Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Pretty Painted Pictures


More Etsy Art Love. I'm a sucker for anything with a cat on it, which is how I found these sellers, and these paintings from Amber Alexander and Wild Sun Art are really beautiful.

Wouldn't this little black cat in a box be cute on a t-shirt or canvas carry all?

This grey kitten is so Gracie-it even has an appetite for people food and uses it's paws like hands just like my little ball o'fuzz!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Jubilee Engagements : Heather & Andrew

About a month ago, Heather, Andrew and I set out for Longwood Gardens on what ended up being the hottest day of the Summer! With the heat and humidity almost unbearable, we trekked around the gorgeous grounds snapping away, and trying not to melt. Heather and Andrew were amazing sports, tolerating the heat and the silly things I asked them to do all for the sake of photography! We had a lot of fun that day despite the sweltering conditions, and both Heather and Andrew are such a sweet and loving couple, I'm so excited & honored to photograph their wedding in October!












Friday, September 11, 2009

Farmers Market : In the Land of Milk and Honey

Continuing my September Farmers Market theme is one that is soft and sweet, Milk and Honey. I grew up in a very rural part of Maryland, and we always got our Milk from the local Dairy. I remember the clang of the old glass bottles, and collecting the caps to flick. I love the idea of incorporating vintage Dairy Farm and Old Fashioned Honey into a down home event.















Images courtesy Snippet and Ink, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Ritzy Bee

Thursday, September 10, 2009

What to Wear to a Wedding

I spend a lot of time at weddings, for weddings and about weddings. At weddings, I'm usually there in a domestic capacity, so I wear black or grey, and go for comfort and ease of movement over anything. I'm attending a wedding as a guest this upcoming weekend and found myself knitting my brow and scratching my head as to what I would wear. I have a closet full of really great, versatile clothes, but nothing seemed right. And I know I'm not alone. Men have it easy. Suit and ties are easy-and they can wear black pretty much anytime and still look good, just buy a snazzy new tie or shirt and you're good to go. But we women are a little more difficult, and the event often dictates our style choice. Is it indoor or outdoor, garden or formal, rustic or black tie, what season, what's the weather, what time is it...all these questions can lead us through a maze of fashion, trying to figure out what works best. We all know that a little black dress is the perfect solution for everything, but it can be kinda boring. The key to a little black dress is in the accessories, so if you have an existing LBD, go shopping for some killer shoes, the perfect clutch and some stand out jewelry, just try not to look like a kid playing dress up. I've picked a few very different LBD for every style, shape and budget that need only a little accessorizing love to make them ready for the party!
1. Victorias Secret 2. Anthropologie 3. J.Crew 4-6. Bloomingdales

This time of year is especially difficult. September is one of those hard to dress months. I remember the old fashioned rule of "never wear white after Labor Day", and you feel like even though it's still 80 degrees, a cute floral dress is too Spring/Summer. Not necessarily. Pair up that cute dress with a cardigan, or find a floral that's a little more Autumnal. Find Hues that are deeper and richer, or ones that transcend like cool greys and lilacs, or anchor those lighter colors with Navy, Chocolate, Slate or Black. Strapless dresses in slightly heavier silks are great, and again can be paired with a cardigan or wrap. I'm a cardigan girl myself, wraps feel like I'm walking around in a blanket, and I'd rather have a cute little sweater to throw on when the night air gets a chill than an oversized men's jacket.
It's easier to dress for a formal affair, but still, there can be challenges. With the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall, you can't go wrong with Jewel Tones and a little, or a lot of shimmer. Just don't overdo it. You want to look classy and elegant, not like a Drag Queen at Mardi Gras, so pair your shimmery dress with some suede Heels and Simple Jewelry. A little goes a long way!
1,4 &8 Neiman Marcus 2&5 Victorias Secret 3&6 The Outnet 7 Tracey Reese

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Welcome Home, Neko La Rue

Welcome the newest member of the Hudson-Nichols family! Little Neko La Rue is a 2 and a half month old buff orange tabby kitten who is all love and cuddles. Gracie is adjusting to the newest addition, so she's getting extra love and kisses! Nic picked "Neko" which means "cat" in Japanese, and I chose "La Rue" because she sort of reminds us of a Kangaroo, and I love Johnny Depps character in Chocolat, so there you have it!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Farmers Market: Eat your Veggies

It's past Labor Day and it's well into September and everyone seems super excited for the Autumn Season. We've done the traditional Fall themes, but why not celebrate Harvest in a new and colorful way? September is usually still pretty warm, and it's this time of year that so many amazing flavors and colors are picked and put on the table. So why not have your September wedding be a Farmers Market theme and focus on the bounty of the harvest? Rich Red Tomatoes, Dark Leafy Greens, Earthy Purple Eggplant and Beets, Warm Yellow Peppers, Golden Sunflower and so much more...Here are some of my favorite inspirational images!

















Images courtesy of Martha Stewart, Ritzy Bee, Domino Mag, Country Living, Etsy, Terrain, Edyta Szyszlo