in case you missed it … the sprouse clan was featured this week on matilda jane’s blog! thank you to cj isaac of charlie juliet for spending the day with us in the city and capturing our family perfectly!
here is the interview …
Q: Please tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and where are you now?
A: I am a southern girl recently transplanted to NYC. Our family of four made the big move to the intimate community of Park Slope one year ago and I cannot imagine raising our children anywhere else!
Q: I always love to hear about the incredible husbands that support the crazy schedule of a MJ Trunk Keeper. What makes yours so special?
A: Matt is my best friend and greatest supporter hands down! Together we created and owned Abode – a home furnishings + accessories store in Knoxville, TN in 2006. Over the four short years of owning Abode, we welcomed our daughters {Sophie + Hazel} into the world while Matt continued to hold a full-time position as a television producer. Abode taught us many life lessons and reminded us how imperative it is to be in constant communication and to support each other unconditionally. Having past retail experience has allowed Matt to better understand the support that I need in Matilda Jane.
Q: You’ve got two absolutely precious daughters! Give us a glimpse into who they are.
A: Sophie {6} + Hazel {4} are the coolest gals I know! I have loved watching them grow and become young girls with Big dreams! Sophie loves to write and sing songs. She has a classic fashion sense while still making an outfit tailored to her. Hazel longs to be a cowgirl and definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. She has a free spirit approach to most things in life including her wardrobe, making it fun to see how her selections work in ways I would not have originally imagined.
Q: If you could wear one item every day, what would that be?
A: I am in loving the midnight ruffle pants. – I wear them all the time! In fact, when talking to my girlfriend about Halloween costume ideas for herself she quickly replied, “well I can just throw on some Matilda Jane pants and go as you!” I may need to add some more staples into my clothing rotation …
Q: How did Matilda Jane find YOU?
A: I have loved Matilda Jane from the time Sophie could fit into the clothes. The longevity and versatility of each piece has had me coming back for six years!
Q: If you could have lunch with ANYONE, who would it be and why?
A: My mom. I was completely spoiled during the seven years we lived in the same city during my adult life. I miss her terribly and long for our impromptu mother/daughter dates.
Q: What are 5 words your friends would use to describe you?
A: Passionate. Dreamer. Trend Setter. Listener. Creative.
Q: Besides your family, what are you most passionate about?
A: I have a passion for creating editorial through styling. Each summer, my sister-in law and I create a themed photo shoot involving our four kiddos and enlist the talents of a local photographer to perfectly capture each tyke’s personality. Each year these photos tell such a unique story of who are children are in that stage of life.
Q: Share with us just ONE very important thing you do to try to leave this world a better place.
A: Instilling the importance of accepting others into my girls’ everyday life. This is one of the most important life lessons from my father that has made a huge impact on my life. Throughout my life I have met and become friends with people that have a slightly different outlook on life than I do and because of that I have been inspired to grow, create and see the world through different lenses. I believe that individuality is what makes our world exciting and brings purpose to getting out of bed in the morning!
Q: What store makes your heart go pitter-patter when you shop in it?
A: The Brooklyn Flea. I love mixing old {sometimes what others may view as junk} with highly polished new home accessories. Our home holds many stories and is carefully/methodically put together so that our friends and family are able to easily join us in our story.
Q: What do you value more? Possessions or travel?
A: Absolutely no question – Travel. Matt and I have always said that if we give our children anything it is that of a larger worldview. We walked through my grandparents’ home after they had passed away and marveled at the love that they had for each other and the memories that they shared while traveling the world together. Instead of investing in possessions that would eventually gather dust and then be sold at an estate sale they traveled – – seeing the world, visiting with family both in the US and abroad. It is our hope to continue their legacy.
Q: If given the opportunity to have the day to yourself, how would you spend it?
A: I have recently come to understand how important it is to give myself “moments” in the day that are just mine. These moments are long enough to spend time with a friend, organize my home, go to the gym or simply stare blankly at social media outlets. No matter how I spend these moments I hold them close because they are all mine and not dictated by the constant noise of “must-get-dones”.
Q: If you could crawl into the pages of any book, what would it be and why?
A: One of my most favorite books is What Alice Forgot. I read it last year and have not been able to shake the message that it gives throughout showing unconditional love and forgiveness.
Q: What is YOUR “must have” Paint by Numbers piece?
A: My favorite dress out of the entire collection is the Rose Gold Jane Dress. This dress gives a nod towards vintage. Giving girls a tailored and innocent look while having the freedom to run, play and discover new things.
