Now and Later: Part II

Posted by MegB on Mar 14, 2013 in Featured, Style | 4 comments

Last week, I blogged about the transition period between Winter and Spring – that weird space of time when you never know how to dress for the weather, when it’s freezing one day, and unseasonably warm the next. In Texas, we get a wide range of weather, especially during the months of March & April. Last week, I wore this 3/4 sleeve jersey dress with opaque tights and a scarf – this week, it’s layered with chambray, and paired with a punchy pair of espadrille wedges (from Target!).

What I’m wearing:

T-shirt Dress: Old Navy (purchased on clearance – similar @ Old Navy here or @ Gap here)
Chambray shirt: J.Crew Factory
Espadrilles: Merona, Target
Purse: Old Navy
Chunky crystal bracelet: J.Crew Factory (finally back in stock!); F21 spike bracelet (old, identical version at ASOS), F21 arrow bangle (old, LOVE this gold version from JEWELIQ)
Earrings: (faux) Chanel – I bought these in college at a local boutique, and recently rediscovered them in my old jewelry case! Don’t mind if I do

Hello cute Target wedges! I’ve been looking for something in this coral-y red color for awhile now – couldn’t pass up this deal!

I’m loving this faux-Longchamp looking satchel from Old Navy – it’s become my go-to bag for everyday use.

And then there was the series of me trying to walk on this log in those heels – quite hysterical, I assure you!

This was the final outcome of all that laughing/tripping/near-ankle-twisting experience:

There was also a birdhouse that matched my chambray – obligatory photo-op!

Even the insides of these shoes are happy! Polka dots!!

Next up on the dual-wear roster: taking a tweed skirt from fancy to casual. See y’all next week!

Again, all photos by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Now and Later: Getting Dressed Between Winter & Spring

Posted by MegB on Mar 7, 2013 in Featured, Style | 2 comments

So there’s this game I play with my closet in the Winter – you know, those late February – early March days when you’ve just about got yourself convinced that it’s time for bikinis and sundress and flip-flops. I call it “What I’m Wearing v. What I Want to Wear.” This post, and several following will be centered around that very idea – how to make an item work for several different scenarios – weather, dress code, etc. It’s almost that time, and I just can’t bear to think about buying any more cold weather items – no more sweaters, no more boots, no more heavy coats! So, this is what I’m wearing now – still needing tights for the blustery wind of early March, and hoping for more of the eighty degree days like we had in north Texas on Monday. I’ll show you how I’ll be wearing this super comfortable t-shirt dress in early Spring next week – so stay tuned!

What I’m wearing:

T-shirt Dress: Old Navy (purchased on clearance – similar @ Old Navy here or @ Gap here)
Scarf: Forever 21 (super old – cute floral version here)
Suede wedges: Nine West via Ross (similar)
Purse: Coach (old, Michael Kors version with bold hardware here)
Bracelets, top to bottom: J.Crew, Stella & Dot – Renegade Cluster, vintage bamboo cuff, Stella & Dot Eden Bangle
Tights & Sunnies: ?? cheapies

This also marks the second series of a photo collaboration with my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. He’s. The. Best. We spent the majority of a Saturday afternoon working on photos for this blog, so I hope you’ll enjoy all his fabulous work over the next few weeks!

If you’d like to get ahold of him for a session of your own, you can find  his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto

Styling for McG – the Versatile Bed

Posted by MegB on Feb 25, 2013 in Featured, Styled Shoot | 1 comment

When Chelsea approached me a few weeks ago about styling a bed set for their upcoming family marathon sessions, she had a few requests: a vintage headboard – possibly incorporating an antique door, and bedding that would be versatile enough to use with her boudoir clients. It needed to be soft looking – neutral and light, without blending together too much. She also requested a new headboard, something that would be sturdy enough to stand alone, as the bed would be mostly placed in the middle of an open field.

The Linens

I feel like I hit the jackpot with this comforter – it’s a soft ivory duvet from Urban Outfitters, and I think it was really the seminal piece in this design. The ruffled edges add just enough femininity for boudoir, without being overtly “girly” in family sessions. I had purchased the Cynthia Rowley euro shams a few months ago at Homegoods for my own bedroom, but the color was just a little more ivory than I’d been wanting. I kept them, knowing they’d be good for something, and boy am I glad I did. I love the patterned stitching and the way it contributes another layer of texture to the bedding. The sheets were a $12 Target clearance find – they’re herringbone=printed flannel, and I think they’ll hold up nicely as this set will be used again and again. And finally, the dust ruffle. Oh, the dust ruffle – what a pain. I’d originally purchased a tailored ivory bedskirt, plain and simple, to cover up the metal bed frame. When we set it all up on the day of the test-shoot, it just looked… bad. Terrible actually. It tugged in all the wrong places, the corner flaps were too wide to cover the corners, and the fabric was just sheer enough to reveal the underparts of the frame. Chelsea and I stood back and looked at it, and just laughed – so, so bad. We quickly yanked it from the mattresses, and I made a last-minute run to grab a new one. I’m actually quote pleased with the quickie substitute I found at the Target around the corner from the McG studio – it was a little pricey, but the fabric is super thick, and I think the muted pattern adds a little more substance to the base of the bed.

The Headboard

When Chelsea mentioned using a vintage door as the basis for the headboard design, I was confident I knew just where to source such a piece. Old Home Supply in Fort Worth was bound to have something we could use, but I couldn’t help feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of making a headboard, even with a substantial base to start from. I did some digging around on Pinterest, and found THIS photo:

A few clicks later, and I found a link to the designer, Vintage Headboards – and as it happens, they’re located in Frisco, TX! I emailed Robert, and he had the perfect headboard in his inventory. I’m super happy with the way it turned out, and even more glad I didn’t have to tackle that monster of  a project by myself

So, I guess you probably want to see pictures right? Here is the set for the “Family Bed” – I’ll have boudoir photos to show off in a few weeks!

Isn’t it lovely

A few more – with people in them… this family is the sweetest together.

Sweet, right? If you’re interested in being a part of session like this, you’re in luck – the McGowans are offering two days of mini sessions featuring this bed set on April 6th & 7th, and I hear there are a few spots left! Email chelsea@mcgowanimages.com to sign up!

Next up, the thought process on the McGowan’s new studio space, on this same property. It’s my first interiors project, and I’m super smitten with the space

A very personal post (and an announcement!)

Posted by MegB on Feb 7, 2013 in Featured, My Life | 9 comments

For the last few months, I’ve felt this quiet voice in the back of my mind… “you were meant for something more,” it whispered. I went about my days – alarm between 5:30 and 6:00am, on the road at 7:15, clock in by 8:00. One hour (mandatory!) for lunch. Sleepy in the afternoon. Bored by 3:00pm. “Is this what you want forever?” I heard it, and I pushed it away. Of course this is what I want! Didn’t I work so hard to get  here? - that was my retort for so long. Stable job, regular paycheck, reasonable benefits. Health insurance. So much to be grateful for. Clock out at 4:30, head home. An hour in traffic. Yes, 21.7 miles takes an hour. Home at 5:30. Exhausted. Couch, couch, couch. Attempt dinner. Dozing off by 8:00 – trudge to the bedroom at 9:30. Start all over again. Always waiting for the weekend, always counting down to vacation. Yearning for the next creative project, hoping for change. One day, I’ll get to do something I really love. We tell ourselves these comforting lies, that the future holds majestic and awesome rewards for all our hard work in the gutter of our twenties. That if we keep our heads down, and keep to the grind, we will one day exchange the mundane for the extraordinary. Maybe this happens, for some. But maybe, in this process of tending the grindstone, we lose a bit of our spirit, our spark. Maybe we make it out alive, but maybe just barely. These are the thoughts that have consumed me for the last few months. When? 

This was my mistake: I’ve felt that I would be happy when I could quit my day job, and be my own boss. When I could freelance my creative little heart out. When I was designing weddings and photoshoots, styling personal wardrobes, making pretty things. I would be happy when. In my mind, it was all or nothing. Leave “real” job, become an artist. I never really stopped to consider the alternative.

About a month ago, an opportunity presented itself. Unexpected, out-of-nowhere, to do something very different than what I’m doing now (in case you were wondering, I’m a marketing coordinator at a mid-sized law firm in Downtown Dallas – in a very structured, rigid work environment). I jumped. It was a thrilling possibility – I finally opened up my heart to the idea that maybe things could be different.

Maybe I could have both – a stable job in a creative, fun environment and my wedding business, with a side of personal blog. Suddenly, it was all I could think about. Both… what a novel idea.

After several weeks of interviews and emails, I was offered the job. Eric and I took several days to think about it – several days to examine the possibilities, weight the pros and cons, and pray over the possibility that this could be the both I didn’t even know I was dreaming of.

So, the announcement: in a week and a half, I start a new job – with a local, small business that I’ve actively followed online for the last few years. I am utterly terrified of this change, and yet, completely grateful for it.

This song has been constantly on my mind lately (I prefer the Smash cast/Megan Hilty version):

Here’s to you free souls, you firefly chasers
Tree climbers, porch swingers, air guitar players
Here’s to you fearless dancers, shaking walls in your bedrooms

There’s a lot of wonder left inside of me and you
Thank God even crazy dreams come true

 And I am – crazy thankful that this dream is coming true. Thankful for the chance for a change, coming at the perfect opportunity. Because if not now, when?  I’m also hoping for some crazy beautiful personal changes in the months to come – a new blog design, more time to create style & design posts, more time for WEDDING DESIGN (!) and exploring a new industry with this job.

I also want to say – thank you to those of your who have stuck around with me throughout this blogging adventure. I love it so much, and I can’t wait to give it more attention. I also started a Facebook page for my personal projects, which you find here.

(All images sources can be found on my Pinterest board)

Sunny Place, Open Space

Posted by MegB on Jan 16, 2013 in Featured, Style | 4 comments

There’s just nothing quite like the open space of the top story of parking garage, don’t you think? So much elevated concrete – ideal for mid-summer fireworks watching, spring star gazing, and in the off season? Outfit photo adventures. This set represents the last outfit we shot just before Christmas, and lemme tell you – I’ve been holding on to it for a little longer than necessary.

This outfit is special to me – it’s one of the few ensembles in my closet that I’ve willfully repeated, and every time I wear it, it makes me feel smart, put-together, and classically vintage. I purchased the skirt in one of my pre-fall thrifting escapades, and it remains one of my favorite finds. Though it must be at least 20+ years old, the pencil shape, wool material, and color scheme is so on-trend for this season, and I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of it for years to come. And this cardigan? I bought it to wear at my wedding, and I’ve loved finding ways to repurpose and restyle it since. It’s a cropped length, and this pencil skirt is a little on the high-waisted side, so they seem to work in perfect tandem with each other. This post is a little photo-heavy, but you know what? It’s my prerogative

Outfit details: 

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters (old, similar version from Anthropologie here, plain version under $50 here, stunning red option here, embellished lavender option here)
Pencil skirt: vintage Liz Claiborne Classics (inexpensive version here, pricey version (on sale!) here)
Purse: Kate Spade (purchased on sale at the outlet!)
Suede pumps: Sole Society (old, similar shape/material here - several of my favorite bloggers have partnered with Sole Society – use codes “WHATIWORE20″ “KE20″ “DLOVEF20″ or “THEDAYBOOK20″ to get $20 off your first purchase through the end of January!)
Jewels: right arm bracelet, Forever21 (same); left arm watch, Fossil (old, similar here); gold bamboo cuff, vintage – from my grandmother’s closet (super cute version on Etsy, while it lasts!)
Hosiery: J.Crew Factory (sold out, STILL looking for another pair!)

Hello perfect parking garage light!

And parking garage smiles!

Details:

Those tights – still eluding me!

And, just for fun… further proof that I just can’t take myself seriously, when it comes to photographing outfits:

Mike – when are doing this again?! (All photos were taken by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography at Southlake Town Square. You can check out his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto).

Non-resolutions (and an outfit post!)

Posted by MegB on Jan 2, 2013 in Featured, My Life, Style, Uncategorized | 3 comments

I’ve been thinking a lot of over the last few days about making New Year’s Resolutions, in the traditional sense. I recently came across my list from 2008, shared in a Facebook note (how millennial of me!). I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say, how much things have changed (thankful for that!). Just as I was about to start my own 2013 list, I read an interesting thought from Grace Atwood of Stripes & Sequins, about how she would not be making resolutions this year –  her goal is simply “to do less, live more, and sparkle a bit more, too.  Quality over quantity.” I love that.  At this point in my life, it just makes so much sense. The one thing Eric has already requested for the new year is that we do less – that we clear the calendar more, be less busy. That is hard for me. I thrive on being busy, being pushed, calendaring a full schedule. I’ll be the first to admit that I have idle hands. That simple challenge may prove to be more difficult than an entire list of specific resolutions.

Grace – I’m with you this year! Live more, while doing less = 2013 mantra. I can’t think of a better way to start this year, than with one of my favorite outfits. Sparkly vintage skirt, silk polka dots, and some serious arm candy – this is pretty much my 9:00 to 5:00 uniform these days!

What I’m wearing: pencil skirt, vintage (similar on sale here); Linda Allard/Ellen Tracey silk polkadot french cuff  blouse, thrifted, similar here); purse, Coach; shoes, Target (old, similar here); hosiery, J.Crew Factory; venus flytrap necklace, J.Crew; right hand jewels: gifted, vintage; left hand jewels, top to bottom: vintage rhinestone stretch bracelet (similar version often available on etsy), Forever21 arrow cuff & spike bracelet (similar version here from ASOS), J.Crew Factory large rhinestone bracelet (sold out, but I’ve seen it on eBay a lot lately!); nails, OPI GelColor in “Skyfall”

Side note: the rhinestone bracelet on the right (my left hand) is possibly the first piece of vintage jewelry I ever owned. My Uncle Allen bought it for me when I was really, really little, and I’ve always kept it. It’s one of my most treasured pieces, and even though it gets caught on everything, I love it so much. I regularly see similar versions on Etsy!

I would KILL to own a few more pairs of these nude swiss dot tights – J.Crew is now sold out. If you see anything similar, lemme know!

Mike – thanks for making me feel like a ROCKSTAR. Seriously (All photos were taken by my friend Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography at Southlake Town Square. You can check out his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto).

And one more for the new year, shall we? Whether you’ve made a long list of resolutions, or just a simple statement of hope, I wish you all the best in 2013. Happy New Year!

Holiday Style, Part 2

Posted by MegB on Dec 18, 2012 in Featured, Style | 0 comments

As I mentioned last week, I picked out two different outfits for the holiday party season this year. The first one I shared was my ultimate choice for my office Christmas party last week – it was fun and sparkly without being overly formal (and, my boss’ wife complimenting me on how great it looked, so win/win!). Today, I’m sharing my second outfit, which I might’ve worn to a slightly more formal party – it’s a bit more “dressed up” than the plaid/sequin combo, and there are some red soles involved

I also wanted to mention a bit of repurposing I did with this outfit. I bought this dress (or rather, before we had access to H&M in the DFW area, my friend Rebekah purchased for me) to wear to our wedding rehearsal. I liked that it was white-colored without being overly bridal – and I loved the gold streaks throughout the material. It almost has a brocade feel to it, as the material is a little heavier than average. Anyway, it’s sat in the back of my closet for two years with the rest of my “dresses I bought when I was a bride, so now I feel like I can’t wear them again.” And you know what – I think that sucks. Why not wear this dress again? It’s perfect for a party, and with a few dark accessories (sheer tights, a special cape, and a vintage black clutch), I think it’s perfectly fine for the holiday season. Last year, I just had to have a new dress for the office Christmas party. And looking back, I probably had half a dozen semi-fomal dresses I could’ve worn, already paid-for and in my closet. So for all you girls with a few token white dressed in their closet – find a way to wear them again! Whether fancied up for the holiday season, or dressed down for a picnic this summer, I promise you – it’s okay to wear your bridal shower/rehearsal dinner/honeymoon white dress again!

So, without further ado, here’s my second choice:

What I’m wearing: dress, H&M (old, but very similar here); black cape, Prabal Gurung for Target/Neiman Marcus; sunglasses, Old Navy; clutch, vintage (a gift from my Mamaw); shoes, Christian Louboutin; bracelets, Forever21 bow (old, but LOVING this option from Kate Spade), and J.Crew (via eBay, identical here); earrings, Forever 21 (love this cute vintage pair on Etsy!)

I’ve had these earrings forever. And while I don’t usually wear earrings (super sensitive ears, everything irritates them!), I always get so many compliments on these sparkly little pineapples!

I made a beeline for Target the day they released their Target + Neiman Marcus Collection. I initially purchased this cape, and the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt. Incidentally, we did this shoot the same day, so I decided to wear the cape in a few photos. I instantly had buyer’s remorse – though this cape is pretty (prettier from far away I might add), I didn’t think the quality or workmanship of it necessarily warranted an $80 price tag. I returned it the following week, and decided to keep the $30 sweatshirt. I’m just not fancy enough for Neiman Marcus, even if it is sold at Target

Siiiigh. I loooooooove these shoes. I would wear them every single day if they didn’t absolutely KILL my feet.

Again, these photos were taken by Mike, of Michael Hansen Photography. You can check out his blog here, and his Facebook page here. You can also follow him on Instagram @jmhansen OR on twitter @jmhansenphoto.