telling stories: an experiment with ashley caroline photography

Back when a landline was necessary, I would make calls to my best friend Ashley from my parents' bedroom.  We would plan to meet up in the woods, on the path halfway between our houses. There was this one scary part of the woods that was a dark tunnel of branches.  I can see it like it was yesterday.  We would run through it as fast as we could- that was about halfway- and continue on, sometimes stopping to explore, sometimes detouring, always, always laughing.

I can't believe that was almost 20 years ago, but the good news is…old habits die hard.  Ashley, who is a very successful wedding photographer and owner of Ashley Caroline Photography, contacted me a couple months ago about meeting up for a lifestyle / fashion photoshoot.  I think I said yes before her fingers finished typing.

Well, we made it happen this weekend with plenty of exploring, detouring and tons of laughter…here are the results.

Sources: Free People Lou Buttondown Dress / Scarf made by my lovely sister in law (email me if you would like her contact info!) / Wolford tights / Belt on permanent loan from my sister (similar here) / Pedro Garcia boots (sold out- I got them when they were 50% off) / Hunter Boots borrowed from Ashley's sister / Hat borrowed from my impossibly stylish friend Vicki (similar here) / Soo Ihn Kim Bracelet (old) / Marcia Moran Druzy Ring (similar here)

While I tried my best to smize, Ashley used glass to create some incredible images...

You didn't think we would leave Charlie out, did you?  Master of the Smize...

Okay that's a lie.  Charlie was FREAKING OUT!  Friend does not handle new situations well, though you can't tell by Ashley's shots, and we were fortunate to have the most handsome dog wrangler on hand (thanks, Raven!).

I'm in love with the above shots.  Ashley's pictures read like a novel- I swear I can picture the entire story about that girl in the plaid dress with the lace blanket.

Taking pictures on the rocks was amazing.  We were freezing, the wind was whipping and I felt like the ocean was going to swallow us up.  Again, you would never know it from these pictures...

This last picture makes me want to cry!  Ashley, you are a true artist and I cannot wait to watch your career blossom and grow.

If you're interested in hiring Ashley, please visit her website here (and check out her recap of our shoot here!).

And please check back over the next couple weeks, I'll be recapping the other outfits!  Hope you've enjoyed :)

images by Ashley Caroline Photography

FIVER: winter wonderland essentials

Snow My God.  There are very few things that could take the joy out of a good old fashioned snow storm for me. This weekend was no exception.

Days like Saturday make me want to escape to a little cabin in Vermont, where Charlie could run around the snowy yard at will, and Raven and I could hang by the wood-burning stove.

Alas, I did not escape, but I did venture out.  In New York, we need quite a few staples to survive the trekking and schlepping while dressed to the nines, without needing to bring a suitcase.

1. The greatest coat known to man: Really. A down or "puffy" coat can be found in every New Yorker's apartment.  Mine kept me warm last eve when I was essentially wearing a tissue paper dress.  Word to the wise- they ain't cheap, but you will be toas-tay.  Canada Goose coats come in colors and styles galore, are guaranteed for life, and I highly suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing.  Reasonably priced alternative here.  (Down is one of those things that, as a non-meat eater, I feel a little funny about wearing, so I would need to put in more research before purchasing a product like this again).

2. Do' protectors: I saw Court wearing earmuffs like these recently, and she looked like the sweetest little snow bunny.  Do protect that hairdo, friend.

3. Heel Holder: In the midst of a snow storm, one cannot be expected to walk from point A to point B in fancy shoes.  So goodbye clutch, hello bright, roomy bag in which I may store my booties.

4. Stem Insulators : Just because it is snowing, does not mean I have to hang up my frock.  Nor does it mean I must suffer with bare legs like an NYU freshman.  These?  They're basically just leggings with feet.

5. Travelin' Boots that Still Look Good with Your Freakum Dress: I searched high and low for these sparklers a couple years ago, but I could not find them in my size for the price that I wanted (Sorel has great sales!).  I did find a simple black pair, however, during one of these aforementioned sales.  Good in rain and snow alike!

What are your NYC winter essentials?

all images via Pinterest

gift guide: charlie's xmas list

Monday, we meet again.  No matter, I'm smiling because yesterday it SNOWED and this weekend I did a lot of Christmas-y things (read: gift buying and tree trimming).  It is officially the holidays and needless to say, here at LRW we are thrilled. Charlie and I went out for a walk in the snow last night, which got me thinking about what he would want for Christmas…that is, if he ever wanted anything other than a treat and a good snuggle.

pet gifts by allisonboc featuring a stoneware cookie jar

Stoneware cookie jar / Free People Buffalo Plaid Circle Bed / C. Wonder Pyramid Stud Dog Collar / Gingerbread Man Plush Dog Toy by Hip Doggie

1.  Charlie expects treats after a walk.  Nay, he demands them, and he knows exactly where they are kept. A cookie jar for his biscuits might throw him off the trail for a while.

2.  Again, I have shown that I am incapable of doing a gift guide that does not feature plaid.  But how OFFICIAL does that little pooch look?!

3.  Even dogs need accessories. Charlie is a minimalist and a realist; he prefers this brand for its simple aesthetic and lifetime guarantee, but every pooch needs a little bling now and then.

4.  Since our pups can't enjoy Christmas cookies, I enjoy the idea of presenting Charlie with this on Christmas so he doesn't feel left out.

5.  Every year around the holidays I make a donation to the ASPCA.  It makes my heart feel nice, and I think it would be a great gift for an animal lover who's particularly hard to buy for.  Court and I are planning on doing post on holiday giving soon, so please keep coming back!

Hope you've enjoyed these gift guides!  Do you buy your pet a Christmas gift?