tallulahowens

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah Owens || moodboard; forth worth & charleston

Tallulah is a modern Southern belle who has kicked the old rules to the curb in her bedazzled cowgirl boots and has blossomed into a hybrid of both elegance and grit. Therefore I didn't think just one city fit Tallulah. She's a combination of both Forth Worth, TX and Charleston, SC. She has a wild Texan spirit mixed with all the sophistication and grace of Charleston. Tallulah is sweet tea on hot summer porch, horseback riding through an open field, and dancing on pool tables at a dive bar. She'll always be a small town girl at heart, but has grown so much since those days.

#cape.event:002-task #cape.event:002

[tallulahowens]

@allegraricci || closed

Drink in hand, Tallulah went about her usual routine at these sorts of parties, making her rounds and mingling with familiar faces. She was toying idly with the rim of her now half-empty glass of her favorite pinot grigio when she found herself trapped in a dreadful conversation with a guy who simply just wasn't getting the hint. It was times like these, she wished she hadn't been passed off for Doctors Without Borders, even if it was for a good cause. Thankfully, the chat was about to come to an end when she caught a glimpse of Allegra, and promptly excused herself to join her friend instead.  

“God, that was painful.” Tallulah walked over to the blonde, chestnut irises sparkling wide at her. "And you look absolutely stunning, hon. Is that the new Bottega Veneta?"

#allegra ricci #cape.event:002 #going to assume they know one another

[tallulahowens]

"Oh, of course my mistake." Talluha laughed, her smile widening as she watched Leon put on his little show. "You're in luck. That's exactly where I was headed next." She added. The former beauty queen didn't typically make a beeline straight for the bar upon arrival, usually taking some time to mingle and work the room first, but having been stood up would do that to you. "Mind if I join you?"

"moves like jagger you mean," he laughs and does a little dance before stopping and pressing a hand to his chest, "i need alcohol." it's true he's nervous. there are two people at this party that he doesn't want them to meet. it would be a whole thing and he's too tired for drama tonight. he just wants to have fun tonight.

#leon amos

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah Owens || fashion -;- casino royale gala-;-

she channels an old hollywood vibe draped in a strapless number in roulette red. the look is complete with matching closed toe stilettos, bow clutch, & Calloway heirloom jewelry she inherited when James passed. Her hair is pinned to one side and adorned with Hollywood curls that cascade down her backside. make-up is kept soft highlighting her chestnut irises and showcasing her naturally high cheekbones.

#cape.event:002-task #cape.event:002 #minka didn't have the resources i wanted #so we improvise

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah watched the whole silly scene unfold, canting her head to the side as she shot the blonde a look of sheer amusement then clapped her hands together at his absolutely infectious charm. "Well, aren't you just adorable." The former beauty queen gushed unable to conceal the girlish laugh that followed. "And I don't doubt that you are, not with moves like that anyway, hon."

as soon as he steps into the DuPont Moreau Residence, the blond sees many familiar faces. "you know who has two thumbs and is ready to party?" he has a stupid grin on his face, "this guy." leon knows he can be pretty cheesy, but it's part of his charm. right?

@capemaystarters

#leon amos #cape.event:002

[tallulahowens]

It wasn't any surprise at all that Tallulah had taken the lead on the Cape May General Children's Wing project. Her mind was already overflowing with ideas not only for the children, but for the dedicated medical professionals who worked tirelessly to ensure the care and safety of the youth of the Cape May community.

Several minutes had passed, and Tallulah was still center stage at the front of the meeting hall, happily rambling on and on about her plan. There would be different committees put in place for this project. Some would read to the children, or bake treats for them, while others would craft with them. Perhaps making thank you cards for their doctors and nurses.

Eventually Tallulah came to a natural stop, opening the floor for the volunteers to share their input.

"Henriette," Tallulah prompted, calling over towards her newest recruit. She always liked to make sure everyone was included in the conversation. "What do you think?" There was a slight pause, and the former beauty queen supplied some more information. "Should we include any other committees?"

{ @tallulahowens }

henriette, to the surprise of no one at all, was painfully and dreadfully hungover. the light was already too bright, and the headache hammered behind her ears. it had been her mother's idea to ease her into charity work - but these planning meetings were entirely dull. if she had her way, she'd spend her days with the children. they judged less. she could run about with them in the grass, but she would ruin her shoes and cause a headline in the process. as if she could do anything right. the anxiety was already starting to bubble up in her chest. pierre would have done so much better. you're bound to disappoint everyone again. there are uppers and downers in her clutch. a cocktail of both could even though score. her energy was already draining - like a tap. she holds her hands steady under the desk. to stop their fidgeting. it's a horrid habit. unladylike in every way. the concentration forced her features slack and blank, giving the overall impression of aloofness indifference. now, she had completely missed what the other had said.

#henriette grimaldi

[tallulahowens]

With all the commotion, it took Tallulah a moment to recognize her daughter's dance teacher as the woman at the door. "Oh my goodness, how silly of me, yes. How are you? Looks like I need to stop daydreaming, too." She laughed a bit at her own foolishness. Usually she was so good with placing names and faces right away. Perhaps this is a sign for her to slow down. Her laughter soon morphed into a friendly smile that unfurled against her painted lips. "Miranda’s always telling me how much she loves class and having you as her teacher. I swear she's been practicing that new routine every second she can. I can hardly get her to pause to eat dinner."

Snapping back to reality after day dreaming while walking into the cafe, Charlotte thought she recognized the other patron on the other side of the door. "I swear one of these days I will stop day dreaming and actually pay attention when I am walking. And I'm all good, not a drop on me." She said as she did a once over on her outfit. After hearing the other speak, she definitely recognized her as the mother of one of her dance students. "Tallulah? You're Miranda's mom right? I'm her dance teacher." She said with a quick smile and nod. Charlotte loved dancing and she loved teaching dance so she always tried her best to get to know her students as much as possible and their parents as well.

#charlotte mitchell

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah kept her eyes wide as she listened along to Jette update her on how his family was doing. She absolutely loved hearing about them. It brought her a sense of comfort, and reminded her of her own family, making her feel more and more at home in Cape May. "I am so glad to hear everyone is doing well. Oh, that Nana. She is such a gem! I have to get over there to visit her soon. Wouldn't mind one of her margaritas either. She makes a mean one from what I remember." Tallulah laughed, already shuffling through her handbag to reach for her phone and make sure she received the Crop Festival details. "Perfect. Got it. And I can't wait! I'll make sure to bring Miranda by when we plan, so she can pick her horse ahead of time. She's sometimes has some clever ideas, too."

A smile flashed across her features at those brutal Texas summers. "I'm not sure how I survived them in the first place." Tallulah teased. "I couldn't even step outside for less than a minute without being drenched in sweat. Let's just say, I much prefer the ocean breeze."

"Oh hey, I appreciate that. I'd be biased and say they truly are. It's a nuthouse but wouldn't want it any other way." Sometimes broken but still good he thought. "She's good. Working hard and trying to get that vacation locked in. We see her and the kids closer to November so looking forward to that. That's when the kids get to meet their baby cousins too so should be a pretty epic week. Emmy is good too. She's running around town doing her thing. Although she owes me a dinner date. Last time she had to cancel it. Oh, Nana is great. She's happy, thriving and getting back to pouring out drinks for the fam. With me out of commission for a bit she's loving the attention all the alcohol lovers in the family are giving her." Which could be seen as a joke but no, she really enjoyed what she used to do for a living. "Consider this the open invitation to help and organize." He quickly texted her the details before he forgot. "That's everything you need to know. The horses, depending on which one Miranda wants to ride, can be held back for her once she chooses."

"Would Texas summers be the one thing you'd be good with never having to experience again?" He nodded and smiled. "Just being honest."

#jette hewitt

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah typically liked to savor her mornings, even getting into the glorious little habit of lingering over her morning cup of coffee at one of the cute little tables outside Bella Vida. This morning had been different however, and she had been on a mission to get her errands done before having to pick Miranda up from soccer camp. Tallulah hastily made a start for the exit, freshly brewed coffee in hand, not seeing the other patron come through the door at the exact same moment.

"Oh, no don't be silly. It was completely my fault." Tallulah replied, examining the spill. Luckily, only a couple of drops managed to land on the hem of her cream colored blouse. You could barely even notice the coffee due to the hue of her shirt. "I wasn't watching where I was going. Did I get any get on you, hon?"

Open starter @capemaystarters

Location: Bella Vida Cafe

Charlotte always loved to spend time at the Cafe when not working. It was like a second home, considering her sister owns the place. Charlotte made her way down to the Cafe after a morning run and quick shower, something she learned to do in order to fight those certain urges that used to plague her as a teen. Years later she still loved it.

She got into her car and drive down to the Cafe, finding a parking spot down the block. She put money in the meter and then walked to the front door. Opening the door, she accidentally bumped into someone. "Oh my gosh I am so sorry. Please let me buy you a new drink".

#charlotte mitchell

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah listened along, placing the palm of hand beneath her chin. She adored hearing all about Jette's family and his time growing up in Cape May, both the ups and the downs. "Your family is truly incredible. How is your sister doing by the way? And Nana?" Tallulah asked before her attention turned to riding. "Oh the Crop Festival. That sounds lovely. I know Miranda would absolutely love being able to get back on a horse. And if you need any help organizing the event, please put me to work." Tallulah practically begged. She lived for those kinds of events.

She then laughed at Jette's comment about not envying us women and nodded her approval. "Yes, those days in the middle of July. They were brutal. Reminded me of those unbearable Texas summers I left behind." She said before her expression softened. "Thank you, JJ. It means a lot. And I know you and Lucy are going to make the best parents. Those babies are blessed already."

He couldn't help but laugh as amusement danced in his eyes at her funny antics. "They were little Tasmanian Devils. Especially Emmy." He laughed. "No but like everything in life. There's some speed bumps but regardless of any mess ups they knew they were loved and would be supported through it. My younger sister when she got pregnant young, instead of casting her out our parents just held her hand and supported her through the ups and downs. I know not everyone has that type of support so I'm always grateful to have had that." He knew others especially his wife didn't get to experience that until she met his family. "Sounds good. End of the month should be a good time. It's the annual crop festival at the ranch so it won't be completely boring for you or Miranda. There's lots to do and see." It was the only time of year where Nana opened up the ranch to everyone in Allenstown and where Nana made most of her income from. It had food, competitions, shop stands and a walk through to get a box of the fresh fruits and vegetables. He knew his wife didn't want to miss the festival that she had been a part of since she was in her twenties. She'd want to bring their little family over to experience the fun.

He sighed thinking back to how miserable his wife had been and how he felt like he was walking on landmines every time. "I don't envy you guys at all. Can only imagine how miserable. This year we had a few overly hot days." A small smile spread across his face as he heard her talk. "Timing and the right person is everything. But whatever lies in your cards. Whichever way it goes I know those kids will be lucky to have you as their mom."

#jette hewitt

[tallulahowens]

"Okay, let's go back then. I do make the best Peach cobbler in all of Texas. Grandma's secret recipe." Tallulah smiled for more reasons than one. His concern for her daughter at the top of that list. It was undeniably sweet. “Yeah I’d course. I have frien— er people over all the time. She's used to me always entertaining and—“ Her explanation was cut short by the resounding ding of her iPhone. There was only one person who ever rapidly texted her like that. “I’m sorry.” Tallulah scrambled for her phone and read all the messages. “Well Miranda is actually eating over at her friend Kylie’s house. They want to have a sleepover, too.” She rolled her eyes at her phone. "I suppose I'll have the house to myself tonight." 

Tallulah was soaking up Luke's compliments, unable to conceal the loud girlish laugh that escaped her lips. "Oh of course, now I get it. Heroes wear honey mist auburn, not all capes." She teased right back, chestnut irises sparkling wide at Luke. It was just so easy to joke around with him. "Please, your shoulders are perfect." Tallulah played right along. There was more truth to her words than she would ever admit. "And it looks like it's my turn to save the day then. My fashion advice truly is top notch."

Luke's face lifted at the hue change in Tallulah's cheeks. She was radiant but yet she didn't seem like she was trying. Granted, would Luke really be able to tell if she was wearing even the slightest bit of concealer? Probably not. He let out a chuckle at her insane comment, shaking his head in the process. "See, this is why you absolutely need to go back for those peaches," he countered. At the next comment, Luke could feel his breathing stop from a second. He didn't think she'd be so direct, which he appreciated but it also scared the absolute living shit out of him. "Uh - would Miranda be okay with that? I don't want her to feel uncomfortable in any way." He was never going to overstep and he wanted to be sure that Tallulah's daughter and her boundaries were at the forefront of decisions being made.

"Oh, it's on. Once I get the shirt, you've gotta stun in this dress. It's a disservice to the community that you already don't own this but now I've got to save the day and get something to match so Cape May can breathe easy again," he made sure to put on a show of what he was saying. While he was rather serious and quite sarcastic, he did often have a flair for the dramatics and it was likely his mother's fault but hey, he had fun with it. "I'd like to think that any of these stalls could work out for me and heck, I could wear a dress but I think my shoulders might be too broad. Also not the most suitable wardrobe in an OR. Plus, I wouldn't have bumped into you at the outlets and then where would I get all my fashion advice?"

#luke bardot

[tallulahowens]

"Guilty as charged." Tallulah admitted, lifting her hands up in mock arrest. His comments about his sisters made her think back to her own brothers who had always been protective of her. "Looks like you had your hands full with the them, but they were lucky to have a such a good big brother like you to look out for them." She added, eyes lighting up at the thought of joining Jette and his family at the ranch. "Oh I know! It's been so busy lately, but yes we would absolutely love to come by the ranch sometime soon. Perhaps, once y'all are settled with the new babies and everything. I know you have a lot going on right now."

Tallulah then nodded at her friend. "And that's what matters most. Oh god, I could only imagine. I was lucky and only had to endure half of June with Miranda." She explained before a manicured brow shot up at Jette's question. "I don't know. I think one time was enough for me, but I guess if the right guy comes around again, and we wanted a product of our love..." Tallulah trailed in a mocking voice. She knew she must have sounded like a moony-eyed school girl with her head stuck in the clouds "Then maybe."

"Oh you were trouble." He teased and laughed. "Sounds a lot like my sisters. Well less the baby one. After the younger one came, she kind of got the free passes on a lot of stuff." Just how it went with younger siblings he supposed, when it came to girls they were a different field. "I guess it's good you still haven't lost that wild spirit yet. Would be a shame if you did. Although now, I really need to bring you and Miranda down to the stables since we've been talking about horseback riding forever and we never get around to it." He was sure his wife and kids would enjoy a nice day out on the ranch.

He hummed and nodded. "No, that is true. I feel like we entered a whole new world with all the new things catered to pregnancy. I was happy as long as she was happy. We did have that talk about how summer is the worst month to actually be pregnant. If you had to do it all over again, would you?"

#jette hewitt

[tallulahowens]

“Only a beginning of the night party trick. A couple more of these and you might as well think we're in Texas.” Tallulah shook her head gesturing towards the freshly mixed Mint Julep in her hand. “I take it you aren't originally from around here either?” She asked next, noting that she wasn't the only one sporting an accent here in the cape. Recently, there seemed to be a couple new British imports such as some soccer player Miranda couldn't stop gushing over, but something told her this man wasn't her daughter's latest celebrity crush. At his compliment, a million dollar smile graced her painted lips. "Oh I am, honey. It's one of my specialties and favorites. Let me order one for you, so you can see for yourself."

As the woman spoke, he noted how she slipped into what seemed to be a usual accent until the subtle hint of twang entered the mix. "I'll tell you, that's the bloody good party trick." Grayson said with a laugh as he kept his hand wrapped around the glass filled with brown liquid. He took a small sip before the sound of jazz started filling the space only with her explanation on what was in a mint julep. "Bourbon? Not the spirit I thought would be in there," He noted as he looked at her glass a bit more intently. "Seems you're a master in it, you could probably put Aretha's to shame."

#grayson collins

[tallulahowens]

Now, it was Tallulah's turn to explain herself, cheeks turning a lovely shade of pink as her lashes fluttered down towards her peach-less hands. "Oh my god. As if you didn't think I was insane enough," The former beauty queen began to explain. It wasn't the first time she had made a fool of herself in front of Luke. First the spying, and now this. "But I must have left them on the counter when I saw you. And I was planning on making a peach cobbler for dessert tonight, too." She added, the pink in her cheeks deepening at the realization. The next words that tumbled from her lips seemed to do so of their own accord, overwhelmed with how silly she must have appeared. "You know, you are more than welcome to join us for dinner tonight if you aren't too busy."

At Luke's dress suggestion, Tallulah couldn't help but laugh. She held the sundress in question against her petite fame and modeled the look, swiveling from side to side to get the full effect. It was a cute dress, but she always hated the way she looked in halter tops. "I'll get it only if you find a shirt in the same color, so that we can match." Tallulah offered, placing the dress back where she had found it. "That's more than a good enough reason for me. Perhaps you'll have more luck at the outlets next time, or maybe the men's section."

Luke was really hoping he didn't seem like a dick for avoiding her but he also didn't know how to function around beautiful women that. he had shared a moment with. The male looked down at her hands and noted she wasn't carrying anything, "Did you happen to forget the peaches? We - I mean, I'm sure you could go back and grab them. "Yup, just looking at some stuff for Luce. Granted, it's almost the end of Summer by the time she has her kids so this might be useless shopping," he offered. Granted, it wasn't the reason he had walked in and it was a bit scary the way he lied so effortlessly but it was a good idea to do some Lucy shopping.

A chuckle escaped the male's lips as he heard Tallulah's critiques of his colour options. As she gave him a colour option, he chuckled, remembering a show he had watched some time ago. "Oh honey, you missed auburn big time," he muttered. He smiled as she held a dress to match his colour tone, "note to self, I gotta find a nice shirt in this colour but you should absolutely get this dress. I think it'd look great on you," he offered, putting the other two dresses he had pulled out back. "No occasion, I feel like I don't spend a lot of money on myself and thought I should."

#luke bardot

[tallulahowens]

Her chestnut irises shot straight towards the sky, thinking back to her rebellious youth. Sure, Tallulah had always been a beauty queen, but not even tiaras and ballgowns could tame that wild spirit of hers. "I gave my mama a run for her money, that's for dang sure." Tallulah laughed, keeping her hands lightly pressed over Ellie's ears. "Whenever I wasn't working a pageant, I just wanted to ride my horse and sneak into dive bars and dance. God, I could make even the meanest of cowboys dance with me, too." She shook her head a bit, overcome with nostalgia. "But I don't think I would do it over again. It's just a fun little memory to have."

Her trip down memory lane plateaued into a warm smile that she flashed Jette. "Good, mama comes first, always." She gave him a small nod. "Oh, I heard about those classes. I hear they work wonders to prepare for delivery. Wish it was more of a thing when I had Miranda."  

"Were you a troublemaker? I can totally see you as the biggest troublemaker in the history of troublemakers." He laughed as he teased her. "What was life like as a teenager for you? Behind all the glitz and pretty ballgowns. If you could go back would you do it all over again?" He smiled at that and nodded. "She's always come first so that isn't too much of a stretch now. Oddly enough she's been relaxed but I can assume that's because of those maternity yoga classes she's been doing."

#jette hewitt

[tallulahowens]

A gentle blush began to color Tallulah's cheeks as Abel recalled the day they had met all those years ago. She lowered her gaze and soaked up it in, unable to help the smile that now illuminated her features. "Well, aren't you just the sweetest." Tallulah gushed, her sentiment genuine. In all honesty, she couldn't believe that after such a long period of time, he had still remembered her. She wasn't even sure her own late husband would have been able to recall the day they had met like Abel had.

Once the wine had arrived, Tallulah nodded at the waiter for him to fill up her glass then met Abel's gaze with a wide set of irises and her million dollar smile. "Trust me, they keep trying to pull me back in, but bribing me with cowboy boots just isn't going to cut it anymore." Tallulah laughed as she brought her wine glass to lips. She was going to need a touch of liquid courage to catch Abel up to speed with all that had happened since the time they had last crossed paths.

"But anyway...not long after the State Fair I met my husband. We were married, had Miranda, my twelve-year-old though sometimes I swear she's already twenty-five." Tallulah shook her head and laughed, contemplating where to go next with her story. She opted to get straight to the point, sparing Abel the finer, more intimate details and ignoring the lump in her throat as she continued on. "There was an accident, and he passed. So, we just needed a fresh start, you know? We came to Cape May about three years ago, and honestly it was one of the best decisions I've ever made." Tallulah recalled. She indulged in another sip of wine, irises fixed on Abel from over the rim of her glass. "And what brought the South's most prized Musician to Cape May? I imagine you didn't follow me all the way here now, did you?" She teased once she set her glass back down.

In truth, he hadn't been entirely sure if she would remember the relevancy of the magnolias; so when she did, Abel grinned whilst also feeling a bit of relief that the significance of the gesture hadn't been lost. He nodded his head in agreement with her words about the flowers reminding her of the fair, having experienced the very same thing himself. "Same for me. And, by extension, whenever I think about the State Fair, I think about the day I met you." He replied truthfully with a nod of his head and small shrug of his shoulders.

It was at that moment that the same waiter who had brought the flowers returned with a bottle of wine in his hands, offering to fill their glasses. With a nod of confirmation on his own part, Abel lifted the glass to his lips and took a drink, before setting the glass down, and turning his gaze back to Tallulah, whilst folding his hands in front of him and leaning his chin upon them. "Now, I believe that when I was selling you on the idea of letting me take you to this dinner, I mentioned wanting to hear all about how you ended up here in Cape May?" He recalled with a grin. "So, what's the story? Like I said before, I never would have believed that The South would ever let you leave! They barely let me leave!" He joked, though it was evident that he was genuinely curious and ready to listen to the story, should she feel inclined to share it with him.

#abel davis

[tallulahowens]

Tallulah canted her head to the side in anticipation of what absurdity was about to come out of the man's mouth. A polite laugh followed once all was revealed, never really paying much mind to the linguistics of it all. "I'd say the later." Tallulah started. "It gets a little bit of a bad wrap with all these fast place northerners, but I like to think I can slip in and out of it pretty easily." Tallulah added, deliberately switching from one accent to the other as she spoke to prove her point. With a couple more drinks in her, she might not have been able to demonstrate so effortlessly. "It's bourbon, some simple syrup, and a sprig of mint." She rattled off the recipe, one she'd often whip up for her late husband many, many moons ago. "Next to me, Aretha's makes the best one in Jersey."

Grayson' listened intently, mainly as her accent had him entranced for a moment. "Forgive me for the absurdity of what I'm about to say," Grayson began. "I've always been used to people telling me that my accent can make things sound better or impossible to handle, do you feel the same about having a southern one?" His tangent continued then as he said, "I've also heard it's easier to slip into both of our respective dialects, something about the linguistics." Had he read it in a book once? He had no idea, but if he was gonna try a southern accent, he'd need more liquid courage. "What's in a mint julep?"

#grayson collins