Recent Styling Work Country Living Magazine
Hello blogland, I've missed you so.... let's catch up!
As I type, this little blog of mine is in the process of becoming a much better place to be. I'm editing portfolio pictures, choosing logos and hoping to put it out into the universe very very soon. If all goes well we'll be migrating over to a fresh and clean Squarespace website. Fingers crossed for a smooth transition. But for now, I would like to show you something I'm so very proud of. I had the honor/pleasure/good fortune to style the cover of the March 2016 issue of Country Living Magazine.
Photo by Annie Schlechter This beautiful blue & white breakfast nook is the design work of Houston's own Bailey Quinn McCarthy, and was shot on location in Round Top at Rachel Ashwell's The Prairie. If you're a subscriber you should be receiving this issue any day now if you haven't already. Or, if you're like me and can't wait, you can download a copy to your ipad through the Country Living App ( I LOVE the app. Lots of options for viewing if you're an image junkie like me. One word for those of us with "mature" eyes: Zoom!) Also in this issue is a feature I styled on the latest edition to the Fixer Upper empire, the Magnolia House B&B in Waco. It's a Texas takeover this month! I think you'll love this adorable cottage and B&B.
Team photo upper right: Allison, Chip, Jo, Me. From Left: Erynn from CL, Buff's Assistant Molly and photographer Buff Strickland.
Here's the Country Living team with our bests friends Chip & Jo. Texas is so proud of this family and their success. They're every bit as friendly and down to earth as you would think. Jo is beautiful and one smart cookie. She can walk into a room and chat, put on make up and answer texts, all the while noticing every single detail from the pillows to someone's bracelet peeking out under their sleeve. I love that! Multi tasking is what it's all about when you have a family and work to do, right?
And then there's Chip. My assistant and super fan Allison asked Jo if he cuts up at home like he does on the show. Jo's answer..."he's worse at home!"
Here's the proof. What a lovable nut! Must be the paint fumes :)
And yes...he adores her.
So, back to the cover. Ya'll can't imagine the team work it requires to make these shoots happen. Along with the remarkable team from Country Living (thank you thank you thank you for the opportunity!), I am blessed to have access to some of the best local vendors and my own personal support team to whom I owe a huge thank you.
Paige Hull of The Vintage Round Top and Hilary Bracher of HAS Bins assisted on the cover shoot and kept the wheels from falling off and kept me laughing.
These women packed, unpacked, schlepped, sweated and repacked props and shipped their little hearts out and I love them to the moon and back.
The beautiful cake on the cover was made by The Pie Queen herself, Tara Royer Steele of Royers Pie Haven in Round Top, Texas. One day I'll tell ya'll about that cake ;)
Christi Wilson of The Brown Shed has such a great eye for antiques and a great inventory. I call on her when I need something specific and she ALWAYS has it. Usually in multiples.
Missy at Moose Feathers Florist in Brenham has access to just about any kind of stems you might need and can get them fast. I always order from Missy when I'm shooting in the Brenham/Round Top area.
And a very special thank you to one of Houston's best lifestyle stores Kuhl-Linscomb. If you haven't visited their sprawling showrooms you're missing out. They carry the best of everything; furniture, lighting, art, pillows, bedding, garden antiques, gifts, jewelry, tabletop, decor...its insanely good and a prop stylists dream.
Also, much love and thanks to parents that told me I could be anything I wanted. So I did. They also provided the spectacular lemons from their lemon tree for the B&B shoot.
I hope this issue helps you kick off your spring decorating with some fresh ideas and inspiration! There is more excitement to share in the months ahead so please check back for updates on the new website.