With 3 cats and a dog, you could definitely say that I am an animal lover. My black lab, Kuma, often accompanies me to the studio, but we have never actually attempted to photograph him in an editorial. When animals are involved in a photo shoot, the only thing you can expect is the unexpected, so I have a lot of respect and admiration for those who can pull it off. Dogs and cats are hard enough; I can’t even imagine attempting to wrangle ducks, chickens, lambs, owls…

Maybe we should just stick with the stuffed variety…

{image sources: Elle Magazine; photo by Ben Toms via Scarlett Shaney; Mademoiselle Robot; Annie Liebovitz for Vogue via Trendland; Calivintage; Vogue Loves Me; Faccia}

For our latest cover story, we took our inspiration from some gorgeous photographs Erika Dufour took while in Japan recently (bamboo scaffolding, geishas on cell phones… have you ever seen such things?!)

Erika shot film (with her Hasselblad, the same camera she used to take the awesome images she captured in Japan) and Arlene and I channeled our inner geishas. Here’s what we came up with:

Ours was sort of a reluctant and petulant geisha-in-training, if “geisha” at all. But we definitely had fun and LOVED the challenge! So so so fun to just go out and get creative. Although a lot of time and energy went into it, it really did feel like good old-fashioned play time. And I am totally okay with that.

{image credits: photography by Erika Dufour (with assistance by the mahvelous Melinda Jane Meyers), styling by Arlene Matthews and Brandon Frein, hair and make-up by Kristina Marie, and model Erica Miramontes of Ford.}

Please check out the entire story here. (Yes, there’s more!)

…is that I have a consistent writing/blogging schedule that I’ve been following for the last 6 months. This 6am pilates boot camp that I started on Monday is totally throwing a kink into my late-night blogging schedule! I apologize for the inconsistencies and promise to have my Brandon Wednesday post up before it turns to Thursday
In the meantime, this is how I feel…

Enjoy your day and I’ll see you soon!

{image from Performance by Solve Sundsbo in Numero #123 via Fashion Editorials}

SInce the Royal wedding, there’s been a lot of talk about hats. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE hats. At the last Modern Vintage show in Chicago I bought 5, I think.

So how happy was I to open up the latest issue of Numéro and see…

wait for it…

Hats!

Hailey Clauson sporting chappeaus by the likes of Phillip Treacy and Hermes; and gigantic, beautiful and perfect hair by Duffy. Now that’s how you style a hat!

Framed and hanging on my wall, please. And look at that HAIR!

Goood hat.

These editorials are always so much better in print. They’re like art. You should definitely get yourself a Numero #123 and look at these babies up close and personal.

{Memory Motel from Numéro Magazine #123, photography by Greg Kadel, styling by Patti Wilson (asst to Taylor Kim — it’s in French and I’m confused!), make-up by Mariel Barrera, hair by Duffy; hats by: Hermes, Phillip Treacy and Heather Huey}

I have hundreds of pics organized in my iphoto, in my flickr, in my email and in folders on my desktop.  But, sadly, once my pics are printed, they land in a box till I happen upon them during some random spring cleaning.  Well, lo & behold…random spring cleaning!  Now what?  You know what I always say at times like these…thank goodness for the blogosphere!  Now, happily, some {artful} ideas to share your pretty pictures

you can easily switch out your pics for a new display of photos

cute idea for a kids room too..pics intermixed with their artwork

Ah perfect inspiration for some vacation pics! Enlarged and simply framed.

and then there's always the trusty old photo album!

image 1 - via ysvoice.tumblr

image 2, 3 & 4 - via FRENCHBYDESIGN

image 5 - via design*sponge

image 6 - via pinterest

image 7 - designer Maaike Mekking via Vanessa Jackman

I recently stumbled upon an adorable new site called lookbook cookbook. And it’s just that. Gorgeously styled images combined with awesome recipes for healthy and delicious snacks, like…

A maple pecan pie smoothie

Mojito Cupcakes

Oatmeal lace cookies (with peanut butter!)

banana pops

Yummm! And so cute, right? I’m no baker, but these largely gluten-and-dairy free treats sound too good not to try (click on  the links to view the recipes). Guess I know what I’ll be doing this weekend.

Definitely head on over to lookbook cookbook and check it out for yourself. It’s a relatively new site, so show your love and let’s make sure they stick around for a while!

Happy weekend all!!

Savannah was exactly what my little bones needed….good ole southern charm & hospitality and slowing down the pace to a nice lazy stroll.

yummy food everywhere....my fav, Cha Bella & their sweet corn soup

another favorite ....the park squares sprinkled all around & within the town, perfect to catch up on some daydreaming {and history!}

till next time Savannah!

Flipping through the latest 2 issues of Jalouse Magazine I fell in love with 2 editorials. They are very different and I love them for very different reasons, but they were both shot by the same photographer: Mason Poole.

What I love about both of these latest 2 is his composition. They’re both so beautiful to look at (and much better in print than they are represented here, so get yourself some Jalouse!)

My first favorite is Viva La Mode from Jalouse March 11.

I love the whole Frida Kahlo inspiration and the way that Camille Pourcheresse pulls of the hair and make-up and the styling. And Sebastien Campos’ styling is… God, I don’t have the words, but suffice it to say that I’m impressed and inspired.

styling by Sébastien Campos, hair by Vincent De Moro, make-up by Michael Noiselet, featuring Camille Rowe Pourcheresse

My second favorite is Queen Hailey from Jalouse April 11.

This one is all about the composition. The use of the lines and shapes of the ship with the model and the clothing. It’s just breathtaking.

Sheer perfection.

styling by Marine Braunschvig, hair by Terry Millet, make-up by Nellie Kim, featuring Hailey Gates

I would love to have the Queen Hailey ones printed and framed for my boudoir/closet. Wouldn’t that be a nice inspiration when you’re getting dressed in the morning?

Check out the Mason Poole website to view more of his work. And try to get your hands on the last 2 issues of Jalouse to see Viva La Mode and Queen Hailey in print, and in their entirety.

Loving all of our new pieces from Rachel Comey, especially the Integer dress.

Actually, we’re loving all things white for Summer.

But anyway, we’re obviously not the only ones who love Rachel Comey and this dress. I just came across these shots by Maya of the lovely blog Turned Out that she did for Lurve Magazine.

See all the shots from the Lurve Magazine shoot here (with even more Rachel Comey pieces, yeah!) And see all of our new Rachel Comey arrivals here.

Credits from the above shoot: Photography by Maya Villiger, styling by Eugenie Dalland, model Allaire Heisig of FORD.

Runway image via style.com

I’ve been wanting to try my hand at a black & white story for quite some time now….styled black & white looks or shot in black & white I’m game for either!  I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity of these shoots, devoid of any excess yet heavy on the moodiness with form & texture taking center stage.

WOW...the turban of all turbans! Love the combo!

ooooh the classic Volvo 240!! An awesome blast from my past Now in car heaven after a mean fender bender But hey! Eternalized in blk & wht :)

image 1 - via AnOther Magazine autumn/winter 2010.  Photography by Ben Toms, Styled by Cathy Edwards

side x side image 2 & 3 - found thanks to The City Sage, JCrew fall2010

image 4 - via AnOther Magazine autumn/winter 2010.  Photography by Lina Scheynius, Styled by Camille Bidault Waddington

image 5 - Celine Fall11 via Vogue.com

image 6 - via AnOther Magazine autumn/winter 2010.  Photography by Chadwick Tyler, Styled by Katie Schillingford

image 7 & 8- via The Stylish Wanderer

image 9 - via AnOther Magazine autumn/winter 2010.  Photography by Glen Luchford, Styled by Tabitha Simmons

image 10 - found via escapade