A Girl Named Leney

And Now Presenting....

2015-03-04T10:50:00.001-08:00

The new and improved A Girl Named Leney!!

Wow, so, hey guys! Long time no see right?

Sorry for the unintentional disappearance around here....

Turns out rebranding/building a new site/keeping up with work/traveling/normal day to day things like doing dishes and making the bed (if I even get around to that... let's be honest) keeps you more busy than I realized. ;)

But hey, after talking about it for ages and ages, the new site is finally here!!!

Gosh am I ever excited about this.

It's rather bittersweet saying goodbye to this space here on Blogger. It's been so good to me these past, gosh, five years of blogging now. I've connected and made friends with so many of you through this space, and I have to admit I'm feeling quite nostalgic in having to say goodbye to it.

But I'm so very excited for this new phase in my brand and business and I think you guys are going to like it, if not love it, just as much as I am.

A few important mentions:

-My old posts are archived on the new site! Hurray! So no lost info or reads there. Phew! The formatting may be a bit wonky on some of them, and I'm still trying to get all of the old tags reconnected, but if there's anything you're looking for you can always use the search bar at the bottom of the site.

-If you're following me via Bloglovin, fear not! They are switching over the links as we speak so you don't have to do a thing. You'll still be subscribed and able to read my posts just like you have been!

-If you're following me via Google Connect you do need to switch over to following me on Bloglovin, or you can add my new blog feed to your RSS feed.

www.agirlnamedleney.com/journal

-This blog is no longer going to be live after a week or so, for search engine optimization and such (can't have two posts comin up in two different places when you search for "The Knitting Queen" obviously).
But I'm keeping it up for a bit so that you all know where to head for the new blog and to just make sure everything transferred properly.
Just giving you a heads up!

-My new email for all things business/you related is agirlnamedleney@gmail.com

Update address books accordingly. ;)

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But okay okay, go look look look!!

Check out the new site, read the new blog post, and tell me what you think!

More to come on this super wonderful and exciting new phase later this week!

Goodbye 2014

2014-12-31T16:33:00.001-08:00

Photo cred: Meagan Abell

So I've kind of been thinking about this post all day.

I wanted to write something but, to be honest, I was a little unsure of what to say.

I was going to do a year in review sort of thing like I've done in the past, but for some reason I wasn't really feeling it.

Although I did go back and read quite a few posts from this past year that I'd forgotten I'd written and, to be honest again, I think I needed to re-read.

Namely this one, this one, this one, this one, this one and well this one and this one too.

I've been out of the blogging routine for some time now, and while it's mostly due to my excitement for the new blog/website next month and being a little tired of this current platform, it's also because I've had a hard time keeping up with all of the posts I need to write.

I think I got it into my head that if I hadn't done the work related posts that I needed to do, I couldn't do any others just because, and just for me.

Which is silly.

Because that's how this blog started. As something just for me.

But I'm kind of a systematic, check off the list as it comes, sort of person and it's hard for me to get out of that sometimes.

But anyway, point being, even though I have a system for this time of year, I'm going to toss it out the window and write something I actually feel like writing.

I have quite a lot of things that I'm thinking about though, currently, as I sit here in this chair, by my desk, before heading out for New Years Eve festivities.

Quite a lot.

And I think my lack of ability to properly sort through these thoughts and put them in a shareable format this evening is why I put off writing this post all day, but I did have a few things I wanted to be sure to say, if even just to myself, on this last day of 2014.

Overall, it's been a good year.

A really very good and wonderful year.

But it's also been a hard one for me too.

In a lot of really big growing and stretching and painful ways.

And I think this was the year I finally kind of realized that that's just how life is.

There's a lot of good, but there's often a lot of bad too.

But that, really, the good usually outweighs the bad, and that even the bad, doesn't end up being all that bad because it leads you, grows you, pushes you, into somewhere and something better.

(Ignore the fact that that was probably a run on sentence and that I said "bad" like 45 times)

At least in my experience, and I think, if you really examine yours as well, it's probably the same for you. There's always going to be some not so great stuff that you have to deal with and get through, but so very often it makes for better circumstances than you were in before anyway.

I think one of the biggest things I learned this year though was the state of becoming.

That you're really always becoming, you never arrive.

I am in a constant state of becoming.

I am growing, learning, failing, finding, wanting, stopping, starting, trying, staying, reaching, succeeding, dreaming, and all those other action words, always.

Or at least I should be.

Because that's the only way to live really. To go through all of it. The good and the bad.
To the fullest and largest extent.

There are always going to be high points and there will always be low points. But it's what I do in and on the way to and from them that determine how the next ones will feel.
How I feel overall.

I don't know if any of that really translates in the way I want it to, in the way I'm thinking about it up in my head right now. I know in and of themselves they aren't new ideas, and some of them are quite repeated and over talked about ideas really. But sometimes I think we all need a refresher on these sorts of things. Especially when looking back or even looking forward on stuff and needing to maintain perspective.

Especially for someone who can so often get overly excited or impractical about things and needs reminders to have perspective.

*ahem*

Props to you if you actually read this whole thing.

Again, these thoughts and reminders were mostly for myself this evening, but as always, I tend to share these with you because I feel like there's usually someone else out there who needs these words too.

So goodbye 2014.

There are some parts of you I'm really going to miss, and some parts I very much will not.

But I am grateful for all of your parts.

Because together they make up a year that has produced the person that's here, right here, and I've really come to love this person that I've become and continue to become. Flaws and all.

Which is such an important thing, loving who you are, and without all that not so good stuff I don't think anyone can really learn to do that fully.

So thank you 2014 for leaving me in this place, right where I am now, because it's good.

It is.

As always, bring it on 2015.

Collaboration | Joules

2014-12-17T12:42:00.001-08:00

At the end of last month I ventured up to the mountains for an annual apple picking excursion.

If you live in Richmond, on any given weekend during the height of Autumn, you can count on your instagram feed being flooded by Virginia residents and their Carter Mountain apple picking photos. Us Virginians live by this tradition and though my trip was a little later in the season than usual, I still managed to come home with some delicious apples.

I absolutely loved wearing this coat from Joules during my little autumn adventure. I've worn it several times since then and not only is it warm but water resistant!

(Which is kind of essential for someone who wanders around in the rain/goes sailing as often as I do). Definitely check out more of their coats and parkas. This one is another cute one in particular.

They have all kinds of lovely things though, go see for yourself!

Big thanks to my lovely friend Emily for shooting these photos.

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Outfit Details

Shoes// Urban Outfitters

Overalls// Thrifted

Vest// DIY

Cowl// From my shop

Bag// Need Supply Co

Purse// Urban Outfitters

Necklaces// DIY

Jacket// Joules (similar here)

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This post is sponsored by Joules. You can find their shop here as well as find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks!

All photos shot by Emily Patton Photography

Things

2014-12-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

This was actually a post from my instagram last night, but I decided to share it here on the blog today too.
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I spent this evening talking with a dear friend of mine about big things.

The kind of things you’d do if you could do whatever you wanted to do. The things you were made to do. The things you dream about doing. For me there isn’t much I’d rather be doing than talking with people about the things their dreams are made of. I love listening to passionate people talk about the things that excite them.

It in turn made me really excited for 2015 and all of the wonderfully cliche new year possibility that it brings.

2014 has been such a big year for me with doing a lot of things I’ve always wanted to do.

Things that have excited me.

Things that have scared me.

Things that I’ve laid awake at night thinking about.

And I want to continue this trend next year.

And I want you to too.

I want you to get that thing that gets you more excited than anything else out of your head and out into your life. The thing you lie awake thinking about. The thing that scares the crap out of you.

You only have one life in which to do things. You don’t get another one to try again with. So don’t think about the “what ifs” and the “but hows” so much. Chances are if you can’t stop thinking about doing it, there’s a reason. So go do it. Because you should live a life doing things you love.

And I realize I just said “things” like 78 times but that’s the beauty of that vague word. That thing, it can be whatever you want it to be. You get to decide.

P.s. This photo is only related because one of the things that excites me most is traveling. And this is a photo from a plane from one of my trips this year. And so yea. That’s the explanation for that.

Shop Local | Blackbird Tees

2014-11-30T16:19:00.001-08:00

Small Business Saturday was yesterday, and so in light of that I thought it'd be a good opportunity to give one of my favorite small (and local!) small businesses a little shout out.

Blackbird Tees has been mentioned a time or two here on the blog, so you might be familiar with them, but even if you've already checked out their shop, you need to again because they have some awesome new stuff up!
And I'm not just saying that because they asked me to model some of it.
;)

Jody and Karl are the hard working duo behind Blackbird Tees which they run from a studio here in Richmond. They're pretty much some of the coolest cats around and not only make awesome apparel but killer blondies, have great taste in beer and are excellent printer fixers.
(Not so subtle shout out to Karl for helping me with my printer issues last week...)
No but really, they're pretty great and you should definitely hit them up for some Christmas gifts!
Plus, everything in their shop is on sale right now!

A few of my personal favorites...
Loose Fit Full Moon Tunic
Grizzly Bear Sweatshirt
Night Scouting T-Shirt
Geometric Maxi Dress
Full Moon Tote
Roam Sweet Roam Crop Top
Canoe Infinity Scarf
You Cook I'll Clean Tea Towels
Full Moon Sweatshirt

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Also find them on...

Facebook

Twitter
Instagram

All photos taken by Meagan Abell

Small Business Saturday

2014-11-29T14:50:00.000-08:00

Photo Cred: Meagan Abell

I love Small Business Saturday.
Not only do I have an excuse to shop at and love on some of my favorite businesses, I'm also reminded of how blessed I am to get to own one myself.
I'm not really sure that there's any greater feeling than getting to do what you love for a living.
I wouldn't be able to do it in a million trillion years without the love and support of all of you though.

So thank you.
If I could I would give each and every one of you a great big hug.

My heart is full with all kinds of gratitude.

I hope you went out and treated yourself today.

You deserve it.

P.s.

In honor of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday next week, I'm offering free shipping in the shop from now until Monday night on all US orders!

Just enter the code: FREESHIPPING2014 at checkout.

Rosewood Clothing Co.

2014-11-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before that lifestyle photography is my favorite type of photography.

Being able to capture real and raw moments organically as they happen.
Unposed, uninhibited.
Letting events and moments take their course and documenting them along the way.

Well, I got the opportunity to do a lovely little session recently for my friend Ashley.

I met this gal over the summer and we've already become steadfast friends. Her excitement for life and the passion she has for the things she loves is nothing short of infectious.

I do so love being around people who are passionate about what they do and are ambitious in a fast driven and on fire sort of way.
They're the best kind of people to be around if you ask me.
I think it's partly because there's a special sort of aliveness you feel when you're in the presence of someone who is that motivated and excited about their life and doing good things with it, and it also inspires you in a similar way to pursue your own dreams and ambitions.

Ashley will be opening Rosewood Clothing Co, a shop for her curated vintage and handmade goods as well as consignment, on 16 W. Broad here in Richmond.
She doesn't have a set opening date yet, but I definitely can't wait to see what she does with her space and I'm so happy that I get to be apart of it's little journey as it comes together.
(And you may or may not be able to buy some of my knits in her shop once it's open... Stay tuned!)

Go follow Rosewood Clothing Co. on Instagram for updates and to be the first to know about the opening day!

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Interested in booking a lifestyle session of your own?

Let's chat!

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com

Keeping Up

2014-11-19T23:43:00.000-08:00

Photo Cred: Emily Patton

Not with the kardashians.

With my work schedule.

Okay, okay, bad joke. But it's late at night and I'm a smidge sleep deprived as of late.

And okay, it's not just work, it's life in general.

It's not that I'm stressed. I mean I am a little, but not overly so. Which is pretty unusual for me. I tend to get excessively stressed in these sort of times, with this sort of workload.

It's been quite the busy month, this month. As November always is. Especially with the shop. Orders have been flooding in and slowly piling up over the past few weeks.

People are getting chilly and need to be knitted into warmth again.

Which, don't get me wrong, I absolutely love.

I've been busier than usual at this time of year with photography as well.

There are portrait and lifestyle sessions, weddings, travel and heaps of other misc. photos that I haven't blogged, haven't edited.

I'm in the beginning stages of officially re-branding which is so very exciting, but also very time consuming. At least thoughts wise. It's actually mostly kind of all I've been thinking about lately.

There's also Christmas to think of.

Christmas.

I totally broke out the tunes the day after Halloween. I really wanted to on Halloween (there was a radio station here already playing Christmas music in fact) but I refrained.

But I've been googling nearby Christmas tree farms and thinking about decorations, baking Christmas cookies and wrapping presents for abosolute months now.

And though I'm really really not in a hurry to get rid of fall, I do so so love the Christmas season.

I think this is just always the time of year when I get to that point of wondering how everyone else does it.

How do you run a business, two businesses really, and all of the many many things that entails (hello accounting on my desk from August...) while maintaing all of your various relationships, keeping your space and home un-hoarder like, going to the gym, making time for leisurely things like reading, and let's not even talk about doing laundry.

Plus all of the really big and really little in-between and not so in-between things.

Of course no one has it together, not all the way.

It's all just appearances and there's always one area (or ten) where we all feel a little bit behind in.

It is a bit frustrating to feel like you're always keeping up though.

It always seems to be a bit elusive and out of reach.

Ah well.

Tomorrow is a new day.

And you can't do it all at once.

Life is still good.

Proper Words

2014-11-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Photo Cred: Meagan Abell

"I am overwhelmed with things I ought to have written about and never found the proper words." | Virginia Woolf

Proper words.

How hard it is to find the proper words sometimes.

I've had quite a lot of thoughts about quite a lot of things lately.

Which is very vague and blasé really. To say that I mean.

But I think I've just had one too many things on my mind to properly verbalize anything because it's all getting in the way of itself.

I've especially been incapable of sorting things out in writing. Which is a bit frustrating since writing is usually how I lighten myself when I feel heavy with heaps of thoughts like I do now.

This was all kind of a lot about nothing.

But I'm trying to get back on the blogging game, so I'm just going to leave these incomplete thoughts here for now.

Alex | Portraits

2014-11-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

Meet Alex.

This wonderful lady flew in from Ohio a month or so ago to help me shoot my last two weddings of the season.

She's a talented photographer but more than that, a very dear friend.

I've posted about her a time or two before so you might recognize her actually.

I'm so thankful for the beautiful, authentic, and generous heart that she has.

Go like her new Facebook page because she's the bees knees!

Love you dearly Al, can't wait to see you again soon.

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Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com

Morning Thoughts

2014-11-11T07:02:00.001-08:00

The James

Shot with Kodak Gold 200 35mm film // Minolta x-700

I don’t think I’ll ever dye my hair.

(Yes, contrary to popular belief and the frequent "you look blonde..." comments, I didn't actually dye my hair. I was just outside a lot this summer)

There’s something so beautiful and elegant about people greying naturally. I think there’s a special sort of confidence in it too. Knowing you’re beautiful just the way you were created and a special sort of acceptance and welcoming of the age that you’ve earned.

Brewing coffee is one of the nicest morning routines.

And I like the word percolator.

I need to add it to my list.

I just recently learned what passport extenders are.

It's my new goal in life to travel so much I need one.

Playing music from other rooms you aren’t necessarily currently inhabiting is kind of comforting in an I-like-being-alone-but-it-feels-nice-to-have-the-feeling-of-others-here kind of way.

Starting the day with reading something other than social network newsfeeds is rejuvenating.

"A long moment" is an oxymoron.

I don't really know how many times I've repeated this Nick Drake playlist, but as of late it's all I feel like listening to.
So soul soothing.

Just Because Pie Is Great

2014-11-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Because new friends are great.

And so is pie.

And so are pictures of all of the above.

Wishing you a happy weekend.

Go make a new friend.

Or eat some pie.

Or all of the above.

Places Pictured

Proper Pie Co

Comfort

2014-11-07T04:38:00.001-08:00

There are things that we find comfort in.

Something that I think we most often find comfort in is familiarity.

Things that we know.

Things we find reassurance in because of their known-ness.

Often these things come in the forum of places.

And I think that that’s my favorite sort of comfort.

Comfort in a place.

A place I know.

A place I can close my eyes and run my hand over and still see.

Kayleigh | Senior Portraits

2014-11-06T13:17:00.003-08:00

Meet Kayleigh.

A beautiful girl on a beautiful North Carolina farm.

And this isn't just for photos, she's a country girl at heart and has grown up horseback riding and living out in wide open spaces.

She's the real deal.

I so loved spending the afternoon shooting this gals senior portraits.

Always love when my job carries me to other places and I get to spend time with souls as lovely as this one.

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If you're a senior it's not too late to book a spot for your own portraits!

Or too early... if you're thinking about next year. ;)
Shoot me an email for more info.

by.leney@gmail.com

Adventures | Nashville

2014-11-05T12:53:00.003-08:00

One of my adventures over the summer was a trip to Nashville Tennessee. It was my first time in Nashville, first time in Tennessee actually, and so I was excited to explore the city of music people all over the country love so much.

(Not to mention I've been watching the show Nashville... Hey, I like country music okay. Don't judge.)

I had a lot of good food, heard a lot of good music, made some new friends, explored some cool spots, photographed some wonderful people (more posts on that coming soon) and had an all around great trip.

I even saw Taylor Swift's house.
At night, from really far away.
But I still saw it.

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Until next time Nashville.

Places Pictured

Do
Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge
Really cool to visit at night. Such a beautiful view of the city.

Parthenon
Kind of random, still don't 100% understand why this is here, but it was neat to see...?

Centennial Park
Pretty place to walk around and feed baby ducks. I mean who doesn't like feeding baby ducks? (and crashing random business parties with live music... but that's a story for another time)

The Bluebird Cafe
Technically just saw the outside of this famous little place, didn't have time to stand in an all day line for a show. Maybe next time.

Grand Ole Opry
Of course I had to go here. It's Nashville tradition right? I didn't end up really knowing any of the people we saw that well, but everyone was so great and it was such a fun show. We did see Striking Matches who were awesome and, unknown to me, wrote a handful of the songs on Nashville. So that was cool! And Kip Moore did a really heartfelt acoustic set. I loved this song in particular.

The Johnny Cash Museum
Major fangirling over here. I spent a good 2+ hours in this place. I love me some Johnny Cash.

The Listening Room Cafe
One of the best places I saw live music at. There's a cover charge, but it's totally worth it. The artists we saw were so talented and it was such a good set of music.

Eat
Frothy Monkey
Only had a beer here, and it was super crowded when we went, but it was a fun atmosphere! I'd definitely go back.

12 South Taproom and Grill
The food we got here was okay, but they have a nice outdoor patio area.

Merchants
Such excellent service, and the fried green tomatoes were some of the best I've ever gotten. I don't remember what that special sauce was, but with that and the pimento cheese they were amazing. Kind of still having dreams about them. Also: they bring out this super yummy/savory popcorn while you're looking over the menu. So yea. Pretty much fell in love with this place.

Rock Bottom Restaurant
There's a rooftop bar that's a really great spot at night (I imagine it'd be great during the day as well but I was only there at night). You can look out on all of downtown Nashville and it's beautiful.

Fox's Donut Den
I mean, there are donuts here. Enough said right? Okay no but really, get the "cronut" (a croissant/donut) when you go. Literally one of the best things I've ever eaten. The girl who was working was so lovely as well and gave us some extras for free cause it was our first time.

Crema
Their quinoa dishes were so good. Got one of each so my friend and I could split and try a little of both and they were pretty large servings anyway. The iced chai wasn't bad either.

Shop
BookManBookWoman Books
Didn't have a ton of time to look around here but they had heaps of lovely books. I always have the hardest time when I travel and I run across wonderful little book stores like this. I always want to buy 34 different books but I have no hope of getting them into my suitcase, back on the plane and back home. It's always fun to look though.

Grimey's
Because if course you have to go to a record shop (or three) when you're in Nashville.

Lawrence Record Shop
Another place I didn't have a ton of time to look around in, but they definitely had a ton of vinyl!

Acme Feed & Seed
This is technically a restaurant, but they had a little market set up on the side with fair-trade and handmade goods and a bought a super beautiful scarf there by the company FashionABLE which creates sustainable long term jobs for women in Africa.

Haus of Yarn
Because everywhere I go I find a yarn shop to get some yarn for the travel blanket.

Imogene + Willie
I'll actually be doing a separate post with these guys, but this was one of my favorite places I visited in Nashville. If you're ever there you have to go.

Events | Free People Richmond

2014-11-03T14:14:00.006-08:00

A few weeks ago I attended the Food and Fashion Festival held at Free People's new Richmond location hosted by the lovely Brittany of Eating Bird Food (another Richmond blogger)!

It was so great meeting Brittany and, of course, sampling those delicious vegan apple pie squares (the recipe for which you can find on her blog soon).

It was a super fun night filled with shopping (I certainly did my fair share), adding to my Christmas wish list (it's never too early right??), eating way too many apple pie squares (no regrets) and meeting a lot of the wonderful ladies who work at Free People.

I definitely made a new friend or two.

Not to mention took one to many photos of the lovely yarn filled displays.

I mean, they clearly did that just for me.

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Be sure to check out Brittany's

As well as Free People Richmond's

Facebook

Instagram

And of course check out the new Free People store, located in Short Pump Mall!

Tell Kathleen, Katharine and Liz, along with all the other fabulous gals that work there, I said hi.

P.s. You can now follow me on FP Me!

Adventures | Sailing Una

2014-10-30T15:26:00.001-07:00

Meet Una.

She's the product of my father, the sailor's, hands.

He built her in a garage in the suburbs of Richmond over a ten month period.

And, if it means anything to you, she's a Iain Oughtred Sooty Tern. A double-ended yawl, sporting a balanced lug main and bermuda mizzen.

Her name means pure, holy, feminine and single (one).

She's Scottish/Gaelic/Norse in her origin.

In my father's words she was "a labor of love, a commitment to a dream and a promise of adventure".

(You can see where I get a bit of that wanderlust soul from...)

Seeing how proud he's been of this boat and how happy it's made him in the building and completion of it has been one of the highlights of my year.

We took her out for an overnight adventure last month and it was, simply put, one of the top ten best experiences of my life.
(I can actually list these experiences for you too... if you don't believe me)

I will treasure this time and the memories made during this brief but wonderful trip for forever and always.

My father is one of the people I adore and most look up to in this world and while this experience is one I hold very dear to my heart, I hesitated sharing it here because of it's sacredness.
However, I wanted the opportunity to showcase his wonderful talent and to give his beautiful creation the spotlight it deserves.

As I've stated before, being on a boat makes you look outward and there's a special kind of soul searching that happens when you're surrounded by all that blue.
There's also a kind of serenity that comes with it that's not easy to find these days.
It's something that neither words or pictures can really fully express.
You just have to experience it for yourself.

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If you're so inclined, and understand such ruminations (or simply have an appreciation for them), you can read my father's blog on the building of Una here.

My RVA: In Autumn

2014-10-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

"Autumn... the year's last, loveliest smile."| William Cullen Bryant

Gypsy Soul: A Knit Lookbook

2014-10-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

This fall/winter knits collection is called Gypsy Soul.

I designed and knit this collection for you.
For the free spirits, the adventurers, the nomads, the wanderers, the vagabonds, the travelers, the road trip takers, the seekers, the wanderlust filled hearts, the explorers.
For the gypsy in all of us.
Essentially, I wanted to create necessity knits for the wandering soul.
Namely inspired by my ever constant living on the road as well as this song. I wanted to bring you pieces that I hoped you would love and enjoy, but also ones I personally love and enjoy and wear throughout my own travels and adventures.
Wherever they may be.

This collection was shot in Urbanna by my always insanely talented friend Meagan Abell.

Having it shot in and around the marina with various boats and water-bound crafts was, of course, idyllic.

I am, after all, the daughter of a sailor.
The water has me ever looking outward and onward to my next adventure.
Whether it is in fact on sea, or on land.
Similarly, I hope this collection inspires the same for you, as it does for me.
After all, the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

Gypsy Soul: A Knit Lookbook

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In order of appearance:

The Dockside Knit Beanie

The Traveling Scarf

The Knit Crop Top Sweater

The Crochet Crop Top Sweater

The Born On A Boat Chunky Cabled Hat

The Vagabond Knit Collar

The Nomad Fingerless Gloves

The Coffee Shop Fingerless Gloves

The Nomad Mittens

The Basic Knit Beanie

The Color Block Cowl

The Gypsy Soul Vest

The Oversized Chunky Knit Sweater Shrug

The Explorers Club Cowl

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All photos are taken by Meagan Abell Photography.

Go like her on Facebook!

Because she's incredible.

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"We were born before the wind

Also younger than the sun

Ere the bonnie boat was won

As we sailed into the mystic

Hark, now hear the sailors cry

Smell the sea and feel the sky

Let your soul and spirit fly

Into the mystic

I wanna rock your gypsy soul

Just like way back in the days of old

Then magnificently we will float

Into the mystic”

-Van Morrison

Jenna | Conceptual Portraits

2014-10-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

"And you tried to change, didn't you? Closed your mouth more. Tried to be softer, prettier, less volatile, less awake... You can't make homes out of human beings. Someone should have already told you that. And if he wants to leave, then let him leave. You are terrifying, and strange, and beautiful.

Something not everyone knows how to love." | Warsan Shire

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Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Model: Jenna

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Check out more here.

Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com

Maddie + Taylor | One Year Anniversary

2014-10-19T15:23:00.001-07:00

Some of you might remember these good looking people from here, here or even here.

Well, I had the pleasure of staying with them in their new home in Laguna Beach during part of my California trip. And as it so happens, my procrastination with posting photos in a timely manner has turned into a good thing for once, because now I'm able to share these photos with you on their one year wedding anniversary today.

I love these two dearly. It was so great to put pictures (literally) to the life they've built in Laguna together over the past few months, which I'd previously only been witness to through many long distance phone calls and swoon worthy instagram posts.
I'm so excited for them and their current season of adventure.

I can't wait to see where life takes them next.

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Check out more here.

Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com

Adventures | Laguna Beach

2014-10-17T08:17:00.000-07:00

This summer I took a trip to California.

It was good to visit this golden state again, especially in the warmer months when I could actually go for a swim in the Pacific (definitely an amazing experience. I'm kind of obsessed with the Pacific ocean now... that water... such a pretty blue).

I started my trip with a stop into Laguna Beach to visit my highschool best friend Maddie and her husband Taylor.

(I cannot believe in a few days it'll be a year that they've been married! Like... what? Time flies so fast.)

They were pretty much the greatest hosts of all time and made my stay with them feel like a home away from home.

My stay included, but was not limited to, margarita making, shell hunting (except not... cause it's illegal), succulent obsessing, taco eating, gelato eating, and various other wanderings and exploratory activities.

Disclaimer: At the end of this post there's possibly one too many photos of Maddie shell hunting... But she's the definition of a beach babe.

I couldn't really help it.

Places Pictured

Sawdust Art Festival

La Sirena Grill

Main Beach

Colorado Bound

2014-10-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

Photo Cred: Meagan Abell

Just a little post to let you guys know that I am hitting the road again and will be in Colorado from October 22-27, so if you'd like to book a shoot of any kind feel free to shoot me an email!

by.leney@gmail.com

I'd love to work with you :)

Brianna | Portraits

2014-10-15T21:22:00.001-07:00

Meet Brianna.

This girl is one of my dearest friends.

She hired me to take some new head shots of her recently because she's all grown up and entering the working world. Which I can hardly believe. I mean high school was just yesterday wasn't it....??

(Nope.)

Anyway, I can't even begin to express how much this lovely individual means to me, but I decided to take this opportunity to give her a little shout out on here to let you all know how wonderful she is.

And how gorgeous too.

I mean talk about a straight up babe.

I definitely feel supremely blessed to have such a fabulous lady like this one in my life.

She's a keeper.

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Check out more here.

Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com

Karen + Tyler | A Mini Session

2014-10-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Meet Karen and Tyler.

They came down to Richmond from DC one afternoon recently to meet up and discuss some final details before their wedding day, and it was so nice to finally meet them in person after communicating via email for so long!

I don't always get to shoot my couples engagement photos, for various reasons, and so I don't always get the opportunity to meet them in person before the big day. Especially when they are from out of town. So it's always great when it works out to meet up and get to know each other a little.

These two are just the cutest.
I loved hearing their story in person, getting to see a photo of Karen's dress (we made Tyler go to the bathroom so he wouldn't hear about it), discussing recent Beyonce music videos (none of which I've ever seen... I know, Karen, I still need to... Send me that link!) getting to see how they interact with one another and of course snapping a few photos on a walk around The Fan.
Oh how I love what I get to do for a living.

So excited to shoot their wedding in DC this weekend!
Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for some photo previews.

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Check out more here.

Interested in getting some portraits of your own done?

Email me for more info: by.leney@gmail.com