A Jet-Setting Mama And Her Style-Savvy Boys
Written by James Kicinski-McCoy
Photography by Photography by Katrina Dickson
Traveling around the world, creating beautiful images, and exploring new cities and cultures is something that most of us dream about. But that dream is a reality for L.A.-based photographer Jesse Chamberlin. The jet-setting (and newly engaged), mother-of-two handsome boys (Gracyn, 9, and August, 5) works pure magic from behind her camera and manages to always look polished while doing so. The Silverlake dweller globetrotter is also co-owner of Our Labor of Love and Smilebooth.
The threesome recently invited us into their incredibly cute and whimsical California abode and gave us a closer look into their daily happenings, outfitted in some of their favorite, casual-yet-cool Old Navy pieces. Mommy-and-me style with boys is kinda the best, no?
This post is brought to you by Mother + Old Navy
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"I have lived in my house for two years. My two favorite neighborhoods are Echo Park and Silverlake. I stumbled upon this house the first day it went on the market in Silverlake. The two key attributes to this home are the roof top, where we spend a lot of our summer dinners, and the meadow, which is my favorite grass park in Los Angeles and happens to be across the street."
Gracyn wears a Slub-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"I would say playful, whimsical, and modern."
Gracyn wears a Slub-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy. Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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"Yes, for sure. I have a strong desire to make my boys' childhood as magical as possible. I try to pay attention to what draws them into wonder. I grew up in a barn that was converted into a house. We had many cats, a bird, dogs, and mazes made out of pathways in the tall fields. Since I decided to raise my boys in the city, I have to get creative on ways to keep the magic alive without big yards, big living rooms, and fresh air. My approach has been a hammock in our living room (the boys live on it), a geodome to climb on the rooftop, animals to chase after, prisms in all of our windows, a vase of sparklers whenever we are in the mood, usually some sort of crystal garden, an assortment of stones, and a collection of four leaf clovers we've foraged taped to the wall."
Gracyn wears a Slub-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy. Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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"Our rainbow room. It's also our dining room where we share meals and good conversation. We sit next to a large window with lots of sunlight in the morning."
Gracyn wears a Slub-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy. Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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- Mirror crush!
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- "We have a corner pink velvet chair and an oversized vintage lightbulb lamp next to it that I love. We also have a large, embroidered poof that we all like to pile on for movies or just a good cuddle."
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- On the mantel.
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"First, it can't be too precious with a house full of boys and animals. I am not afraid of color and not afraid of some things that are a little mismatched. Ideally, we keep a lot of open space without too much clutter and as white and bright as possible."
Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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- The living room.
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"I’ve learned to surrender and let go of many expectations."
Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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Tiny treasures and watermelon nails.
Gracyn wears a Slub-Knit Crew-Neck Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"After having my first child I remember thinking there is no way to love another human just as much and then voilà! Another incredible love, round two."
Jesse wears White Denim Overalls for Women, $44.94, Old Navy and a Relaxed V-Neck Tee for Women, $12.94, Old Navy.
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"I might say that having such a huge love for another human opened my eyes to look at all children differently. And in turn, all humans differently. It also gives you a whole new lens to see your parent through—like whoa, they did all of that to get me here?"
Auggie wears a Long-Sleeve "YEAH!" Graphic Tee, $14.94, Old Navy and Go-Warm Base-Layer Tights, $22.94, Old Navy.
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"Probably my kids riding in anyone else's car."
Gracyn wears a Striped Slub-Knit Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"In most cases, everything will be a little bit easier. You’ll know what to expect, how to handle certain situations, and just be in a better place mentally. Way less stress for round two!"
Gracyn wears a Striped Slub-Knit Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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- "It’s important but not a deal breaker. While I certainly want each of my kids to feel loved, I also want to build up their love for one another so they are able to see what it looks like to love like a family."
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"Their fearlessness."
Auggie wears a Slub-Knit Graphic Tee for Boys, $12.94, Old Navy and Patterned Board Shorts, $19.94, Old Navy.
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- "Their utter uniqueness."
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"They are still sharing a room and at this point they have bunk beds. They do spend more time in our living rooms and less time in their own room."
Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Like I mentioned earlier, we have taped our collection of four leaf clovers to the wall. And they like their computer...a lot. Sigh."
Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy.
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"We turned our second living room into a play room and we try to keep most of the kids' stuff in there, so we can keep our space open."
Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"At the risk of sounding cheesy, I’ve realized it’s not where we go or what we do that matters so much, but instead about the moments we try to capture every time we’re together."
Jesse wears a Long-Sleeve Tunic for Women, $26.94, Old Navy and Jeans, Old Navy.
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"We have the same sensibilities and style, but I’m not anywhere near as patient."
Jesse wears a Long-Sleeve Tunic for Women, $26.94, Old Navy and Jeans, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Oh, where to start. I was probably flooded with way too much advice. I think the best advice I was ever given was to read a of couple books, but follow your heart."
Jesse wears a Long-Sleeve Tunic for Women, $26.94, Old Navy and Jeans, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy.
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"There might be another one out there, if the stars align in just the right way."
Jesse wears a Long-Sleeve Tunic for Women, $26.94, Old Navy and Jeans, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Easy. Avocado Sushi."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Local, comfortable, chic, Jesse."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Not really. My identity as a human being never really changed throughout parenthood, so my style, like some other things in my life, remained pretty stable."
Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"I always shop in person. And yes, I have far less time for me, in general, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"I'm a photographer by trade and I have a studio downtown. I also have two companies that I own: Our Labor of Love and Smilebooth."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"My stepmom was a photographer and we had a dark room in my house when I was 11. I went to school and started my photo companies over ten years ago. I can’t imagine doing anything else besides documenting behind the lens."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy.
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- "I have an au pair. It's a great way to be able to travel because home life for the kids doesn’t have to change."
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"The human story and why do we do what we do. I wonder how will this decade look different from the next? Who will be looking at this photo 50 years from now? I guess it's the idea of time."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Classic Crew Neck Tee For Boys, $8.94, Old Navy and Poplin Flat Front Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy.
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"Having an au pair has helped me maintain my work schedule so that during the precious hours I am with the kids, I can be present and enjoy time with them."
Jesse wears a Chambray Shirtdress for Women, $34.94, Old Navy and Pointed Flat Fashion Mule, $24.94, Old Navy.
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- “I most recently discovered Isun products and have noticed the Ultra Restore makes a big difference. When I put it on at night, my skin has a glow in the morning. I don’t wear too much makeup during the day. I touch up my eyebrows and put some Olio E Osso Balm No. 1 on my lips. Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant is also a favorite of mine and I randomly found Jao Outscent Perfume, if you like a woodsy smell. It's amazing."
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- "I use to do Pop Physique 5 days a week. Recently I decided that I'll get way more of a life-skill if I get really good at yoga. So, for the past two months, I've been going 4 to 5 days a week. I also try to walk my dog a couple miles a few days a week."
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"Milk Magazine, Old School Sark, and Dallas Clayton books."
Gracyn wears a Textured French-Terry Sweatshirt, $19.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy.
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Gracyn wears Sueded Lace-Up Sneakers for Boys, $22.94, Old Navy and Boys Twill Joggers, $22.94, Old Navy.
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- Pretty things.
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"I like it. I do spend the summers with them in rural Pennsylvania to make sure they get some country in them, too."
Jesse wears an Open-Stitch Crew Sweater, $34.94, Old Navy and Mid-Rise Cropped Pants for Women, $32.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Henley Pullover Hoodie for Boys, $19.94, Old Navy, a Snap Baseball Jacket, $29.94, Old Navy, and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"One day, I want to spend 6 months a year in Big Sur."
Jesse wears an Open-Stitch Crew Sweater, $34.94, Old Navy and Mid-Rise Cropped Pants for Women, $32.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Henley Pullover Hoodie for Boys, $19.94, Old Navy, a Snap Baseball Jacket, $29.94, Old Navy, and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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Jesse wears an Open-Stitch Crew Sweater, $34.94, Old Navy and Mid-Rise Cropped Pants for Women, $32.94, Old Navy.
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Top bunk!
Gracyn wears a Henley Pullover Hoodie for Boys, $19.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"The boys have their favorite restaurants: Speranza, Chipotle, and my fiancé and I cook at home a lot. On the weekends, we try to plan memorable things. A couple weekends ago we did archery, last weekend we planned to go to Big Bear, but the weather ruined the idea, so instead we went to iFly at Hollywood Studios."
Jesse wears a Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit, $39.94, Old Navy. Auggie wears a Striped Slub-Knit Tee for Boys, $10.94, Old Navy and Mesh Shorts for Boys, $17.94, Old Navy. Gracyn wears a Henley Pullover Hoodie for Boys, $19.94, Old Navy and Distressed Slim-Fit Jeans, $24.94, Old Navy.
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"The Meadow in Silverlake, Archery in Pasadena, Bob Baker Marionettes, and Speranza for the best pasta and bread."
Jesse wears a Short Sleeve Knit Jumpsuit, $39.94, Old Navy.
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