Sweet August

What is it about August?
The fact that it's the last "unofficial"
month of summer makes it a little bittersweet ...

autumn decorations begin to shoulder themselves into the stores,
ads begin to appear for "back to school" supplies ...
and it makes summer lovers like me want to slip our sunnies on,
cover our ears and shout
"na na na na na na na" ...

... not that I don't LOVE autumn, I do ...
so very much, in fact, that it's my second favorite season ...
I adore autumn leaves, apple cider, crisp air, warm clothes ...
but I just like to keep all things in their time
so that we can truly enjoy and soak in the season that's still here ...

And I've been doing just that!
You all know that I've taken a little time off
from the blog for the summer, just popping in now and again to say hello ...
hope you've all been having a sparkling one, too!


In addition to purely enjoying the summer sunshine and beaches,
taking little trips here and there,
enjoying fresh vegetables from farm stands,
savoring summer barbecues and dining al fresco
and ending sultry days with cooler evening walks ...
I spend a good portion of most days, of course, in the studio.
Many of the things I have been working on I'm not able to share yet,
as they haven't yet been released and introduced by my clients,
but I've been very busy, as usual.

I shared the following custom fashion illustration
on facebook and instagram recently
(so please forgive for the repeat to those that have already seen it)

The illustration was commissioned by Aliana of Aliana Events
as a gift for a bride-to-be that loves Dior
to be presented at a stunning Dior-themed bridal shower.
The following photo of the bride-to-be with the illustration
alongside the beautiful Dior cake of the shower

is courtesy of Aliana Events.

I also mentioned on social media recently that the first
SANDY M Illustrated Calendar
will be available for 2014 and will be introduced later this fall!
The following "teaser," of a portion of the calendar cover illustration
{but covering up the townhouse door area to keep it a surprise}
is all that has been shown so far ...
notice the address of this chic city townhouse as the introduction ...
Stay tuned for more ...

Along with all of the details for the calendar,
one of the illustrations I'm currently working on for a client
takes me away to a chateau in France ... I just love how I'm able to
"travel" while I'm working! ;)

Have a sweet remainder of August, everyone!
I'll be leaving the end of next week for a week-long
road trip with my dad ... yep, a father and daughter trip ...
 going back and visiting his roots ;) ...

it'll be fun!

Till later ...

OOH LA FROU FROU

is the blog of illustrator

SANDY M

For custom illustration inquiries

drop Sandy a line here.

Image Credits:
First three images sourced from Pinterest as follows:
Image 1 girl in sunglasses via
Image 2 girl on carousel via

Image 3 sea at night via

Custom Dior Fashion Illustration by SANDY M

Photo of Bride with SANDY M Fashion Illustration via Aliana Events

"Sneak Peek" partial view 2014 calendar illustration by SANDY M