H+L Fall Photo Shoot: We do the 70s Swell

Here are photos from our most recent photo shoot.  We had so much fun with our 70s theme!  We borrowed this bad%$# 1975 Trans Am from a friend and had my business partner (and husband) Ben drive us all over Downtown Memphis!

Photographer: Claire Brumleve
Stylists: Anna Avant & Erica Qualy
Director: Anna Avant
Models: Erica Qualy, Hannah Nelson, & Rachel Horton
Driver/Bodyguard: Ben Avant

Enjoy these solid gold outfits & images!

A Hoot + Louise Original Short: Styling a Scarf

Lighting.

Okay, let me just begin this post by saying I love lighting. Cool lighting really makes a statement and is crucial in making a space, or in my case my store, more appealing and distinctive.  When my husband Ben and I were designing the lighting layout of the store, we knew we had to have fixtures that are eye catching and would compliment the store.  The goal was to design the space so that the lights would stand out and be noticeable while seeming to naturally blend in. Now that we have been open for over a year and a half, my love for the iconic architectural lighting we chose has grown more and more.  I now find myself almost obsessed with lighting and the designers who have created such amazing pieces of art.

So, what did we chose, you ask!?  The answer is Louis Poulsen.

Louis Poulsen is a Danish company that has been producing lighting since the 1920s, when a famous Danish architect named Poul Henningsen collaborated with Louis Poulsen.  Their collaboration was the beginning of many collaborations with different architects and designers for the company.  Today, Louis Poulsen lighting is recognizable and iconic and is probably most known for creating effective lighting while looking cool at the same time.

So, enough history...here are some pics of the lighting we chose!

The Louis Poulsen Collage 450

Designer: Louise Campbell 

I promise I didn't choose the Collage for the designer's name, but when the pendants came in and I saw that they were designed by a lady named Louise, I squealed to myself "ah, it's a sign"!!!

The Collage 450 is laser-cut, glossy acrylic emitting light through all 3 layers all around.  The layers are carefully staggered so as to eliminate glare.  It comes in 5 different colors.  I chose the Lemon Yellow.  While it was very easy to decide this was THE LIGHT, the color was not nearly as easily decided.  BUT I do looooove the yellow!

Louis Poulsen PH5

Designer: Poul Henningsen

We chose the PH5 for the upstairs office.  The PH5 provides completely glare-free light and has 3 shades which directs a majority of the light downward.

Louis Poulsen PH4/3

Designer: Poul Henningsen

We chose the PH4/3 for the dressing rooms.  The concept behind the PH4/3 is the same as the PH5, it evenly distributes glare-free light.  This was very important for dressing room lighting for me.  There is nothing worse than trying clothes on in a dressing room that is too hot, too bright, and has any glare at all. The idea behind this light was created by Henningsen and Poulsen in 1925.   

I have mentioned several times lately that I am noticing just how many things I find myself collecting.  I  think I'd like to add Louis Poulsen lighting to that list!  

Have a great Monday and a great week!  

Anna

I collect...coffee mugs

As I was having my morning coffee, I started thinking about the coffee mugs I have collected over the years.  Thanks to Granny (AKA Hoot or Louise), my collection-building, has been easy!  As I was pulling out my favorite mugs to take pictures I realized most of them have been given to me by her.  I think I take a "new" one from her house every time I go home to Mississippi.  Ben (hubby) and I also have started a collection together.  I don't think we have gone anywhere without getting a coffee cup memento (sometimes 2 if we can't agree on just 1!).  In a way, I can thank Granny for that super idea since that's what she and Granddaddy used to do too!  I wish I had taken pictures of her coffee cup cabinet when I was home last!  She has some really amazing ones.

Here are just a few of the mugs that mean something to me - btw I don't have a single mug in my cabinet that doesn't have a meaning!

I stand here in front of this cabinet every single morning trying to decide which coffee cup I want to drink from, and I usually end up picking the one that A) I haven't drank out of in a while and B) is most complimentary to my outfit.  Seriously. 

This 70s/80s coffee cup was given to Ben by my Granny.  It was my Granddaddy's.  Ben got this most special coffee cup from Granny the day we cleaned their shop out when Granny retired...

...and this is the cup I got that same day.

We love Memphis, so I think we have a coffee mug from all of our favorite spots around the city.  

I got this Soft Batch cup for Ben from an antique store in MS when we were in college - he ate those cookies A LOT!  And this really awesome McD's cup is the most recent one I have looted from Granny's.  She and my Granddaddy each had one!  He passed away in 1985, so that tells me McDonald's had some great cups in the early 80s!

Vintage Fire King mugs I have picked up along the way.

This is a Square Books coffee cup.  I love the quote by Flannery O'Connor.

Again, more mugs given to me by Granny.  

Here are some from our travels.

I love coffee drinking accessories as well.  The cow creamer was made in Occupied Japan.  I had to pay a pretty penny for him, but just look at how cute he is!  He makes me smile every morning I go to grab my sugar spoon.

You may be seeing more of these type posts.  I have many more collections that I didn't even realize had become just that - a collection.

What do you like to collect?

Have a great day and a great week!

XOXO,
Anna

PEOPLE LIKE ART's new designs for summer!

Today we received our first shipment of the new designs by Shannon Lea, creator of PEOPLE LIKE ART!  To no surprise, the newbies are amazing!  Take a look at some of the beautiful pieces of art (for the body) you can find at Hoot + Louise RIGHT NOW!

Gift Guide 2011

Here are some totally awesome gift ideas for this wonderful giving season that is now upon us!