cookbook release

This week marks the launch of Martha Nesbit’s cookbook Savannah Celebrations. I was honored Martha selected me as the photo stylist on this project (my first cookbook ever). It is always nice to see the final product after all the hours of work, schlepping and countless lists become a distant memory. These are some of my favorite pictures from the project. More often than not publishers select images that are my least favorite, but I’m no publisher I’m just a girl that loves to make pretty pictures.

special thanks to Janice Shay from Pinafore Press and Erin Adams Photography

weddings unveiled feature

The new issue of Weddings Unveiled featured one of the weddings I produced in the spring. So exciting! Click to enlarge the photo.

Ashley and Kirk:
Photography: Juliet Elizabeth Photography. Wedding Consultant: Elizabeth Demos. Ceremony and Reception Venue:Magnolia Plantation. Florist: Branch Design Studio. Baker: Back in the Day Bakery. Party Rentals: Snyder Event Rentals. Catering: Beyond Expectations. Invitations, Stationery and Wedding Papers: Meg Sutton Weddings. Ceremony Music: Ian and Jeff. Reception Music: The Music Maker DJ Service. Bridal Gown: Paloma Blanca. Bridesmaid Dresses: Charlotte Russe. Hair and Makeup: Grace Salon. Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse. Transportation: Vintage Chariots.

recent work

Life as a freelance photo stylist/event designer/part time antique dealer has been a big adjustment. In the shop I knew what to expect from my schedule. I knew the hours and approximately knew the in and out of the $$$. So my new jobs come with the risk of not knowing when the next job will come, when the invoices will be paid, how to manage the income over time. I might have 3-4 jobs in one month and then nothing for a month. I love routine so you can imagine the transition has not been easy. I do love the adventure though and I've managed to stay busy (which should explain the lack of blogging).

This is the first house I styled for Southern Living (last December) and I have 2 features in the November issue too. I just completed 2 other projects for SL for next summer. Locally Savannah Magazine and Savannah Weddings has kept me busy as well. I will post things as they appear in print so you can see my handy work.

mini @home open for business

I've opened a small booth in Savannah's newest antique mall Steal Magnolias located on the corner of Gwinnett and Habersham Streets. I'm one of 44 vendors that occupy the space so there is something for everyone. My booth number is #37. I've managed to cram a lot of things into a small amount of space. I hope you will stop by and take a look (and make a purchase).

May 31, no way!

I just realized I hadn't posted since April! I've been kinda busy with weddings and magazine photo shoots so please accept my apologies and take a look at this eye candy from my last few weddings. Want to see more visit my flickr page here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintagegeneral/collections/

Sydney & Robert

Julie & Jeremie

Scottee & Jim

holiday with matthew mead

If only you could see the little victory dance I've been doing since I was selected by one of my all time favorite photo stylists to contribute to his new magazine Holiday with Matthew Mead. My love of his work goes back ten+ years, long before I entered the freelance editorial field. I have stacks of images of his work torn from the pages of Country Home and countless other publications. I keep pinching myself.

Check out his site www.holidaywithmatthewmead.com for special give-aways and to suscribe.

pretty in a pinch, you've got that right!

Here is a sneak peek at the article I produced for Southern Flourish. I'm so proud. The launch is expected March 15. Here is the link: www.southernflourish.com.

long time no see

I know it has been ages since I posted anything. I sit here in my new studio amongst piles (organized piles, I promise) of stuff and that is just what it is now STUFF. Stuff to go to the house, stuff to go to my little antique mall booth, stuff to be donated, stuff to be auctioned, stuff to be put in my little studio space.....STUFF. I mean really why do I have 15 (and counting) extension cords? Why do I feel the need to hoard vintage store display pieces? Why do I have SO many papers? I have filled just about every giant blue IKEA bag I have and countless boxes.

In between the packing, moving and cleaning the shop I meet with brides, magazine editors and photographers (I don't want you to think I've been sitting around). In fact I recently completed my first job photo styling a book. A cookbook for Martha Nesbit (local celeb chef) that is expected to come out in the fall. It was an amazing experience. I also contributed an article to the new online magazine Southern Flourish (expected to launch in a week), I was interviewed by Southern Living for a June article about weddings in Savannah. I was an assistant on a photo shoot for Quilt Magazine and now they've asked me to create some projects for them. I produced a couple of features for Country Living for two spring/summer issues. And if that is not enough I exhibited at Behind the Veil, Savannah's premiere bridal show to showcase my new venture. Fingers crossed this kind of STUFF keeps coming my way because the other STUFF is really overwhelming.

XOXO to all of you that posted such sweet comments about your love for the shop. I hope you will continue to read about my adventures and discoveries on my blog.

last days of @home

We have decided to make Saturday February 20th our last day. I hope you all can make it in one last time to visit awhile.

Thanks again for 10 amazing years. It has been a pleasure knowing all of you. I hope that each time you look at the treasures you acquired from me you will have fond memories of my little store.

I hope you all will continue to follow my work at I head into the next chapter of my creative and professional career.

light at the end of the tunnel

I just got the February issue of Country Living with a feature about the home my husband and I lovingly restored. It was just what I needed. A real pick me up in the middle of all the shop closing craziness, unfriendly bargain hunters and sad emails & blog comments.

I've decided that life hands you only what you can bear. I have a lot to look forward to and a lot to be thankful for.

southern flourish

Curiosity seekers unite.

I've been asked to contribute to a new online magazine called Southern Flourish that will launch in the spring.  With the absolute sad state of things at the news stands this is a welcome addition to my online reading repertoire.  I hope you agree. 

This is the link to the teaser page where you can sign up to get an email when it launches.  www.southernflourish.com

letting go

"you must be open to change in order to evolve and achieve success"

I have some news to share with you today, I have decided to close @home. We have had a good 10 year run but in order to pursue new opportunities with my freelance career and event design it was necessary to make the change. This change will also give me more time with my family, time and space to be creative on a grander scale. I've spent the better part of 20 years in retail. I have garnered a great deal of recognition and have enjoyed the rewards of my hard work but I think now is a great time to re-invent myself. The prospect is both scary and exciting.

I am so grateful for all the good fortune my shop has brought my way and all the lovely people I have met along the way. You have been such an inspiration.

I would like to acknowledge my family and friends, my wonderful staff, loyal customers, sales reps and fellow retailers for all your support over the last 10 years. It has been an amazing journey, thank you for coming along and thank you for believing in me.

When it is all said and done if you are wondering where can you can find me? You can check in on my blog or send me an email for any updates. I will be in a tiny studio where I can meet with brides and work on projects for my editorial clients. I hope to teach some workshops, finish the two book proposals I started over a year ago and I'm bound and determined to get a product development/licensing deal with a manufacturer. I'm also planning to get a couple of spaces in antique malls and host some sort of pop up shop or warehouse sale from time to time (announcements will be on the blog) and if that isn't enough, I will finally have time to concentrate on getting the e-commerce portion of the @home website so I can sell online. So you see I will be very busy, just a different kind of busy.

I'm sure this has come out of left field for many of you but for me, it has been a year in the making. This was not an easy decision. I have loved having a retail store very much. My shop had a winning combination; it is really neat, people love it, I have great stuff, a fantastic location and an outstanding staff and most of all the BEST customers in the world!

Thank you for everything and stayed tuned, lots to come.

Liz

owner

@home

vintage general

photo: Kate Compton Photography

you're invited

holiday hues

This is the most recent installment of my styling/production work for Savannah Magazine.I will be doing some more assignments for Savannah Weddings and Savannah Magazine in 2010. Look for the current issue on news stands and look for the new Savannah Weddings in February. Click on the image to enlarge and zoom in if you want to read the editorial.

photographed by Erin Adams