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I've been at the @havenconference for the last few days and I must say my head is about to explode with ideas and inspiration from all the wonderful speakers and people I've met. I'm going to need a while to process it all. These people are rock stars!! My Tabletop Styling event/challenge went better than I can imagine. Thanks to Kristin for believing in my idea. Thanks to all my mentors and fellow attendees and brands, I can't wait to connect with you and stay in touch. I had a fabulous time. It's been a blast. On to the next leg of the trip! . #havenconference #tablestyling #propstyling #tabletopstyling #propstylist #newyorkcity #newyorkpropstylist #inmypropcloset #thepropstylingexperience #inspiration #plantlover #homedecor

We got a chance to go to the waterfront and dine on a pier beside this great old boat, The Frying Pan. I've been in it a few times through out the years for parties and just to explore, but now it sits there. The restaurant is so nice and it truly feels like you're away somewhere else. We walked home through Chelsea Piers and saw boats and a beautiful sunset. Loads of people and dogs hanging out had the same idea. This is what summer is all about! . #summermood #seaside #seasidevibes #summer2021 #hudsonriver #newyorkcity #newyorkpropstylist #inspiration #mood #verilymoment #summer #thatsdarling #liveauthentic #thesincerestoryteller #seasidestyle

Summer mood. I've been thinking about our past vacations lately. We took so many to Cape May, NJ. I loved strolling around that quaint little town getting ice cream and shopping for shells and antiques. We haven't been back in a long time. Tonight we're going to walk to the Manhattan waterfront to be reminded that NYC is sort of a seaside town. We often forget! It will be the next best thing. I was playing around with some seaside imagery to create this moodboard vignette. I gathered up my vintage beachy props and textures to illustrate how I long to be near the water and to demonstrate the framing and boxing technique that I talked about in my recent classes. . I hope you get a chance to be near the water and put your feet in the sand this summer. . #summermood #summer #summervibes #seaside #seasidevibes #inmypropcloset #inspiration #summervacation #inspiremyinstagram #verilymoment #travelgram #travelstories #shells #seafan #vintagestyling #vintageprops #moodboard #propstyling #propstylingclass #vintagecollection #thepropstylingexperience #stilllifestyling

Finally the sun is out and it's not too hot. It's a perfect day to go out and have some fun. We were just talking about how fast the summer goes by once July 4th arrives. A handful of weekends with plans, a quick trip out of town and before you know it, it's September. Now that we're back to normal life mostly, I want to savor each moment and not let my favorite time of the year fly by. Do you have any ideas on how to slow things down? What are you doing today? . #musings #summermood #inmypropcloset #foundforaged #july #inspiration #mood #verilymoment #liveauthentic #seekthesimplicity #still_life_gallery #fruitbowl #simplenaturefinds #feather #thepropstylingexperience #thesincerestoryteller #thehappynow #darlingweekend

Back from the trenches of the video shoot and now handling the returns, billing, unpacking and putting everything back in its place. I was in my element creating kitchen vignettes for the camera with plants, dishes and accessories. I had a great time planning on the days leading up to the shoot and working with a great team on set, especially Sara @lorenzcreative who was a perfect right hand (that exhibits strong Virgo qualities like me despite being a Pisces). The details of a styling job go far beyond the creative part and logistics are just as important. Only one unforseen issue -- no air conditioning -- caused the fruit to sweat and all sticky substances to not stick, but we got through it! I'll show some highlights in stories throughout the weekend. . #propstyling #onlocation #inmypropcloset #propstylist #newyorkpropstylist #bts #photostyling #setlife #thesincerestoryteller #organicstyle #kitchentools #kitchenstyling #ilovemyjob #thepropstylingexperience #plantstyling #plantlover #plantstagram #fruitbowl

Switching it up is a big part of my job. When I work with clients, it's all about them. Here's a sampling of my organic modern props I've gathered for a shoot next week. White, browns, greens and their brand colors are what I need to focus on to create a homey atmosphere. Luckily I have an affinity for this style! Maybe that's why they called me? Can't wait to be in a beautiful location styling a kitchen and dreaming up some shelf vignettes for the background. I love this work! . #propstyling #propstylist #thepropstylingexperience #thesincerestoryteller #pursuepretty #organicstyle #organicdecor #inmypropcloset #foundforaged #modernfarmhouse #modernorganicdesign #westelm #plantstagram #plantlover #plantstyling #propstylingclass #propstylingworkshop #haven2021 #havenshere

My grandma was a classy lady. In every photo I have of her she's dressed up in the latest fashions of the day. I'm guessing that back then you didn't get in front of a camera unless you were fully put together. It's so different today! . I found a pile of these S&H Green Stamps booklets with her stuff. I'm surprised she didn't turn them in. I wonder what she would have redeemed them for? These were in use from the 1930s through the mid 80s. I bet she had forgotten that she had them and they were thrown into a box with her stuff when my mom cleaned out her apartment. I found that box when I cleaned out my mom's house. Do you remember these? . #shgreenstamps #familyvintage #familyheirloom #antiques_r_us #inmypropcloset #vintagekitchen #bauerpottery #propstyling #storytelling #inspiration #stillswithstories #thepropstylingexperience #asecondofwhimsey #vintageprops #memories

I have a drawer full of vintage kitchen tools. You could say that I'm obsessed. They are the number 1 thing that I look for in my thrift shopping adventures. It all connects back to the few things that were in our kitchen drawer, the garlic press, the green handled bottle opener, shown in my previous post and a red handled scissor. I know that these things were probably my grandmother's, then given to my mother and now they're with me. The rest of them belonged to somebody, somewhere in the world. Ahh, the cycle of life and stuff. Do you ever wonder where they've been? . #vintagekitchen #kitchentools #vintagestyling #vintageprops #inmypropcloset #thepropstylingexperience #familyvintage #familyheirloom #propstyling #verilymoment #liveauthentic #thatsdarling #antiques_r_us #flatlay #flatlaynation #vintageflatlay #inspiration #thepropstylingexperience #thesincerestoryteller #asecondofwhimsey

I had a great day being back in action after a week long cold. I pulled out all the vintage 40s and 50s kitchenware I could find to make this homage to my grandma. There are 4 things here that actually belonged to her that ended up in our house. Any guesses? . #fiesta #bakelite #homerlaughlin #mccoy #inmypropcloset #enamelware #tinware #vintagestyling #vintagebottle #vintagekitchen #vintageprops #ceramics #tablestyling #tabletopstyling #harlequin #inspiration #familyvintage #familyheirloom #propstyling #propstylist #propstylingclass #propcollection #antiques_r_us #thesincerestoryteller #asecondofwhimsey

Do you ever go back through your photo archives and find a shot that you forgot about? That you may not have chosen to use for whatever reason at the time? I was digging around through my "seconds" and found so many alternate takes that I liked, maybe even more than the ones I had posted at the time of their creation. . Are you always looking for that perfect shot and in doing so missing out on spontaneous moments that are just as, if not more beautiful? . Perfectly imperfect is certainly the trend so there's a whole spectrum of beauty between flawlessness and sloppy. I try to find those moments all the time. What's your take on it? . #perfectlyimperfect #foundforaged #foraged #plantstagram #plantlover #plantstyling #inmypropcloset #inspiration #pursuepretty #thepropstylingexperience #asecondofwhimsey #foragedandfound #vintagegarden #thesincerestoryteller #propstylist #propstylingclass #stilllifestyling #still_life_gallery #plantlife

We have good days and bad days. While I was still sick, I felt it was my duty to carry on with a class yesterday. Coughing and sneezing. Couple that with a major tech issue that prevented me from showing my materials properly, it made for an on the fly situation that probably didn't turn out too bad. But I wasn't on my A game and I knew it. Everyone was so nice and understanding. What a wonderful bunch of people I have in my orbit! I've rescheduled the class for 2 weeks from now so consider it a review. In the meantime I have to either get a new computer or update my OS pronto. What I'm learning is there's beauty in disarray and imperfection. And it will all work out. . #pursuepretty #blueaesthetic #perfectlyimperfect #paleblue #inmypropcloset #inspiration #thepropstylingexperience #thesincerestoryteller #ceramics #tablestyling #tabletopstyling #tableware #organicstyle #botanicalpickmeup #thatsdarling #verilymoment #stilllifestyling #still_life_gallery #moodboard #propstylist #propstylingclass #propstylingworkshop #propstylist #newyorkcity

My flatware drawer (one of two) was overdue for an organization so when @thechicshot came to visit I took everything out to show her what I have. Some items had gotten buried and I forgot about them so it was nice to reacquaint myself with my collection. Here is only a section of what was on the table. I've got lots of wood, metal, handmade ceramic, vintage and plastic flatware (cutlery as some of you call it) and so many kitchen tools and serving pieces. I can't resist adding new ones that I stumble upon in my travels. You can never have enough! The ceramic handle vegetable forks and knives were all my mother's and grandma's. Family vintage is the best. What's your favorite? . #flatware #spooncollection #spoons #spoonlove #inmypropcloset #vintagekitchen #vintageprops #handmadespoon #props #familyvintage #familyheirloom#verilymoment #feedfeedprops #f52grams #thepropstylingexperience #patina_perfection #antiques_r_us #prophunting #propstyling #propstylist #newyorkcity #newyorkpropstylist #cutlery

I love the blues and greens pictured here. If I had to pick just one color that I love most it may be blue. Or green. Maybe it's that green seems to go with everything, being nature's most prominent color. Maybe it's that my childhood bedroom was blue. Maybe I'm just rambling because I'm home in bed with a cold for the first time in years. I don't remember the last time I was sick. Do you have any suggestions for curing a cold? . #colorinspo #inmypropcloset #blue #green #ceramics #teal #stilllifestyling #tabletopstyling #thepropstylingexperience #asecondofwhimsey #thesincerestoryteller #pursuepretty #verilymoment #liveauthentic #thatsdarling #colorstory #colorpalette

I had a lovely morning speaking to members of @mavenmastermind about tabletop styling as an introduction to a hands-on event I'm doing as part of the @havenconference in July in Atlanta. More on that soon! I'm so happy that events are being planned and we're on our way to seeing, learning and meeting people in person again. I can't wait. . Are you making any summer travel plans? . #travelgram #tabletopstyling #thepropstylingexperience #creativelyunstuck #travelstories #tableware #organicstyle #vignette #propstylingclass #propstylingworkshop #pursuepretty #inmypropcloset #foragedflowers #driedflowers #driednature #propstylist #newyorkpropstylist #propstyling #ceramics #pottery

Prop Styling with Botanicals class with @nybg is over and out! My whole place smells like Chamomile. Thanks to all who came and if you missed it, it's running again on August 7th. Hope you have a sunny, happy Sunday! Photo and styling by @robinzachary and plates by @swampgirlpottery . #botanicalstyling #botanicalpickmeup #moodforfloral #inmypropcloset #nybg #inspiration #propstyling #propstylingclass #thepropstylingexperience #asecondofwhimsey #creativelyunstuck #creativespace #flowerstyling #floral_perfection #foundforaged #organicstyle #chamomile #herbarium #wildflowers #herbs #inspiredbypetals

Hey there. How are you doing? Today I thought about a few funny things that prop stylists notice and say to each other about their stuff that others don't understand. . We may give a compliment like "ooh nice napkin fold". Or "that color palette speaks to me" or "omg...that glass..." and that is totally normal. We covet each others props maybe just a little. (C'mon, admit it!) And say "Nice find! That patina is to die for" And "where did you get that bowl/plate/napkin?". Sometimes there are no words needed. You can see it in someone's face, especially while shopping. And if you find something cool in the trash that you can use as a backdrop, I'm like..."great score. I wish I found that". Can you think of anything to add in here? Photo by @thechicshot . #stylistlife #propstyling #propstylist #newyorkcity #newyorkpropstylist #inmypropcloset #thepropstylingexperience #mood #creativityfound #musing #thehappynow #thesincerestoryteller #asecondofwhimsey #fridayintroductions #followfriday #inspiration #creativelyunstuck

Do you struggle with where to put things in a photo? I mean there's a million ways to style and arrange a flatlay or vignette so who's to say what's right? I like to get in the flow and work intuitively, going for the ideal combination of shapes, movement, fluidity and more. I don't stop and think about rules too much. But there's a ton of things I know that could help you out. I'm teaching a class this Friday called Rule-Defying Composition Hacks for Placement & Arranging. I know, long title. But I'm a rule breaker so maybe you're like me. I explain everything in an easy to understand way which is all my own, not pulled off the web. But I'll never tell you what you SHOULD do. I want you to be your own person. . There's a few spaces left. I'm keeping this one a small group because I want you to try some of the tips in real time. Link is in my profile and DM me for a discount code. . #propstyling #propstylist #thepropstylingexperience #thesincerestoryteller #inspiration #inmypropcloset #creativespace #propstylingclass #propstylingworkshop #pursuepretty #driedflowers #driednature #flatlaynation #flatlay #herbs #wildflowers #photocomposition #workshop #stylingteacher #stylingtips

I had the best long holiday weekend! Photographer Alicia @thechicshot came to visit me with all her photo gear and we had 4 days of creative fun filming video and photography at my studio. In between all the dishes, props and flowers, we had delicious meals, great conversation and it was so inspiring to have a true collaboration in my space for the first time in a long time. The weather was the only downer but we persevered. Having creative partners is so important. Have you had a chance to do one lately? . #creativespace #creativeprocess #propstyling #propstylist #stilllifestyling #moodboard #fabricswatches #creativelyunstuck #newyorkpropstylist #fromthesea #creativityfound #artsupplies #photography #inmypropcloset #thepropstylingexperience #inspiration #inspiredbynature #inspiremyinstagram #verilymoment #thatsdarling #foundforaged #organicstyle #organicdecor #handmadeprops #stylist #newyorkcity

On a cloudy dreary afternoon, we found some light. . #friday #blue #tablestyling #tableware #thepropstylingexperience #creativelyunstuck #musings #creativespace #creativeprocess #propstyling #propstylist #propstylingclass #pursuepretty #inspiration #moodboard #ceramics #pottery #inmypropcloset #foundforaged #aqua #thesincerestoryteller #newyorkcity #newyorkpropstylist

MOMENTUM I've been thinking about what this means lately. We were at a literal standstill this time last year but now things are picking up. I see New York City coming back to life. We went out to our first concert in 14 months. (We normally had gone to several a month). The virtual phone is ringing with jobs and enquiries. Once things start rolling they continue to roll. Isn't that what momentum is? Do you feel it? . I am looking at things a little differently now. Rather than my old jaded NYer self, I'm more appreciative. I'm grateful to the businesses that weathered the shutdown and excited for the new ones you all are dreaming up. The down times in history have always given birth to the greatest creative periods. Momentum. Keep it going. . #musing #inspiration #mood #verilymoment #thatsdarling #thehappynow #thesincerestoryteller #creativespace #creativeretreat #inmypropcloset #creativelyunstuck #creativityfound #momentum #moodforfloral #botanicalpickmeup #flowerstagram #driednature #driedflowers #floral_perfection #artisanmade