MandoPhoto ~ In the woods

When going to Centerville, Tx, in the beautiful Pine Tree filled woods during the Fall, I can't help but to want to do a little photo-shoot. I had to talk myself into it, as I felt kind of silly getting a little dolled up, and tromping out of everyone's sight with my tripod to shoot pictures all by myself. I knew I would regret it if I didn't, and I'm so glad I did. It was fun and just what I needed to boost my creative morale, and perhaps my self esteem.

The colors of nature were bright, the air a little brisk, and the sun glowing beautifully through the trees. The wind would kick up and the sound of the leaves and pine needles falling was so relaxing. I did not trek that far from "camp" at all, but it's amazing how the little downhill distance put me in a quiet place of solitude.

Outfit details:

Glasses - Zenni Optical

Cape - Vintage

Black top - Target

Denim Skirt - Thrifted

Tights - Target (recent!)

Flats - Kohls (old)
[You can use code TENBLOG  through December 23rd. at kohls.com It can be used to stack savings with one other department level code as well.]

This cape was a major splurge for me last year, found in a vintage shop called Lula B's, I fell in love and couldn't resist, I didn't get a lot of chances to wear it and I'm looking forward to more chilly weather to work some outfits around it. Not to mention how much fun it is to swirl around. (my first animated gif!!! the quality diminished a bit, but I still dig it)

I did have some darling black boots to pair with this outfit, but they have a bit too much of a heel on them for me to set a timer on the camera and then run into place through the mushy pine needles, so I stuck with my comfy flats that I think are actually slippers and I've almost worn them completely out.

And because I can never take myself too seriously...

xomando

What I wore briefly - road trip

So I loved my outfit so much right before Leslie picked me up from our road trip that I snapped a few pics.

The battery in my camera remote must be dying, because I was having a lot of trouble. I eventually got fed up and stopped trying and didn't get any more detailed shots than this.

Outfit Details:

Dress - Thrifted (H&M)

Tights - Target

Shoes - Ebay

Earrings(worn through my tunnels) - A gift from my mother in law

Before the show I ditched the tights, threw on a thrifted denim vest, my purple Doc Marten boots a necklace that matched my earrings.

xomando

What I wore: Anniversary Weekend

It started Friday, Cody scooped me up from work and after running some errands and taking some first time outfit photos, we went to his Apartment to start our weekend celebration of our 10 year anniversary.

I won't get all mushy here, if you want to read about the love of my life you can do so in this post.

Friday - after work.

It was very humid, I was sweating and there were two men near by watching. This is me saying "okay let's stop I'm done."

Saturday, August 18th, our anniversary. Got up early and started our date at The Dallas World Aquarium.

I'm shoving my body image issues under the rug for this photo.
Post coming later with pictures from our amazing trip to the aquarium!!!

After seeing some amazing creatures, we had lunch and then did some shopping at 6 different thrift stores, which was a big deal for us. My feet were exhausted and I scored so many great things!(can't wait to share later) We went back to his apartment, watched a movie and drank whiskey while it stormed. It was the best day ever. 

Sunday, back home. End of the weekend and end of birthday/anni week which was by far the best!!!

Outfit Details:

Friday:

Dress - as seen in this post, ordered from this Etsy Shop

Sandals - Wanted

Necklace - Vintage from my Mimi

Saturday:

Skirt: Thrifted

Belt: found on the ground in a parking lot, seriously.

Tank top: who knows?

Shirt: My mom's closet

Shoes: Target

Purse: The Sak

Headband: handmade

Sunday:

Skirt: Thrifted

Tank top: same as above

Vest: Thrifted (so excited to snazz it up!)

Shoes: Target

Balloons: Dollar Tree/from our bday party :)

xomando

A Closer Look...

Last month we took a trip to Centerville, Texas. Where Cody's family has land in the woods. I took the opportunity to take some photos of some of my shop items, that I have only taken little sneak peak shots of. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite pieces that will be available in the shop soon.

I think I am most excited about these. I have more on my shop shelf and I have tons more inside my noggin just waiting to be brought to life. Is there anything you would like to see coming to my shop? :)

                                                                        xomando

Shameless Non Existent Shop Promotion

Well, if you read my first post of me introducing myself, you have actually learned quite a bit about me. Including that I am in the process of starting an Etsy Shop. I don't plan on constantly posting about my shop and products, but I will post about shop updates and the like. In the mean time I do want to share how things are going!

Firstly, this is my dream, it may not seem like a big dream, but it is huge to me. I'm so nervously excited about everything. I taught myself to sew, I try new and fun things and attempt to come up with original designs that people will love. I want to have all kinds of styles, so there is something for everyone. I want to make other things as well...I have a really long list, it's overwhelming to say the least. Luckily the progress I've made in the last month alone is keeping me inspired and motivated.

Logos, Shop name and making things official:

My boyfriend(fiancee)'s cousin, a graphic designer, artist and amazing person, created not one, but two logos for me. One of which came from my own head. (The needle/feather/spool logo in the top left corner) It just sort of sprang on me out of no where, and I made a note of it, later I practiced doodling it and trying to figure out how to make it official. Long story short, I showed him my doodles and he created exactly what I wanted as a graphic, to print on fabric from Spoonflower. He also created some other logos for fun and I loved one of them so much I had to have it.

My shop name is pretty self explanatory. My name is Mandy, I create, it is my purpose. My entire life people have had many nicknames for me, it's actually kind of weird to actually hear someone call me Mandy. I've been Manderz, Mands, Mando, Mandophoto, Mandage, Mandington Bear, SalaManderz, Murphy...just kidding about that last one. I don't remember who it was, but at least once someone called me Mandatory, and I liked it, a lot.

So what's in store for me and my future?

I'd love to quit my job some day and make things for a living, but that's my "not planning that far ahead dream". Right now I am focused on getting things running, learning about the business and what it takes. Hopefully attend some handmade festivals and such that I oh so enjoy going to as a customer. Have my OWN booth?? Squee!

So now that I have blabbed on and on about logos and dreams, here are some sneak peeks at what I've been working on and will be in my Etsy shop.

{all sneak peeks and future updates can be found on the Mandatory Creations Facebook page.}

1. wristlet with charming zipper pull / 2. three vintage inspired floral pouches / 3. adorable retro cross body with a scarf for the strap / 4. fun with ruffles wristlet / 5. preppy argyle bow hand bag / 6. pretty sewn in pleated wristlet / 7. wooden handled bag

I'm so excited for what I have waiting for the shop, and utterly inspired to make many more things!

Always feel free to comment, I'm very open to tips and advice, or if you just want to say hello :)

xo