A gorgeous fall day at a beautiful country acreage was the backdrop for our recent FW13 photoshoot. My beautiful friend Faith was our model for the day. She has the most amazing smile and laugh and makes the work so much fun!

bohemian girl at heart

my mom said I had one of these suede vests with fringe when I was really little. I know I had one from a thrift store or somewhere when I was about 17, and cut it up and made it into a hippie purse with the fringe on the bottom. I don't know whatever happened to it, but it's still in my memory. I couldn't get this out of my head so I decided to make a few in different colors of suede for the FW collection. I love the idea of the different ways you could style this, and use with other layers. Planning a couple of different fur vests as well.

progress

leather key fobs in the works for FW13 collection ~

new work

my favorite fabric from the new collection~

packaging ideas

As I get closer to my new collection launch, I've been narrowing down packaging ideas. Having so much fun making color palette decisions, and little touches to make the brand sing. Lovely inspiration board found here.

beauty

Thought I'd post these gorgeous photos from an amazing photographer, Hannah Lemholt. Such beauty... See more of her work here.

stars

I love how motifs can span across different cultures and time periods... and how artists and designers can take these shapes and use them in unique ways. quilt here

beach

We are having a lovely summer here in the Midwest, but I long to visit the coast soon... Inspiration from CoastalLiving.com Photo: Mark Williams , Styling: Nathalie Williams

roam

I took a 10 day camping trip with a bunch of people I barely new when I was 18, and the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico was so stunning that the memory is burned into my brain forever. Must go there again someday with my love.

inspiration

I've been dreaming for awhile now about moving west... Ralph Lauren's ranch in Colorado would be quite the dream space. He is a truly gifted designer. via: architectural digest, photography by gilles de chabaneix

photo shoot

my lovely friend and model Tasia from a recent Frida Kahlo inspired shoot, shot by the amazing Daniel Dunlap

rebrand

this new venture is basically a venture in rebranding. My brand, Fortress, is what housed my bags and my husbands reclaimed wood goods, so now the bags and other accessories will be my own brand, Brave Nouvelle. this bleached bag is one of my favorites from last falls' collection.

something of my own

so excited my 'nouvelle' adventure is finally happening... photo from pinterest by Alexandra Valenti