Sort of sad it's over!

So I'm done with school. I've been impatiently counting down the days for weeks and now that it's over I'm sad! It's a bittersweet feeling -- I love learning but it's time to stop racking up my financial aid debt and start applying my skills to real life.

(This is the dress I completed for my Couture final -- I had to use a single concept and a combination of detail techniques, remember this post? I went with the concept of a church using pintucks and accordian pleating)

I want to talk for a minute about the past couple of years and what it has meant to me, so bear with me please. Remember two years ago when I was living in Savannah? I was pursuing a graduate degree in photography from SCAD and I got to this point where I was questioning my purpose there. I discovered the AAS Fashion Design program at Parsons while surfing the web and was instantly intrigued. But how could I tell my Hub that I would rather be spending my time/money on this other program in another state? Could I just stop my grad degree right in the middle of it? And was that REALLY what I wanted?

Well thankfully, my Hub is ridiculously supportive of me, and together we held our breath and uprooted from Savannah to NYC. Our only job was Oh, Darling! and we had barely anything booked to shoot for the year. But I started school at Parsons in Jan 2010 in full force and somehow, as the months passed, we were able to find couples who trusted in us and gave us beautiful weddings to photograph.

And now here I am a year and half later with all of my classes completed and working on my next steps. Why do I mention all this here on my blog? I just wanted to speak to anyone out there in the middle of  a tough decision, a career change, or thinking about taking a new step in their life. I was terrified to tell people I was changing life plans, moving states, and trying something completely new. But in the end it was one of the best decisions of my life. I can't explain the knowledge I gained at Parsons, how much the hub and I have grown together as photographers and the experiences we've had living in this city. So I just want to say from my own experiences, trust in your gut and follow your dreams now, not later.

So what am I going to do with this handy-dandy fashion degree? I'm in the process of getting together a small collection that will launch this summer! I am beyond excited and hope you will like it as much as I do :) We're spending the summer back in North Carolina which also thrills me, I love that little state and hopefully we'll be able to return more permanently soon. 

Vintage Goods

I picked up this twirly orange skirt from The Loved One pop-up shop -- it's so feminine and has elastic on the back of the waistband making it super comfy! And I also scored a little cream blouse, complete with a bow. Score for sure :)

The Loved One + Seychelles Footwear + Smilebooth

Last night, the Hub and I brought the Smilebooth out to a vintage pop-up shop by The Loved One, hosted in the Seychelles Footwear showroom in NYC. It was such a great time..good food, good clothing, good shoes, stylish people, and smilebooth of course! Here are a few photos from the event...my vintage purchases will be coming in a post shortly :)

Around the house

A few scenes from around our little apartment. All shot by my hub. 

Happy Spring!

We spent last week in North Carolina so I was so pleased to see to spring when I returned to Brooklyn this weekend...finally! I've stuffed all of my winter coats into their hiding place and am ready to break out my sandals. On the warmest of spring days..here is an outfit I'd like to sport. I actually picked up a pair of those Swedish Hasbeens for H&M clogs a few weeks ago and love them! So comfy.

Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples, Blouse: Nadinoo, Jeans: Topshop, Bracelet: Mociun, Clogs: H&M, Tote: Fabric & Handle

Finals, finals, finals

I'm nearing the end of my program at Parsons, three weeks and counting! Although I'm only part-time, completing 4 finals still manages to take up all of my time.. but thankfully I've been really happy with how everything is turning out. I had no idea until I made this post that everything was pink and gray! Oh well :)

Left -- my construction 3 final is done!
Right -- in progress work for my couture final

Above: sketches for my portfolio final

Above - I'm using the leftover pink linen from my couture project to make a personalized iPad case for my portfolio

A part of me is really going to miss school, but then again, no. The third time is a charm...I believe I have enough degrees now :)

Can Garden

This summer when we're living on open land, I've pretty much made up my mind that I want to plant blueberry bushes. It's my absolute favorite fruit, and the bushes are so plentiful compared to the overpriced pints at the grocery store. But what else should I get my green thumb into? 

I saw this idea pop up in my internet land two days in a row and I just had to share. I love how simple can gardening is...could be for yourself or as a gift.

Image 1: Dos Family
Image 2: Jenny Darling 

Nadinoo ss11

I simply cannot get over this look from Nadinoo's latest collection...the cropped, tie-front top paired with a below the knee skirt...love it. Though I might need to tone my mid-section a bit before I think about wearing the top :)