I have always been fascinated by photography. I have spent countless hours studying photographs of people, while considering the angles, the lighting, and the editing the photographer used. I love the fact that photography has the amazing ability to transport us to a different time, or place with one single shot.
It was not until I started blogging that I decided to take photography more seriously. With camera in hand, I started experimenting with photographs of my apartment, of friends, and family. It was after experimenting in this way that I realized my passion for photography. I have no formal training or background in this field, but I realize that passion can open your eyes to the impossible, so not only did I invest in the proper equipment I also spent the necessary time to learn everything I could to enhance the skill it takes to be proficient with this passion.
I enjoy, and appreciate the opportunity to photograph bloggers, couples, influencers who make an impact in their profession, families, and also lifestyle type setting. I take an individual approach to each person I photograph. I make every effort to embrace and highlight the focus of what they are trying to convey to their audience with each session.
I look forward to working together and capturing the potential magnificence of your moments through my eyes and the lens of my camera.
I have a love affair for the simple. And right now, no one is doing that better than Madewell. I actually had a cart full of items (among the items included were this blazer, this jacket, this romper, these shorts, and this top) and was ready to check out when I received an e-mail from the NorthPark Madewell asking if I would like to host an event. Wait, could they see my insane amount of items waiting in my cart or was this just fate? Come to find out they didn’t have a tracking system which called out embarrassingly large purchases – it was fate.
I have actually been a longtime fan of Madewell. I love how simple and reliable their pieces are. I know at any given point I can walk into a Madewell and find exactly what I have been looking for. Their pieces feel great and are always the ones I wear over-and-over again. For these reasons I am MOST excited to be hosting an event with them this Friday the 17th at Northpark from 6-8pm. They are also offering the first 15 shoppers a very special gift honoring my upcoming trip to Paris (you will love it)! And, if you spend $125 you receive 20% off your order!
I hope you all will join me for what will be a very fun night of champagne, sweets, music, and yummy food! E-mail me with any questions – mary@sothentheysay! See you Friday!
I had literally wanted a family crest pinky ring for yearssssss. Every time I was in London I would see at least one Brit wearing it. I love sentimental pieces that you can pass down to future generations. Pieces that are special to you and stand the test of time. I also must admit – another reason I loved them so much was that I didn’t see them in the states. I love having pieces that are different and not overly saturated. I had looked into buying one while in London a few times but every time I did I was blown away at the price tag. I mean, George at the jewelry shop was not playing around with his crest rings. Since I didn’t have the funds to splash out a few grand on a pinky ring, I held on to the idea and waited for the right time until I could finally have this gem on my pinky.
Last October a group of us bloggers headed to Charleston. While there I stopped in the very famous jewelry store (and one of the oldest shops in Charleston), Croghan’s. From the minute you step foot through their doors you can feel the history – over 100 years of it. The shop is small and quaint – exactly how you would expect it and everyone is so friendly. I fell in love and knew I wanted a piece from the store. Because I was in budget mode I walked to the second room where they carry a few high street brands. Since I had always wanted a family crest pinky ring I decided on purchasing this Elizabeth and James Signet ring which they said they would engrave for me. I was one happy customer as it was the perfect ring to satisfy my needs until I could have my crest ring. The ring turned out beautiful and looked MUCH more expensive than the final $120 total (you can see that ring here).
I was happy as a clam with my beautiful signet ring. It was the perfect souvenir from my trip to Charleston and I proudly showed it off at a party the night I received it. I was so pleased with the way it turned out that I almost didn’t notice when Molly, part of the Charleston CVB, came to an event wearing a family crest pinky ring. I stopped her mid-sentence and asked if that was what I thought it was? She was confused. I was flabbergasted. I told her how badly I had wanted a crest pinky ring and how British that was of her. She explained that it was actually very southern and that a local jewelry shop made them – Croghan’s. She asked if I knew of them? Wait a minute. Yes, I do! I was just there. I didn’t even realize they made them. I immediately filed a mental note to go back the following day. Who needed George now?
The next day I was at their door again asking if I could try on the rings. Out of their wide variety of different shapes and weight I fell in love with the light-weight, solid gold, oval. It was perfect. But before getting my hopes up (like I did with George) I asked the dreaded question – How much? I was so completely pleased with their pricing (very fair for solid gold) that I knew I had found my place. I went home and spoke to the hubs about getting one for my birthday. I explained how badly I wanted it to come from THIS store because it would also be like having a piece of history. He agreed it was a really cool idea and the next thing I knew I was e-mailing Kathleen (one of the family owners) that it was a go.
Since it has arrived I have yet to take it off (which is why you see it in every post). Croghan’s could not have done a better job as it is absolutely stunning. It far exceeded any expectations I had. It is now one of my most treasured pieces. I love that it has a British feel but made in the south. I mean, could that be more perfect? And I love that it comes from a place with such history of its own. I only hope I can continue to buy from them well into the future.
If you are looking for the ultimate gift or unique piece of jewelry contact Croghan’s. They did an absolutely amazing, beautiful, fantastic, fabulous job and even sent the molds for future crest jewels. I am thinking crest cuff links for the husband next? We shall see…
When I am visiting a city I have learned to be as comfortable as possible. I used to make the big (HUGE) mistake of placing importance on looking cute over being comfortable. Much to the dismay of my husband who had to listen to the constant complaining about how badly my feet hurt or how much I wanted to change. After his consistent advice to “just dress comfortable” I decided to take the plunge. I always had this notion that being comfortable meant you had to wear your sneakers with your jeans and have a fanny pack, which I was never going to do. I am not sure why it never crossed my mind all of the options available in the “cute but comfortable” category.
I still remember the exact trip I threw in the white flag. I couldn’t handle one more blister nor aching feet. It was in Geneva and what would have been a long but enjoyable walk to the lake turned into disaster 101. Needless to say I made B take numerous breaks and towards the end was battling back tears from the pain. I remember thinking to myself – “This is totally not worth it. I have now ruined everyone’s time and for what?” From that point on (I believe that was almost 3 years ago) I have placed being comfortable and enjoyable over any outfit.
Because I plan to do a ton of walking in Paris (I strategically booked an apartment with a 20 min walk each morning) I have been taking my time to think of outfits that will fit my needs. Instead of buying those really cute sandals with the complicated straps, I have opted for converse (25% off with code SPRING25) and slip-on’s (this Vince pair is now 25% with code SPRING25). But because it is Paris and I don’t want to look completely out of place I have been trying to think of ways to style all of these “comfortable” shoes. My solution – blazers.
I have been head-over-heels, obsessed with blazers lately. I know it will probably be a touch too warm to wear them during the day but nothing screams Parisian or chic like a perfectly tailored blazer. hence the importance on “perfectly tailored.” I have been stalking the Internet for the quintessential white and black option (great selection here plus they are all 25% off) because I think those two colors are a MUST for any closet. You can wear them with white, black, blue, jeans, shorts, skirts. The possibilities are endless. And what I love most about them – they are always the perfect finishing touch to pull-together your look and add an extra level of sleek. If you need to start somewhere for your spring wardrobe I recommend investing in a great, plain white t-shirt and a blazer! The two paired together are unstoppable.
