Feathers, flowing fabrics and flowers brought this boho-chic styled photo shoot to real gypsy life. Being the Stevie Nicks fan that I am, I was all too excited for a gypsy day of dress up. Short Dog Jewelry Design and Retail Therapy of St. Augustine collaborated to provide beautiful patterns and jewelry for our models.
Sara LaPalante, owner of Short Dog Jewelry Design, has always had a creative side. In 2014, her need to create jewelry was sparked after seeing jewelry in a local yoga studio. It has paid off, as her baubles and bling are a hit with St. Augustine locals and her designs are featured at St. Augustine Fashion Week. When creating these gorgeous pieces, Sara finds that her inspiration comes from many places. Everything from people and trees, to seashells and photographs can get her creativity flowing. Her jewelry is not only handmade, but personally Reiki cleansed, (a Japanese practice where spiritual healing and intentions are imposed by the laying on of hands), of any negative energy.
Sara creates artisan jewelry to help women express their "inner boho-gypsy soul". Diamonds and pearls, emeralds, tanzanite, rubies and gold were just a few of the pieces that Sara contributed to these outfits of vintage vibes. Short Dog Jewelry does trunk shows, as well as private parties. You can find Sara at St. Augustine Wednesday's Farmer's Market and pick up her jewelry at Retail Therapy of St. Augustine.
Owner of Retail Therapy of St. Augustine, DeAnn Matza, was on hand to style. Her boutique is located on Anastasia Island. When deciding where to open a store, she loved the idea of being on the island, because she felt it possessed the more personal interaction that she desired with her customers. DeAnn wanted to bring affordable, current fashion trends to the women of St. Augustine at an affordable price. "What name speaks directly to the heart of a woman better than "Retail Therapy?", DeAnn said. "I think our name best fits what our customers take away from the store. When a customer comes in needing retail therapy, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a woman feel good about herself."
DeAnn is one of the local small businesses partnered with St. Augustine Fashion Week. Each season, proceeds are donated to local charities such as Betty Griffin House and Alpha Omega Miracle Home from their Share the Love Donation Drive. They recently collected clothing from everyday wear, to prom and special occasion dresses for the latest donation to The Pace Center for Girls.
This photo shoot would not have been possible without our gracious host, Kate Beatty. She brought everyone together, planing and organizing this project. Not only did she volunteer to model, but she held the photo shoot in her home. Thank you to models: Kate Beatty, Shainee Zimmerman Ellison (Make Up by Shainee), Lura Readle Scarpitti (Managing Editor at Old City Life Magazine), DeAnn Matza (Retail Therapy of St. Augustine) and Katherine Beatty. A big thank you to stylist, Dylan Du Boise, for the fabulous hair and, Sara LaPlante with Short Dog Jewelry Designs, for the beautiful jewelry.
Short Dog Jewelry Design
www.etsy.com/shop/ShortDogJewelry
(904) 466-3990
Retail Therapy of St. Augustine
1017 A1a Beach Blvd
Saint Augustine, Florida
(904) 615-7215
Models: Kate Beatty, Shainee Zimmerman Ellison,
Lura Readle Scarpitti, DeAnn Matza, Katherine Beatty
Makeup: Shainee Zimmerman Ellison
Hair: Dylan Du Boise