Summer Uniform

Trying to stay cute when it's 90 degrees or over can be difficult. I think that this t-shirt and shorts combo will be my summer uniform because I just bought these shorts in almost every color Gap carries. I got white, dark, light, army, etc. but they also had some printed versions if you're into that. I've been loving Gap's denim this season. I also got a pair of "straight" jeans that were basically cute boyfriend jeans. Boyfriend jeans are usually too big for my waist, so I was happily surprised to find a substitute. I like to stock up on complimentary basic items so I don't have to plan too much in the summer heat when getting dressed seems like work. This t-shirt is from F21 and I paired it with a vintage coach bag I got on Etsy. F21 has really cute basic t-shirts right now for about $5!  These sandals are Target from last summer. 

Instagram Diary

Been busy lately! Wanted to give an update though. It's finally been a bit warmer lately so I've been taking advantage by wearing dresses and being outside as much as possible. I've noticed some really great flowers blooming in our neighborhood and I've always loved flowers. Been working on getting our Save the Dates out soon. I did some more DIY stuff with a heat embosser from Paper Source. I'm working with a local calligrapher from the Pink Pen and my sample envelope looks super cute! I also did a commercial shoot for Hampton Inn recently which was really fun. They put so much makeup on me but it was hard to capture with my phone. I've included some outfits- Free People, Topshop, Michael Kors, Anthropologie...

Inspiration

I met Ryan when we were both getting a degree in photography. Since I've known her, her style has definitely evolved. The same could be said for any girl probably, but since focusing on self portrait work she has really pushed the boundaries when it comes to her identity. I've always had a weakness for wigs (some people fine artificial hair to be scary, I find it to be amazing) and when we visited a local wig shop in Austin together I think that was the beginning of the metamorphosis. The more she started using herself as a subject in her work, the more she changed. Here are some examples of experiments she has done (www.notyouraveragegrandma.tumblr.com). 

Most women like to change their style of clothing, and also have fun with different hair styles. I have never known someone so bold, however, when it comes to drastic changes. I remember making my own changes over the years- hair dye, side bangs, and every time I even wax my eyebrows I feel like I look drastically different. Because of this,  I am always excited and impressed when I get to photograph Ryan, because she has no fear. Right now she's channeling this picture of her mother. 

Colors

 

 

 

You might be noticing a theme here. I like Anthropologie and vintage sales. Yesterday we woke up early to go to an estate sale in south Austin at an AMAZING house. The owners are going to renovate the inside soon and needed to sell off some things first. They've been living in it as is without central heat or air. She is an artist with a studio in the back, and the house itself is probably around 3,000 square feet of bright color. We ended up being the first people there and staying for about 3 hours (!) to collect furniture, clothes, and trinkets. Realization... we need to get our hands on a truck!

Liebster Award

I was recently nominated for a Liebster Award by http://ghomelover.com. She has really cute dresses and likes to cook! I am copying and quoting the rules from her website:

The Liebster Award is very unique in the fact that it brings recognition to the smaller blogs of the 'verse. With that in mind, all of the nominated blogs will have under 200 followers. 

The rules:

1. Thank the Liebster Blog presenter who nominated you and link back to their blog.

2. Post 11 facts abotu yourself, answer the 11 questions you were asked and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Nominate 11 blogs who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. 

4.  Display the Liebster Award logo.

5. No tag back thingys.

11 facts about me:

11 facts about me:

I have two dogs.

Coffee makes me sleepy.

I am allergic to trees but I love them.

One time I gave our neighbor a dog treat and told her it was a cookie (not recently...)

I like to sit in a hot car on a hot day.

I love to go to the pet store and watch the guinea pigs.

I think freckles are interesting.

I am the youngest of two children.

I like to dance.

If I was an animal I would be a cat.

I'm left handed.

11 Answers:

1.) What is your favorite childhood memory?

I remember one Christmas my brother and I got rollerblades and we got all bundled up to go skate on the sidewalk outside. Whenever I smell a fireplace going I have that memory!

2.) Where is the most amazing place you have traveled to?

I have not traveled to many exotic places but I love Primrose Hill in London. The most unique place I have seen so far is Bergen, Norway. 

3.) What is your least favorite household chore?

I like to clean, but I would say that scrubbing the bathroom has to be sort of a low point! :)

4.) What is your favorite meal?

I love food! For breakfast, I love toast. For lunch I love sandwiches and burgers. For dinner I love pizza and salads. It sounds like I have the diet of a 5 year old. I like fancy food too...

5.) Why did you start a blog?

I wanted to challenge myself to be productive creatively. My blog is also a good place for me to continue working on my photography.

6.) What is your favorite movie?

I love Harold and Maude, when Harry Met Sally, and You've Got Mail. I seem to have a hard time choosing just one answer!

7.) Do you speak another language?

I am in no way fluent, but I would say French is the closest I get to speaking another language.

8.) What is the best deal you have gotten?

I'd consider anything at Nordstrom Rack or from Anthropologie sale room to be a lucky deal, but I also like to shop at thrift shops.

9.) What advice would you have given your younger self?

Wash your hair more!

10.) Would you travel to outer space, given the opportunity?

I always say no to this question for some reason!

11.) Do you like camping?

Right now I think I do like camping, but I remember last time I went camping I said "I'm never going camping again" because most of the time something has gone wrong- the rain flap malfunctioned when it rained, the sleeping bag zipper broke, or we couldn't get the fire going and were hungry!

11 Questions:

1. If you could make one thing happen in your life what would it be?

2. What is your middle name?

3. Who taught you how to drive?

4. Where do you want to go on your next vacation?

5. How many pets do you have?

6. What is your favorite flower?

7. What did you want to be when you grew up?

8. What is your favorite song?

9. Who do you trust the most?

10. Do you have a favorite scent?

11. What is your funniest memory?

11 blogs I am nominating:

http://seemomogo.blogspot.com

http://lovelyapidae.blogspot.com

http://thecaffeinatedcloset.blogspot.com

http://goodlifegoodday.blogspot.com

http://aviewto.blogspot.com

http://dryandgood.blogspot.com

http://sasspockets.blogspot.com

http://whatjesslikes.blogspot.com

http://www.zzouzivintage.com

http://retroglamgirl.blogspot.com

http://agnus8.blogspot.com

Fun DIY Wedding Boxes

If you're like me an you enjoy making stuff, a wedding can actually be a really fun avenue for DIY and crafting! So far I have found really cute websites for calligraphy, invitations, and even some free printable items. I decided to make these boxes based on inspiration from Wedding Chicks. I ordered their customizable handkerchiefs for my bridesmaids, then went to Paper Source in search of boxes and muslin bags. I also went by the hardware store to get some paint samples to show the girls what colors will be featured in the wedding to give them an idea of what their dresses could look like. I used my typewriter to write out a list of todos and to tell them who is included in the bridal party. I have been dreaming of invitations from Palm Papers, but I haven't decided whether or not to just go with the free printable ones from Wedding Chicks. I found an old picture of the girls from my 18th birthday party and made prints to put inside the boxes. Use magnet poetry to find words meaningful to each member of your bridal party!

I also used the free save the date template from Wedding Chicks to make my save the date calendar, then bought some heart sheer stickers from Joann's to put over the date of our wedding. When we took a tour of our wedding venue, I set up my camera to take a photograph of us to use for our save the date announcements. Then I photoshopped it onto the template and ordered 4x8 from Staples. Fedex and Staples use the same ordering system, and both are very convenient to upload to. You can get No. 10 envelopes from Paper Source in any color you like, and then get a local calligrapher to address them. Then you'll need stamps that can be used for unusual sized envelopes.