You could say it runs in their blood…the ability to effortless throw together an outfit, pick out the best finds at flea markets and just be stinkin’ amazing at everything they do!  Laura and her sister Erika both have insanely cool homes.  The perfect blend of old and new.  I’ve been inside Laura’s home on many occasions, but the first time I went to Erika’s house was when I photographed her baby girl, Monroe.  I asked to come back and photograph a few things to share on the blog…and she said yes!

Today, I want to show you Monroe’s nursery.  I took photos of other parts of the house, but we’ll talk about that another day.  Erika told me she’d been scouring flea markets for months and months to get the perfect accessories for Monroe’s room.  Plus she got a few tips from Laura, who had designed her nursery right before.  Like using an antique credenza as a changing table.  Genius.

And that letter M.  It just makes the room. The grouping above the changing table is so girly without being sacchrine-y sweet.

I also love the ray ban prints above her crib.  Such a hip way to tie in all the pink to the graphic print rug.

And oh my gosh you guys…mini bertoia chairs.  THE CUTEST THING EVER.

When we did the photo shoot at Erica’s house this summer, of course we had to incorporate the nursery.  And here’s the cutie that I’m sure will grow up to be just as hip as her mommy!

Thanks Erika for the tour of your home!

Wow.  Can I just say that you guys are amazing!  I put out a few ideas and boom.  You jump right on board.  You book a session, tell your friends and they book sessions.  Everybody’s pumped…they’re planning and shopping and getting everything ready.  And you know what, that fuels my fire like no ones business.  My wheels are turning and I’m already thinking of what’s next.

I bought this gold velvet settee about a month ago off Craigslist.  Since then it’s been siting in my garage and every time I pull my car in, I get excited just thinking about all the gorgeous images we’re going to make.  I can’t wait!!

Here’s some more images that I took with my own kids on the settee out in the woods.  LOVE.

I’m also really into the texture that’s created when I convert to black and white!

Oh and I’m selling my fall backdrop…$100 and sold to the first person that wants it!  It measures about 53″ by 57″

To give you all an update on the holiday mini-sessions…17 spots were filled in the day and a half after I sent it out to my mailing list.  Can I just say, my clients are awesome!  Last year the ivy wall was super popular, but this year people are gravitating toward the other locations.  So, I made the executive decision to cancel the ivy wall and replace it with another session at the field in Long Beach.  So, tonight I’m opening up sign ups for October 4 at 4:40-6:10 (the golden hour!) Here are some more pictures from that location: (as you can see this location has a huge variety of backdrops!)

I also have openings at downtown Long Beach on September 29 (4:00-4:20 and 4:20-4:20). All other locations are filled with a waiting list…

I love this  location so much!  It has the perfect amount of grunge to contrast with a fancy little outfit…I also loooove the velvet chair against the bricks.  LOVE.

Okay and the painted buildings…so cute.  The perfect pop of color!  I only have 2 spots left at this location, so give me a call or email if you want to book!

I love a nicely made piece of clothing.  There’s just something about the fit, the quality of materials used and attention to detail.  But, sometimes you just can’t justify plunking down a bunch of cash and that’s where bargain hunting comes in!  There are so many stores out there that have made themselves a name by knocking off pricey labels.  (Hello, Target.)

The key to a good knock-off is simplicity.  I don’t need the look-alike WITH a giant embroidered flower added on.  Here’s the perfect example…boots.  Jillian is rough on her shoes.  I was considering spending money on a cute pair of leather boots for fall, when I stumbled on these from Old Navy.

I got them online about 2 weeks ago and they were marked down to $15.  Now, they aren’t real leather, but you really can’t tell.  I could have spent much more, but then I would have been heartbroken after she scuffed up the leather the next day.  These work perfect for how much we wear boots in southern CA.  My favorite thing is the hot pink zipper up the back.  It’s enough detail to add interest without making them look cheap.

My other favorite thing as of lately is this H&M fur vest.  At $15, I won’t be sad if it’s out of style next fall.  She loves layering it over everything from tees to dresses.  It’s so Rachel Zoe!

Speaking of clothes…I just wrote a little article for Tiny Oranges about what to wear for your family pictures!  Tiny Oranges is a gem of a site with every day tips for moms.  Love that!  And here’s Jillian in my favorite new boots and fur vest…