Molly

Molly, Molly, Molly. Where do I begin with you? You vivacious, crazy creature, you.
Molly and I have been friends since I moved to Cincinnati at age 9. That was a scary time for a shy girl like me knowing absolutely no one (yes, me, shy, I know. There was actually a time when that was the case). One thing that helped me break out of my shell was joining a local cheerleading squad. That's where I was first introduced to Miss Molly Farrell. Not only did Molly physically cheerlead, she as a human gives off an aura of all things peppy, cheery, fun, and entertaining. She is a cheerleader. And as the years have gone by and our friendship grows, she's been one heck of a cheerleader for me. 

Recently Molly and I went to a local bar where absolutely no one we knew was dancing, and very few people were dancing in general. With Molly by my side, that didn't matter. We had so. much. FUN. Given that we were of the few on the dance floor, the DJ basically played every request we gave him. It was like our own private event. Excursions like this are to be expected with this rambunctious, silly lady. 

When we aren't sweating and making fools of ourselves on (and off) the dance floor, we both enjoy the fun in beauty and fashion. Molly is pretty open-minded when it comes to dressing, but I loved being the one to dress her and have complete control, pushing her out of her comfort zone just a little further. Molly is wearing my clothing; head-to-toe. Okay, and a little bit borrowed from my sister (but what's hers is mine at this point).

Molly ka-hills it in my For Love and Lemons Dress that I purchased from the beloved (and local) Idlewild Woman. What I love about this dress is its juxtaposition of innocent and sexy. Everything about it screams girly, with a touch of unexpected "hot" from a dramatic front cut-out. She's wearing my sister's Aldo boots (on sale too!) that are cute and magically comfortable. And peeking out of them are my thigh-high socks from Urban Outfitters (also seen, here). Lastly, atop her head is a felt hat to tie it altogether.  

My ultimate favorite thing about doing this--dressing women and photographing them--is the ability to make people feel special. Molly thanked me for "making her feel pretty." She admitted to me that she doesn't always feel that's true about herself. While that broke my heart, it also encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing. As a lover of people, I know I was put on this earth to lift up others. As a woman myself, I obviously relate to women (and our fashions) the best. As I continue with my blog, I want to regularly feature women that I find inspiring (not to say that men are excluded!)

We all need to be encouraged... constantly. If I can do that by styling someone and making them feel like a model, I will most definitely continue to do so. 

Ladies (and gents if interested), of all ages, shapes, sizes, etc. I'd love to rummage through that closet of yours and help you feel confident in the skin you're in and the clothes you like. Feel free to reach out to me if you are ever in need of a confidence boost. Let's get together, take some pretty photos, and just have fun.
 
You are beautiful. Please know that. And if you don't, well, that is why I'm here to show you that that is the beautiful truth.