Old Lucketts Spring Market in Review | Virginia Photographer

Happy Tuesday, Lovelies!

Wow, what a fun weekend!  The cap of the weekend was definitely walking around the Old Lucketts Spring Market.  It rained and rained, but I still loved finding inspiration, speaking to my favorite bloggers, and ogling the beautiful future.  I’m not a big TV watcher, I’m more of a tinkerer, and the Old Lucketts Spring Market is on my version of a red carpet, movie premier, and superbowl—all rolled into one!

My favorites were definitely the Beekeepers Cottage, Miss Mustard Seed, and Ekster Antiques.  In true Ekster style, Caroline’s tent was tall and opulent.  See the furniture below.  Two beautiful “mini” Victorian chairs were on my drool list.  They are the perfect size for our six year old.  Think of the tea parties!

Ekster is hosting a sale on May 31, June 1 & 2.  I’m trying (desperately!) to fit it into the schedule.

By Saturday, Miss Mustard Seed was nearly sold out, but I picked up her book—The Inspired You.  It’s really the perfect time in my life for the book.  I also eyed her preserved boxwood wreaths and dried lavender bouquets.  

After Old Lucketts, we drove to Chartreuse & Company in Frederick, MD, about 15 minutes.  There is a GREAT roadside BBQ place on the same—I totally recommend stopping.  Chartreuse & Company has about doubled since I was there last- crazy! 

There is a barn full of cheap pieces that are ready and priced to be sourced for your next project.  It’s more expensive than Craigslist, but its fool of the good stuff.  I asked about the price of two pieces.  Both were more expensive than I wanted to pay and sold.  The HUGE farmhouse and apparently TWO new old buildings were closed.  Chartreuse & Company is only open one weekend a month and close at 4pm. 

Darn it!  I’ll be back soon.

Then, we popped over to Stylish Patina (4 miles away) for a peek—my first.  I’m looking to rent a few antiques Stylish Patina for my wedding-- Stylish Patina has vintage and antique wedding rentals.  The building was small, secluded and far.  Maybe stop by if you’re in the area, but it’s a far drive for a “meh” selection if your not.

Unfortunately, I only took a few cell phone photos of Old Lucketts.  More on their website!  Coming with me next year?

Old Lucketts Spring Market | Virginia Photographer

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

Ahh, what a wonderful Friday!  I have some fun activities planned, but top among them is Old Lucketts Spring Market!!  Are you going?

If you don’t know what Old Lucketts or the Spring Market are, I got you beau.  The Leesburg area is the mecca for antiques in Northern Virginia.  Old Lucketts (a store) in Lucketts, VA , does it like no one else.  You like Anthropologie?  Well at Old Lucketts, dealers rent rooms in an old house, and you walk through 10-15 Anthropologie-like designers. (See the inside shots below)

At the Spring Market, you amplify that times 200.  The grounds turn into tents where you can meet and buy furniture and “smalls” from your favorite designers and bloggers.  My favorites are Miss Mustard Seed and Ekster Antiques.  Remember this staged wedding shoot? It was at Ekster!

When all the craziness happened in 2011, I turned into a hermit.  Old Lucketts Spring Market was really the first time I left the house.  I went alone because I couldn’t coordinate schedules…. And Old Lucketts really woke something up inside me.  There is something healing about changing and beautifying the inside of your home. 

Okay, some words of advice.  It can be hot, cold, muggy, rainy, etc.  Be ready to walk around the fair-like grounds.  It’s all gravel, so wear your comfortable shoes.  There are some AWESOME food vendors at the Spring Market.  I like the fresh squeezed lemonade.  Most vendors take cash, a few checks and credit cards.  There are people to help move furniture to your car. Delivery is also an option.

Woot, Woot!  To Old Lucketts Spring Market we go!

What to Wear Toddler Girl | Virginia Photographer

Morning, Lovelies!

Ready to say, “awwwwww.” This is an “awwww” inspiring post!

Clients often ask me for suggestions about what to wear.  The answer isn’t simple.  I recommend wearing layers of texture, staying away from white except as an accent color, and to be comfortable and neat.  I started a pin boards on Pinterest with a few ideas of what to wear by category—women, little girls, little boys, men, and maternity.

Today’s photos are totally an example of what to wear for toddler girls!

Natalia with Chickie Chic Boutique recently moved to Northern Virginia, and we Northern Virginia-ers are super lucky! Chickie Chic sells custom and name brand clothing—pettiskirts, ruffle and rosette tops, Mud Pie Clothing, lace tops, bloomers, swing top sets, leg warmers, socks, birthday tops, lace and satin rompers, tutu onesies, customs chunky necklaces, headbands, tutu dresses, tutu belts, maternity and girl belts, newborn shoes and Swarovski Converse.  Such a cool girls’ boutique for Northern Virginia!

Natalia even designs for dance studios and pageants!  I'm super lucky because she is making augh.maz.ing flower girl dresses for our girls!

Natalia is a chick up my alley.  She started her business after the birth of her first child, and it only continues to grow.  I’m thinking about collaborating with Natalia of Chickie Chic Boutique again… maybe stylized mini shoots for Christmas photos?

Follow Natalia and Chickie Chic Boutique on Facebook here!

Chronicles of Narnia | Virginia Furniture Refinishing

Happy Monday, Lovelies!

I recently updated you about my first furniture project and lessons learned (see here). Today, I have my most recent furniture project.  I recently picked up a sad little dresser from an estate sale.  No one else wanted it because it was in bad shape.  There was fire or water damage to the top, peeling veneer, and cracked grimy knobs.  Gross. 

Here’s a little before shot.

I scrubbed and scrubbed this guy to get him squeaky clean.  I changed the damaged top, and I painted the furniture gray with chalk paint.  I wanted to try Restoration Hardware finish technique, and this was a great model. 

How to Restoration Hardware refinish:

- Paint with Paris Gray chalk paint

- Wax with antiquing wax

- Done

No standing, stripping or distressing needed.

Antiquing wax, or dark wax, is wax and stain together.  It darkens your project and brings out details.  While I like the concept, I think I’ll make my own antiquing wax on my next project.  The brown of the wax and gray of the paint combines to café con leche instead of the grayer, weathered wood I was going for.

Antiquing wax, however, is awesome because it brings out the character (and FEET!) of this dresser.  It’s so Chronicles of Narnia or Where the Wild Things are.

I changed the broken, grimy knobs for cool wreath pulls and added some bling-bling for the lingerie drawers.  I love bling! 

Like it?  Do you see Chronicles of Narnia or Where the Wild Things Are?  My next project is a dining room set!  Homemade gray antiquing wax on the agenda.