Styled // 04

I remember some days back in elementary school where we would get off the school bus and sit down in the deep spring green grass and pull up clover to make flower crowns and rub dandelions all over our faces like little-girl makeup. I'm sure we looked putrid, with our cheeks and foreheads and eyelids all swiped with an unnaturally brilliant yellow, but we were convinced it made us beautiful. And then a few days later, when the dandelions had changed from a bright yellow to a wispy, cottony white, we'd pluck what was left from the lawn and blow with all of our might...scattering the plumes, which we didn't understand at the time were actually seeds, all over the yard, much to the chagrin of our parents who had spent good money to remove the weeds in the first place.

I like to think of this as an ode to those carefree days.

 

Styled // 01

Every year, the Johnnies of St. John's College and the Midshipmen of the Naval Academy play for the Annapolis Cup. And while that might sound like a sailing competition, it is actually the prize given to the winner of the annual croquet match between the two dashing teams.

Two years ago, Ben and I walked into the festivities by accident, and I've been in love with the springtime ritual ever since. Everyone comes decked out in their vintage best, dressed for a bygone era, to play a game more commonly associated with the likes of Downtown Abbey, but one that certainly suits the quaint grounds of our charming city. I can't get enough.

And since the match is happening on Saturday, I thought it would be fun to put together a styled shoot inspired by the elegance of the event. So much thanks goes to Jazmine Turner for picking a gorgeous wardrobe for the images below. The colorful outfits she chose and and the fabulous hats (which were actually found in an attic!)...who doesn't love to play dress up in cute spring clothes and play croquet?!

All looks were from Jazmine's own collection - doesn't it make you want to shop her closet?!