SIX SHOTS: August 2013

SIX SHOTS

august, two thousand and thirteen


one.

     We will call this shot…”Early Morning Love.” Look at his face! It’s as if he’s thinking, “Could we get some privacy please???”  Sorry, I couldn’t resist using this for my SIX SHOTS of the Month post.

Luxor Living and Style ,  Houston fashion blog, beauty blogger in Houston, super model, retro glam

 

two.

     This is Jennifer.  This was the first fashion shoot I’d ever created, and I love this photo from the Next American Supermodel post.  I’d dreamed of dabbling in fashion photography ever since I had the chance to meet Francesco Scavullo of Cosmopolitan fame, go to his New York Apartment and take part in a fashion shoot years ago. I met top New York make up artists, learned some things, was mesmerized by the huge photos of stars like Madonna that had adorned his loft. 

     So this is my Jennifer.  I did her make up, hair, styled the shoot and took the pictures. A little different than the 22 people working on a Scavullo shoot. I love that I didn’t have to crop out her waist, lengthen her arms, or distort her into an unattainable image for the rest of us to have to strive for. Completely overhauling body parts into cartoon-like imagery is nothing but graphic arts, not photography. This is just a nice girl in a pretty dress. She looks timeless yet retro glam. It could have been taken in 1988. It reminds me of all the old Scavullo Cosmopolitan Magazine covers.  

     

three.

     I just had to use this photo as well, of Jennifer in my Six Shots post. This one was used in the American Supermodel Photo Shoot Tips & Tricks blog post. It’s a great black and white photo to me and it makes me happy! Gone are the days of stiff, posed and cold photography!

Galveston Beach, Luxor, Stephanie Sjoberg, blog in Houston

 

four. 

     This beach shot is from the August in Galveston blog post. My husband took it.  He likes it. I like that he’s learning that my grill doesn’t have to be in every single shot on this blog. We had a blast. He got me out of the house and off the computer and the babies love to go somewhere and see and sniff…good memories.

 

 

five.

     Yes, another fun shot – from my cell phone no less, of our day at the beach! This was on my Instagram account but I wanted to use it here because it’s so hysterical.  Jazzy has crab cake remnants dripping from her chin, and Bella is looking confused as to why there are other dogs allowed in the dining area. She wasn’t sure if this was acceptable or not. I look like a super-diva nutty nut in my big floppy hat with my crazy little dogs.

KS TENNIS USA, Ken Sjoberg, Stephanie Sjoberg, tennis lessons in The Woodlands, Houston blogger, Luxor Living and Style,

 

six.

     Just a cell phone shot of two people taking a break from the grind and having a nice time.  I like this one, because the man on the boat who took out photo wasn’t able to focus much less get the Cincinnati skyline in the background, so this photo is totally imperfect and fun, which best sums up our lives and the Hola From Cincinnati blog post trip!

     And those are some of my top pix for August, 2013. I promise to take my “big girl” camera more often this next month and rock some hot shots!

 

-August 30, 2013

-SDS

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SIX SHOTS JULY OF TWO THOUSAND and THIRTEEN

SIX SHOTS

july of two thousand thirteen

Prada, Michael Kors, Six Shots, Luxor Living and Style, blogger, Texas, Houston, white blonde, The Woodlands, Old Town Spring

     July was hot. There were a lot of ups and downs. Things are not always easy. Or Fun. Or exciting. Some days are scheduled tight. I have friends that have a few social events every weeks with friends.  We get excited to have Movie Nights at home with the babies. Actually, on a Friday this month, we went to the movie theater around five, thinking we were going to avoid the masses.  We were wrong.  A theater full of other people had thought the same thing. 

    I guess I like to throw in the reality of life because it is not my intent to only post lovely pictures and pretend life is always fabulous.  There are things which require thought, planning and stress. These are the reasons why it’s so nice to get to steal time on occasion and do and share some things that are nice and positive and fun!

     The top photo of us was taken before dinner and a concert!( The Rock Girl Blog Post.) The weather was great, we were relaxed and happy and I really think it’s funny/trendy/cool that he is the “background” guy.

     The photo above is a bird bath in Old Town Spring which motivated me to continue with my yard plans.  It’s just been too hot and even the bamboo I planted is having difficulty surviving!  

     The post was called Blue Shoe. I could spend all day in Old Town Spring!

Luxor Living and Style, Animal Print, white blonde, hair, Stephanie Dawn Sjoberg, Luxor Living and Style , blog, blogger, fashion, Old Town Spring, Prada, Michael Kors, Hamilton bag

The photo above was from a different day in Old Town Spring. It was a very happy day. The “A Good Day, and YES…More Animal Print”  blog post only took a few minutes and we honestly, sat on the bench and talked. This was one of those fun blog posts…not like some of the ones where I have to explain how to use the focus button and consider quitting the style posts!

  I think the only thing that’s probably worse than getting your photo taken, is taking one of yourself for a blog post!  So I tell myself to be so grateful that I have a friend who likes to help!

The Woodlands Waterway

I adore introspective cranes, so I had to snap the one above at the Woodlands Waterway! He was just chillin.

Maybe it’s not terribly artsy, however, there is nothing that brings me more joy than to see Jazzy when she’s happy.  Nothing makes her happier than to be going somewhere in her “Jazzy Purse.”  She goes crazy when you get it out, and on this day she got to go to the local Farmer’s Market for berry picking.  I especially love the fact that my husband is man enough to carry a polka dot Jazzy bag! Love this shot!

 

And in closing…yes…it’s an Old Town Spring shot. It’s literally just a few minutes from where we live and we love it.  There are so many places there that I’ve not yet been to, like a wine tasting place, the dog bakery, tons of dress shops or garden places! It’s my happy place!

   And those are my Six Shots for July!

 

-July 31, 2013

-SDS

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ARE DENIM MINI SKIRTS EVEN IN?

YES…BECAUSE I SAY SO


   Since it is now June, apartment locating is in full swing and I am busy!  People are finding themselves in a lurch because their houses are selling faster than they thought possible, so they are having to jump before having a finalized plan of where to jump to.

   Because of this, and other obligations…I guess I’ve lost touch with what’s in and all I know is it’s hot!   

Today, I was off, sort of, because I had traffic court (yes, again) so after court and early morning grocery shopping in a black suit, the temperature was in the 90’s so I couldn’t wait to throw on something cooler to live the rest of my day in.

 

     This denim mini is so old but I figure if you think it’s currently acceptable to bring back high waist pants then I can bring in a stretchy, comfy denim skirt.

     Since I am not tanning anymore, and am trying to embrace my paleness…I have no barrier from the sun at all and I can literally feel my skin turning pink and spots forming in the sun, so I will be using a hat quite often. (I need to do my research…but I am pretty sure this is not the same sun intensity we had even 20 years ago, due to the protective ozone breaking down.)

    I saw an absolutely beautiful blogger girl on Pinterest yesterday, who was tanned and thin and fabulous, however in 20 years, she will most likely look like a cast mate from an episode of Survivor. 

top by Forever 21, bracelet Tiffany & Co, watch by Movado, ring by David Yurman Couture

 

As for me, I will just deal with what I have to work with and what that means for this blog…is that everything is old with the exception of the new light weight, cut out shoulder, leopard print top from Forever21 for around $21.00  (Hey, I’m on a budget!)

 

June 13, 2013

-SDS

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ANIMAL PRINT LIFE

ANIMAL PRINT Life


 tube dress and trench by Cache, bag by Michael Kors, glasses by Prada

     Animal prints are a timeless and fun classic that will never die!  Wearing it, to me, is a way of hanging on to the rebel inside.

     While I wouldn’t advise wearing it to a court date or a job interview, it’s appropriate in just about every other realm.

ring by David Yurman Couture Collection, shoes by Nine West, bag by Michael Kors

       Although the dress is a strapless tube, if the trench is on over it, it gives it a more reserved look. There is also a pair of matching pants, in a previous blog.

     The pink suede heels add some modern pop to the look.

 

     As far as the new black streaks in my hair go, I was concerned about wearing a print, and that it would look too crazy with too much going on, but they are subtle and do not stand out too much.

 

-February 4, 2013

-SDS

 
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FUN DAY

FUN DAY

Luxor Living and Style, Michael Kors, style bogger, Houston, Francesca's

jacket by Cache, black shirt from Francesca’s Collection, bag by Michael Kors, necklace and earrings by Francesca’s Collection

     

     Today was a fun day off.  It consisted of sleeping in late, followed by casual errands and dinner at home.

     I was excited to wear my new necklace that reminds me of the “Two Broke Girls” pearl bauble that the blond one always wears, accompanied by matching dark pearl earrings.

    The largest portion of the day was a never ending hunt for black lampshades which were needed for my upcoming “Master Bedroom Revamp.”  I now see that lampshades are one of those things that you see everywhere, until you actually are looking for them!

     Doing the posts helps me to stay on track with my various projects and utilize my spare time more wisely!  It gives me a stronger desire to finish so I can share, whatever the project or idea may be!

Michael Kors, David Yurman, Carlos Santana Shoes, Movado watch

     shoes by Carlos Santana, bag by Michael Kors, watch by Movado, ring by David Yurman

     

     It seemed that all the shades I’d found had cheap white lining on the inside, which stood out (in a bad way) against the black walls.

SIDEBAR:  Just a thought, but I really want to ask who came up with the idea of wearing pajamas out into the world?  There was a woman in one of the stores I was at, who, although carrying her Louis Vuitton bag, decided the world wanted to see her in her fuzzy blue pajamas…which were adorned with moons and stars. This is the middle of the day! I just don’t get it!

     Finally, success was reached at Hobby Lobby where they only had 2 black shades! Of course I found fabulous pillows and  wall sconce as well! So the re-vamp is coming along and I can’t wait to finish and post the outcome!

Stephanie Sjoberg, Luxor, aviator glasses, David Yurman

necklace and earrings by Francesca’s Collections, ring by David Yurman

 

     In the meantime, there are more projects under way, so check back!

 

-January 16, 2013

-SDS

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CRAZY TEXAS WINTER

CRAZY TEXAS WINTER  

The Woodlands Waterway, dogs, Chihuahua, Jazzy, Luxor Living

     

     The most ignorant thing I recall in recent years, was forcing myself to go to an interview with a Regional director for a company one December in The Woodlands, Texas and on that particular day, it was 85 degrees outside.


   

     As we sat outside at the Starbucks cafe, I found it insane that she was dressed “season appropriate” in a fake fur vest, corduroy pants, and a long sleeved turtleneck.  While I did play the game, and wear a typical black interview suit, I couldn’t agree with her about her views on dressing season appropriate. 


   

      Her take was that we would sell tons of thick cords, turtlenecks and fur vests…if all the employees would just wear them to work.

       In her mind, we would all pretend it was cold and sales would be great.  I, however, was of the mindset that her corporate office would be intelligent enough to allocate the appropriate clothing to the appropriate states.

    Flash forward to the present, and again, years later, I find myself in a beautiful 83 degrees in Texas on a day in December, so I chose to wear shorts.


   ring by David Yurman, bracelet by Tiffany & Co., bag by Michael Kors, top by Francesca’s

       I believe I will most likely have on a leather jacket tomorrow, when the weather changes overnight and it is 50 degrees again, however, when I dress I respect the weather conditions and not what I am told it is time to wear by the “Machine.”

    In the meantime, we had a nice day which included lunch on the waterway with Jazzy and the rebel Bella, and it felt like a small 3 hour mid day vacation, hence the casual-ish attire!


     The black sheer top with gold collar bling, and winter white shorts both came from Francesca’s and the pearl necklace is from Charming Charlie and of course the shoes are from Pink & Pepper !

 

-December 9, 2012

-SDS

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