things are about to change.

It’s Friday! Yahooo! There is always something about Fridays that just puts me in the best mood! And after a week of feeling kinda “blah” it’s nice to have the sun out and a weekend with family to look forward to.

I thought before I head out to celebrate the sun, I’d share a teeny tiny sneak peek of my new blog. Yep – things are changing around here…soon! As much as I have loved the Bow Tie & Bustle blog, I feel myself shifting away from wedding & events and more towards the desire to blog about life in general. I really want my blog to become a place where I lay out my inspiration for not only my work, but my life itself. I want to blog about all kinds of things : travel, family, vintage, style/fashion, art, interiors AND of course weddings & events too! So…the blog is being revamped to have a more “scout” focus.

When I initially named my vintage rental company it was with GREAT intention. The word scout has an incredible amount of weight in my life right now as I find myself “seeking out” or hunting for true happiness. I’ve set myself on a path over the past 15 months that is far different than where I thought I would be at this stage in my life, and although on most days it scares me to death, it also makes me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt. I’m excited to have a place to freely share anything that comes to mind.

I hope you’ll stick with me as things change…new web address and all! More details coming soon!!!

Happy weekend friends!

photo cred: {blog design by amy moore studio}

pic me a palette : springtime.

photo cred : {gina meola photography}

bow tie wednesday / 43.

I’m downright obsessed with the way Tommy Ton captures style details – bow ties included. These menswear looks from Europe have me rummaging through my closet for the perfect topcoat for this rainy day weather.

I’m endlessly inspired by fashion and these detail shots absolutely make me swoon. Those floral patterned gloves? The multi-colored buttons? A feather bow tie & a neon pink hat? Yes. Please!

photo cred: {tommy ton via style.com}

planes, trains & automobiles + a new hat.

Welp, I finally made it home and although I loved seeing my sisters, bro-in-laws, my parents & my in-laws, there is just something about coming home, isn’t there?? I absolutely love traveling but when it includes all 3 forms of travel + complete boredom (hence the hat photo while waiting for a flight) I can take it or leave it. Let’s just say I was pretty happy to put my head on my own pillow last night.

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday and I’m looking forward to catching up on my emails, projects and stuff around the house. It’s gloomy today in Seattle (surprise, surprise!) but it’s exciting to see that everything turned green and bloomed while we were away.

photo cred : {moi iPhone using the fab instagram app – by the way isn’t it crazy that facebook acquired instagram for $1 billion?! WOAH! hoping my fav app doesn’t change much from what it is now as a result…}

spring inspired shoot + weekend fun.

Happy post Easter weekend! I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and got some much deserved time with family & friends! Adam and I spent the weekend with my little sis in Albuquerque, NM and had a total blast! BUT honestly, there is nothing to make you feel older than spending 3 nights in your little sis’ college pad – yowza! It was so much fun seeing Coli in her space, and I’m always so so grateful for any amount of time I get with her. Seeing her this weekend also made me all the more excited for our upcoming trip to Europe too! 4 weeks and counting….wahoooo! I’m now doing the standby travel thing and waiting patiently at the airport for a flight to Denver and then on to Seattle. No luck with a flight last night or early this morning, so currently crossing my fingers for the 10:20 outta ABQ. We shall see!

In the midst of waiting for a flight home, I thought I would share some cute pics from a recent holiday/spring inspired shoot that made its way onto Style Me Pretty last Friday. Jessica of Jessica May Photography asked me awhile back to share some scout. goodies for a fun spring inspired styled shoot and I’m so so happy I did! Jessica’s adorable detail shots sure did brighten my holiday weekend and it’s always such a thrill to collaborate with other creatives! Isn’t that ombre cake by Dianne freaking divine?! For more pretty pretty pics of the shoot head on over to Style Me Pretty.

Happy Monday friends!

photo cred: {jessica may photography}

frenchie macs.

As I gear up for my trip to Europe in early May I feel the butterflies in my tummy escaulating at the mere thought of getting back to Paris. It’s my favorite place in the entire world & 12 days of Parisian goodness is long overdue. I’m so excited to get back!

In looking at my pinterest page this week, I couldn’t help but notice my accumulation of french macarons reaching an all time high. I’m so drawn to the pretty colors and delicacy of this sweet pastry. Do you have a favorite pastry?! Where is your favorite place in the world to visit/be/relish?

photo cred: {via 1, 2, 3, 4}

pic me a palette : prop styling.

I had the absolute pleasure of assisting Chelsea Fuss with a couple of her interior styling jobs this week here in Seattle and I cannot even begin to tell you what an honor it was to be on set with her. Chelsea is honestly someone I greatly admire as a prop stylist and her work continues to inspire me to work towards my own styling career. When I 1st launched myself into the world of weddings & events I didn’t really really know where my biggest passions might lie, and I’m learning more and more everyday about how much I truly value, admire & cherish the skill of creating beautiful photographs through styling.

I really don’t think a lot of people know what goes into actually making a beautiful photo. There is of course the photographer, but there is also a stylist behind the scenes that is working their magic on set or at an event to make sure that everything the photographer is snapping a picture of looks just so. I encourage you the next time you are flipping through your favorite magazine or scrolling your blog feed to ask yourself what might have gone in to making that photograph happen. Really study the picture because I guarantee the photo didn’t happen by chance. Prop styling is not as easy at it might look – it takes a ton of concentration and a fantastic working relationship b/t the stylist and photographer. Some of my fav styling/photography duos out there (Chelsea & Lisa are definitely one of them!) make it look easy as pie – but in reality their work is pure art & some serious talent.

photo, prop styling cred: {happiness etc.}

bow tie wednesday / 42.

I’m a big believer that chicks can pull off bow ties just as well as any fella out there and Blaire of Atlantic – Pacific is the perfect example. If you haven’t come across her blog yet, you are in for quite the fashion treat. I love the idea of bow ties any day of the week, cause keeping them tucked in a drawer and just as an event wear seems like a waste of a pretty amazing accessory, right?

Happy Wednesday friends!

 photo cred: {atlantic – pacific}

inspired by : patterns.

I’m pretty sure my infatuation with patterns started when I was little and would take trips to the fabric store with my mom. As she scrolled the aisles looking to be inspired for her latest craft or home project, I’d run my hands across all the soft fabrics in total awe of the beautiful patterns.

At the time I had no idea where my life might lead or how truly inspired I’d become by the simple sighting of a pretty pattern, but I’m always on the hunt for the perfect art-to-material to add to some aspect of my life.  The paper to wrap a gift for a friend ; a new dishtowel for the kitchen ; a bright summer maxi dress ; or even now potential fabrics for reupholstering scout. goods – there is nothing better than a perfectly eclectic pattern. Patterns are so crazy inspiring  and these by Ashley Goldberg are certainly some of the cutest I’ve seen. What inspires you?

art cred: {ashley goldberg via flickr}

a bit of advice.

I don’t often lend a lot of “wedding/event focused” advice on my blog, which seems a little absurd since I consider myself an event designer and this blog is in a little way a wedding related blog, but I thought I’d take a second today to lend a bit of advice, so here it goes…

Over the past year or so I’ve seen the trend of the photobooth gaining lots and lots of momentum. And guess what? I’m SUPER excited about it!

When it comes to weddings, I not only believe that the celebration is all about the love of the couple, but I also believe it’s about giving your guests something to get excited about. In steps : mr. photobooth. I’m telling you – this little contraption whether it be a camera on a tripod set up by your photographer, a fantabulous Smilebooth, or a full blown old school photobooth beauty like my friends over at 321 Foto will absolutely, hands-down make your event! I mean who doesn’t want to get a pile of photos back from their event showcasing all of their guest ones goofy faces and photo mishaps? Um – I do!

The top 10 reasons I think photobooths kick some serious bootay:

1. They bring out the kid in everyone. Even grumpy Grandpa Joe or ‘too cool for school’ cousin Amy.

2. Guests get really excited at just the sight of a photobooth. I promise.

3. Pictures last a lifetime. Yep – that means you have a lifetime’s worth of blackmailing material to use against your friends and family.

4. They can be as fancy or simple as you want them to be. Rent one from a company locally or ask your photographer if they have the service available.

5. Backdrops & Props oh my! Cause who doesn’t want to wear a chef’s hat and clown glasses while standing in front of a wall of confetti garland?

6. Where the most outstanding Facebook & Twitter profile pics are made.

7. They are a helpful reminder of what’s most important when it comes to an event or party. HAVE FUN!

8. It gives those guests who hate to boogy something to get involved in.

9. Don’t like how you looked in the picture? Take another, and another and another and another. Perfect for the picture perfectionist in all of us!

10. No one REALLY likes boring formal portraits do they?

10.1. They are perfect for every event : graduation parties, baby showers, anniversaries, art shows, company holiday parties (remember #3?), birthdays, reunions…etc. etc.

Long story short : get yourself a photobooth at your next event. You’ll thank me for it later!

*The fab pics in this post?! Just a few of the hilariously awesome photobooth snapshots from my friend Jules color-blocking birthday party last month – more pics on her fab blog here – go on over and get inspired! Oh and super bonus! That rad little geometric pinyada? Check out my buddy Sara’s new pinyada biz : pinyadayada. Genius!

photo cred: {julie harmsen photography}

sunday dreaming / 43.

dreaming of…

loft living.

For month and months I’ve been giddy over the idea of an industrial style loft as a place to call home. I can’t stop daydreaming about those raw brick walls, the distressed wood flooring and the gobs of gorgeous light streaming in through big gigantic windows.

Lately I’ve been the messiest person in the world, so one enormous space to house all of my chaos might not be the best option for us at the moment, but nonetheless, I can’t get the idea outta my head!

AND it doesn’t help that this adorable home, along with the loft home of Stephen & Shauna the insanely talented duo behind Forage as seen in this winter’s issue of Anthology Mag are just too breathtaking for words.

Does anyone else out there swoon over the idea of taking up residence in a big open space? Anyone in Seattle know where I might get my hands on one of these stunning living spaces? A girl can dream, right?

photo cred: {brian ferry via freunde von freunden}

pic me a palette : bridal bliss.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tabitha at ALT this past January and I can tell you this chick is just as awesome as her adorable wedding was! Her blog is a pure delight and her wedding – full of bountiful color is just something to absolutely admire. Check out more inspiring pics of her day over here.

And seriously, if you haven’t checked out Tabitha’s blog yet – get on over there!

photo cred: {beaux arts photographie via style me pretty}

bow tie wednesday / 41.

How pretty are these images by Elle Moss? There is something so special about capturing the details in life and Elle does it with a charm and sincerity that’s palpable. I’m so in love with her work and that simple feminine bow tie? So pretty! Happy Wednesday friends!

photo cred: {elle moss via society 6}

apt therapy design night!

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking at an Apartment Therapy design meeting and it was SUCH a blast! I will fully admit that I was super nervous to public speak leading up to the night, but once I got talking I couldn’t stop! I shared a bit about how I got into the creative world, some thoughts on where I see my biz going in the future, and some design tips for adding vintage decor into your space.

It was so exciting seeing so many creative peeps interested in hearing about scout. and pumped to learn about estate sales & seeking out vintage things. I had so much fun meeting everyone who came out for the night and was thrilled to see some of my close buddies there as well!

Thanks to my hubby for taking pics, to Andie & Emily for such a warm welcome in their adorable studio Assemble and to Manuela of Apt Therapy for allowing me to share my story! For more pics and details of the night head on over to Apartment Therapy here!

photo cred: {adam blake via apartment therapy}

travel day.

I took a much needed day off today to plan my upcoming trip to Europe. I’ll be taking off the month of May & most of June, and as exciting as this trip is, I’ve had a tough time lately setting aside time to actually focus on things other than work. I knew unless I dedicated a day on my calendar to actually planning out my trip, I’d probably NEVER make it happen!

So, as much as I feel guilty for taking a “monday” off, I can’t even begin to tell you how ecstatic I am to finally be sitting down to map it all out. My biggest plans? Source some new pieces for scout; stuff my face full of banana + nutella crepes; bask in the sun on the beaches of Mykonos; and take in every last drop of sister bonding time I possibly can!

As of today planning is in FULL force and if anyone has any advice at all – places to see, things to do, grub to eat – I’d LOVE to hear it! I’ve never been to Switzerland, Greece or the Czech Republic so I’m in need of lots & lots of advice!

photo cred: {kristina gill via design sponge}