Bobbles & Lace Grand Opening in St. Pete, FL

st. petersburg, fl

Lights, Camera, Fashion.

This blog post is inspired by two things. Both my recent session in St. Pete, which observed the Grand Opening of a stunning boutique on Central Ave., Bobbles & Lace; as well as my grandmother's intentional and unwavering interest in my art, her aptitude for psychology and politics, and of course, that she is a professional conversationalist. As I sat in one of my many offices (my grandmothers dining room table, this time), I finally got to see the day come to life. I shuffled through finished pieces with my grandma who pulled a chair up next to me, and with each capture she was eager to hear more. The story behind the image was something she never failed to inquire about and was never out of her grasp. She has always seen things for what they were, what they actually were.

Photography is not about the photograph, in the same way that shopping is not about all the product. Photographs are meant to tell a story, to embalm a memory in an everlasting display, to capture the exact moment where genuine connection, emotion, and expression coincide; honestly and candidly. And shopping is just as intimate; a date with friends, a comparison of interests and reviews on art and human expression, a boost of confidence and self-exploration. Women love shopping. Fact. Okay, most women love shopping. And like several things women become involved in, its deeper meaning tends to smear, and replaced with superficial, guilt-tripping, cover-ups. Shopping is not a reflection of the irresponsibility of women and their finances, but an empowering movement towards autonomy, freedom, and women's love for honest expression, uniqueness, and intimate connection. And let's be honest, without our contribution to the economy, it is practically destitute. In the brief moments where a woman looks to her trusted friend with the fabulous new dress she picked out, or invite's her into the dressing rooms, a buy for intimate connection forms. Hours before the first credit card is swiped. Throughout the entire shopping experience, women are learning, observing, and loving in the best way we know how; by understanding each other. Women are exceptional at observing small and unique expressions that divulge telling intricacies about someone. And uniquely, Bobbles & Lace promotes this through their love for styling the women that come into their store, and for creating a shopping experience that promotes togetherness, understanding, and an honest connection to art.