Let me just preface with the fact that I am by no means a fashion blogger. I am an artist, and this blog's sole reason for existence is to share my thoughts for inspiration and some behind the scenes of life in general... 

You may have already seen the catalog, or some of these photos on social media, but I wanted to just brag on the brand a little in this blog, because I had such a fantastic time working with Vineyard Vines in all aspects. They really made a lifelong customer out of me. (This post is not paid for, or an Ad in anyway... though maybe I should have tried that angle... ha ha, oh well).

I'm still not entirely sure why they chose to work with me. Someone approached me on Instagram, where I think I had a mere 2K followers at the time. She said if I was interested, to email a little blurb about myself and a head shot. I had never owned any of their clothes, but their reputation for quality preceded them. Vineyard Vines styles are cute, simple, and unique. I'm not a frilly person, but I like to look nice occasionally, and I need my clothes to LAST with 2 young boys.

There was a lot of emailing back and forth while they decided on their artistic direction for the photo shoot. We talked about a family shoot, then some boat shots, then they asked if I could bring a friend, so I instantly thought of Sarah La Pierre. Sarah is another local artist, and is so beautiful inside and out, (and as a bonus she's fun to hang out with). We planned to shoot at the beach, at a joint studio space, R2H Modern Gallery, and then our favorite smoothie stop, Modern Juice Company.

The whole concept of Real Good People- "Who needs models when we have the best friends and customers in the world?" is genius really. If you want to photograph some genuine smiles, let people do what they love all day, wearing your clothes!!?! Duh! My "Every Day Should Feel This Good" moment would have been surfing, painting, and hanging with my friends and family anyway, so they pretty much created the ultimate day!

Sydney Sheehan was our sweet, nimble, little photographer, getting all the good shots at every angle. Jacob True was the focused, yet hilariously funny videographer, who just used his own head or shoulder to store hats and bags we weren’t using in the shot. Kat Kellerman was our chic, and ever- patient stylist, attempting to keep hair out of our faces on the windy beach, and making sure that the clothes were looking styled and fresh all day. She didn’t hold back any compliments either, which kept us both at ease and feeling oh so pretty!

It really was a dream team, making every part of the day a pleasure. Soon it wasn’t weird at all that we were holding up lunch time traffic at Modern Juice Co. to laugh about looking into each others eyes, or the weather changing.. again. We were just living the dream, ya know?

Starting the day surfing might have really put me at an all-time high, though… They almost didn’t let me go in the water, after having me bring my board, and putting a rash guard on and everything! There really weren’t any waves, but I assured them that I wouldn’t get my hair wet and I would be very happy all day if I just had a few minutes to play… They didn’t end up using any of those shots in the catalog, probably because I totally got my hair wet trying to catch some shore break (sorry guys), and the goofy, surfer look (no shame here) must not have been part of their creative brief, (no pun intended, but I am goofy-footed)!

Painting was the hardest to smile during, because I actually needed to focus. Luckily, I didn't start sticking my tongue out or anything embarrassing. I did have to use some of that time with a babysitter to get farther along with the quadtych pictured. None of that part was actually staged, they gave us a full 45 minutes to work while Jacob filmed. Sarah practically finished her whole painting!

Here's a link to the Vineyard Vines video and to read their full article!

My correspondence with the Senior Copywriter, Chris White, has also been such a pleasure. We've even talked about the possibility of a future collaboration in the Bahamas!
I am so grateful that Vineyard Vines gave me the opportunity to share my story and my work with all of their customers and fans. I am still so impressed with their brand, their employees, and everything they stand for.

Thanks for reminding me that Everyday SHOULD feel this good!

Photos (besides behind the scenes) taken by Sydney Sheehan- @Sydneysheehanphoto