The West 5th Weekender No. 06
Emily Deisler
Happy Sunday, friend!
Well... this week kept us on our toes. Between a sick kiddo, putting my Etsy shop on vacation for the first time in nearly two years while I catch up on orders, and discovering a raccoon in our basement (yes, really), it felt like we were living in our own little sitcom. Life in a house built in 1890 is never boring!
Even in the middle of the chaos, there were still plenty of bright spots. This week I'm sharing a few Walmart finds I spotted while out having “me time”, a family portrait that was especially sweet to paint, and the summer outfits I've been reaching for again and again.
WHAT I’M WEARING
Confession: I'd love to tell you I've been wearing breezy strappy dresses and cute sandals all summer... but that wouldn't be true.
I'll be real—finding cute summer clothes with a larger chest is a challenge. If a top or dress requires a strapless bra, I'm immediately out. At this point, I'd rather wear a scratchy potato sack than spend all day adjusting something trying to squeeze the life out of me.
So I've embraced my summer uniform: colorful athletic shorts or a skort with a coordinating top. I love creating monochromatic looks or pairing complementary colors for a fun pop. It's comfortable, practical, and honestly fits my life better than anything else right now. This skort has been a weekly win in my summer wardrobe!
Also, apparently I need to make a spot to take outfit photos. I can’t promise monster trucks won’t also be in frame.
WHAT I’M LOVING
Boutique Style, Walmart Budget.
One thing you'll quickly learn about me is that I love finding beautiful things that don't cost a fortune. Running a small art business while raising two kids has made me pretty intentional about where I spend money.
Walmart has quietly become one of my favorite places to shop for home décor, clothing, and little everyday finds. Here are a few things currently sitting in my cart (or already in my house!).
Joyspun Pajamas – This brand is perfection for cute, comfy, pj’s.
Brazilian Coconut Hand Sanitizer – Does anyone else appreciate when practical things are also cute?
My Texas House Planter – I've been eyeing these for outside my art studio. They have the prettiest aged finish!
Free Assembly Striped Pants – These are effortlessly chic and look so comfortable. Regretting not buying in store.
Ceramic Lamp with Woven Shade – It gives Pottery Barn vibes at a fraction of the price.
Free Assembly Crochet Top – I haven't stopped thinking about this one.
Scalloped Mint Dinnerware – Every time I walk past these in the store, I have to stop and admire them. They're cheerful, timeless, and give a jade look.
Embroidered Floral Pillow – The colors and texture immediately caught my eye.
Yasso Mint Chip Ice Cream Bars- This is a sweet treat always in my freezer.
WHAT I’M CREATING
This month my desk has been filled with watercolor commissions, and honestly, it feels incredibly humbling.
There was a season not too long ago when the portrait requests slowed down. I was still busy with other projects, but I quietly wondered if people were losing interest in the watercolor paintings that first started West 5th Creative.
Then May arrived, and ever since, I've been so grateful for many painting orders. It's been a sweet reminder that seasons change, and sometimes all you can do is keep showing up and creating.
This week's commission was a meaningful family portrait paired with a coordinating strawberry painting. Lately I've been loving the idea of creating a small companion piece that ties into the larger portrait. It adds another layer to the family's story while still standing beautifully on its own.
Every painting begins with a hand-drawn sketch before I slowly build up layers of watercolor. It's definitely not a quick process (sorry to everyone eagerly waiting on their portraits!), but watching a blank sheet of paper become something that will be treasured for years never gets old.
Next week I plan to share a paint a long with me!
FREE WALLPAPER
This week’s free phone wallpaper is inspired by the summer blooms!
Thank you for being here and supporting this colorful little business of mine.
Until next Sunday,
Emily