K, you really gotta get on Instagram because I've been sharing up a storm the release of Merrilee Liddiard's, Playful, a book that she wrote and I styled with Meta Coleman with photography by Nicole Hill Gerulat published by STC Craft, a division of Abrams Books.Merrilee has become a good friend since making it last year and I'm so proud of her and excited to see where this takes her. Her work is impeccable. She has a true love of crafting for kids and this book is evidence of that with the clever and simple projects she created that are perfect for a rainy day. Her work as a professional illustrator is sprinkled throughout the book with darling illustrations here and there.
This was a true collaboration in every sense of the word. I was brought on as the wardrobe stylist and Meta did the props but we worked hand in hand and relied on each other for opinions and back up. The world of kids is one I never thought I would enter pre having kids but I've loved getting to know the world a bit better. I mean, how can you know when it turns out like this?! I found so many wonderful clothing companies that I wish I could keep for my own kids some day.
I think we created a book that captures what it's like to be a child. There's color and whimsy and cute details.
This is one of my favorite scenes with the Brooklyn row houses. We initially tried to get it as the cover of the book, but then there turned out to be so many other favorites.
Could you die over these sweet little girls? Merrilee shows how to make these adorable wooden face necklaces and we matched the hair. And the adorable clothing from Wunway Kids was perfection. Wunway became a go-to source for much of the book because they nail their style. Meta knocked it out of the park with the stacked books. 
These little lovebirds genuinely love each other. Aren't they the sweetest?! I had Merrilee draw on some bird details onto her tights to reflect the cardboard bird costume.
This one might be my favorite. Of course, I say that to all of them though. The party scene was so much fun to create. Meta opened up her home for much of the shoot and this one was in her little girl's room with the amazing chalkboard wall. I love the drama created with the blackboard. It was a wonderful way to show off the cardboard tiger pinata. And, this was also the birth of the famous balloon arch. I knew I wanted to do some type of installation with balloons and I gathered a whole lot to go crazy with it. I hadn't yet perfected the technique so by the time it was ready to shoot much of the balloons were gone--they hadn't stuck to the wall or to each other. But at least a few of them stayed and it was just enough to create a festive look. And I love all the bright clothing with shops like Wolf and Rita, Zara, Wunway, gorgeous leather shoes from Nathalie Verlinden, and some of Meta's vintage pieces.
This bird pattern from Wolf and Rita is one of my all-time favorites!
Ohmyword. The kids in this scene are too much (especially little Nohea, second from right!). We used Goat Milk's awesome white basics to create this puppet parade scene as well as some adorable wellies from Polarn O. Pyret.
And if you don't think that's magical enough, take a look at the trailer for the book done by Jenner Brown and styled by Meta Coleman and Merrilee Liddiard. Are you dying?!
But these are just a few of the images from the book. You'll need to run and grab it for yourself! Playful is now available at book stores near you or you can get a copy on Amazon here (and it's on sale!!!).
I thought you might like some sources on where I got the clothing so here you go:
Wunway, Misha Lulu, Munkstown, Wovenplay, Polarn O. Pyret, Nathalie Verlinden shoes, Goat Milk, Wolf and Rita, La Coqueta, Old Navy, Gap, Hannah Andersson clogs, Soor Ploom, Little Vida, Native Shoes, Zara
