All Posts Tagged with "fashion"
My next gal up Andrea Arrie-Devoe is one super person. She is a writer, a nurturer, and a visionary. Andrea has been a friend and a client for years. Her story and this shoot are a culmination and celebration of so many facets coming together. The shoot was an opportunity to celebrate mommy-hood and family with a little fashion fantasy, putting together an eccentric, cool family session inspired by some of Andrea’s favorite artists such as Julie Blackmon. When we started developing the concept, I knew we had to enlist the amazing stylist, Mary Kinney (of Style Army and Sister Brother) to join forces on some good ole fashion, girly fun! This shoot is also, and more importantly, a celebration of a mother, a family, and a year filled with awakenings (Andrea’s son Henry was diagnosed with provisional autism), challenges and modifications, devotion and love within a family, a rebirth of priorities, and the celebration of a new lifestyle and understanding. Andrea has always been dynamic, but her story of how she and her husband Mike came together to help Henry get the best care and create a more successful environment for him is truly inspiring. Here’s a little more on Andrea and why I have always thought (and now even more) that this lady is something special.
Andrea…I am a freelance writer and editor. I worked on a regular basis until Henry turned two, and then circumstances dictated that I was most needed at home. I am starting to work a little more now that Henry is in school as a contributing editor for Beso.com. I love cooking, designing, gardening, and the environment.
I am a constant. I keep the wheels turning. I make the smoothies and the oatmeal every morning, I give the last kisses before bed every night. I feel very identified with Hestia, the goddess of the Hearth+Home but it’s a struggle not to cave in to societies pressures to be more. Studies show that multitasking is hazardous to our mental health and yet its become the foundation of our culture. It’s not to say that a woman shouldn’t work or have her passions, its just that the work of a mother, the work of tending a home can feel so undervalued in our society.
My son is teaching me how to be patient and present. Two major lessons I need to learn. He’s also teaching me how to accept what is rather than forcing life to conform to some fantasy or vision in my head. Kind of like the ugly stepsisters forcing the glass slipper to fit in the Cinderella myth. There’s a lot of grief that comes when the illusion dies. But at the same time, there is an awakening and a feeling of completeness when we are able to really experience a moment with our children that is unadulterated by empty chatter in our heads. At least this is true for me!
My most humbling moment as a mom…My son was diagnosed with provisional autism when he was 2.9 years old. The diagnosis was devastating but at the same time it felt like a relief. It wasn’t just my imagination playing tricks on me. Before we were educated about what was going on, I couldn’t understand why it was so challenging to do things with Henry that seemed easy for my other mom friends. At the park, if I turned my head for a second he might bite another child’s toes or run off somewhere. I would never be able to sit down and chat because I was always running after him. I usually ended up leaving wherever I was, exhausted and furious. He just never wanted to play in the same way that the other kids did. At first it was kind of funny because he would more often than not be playing in the dirt at play dates, sprinkling the earth between his fingers and making little piles. And we would say, there’s Henry in the dirt again. Eventually, it stopped being cute and I would complain at my mom’s group that the dirt was driving me insane. We would find little dirt piles all over the backyard, like a dog trying desperately to find a bone he buried a long time ago.
Before the diagnosis I worked part-time and I would constantly beat myself up and say, why can so-and-so work and still be a great mom? What am I doing wrong? Why can’t I handle this? Knowing that I had to get real help and that I needed to stop everything to learn how to teach my son differently was a major wake-up call. I had no choice but to press the pause button to re-evaluate my priorities. I have never been good at asking for help or taking it unless I am completely falling apart. And usually I have no idea how overwhelmed I am until I’m hysterically crying in a puddle on the floor. I always knew I was a control freak but I couldn’t really see it until I became a mother to Henry.
The whole experience has been an incredible journey—even though we’re eons away from that first, raw grieving place, it’s still hard to write about it and be separate from it because we’re still on the road. We’re really blessed because Henry is extremely high functioning and all the early intervention is paying off—most people would never realize that there was anything different about him. But, they also wouldn’t know that he has had a team of incredible people all dedicated to his wellbeing and success since the age of 2 and a half. At one point, I went to see a woman who practices family constellation work and she told me that the upside to “the knot in Henry’s brain” was that he would get to know so many beautiful people who love children and who care so much for him. That really resonated with me especially since I sometimes joke that Henry is like the President with his team of advisers. From the straightforward behaviorist who told us in no uncertain terms that Henry was moderately autistic and that we needed to have him diagnosed ASAP to the speech and occupational therapists and teachers and other parents we have met going through the same thing, our community has grown to include inspiring, dedicated people who we never would have met otherwise. Granted, there are days when I wish it could all be simpler and we didn’t have to schlep from one therapy to the next or watch his behaviors like a hawk-eyed clinician. I don’t have the fantasy as often as I did in the beginning but every once in a while I just wish we could all wake up one day and everything would be normal. But, what does “normal” really mean, after all?
I try to keep things as simple as possible without totally throwing in the towel. I try never to wear yoga pants or gym clothes in public unless absolutely necessary. For me its just as easy, if not easier, to throw on a casual dress with sandals. Of course, living in Southern California helps. I am a Tata Harper devotee and wash and moisturize my face twice a day religiously. I wear Laura Mercier powder and maybe a little blush. I should do more, probably, as I get older.
My husband is an amazing man. Whenever I am in doubt on what to do about something, I ask myself what would Mike do because I know he would always do the right thing. Mike works really hard and his passion for his work is an admirable quality for Henry to witness. He always carves out time to go on a bike ride with Henry or to take him to his favorite museum. We try to do a date night at least once a week and a sleepover date once a month.
Henry is 3…A few of his favorite things…Buses. Henry is obsessed with Buses. He loves to jump on his trampoline, swim, and ride his trike.
We are very religious about our coffee and smoothie ritual in the morning. Henry helps me grind coffee, turn off the kettle, and press the button on the blender. We also like to wait outside on the couch on the porch for visitors. The vintage-inspired wallpaper gives Henry’s room a classic feel. Its pretty streamlined. Clutter can be overwhelming for kids, especially mine.
A day in the life…It makes me tired just thinking about it. But here goes, Monday we have ABA in the am, preschool in the afternoon… Tuesdays, social skills from 8:30-10:30 then clinic, and then more ABA; Wednesdays ABA in the am, then preschool, Thursdays OT and swimming in the am, preschool in the afternoon, Fridays ABA and preschool… Saturdays OT and swimming. Plus, I am always making sure there are plenty of playdates. I envision myself being a really laissez-faire mom, just letting the days unfold for Henry as they may but he needs a lot of structure.
Best advice…I am reading an amazing book right now called Simplicity Parenting. In this high speed world of so many choices and exposure to too much too fast, kids are being deprived of a real childhood. They know too much and are expected to grow up so quickly. The author links the rise in childhood anxiety and disorders like ADHD to the omnipresence of media in the home as well as a glut of toys and overextended parents. The bottom line, keep it simple. That’s pretty much my motto these days.
I try to go easy on the blogs but I love Macaroon Original, Babyccino Kids, and Smaller (Small Magazine’s Blog). You can also check out my favorite kids boutique picks on Beso.com
Everyday something exciting happens but when Henry first started riding his bike I got really excited watching him. He is a superstar on that thing already doing tricks. And while he has taken some spills, he has this uncanny ability to avoid cracks and bumps on the sidewalk. It’s weird. The most humbling would have to be my husband teaching me how to breastfeed via youtube videos after we got home from the hospital. I was such an emotional wreck and couldn’t figure out how to get Henry to latch on, but, I finally got the hang of it!
All of the parents we talked to in the beginning whose children had been through what we were going through and had come out the other side told us flat out that they wouldn’t want to be in our shoes, that the diagnosis is the hardest, most painful part of the process. There is a lot of necessary grief that comes with letting go of what you thought your child or your life was going to be. But, they all also said they wouldn’t have traded the experience for the world. A year and a half later, I absolutely agree. My husband and I have grown so much closer as a result. We really had to come together to work as a team. We’ve been given an opportunity to learn how to listen to our son and to one another. We don’t take anything for granted. So, if I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing either.
Special thanks to our retailers…Elizabeth Charles, Caren Templet, Julius Clothing, Franco Ferrini Shoes, Hamilton Jewelers, Puddles, and Koukla Kids.
A big shout-out to our amazing and adorable client, Jennie Hearing of Luna Leggings. We already thought you were fabulous, but look at you now. Not only is this product fashion-fabulous, but Jennie’s inspiration lies in her passion for a sustainable lifestyle and socially responsible business. Ultimately, keeping out world (and our kids!) healthy and happy. See for yourself.
It never ceases to amaze me how woman juggle motherhood, work, love, and life so gracefully. This project is about the friends, clients, and other moms in my life that amaze and inspire me. And a chance to see the daily lives of some of the most successful and fashionable moms. It is the journey in how they juggle and balance their personal and professional lives with the lives of their children. Each mom not only shares a window into their nest, but amazing wisdom, multitasking secrets, styling and fashionable tips, and because I begged, their go-to items (for moms like you and me) so we can all be oh-so fabulous!
My first mom is a dear friend. Kristin Skinner, is the ultimate urban mom. As she describes and I can attest to… she is a mother, design manager, extreme multi-tasker, and an idealist. Beautiful, sporty, creative and smart…this girl does everything with a calm, thoughtful, and distinctive approach. This approach shines through on so many levels with her son Vaughn, a high flying 4-year old with a heart of gold. Here is her story.
Kristin…I am Program Management Director at Adaptive Path, an experience design consultancy. We’ve worked with hundreds of clients to help them define experiences for new products and services, or evolve existing ones across channels. Previously, I was a web and software designer and developer. My life right now is all about my son and my work which are both great. I am super active with both, and when I have free time, I love adding friends and family into the mix.
What have I learned from my child…To really focus on what is happening right here, right now. I try to only look back to figure out how to make something better. And I try not to look too far forward to avoid losing focus.
A few of V’s favorite things…His scooter and bike. Used to be his baseball hat, first with an eagle then the one with the monkey. My Korean client who’s daughter is also in pre-school once asked me if I was worried it might affect the shape/ growth of his head because he wore it every day! He also loves his dog Mel. He loves reading bedtime stories and he is also really into hiding-under blankets, furniture, etc.
Almost all the advice I have been given has been helpful-even the advice I didn’t like or agree with. My advice to pass on…Don’t worry what anyone else is doing or not doing. Observe and adopt methods or styles you admire in other parents, but always try to put your own spin on them to make them your own. The most exciting moments as a mother have also been my most humbling… and always revolved around any and all milestones relating to sleep and potty training. These are and were oddly fulfilling.
A day in the life…Weekdays we are up at 6:30-7am and he is always starving. We make breakfast right away while I turn on a show for him so that I can get ready. Then we dress, brush teeth, and are out the door to school for him and work for me. In the evenings, I pick him up and always have a snack ready. We head home, decide what’s for dinner and it’s on to an activity like a puzzle, coloring, mini project (e.i. baking or egg decorating or playing with food coloring). Afterwards one show, pajamas, brush teeth, potty time and a book. We start the bedtime rituals at 7:30pm and he’s generally asleep by 8:30pm.
I cannot go without my heels. It was a good 5 years from when flats became wildly popular until I bought my first pair and I wear them reluctantly. I wear jeans almost daily. The other days I wear a dress. I am drawn to edgy, structured jackets and men’s hats.
Our buying has slowed down so much due to his age, mainly because he gets his clothes and jackets from his best friend Dara. And he usually has only one pair of shoes at a time. But previously, I shopped specialty retailers like Half Pint in Sonoma and speecees. The exceptions are H&M for jeans mostly and Gap kids for pajamas. I also find him clothes when we are traveling like in Park City (the shark boots) or surf shop that carry kid’s line like Quiksilver, Volcom, and Goorin (hats).
Thomas trains were huge until just recently as were all kinds of matchbox-style cars. He has tons of books and stuffed animals, and almost all of them were gifts. His most recent favorite book is Extraordinary Chickens.
His room is actually a closet, so cozy is one way to describe it! He loves his flashlights and his turtle nightlight that casts constellations on the walls and ceiling. And his books, the bigger…the better.
I am super excited about this post. Not only because I am enamored by the glorious and wonderful designer and owner, Jennie Hearing, and her product Luna Leggings…but because this campaign truly shows the essence of our team and the amazing efforts and details that go into each lifestyle and fashion campaign that we do. Jennie came to me through a dear friend Amy Elder (yes, she was my first wedding client ever!). I have known Jennie for years and I have always loved her energy, creativity, and dedication to her community and the world around her. When I learned that she had developed, designed, and dreamed up Luna while raising two young girls, I was even more enthused and impressed by this lady. And with a 2-day trip to India to select the perfect fabric and manufacturer to maintain and sustain her organic line, she rose to rockstar status. Jennie is a dear sole, a dream client, and dedicating a portion of her sales to Alice Water’s Edible Schoolyard Foundation. Luna is truly a labor of love for Jennie. We chose the beautiful Potrero Hill Community Garden in San Francisco to showcase the company and the garden’s philosophies on educating children about real food, how to grow and eat it. Our second site, the amazing graffiti of Meagan Spendlove, a mother and activist. As for our team, I have to do a little bragging…Mary, Mary, Mary, our stylist of Sister Brother, you are a god-send, and a talented women through and through. My partner in crime, you bring magic and life to every shoot with your unique and ingenious vision. And thank you to Kimberly Kalmbach of Bloomers for her always gorgeous flowers and set design, Liz Bagatelos for her stunning makeup, and Katie Neutz of Muse Boutique for her twists and braided goodness…Jessica, Blake, Kristi, Andi, and Elizabeth for all your incredible help and support.
It is such a big compliment to have an inspired design blog such as Apartment #34 post Themba and Casper. With the truest creative partnership in stylist Mary Kinney of Sister/Brother Style, this story of love, politics, culture and style came together in the most beautiful form. Though the story and vision were our beginnings, the team that executed the journey, the product, and the set design were of unbelievable talent. The full list of vendors who dedicated their time and energies here. As for Apt. 34, the beginnings started with Mrs. E as she renovated a newly purchased apartment in Seattle. Her ideas, vision, and love of design and decor helped to beautify her new digs, as well as, create a daily finds blog that serves as the best resource for all things lovely and exciting. The blog features finds from fashion, decor, weddings, interior to food, photography and whatever else captures her eye. And we are beyond excited that Apartment #34 will be moving to our foggy city sometime in the very near future.
Best partners. Best friends. Two peas in a pod. It is always amazing to see two women work hand-in-hand to build something as magical as Your Rockstar Life. When I spoke to Sasha Houdek on the phone about her fantastic new company, her energy and enthusiasm moved me so much I was ready to sign on before I knew anything about the product. Sasha, and her partner, Teresa Marchese came together because of their love and dedication to nutrition, health, and fitness, and furthermore, for their abilities to help others through motivation and inspiration. They have created the Rockstar programs to help individuals meet their health and fitness goals. You can join them on one of their many exotic getaways or Rockstar offers local seminars that fit perfectly into your everyday work schedule. When I suggested Sutro Beach (yes I have been there a lot lately), I thought it was the perfect spot for these empowering women…little did I know it is Teresa’s backyard and home to her fitness boot camps. I have to say the best part of the shoot, when I showed up looking for two girls decked in Nike gear, and instead, I got a dynamite duo in leather pants and stilettos. Yes, these girls do live the ROCKSTAR life. And yet, they are silly, humble, and fun. Everything you would want from a Rockstar leader.
In honor of our amazing inspiration to reality shoot Themba+Casper featured on Style Me Pretty all this weekend, I wanted to take this time to introduce and thank my incredibly talented partner-in-crime Mary Kinney. Mary Kinney has been my client and dear friend for so many years. She is a true original and her vision and creativity stand alone. Mary’s drive and energy enthuse everyone around her. It is amazing how and where this woman will take you. Her imagination, intelligence, and wit help to elevate a look, an idea, and a story to places you would never imagine going. While Mary and I have collaborated on so many family, fashion, and editorial spreads, Themba+Casper is our first wedding venture together. I was awe-struck by her ingenious. She took our beautiful little story to the most surreal and dream-like state. Her fashion knowledge and taste are original and exquisite. So before this little lady is in WAY too high demand, I want every bride to know how much she would transform and elevate your wedding day look. Hire this woman! …And see her work in detail on Themba+Casper’s SMP Buying Guide. Mary started Sister/ Brother over a year ago and her blog has been mad popular ever since. To learn more about Mary and her services, see our interview below.
Tell us a little about Mary Kinney…I have been obsessed with all things fashion since I was a little kid….down to the embarrassing moments of dressing my brothers up as pageant girls. As I got older, my sense of style grew more refined and I discovered what I consider the altruistic aspect of fashion … the styling. Making people feel good about themselves on a surface level actually translates into their core. They feel more confident about who they are as a person, and sometimes a simple pair of jeans can do the trick.
Who are some of your biggest influences/inspirations…Oh gosh, there are so many! Coco Chanel, as cliche as it sounds. She embodied all that was classic, sophisticated and real in fashion. I also worship Stella McCartney. She built a brand with a keen eye and an artistic touch. Her clothing is that perfect blend of masculine/feminine/edgy. She is a true fashion ingenue, always true to her core values. I look up to her in many ways. And of course, the new designers, like Alexander Wang and Jenni Kayne. This urban boho glam girl can’t get enough of their designs!
What is Sister Brother doing these days for brides…Your wedding day should be the most important day in your life. On your day, you should feel the most beautiful and the most special. I find, most brides like to hire us for that reason. They trust that we will not only provide the wardrobe and the accessories (ie. jewels!) to make them feel incredible, but we also provide the fashion bravado to make them feel like they can pull off any look. It’s a challenge sometimes to find that level of confidence on your own, and so, Sister|Brother is an added bonus to your wedding day team. Together, with Zoom Photography, we are able to capture that high-fashion essence that so many brides are looking for… trust us, the collaboration between great styling pieces and great photography is key.
©zoomphotography phone: 415.979.0688 
site by spitfiregirl design