Looking for a dress to wear to a wedding, date night or cocktail party this spring?  I am loving the dark moody blooms you will find on an array of prints this year.  “Florals? For spring? Ground-breaking.”  Comment below if you know what book/movie character said that…  I do like to switch it up a little bit though, while sticking with a classic theme.  Enter: dark floral prints.

If you’re not all about pastels and the traditionally bright, happy prints this time of year, this look is for you (if you are looking for something in a sunny hue, this look may be for you).  Spring is notorious for weddings, and this particular dress would be a perfect choice that could easily go from day to night.  The black background and deep berry hues really help those lighter blooms to pop.  Tell me that you wouldn’t be drawn to this dress if you saw someone wearing it at the next spring/midsummer night’s wedding?  I certainly would.

I paired it with a classic emerald and diamond pendant, but you could go another direction and add a chunky statement necklace, perhaps in black or deep berry (suggestions linked below).  I think it depends on how formal you want to style it.  For the purse, a pastel pink clutch by Kate Spade brought the look together quite nicely.

The Spring 2018 Runways were lined with dark florals and retro inspired prints. What a nice reprieve from all the flannel this winter, am I right? Also, a perfect way for those who love to wear black to embrace a fresh spring look.  These prints will also translate well to Fall with the addition of layers, tights, and jackets.  There’s your excuse to invest in one or more… yay!  Below are some of my picks.  Cheers to love (and open bar)!

Photos by KVC Photography

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I was not always a fan of Rosé, but it’s dramatically grown in popularity over the past few years and now it’s more of a #basic Summer beverage that anything.  Sometimes overly sweet for my taste, but then when you find that perfectly balanced, sparkling pink libation, it’s perfect for toasting to a beautiful Summer night.

Here I am doing just that, while wearing one of my absolute favorite finds this Summer… An off the shoulder floral-lace and gingham dress from Revolve.  That’s right, floral, lace and gingham… how cliche for a Southern girl, amirite?  I actually bought this little number to wear to a specific restaurant in Athens, Greece this Summer, but fate had another story in mind.  So I wore it out one Saturday evening to 8Arm, and then frolicking around the Old Fourth Ward.  No fancy occasion, but who needs an excuse to wear this dress, or any dress for that matter?   I certainly don’t.

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You can find this dress for $95 here.

photos by KVC Photography

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A couple of years ago I was looking to have a portrait made of our dog a.k.a. “our little pumpkin spice puppy”, Kobi.  I knew that I wanted a watercolor, and preferably something quirky.  I found Sarah on Etsy, and it was a complete coincidence that she hailed from the ATL. Sold.
Kobi Farber
Sarah captured Kobi’s sassy demeanor to a tee.  She’s painted people’s dogs, cats, and other pets.  Many people buy them as gifts, perhaps even for a loved one who has lost a pet and would like to memorialize them in the form of a watercolor painting.  You can find more information, including prices on Sarah’s Etsy page: ArtbySarahEngland
Born and raised in Georgia, Sarah graduated with a BFA from University of West Ga and unlike many, can proudly say that she makes a living as a full time artist.  Although she has several side “hustles”, such as assisting a jewelry maker, and selling clay sculptures of the moon, Sarah is a painter, specializing in watercolor.
flowers in her hair
“I am so thankful that with an inspired mind, my left hand, and just a paint brush or pencil, I can be self-sustainable.”
Besides her own mother, who is a talented watercolor artist in her own right, Sarah says that seeing work by local artists inspires her most to create more work of her own.  Sarah’s studio lies within her apartment.  Above her workspace hangs a map of the U.S., with a pin in each city where her work hangs.  What a cool reminder of what she’s accomplished and to just keep moving forward… There are a lot of pins on this map and from what I’ve learned, she needs to upgrade to a map of the world.  Maybe soon…
sarahs desk
Sarah's Palette
peaches
Much of Sarah’s recent work has had a moody tone, characterized with a darker neutral palette.  I knew that Sarah was the one who should paint our family portrait.  But we didn’t sit for her.  This is her tribute to our love of Halloween.  All I can say is that I couldn’t be happier.
The Farbers

faces

snake girl

I can tell you from experience, watercolor painting is not an easy medium.  This girl has talent.  You can find existing work for sale, or commission her for a portrait of your pet via her Etsy page.  She also posts new work to Instagram.  Look, share, follow, SUPPORT local artists.  Sarah hosts shows in local coffee shops and even hair salons, but most of her work is sold via word of mouth.  So spread the word.
Sarah's Puppy
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