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 always loved the color red. It is so bold and powerful. I am a fan wether it is on my lips, nails, or feet. When I was little my aunt and I would send each other random pictures of red lips because we both loved them so much. I was always too young to try the bold color myself but I have now grown-up and live in the shade! I still think of my aunt every time I put my red lips on! I remember I used to get so frustrated after every time she kissed me because I would get these red lips imprinted on my cheek. She would get the biggest kick out of it while I would walk to the bathroom to try and scrub it off. And red lipstick is h.a.r.d. to get off! Now that I wear the shade, my sweet husband gets to walk to the bathroom to try and scrub it off while I get the kick. Apple really doesn’t fall that far, does it?
This spring I have been drawn to mostly light, blush colors but then I saw these. BAM! I have been wanting a red shoe for a while now and these were perfect. Edgy and cool but still very appropriate for multiple occasions. You would be surprised all the ways you can wear a red shoe – with jeans, floral dress, white pants, blue outfit, all red, and so many more. They always add the extra color pop that an outfit needs to stand out. I wore them pretty simple here to let them shine in all of their glory but I have a few other ways I am excited to pair them! Really though, your closet needs a red shoe this season!
I was never a huge reader growing up. Actually, I wasn’t a reader at all. You can read more about that in one of my old post, Book Worm. For some reason my sister got all the ability of reading – she was fast and she loved it. I however had to read each page slowly and sometimes multiple times. I was so scared of missing a detail that it took me ages to finish one book. I still remember the first real chapter book I ever finished: Frindle. My brother is a bit older than me so when he was in drivers ed to get his license my dad would take me to the public library and we would read. I remember thinking it was such a cool place but I could never find a book I actually wanted to finish. Until I came upon Frindle. I always chose my books by their cover. Seriously against everything they tell you but I was 10 and needed something eye catching.
It wasn’t until years later (almost 15), that I started really enjoying a good book. Isn’t that sad? I used to think so, but now I think it just takes some people longer to enjoy the art. Since I hang on to every word the author writes and become so invested in emotions and characters it is hard for me to jump from one book to the next. I swear I still think about A Girl Named Helen Keller from the 3rd grade. I really do get that invested in characters!
The past two books I have read have been mysteries – and I think I have found my favorite genre. I absolutely love the thrill of not knowing what is coming next and getting to turn the page, only to be flabbergasted by the turn of events. If you like mysteries I recommend Never Coming Back by Tim Weaver and Gone Girl Gillian Flynn. The latter was a recommendation from my good friend, Molly, who like my sister reads all the time. She also recommended my next read: How Luxury Lost Its Luster – I start it today.
Since I mentioned trying to be inspired by people, places, and things around me, I figured I should start with myself. I am always in awe-of and kind of jealous of those who say, “Oh, have you read the latest from so and so?” or “I can’t wait to start so and so’s new book.” They always seem so intellectual – something I have never prided myself on but have always appreciated in others. I admire my sister, mother-in-law, and friends like Molly who always take the time to read and appreciate the writing or story that is being told.
I wanted to conclude this with one of my favorite quotes from Mr. Holland’s Opus. In the movie, Mr. Holland is fired because the school is cutting the art budget to save time for math and science. The conversation goes something like this – Vice Principal Wolters: “I care about these kids just as much as you do. And if I’m forced to choose between Mozart and reading and writing and long division, I choose long division.” Mr. Holland: “Well, I guess you can cut the arts as much as you want. Sooner or later, these kids aren’t going to have anything to read or write about.”
This has always been one of my favorite quotes because art is what gives life, life. It is what gives us all a reason to have and feel emotion. I always feel like those who appreciate art and reading take the time to do so. They are creatives and can see the small beauty in things. I may be taking it overboard but it is a quality I truly appreciate in all of my friends and family. That is why I am taking a cue from them this year and taking time to slow down to appreciate a beautiful piece of art or a really good book.
Since the weather is officially changing here in Dallas I am getting inspired by all of the new flowers popping up, warm weather, and colors around me. After a season of unusually cold weather and a wardrobe full of blacks, grey’s, and whites, I am really excited to add some “spring” into my closet. I still love my neutral base tones but I am excited about adding a pop of color into my outfits. Even though spring isn’t the first month of the year I always feel like it is a fresh start. The warmer weather, all of the new and beautiful blooms after a cold winter, birds chirping (which I am listening to while I type this), and lots of color always makes me ready to conquer the world my closet.
Since I feel inspired and rejuvenated when spring comes around I like to do what a call a, “closet assessment” each year, before the craziness that is summer. To do: Take stock of what is in my closet, clean out what is not needed (or worn in the past year), and add more basic colorful pieces. My biggest struggle for spring is usually finding pieces that are good quality, not overly floral, colorful without being obnoxious, and something I can wear for a few springs to come. The two items I wanted the most for this spring were a fun loafer and a white blazer. These are both really classic items that fit the above checklist and ones that can be styled a million different ways for spring as well as other seasons.
I was happy to find both of what I was looking for from Johnston & Murphy. I am a new fan of theirs and was extremely happy to discover their spring line. They have everything a girl could want/need. Their pieces range from bags to jackets to loafers and each piece is perfectly designed for spring. I must say, the loafers are my favorite part of their new spring collection. I am a sucker for a good loafer – I think they look really sharp and boarder the masculine/feminine look, which I think is really chic. They have such a great selection in really bright and cool color combinations – think- lilac mixed with green and mint mixed with coral. And the fit, oh the fit, they are like walking on clouds. I am guilty of using them both as a slipper around the house and a shoe for outside. They are that comfortable!
My other Johnston & Murphy find was my white textured blazer, which has already been worn a handful of times. I have styled it both edgy and feminine – Ah, the versatility of a white blazer. You can wear it with white jeans for a white on white look, black leather pants or shorts for an edgy look, over a sun dress for a tailored look, or with jeans and flats for a relaxed look. There are so many ways to wear a white blazer that every closet should have one. Since I don’t like feeling confined when I am wearing a blazer, I was instantly drawn to how light-weight the blazers were at Johnston & Murphy. They give off a nice look without making you feel like you are wearing a really heavy coat. It is also perfect for scrunching the sleeves half-way up my arms, which gives off a more modern and relaxed feel. While all of these make the blazer the perfect choice, my favorite part was the lining. Although most people don’t see this I love when a company takes the time to think about the lining and adds a special touch. This particular blazer had a beautiful coral lining with little polkadots around the inside. Super cute and really fun for spring.
I am pretty prepared for spring now, thanks to Johnston & Murphy. I only have a few more items I really want to add to my closet: white skinnies, black and white loafers, a black wedge, and colorful blouses. I still can’t believe I am saying the word spring. Can you believe it is already upon us? Since it sprung (no pun intended) up on us so quickly I hope I was able to help you fulfill your spring needs!
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For more pieces and ways to style Johnston & Murphy, check out this fun gallery!
This is a collaboration between Johnston & Murphy and the AOL Lifestyle Contributor Network. Compensation was provided by Johnston & Murphy via AOL Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Johnston & Murphy.
