The Photogramps

Bone Yard

2012-01-29T13:04:00.000-08:00

Hat: H&M, Necklace: Estate Sale, Boots: Dolly Python, Leggins: F21, Sweater and Glasses: thrifted

Dog Daze

2012-01-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

U.B. Had her first photo shoot today! After rescuing her off Cedar Springs I couldn't wait to take photos of her, and I FINALLY got my camera back. She wasn't very attentive...actually I don't think she looked into the camera once, but we worked with what we had. Also, we ran into some new friends, and I snapped a couple of photos of them too.

I went kinda heavy on the adjustments in photoshop with these few. Sometimes I like to go crazy and then draw it back to find the right amount of post manipulation. They turned out really stylized, and UB40's look almost motion picture-like. (FYI our new dog's name is UB40. Jonathan and I have an affinity for early 90's pop).

Google-y Eyes

2012-01-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

This look was brought to you by 2 things. 1. My green suede black man church goin' shoes and 2. My google-y eyes ring. I happened to acquire both of these items in the same week. The ring is my nod to Tavi, the most inspirational middle-schooler I wish I knew. If you read her blog or Rookie, you know. Sometimes gals just need to wear items that make them feel silly whether it be a google-y eyes ring or a candy necklace or a locket out of a gum ball machine. I fully endorse incorporating child-like mementos and novelties into your grown-ass woman outfit. (Whether or not what I wear on a daily basis can be considered "grown-ass woman" is questionable)...

It took a minute for me to figure out what to wear with these shoes. If they were oxfords it would be one thing. Alas, they are fastened with a buckle which gives them a elven quality and makes outfit assembly a tad more difficult. Another option would be wearing them black skinny jeans....maybe a leopard blouse, yes?

Another little trick I don't do enough in colder months is layering 2 collared shirts and messy rolling the sleeves. Man! I'm really getting a lot of ground coverage with this one!

Shoes and Gold Belt: Vintage, Chords: H&M, Chambray Shirt: F21, Striped Shirt: Thrifted Ann Taylor, Necklaces and Glasses: F21, gifted.

Fun with Phones

2012-01-15T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hello Weekenders. Jonathan and I finally got a day all to ourselves. The past couple of weeks we were drifting by each other preoccupied with a million other things happening. So yesterday we decided to stop....and it was lovely. It was a mild weather havin' taco feasting thrift store perusing suicide slurpee sippin shopping cart surfin kinda day. Then to top it all off Fort Worth invaded Dallas via Club Da Da and I watched 4 amazing bands with all my homies and homegirls from o'er yonder.

Wearing: Gibraud Cutoffs, Target Dotted Tights, Vintage Boots from Dolly Python, Husband's Hat and Thrifted everything else.

So my camera has been "being serviced" for nearly a month, and I'm pretty sad about it. However, I've gradually become entirely enthralled with iphone photo apps. As you can see (or maybe not, so let me tell you) I'm wearing Gibraud cut offs. Remember when these were the jam? No? Me neither, but my husband is an old man, and he does. He used to rock these pretty hard apparently. Probably while wearing Drakkar Noir.

Sayonara Suckerrrs!

Ice Aqua

2012-01-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

I got the opportunity to go thrifting the other day. It was actually a pretty cathartic experience. Typically I have this "hunting" mentality when I secondhand shop, and plow through racks rapidly jerking clothes this way and that. This time, I was alone and really took the time to comb through everything. Thrift Town was actually playing some groovy lounge/organ music, which was a nice change from the usual Contemporary Christian and/or Adult Soft Rock tunes they have pumpin. Amongst my findings was this Givenchy ice-y aqua cable knit turtleneck sweater.
That was a lot of adjectives.

I gave this hair style a try. Very Little House On The Prairie, yes? It was my first go around, but not bad.

I just separated the top layer of my hair and pinned it to the top of my head to get it out of the way. Then, I did three thickish braids around my neck fastening with clear rubber bands. (1 for each side and one in the middle). Then did one braid on each side with the remaining hair I had pinned up. (5 in all). To finish up I wound the braids in a random serpentine manner pinning to the lower back of my head, hiding and tucking the loose ends. (It takes lots of bobby pins, and a little trial and error, but it turned out cute). If you have bangs or want to tease/curl or pin back some front wisps do that first so you can style your braids to look best with whatcha got goin on up front, and so you don't have extra hair you don't know what to do with.

xo,

The Difference

2012-01-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

Little Rascals is one of my childhood faves. I love this clip. MK and Ashley have a little cameo in this one. I had almost forgotten.

And of course who could forget the letter to Darla:

Dear Darla,

I hate your stinkin' guts.

You make me vomit.

You are scuuuuum between my toes.

Love,

Alfalfa.

Apple and Rocket

2012-01-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

This is Chris Sabat. He's a voice actor/all around sound guru and founder/director of OkraTron 5000. You might know him from a little anime (is that right?) series called Dragon Ball Z. The first time I met Chris he was wearing a shirt that said, "I'm fat, Let's party".... needless to say I knew at that moment we were gonna be buds. Him and his wife Tabitha are probably the coolest nerds I know. Also, they are very good at naming things. For example their adorable daughter's name is Hero and these are their two pups, Apple and Rocket. I got to shoot Chris and his fur children for a FUNimation voice actor calendar benefiting the Acadiana Humane Society.

And now my blog is going to get 1 million hits because of all of his diehard anime (is that right?) fans!

Booya!

Royalty Done Right

2012-01-05T09:54:00.000-08:00

Well, kiss my ring! The jowls of my obsession with high waisted anything are chomping at the bits. Stumbled upon these knickers which can be purchased at Five Go Mad for a mere 16 Euros, and nearly peed myself with excitement. It's the whole gang! Henry XIII, Ann Boleyn, Lizzy the 1st and William Shakespeare! If I owned these I'm not quite sure I would wear pants. Perhaps I'd tuck a classic Oxford shirt and show off the Highness of that waist band.

See what I did there?

Cheerio!

The Wood Girls

2012-01-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

Over the break, I shot my friend Lawanna and her two daughters, Whitney and Courtney. This was a really fun shoot. All three of these girls are pretty stylized. I've shot Lawanna's interior design work before, and she was also chosen as one of Dallas' best designers of 2011 in D Home. Whitney does visual for Anthropology...her wardrobe makes me sick with envy. Homegirl knows how to put a look togetha. Read her blog here. Courtney is a senior at OU, and she knows how to jam to some Spice Girls. That girl was cracking me up the whole shoot.

Calendar Year

2012-01-03T14:16:00.000-08:00

It's been far too long since I've posted. So here's a doozy. (And by doozy, I don't mean long and boring, I mean scandalous)! My holiday season was pretty swell. Tons of lounging and eating just like most of you. I watched The Help and cried about 9 times, made Shepard's Pie for the first time, shot a few Christmas Photos for a few families, and totally scored sweet presents on Christmas.

The most hilarious task I took on this season, however, was my Christmas gift to Jonathan.

A vintage inspired pinup calendar.....of me. It was pretty hard to take myself seriously when shooting these, but hopefully it added to the playfulness of it. Really, you ~~should~~ shouldn't see the out takes.

It was a lot of work putting it all together, but the calendar ended up pretty damn cute for a first try. Very special thanks to Brenna, and Kandi for their surprisingly lofty collections of hats, hot pants and heels. And also to Haley and Liz for shooting. So, here are a few of the edited shots...of course these are not the most revealing, ya know...cause that's none of your damn business!!!

but you get the idea.

I did the calendar for Jonathan, but it was a bit for me too. Turns out walking around with victory rolls and red lips with M.I.A. blaring in sequin hot pants or dressed like a cowgirl kiiiiiiiinda makes you feel like a badass. There was lots of winking and "oh! you surprised me" faces...and there was even a sailor girl with a salute for July.

I did my own hair and makeup which was time consuming, but easy with the help of some very adorable Rockabilly/Psychobilly girls on youtube. Those chicks are pros at looking perfect all the time.

If any of you ladies are considering a boudoir or a pinup shoot for yourself or your significant other, I highly recommend it.

I am simultaneously bashful and proud of these...because I'm not wearing enough clothes to be posting this shit, but I worked so hard in post on these. Seeing as I usually just stick to your basic color adjusting, zit removing and a little clone stamping trash out of lovely landscapes....this was quite a task for me. I mainly used the magnetic lasso and the shadows and highlights setting to give them have a little bit of an aged look. Plus a yellowish color layer with a low opacity.

In short, he loved all twelve months.

Hope you're sticking to your resolutions!

That one time I almost left the house looking like I walked off the set of Dallas.

2011-10-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

But then I changed into some high waisted jeans.

I achieved the insanely huge poofy pony by wearing my hair in a bun on top of my head (top knot) for a day (or 2? Oh, the shame...) and letting in down, then just putting it up in apony.

Shirt, Skirt, Clutch: Thrifted, Necklace: Vintage, Shoes: Moschino

Photo tips for Shootin' Kiddos.

2011-10-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a wild one. I had a photo session with, count em'....5 kiddos. It's obvious,

kids are harder subjects to shoot. I personally think they are harder to shoot than animals, they're

distracted, they're quick and they get bored fast..on top of all this, not all of them

warm up to strangers quickly. So, here's what I do to make it easier on myself.

1. Go into it knowing you're going to get something good. There is nothing else in the

world that parents love more than their children, and photos of their children are up there too.

After all is said and done, your client will like your photos because they are of their children.

So relax.

2. Get down on their level. Literally. When you meet the kids, kneel down and introduce yourself

face to face. It's more disarming. Also, talk to them about things they might like.

Colors, animals, favorite cartoons, halloween costumes etc. They'll become more trusting

and won't necessarily look at you like just another adult. Don't forget to be silly.

Also, kneel down to shoot or even consider getting on your belly.

3. Let. Them. Play. You might as well forget about getting them to sit still for a

traditional portrait. Of course try your hardest to get some "safe" shots, but also

catch them in action. Also, you can make it a game. Ask them to play patty cake, or

show you their favorite dance.

4. While all this playing is fun you still have to maintain control. I do this with prizes.

Take a quick trip to the Dollar Store and put together a prize bag with bubbles, toy cars,

water guns, stickers...etc. Put the prizes in a fun bag and start out the session by telling

them they get to pick a prize at the end if they're good listeners. When you
feel you are losing control...gently remind them of the treat they'll get if they are a good listener

DISCLAIMER: Let them pick the prizes in front of their parents and most definitely

don't let them have candy with out asking the parents first.

5. Remember you don't always have to shoot their faces straight on....or their faces at all.

Catch their bare feet in the grass, or a silhouette shot of the contour of their little cheek.

Parents love every little part of their kiddos.

Phobia: Behind the Scenes

2011-10-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

I've been shooting promotional stills and behind the scenes photos for a new flick called Phobia. Shooting stills for a production like this is difficult (still photography is sorta the last thing on peoples' minds while filming, so you're have to slip in, get whatcha need and get out..not to mention the low light!), but it's well worth the effort. Every time you put the camera to your eye, there are passionate, creative hard working subjects to shoot. On top of that, the costumes are beautiful along with the locations, and this creative team has been pretty damn inspiring to work around. Here are a few snaps.

Lots of editing to do today, and then...

Time for a well deserved nap.

Tenby

2011-10-16T08:52:00.000-07:00

I know I can't be the only one who wonders why most of our homes

and shops are brown/tan/beige/maroon...To live in a town like Tenby (pictured below),

whoseVictorian Revival architecture is riddled with pastels would be so refreshing...le sigh

It's a Welsh town located on the coast, and it's name translates roughly to

little town of the fishes

too. charming.

Today I will consider dying my hair bright orange and getting bangs.

Photos by Maureen M. Evans via The Drifter and the Gypsy

Laced with Romance...

2011-10-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

YO! We took a trip to the Texas Theatre to celebrate a buddy's birthday. This is the outfit.

I must admit, this bustier is pretty racy for me. Typically I'm not a cleavage girl, but

when I found this piece at Laced with Romance in Austin I was drawn to it immediately.

Laced with Romance does a lot of hand dying, so you find pieces there that are of

a certain vintage, but in colors that weren't necessarily prominent in the time

period the pieces are from. It doesn't sound like it would make so

much of a difference, but when you're looking a vintage prairie dress that has been

dyed bright crimson red, it takes you a second to figure out why the piece is so

striking. So, I'm rockin' the bustier, but not without a slightly androgynous jacket to boy it up.

Coach is doing a new campaign featuring a limited edition reissue

of their "classic" Coach styles. The bag I'm strappin' is the "Legacy" bag.....

except it's an original...and I found it at a thrift store....for $4.95.

BANG-O!

Jeans: DKNY, Shoes: Steve Madden, Jacket: Vintage, Bustier: Laced With Romance

Ring: Vintage, Bag and Belt: Vintage Coach, Earrings: Vera Wang for Kohls

A Western Union

2011-10-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

A denim or chambray shirt is a STAPLE. I wear mine all the time.

I would even go on record saying denim is my favorite neutral..(besides leopard print and sparkle, duh).

Typically, I'd wear some sexy lady black bootie shorts with this skirt, but they don't

appreciate that in corporate environments.

WHO KNEW!?------> If you work for JCP you'll get that joke.

Another tip: Many times I find skirts that I LOVE with waist bands too big

to fit at my natural waistline. Typically, I'll buy it anyway (especially because

when I find myself in this pickle it's at thrift stores and the skirts are only 2 bucks), and

pull it up to my waist, fold it over and safety pin it, situating the fold right down

the middle of the skirt. Then to hide the fixerupper, I'll use a statement belt.

Done. See below for example :)

Necklace and Denim Shirt: F21, Skirt and Belt: thrifted

Art by Jonathan Brooks

Heal By Rain

2011-10-13T09:01:00.000-07:00

So here's an update on that location scouting we were up to last weekend....My gal pals

Haley Espizito and Brina Palincia launched a production company called Heal By Rain Productions!

They've been slaving away working on a web series for about 5-6 months now... (Right girls?).

It's finally been cast and we styled and shot the promotional photos this Sunday on the SMU campus.

(The show is a university setting). The cast was awesome...and includes my hubby, who plays

an ironically stylish blind guy. I love, love, love shooting actors. They're always creative, especially

when you're shooting character shots. Here's some of the behind the schenes at the style out. (Yes, I said "schenes").

All the B&W photos have the "like/comment" buttons. I ripped them from facebook, and they
were taken by the hilarious and talented Paul Wingo (was his name-o).

Yes, I am wearing my DIYed Garth Brooks American Honkey Tonk Bar Association halter.
No, I'm not wearing it because it's ironic.

Suburan Vibes.

2011-10-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

Two things...1.) The weather is turning, and we are finally beginning to feel cool breezes

down here in Texas. 2.) The holidays are coming. These are two things (since moving

from the 'burbs) reminiscent of my childhood and my parent's home. We've been

in Dallas a little over two years, and my appreciation for the suburbs has turned into a sort

of aching. It's easy to qualify maroon and brown cookie cutter houses, perfectly lined

trees on every street and very clean convinient stores and pharmacies as "white bread"....

But I like going home again.

So I did what every girl does when she's all nostalgic. I created a pinterest board!

Here's a collage of the images. I hope you can vibe on it.

It tried to credit everyone I could...let me know if you know where these

photos came from :)

despacitoyconbuenaletra.tumblr.com, ffffound.com, Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, awelltraveledwoman.com,

nymag.com, decoracion.in, daydreamlily.com, elephantchronicles-nell.blogspot.com,

Gregory Crewdson, gypsyville.com, victorian-fangs.tumblr.com, jonathanadler.com,

Kourtney Roy, Floral Knickers by Hopeless-missmoss.com,

Girls leather jacket and collage by:Thestlyerookie.com,
Thedisneyprincess.tumblr.comweheartit.com, Napolean Dynomite

The Mommy Dearest Painting KILLS ME. Hilariously twisted.
Luv u.

(This post brought to you by: The Shangri-La's radio station on Pandora it comes highly recommended).

2011-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a doozy. My good friend, Haley has been working on a super duper

exciting creative project, and solicited my photographic services... (and other things....

top secret...you'll find out soon!!!) So this Saturday we ventured out to location scout.

To reward ourselves for our successful scouting (shoot, dudes...we woke up early

and everything to get a head start) we drank Bloody Marys.

The weather is starting to be just the right temp in which you can wear boots

with skirts, or silk blouses with skirts. I went ahead and

pulled a double whammy and did both.

All the clothing I'm wearing below (including the boots) is secondhand.

I have prolly like a million silk shirts like this one in my closet. They work with so many

things. Tailored skirts, mini skirts, skinny jeans, layered over dresses and belted....

The list goes on.

We tried this new place on Henderson, Swig. It was yum and the decor is bomb.

I had the Veggie sandwich with fried zuccini, arugula, tomato, lemon aioli and mozz

all on a ciabata roll. Say waaaaaat? It was real good.

Skirt, Blouse, and Boots: Second hand, Rx: F21, Bow Earrings: Vera Wang for Kohls

Bag: Dolly Python

My Hipstamatic Trip to Austin

2011-09-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

The A Train

2011-09-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

Fabulous weekend spent with some old friends. Events included margaritas, grilled cheeses,

standup basses, and crosswords. In no particular order.

For a brief moment there we had some temps in the 80's. We took advantage and lounged

at White Rock Lake on Saturday. Crosswords, plums, goat cheese and crackers (we've been eating goat cheese like maniacs lately) and the Edith Piaf station on Pandora via iphone.

It was lovely. Sometimes I can trick my nose into thinking the smell of a lake is reminiscent

of the ocean. This only lasts for seconds though.

I had mentioned going to the lake earlier in the day, but I'm glad we actually followed through.

Sometimes you say you're going to do things...take pictures, go on picnics, read or write,

whatever it is you do, and you don't. I'm urging myself and you to actually do it.

Go ride your bike, dammit. You'll be thankful you did.

Dress: Willow&Clay Bracelets/Hat: F21, Gold Cross: I borrowed from my mother who got it in Scottland

Crossword Book: Simon and Schuster :)

Can I just say this dress is magical? It has a train! A sundress...with a train!

Why the mf don't more casual dresses feature trains?! They make girls (and boys) feel like

princesses/gypsies/brides/important/dragqueens

I've only had the opportunity to wear it twice this summer, but I think it'll

work into Fall with layers and lace-up boots. Yippee!

This post was written to the musical accompaniments of Bon Iver.

(Cause I missed his show last night)

Also please ignore the claw foot action in the last photograph.

thnx.

Home Cookin!

2011-09-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been beautiful. Windows open, dress wearing, breathe in that sweet hint of Fall

beautiful. Husband and I went and wandered around Bishop Arts District with my parents

yesterday. We ate at Hattie's. If you haven't been there, it's highly recommended. With dishes from Banana Foster's French Toast to Chicken and Waffles, or (below) Shrimp and Grits and Fried Green Tomato, Bacon and Lettuce with Pimento Cheese Sandwich....Whuuuutt? You just can't go wrong.

The decor is light and airy and the service is great.

This photo is so awkward, thanks mom:

Dress and Hat: UO, Bag: Old Navy, Shoes: MIA

We came too close to adopting this puppers. We found her in one of the little boutiques, the owners

are trying to find her and her siblings homes..

I am mopey today because it hasn't been this lovely out in ages, and my man is filming.

See ya' in the future!

xo.

Western Ware (and the unveiling of horseface)

2011-09-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

I know. Corduroys and a long sleeve denim shirt....We're still experiencing very hight temps,

but this is what I wear to work. You see, I work in subzero temperatures at JCP HQ.

Working in the styling room from 9-5 often actually gives me a runny nose. So...that explains it.

I don't wear much make-up. Every now and then I'll bust out with some eyeshadow

for special ocasions. Thankfully I found a red lipstick that works with my

fair skin tone and very neutral makeup stylings. I also found that during the day just piling

on red lipstick requires a lot of upkeep, so I figured out a way to make it look more like a stain.

It's less of a hassle. I just dab it on and blend it with my finger then apply clear gloss and blot.

Easy as pie.

(Maybelline Moisture Extreme in Royal Red...discontinued whhaaa whaaa)

My new thing=doubling up rings. The tri-stud ring on the left is from F21, and on the right

are my Nana's diamonds. The turquoise necklace is hers too. After she passed I had lots of bags of

her jewelry to look through. A lot of Rhinestones, (She was a diamonds and champagne type of lady)

so imagine my surprise when I found a whole set of sterling and turquoise Southwestern craftings.

I like to imagine her taking a road trip with my Poppy from Tampa to New Mexico in the 60's

and purchasing this from some old Navajo. She would've thought it was so novelty.

She probably wore it while it was in fashion, and tucked it away for me to find

whilst sitting on my parents driveway at a garage sale 3 weeks after she passed.

Hey look !!! I made the DIY bracelets I said I was going to! It was very easy and I've already

made 3 for me, 2 for my husband and a couple for my friends! Go here for the full how-to!

And just to prove that I'm really a huge dork, I will now reveal to you my ultimate huge horse smile

never seen before on this blog. This is actually a before and after sequence. Before is me pretending

to look at my Man Ray portrait book (ahem....first edition, not that you needed proof I'm cool)..

and the second is my reaction when Jonathan said, "loose the book, you look contrived"

CALLED OUT AND THAT'S WHY I LOVE HIM.

Cords: H&M, Shirt: F21, Belt: Thrifted, Bralette: UO, Sandals: JCP

The Clark Gable framed drawing behind me is by an artist...Jonathan Brooks....

maybe you've heard of him.

Have a Happy Holiday

Juice It.

2011-08-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

So my basic inspiration for this outfit was juice and pink lemonade. Summer is pretty much

over, but we're still experiencing above average temperatures....and by above average temperatures

I mean Satan called and he wants his weather back. So when life hands you lemons

(or in this case sweltering heat)

Get inspired....and make pink lemonade?

A tip that might help you with that:

Go to Hobby Lobby and find fun things to stick in your ~~rat's nest~~ adorable side-bun.

From flowers to doll furniture, the fun never ends!

Shoes: H&M, Clutch Old Navy, Dress NY&Co. Sunglasses:F21

Flowers in mai hairs: Hobby Lobby

Blog Dump.....WEDDING EDITION

2011-08-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've posted some about preparations for this...most important day of my life, but I don't think

I've posted the final product. So here it is. I'm not sure of any other way to do this than

to unload ALL of these on you, so prepare thine self.

I'm so happy with how everything turned out. It took so much hard work, brainstorming, and

a lot of help from my friends and mother. Every detail was exactly how I dreamed it. I remember

the morning of my wedding day, looking at how everything came together, and I felt like

I was in a movie. I couldn't believe it...and we did it all ourselves.

Not to mention I married my best friend in the universe.

We premade everything in Texas, and either shipped it to the house we rented in St. Augustine

or packed it up in our cars and drove it there. Paper chains, Lanters, the Table Cloths we fringed

for hours, the fabric banners....all of it.

Dorothy Gautreaux did such an amazing job photographing it all. Being a photographer myself

choosing my photographer for my wedding was one of the hardest aspects. Sister has it goin on.

We used fishnet to do collages of photographs of us. Weddings are vain, whatcanyado?

The flowers were done by Karen at 57 Treasury

Salt Water Cowboys catered. We decided to go with Southern Seafood. Cheese Grits,

Stuffed Shrimp and Ribs, Potato Salad etc....we had to show our NY friends we can

do it right in the South. We served everything family style, so there were

no long buffet lines. The boys that served were reeeal happy when we gave them

cases of extra beer. They earned it.

Jonathan made our alter. He bought 3 pillars, distressed and stained them himself,

then simply attached the fabric banner we made. We plan on saving this banner

and using it as a window treatment in a nursery, when ever that day comes.

Each plate was hand picked at garage sales and thrift stores. And the shells were

bought at shell shacks and taken from collections my family has gathered on

our past trips to this very beach.

My wedding day meal = dayquil and grapes

Best of all: Jonathan wrote a song for me, and taught it to our friends. They surprised me with it

at the reception. There was ugly crying.

Jonathans Pants and Vest: J.Crew

Gown: Lowe's Bridal

Catering: Salt Water Cowboys

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Photos: Dorothy Gautreaux Photography

Drowning Beautiful

2011-08-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you guys have stumbled upon Stumbleupon, but it's one of my favorite ways to surf

the world wide webs. I promise you it is atleast 200 times more entertaining than

facebook stalking. Every now and then it will lead me to an artist like this...and I am completely mystified.

Breath taken away.

Jason de Caires Taylor sculpts life-size figures, and then submerges them in water, where

they are allowed to take on a life of their own, or rather become apart of the natural underwater

seascape. His works span from the waters of Mexico to Greece, and give the viewer a sense of

simultaneously peering into the future and the past.

I've always been fascinated with water and sea life (which is why we got married on the

beach). Maybe it's because I find water to be so calming and at the same time

so totally untamed and powerful. Enough babbling. Get Lost:

Say Hello to My Little Friends...

2011-08-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

My hands were restless, the light was afternoonish, and I had the urge to showcase

my little friends. I look at them every day when I'm accessorizing my limbs and whatnot.

I say they're my little friends, and I kinda mean it. I have a special affinity for animal

jewelry. Finding special pieces like these makes me feel a little bit like a kid again.

What I mean is....

I find myself giving them personalities, or thinking maybe one gets envious

if I wear another too much. When I'm sporting them, it's like I have a pal along for the ride.

aside:

Sometimes I do get slightly sickened, however, when I see really kitschy, over-produced animal jewelry.

(Owls for example....what a pity).

The Elephant Broach has his own special place in my jewelry box. He's no nonsense.

The Leopard is just nappin'... mad chillin' and what have you.

The Pelican earrings were found at a shell shack in St. Augustine, and are very special to me even though they were only $2...Actually, especially cause they were $2.

The Seahorse and the Fishy were both gifts from my husband. I relate to these two, because they are long and lean and have goofy faces....remind you of anyone? yeahme.

The birdbath ring I found on ebay so it lacks any sentimental value...except I wear it everyday. Also, I feel safer when walking in parking garages with it on. It could really tear a hole in somebody's face.

Now for a night of tombstone pizza (ooohhhh the shame), and cuddling with fur child and husband.

Buzy Makin' Buzkits

2011-08-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've been craving some craft time like a mutha.
My DIY life = having piles and piles of fabric, glue, bright colored ink thangs, sewing machine etc
and never doing what I plan on. I'll give myself credit for shredding shirts,
and recovering the occasional ottoman, but I really need to get cracking on this shiz.

I've stumbled upon this blog that has THE BOMB-EST (?) DIY projects.
My personal favorite is the spike head band. Gad! Who doesn't want to look like a stegosaurus?
Visit their blog and click on DIY to get the full how-to. They've got great photos too.

Maybe if I make a promise to myself in blog-life.... I'll follow through.

I'm gunna make that thing.

In further news, my friend Kendall has moved to the country and started a blog!
Clicky to looky!! She's neato, and so is her husband.
Plus she's starting an online vintage store, Yeah Vintage, so keep your eyeballz peeled.

Pool time commencing.

xo!

Liquid Love

2011-08-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

I was gazing upon the massive amount of products on my bathroom sink

and began to seriously consider downsizing. There are so many nasty

products out there with horrible fragrances and harmful chemicals

that promise tanner, firmer, better smelling skin... For 7 dollars?

Seriously doubt it.

It will make your breast milk flammable though!!!

Here are some keepers.

1. Prada has been my scent ever since I met Jonathan. I've

stuck with it for over four years. It's woodsy, and musky

and patchouli, and sandalwood and best of all it makes me

feel like a woman!

2. Tom Ford's Tuscan Leather Yum Yum Yum. I walked

around Barney's and Neimans squirting this

stuff on me for about a year before somebody bought it

for me as a gift. It's a special occasion scent for me, and

it truly does smell like leather. It's dry and androgynous, like many of his scents,

and I guarantee if you wear it, NO ONE will smell like you.

It is a very particular and peculiar scent. I LOVE IT!

This shiz is like cocain. Really...

it's rumored to smell like cocain. Of course i have no personal

experience with the substance, but there's got to be a reason

it's hard to kick. Also, it's really expensive.

3. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Lasts forever. Zaps blemishes over night.

4.Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel. I like this toner because it doesn't

dry out my skin. I have such sensitive skin it's hard to find a product

I want to rub all over my face. This'll do.

5. Lavender Oil I keep in my purse. It goes under my nose

when I feel anxious or stressed.

6. Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Body Lotion. This stuff

reminds me of my mom. Is it just me, or is Crabtree and Evelyn super 80's?

It's such a light and clean scent. I guess they

have a deal with Holiday Inn Express, so whenever I stay in one...

I stock up on the travel bottles.

ROLL that Beautiful Bolo Footage.

2011-08-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I gaze at my bolo tie amidst my necklaces nearly every morning.

Trying to come up with a way to wear it is more difficult than it should be.

I am of the opinion everyone in Texas needs one, even if you wear it with nothing else.

(What am I talking about "even if" wearing a bolo tie naked, is no doubt the best way to do it).

Here, let me show you....

NO, not the naked way....perv!

Shirt: Old Navy, Belt, Bolo and Accessories: Thrifted, Ring: H&M, Jeans: Thrifted.

My little brother made me a friendship bracelet. (You can barely see it in the

arm candy shot)..... Yeah, he's 25. It tickles my

heart we're grown-ass adults and we still do arts and crafts for each other.

There's really not much better than incorporating sentimental pieces into a look.

This weekend will be full of thrifting (I've got a shopping bug, but I am poor).

Photos of my finds to come!

Also board games with friends.

Montgomery St. Antique Mall

2011-08-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

We roamed around this antique mall for hours yesterday with a few of our best friends.

Here's some things that caught my eyeballz.

1.) Black Cat decals at the Cat Lady Booth

2.) Gold Sea Shell belt Buckles

3.) A reversible Raggedy Anne. --- creepy

4.) South Western/Ikat print Totes.

5.) A room full of vinyl

6.) Ducky Napkin rings --- remind me of something my mom would've had in the 80's

7.) The Southwestern booth. (That blanket has a swastika?)

Purge

2011-08-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is the result of having limited options...lemme explain.

Jonathan and I had a garage sale at my parents house last weekend.

We sold sooo much sh*# I cannot even begin to explain, but I'll attempt by saying

we profited 1,200 dollars.

WHAT?

I know.

Obviously, I had no clothes to go out in cause I only packed clothes for sweating in.....

But we decided to go to Ezparza's (famous mexican food in Grapevine, incase you are

ever there and need some..also EZPARZARITAS make you feel

reeeaaaal good) to celebrate our earnings, and I had nothing to wear.

Somehow, I whipped this out by adding things we were gonna sell,

things we found in the attic and were too cool to sell

and things that were my mothers.

The whole experience of the garage sale was therapeutic. Unpacking old

things and being sentimental, finding items I thought I lost, reading old journals and

laughing my ass off, reading old journals and burning them. Notes from friends

and exes, thrown away....watching little kids go over the moon about toys that

sat in your attic for 20 years. It just felt good to purge it all...

and of course there's the money.

You should try it sometime.

The vintage turq ring was my Nana's. The license plate clutch I bought

when I was about ten....then I decided everyone else would think it was dorky,

so I packed it away (cause I still thought it was too cool to toss).

Now I am 27 and I uncovered it, and it was a joyous reunion. The necklace

is also vintage, found at an estate sale in Dallas. Hilariously enough, the linen shirt

is from Talbots. THANKS MOM!

Jeans: DKNY, Shoes: Seychelles, Belt: Vintage Coach,

Everything else Thrifted and Gifted.

Lil' Lily

2011-08-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

I got to have a super high-profile photo shoot with a princess.

This is my 4th time to have a session with Lily, and every time there is more and more

personality surfacing. She's pretty much my favorite model.

If you have a babe or one on the way, and you need or are wondering about anything

click on her mama's link----> Butterflybabyplanners.com

BABIES!

Favorite Spot

2011-07-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

What Sunday is to me.

Sick Dudes

2011-07-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

I've been browsing more men's style blogs lately. Dapperlou, thestyleblogger to name a few

and my respect for men who sport unique fashions is growing and growing.

I don't necessarily mean homies purchasing their entire wardrobe at

Urban Outfitters and replicating a look or trend,

but more of homies shopping at thriftstores, finding a jumpsuit or a floral scarf

and honestly asking themselves, "how can I make this work"?

It takes time and practice to establish your own style, particularly if it's

a bit eccentric (which is how I like it, personally), but the pay off is worth it....

cause one day you could be this guy:

Wow. I actually just now realized he's wearing 2 scarves.

I really think lookin' like this dude should be up there as far

as ascetic goals go. Photo: TheSartorialist

(not just aviators.....BLUE aviators)

Plaids, stripes, tribal prints and Gold socks all in one lovely package. Also note the

proper way to rock man jewelry. photo: theurbangen t

DJ Jazzy Jeff shows us how to wear pink and wear it like a man.

This is only one of his many stylings. You remember, don't you?

Photo:MyNerdBoyfriend

Francis Bacon: This guy is twisted, passionate and judging by his

haunting paintings.....I would NOT want to peer into his mind. .

Also, I like his boots.

Basquiat and Keith Haring.

This outfit is begging for a school bus....

2011-07-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Is the thought I had as I was putting this little number together.

Low and behold there was one in the parking lot of the bar we were going to!!!

Honestly, school busses are sooooo 1990's.

Anyhoo, in all seriousness...this crocheted skirt is one of my faves. Nevermind I had to

color in the logo on my ass-hugging yoga shorts with black sharpie. It all worked out.

This handbag goes with exactly everything.

It seems that I'm always doing something this re-donk whenever I'm

about to run into someone from work....which is exactly what happened .5 seconds after this

photograph was snapped.

Sheer Class caught in the act.

Tank: F21, Belt and Skirt: Thrifted, Bag: Dolly Python

thanks for the photos, Haley!

Happy Weekending, Friends!

PTA PANTS!

2011-07-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

Just your everyday-go-to work outfit. NBW. (No big whoop, yeah I'm gonna make that happen).

Thankfully high waisted pants are in vogue again cuz a.) They suit my absurdly long torso body type and b.) they can be found at any thrift store. PTA Mom Pants. The ones featured

below come fully equipped with a partial elastic waistline.

Go getcha some. Cut em' off, or roll em' up. Instantly adorable...even if they are a bit

man repelling.

My favorite hoof-like shoes that make me feel like a Goat Demi-God.

Nail Polish: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: Mint Sorbet

Lovely facial expression, eh?

Knit Shirt: F21, Pants, belt and various jewels: Thrifted, Necklace: F21,

Shoes: Steve Madden, Rx: F21

September Bird

2011-07-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a trailer for a film my buddies worked on. The film scene in DFW

makes me proud, and these guys are some of the best I've seen..

DAMN my friends are talented.

Visit their website www.astralabproductions.com

Keepin' it Casual...

2011-07-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

Quick pics before enjoying half price food at The Anvil Pub in Deep Ellum.

It's obvious the real star of this show is the fabric sandals.

They tickle your feet when you walk.

These are the most refreshing shoes I own.

Refreshing? Yeah....

Vintage Anne Klein silk blouse, Thrifted belt and bracelet,

Sunnies: stolen from my mother

Sandals: Pennies, that's right...JCP is making. fashion. happen.

Copper Tone

2011-07-06T16:28:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else just get really confused by sleeveless sweaters or sweater vests in summer?

I know I do....my arms are so cool, but my torso is so hot.

Same goes thick knit minis. I don't want to layer with tights in winter!! I want to wear them right now!

I don't like this counter intuitiveness, so typically I avoid wearing them,

but here's tha thing: copper is my favorite color.

Right up there with sparkle and leopard print.

jk, jk Everyone knows sparkle is my fave hands down...... JK!!!

(but really).

Vintage Oscar de la Renta silk scarf total score, worn too appropriately with

a messy side bun. (Yes, sunglasses inside...my future is so bright or something like that).

wuuuub you.

Scarf, bracelets and rings: thrifted, Neckalces: Beacon's closet

Glasses: F21, SWEATER VEST: thrifted.

Telegraph Canyon

2011-07-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

I built a website today. I don't think I've ever felt like patting myself on the back more.

It was a long process but I did it!!!!

Anyhow, I found this goodie of a fabulous band Telegraph Canyon. I did this session a while ago,

and this was a favorite.

Luv,

Notorious

2011-07-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

I really didn't even mean for this post to be red, white and blue on the

4th of July Holiday....Funny how things work out.

I've had this gold lame (pronounced LA-MAY) handbag and these red zipper shoes for

at least 4 years....I have worn them both maybe once or twice.

They are fantastic, right? We all have pieces like that

in our closet. Great things we never wear.....

This is why I'm a strong believer of having frineds come over to restyle your closet.

"Why the F*$# don't you ever wear this?!?"

Navy and Gold are so good together, they should walk hand-in-hand

into a glistening sunset.

Incase you were wondering, yes. That IS Biggie around my neck.

This is one of my most precious things. I call it "Big PaPa" and I wouldn't trade it for

any other material object. I found it at a flea market in NY.

Shirt and Shoes:F21, Jeans:DKNY, Nails: UO Orange #5,

All accessories: Thrifted, Flead or Gifted.

Photos: Miss Haley Espizito

Boiling Point

2011-06-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

It's getting to the point in whence we dress as cute as we can while also

being as naked as we can.

Shirt: Buffalo Ex, Shorts: Thrifted, Jewelry: Thrifted

Bralette:UO, Headband: F21, Shoes: Seychelles

LUV U.

Praying for a Patio

2011-06-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

It is precicely this time of year and the amidst the evening that makes me miss my old patio.

I love being warm. I love the gusts of warm wind that've been stirring

up lately. I miss being able to step onto a little outdoor space.

I find porches in the summer to be much like steamy showers.

A place you pontificate and a place of peace.

I only have these huge windows, and I feel like a jackass stretching my head more

than a foot out of them just so I can feel a summer breeze!

Plus, I feel like a total creep just sitting looking out of my open window. With a porch you can

just sit there and own that shit, but it's different with a window.

So I find myself smoking copious amounts of cigarettes

just so I can be all like, "Yeah, there's a reason I'm sitting at my window

starring at the street...nonya' biness....I've got things to attend to by my window, can't you see?!"

With all these thunder storms I've been envious of everyone's facebook posts like this:

"Just sippin on the sizurp on my patio in the storm"

Anyhoo, in lieu of my non-existant outdoor escape, I'm posting these.

Sometimes, you don't even need a patio. Just two chairs, ya heard?

Happy weekending.

All photos: Desiretoinpire

Spare Parts

2011-06-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

This was the best weekend I've had this summer. This past week I had to make
a pretty tough decision concerning finances/jobby-job thangs.
After seeking counsel from many wise ones I am blessed to know,
I went with what was weighing on my heart to do....which was a bit scary.

This entire weekend has been filled with affirmation from what
I choose to call God (you can call it what you want).
I asked for a sign and I got tons of them. It made me so immensely grateful.

And now the trick is to not look back.

Now! Onto something a bit more light hearted!

I got two free tickets to Spare Parts, a show in which Jonathan donated a piece.
It was at The Belmont, which is my favorite Dallas Boutique Hotel,
and was catered by smoke. Yummy BBQ.

Shorts: Cut off thrifted pants, Bag: Dolly Python, Shoes: Steve Madden

Shirt: Chelsea and Violet, Glasses: F21,

Jewelry: Too much to specify, I'm sure they were all gifts or thrifted or F21 or Penney's.

Upon parking, Haley and I found some bikers, and solicited their photography skills

so we could pose like jackasses.

The whole idea was found objects or junk recreated into art thangs for our viewing pleasure!

This one is Jonathan's.

The pieces surrounded the pool, and the lawn over looked the Dallas skyline.

One of the best spots for an event in town.

Fish with a spatula tail!!! WUT?

Oh yeah, the Mavs are world champions.

SUCK IT MIAMI.

luv,

ashley

Opening Night

2011-06-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I was honored to attend Undermain Theater's opening

of The Shipment. It pretty much knocked my metallic Steve Madden sandals

right off. Absolutely hysterical, thought provoking and at times bury your face in your hands

disgusting....pretty "provocative" (that's everyone's favorite word to describe naughty things)

I loved it. You MUST go see it now. Seriously buy the tickets now.

Since my life partner is an actor, I get to attend quite a few opening nights

at local theaters, and as far as outfitting one's self it's anything goes.

You can dress up, down, wear a kimono...whatever.

Gotta love those artistic crowds.

I went with a leopard theme as you can see. I really do stand by

the fact that no one woman can have enough leopard print in her life.

I decided to really drive it home with my leopard-takin-a-nap neckwear.

What do you get when you mix leopard and black lace?

~~Sex appeal...~~ this stupid face.

Photos courtesy of this little vixen. We had a fabulous lady date

and sufficient pool time as you can see by our white girl barely there tans.

Nice scarf, Haley!

Off

2011-05-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

I'm a little off today. Thought I'd just do a quick post of some doggies I shot not too

long ago. This was one of the most fun photo sessions I've ever done.

I was rolling around, running up and down and chasing these house beasts everywhere.

It's funny. I know I'm pretty alright at a lot of stuff....

i.e. thrift shopping, writing, burping on command

but I feel like I'm actually really good at taking photographs of animals.

I feel completely at peace when I do it too.

And when I complete the animal photographs,

I really don't tire of looking at them.

It's good to find something that makes you happy.

It's not a complete lack of ego, but a lack of ego affected by

worldly things.

Big Dog with a Big Stick.

This last photo is my absolute favorite. The owner of the dogs wasn't a huge fan.

Yes, the dog looks completely ridiculous, but she's just being herself...jeez.

It's looks like she's pleading for her life/doing the twist/trying to listen a little harder

like cartoon dogs do....sticking one ear up.

Too Hot for Politikin'

2011-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's gettin' too hot for politikin' here in Texas. (I say in a rocking chair

as I fan my sweaty face with a straw hat). What I mean by that is....it's

too hot for layers. It's officially skirt/shorts/tank top/naked time here

in the Lone Star State. I took these and promptly peeled all of it off

and got myself poolside. (Happy Memorial Day BTW).

I know I have dumb face/bitch face? in these photos, but sometimes it's hard to get

enthusiastic when you're taking photos of yourself.

Actually you feel pretty ridiculous. I'll start trying harder. Either that or cutting

out my face all together, for all of our sakes.

I LOVE the shape of these shoes.

The piano is a nice prop for photos. I can successfully play Ice Dance

and I'm reeeal sorry cause my neighbors hear it twice a day.

I'm working on other things too. I took lessons when I was 8, and it's all

rattling around in the back of my brains somewheres.

If you don't already know, I have a serious affinity for Grandpa watches....

any sort of time telling device actually.

Chere and I found an "Everything's a Dollar" Thrift Store yesterday.

I love it when you stumble upon things like that.

Lace Shirt: H&M, Ginghan Shirt: Target, Jeans: UO, Jewels: Thrifted, Grandma and Stolen :)

Shoes: Seychelles

Dress Like You're 15.

2011-05-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you what. Sometimes I'm just standing in my under-roos trying to

figure out some amazing thing to wear, and it just doesn't work.

So, what I do in those situations (and what I suggest you do too) is revert to young adulthood....

where black was pink and your eyeshadow matched your converse.

I was sort of feeling that on the day I wore this.

Shirt: Thrifted Anne Klein. Skirt: ? Navy Boots: Walmart

Socks: ? Headband: Target Earrings: Gold Pelicans from a shell shack

All other Jewelry: Thrifted.

More Sick Dudes

2011-05-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I'm going to make this a regular thing. At least once a month.

I stumble upon too many incredible photos of reeeaal sick dudes not to share.

In case you don't know what a "sick dude" is....

to put it simply, it's a guy who don't give no ef, and for the purposes of this blog,

who has mad style. It could be that random homeless man

riding his bike wrapped in aluminum foil...it could even be your own dad.

For examples, see below:

THE SPECIALS

Multiple layers in the front.

Giant reflective sunglasses.

Their facial expressions in general.

The guy in the back has no front teeth. He's rockin it HARD.

LEONARD BERNSTIEN

He's about to kick over that mic and Catch the moon with a one-handed catch.

Also, his boots are super-fly.

Please tell me you got that reference to West Side Story

DENNIS HOPPER AND NEIL YOUNG

Double Doubler.

You wish you could find anything either of them are

wearing on ebay for under $80.

Dennis Hopper could've been at his most ultimate sickest in Water World.

Note: Eye Patch.

ERNEST HEMMINGWAY

No explanation here.

DESHAWN STEVENSON

Just because you have a neck tattoo, doesn't make you a sick dude

But if that neck tattoo is Abe Lincoln it does!

(A neck tattoo of Abe Simpson would also work).

JOHN STEINBECK

Any man who can sport a Captains Hat AND a Standard Poodle

wins my heart forever.

Speaking of sick, J bought stripped harem pants from the ladies section

at Buffalo Exchange today. He's so damn sexy.

My Happy Place

2011-05-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'll start with a video the day after the wedding. One of my favorite days. Just watching

everyone hang out and fly kites with wizards on them.

One of the best things about living on the beach is the amount of Robe wearing that

commences. It's abundant. Every morning = crosswords and robes. Walk on

the beach? Let me grab my robe. BBQ? I hope I don't get sauce on my robe! It is so much my

favorite thing, that we got them for everyone that stayed in the house, and then some.

It's hilarious to see over ten grown adults wandering around in matching robes.

Me and J in the morning with ice coffee on the back porch, and the girls in the eve

watching the sunset on the front porch.

(No make-up-day-at-the-beach faces. Pleaze don't be upset, ladies).

Anastasia Island hugs the coast of the mainland. It is less than a 1/2 a mile wide in some parts, so

you have the view of the inner-coastal on one side, and the Atlantic is on the the other.

Here is our front porch at sunset. The photo does it absolutely no justice.

and our back porch mid-day.

The porch completely wrapped around the house, so Delilah held her post as guard

when she wasn't laying in the sun.

Here's another thing: the beach makes your hair look RAD.

I understand that there are a lot of Florida haters out there. I mean, it does have

a bit of a white trash rep. I love it though. You can walk into the grocery store with no

shoes, and no one judges you. However...St. augustine is a very special place, and most other

parts of Florida I'm not a big fan of. It's the oldest city in the U.S.

Here are somethings it has to offer:

Hippies with Dogs:

(This one might not appeal to everyone).

Quaint Vintage shops:

Secret Gardens:

Beautiful views from Martini Bars:

Handsome men eating pecan pie at Organic Restaurants:

Cute girls at local bars:

This is where I am happiest.

The beach is big and clean, and this is actually the most crowded I've ever seen it.

Me and Del representin Texas.

Crowd Pleaser

2011-05-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

I wore this to work today...which was fabulous. You see, they are rearranging

some things around the styling room, so there was really no place to work.

There was just mess...everywhere.

Instead we got to go visual shopping.

I love my job.

So wandering around North Park, at least 9 people stopped me to

tell me they loved this skirt and/or outfit. What's with it? I mean, I'd like to think

I look pretty cute everyday, riiiiight?

Maybe it's because this outfit is so feminine and maybe disarming? ANYhoo,

they were all disappointed to find out the skirt is from Topshop, and we

don't have one in Dallas. (Just order online, people)!

It originally had silk lining underneath, but I cut that business off,

and now it's all translucent and whimsical and a bit sexier.

Simple DIY if you get bored with a skirt or dress.

One of my favorite shirts. I love the intricate detail around the collar and it's perfectly pink.

I found it at a thrift store in which some old asian lady unloaded all her goods, cause it was

surrounded by kimonos and other shirts of the same manor.

THANKS, LADY!

This is my favorite charm bracelet. I really have an affinity for

charm bracelets. They have such a lady-like quality to them, but when you

think about it.... little gold pigs and wishing wells and naked babies shooting arrows

are hanging from your wrist. It's absurd!

My earrings are pelicans. Win.

My camera is not on a timer in the above photograph.

(lie to match the quintessential "natural" not-a self-portrait-face in the above photograph).

I kinda half-tried on the shoes with this one. Gold flip-flops. Easy.

I'm warning you about more wedding photos (because you care???). They are on their way,

just thought an outfit post might be refreshing.

Shirt: thrifted, skirt: topshop, belt: thrifted, slip: anthro, sandals: old navy

thrifted vintage coach crossbody bag.

huggins!

Preparations

2011-05-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers, My profuse apologies for neglecting this blog for one hundred years. See, the thing is...I got MARRIED. I've been working my b-hang off for about 5 months preparing for the big day, and I gave myself a break from everything else in my life. (Except work, gotta make that monies). So I am back now, and I figured I 'd start from the beginning. Here are some pics of the preparations.

We basically did everything ourselves. Starting with the save the dates. We ordered sand dollars, and stamped (letter by letter). Attached a string, and conveniently they were received right before X-mas. Ornaments, much?

We had to make sure they wouldn't break, so we got the handy yellow envelopes that have bubble wrap inside. We then stamped every single one of those too. Flamingo stamp = rocking my face.

Tied them with twine (Cuh-las-sic) and sent them on their way.

(This picture is smaller, so you creeps can't see the addys)

Jonathan and I hand picked all of our invitations too. We found vintage postcards at a shell shack in St. Augustine (our wedding locale). Then, we hand wrote those suckers too. (Don't be mistaken, when I say "we" I mean "me and my mom" I think Jonathan was watching Top Chef).

*please note baby bottom!

The wording and selection of the paper was the hardest. We found a great starfish stamp and down loaded a type writer font, cut the paper and printed em.

Decor: Here's a giant fabric garland/banner we made. This took 1 million hours. We picked 6 fabrics, tore them into strips and tied them on rope to line the 72 foot porch the reception was held on. (Danielle is tired....shout out to Kandi, she's a fabric tearing robot).

Here's a little mock up of our vision. The copper corals were the find of the century.

Each bottle and mismatched vintage plate was found at some thrift store around DFW. This also took FOREVER.

Then we met with our officiate:

View of Downtown St. Augustine. Right outside the Hotel we had our Rehearsal Dinner.

WEDDING SHOPPING

REHEARSAL DINNER SHOPPING

These are only a few. There are a tons more to come. Honestly this was the most epic event in my life thus far. We nailed it. The guests were cherry picked to perfection, The best people in the world on the most beautiful for three days, and I've never felt so much happiness ever. More on this later.

Love you.

Lumbering

2011-02-13T08:07:00.000-08:00

Flu town and I'm the mayor. Sorry if this post is less than enthusiastic, I don't have it in me. Instead what I have in me in snot and phlegm and muscle ache (oh my). I have reached the point of feeling completely useless, because I have not even had the energy to do menial tasks. But look at me! Here I am! Blog posting!!!

Alright. These are some snaps of my unintentional Lumberjack inspired outfit. Another example of not necessarily trying to dress up like some stereotype (i.e. pirate, stevie nicks, gypsy), but managing to do it

anyway.

I understand this pose is really awkward, and doesn't exactly "show off" the outfit, but hey atleast you get to see the bottom of my shoe! (sarcasm)

So here's something fun: The beauty wizards at Sally Hansen invented stick on nail polish. This is perfect for a girl like me, who cannot sit still / has a bouncy pit bull / always has to pee right after she paints her nails!
You just stick them on, bend them to the contour of your nail and file off the rest. You can get them at any pharmacy or target or whatever tickles your fancy, and they last about a week. Did I mention they have fun prints like LEOPARD and LACE?!?

Here I gracefully model the Gold Glitter:

Wearing: Thrifted silk gingham shirt, DKNY jeans, Thrifted belt, MIA shoes,

Old Navy thermal, Forev21 glasses and hat, Thrifted and Ebay jewelry except my nana's rings.

xo, wieners. enjoy this beautiful weather while I'm stuck inside!

Good Vibrations

2011-02-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

So everyone in North Texas is snowed in. (Note the TX definition of snowed in is it was sleeting last night for a hour, and the highways have ice patches on them). I decided to sift through some old photos of summer and spring and list allllll the things I miss about the warm weather.

1.) New York City in September and straw hats.

2.) Starbucks plug! Yummy ice coffee with EXTRA ice.

3.) Tuna Salad Sandwiches from the deli next to Buffalo Exchange on Greenville Ave. ...Also, my man in tanks.

4.) High waisted vintage gym shorts and tube tops, and legs being brown enough to rock them HARD. What's up Farrah?

5.) My lady Chere dressing like this......

(note: I bought her those leggings at SXSW at the American Apparel Flea market...another thing I love about spring).

6.)Tank Tops with giant necklaces and pastel nail polish.

7.) Outdoor Flea Markets in Austin.

See ya later!

Feeling 20's

2011-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

Ohhhhh lovely snow days in Texas. When there is less than one inch of the powdery substance on the earth, and the world stops. When you gaze out of your window in the morning, you get the overwhelming urge to yell,

"SNOOOOW DAAAAY!!!"

except your in your twenties, so instead you yell,

"FUCKIN SNOOOW DAAAAY!!!"

Admit it, you just can't help feeling like a kid again. As far as me and J go, we're taking advantage of the day to catch up on our separate artistic endeavors. He paints. I edit photos. Most importantly, we listen to old time-y music.

(also important: I eat soup and english muffins).

Do yourself a favor: Go to Pandora or Last.fm or whatever streaming radio you dig on, and type in Al Bowlly. You will wish soooo hard that your computer is a Victrola.

You're welcome.

Here's a number I threw together the other day to see The Kings Speech (yeah, it is really good).

Wearing Vintage Shirt, Vintage pleated palazzo pants, Vintage Belt (found in old man's closet at estate sale this past weekend). Kenneth Cole Brogues. Jewellery: Thrift finds, and earrings, Simply* Vera, Vera Wang.

Note the wardrobe malfunction. That shirt is really old. The face I'm making in that photo is an exact face 5 year old Ashley used to make.

The sea creature charm bracelet is one of my favorite things.

And now it's Del's turn to model.

Sorry it's been a while

Happy snow day!

ahem....

2011-01-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, can I borrow $18,000 to buy the dress on the right? I'll wear it to get married in. Yeah, I know it's more expensive than your car, but it's soooo cute, right?

Man, Oh Man.

2011-01-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

Here are some men in my life I believe every lady wishes they could make a meal for. (Did I just set us back 40 years? Oh well...it's true). These guys have mad style and inspire me fully, even though they are of the opposite sex and have no idea I exist. Big ups to these fellas for being totally beautiful humans/robots?

Andrew Bird. Your music makes me want to cry tears made of puppies. I'll be damned if the swell of your violin doesn't pluck my heart strings.

Daft Punk: Although I've never seen your faces (and you appeared in a GAP ad) no one can make my bones move like you. Also, you wear metallic pants. Plus, I always know exactly how you're feeling because you literally spell it out across your cute robot forehead "DIGITAL LOVE"

Somebody slap me if I don't wanna cry every time I remember Jim Henson is no longer with us. I mean, who else had the balls to reinvent puppetry? Really??? Puppetry???? I love you.

I mean look at this! Kermit is giving him a Hi-Five....and you can tell Kermit is kinda reminiscing about the good ol' days...awww maaaaaaan.

Somebody else slap me if Marvin Gaye ain't got the sickest soul of them all. I bought a red hat at an estate sale inspired by this photograph. Jonathan stole it from me, and smokes cigarettes next to the window in it. I'll steal it back soon and do a post dedicated to Marvin and his hat...and his glory.

If I tried to explain why Paul Newman is on this list, I'd just turn into a bumbling fool. Some people's fervor and vibe just can't be nailed down. That's what made him so fabulous. He was actually a nice guy that every woman wanted...and every woman still swoons over.

Many don't know exactly how much of a photographer Norman Rockwell was. Heart.

TRUE STORY: I peed in Paul Simon's toilet.

Dream come true.

Love you.

Ballerinas and Organs and Costumes, Oh My!

2011-01-22T10:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I dragged my ass out of bed at 7:00am to go shoot the Preforming Arts Department at SMU. My lady friend wants to use the photos for promotions, and to encourage alumni to give back to the arts. I always complain when I have to get up that early to shoot, but once I start, I'm so thankful I did. The light is so forgiving that time of day...spilling over everything outside and into windows. I'm excited with how these shots turned out. Here's a few of my favorites:

This is Giva Taylor (Dallas' Mistress of Insane Costumes...Really, she's the gate keeper of some breath taking garments) teaching a costuming class. I had the pleasure of working with Giva when I preformed with the Undermain. She's fabulous, and I just wanted to stay in her costume closet. SO many incredible pieces and ridiculous hats. Howsbout taking a costume class with 3 students? Wow.

"Nah, i'm not going to skip drawing today, ya know cause the class is in an old museum and all..." GAH!

BALLERINAS!

Last shot of the day. Floating nest installation. Amazing what you can miss by not taking the time to look up.

This shoot was pretty damn fulfilling. All of the facilities were quality. The set building shop, the sewing room with 50 industrial sewing machines. LAWD, it made me want to go back and get a Masters...For those of you who can afford it...or who love taking on huge amounts of student loans...I recommend checking out SMU.

Impromptu Family Portrait

2011-01-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

You don't know what it takes to get both of them to sit still. Look at the smile on Jonathan's face.

Classic.

Mr. Downbeat

2011-01-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

Billie Holiday and her Pit Bull, Mr. Downbeat.

These photographs are important. My brain has been everywhere lately, so I thought I'd make this post simple. These photographs make my soul comfortable. Ladies with mad style, statement hair accessories, and Pit Bulls.

"Take a photo with Louie, he matches my outfit"

2011-01-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Went shopping with my mom yesterday...post holiday sales DAMN YOU!!! I got some MIA ankle boots for real cheap, and I found the shoes I'll be wearing at the rehearsal din din. The shell necklace featured in these photos is one of my new favorite things. It's rustic and asymmetrical and looks like something scooped out of the sand of a shipwreck. So maybe this outfit is a little folklore inspired? Cowboys and Shipwrecks...

I insisted before we left on a photo opportunity with our family wire haired dachshund, Louie. We were tonal twins. What a stud.

Note the Basset in the background of this photo...that's Bodie. He's the floppiest. Also please note the nylon folding chair randomly placed on our porch. Sheer class.

Thrifted scarf and pearl snap shirt, Banana Republic Blazer (actually found in some boxes someone had thrown out....don't judge) H&M cut offs, Old Navy aviators, Forev21 elephant ring, Vintage horse bag found at Dolly Python along with the seashell necklace, and vintage boots found at Ahab Bowen

Accidental Resolutions

2011-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

I didn't plan on having any New Years resolutions this year...Maybe just to lose some weight for the wedding. Then Suddenly somehow I quit smoking and went vegan. WTF? Jonathan is attempting a raw diet, and I just kinda tagged along....I'm not quite able to give up hot food yet though, and I'm not sure if I ever will.

Well, it turns out when I detox my body, my mind starts in on itself. I've been having some pretty peculiar dreams I'm almost afraid to interpret. I've also been re-evaluating every damn relationship and event in my whole life....and re-evaluating my definitions of things.

You know when people suddenly start to eat really healthy, or quit smoking or drinking and they start to get sick and cough up all kinds of multicolored fun things that have been stored in their lungs for years? Yeah, well that's kinda how my brain and soul feel lately.

These photos pretty well sum it up.

photos by Lucy Nuzum and Waldemar Hansson

Feather Town, and I'm the Mayor

2011-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Since every lady I know wants feathers in her hair, I threw a feather extension party. It went swimmingly. My place was filled with the most talented, beautiful ladies I know, and it was so cathartic to participate in a social function in whence there was zero drama, zero subtext, and 100% genuine woman time. I think my own mother won the award for the most feathers....She got 5 extensions, HA! Special thanks to Katherine and Mel, who not only do feather extensions, but also are assistant Girl Scout leaders! (I hope you made a bundle) Those two girls hunched over for about 3 hours to fulfill every gal's gypsy-princess-tigerlily-hippie-indian head dress dream.

More later

xo.

Prophet, Speak

2011-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

So I finally finished that digital photography "enrichment" class. It's really hard to put your full effort in to something like that when you've already graduated, but I did it! And I even made an A. Booyay! So here are some images from my final project. It might seem lame that I just shot around the neighborhood that I live in, but I mostly did it for myself and Jonathan. I wanted to have something tactile to look at in the future, to remember the very first neighborhood we ever lived in....which I'm totally in love with.

Shoot! I forgot my camera...get it?

2011-01-05T18:39:00.000-08:00

I know it must be boring seeing pictures of me at my place...post, after post, after post...if anyone even looks at all... This past month I've been pretty cooped up. I might actually be going a little stir crazy. I haven't been working much, have started a few books, learned Ice Dance from Edward Scissor Hands on the piano (jealous?), washed the sheets, made dents in piles of clothes on my floor where my closet vomited into my room, and hung art on my walls....Alright, now that I have successfully articulated my eventful holiday season, I can show you some more photos...of me....at my place. ha!

My parents bought me some pretty sweet constant lights to shoot portraits with. Yay! I got one all set up and realized I left my camera at their place. Balls! So I messed around with my point and shoot.

My 2 fave elements of this little ensemble are my napping leopard MiMi D neckalce, and my orange and navy printed scarf.

I luv u. enjoi. (remember that skate brand?)

This is a picture of Del moving in front of the camera while I was trying to have a moment..Deeevuh!

It reminds me of those creepy instants in deep sea thriller films where the sea monster nonchalantly swims by the window of the submarine as if to say "I know you're in there, and I'm gonna eat you" and everyone inside is all like, "what was that?!?.....Did you see that.??..." and then the power goes out...You know what I'm talking about, right?

Wearin' UO red tank, DKNY jeans, Thrifted belt, watches, MiMi D Leopard Necklace, and head scarf, Forev Cardigan, Diamond pinky ring from NaNa and Ebay found Birdbath ring.

Some New Years

2011-01-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Our New Year's was pretty low-key.We happened upon one of our favorite local bands, Telegraph Canyon, playing across from our house at Sons of Hermann Hall. Really great show. Super intimate. We also stumbled upon some Swedish guys in a band called Case Conrad. They are fabulous, go to the link to listen. They had been staying with my friend, Danielle. She brought them out to Dallas, and we showed them a time. Providing them with books and music to take with them on the rest of their journey across the U.S.

Vintage sequin blouse, target tights and socks, UO lace up boots, forev21 skirt and giant bird ring, thrifted watches.

Serious Bed Time

2011-01-02T10:35:00.000-08:00

The ONLY productive thing I did yesterday was make Guacamole. Otherwise, Jonathan and I dedicated the entire day to lounging around in bed, reading books and watching Netflicks. Usually when I spend more that 2 hours being useless, I start to guilt trip myself, but not yesterday. What a fabulous way to start the new year.

Here are some lovely, cozy, comfy beds.

(This one's not as cozy, but that photo is BAD ASS)

all images from desiretoinspire.net

2011-01-02T09:34:00.001-08:00

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Black and Blue

2010-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lots of my man's stuff....

Wearin' Jonathan's Cardigan, Jonathan's Grey Tank, Thrifted Flannel, Forev21 Cotton Knit Skirt, Hue Argyle Tights, Gifted Argyle Socks, UO Boots, Sweet Clock Necklace Stolen from my mama, and Silver Mallard Necklace from I don't remember.

Posted whilst listening to The Black Keys, Chulahoma

P.s. I just realized my hand is on my hip in almost every damn photograph. I'm a dork.

Fishtail Braid, Sucka.

2010-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:00

Milli and Lily

2010-12-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to shoot some adorable babies this December. ("Shooting adorable babies"?!?... I mean with my camera, sillies!) Shooting kids can be so tiring, but I usually enjoy it so much in the moment, I don't even notice until I'm through and totally spent!

MILLI

This little girl reminded me of myself as a babe. Chubby, blonde and tough. She busted her lip in the middle of the shoot, and went on with only a few tears shed. What a pro!

LILY

Look at those pretty eyes! Look at her headband! She has a tutu to match! I'm using one thousand exclamations! Lily is mad stylin'. Seriously. This is half of her closet....

I know, right?

This is not my first session with Lily and she's one of the most expressive kids I've ever seen. She probably gets it from her Mom and Dad (both talented actors). The camera loves her.

Short and Sweet!

xo.

Magic Feet

2010-12-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

When I wear these shoes with my gold socks I feel like I have Magic Feet. I don't have a full shot of this particular combo, but i'll tell ya it was all about the shoes....and earrings....and hat.

On another note, all these are self-portraits...maybe not "portraits" so to speak, but pictures I took... with a timer... of myself. It might seem silly, but there's something really cathartic about doing this...(Not those funny ones you take over and over again of your puckered lips and washboard abs for your facebook with your iphone)...but playing with your manual settings on your camera, and then running and striking some sort of pose, or no pose at all...You usually end up with some unique photographs you never would've thought of before.

This particular time was sort of impromptu, so I didn't get my tripod (out of laziness? maybe). Sans the adjustable height of my tripod, I was forced to find various flat surfaces and had to adapt to the frames those surfaces provided....hence the coffee table trotting.

Enough Blathering.

BDG Jeans, Forev 21 earrings, Forev21 gold socks, Thrifted Belt and Bracelets, Camel Hat from Ahab Bowen, Kenneth Cole brogues.

I had a really really fabulous Christmas, and got tons of great gifts including a vintage Bonnie Rait baseball tee and a new film camera. Had fun carrying on with my brothers, ate like a glutton, watched movies, all the good stuff. Hope you did too.

Bedazzled Warfare

2010-12-23T15:01:00.000-08:00

I really love our place, and can't imagine living anywhere else. I'm so so so thankful. The light shines through our windows during the day and it's the best picture takin' light....it's also great to lay in the warmth and watch the dust float through the air....here are some scenes...(and an outfit) :)

Yes, that's a Porky Pig lamp that lights up from within....And a HILARIOUS portrait of Jonathan: a prop from a play in which he was a philosopher spiraling into the depths of madness. Good times.

There's also a poem I wrote and deco-podged to a piece of glass. It goes a lil like dis:

The mounds of clothes are cleared from the piano

It's time to confront all those dirty dishes of your mind

full of things like poems and ping pong.

Homeboy once told me,

"You're ruining my world"

Homeboy once told me,

"I want to hear your voice when your old"

Katy once told me, she wants to go back to Arizona.

Are you tired of seeing pictures of my dog?

I really liked this outfit, I felt like some sort of victorian-urban-cowboy with a Bob Dylan hat. Plus, that giant necklace makes me feel like I'm wearing really fancy armor. Like if somebody shot at my chest with Ruby bullets I'd be covered. There's something rad about wearing jewelry with implications of warfare. If I sat here and thought about it long enough I could probably tell you why.

ANYHOO, I'm also really digging those rich autumnal tones. Emerald Green, Rust, Navy, ect.

Green felt hat: Antique mall, Pearl Necklace (te he he), Blue Tank and Ring: Forever 21, Fly Away Cardigan: Marshals/Tj Max... one of those. Johnston and Murphy Italian old man shoes: Thrifted, Jeans: DKNY

Side note: I totally made those pillows on my couch. Booyay.

Have a Happy!

My Hipstamatic Post

2010-12-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

In the last two days I've watched a Gonzo and Born Into This....both incredible documentaries (Born Into This especially) about two of my favorite writers. Both films left me feeling a little bit like a wiener because I've been neglecting writing lately. Quite honestly, neglecting it because it's something I really love, and I'm a little afraid to touch it....does that make sense? However, these films have lit a little bit of a fire under my ass, and now I think I'll be writing more of those random thoughts that float through my head....poetry...not a lot of people are into it, but I am. And I should get to it, right? Now that my personal nonsensical spew has run its course, let's get to some eye candy.

Here's a few of my favorite "hipstamatic" photos I've taken with my phone.

An awesome quote I found in Garden and Gun Magazine. One of my favorite lifestyle magazines. It focuses on everything from old plantation home interior design to southern artists, to dogs, and deep fried southern food and music. This publication also has some of the most amazing photography I've seen in a lifestyle mag.

Our Fur Child just lounging. Living the life of the idle rich.

Our very first Christmas Tree.

We got a piano. I love it. With all our goodies piled on top,

It's my feel-good spot of the year.

HIPSTAMATIC OUTFIT

Wearing Thrifted vintage wool pleated skirt, thrifted silk blouse, heirloom diamond rings from nana, Forevs chain bracelet and Born lace up boots (that I will get cobbled over and over untill they crumble into a million pieces because when I wear them it feels like I'm wearing these):

MERRIMENT, YO!!!