Style Citations

You may or may not know that I shell out style citations on a weekly basis for the popular Arizona show Sonoran Living on ABC Channel 15. (I really wish they would call it something other than "style citations" because compliments are definitely given along with helpful hints to enhance the outfits in the pictures.)

So, I wanted to take time and offer an opportunity for you to send a photo of an outfit you are unsure of or a photo of what you are thinking of buying. Sometimes you just need a second set of eyes, and I'm happy to help you all navigate the "ins" and "outs" of trends and figure flattering tricks.

If you are interested, go ahead and send your pics to alexandra@avestyles.com. There isn't a deadline. This is just a free flowing opportunity.

Want to see a couple past style citations? See below...

The Girls Step Out in Style

Happy Hour Fashion Hits and Misses

Menswear Monday: The Summer Uniform Part 1

For those of us in warm (or even tropical) climates, the rising mercury presents guys with a challenge.  After a fall whose fashion hallmarks were heavy flannels and military-rugged outerwear,  what can you do in the spring that won’t reduce you to a puddle of sweat and style.  For the next six weeks, we’ll look at essential warm-weather pieces and how to wear them. Week 1:

The Slim Khakis

Look, khakis will never be really, really cool.  Despite the many cool guys who’ve worn them well (Newman, McQueen), they’ll always be synonymous with pleated Dockers for guys our age.  They’re your dad’s pants, just like relaxed fit Levi’s.   But look again at the basics of what khakis are: lightweight, durable, neutral-colored cotton pants that look best when a little rumpled, not pressed.

That works for the summer, doesn’t it?

Now, since you’re not going to wear your dad’s Dockers, what about the new Dockers?  The venerable office-wear pants got an update last year, with new cuts and colors.  Check out the D-1 slim fit, or if you’re rolling, the K-1, a note-perfect reproduction of military uniform khakis like your grandfather wore, with higher quality fabric and fabrication.

Beyond the hallmark brand, J. Crew, Save Khaki, and Club Monaco all have plain-front, narrow (but not skinny) leg khakis in a variety of colors.  Match it up with simple shoes lik Sperry Top-Siders, slip-on Vans, or some colorful Zuriicks, and one of the shirts we’ll discuss later, and you’ve got a perfect slumming on Saturday outfit that can drag into drinks and dinner in the evening without needing to change.

Next week: the only t-shirt you'll ever need.  Really.

-Rob Hays

LIV Designs

 A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about how I had spent some quality time with my mom making lovely bracelets in Sedona. I also mentioned that my mom would be opening her Esty shop shortly and selling these gorgeous braclets. Well, she just launched her site this week, so make sure to check it out. Below is a taste of what you'll find...

37 YEARS!

This post isn't a tribute to 70's fashion. Although, my parents look very "groovy."  This is a post in honor of my parents' 37th wedding anniversary! 37 years, guys!!! Soooo awesome!!! I'm so thankful for their commitment to each other and for setting an example for me and Ryan. They met while going to the University of New Hampshire. My dad was a football player and my mom was in the sorority Alpha Chi Omega. They were set up on a blind date by their two best friends, and hit it off from the start. Apparently, hockey games are great for first dates. ;)

Through the years they have traveled the world and moved all over the United States. They are truly best friends and have been since the beginning.

Love you, Mom and Dad!

New Website!!!

Hi Everyone! I am proud to introduce you to AVE Styles, my styling company website and blog all in one. Alexandraevjen.com has changed to AVEStyles.com, so if you try to visit the old URL it will direct you back here. I hope you love the site as much as I do. A trifecta of my husband Ryan (implementation of graphic design), my friend Promise Tangeman (graphic designer) and Theme Forest (Word Press theme creator), created this masterpiece of a website. As time goes on it'll become more dynamic with portfolio images.

Join me on my journey of entrepreneurship, self discovery and fashion exploration. Make sure to click the RSS link in your address bar or the RSS link at the bottom of the AVEStyles.com web page to subscribe to all of the fashion advice and inspiration you have enjoyed on my old blog and you will enjoy on this new website.

Please also spread the word about AVE Styles. If you would like to have a fun AVE Styles ad on your blog, let me know and I'll see you a little .jpeg. Email me at alexandra@avestyles.com.