Who cares what my style is.

Let's be real for a minute. Saying I was nervous to work with TNL Denim was an understatement. What I knew of Kristi  the girl boss behind TNL was that she ran a small business featuring vintage and distressed denim. Pretty cool, huh? I have on heavy rotation three pieces of TNL Denim with five more on order. Do I hear addict? Ummm, YES. This style was different from my norm but I was in love with pairing our two styles.

So why was I nervous? Kristi's small business was smokin' but her style is GRUNNNGE and that intimidated me. 

Ask anyone, I am many things but grunge is NOT one. I adore pretty in all forms. Long flowing hair and sophisticated styles is the mantra my drum beats to. This edgy girl with her vibrant, gritty style (AND PURPLE HAIR, that I secretly adore) was the kind of gutsy chic that makes me sweat... just a little. 

She wanted to work with me. WHAT. THE. HECK?! I was equally shocked and delighted.

But, let's get a little more real here. I'm nervous before EVERY photo shoot. Seriously. It doesn't matter if it's for a big time client or my aunt Jane.

Ten years I've been playing this mind game against myself. Always trying to one up my last photo shoot. Might sound torturous, but that's just me being me. I like hard. I like challenging. I even like those clients who've been dubbed by other photographers as "problem" or "needy".

So, I said what comes out naturally for me. "Hey Kristi, why don't you load up your car with fall denim and spend the weekend on my couch."

I had baskets of doubt that I could actually make this lady happy with my photo skills but something told me I should.

What I realized by day 2 of our 3 day shoot is that Kristi and I have EVERYTHING important in common.

During a 3a.m. chat I got brave enough to ask her why in the world she had confidence I would be a good photographer fit for her brand?

Her response made me wonder what I was thinking the last ten years.
 

Her words were so simple and so profound it make me want to rethink my whole business. 3a.m. or not.

"You took the time to learn about me and my business. Even though our styles are dramatically different I feel like you get me and the message I want my brand to share. It's clear your business has a frame work that values all the same things I do.  It's the moving parts, or the style, that changes to fit your client and that's something I value."

Blow my mind, Kristi.

How have I never seen this concept so clearly before? My style isn't nearly as important as simply understanding yours. Now that's the kind of challenge I like.

I mean dang this girl is good. She even got Clint and I to model some of her denim for our fall look book with TNL. (Photo credits to the lovely, J Poochini.) Can't wait to share more.

Next Sunday at 7pm right here, friends. - So much love for y'all. - Laura

That's not so charming.

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes at a photo shoot? Here's the gritty truth that's sometimes it's a little sweaty and not so pretty.

Our new pal Kristi from TNL Denim snapped pics behind the scenes from our collaboration this weekend showing off her on point vintage denim brand, tattoosnlace.

Most often my blog features the polished, perfect, end product. On a whim, we thought it would be fun to share her perspective of us laying on the ground, climbing, sweating and looking exceptionally cool. Hah. Basically, friends, I'm hear to prove to you that being a photographer is not always so glamorous. #thatsnotsocharming #thankskristi

Here's half of the TNL/Charming collab crew on the beach today. Big huge thank you to each of them. They totally killed it and we can't wait to publish our fall lookbook with TNL Denim.

Ever considered modeling? Stay tuned for new opportunities to be featured as a guest personality right here.

Ok. So. We are getting real over here. Wanna see more of what it's REALLY like to be a  photographer? Head over to snap chat to catch an exclusive (unedited) view of what happens behind the scenes. Yep, bloopers too. Follow me on Snap Chat at laurarosedavis.

Whew, that was fun and exhausting. Catch you next Sunday 7pm. - Laura

Design a gallery wall with one click.

Have you ever been reluctant to hang a picture because you're afraid it won't look as good on your wall as it does in your head? Use our trick to zero commitment gallery wall building.

1. Tape an 8.5x11 inch piece of paper to your wall.

2. Take a floor to ceiling photo of your space.

3. Send your photo to laura@everydaycharming.com.

4. Sit back and relax. Your digitally simulated wall collage (or single image) will be e-mailed back to you shortly.

How easy was that? Feeling indecisive? That's OK. We create dozens of wall simulations (like these) for our clients each week. Each design suggestion is scaled to fit your wall precisely.

More helpful tips for your photos next Sunday. xx - Laura

5 easy steps to building a gallery wall without using a tape measure.

Five easy steps to hang a gallery wall for the perfectionist who's fighting their OCD tenancies complements of Lulu + Georgia Blog - plus a few walls and sources for inspiration. Enjoy! - Laura

Upcoming post : How we digitally create a preview of your gallery wall before you commit.

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From the Right Bank

5 pieces every well dressed man wears

1. When you want to dress well shoes the make the biggest difference. Monkstraps always add class but can we worn in casual settings too. Dark brown can be used for everything.  

2. A well fitted button down collar oxford - well fitted is the keyword here. Oxford can be worn up and down. Most versatile and can become your go to shirt

3. Fitted pants (based on fit preference): suit slim, all ranges of fit (chinos). Baggy pants are the worst thing you can do these days. Whether you like slim/skinny, straight, relaxed - make sure it fits properly. Don't hesitate to become friends with a great tailor. More on fit here.   

4. Mens accessories are in growth mode right now. The one that will always be a staple is a nice watch (I love my Brathwait - side note, its named after the first gentlemen and they use transparent pricing). or DW - these watches are extremely versatile but always make you look put together regardless of what you're doing.

5. Colorful socks - nothing says I like to have fun more than crazy socks. Even if you're in the most corporate of environments socks like these can add some flare/excitement to a rather boring outfit. Its the one piece of clothing where it doesn't matter how crazy it is.

Thanks to our friend and contributor, Martin Hamedani pictured wearing Suit Supply shoes and a H&M suit, you're ace! M's Instagram feed you won't wanna miss either or his recent photo shoot with us.