Elle Decor: Truth In Decorating

As a wise man once said (in a movie), "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." Well, life does feel like it is moving fast these days, and I definitely do not want to miss it. I mean, it's gotten to the point where even if I do take the time to sit down with a good book, five pages in I will ask myself how did I get here and what did I just read? Not that I am complaining, I love being busy and am grateful for it. But I do need to take time to slow down and look around, and to appreciate all that is happening in life. I guess the point of all this is that amid my hectic work and travel schedule this spring came a bucket-list opportunity from Hearst to be a part of the Elle Decor, Truth In Decorating feature.

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I have dreamed of being a part of this feature since I first started reading Elle Decor as a college student. This was that rare moment when you have clarity, when you realize that a dream is coming true while it is happening. The morning of the shoot, I got up early, grabbed a coffee, sat down in Central Park and called my parents. It was a joyous (and emotional) phone call, and I was so proud to share that moment of triumph with them before I was picked up and whisked to the studio in Brooklyn.

Once in Long Island City, we pulled up to Attic Studios and within minutes I was in hair and makeup, while reading up on the top 10 benches. I was paired with the sweetest fellow designer, Michel Smith-Boyd, whose past-life as a model was a little bit intimidating as I prepared to get in front of the camera. But Michel, our wonderful photographers Barnard and Meyer, and the entire Hearst editorial team made the shoot fabulously fun. I cannot thank them enough for their patience, professionalism, and kindness. It truly was a dream.