Here are some photos I snapped while in D.C. the other week! My dad and I love to go on trips to cities close to us and take our cameras along. It's just a great way for us to spend time together while doing something we both share a passion for: photography. This day we went, we didn't even have a clue, but there was a kite competition going on as well as International Pillow Fight Day! I really wanted to see the cherry blossoms but unfortunately they had already come and gone. The trip was still memorable though with strawberry shortcake from a gorgeous French cafe (PAUL) to top it off!
I found my new favorite store, people. It has all that my heart desires... and so much more! Today, my friends, I give you thredUP. They are an online consignment shop providing the very best of secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. The items are very like-new and even come with new thredUP tags and beautiful wrapping! So, believe me when I say opening my first box was utter delight! I also couldn't even believe that everything is guaranteed to be up to 90% off! This made my purchases seem that much more rewarding. Keep that in mind and on the tips of your fingers as you continuously scroll through some of their available designer brands: Madewell, J. Crew, Zara, Coach, and the lovely Diane Von Furstenberg.
But then, being their gracious and wonderful company self, thredUP personally asked me to give you a look into a Spring Capsule Wardrobe styled by yours truly AND bought from... h e l l o: thredUP. If you didn't guess, I was 110% ready to jump at the opportunity to shop for new clothes. My curious heart began filling up my online shopping cart soon after I got the green light.
As you can see, I got a little crazy with freshly picked flowers and even did a whole sneak peek unboxing on my personal Snapchat for all my friends!
Oh, and there's a special discount just for YOU at the bottom of this post! Be sure to look for it!
As you can see, I got a little crazy with freshly picked flowers and even did a whole sneak peek unboxing on my personal Snapchat for all my friends!
Oh, and there's a special discount just for YOU at the bottom of this post! Be sure to look for it!
Preview of my Snapchat unboxing! (username: thisverygarden)
I decided to capture the pieces I bought with the help of the extremely talented photographer and my friend, Liz Rowe (Liz Rachel Photography)! We spent the day walking around downtown and she made me feel like a proper queen... Or, maybe just a super successful woman with an arsenal of affordable fashion. So, without any further long paragraphs to read, let your wide eyes do the work and see how you can get ready for Spring with the essential pieces to build your very own capsule wardrobe!
The Trench
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
$24.40 at thredUP
Style this classy trench up with pointed heels and a lace blouse or style it down for a more casual, downtown stroll with sneakers.
The Sweater
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
Zara Knit Sweater
$2.97 because of a friend's $20 off code! at thredUP
Gray and black make for a stunning pair. This comfy, lightweight sweater is perfect for a bold night look with black ankle booties and skinnies. And slip it on with leggings or pants and some tennis shoes for a walk.
The Necktie Blouse
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
Anne Taylor LOFT Necktie Blouse
$13.60 at thredUP
Add a little vintage to your tops with a necktie built right into the collar! Classic black skinnies and a black shoe make it pop, or try a thrifted linen blazer and your favorite sandal.
The Cardigan
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
Banana Republic Cardigan
$11.17 at thredUP
This cozy brown knit cardigan can really go with anything! I love how it looks with a striped button down and rolled up sleeves, and a white slip on sandal. And for the evening, a straight black pant leg and heels bring it up a notch. And don't forget a little silk scarf to tie it all together.
The Dress
Liz Rachel Photography
Liz Rachel Photography
W118 By Walter Baker Dress
$28.00 at thredUP
I adore dresses that fit comfortably and provide pockets! This button down, black & white speckled dress is such a eye catcher. I paired it with a dark green blazer and hat, with my favorite brown mid-size heels. But this other look with a blush scarf and gladiator sandals is perfect for sunny spring days when the flowers are in bloom!
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These five pieces are my go-to's for Spring and they work perfectly for mixing and matching every day. If you are searching for that perfect opportunity to spend less on your Spring shopping, and want to clean that closet out in the process, thredUP provides the ideal solution to your season must haves and needs... and all for, don't forget: 90% off! It's crazy that I saved $269.00 big ones off retail! Now I head straight to thredUP first before spending more money on top brand stores. I'm serious; I've been dreaming of the coziest cardigan that I can just slip on and go... See that gorgeous long brown cardigan a few photos above? I found her. She's all mine now :) Thank you, thredUP!
Here's a deal for you!!! Get $10.00 OFF by using this link: http://www.thredup.com/r/OZSSJH
Here's a deal for you!!! Get $10.00 OFF by using this link: http://www.thredup.com/r/OZSSJH
And so much thanks to my favorite gal and brilliant photographer, Liz! If you didn't already check her out, please do! Here are her social medias:
Instagram: @LizRachelPhoto
Facebook: LizRachelPhotography
Website: www.lizrachel.com
And thredUP
The title of this post is pretty much a summed up theme for these photos. I discovered a small hideaway in between two houses one evening and my sister suggested we go take photos. First of all, she is never the suggester of picture taking in any sense. And second, I wasn't even planning on snapping a few shots there. My initial thought was just that the scenery looked pretty. And you can see for yourself.
But don't tell my sister that because she'll never be a suggester again and I might never get the chance to capture her beauty in such a subtly gorgeous location.
On January 23, the year of 2016, a lovely large snow storm covered Maryland and probably most of the East Coast (I'm not completely sure about the latter). This is a short bit of time when I was stuck indoors for most of the day, drinking, yes, you guessed it: coffee. I'm usually not a huge coffee drinker but this day called for hot, creamy goodness. Someone on Instagram even said the swirls of cream in my cup looked planet-like. Like, yes ....I knew that. A little bit...
And [the next day], God said, "Let their be light." (Genesis 1:3) This glorious photo below was taken the following day, or matter of days. The soft glisten of melting snow in the evening sunlight was certainly "a fearsome thing to behold," like Elizabeth Bennett remarked about an accomplished woman in the 2005 film adaption of Jane Austen's' most brilliant novel.
Alright, let's face it. If you don't already follow my Instagram or know me personally, you should know I visit North Carolina pretty frequently. This is a jumble of photography that I just love so much because it captures the small rural town of Roxboro where my grandparents currently live. And they've lived in a good few places. I adore the rich farmland, woods, quiet homes, and history that it provides. You will see that there's small tobacco shacks that are still standing on the sides of roads, twisty gravel paths to homes tucked away behind the trees, wild animals peeking in on human lives, and run down barns that still offer a special uniqueness where they stand. The colors of the natural landscape and wood structures make my heart go crazy. Grab your fedora or boots and get outside. You know that not too far from any one place are some horses enjoying the sun or a huge bird looking for food in the treetops...
Meeting new people is really fun. Sometimes it's easy for me to forget this when I'm so caught up in my own little world. But today I asked God to give me joy when I drove to meet these three ladies: Karlie, Liz, and Lauren, for a Simply Beloved photo shoot. And let me tell you, the day was filled with so much laughter, joy, and silliness. I am so grateful.
Plus, it's great to finally meet instagram friends for the first time! Can't wait to do this again!

Below, are two gorgeous photos my friend Liz captured of the rest of the gang, so to speak. Her blog showcases more photography of the shoot and I suggest you visit her post! I just had to share!
Photography by @LizRachelPhoto
Photography by @LizRachelPhoto
This lovely couple was photographed by Jenna Shriver at their family farm in York, PA. I was able to come along and assist Jenna on this maternity session and I will forever be in awe by that evening's sunset. The soft rays of light created a warm, summery glow; perfect for photos! It was a dream! And Matt and Jessica were so sweet, I was able to snap a few shots with my camera of them strolling through the grass. Head over to Jenna's blog to see the whole thing!
The Lord is good! I have been waiting for the right time and the right print to buy from Hand Lettering Co. and when my mother's birthday came up I knew this would be the opportune choice. Admiring the company's intricate typography designs from the moment I stumbled upon their Instagram (@handletteringco) led me to believe in great design with purpose and truth. It's such a blessing to see God's word decorated for His glory! The artist, Chris Wright, has an incredible talent to create this 'scripture art.' I look forward to many more pieces!
This is me enjoying a much needed coffee and a slice of Angel food cake. I have been limiting my caffeine intake for a while now and this was just heavenly.
Can't wait to give this precious gift to my mother soon!
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God
and whatever you do, in word or deed do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3:16-17

































