'm back with another podcast episode and it didn't take me three months! Trust me, I'm just as shocked as you are. Today, I'm sharing a glimpse into what a week of my work life as a prop stylist looks like. My schedule, my work load, the idiosyncrasies of this very unusual job. It's all there plus a bit more. I hope you enjoy! And if you're an aspiring stylist and want to know more about breaking into this behind the scenes industry, drop me a line! The link to my voicemail box is below. Show Notes: blog post Send me your feedback... !
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What Is Too Much & Other 50th Episode Musings
10/01/2016
What Is Too Much & Other 50th Episode Musings
You may have thought I left podcasting (I wouldn't blame you... it's been forever), but NOPE! I'm still at it. In fact, this is officially my 50th episode, if you can believe it! Who knew? (I nearly missed it myself.) Turns out, I've been at this whole podcasting thing for quite some time but when you publish as irregularly as I do, 50 episodes takes ya a while. But no matter. I'm not letting that get in my way of creative expression and experimentation! Speaking of which, today's show is a bit unusual for Our Style Stories. It's just me (no guest) riffing on a topic that has been nagging me for the past few months. Aspiration versus contentment. What is too much of one and not enough of the other? And how do I manage the pitfalls of comparison and the vicious perfectionist's cycle that can be Pinterest and Instagram? I discuss all that plus more. Don't worry, I won't be preaching from my soapbox every episode! ;-) Show Notes: (blog post) (send me your feedback!)
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Layered Homes & Self-Confidence with Kris Drayovitch
06/06/2016
Layered Homes & Self-Confidence with Kris Drayovitch
Last week's visit into the home of home Kris Drayovitch was all about rich layers, worldly textiles and inviting details. In today's podcast, you'll hear from the equally beautiful Kris herself. Besides sharing her personal tips on for shopping second-hand furniture and decorating a home that is welcoming and layered, Kris opens an honest and graceful conversation about her interior struggle with perfectionism and self-confidence... two things I'm sure many of us can relate to! If you connected with Kris' traditional Southern meets travelled global style, this episode will definitely interest you as it is a lovely journey into the thought process and care that went into her home. Hope you enjoy!
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Collaboration + Creative Process with Jayme Ditto and Allie Hill
05/05/2016
Collaboration + Creative Process with Jayme Ditto and Allie Hill
Jayme and Allie are co-owners of Yeti and the Beast and housemates in the coolest arts and crafts home (did you see their ?). They blew me away with their insights when we sat down to record today's podcast. To summarize, we touched on business partnerships and how to make the most of them, honesty and flexibility in regards to your work, the creative process, #anthrowindows, stress as a type of creative rut (and how to work your way out of it), inspiration and why you shouldn't be looking to fellow creatives in your industry, "kid temp" and oh so much more! Here are a few quotes from our chat: On style... Jayme, "I don't feel the same everyday so I don't dress the same and I don't style the same everyday." Allie, "I'm not a 'set' person. I don't think I have two things that match!" On creative work... Allie, "Coming from design school, we've learned not to fall in love with our own work... It's better to be flexible and open to suggestions." Jayme, "There's always a chance for things to be made better!" Allie, "We have to be honest with ourselves. We're still figuring that out too... playing to our strengths and really taking advantage of the differences between [us]." Podcast references: Bonnee Sharp of on Netflix on Netflix on PBS blog series And be sure to check out Jayme and Allie's portfolio of work at and on Instagram .
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Style Questions... No. 2
01/22/2016
Style Questions... No. 2
Ok, who's ready for a little style Q & A?
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Fashion and Philanthropy with Carly Burson
12/23/2015
Fashion and Philanthropy with Carly Burson
Today's conversation comes as a perfect follow-up to my from last week. It's becoming a well-known fact that "fast fashion" has a tragically negative affect on the people that are employed to produce the items. Carly is tackling this problem head on with her fashion company by adopting a socially responsible business model. In her opinion, doing business in such a manner is nothing extraordinary, or at least she feels it shouldn't be. Rather, it's just the right thing to do.
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Style Questions... No. 1
11/09/2015
Style Questions... No. 1
Today's post has been a looong time coming. Since it's inception, the podcast has always played second fiddle to the blog for a variety of reasons but primarily because audio is not my area of expertise. But now that I've established a fairly solid rhythm on the blog, I'm finally ready to step up my game on the podcast. And today is the day!
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Colorful Spontaneity with Kelly Christine Sutton
10/01/2015
Colorful Spontaneity with Kelly Christine Sutton
Kelly Christine Sutton is a photographer, film-maker, plant whisperer and rainbow decorator. In her words, her style is colorful and spontaneous. If you've seen her , I'm sure you're dying to hear the rest of her story! Today we're chatting about her creative impulses and stylish preferences.
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Handmade Goods and Family Business with Brooke Fish
09/10/2015
Handmade Goods and Family Business with Brooke Fish
Brooke Fish, the co-founder and crafter behind the baby product company Fresh Bib, takes me through her journey from fashion student to corporate employee, stay-at-home mother and finally product designer and entrepreneur. She shares some of the struggles and lessons that she and her husband Adam have learned along the way as well as her favorite four letter word and how to make a lot out of a little by shopping second hand.
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Art + Motherhood + a Simplified Wardrobe with Jane Cheek
08/01/2015
Art + Motherhood + a Simplified Wardrobe with Jane Cheek
Jane Cheek is a mother of many talents. She is an artist and teacher by trade, a mother to three (now) and a crafty home decorator to boot. You saw her lively home in last week's , right?
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Melanie and Dalton Tarver: A Guide to Cool Hobbies
06/19/2015
Melanie and Dalton Tarver: A Guide to Cool Hobbies
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Editing Your Style and Launching a Design Business with Heylee Heep
01/26/2015
Editing Your Style and Launching a Design Business with Heylee Heep
Earlier last week, I shared on the blog and today - after traveling to Salt Lake City and back for the Alt Summit conference - I'm back with a her podcast interview. Get ready for some serious design savvy. Heylee is a master of editing and in today's episode she's going to share a few pro tips on how to edit your own space and wardrobe plus reasons why you should consider working with a neutral color palette and what it was like to launch her styling business.
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Young Love and Business Ventures with Robbie and Adam Werner
12/08/2014
Young Love and Business Ventures with Robbie and Adam Werner
Not long ago, I shared 's inviting family home but now it's time to dig a little deeper into the story behind all those cool art pieces and charming decor. Robbie is a baker and owner of and her husband Adam is an art educator and visual artist. Along with their children Amaris, Paige, and Asher they've followed an adventurous and creatively motivated life together. In today's podcast, Robbie and Adam share some of those highlights. For instance, how they got through the early and quite challenging years of school, marriage, and first-time parenthood. As well as the process behind opening the bakery and forging a new career path.
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Lisa Elin and Erik Craighead: The Impact of Location on a Creative Career
08/16/2014
Lisa Elin and Erik Craighead: The Impact of Location on a Creative Career
Today's conversation with Lisa and Erik Craighead of Salt Lake City, UT is primarily about location. I visited their historic downtown apartment earlier this Summer and spent the better part of an entire day with them, touring their home, snapping some pictures, exploring their garden, and enjoying great conversation over a delicious home cooked meal.
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Laura Busby: Comfort Zones and Bedding Wisdom
08/08/2014
Laura Busby: Comfort Zones and Bedding Wisdom
After yesterday's featuring Laura Busby, I'm sure you're anxious to hear more from this girl who plays mandolin, takes adult ballet classes, and experiments in videography .
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Rachel and Dave Chamberlain: Love Stories and Home Renovations for a Family of Six
08/02/2014
Rachel and Dave Chamberlain: Love Stories and Home Renovations for a Family of Six
Rachel and Dave Chamberlain are today's guests and I'm thrilled to welcome them onto the podcast. Earlier this week, I shared their gorgeous and today you'll hear the rest of their story as told in their own voices.
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Cristina Lynch: Artisan Crafts and Creative Collaboration
07/21/2014
Cristina Lynch: Artisan Crafts and Creative Collaboration
Today we continue our visit with Cristina Lynch from last week. Her is full of such beautiful traditions and stories. As a special addition to our typical podcast episode, I'm also including photos that I took of Cristina's showroom and work studio for her company on the blog. Visit for the full tour.
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Skyler Fike: Multi-Faceted Careers & Self Education
07/09/2014
Skyler Fike: Multi-Faceted Careers & Self Education
Skyler Fike is a thoughtful guy who has a particular appreciation for challenges that help him grow. Earlier this week we saw a glimpse of his home and how he inhabits his space through . In today's conversation, we dig deeper into the story behind his work and lifestyle. We talked about the early seeds of his interest in architecture, his love affair with photography and film, the many facets of his current freelance work and how being a member of a creative community has helped him get outside of his head, the early stages of finding his artistic voice, and how to be self-taught. This plus so much more!
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Maryam Salassi: Art for Children and Launching a Business
06/28/2014
Maryam Salassi: Art for Children and Launching a Business
This week's featuring Maryam, Jacob, and Margaux Salassi got a lot of attention for it's bold hues and playful art. I absolutely loved spending the afternoon with this sweet family and thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Maryam for the podcast. Maryam and I talked about everything from her childhood growing up in Guam, her philosophies on early art education, her favorite children's book authors, and her insights and lesson learned in the process of launching Salon which she co-founded with her cousin.
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Diamond Mahone: Dressing Courageously and Maintaining Authenticity
05/30/2014
Diamond Mahone: Dressing Courageously and Maintaining Authenticity
In Wednesday's blog post you met Diamond Mahone, the fashion blogger behind , and got a glimpse of her enviable and bold style. Today we're going to dive a little deeper into her story on the podcast. Diamond has some wonderful insights to share around courage, boldness, and maintaining authenticity in your work. Her early interest in fashion and later education in fashion marketing and management have helped Diamond hone a unique personal aesthetic. Through publishing her own blog, Diamond has also learned the valuable lesson of staying true to yourself and identifying what it is that sets you apart.
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Catie Conlon: Editing, Humility, and Mentorship in the Life of a Young Creative
05/16/2014
Catie Conlon: Editing, Humility, and Mentorship in the Life of a Young Creative
For someone as young and fresh as she is, Catie Conlon sure has a wealth of valuable life lessons to share. In this podcast interview, Catie discusses her thoughts on the following topics:
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Sam Sano and Joslyn Taylor of SWOON the studio: Creating a Niche Through Diversifying
04/11/2014
Sam Sano and Joslyn Taylor of SWOON the studio: Creating a Niche Through Diversifying
Part two of takes us behind the front facade of their cool work space and into the minds and musings of Sam and Joslyn, it's founder and principal designers. Join me as I dig deep into topics such as "master of craft" vs. "renaissance woman" and the process of creating a niche through diversifying their offering. I thoroughly enjoyed all of their insights and think you will too. For all those creative entrepreneurs and developing business folks out there, this one's for you!Listen below or on your mobile device for the whole conversation.
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Ruthie Lindsey: Navigating Pain and Purpose, Brokenness and Beauty
04/05/2014
Ruthie Lindsey: Navigating Pain and Purpose, Brokenness and Beauty
Ruthie Lindsey and I sat down to chat at her dining table a month ago after touring her home for her Style Story feature. During our conversation, Ruthie opened up about her journey from being the victim of a serious car accident and undergoing multiple subsequent spinal cord surgeries, to her life today as a decorator and stylist in Nashville, TN. After opening up about her struggles with the world through her blog and social media last year, Ruthie discovered the overwhelming joy and blessings accompanied by true authenticity. Since then, she has made it her mission to share messages of pain and purpose, brokenness and beauty through her work as a creative entrepreneur.
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