Spring Showers

When I woke up this morning the pansies in my garden were standing straight up...

...delighted by the light rain that had been sprinkled on them overnight.  With showers in the forecast all day today, I know I needed to prepare for slightly cooler temperatures ahead.  The trench and patterned scarf (both wardrobe staples) kept me dry on the way into the studio, and the cardigan (which reminds me of the ones my father used to wear and I would "borrow") will keep me cozy here at my desk.  Lots of client appointments on tap today (and all three interns in the office at once!) so the statement jewelry and shoes...a must.

Happy Wednesday!
xSB

Stephanie's Holiday Gift Guide - Part 2

Ready for more shopping?  Here's Part 2 of my holiday picks for the style savvy...

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Find anything you like?  I hope so!  Which are your favorites?

xo,

stephanie

Stephanie's Holiday Gift Guide

I have my dream job...shopping for others on a daily basis.  With that being said, I thought I would put together a few of my favorite things for the fashionista on your list...ENJOY!

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1. Love Candy Metallic Gold Art by Jen Ramos, $35.00, 2. Iomoi Handmade Lucite Tray, $150.00 - $995.00, 3. Miu Miu Glitter Bootie, $596.00, 4. Cocotay Brass Bracelet, $145.00, 5. Ralph Lauren Callia Diamond Deco Dessert Plate, $1,195.00, 6. Jo Malone Pure Pleasure Gift Set, 7. Table Tonic Baby Bamileke Feather Juju Hat (Off White & Fushia), 8. VOGUE: The Covers, $31.50, 9. Kate Spade Le Pavillion Iphone 4 Case, $40.00, 10. Swarvoski Octea Sport in Black & Rose Gold, $850.00, 11. Thierry Lasry Sexxxy Sunglasses, $370.95, 12. Essie 'Winter Collection' Mini 4-Pack, $12.00

Check back soon for PART 2 of my HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE...

What's on your "Wish List" this season?  

xo,

stephanie

Charm City Style - Horsin' Around

Anyone who knows me knows I am a big horse lover, so when I saw this jacket a few months ago I knew it would be the perfect addition to my wardrobe.  I feel like it is such a versatile piece and could easily be dressed up or down.  The temperatures are still proving to be unseasonably warm here on the east coast so I have been able to step outside without a heavy coat...so far anyway.

Banana Republic herringbone trousers, Big Budda handbag, Calvin Klein t-shirt, Boutique Forever 21 horse jacket, Betsy Johnson belt, Oscar De La Renta pumps, vintage pendant and large bangle, 

Michael Kors watch, leather and gold bracelet/short gold necklace both from Sassanova, 

hoop earrings from South Moon Under, beaded headband from Loehman's

Charm City Style - Reindeer Games

Like many of you, I spent the weekend running errands, watching a little football (thumbs up RAVENS!), and getting a head start on the holiday decorating at my apartment.  In search for the perfect pine (to use as garland for my front door), I took one of my "reindeer friends" along for the ride...

J.Crew cambray shirt, reindeer sweater Forever 21, plaid scarf found at Jean Pool, AG "The Stevie Ankle" jean, red patent belt (Italy), Vince Camuto boots, hand-knitted snowflake mittens (a gift from a friend), vintage rhinestone earrings from my Grandmother

Charm City Style - Art Project

I love this dress...it reminds me of what one of my art projects in college may have looked like after the all the paint splatter dried.  Paired with a vintage piece (found a few weeks ago on The Avenue in Hampden), I couldn't resist the pairing. 

Dress Cynthia Steffe, Tahari tights, suede booties MRKT (Italy), clover leaf charm necklace and leather bracelet both found at Sassanova Baltimore, long necklace and clutch both vintage, gold hoop earrings found at Nordstrom, Michael Kors watch, black onyx ring found at Loehman's, 

"Wicked" by Essie nails with Essie's gold glitter "Luxeffects" on top

Baltimore Sun Photo Shoot - Behind the Scenes

I was recently asked by The Baltimore Sun to help with an article about "shopping for difficult-to-buy-for individuals."  My task...to interview four people (chosen by the newspaper) and select four different gifts for each personality.  In addition to the story, I was asked to do a photo shoot for the cover of the story.  

Here's a sneak peek at the behind-the-scenes...

LOOK 1) Tracy Reese fringed collar dress, Alexis Bittar earrings, Miriam Haskell cuff all 
from Jones & Jones, leopard print heels from Stephanie's closet

LOOK 2) Parker dress and grey, fur vest by Theory both from L’Apparenza, gold Tory Burch shoulder bag from Handbags In The City, Kate Spade grey suede pumps (with feathers!) from Sassanova

LOOK 3) Vintage sequin jacket from Stephanie’s closet, Alice and Olivia sweater and black leather pants from L’Apparenza, gold Tory Burch shoulder bag from Handbags In The City, 

snakeskin heels from Stephanie's closet

And "THE WINNING LOOK" (above) was featured in The Baltimore Sun Magazine on 

Sunday, November 27, 2011.  View the entire article online HERE!

Ashley Santana, Design Assistant, Bradshaw Styling (left)

Hair and make-up, Ashley Riddle, Up Do's For I Do's (right) - THANK YOU!

Story by John-John Williams IV, Photos by Lloyd Fox.  

Charm City Style - Gold Delight

I am often asked about my wardrobe, "where to shop," and enjoy helping my clients think outside the box when putting new looks together.  Recently a client asked how to make "a simple white t-shirt and comfy leggings" chic?  I thought this worked well as I was running errands this weekend and getting a head start on my holiday decorating.  It's amazing what a few sparkly accessories can do...

Forever 21 sequined hat and jacket, Calvin Klein white t, beaded necklace (vintage), 

Nordstrom leggings, Cole Hahn boots, Michael Kors watch

Stephanie Entertains - Floral Centerpiece How To

With Thanksgiving now just days away, I am sure you are beginning to get out your grandmother's china, make a last minute shopping list and prep the table for the big meal.  Stuck on what to put in the center of your spread? Try this...

Step 1:  Select a decorative container and a color palette.  I chose this footed, turquoise piece because I thought it would contrast our color trio of oranges, golds and reds quite nicely...A perfect fit for our Thanksgiving scene. 

Step 2:  Gather your supplies and prep your container. You will need: a piece floral oasis (found at your local craft supplier), floral tape, garden snips and/or a knife, greens, filler flowers and some pretty accent blooms. I suggest placing an inexpensive, plastic container inside the decorative one to protect it from any water damage.  Soak the oasis in water, place the saturated oasis in the disposable container and secure with floral tape.

Step 3:  Fill around the outside of the container with foliage to create a base layer and cover the plastic container. Keep in mind, using a mix of seasonal greens is an inexpensive way to fill your base and you can even gather these goodies in your own back yard.  Here I used oak leaf hydrangea.  It has great color and big leaves.

Step 4:  Place less expensive "filler" flowers (sedum, football mums and abelia shown above) around your container to begin filling in some of the holes.  Don't forget to turn your container around when you are working so you can fill it in from all angles.

Step 5:  Gather pricier blooms (mini calla lilies, mokara orchids, roses and tulips shown here) and continue filling in the holes.  Keep in mind that these are your focal flowers so placing them in clusters throughout the arrangement gives you a great punch of color all over.

Step 6: Now it is time to add your final touches.  Here we added hypericum berries and these gorgeous guinea feathers.  I love their texture and the white polka dots are just so fun!

Step 7:  Step back and E.N.J.O.Y!  Don't forget to continue to hydrate your oasis every day or so to keep your blooms fresh and longer lasting.

On a personal note, a very Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.  Know I am thankful for all of my readers and so grateful to continue to do what I love every day of the year.

xo,

stephanie

Visit our friends locally at: Crimson and Clover Floral Design, Inc., 733 Deepdene Road, Baltimore

There is still time to sign up for their centerpiece class to be held TOMORROW at 6:30 PM.  

Or, REGISTER NOW for their "Holiday Wreath" making classes in early December. 

For more information, visit them online at: crimsonandcloverdesigns.com.

Charm City Style - Walk in the Woods

 I needed a little break from the studio yesterday afternoon, so I decided to go to on a short walk 

in the woods (one of my very places to be).  It was the perfect mid-day retreat and 

the fresh air was exactly what I needed.

BCBG Max Azria top, leopard scarf (one similar at TopShop), Nordstrom leggings, braided belt Abercrombie & Fitch, boots Cole Hahn, watch Michael Kors, chain link bracelet Nordstrom

Charm City Style - Orange Crush

For the past few weeks I have been obsessing over this delicious color palette (much more Miami than Maryland I realize) however I thought I too would try it on for size...

 

Ali Ro dress (found at Cupcake), gold sequined belt (vintage from my grandmother), Michael Kors Runway Gold Watch, Stella & Dot Penelope necklace and Devi gold bangles, turquoise and gold bracelet (vintage), BCBG snakeskin heels, Michael Kors Berkley Clutch (gold), Wicked by Essie nails

Charm City Style - Painted Red

Another busy day filled with meetings (in preparation for next week's tablescape shoot), but we couldn't resist snapping a few shots while the leaves were still falling...

W118 by Walter Baker necktie blouse (similar style here), Vera Wang wide leg denim, J.Crew leopard belt, Michael Kors watch, Stella & Dot Devi Bangles, leather & gold bracelet from Sassanova, 

Foley & Corinna handbag (similar one here), sand dollar charm (a gift from my mother), 

key charm, J.Crew tall leather boots

Holiday Shopping Sneak Peek

 

Earlier this week I got a call from one of our favorite fashion editors asking us to help put together their Holiday Style Guide ("shopping for a difficult-to-buy-for family") and of course we accepted the challenge. With a November 1, 2011 deadline fast approaching we have been pouring over department store look books, fashion blogs, and of course the pages of our favorite interior magazines.

Neiman Marcus never disappoints and we found our shopping list getting a little longer...L.O.V.E. this for mom. Ashley (design assistant at Bradshaw Styling) is drooling over this little velvet number and has declared this the perfect LBD. As for me, I'll take these please...
xo, stephanie


P.S. Check back in early December for the GIRL ABOUT TOWN Holiday Style Guide!

Style Star: Ashley Olsen

Now this is effortless chic.

(Note to self, find Ray-Bans, air dry hair, tuck in button-down)

(Image, Tumblr)

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

The team at Bradshaw Styling was "about town" today at the Style at the Station event, hosted by STYLE Magazine and Greenspring Station. It was an event full of designer trunk shows, giveaways, and live music! We stopped into some of our favorite stores to visit and check out their new spring merchandise. We even found a little something (size 3T) for one of the youngest Bradshaw Styling fans in Baltimore!

Check out some photos from the event!

Checking out the scene at FRESH! Boutique

Heidi Slacum (center), Owner of FRESH! Boutique

Yummy Cupcakes!

Stephanie, Bridget (center) Owner of wee chic, and Christine, Rep for Splendid and ella moss

Some familiar faces: We ran into shoppers (from left) Holly Joyce Hoey, Mikey Monahan and Hannah Rodewald in Hannah's store The Pleasure of your Company

Such a beautiful day for Style at the Station!

We had so much fun running into so many familiar faces, we HIGHLY recommend popping in (it goes until 8pm!), if for no other reason than the beautiful weather...and delicious cupcakes!

Looks we L.O.V.E.

 

Diane Kruger, one of our favorite beauty inspirations looks amazing with this timeless side-swept loose braid. We are imagining this style paired with a printed maxi dress or crisp button-down with chino shorts. What would you wear it with? 

Learn how to recreate this look with a fishtail braid here.

(Photo, style.com)

Dressing Up (and Down) like a Parisian

We l.o.v.e this list for so many reasons, Parisian women really know how to mix high-end and low-cost items. We took note of this Parisian Style Guide when styling one of our clients last week; we adorned her in amazing (and inexpensive!) finds from Baltimore-local Sassanova, Target, Loehmann's and J. Crew and suggested that she mix high and low for effortless and unabashedly chic looks every day!

(Photo, Lonny)