unruly things

dlb and I have been talking about making terrariums for some time now. in the middle of searching for the best glass jar, he sent me this link for the work of Paula Hayes. I am in love.
{from paula hayes, via apartment therapy}

Banana Republic has had some pretty amazing dresses lately.
{from banana republic}

words can’t describe my love for this coat.
{from j. crew}

Jen Altman is one of those people who takes pictures that you just want to be a part of. I love the way she photographs life. her girls, her baking, her pearls… her attention to everyday life and detail is impeccable and her ability to capture each loving moment is beyond perfect. her recent projects include a monthly photo trade and the lovely book, For the Love of Light. her blog provides endless inspiration as well as her flickr stream and shop.
stay tuned this week for a *bonus* photographer spotlight!

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what first sparked your interest in photography:
I have always loved photography and when I was young I remember being very careful about how I composed the composition through the viewfinder before shooting. I remember thinking how perfect everything had to be. I shot a lot of film when I was traveling in my 20s, but it was not until my daughters were born that I began to take the entire process a bit more seriously. Sometimes I feel like I should have been a historian – I think documentation is so important.what was your first camera:
My first camera that I remember buying myself was an Olympus IS200 35mm. I bought it to travel with and it took great photographs – it was a workhorse.favorite thing to photograph:
My girls of course, but I love still life and food photography and all that it implies – everything from harvest to table and the beauty of lifestyle pieces that can lead to the quietness of still life.
favorite artist/photographer:
I love my friend Nanako’s work – I love how she sees. And I love the work of Marcus Nilsson. I adore John Singer Sarent, Marc Chagall and Jim Dine.most memorable advice you’ve been given:
My photography mentor and dear friend once contacted a rather well known editorial photographer asking for advice about the industry – he told her point blank, put yourself out there. It is slowly becoming my mantra – it is such an intimidating and competitive industry when you look at it from an editorial and commercial standpoint. But where would you be if you never shared your work?advice you’d give starting or aspiring photographers:
Shoot, shoot, shoot. Challenge yourself to look at things differently, experiment and to pick up an old film camera so you can truly appreciate the fundamentals of the art.favorite color:
light.if you could eat only one thing:
Cheese. Mostly Italian.something you can’t live without:
My family and girlfriends. And Pecorino Sardo {the best cheese ever}, Rosebud Salve, film, chocolate-peanut-butter-banana milkshakes and my Kitchen-Aid mixer.on r
epeat from your headphones:
British Sea Power, Sleepy Rebels, The Republic Tigers, The Watson Twins, The Hush Sound and Teddy Thompson.what inspires you:
Oh goodness, I could go on forever – but right now I love the feel of water, the smell of the earth after a morning rain, the taste of crisp apples, the sound of the leaves dancing on the sidewalk and the vision of old films tinged with age and melancholy.

Solestruck with shoe love, that is. like my blog/flickr friend Abby, I too was given the chance at a fabulously free pair of shoes. but being the picky person I am, I decided to keep my prize quiet until they came in the mail and I was truly in love. and my friends, with the expert customer service, fast shipping, and uber cute packaging, I was not disappointed.
Solestruck is a great site, filled with lots of adorably cute shoes at completely affordable prices. from boots and flats to wedges and clogs, there is a little something for everyone. bonus for you Portlanders: Solestruck is located right here in Portland and plans on opening a brick and mortar shop hopefully sometime next year!
{image of me with my fancy new Jeffrey Campbell shoes}

the Little Stitch by Parker Sewn is a lovely shop filled with handmade pillows and artwork. Susan, the woman behind Parker Sewn, couldn’t possibly be sweeter. she’s a pleasure to work with and her designs are simple lovely. {can you guess who designed her banner and ad?}
Moop is quite possibly one of my favorite shops I’ve posted about so when Wendy contacted me to place her ad on Unruly Things, I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I absolutely love The Market Bag and I’ve had my eyes on The Tote as well.

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if you are interested in advertising on Unruly Things, please contact me and I’ll send you a media kit with our advertising specs! I’ve priced it just right for small business and shops.

not only do I want the model’s gorgeous, wavy brown hair, but I’d take each one of her dresses as well. classic and perfectly feminine.
{via design is mine, from heidi merrick}

this lovely lady is inspiring me to go out and buy a blousey sweater dress, colorful scarf and promptly paint my nails red. perfect way to welcome fall, don’t you think?
{from le blog de betty}