Monday, June 28, 2010

Summer Stylin...






Happy Monday everyone!!!  Today I wanted to share with you a petite little patio party!  When I found out that Fifi was coming to photograph my home, I had a whole outdoor Summer party planned to set up near the beautiful prairie field next to my neighbor's yard...well no such luck, the day of my shoot, it rained literally the whole day!

Yesterday I decided to go ahead and play stylist anyway and set up a scaled down version of my idea on my own patio...the backdrop isn't nearly as pretty, but it was a lot easier to set things up right outside my door :)

So I am going to keep the chit chat short today and stick mostly to pictures...trust me, I know I'm no professional and I have a lot to learn about photography, but I secretly hope to some day become a stylist of some sort {a girl can dream, right?!}...I love everything about it :) :)  Thank you so much for always being such an amazing "audience" for all of my crazy ideas and practicing!!!











































{This lovely garage sale find from last year will be Caighton's "big girl bed" when she's finally ready to move out of her crib}


This post marked 100 for me!  I can't believe it!!  July is also my one year blogging anniversary, so I do believe a giveaway will be inorder...coming soon...


Tracey

114 comments:

vintage girl at heart said...

Lovely!!
You have wonderful style and an eye for the simple things!

Anne Marie said...

good morning Tracey!
too bad Fifi and Mark didn't get to enjoy it!! HOWEVER now you own all this idea yourself - and you are the one that can publish them -
I learned a lot with having them over learning how to expand my lens...
my favorite picture it with your clarity on the baby's breath/mason jar....
but they are all so beautiful (btw; Mark said you are a very knowledgeable photographer!!)
xo + blessings,
Anne Marie

Lynda @ Happenstance Home said...

Everything is beautiful and I bet Fifi will be so bummed that the weather wasn't so great the day of your shoot. You daughters big girl bed is amazing!

Debby said...

So lovely. Makes me want to come visit, but I'm afraid I wouldn't want to leave. Thanks for sharing.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Morning Tracey sweetie...
OMG I can't even pick just one favorite. What a beautiful showing. I loved the spearmint in the pitcher. Simplicity at it's finest and displayed so beautifully. I also loved the vividness of the cherries and strawberries. How delightful.

The little cake with the small violets, beautiful element of surprise. Love it.

Lastly the flowers in the glass vase hanging on the edge of the wire (bed) beautiful, and I adore the splash of rust that shows through. How absolutely inviting. I thank you for taking me outdoors today to your beautiful celebration of sunshine and happiness.

Hope you have a wonderful week sweetie. Country hugs, Sherry

Christine said...

Thanks for sharing these oh so beautiful photos with us - I loved being a "guest" at your patio party... ;o)
And I'm soooo jealous of that bed! Have a nice day - looking forward to your next post!

Hugs from Christine / dethvitehuset.blogspot.com / Norway

Katy Noelle said...

Gasp! -when I read that it's both 100 posts and 1 year. Congratulations!

I don't think that your dream of being a stylist is anywhere near OFF the mark! Everything is always lovely here - like in a magazine - but - I'm SURE you've been told that before.

Tracey, when Fifi had come, I had mentioned that I had just seen her at someone else's bloggy house. It was Elyse at "Cottage". Then, only a few days later, I see that she mentioned you in one of her posts (Fickle Pickle) and you answered her back. Funny! Uh oh! I have 'it's a small world' revving in my head. Excuse me, I have to go and crush that before it gets started!

Anyway, you've given me inspiration, again. Just when I needed it, too!

Love, Katy

Mara said...

Hi Tracey! congrats on your 100 post! and I love this simple, stylish patio party!! It's full of wonderful details!

Have a great new week!
Mara

Sweet Old Vintage said...

Tracey... Learning is doing and you are doing quite well. The weather has been a ruin of many of plans so far this summer... Yesterday afternnon and evening we recieved ovr 2 inches of rain and we went to check the fields and water was flowing and setting everywhere... We have a large ditch beside our house and it was like a big waterfall as all flowed to the main one... I am sure you learned a few pointers watching Fifi... It all in the little detail.... right down to the little petals....

Heather@PixieDust said...

congrats on posting 100!!

Tierlantijn said...

Wow! You make very nice pictures! The garden looks so inviting en the fresh fruits...i can almost smell them. Love it!

Best wishes, Ilona

the VG huis said...

oooohhh your party would have been dreamy for sure. What a beautiful setting! You can party plan for me anytime!!! Rain rain go away...we've had such a strange beginning to our summer this year in Southern Ontario. Happy Monday to you. ~Stacey

cityfarmer said...

I can just see you pulling all those lovelies out to the patio ...

better think of a title for your new book!
pour the wine!

Donna (Timeless Settings) said...

So many beautiful photos! Congrats on your 100th post!

Donna

love and lilac said...

How delightful! Love your attention to detail like the flowers dotted over the cake.

Laura Ingalls Gunn said...

A perfect way to spend the day!

Urban Farmgirl said...

Oh Tracey, here is my idea...you can come over, style my house and do a book with the before and after shots. Doesn't that sound fabulous?? Ok, maybe just to me! ;o)

Seriously, you are outrageously talented. You have such an eye for the details. Wonderful photos and a gorgeous set. Thanks for sharing.

~mary~

The Happy Homemaker said...

It's magical!I am just mad for that 'MINT' stake.It's just the right amount of...oh, something...I don't know, but I LOVE it!Queen Anne's Lace, cherries, candle,wrought iron,vintage china...it just doesn't get any better.

Beach House Living said...

This is your idea of a "scaled down" version? I don't have enough space to store all that stuff nor have such a fab collection of cool stuff never mind the artful arranging.

As for the photos the composition looks fabulous to me. That photo of the cherries looks like it belongs in a food magazine.

Shooting in the shade is hard I've found it's much harder with digital camera's for some reason.
to adjust for that. Lots of gray to blush hues...on the little camera screen they look fine once loaded it's like ut oh.
You can try upping the AV setting and adjusting white balance

Morning T said...

Good morning and happy Monday Tracey. More magical delights from your corner of the world...everything is just heavenly on your back patio!
Teach me to take pics like you, please oh please!!! :)
Hugs~
T

Preppy Mama said...

Happy Monday! I am totally crushing on your blue china!! So lovely!

Chrissy said...

Tracey...these photos could grace the pages of any fine book or magazine!! I am going back to see them again,and again,oh and maybe one more time for good measure!! Enjoy your week,x0x0x

Chrissy said...

Me again...I LOVE that bed!! Lucky little girl Caighton is!

Olive Cooper said...

Tracey! Wow to the Wow. The photo of the birdbath glimpsed through the blue shutters is stunning. Would comment on many more but that is my favorite. I know you had so much fun. The joy found in beauty and nature is evidensed in your photos. ~olive

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Good Morning!
I love the rusty bird cage and your linens...so very pretty!

Rondell

koralee said...

Sooooo lovely...your images are amazingly beautiful. I love everything! I want everything!{is that bad?}Hugs for another beautiful day today..you started mine out right. xoxo

My Yellow House said...

GORGEOUS! I love all the rust and chippy paint with the pretty linens and beautiful china ~ you definately are a pro at styling. Of course, it helps when you have such beautiful things to play with. :) Everything you do is just plain lovely! I love when you post lots of pictures so I can add to my want and idea list. :) Although I keep posting about purging - I secretly want lots of pretty things!
Have a great day!
Sarah xo

Dreamy Whites said...

Tracey,
Your photographs are so beautiful!!!!!!
I love how everything turned out!!!

You would make a great stylist!!!!
I love your french sink, and that bed. I have a bed similar!
Hope you had a great weekend! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Hugs,
Maria

Jboo said...

Oh wow -- everything looks so beautiful!!

Janet

Jillayne said...

Looks pretty good to me - you have a flair for it! And when it looking at the pictures, it's nice to know they are your things rather than props that were brought in to stage it and then taken away again. I thinks it's charming when it's real!

Sandi said...

Once again your photos are jaw dropping beautiful!! I love the Queen Annes lace in the jar...so so pretty!! But each and every one is gorgeous. You can come and style my home anytime! lol.
Blessings~

tara said...

oh girl you could be a stylist no problem!! this is just darling, I love all the vintage details and the flowers, so when is the party, I will be right over!

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

This is so so beautiful! You make me want to have people over! Right now! oh I am SO glad I found your blog - every time I check the page, there is something stunning to see! Great job!

Terrell said...

Amazing photos!! These are simply lovely!! Thank you for sharing!
~Terrell @ FrouFrouDecor~

Martha said...

beautiful pics...you are a stylist my dear;)!!!

June said...

It's beautiful Tracey...and your pictures of it are stunning.
I think I am now inspired to go about my day and think about this blissful spot.
hugs

DustyLu said...

Tracey! It is gorgeous I love what you did! You can come play with me anytime!! You have a great eye and your outdoor photography is perfect! love love it all! Your my favorite! lulu

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

You are SO gonna be a stylist/photographer. You have such gorgeous ideas....really. When this book comes out...WATCH OUT!! I can't wait to see it all happen for you=0)

Have a great day,
xoxo,
Carol

Lindsay said...

You always have the most gorgeous photos :)

Passionate for White said...

Believe me when I say this....I LOVE all your so called "crazy" ideas!! Please, keep them coming!

Country Dreaming said...

Beatutiful pictures! I'd love a strawberry, please.
Congrats on 100 andyour upcoming anniversary!
We share the same blog anniversary month! I will actually have over 200 posts by my anniversary--can you say "Yaks too much!" :)

Happy day to you!


Melinda

Anji Johnston said...

Love everything about this! Your staging is so professional and photography, well, I'm lost for words! Love all the texture layers you add to your photos, they give them such a time worn vintage feel. Stop over my house anytime - I could do with a make over!!

manon 21 said...

ravissant et appétissant!!!

bonne soirée


Manon

Ticking and Toile said...

Tracey,
Every picture is so totally gorgeous! You are so incredibly talented!!!! I love all of them. I really love the 2 old doors as a backdrop for the birdcage. Very cool. I do think big things are in store for you! :)

xo,
Shellagh

Leah C said...

Tracey, you are far to humble & modest:) Your photography is bee-u-ti-ful and your stylin' is sensational!!

Jeannine said...

You've really set up a beautiful party for conversation and relaxation. So lovely. And the photography is wonderful. The Pansies glow!

Maliva`s verden said...

ME LIKE;O)

siren said...

Hi there! I really like your blog, you have a lots of beautiful pictures...and mutch inspiration! :)

KC-Design said...

Everything is looking so beautiful!! I am happy that I found you blog, you give so wonderful inspirations, thank you (-:
Karin

Lisa said...

Lovely and so well photographed. You did a great job.

Storybook Woods said...

Just stunning annd inspiring. Thank you Clarice

Storybook Woods said...

Just stunning annd inspiring. Thank you Clarice

It's me said...

O my Tracey....your pictures are amazing !!! all of them !!! i really like them all............have a wonderful midsummer evening...hugs and love from me....Ria.....

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Very cute, Tracey! I have those same Anthro spice jars, aren't they just the best little trinkets? Pretty, pretty and inspiring too. I've shared my little outdoor backyard area, come check it out if you get a chance. Ooh, love that old iron bed too.
~Tracie

simplydelicious said...

Beautiful!!!! Fifi certainly missed a party!!!! Your photography is absolutely gorgeous! I have recently found your blog and fallen in love...
~Karen

a little bit vintage said...

So lovely! Adore the iron daybed!

smiles,
rachel

Jackie said...

Oh my, my, my, my!!!!!!!!! There is not one detail in these pictures that is not breath taking! You have such a sweetness for creating warmth and fun! Wish I could come to a party at your house!!!!

paperbird said...

it is all so gorgeous- and you silly girl- you are an amazing photographer!

hometown girl said...

i love everything about your party setting! it's perfection! i don't think becoming a stylist is dreaming at all you've got talent my friend! hugs, susan

Les Cotrions said...

Amazing, wonderful, stunning photos Tracey!!! They look very professional!!!
You're truly very clever!!!
Happy new week!
Vale

Crystal said...

Oh Wow, I just don't even know where to start??? I bet Fifi and Mark will be upset they missed this photo op. I am so glad you were able to share it directly with all of us. What a great style you have. I just love that bed idea :)
Have a great week.

Ms. Pearl said...

I think you're a wonderful photographer.

Thanks so much for the gorgeous magazine--it arrived today, beautifully wrapped.

Val said...

I love evrything in your post,you're a talented stylist,bravo!
val!

Cindy said...

Tracey,
You want to BECOME a stylist? Too late, you already are one! Girl, those photos are gorgeous!!! I've never seen better.
Your garden party was nothing less than perfection!
Hugs, Cindy S

Abby's Garden said...

Wow this is the scaled back version of what you envisioned...incredible! You ARE a stylist!

Julie Pishny said...

Hi Tracey, My favorite shot is the cherries in the bowl - it's perfect. My second favorite is the last shot of the vintage bed. Everything is lovely. I'm sure you learned alot from the photographer that did the shoot at your house. I can't wait to see the book. Do we really have to wait so long??? Hugs - Julie

Vintage Junky said...

I think you are already a stylist :)
what a beautiful soiree.

Elyse said...

oh tracey,

your photos and your styling is beautiful. really truly beautiful. and as for your dream of being a stylist -blogging seems to be quite magical in making dreams turn into reality.

xo
elyse

Fearless Nester said...

Oh my word! It IS just like browsing through the pages of a favorite magazine everytime I visit here! We are so lucky right now that we get to see it all for free. I am a big fan! ~Lili

Julie@beingRUBY said...

HI Tracey
Well I always find your photos delightful.. and inspiring... and now it is winter here.. simply uplifting to look at all this sunshiny goodness.. Congrats on your 100 posts.. and your upcoming anniversary...

have a lovely week.. xxx Julie

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Tracey, congratulations on your 100 post! YOur images are so beautiful and the quality of your blog scrumptious! I can always count on dreamy photos and inspring thoughts!
Yvonne

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tracey,

What a lovely petite patio party, you set up.
Everything looks so beautiful and could grace, any glossy magazine.
I love the sweet bed, and all your inspiration and styling is magnificent.
Congratulations on 100 wonderful posts.

Happy week
Hugs
Carolyn

Flower Patch Farmgirl said...

So pretty! Save some of those cherries for me, wouldja?

Alicia ~ time worn style said...

wow wee what i can i say, why you are not a stylist already I dont know! Photos are beautiful, would love to sit down there and have a glass of bubbly. roll on summer here in Australia I say!
alicia

Rozmeen said...

SOOOO beautiful!! Love the settings! Adore your style.

Hugs,
Rozmeen

traci said...

tracey, i am speechless. gorgeous!!! wow girl. fifi has nothing on you! everything looks amazing. that bed is beautiful. what am i saying, everything is beautiful. well, i guess i lied, i wasn't speechless afterall. have i ever been? miss ya!!!

Michelle said...

That was absolutely beautiful! My favorite is the mint sign in the mint plant! Where did you get it?

lara at beachychic said...

Very pretty Tracey! I absolutely adore your photographic showcase of the details and your use of colour with white.. very soft, summery.. pretty. I just preordered a JDL mag from you and I can't even say how excited I am to receive it! ~lara

Barbara said...

Really charming, Tracey. Can I come to your next patio party??
I think you're doing a lovely job with styling. I wish I had just one iota of your talent!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour Tracey,
Did I read that you dream of being a stylist? You ARE a stylist! Each shot is lovely - you've captured the romantic spirit of the afternoon! Fifi would love each detail like we do!
Félicitations on your 100th post. You blog just gets better and better!
Happy styling!
Mimi

Lee said...

**drooling** nicely done!! xoxo

Sheila said...

I simply adore your blog and your beautiful style...found you via Whimsy's blog! Haven't been to the market yet, but plan on going soon. Hopefully, we have an opportunity to meet during a weekend outing. All the best!

Jeni said...

Everything is so beautiful. The setting is charming. Your decor is amazing. And the photos you take are perfect.

p.s. I'm in love with your little vintage plates with the pale blue edges. Oh my!

Jeni said...

Everything is so beautiful. The setting is charming. Your decor is amazing. And the photos you take are perfect.

p.s. I'm in love with your little vintage plates with the pale blue edges. Oh my!

The Homesteading Apartment said...

Recently became a new follower and so glad I found your blog (: I look forward to coming back for future posts!

There is just something about white linens, iron, blue glass and strawberries that make me long for a place in the country (: So beautiful!

Michele
XOXO

Theresa @ 612Riverside said...

Just beautiful! The secret is out... you ARE a stylist! Theresa

Jenny @ Baileyandme2 said...

so pretty i want to shed a tear! i love your photography style too... :)

paige said...

amazingly gorgeous my friend
may i come live with you?
i'll be very quiet & do my own laundry.

oh & by the way
i'm so glad that i can say "i knew her back when" when you take over the stylist world.
you have talent my friend
serious talent
xo

Cielo Azul Jewelry said...

I received my package yesterday!!!!!!! THANK YOU! Everything is beautiful=0) I LOVE the little chalk board SO much. Your packages are so fun to open!

XOXO,
Carol

Tammy @ tinselshop.com said...

All I can say is GORGEOUS! Too bad it rained. Your home and style is so inspiring I can't wait to see your home featured in Fifi's new book! What a thrill for you!

Best wishes,
Tammy

KarenSue said...

Lots of comments here! That's because these photo's are amazing.
Enjoy your 4th!
KarenSue

evelyn p. said...

Stunning! Stunningly Beautiful!!
Pretty and simple yet sooo beautiful!!

New to your blog and very giddy about it too!tee hee

Cheryl ~ Casual Cottage Chic said...

Tracey,
You have an eye for balance and style for sure! When can you come to my home to redo it...lol! Love, love, love the chippy blue doors and the blue FR bistro chair. Well, all of it is fabulous; can't wait for pics in Fifi's forthcoming book.

Ingrid said...

Please tell me you at least had some friends over to enjoy all the hard work you put into it?
Seems like so much work to just photograf it.
Ingrid

graceandivy said...

Gorgeous shoot! I love your style. So beautiful. You could definitely be a stylist. I think you already are! ;) xx

Andrea - Faded Plains said...

Just gorgeous Tracey...and I do believe I see a stylist job in your future.

Melanie said...

So lovely, Tracey!

You are welcome to come and style my home any day!:)

Have a Happy Weekend!
Melanie

ursula said...

You did a great job! Lovely photos.

Ina Samdal said...

Oh so beautiful! I just love your style!

Greetings from Norway

a.love said...

oh my gosh! as always--BEAUTIFUL!

Suzanne MacCrone said...

Hi Tracey,

I happened to stumble into your blog and realized that I just read the lovely article you wrote in Somerset Life this month. {I am in there too.}

Your photographs are great, and as far as I can see you already are a photo stylist!

By the way, when Fifi came to shoot my home last year it rained and rained and rained! I had a patio party planned too and got soaked.

I'll look for Fifi's story about you soon. Congratulations on all your publications.

Ciao,
Suzanne

Greet said...

Tracey,
Your pictures are gorgeous! You know how to do the styling! I love the picture of the cherries a lot!
Well done!
Have a nice weekend!
xx
Greet

Susan said...

hi Tracey....found your blog thru the new Somerset Life. Love your blog and I was so surprised to see we live so close to one another. Great photos. Susan

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Gorgeous photos , wonderful blog, Congratulations on your 100th post and your ONE year blogAversary :-)

ChRiS said...

question....i have some mint growing outside i see you have some in a pitcher....will this only last for a day or lil onger if put in a pitcher of water ( for the mint smell mainly)

Suztats said...

I want to live in your patio party!
You may want to be a stylist someday........I think you're already there, and way above ......thanks for the eye candy

Alice said...

Your patio party looks absolutely divine! That blue china is to die for!

I think you do a fine job of photographing....don't sell yourself short.

Wow, 100 posts--congratulations!

Victoria Bellow said...

Good Job! Your photos are Amazing!i love your daughter's bed,looks so delightful and summery, i really like your style...lots of nice comments here- you deserve it-you are so talented,you're doing quite well.i am your newest follower. thanks.inspiring Blog.

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh my word, Tracey....your photography skills are just amazing! Don't doubt yourself with your styling techniques, either, girl! You 'see' things in such a beautiful way and we all get to share in that beauty. Thank you!!! :)

Like I commented before, you can come and style out my home any time you want to! :)

xoxo laurie@heavenswalk

Pam said...

Tracey, thsnk you for a year of inspiring, beautiful ideas-I get so excited when I see that you have a new post-same with Maria! You both are incredible.

Gaia said...

I'm totally Impressed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! fantastic style!

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

So lovely, it takes my breath away!

Gidget said...

Absolutly gorgeous pictures!!! I loved everything!!! Lost of talent. :)

poppies said...

As many have said, your photos were absolutely beautiful...I'm so impressed. What a delight!