A Bright New Year!

Hello Lovelies~

I hope you're all doing well out there in the first few days of the year 2014. I have a really good feeling about this year. I'm fairly certain it's going to be a pretty good one for everyone concerned, don't you?

Let's start with the business side of things as usual. New things have been listed in STAG this past week and good news to the ladies out there: I even have some beautiful vintage items for you! As I've said in the past, most of my items are definitely targeted towards the men in the room, but I occasionally stumble across a vintage piece for women that's so nice, I have to offer it. Because really, Stag is primarily about quality and secondarily about men. Ha! So, in addition to the items below, there are two great, handmade 1960's era cocktail dresses in the shop, as well as several winter skirt suits and Pendleton blazers! And of course, you boys have not been forgotten. That tweed blazer below is so sharp it's dangerous. So, stop on by and start the new year off right.

On the photography side of things, it's been a truly wonderful year. So many new projects, new clients and just an absolute ton of beautiful, inspired work was created. I am so lucky to have a group of friends, colleagues and clients who understand my creative vision and support it both enthusiastically and unconditionally. I can't tell you how grateful I am. Below are just a few of the projects I completed in 2013 and of course, for a more comprehensive album of my work, you may wander by my Flickr page! There are a ton of exciting things coming in 2014, I can't wait to get started!

And speaking of both photography and STAG, I recently found a 1940's era wool, buffalo plaid hunting suit that I plan on offering in Stag. These hunting sets are fairly rare and this one is in great shape. But before I sell it, I'm going to do a promotional shoot using it out in the snowy Maine woods with some vintage props like skis, a sled and perhaps a gun. We've had so much pretty snow out there and this outfit is quintessential vintage Maine and man, so it's happening and it will be fun! Standby for those shots…



But it's not all work and no play over here, so let me tell you about something fun I did recently! I have always loved the outdoors and camping. As a matter of fact, I've camped in many different climates in all different times of the year. That said, I've never winter camped in Maine… until recently. Now, before you say "That's totally bonkers" understand, that I went yurt camping. Which, isn't really roughing it. I had an absolutely wonderful time out there in the white snow and dead quiet of the woods! There was a wood stove for warmth and in fact at one point it was too hot! Which was a bit surreal. Anyway, it was a complete joy and if you're in a state that has yurt sites close by, I highly recommend going if you're someone of intrepid temperament.

And I don't think I blogged at all about Christmas, but really, there isn't much to say that isn't said by everyone when they have a wonderful holiday: it was relaxing, full of laughter and joy, there was too much good food and it was over in a trice. So, I think for visual people like myself, the following sums it all up in one image. This is my good friends' dog… wearing google-eyed glasses. Oh yes, weird and funny. And, she loved it. Hahaha. No, not really.

Until next time: unpleasant dreams!!!

A Whole Lot of Vintage Action...

Hello Lovelies~

I hope you are all well out there and that those of you who live in the U.S. enjoyed your holiday weekends for Memorial Day! I sure did. It was very busy and also very relaxing. (Yes, that's possible - in my life, at least...) Let's jump right in, shall we?

To start, in anticipation of Father's Day, I have added a ton of great items to the STAG store just for the boys out there (or the women who love them). Tons of great ties, manly knick knacks and some great vintage wool sporting shirts including the two below. And let's not forget that nautical side. I think this sea captain hat or anchor wall hanging would do the trick, don't you? Give Dad the very best... Give him STAG Vintage.

What else? Oh. I have begun another major fine art photography project that I am very excited about. I won't reveal what it is until I have 4-5 shots done (so folks understand what it's really about). It's the most serious project I've ever done (it's quite hard for me to not go right over into humor, but I'm trying) and I am very, very excited about it. I shot the second piece in the series over the weekend and I offered this prop shot to my Facebook followers just to whet their appetites... Points if you can guess what I'm doing before I tell you!

The Ronald McDonald House is an organization with a mission in which I believe very strongly. It's very hard on families when a child falls ill and the Ronald McDonald House helps families stay close to their wee patient as they get better. I think this makes all the difference. I always donate a framed print to their Purses with Purpose fundraiser and this year was no exception! My Sea Fence print will be available at the event June 6th at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth. Come out if you're local and want to support a great cause.

And on to other news. I am a photographer, and as such, I believe I fall into the majority when I say I am not very comfortable in front of that lens. Nope. Partly because I am camera shy and partly because I am a control freak. Ha! So, it was with a bit of anxiety that I modeled for Jack Tar, a Maine fashion blog, this past weekend. However, it ended up being very fun and I met some great ladies who made me feel very comfortable. It was a sort of cocktail theme and I always do vintage, so I did it up Veronica Lake style with the help of my wonderful makeup artist/hair people. Like the Jack Tar page to see those shots as they go up (and some great local fashion as well)!

Yesterday was a holiday and it was beautiful for the first time in weeks here in Maine. So, after a morning run, I headed out to the local flea market with a friend to shop for STAG, and just in general. Well, I was delighted to spy a vintage pair of women's bowling shoes in white leather with fun bowling pins heels, in almost perfect condition and in my size! What?! That's right. So, after some cleaning and polishing, I am wearing them today and I am completely in love... take a look! Cute, no?

And let me wrap by saying I saw Gatsby over the weekend and I was completely blown away. Completely. For purists, who adore the book, maybe this isn't the movie for you. But for artists like myself, who adore the 20's, notice the smallest details and pay attention to the soundtrack as well, this was just too much. So good. Those colors? The parties? The costumes? And all with a sexy, bass-laden contemporary score? Whew. See it. Please. For me. :)

Plus, there's Leo and those eyes... sigh.

Until next time: unpleasant dreams...

Stag in the woods & Moonrise Kingdom...

Hello Lovelies!

I hope you are well out there. Since I have been doing shoots pretty steadily lately, STAG needed a bit of attention so I focused back on that this week. To start, there are some great new items in the shop, so take a peek. I will also keep the Goods album on Facebook updated so you see only what's still available, not things that have sold, so feel free to follow along if you're on there. I have also ordered business cards and rubber stamps for STAG to give it a bit of polish (I designed and photographed them). Take a look. More promo materials to come, all featuring my STAG poster man John, who graciously agreed to be my business mascot. Doesn't he just look the part?

I also went to my local library's annual book sale over the weekend. Those of you who've followed Stapelia awhile know how much I love both books and this sale. It's one of the hi-lights of my summer truth be told. Well, it was busy (which is a very good thing. Pffft Kindle), but I still managed to score some great books. The top shot are books going into STAG (Art! Boy Scouting! Star gazing! Jokes!) and the bottom shot is of books I'm adding to my personal library. (Yes, I still love The Hardy Boys and isn't that Amityville Horror cover just divine?) Good stuff. So, keep an eye out if any of those books interest you. I'll be listing them very soon.

I have found the most amazing blog full of corny old Lucha Libre photography. It's great. From Parts Unknown is just an amazing site for people who love old wrestling photos, info and merchandise and for people like me, who love the photography itself as well as anything kitschy or corny. This is right down my alley. Here are just a few of the photos I'm loving right now:

As you know, I've shot some Lucha Libre stuff myself, but this makes me want to do more!!! Too bad those masks are so hard to find...

And speaking of kitsch, I have been reading Big Daddy Roth's (of rat rod, custom hot rod and Rat Fink fame from the 1960's) bio recently and what an amazing artist and mechanic he was! He literally revolutionized the hot rod field and created much of the 'beach' aesthetic that became such a part of the 60's California scene. He actually inspired a new piece I'm working on that I will reveal in a bit (I'm drawing for the first time in over a year... eeeps!). But I was looking on Ebay at some of his art decals (which are amazing) and I ran across this Rat Fink tail light for a motorcycle that is exceedingly rare and exceedingly kitsch so of course, I loved it. Can you imagine a huge rat head on the back of your bike? Wow.

And let's wrap with a movie discussion, shall we? Have you seen Moonrise Kingdom yet? I recently saw it and what a wonderful movie. I highly recommend it for several reasons; 1.) The costumes/sets/scenery are period-perfect 60's 2.) There are a ton of great forts/tents/cozy places 3.) The actors are quirky, strange and eccentric 4.) It's funny. I really loved the colors too. Just take a peek and tell me what you think. (Also, that boy scout image down there could be a Norman Rockwell painting, couldn't it? And that's just a still from the movie...)

Until next time: unpleasant dreams...

Mohawks, Bouffants & Stags...

Hello Lovelies!

I hope your week is going well so far out there! A lot to share. To start, STAG is finally open for business and ready to roll. There is a Stag Facebook page for following all things man-related, but I will also post any neat finds or new product drops here or to my STAG Flickr album for your perusing pleasure. (Basically, I'm making it as easy as I can for you to shop!) I am always listing new things, so if you need special gifts or want to treat yourself or someone you love, stop by.

That photo up there is actually my Dad back in the day, I posted it for Father's Day because it fit so perfectly with the Stag look. I hope everyone out there had a great Father's Day! I sent my Dad a card because he lives 5 states away, and I spent the day with my Sweetie's Dad and family out in the sun. It was quite lovely.

And speaking of my Sweetie, I've been all about photographing crazy hair lately, so when I saw her sporting this 'hawk, I just had to snap a pic!

And speaking of crazy hair, I finally got a frame and painting light for the bouffant painting I shared with you guys from Brimfield a month or so back. She looks just perfect in her dark corner. I can't believe she was only $15!

I have recently been working on a project that I'm shooting the beginning of July. (I'll give you a hint, it has to do with the below image somewhat, but add in classic cars, cat fighting and craziness and you're getting warmer.)

My point is, in the course of my research, I've been looking at a ton of classic cars and I stumbled upon a site that you may enjoy if you like neat auto trivia: Hemmings. Heard of it? Well, this blog is just absolutely over-flowing with neat old car stuff. Check it out!

I want to wrap up with yet another corny/gross movie recommendation from the 70's. Wow, that era was just chockfull of crazy, wasn't it? The latest movie, is Squirm. Heard of it? Well, the basic premise is there is an area in something like Alabama or Mississippi where the earthworms have teeth and are violent. Add to the mix a freak lightening storm and some downed power lines and you know what that means... yep, killer worms. There is nothing even remotely plausible about this movie (and almost the entire cast are redheads, which begs the question: Why? Since this wasn't a plot point) and yet, I couldn't look away. It's definitely corny, but not so bad you want to stop watching and you'll get some laughs if this is your thing. Let me know what you think if you watch it!

Until next time: unpleasant dreams...