(Where I set up shop.)
Yesterday I showed you my railroad-inspired photo shoot for Mata Traders, and today, I thought I’d give you a glimpse behind the scenes. One of the great things about blogging is how well life intersects with blog work (I guess that’s why it’s called a lifestyle blog!). The boys have been begging to see the trains in Smithville, and I needed to take a few pictures for the post, so it was too easy to let them play around us while Ryan took photographs of me.
Our plan was to arrive before lunch and head straight for the Railroad Park to avoid the afternoon heat. It was cloudy and threatening to rain, so the air was already hot and heavy by 11 am. I brought a few accessories to quickly change into, and I set up my workspace on an old cart by the trains. There is a bathroom there, but it’s your standard park restroom without a mirror and with questionable cleanliness, so I didn’t bother to use it. It didn’t take too long to get a few shots, and the pictures turned out really well.
Here are a few from our morning at the park.
(My accessories for the shoot.)
(That train was really loud!)
(I love how hard they’re working.)
(A glimpse inside a train.)
It’s been a while since we visited Smithville, one of our favorite Texas towns, so we drove out there Saturday to relax and unwind while the boys played on the trains at the Railroad Park. I’m partnering with Mata Traders to highlight some pieces from their lovely fall collection, so I happily wore the new Savannah Smile dress, since its fabric reminds me of the old railroad caps my grandfather used to wear.
The Savannah Smile dress, ethically made of cotton, is a great basic for fall, but it can be worn easily year-round, too. I brought along a few simple accessories and styled it several different ways to show how to work this gorgeous dress into your regular wardrobe. The cut is incredibly flattering, and the contrasting stripes of the cotton material really work to show off my curves, too. Since it’s technically fall but still hot in Texas, I first paired the dress with a thin leather belt, strappy sandals, and my fair-trade medallion. This look could definitely work through the hottest summer months, and I’ll be able to wear it into October, too.
(“I’ve been workin’ on the railroad…”)
(Spring style with a beaded belt and ivory wedges.)
For my second look, I switched to a silver beaded belt and ivory wedges, which add a 1940s vibe to the dress. This would also be a great look for spring and summer.
(A train passed by while we were at the park.)
(Styled for fall.)
When fall weather finally arrives in Texas, I can add a sweater and lace-up shoes for a bit more warmth. And if it ever gets cold enough, grey tights will complete the outfit. Right now, it’s just too hot to put them on.
I had so much fun styling different looks for the Savannah Smile dress, and I’m grateful to Mata Traders for the opportunity. Stay tuned later this week as I feature one more dress from their new collection, and be sure to check out their other beautiful pieces, too.
(I saw these boots at the park last week. Their owners, three young sisters, kicked them off to climb the jungle gym.)
This week was super busy, and I feel like I’m entering that phase in motherhood known as “The Taxi Driver.” I also worked quite a bit on my writing, and I’m having so much fun with that. This weekend, we’re planning a day trip or two, and lots of relaxing. Here are a few things that got my attention this week.
Katy Perry gets her own wax figure.
Janis Joplin’s last interview, as a cartoon. (It’s really good, I promise!)
“I get older, but they stay the same age.” Dazed and Confused turns 20!
Wait, this is the line that told Dave Coulier “You Oughta Know” was about him? This one? Cut. It. Out.
This year’s winners of the National Beard and Mustache Championships.
How to teach a kid to ride a bike.
And my thoughts on fair trade at VavaVida’s blog.
Have a wonderful weekend!
