Ode to Pleats

Here's something: I live for pleats. I think it's because somehow they are simultaneously tailored and playful. Even when the fabric is a solid color, they are reminiscent of a pattern. Pleats are completely timeless. (Except of course on the front of men's pants... and many women's pants) I'm talking waist to hem pleats. On my list of ten things every girl needs for her wardrobe, a great pleated skirt falls between 3 and 7. (I can't decide for sure right now, that would take some time... next post maybe????) This skirt I'm particularly fond of because of the cute retro pattern. It also goes great with pink hues. 

Me and Jonathan stepped out to meet some friends for drinks on a patio, and this was the ensemble. 

Cat Eyes: Nordstrom, Skirt and shirt: Thrifted, Necklace: Stolen from Mama, Cameo Ring: Lula B's, Shoes: Seychelles, Cardigan: Thrifted/The Limited (old skeeewwwl)!!! Bralette: UO

Sunny Side

This time of year provides this kind of light. Spilling into our windows. The fur children love to lounge in it. And I love to shoot in it. This is a better portrait of our new edition, UB40. In other news, I revamped my website. It's much more clean. As my friend Chris put it, websites need to be like hotel rooms: clean, minimal and everything easily accessible. Hopefully I pulled it off. Check it out!

May your weekend be full of patios and sunshine. 

xo

a

Dramatics

Have I mentioned that I love shooting actors? Well, I do. I spent last Saturday morning at The Aldridge House on Swiss Avenue (the Hamptons of Dallas) playing Vanity Fair photo shoot with the fabulous actress, Jenny Ledel (her husband, Alex Organ hopped in for a few as well). See, the reason this lady is fabulous is 'cause she does it right. And when I say right, I mean she embraces her dramatic side, and really isn't ashamed about it one bit. I showed up and homegirl had her own hair and makeup artist (Samantha Rodriguez), and a slew of dresses borrowed from The Dallas Shakespeare wardrobe. Several were made specifically for her when she played rolls like Juliette. 

Really... could a photographer ask for more?! Beautiful light, great talent, newly-wed-lovebirds etc... Our efforts paid off. Whachu think?

Very special thanks to Anastasia Munoz, who bummed me cigarettes, took hipstamatics, fluffed dresses and kept up morale!

xo!

Brenna and the Proper Husbands

A few weeks ago my songbird gal-pal Brenna asked me to help her with her band's promotional photography. I jumped at the request since all three of these people are dear to me, insanely talented and such a pleasure to be around. If you haven't checked put Brenna Manzare and the Proper Husbands, do so this instant. Featuring Adrian from Oso Closo and Jed from Rondo and the Rocket Summer the band packs hefty local punch. The first time I saw them, it was their 2nd show. There was no baby giraffe wobbly walkin' on the stage at all. She grabs her balls microphone and goes for it. Super soulful. Love them.

Casey Smith kindly offered us The Wherehouse as location, and Amber Elkins helped us with styling. We spent the morning vogueing to 90's hits. (Luckily the company I kept shared my deep affinity for such important groups as UB40, Boys II Men and so forth). Also we found out Adrian can hit the high note in "Man in the Mirror". We promptly filled our bellies with Mexican food and margaritas afterward. 

Here are 3 different vibes. I dig on the triptych. 

Which ones do you like? 

Wild Heart

Sometimes someone is just put into this world to do a very particular thing. When I watch this video of Stevie caught singing backstage....it makes me think she's one of those people. Goosebumps. 

xo.

Raise High the Roof Beam

It's roof chillin' weather. FINALLY. (Just kidding, this winter has been frighteningly short, still.....I'm not complaining). This mild weather reminds me of St. Augustine FL. Every morning when I emerge from my building I'm so nostalgic I spend the entire time in the Starbucks drive through day dreaming of our next trip there, and who we can take with us. It's about time for a camping trip as well!

 I did FINALLY get a chance to go shopping (finally is appropriate there.....I did not go shopping once through most of Autumn and all of winter). Jonathan and I ever so often purge our closet and go to Buffalo Exchange to sell and reap the benefits. And chat up the cute girls and boys at the buying counter about life, culture, tacos, and how it was BULLSHIT Gary Oldman didn't win the Oscar.

Yesterday's benefits: Threads from Urban Outfitters. 

I got a nifty light weight high-low sweater on sale along with some denim and a few other needs. 

Skirt: F21, Sweater: UO, Shoes and Necklace: Nordstrom, Prada Knockoffs Glasses: Dolly Python

The glass pictured is my favorite. We found it at a thrift store and it says: "Wren"and has an illustration of a Wren on it! And yes, that's wine... and yes, it was 4:00pm. I really didn't come to the roof to give a care, so there. That's our view of the sky line. I don't mind it one bit. 

Happy 1st of the month! It's gonna be exciting. Spring! SXSW! Camping! 

SPRRRRIIIIINNNNG BREEEEEAAAAAK!

xo

a