Brillare Photo Shoot

/

Well, folks, here is your first look into my styling skills for a professional photo shoot I did for Brillare in conjunction with Mindspace and Promise Tangeman.

It was a fantastic experience being able to work alongside a great friend and such creative people.

The shoot took place in two days in the dead heat of Arizona's summer. I won't lie, that part was pretty hard. haha. It sure was worth it though.

The models were all students of the Brillare Hair Academy. The client wanted some high fashion photos and some images that showcased the school and what it was like to be a student.

Each model had at least two looks. The girls and guys brought clothes from home and I put them together for the shoot. I must say, it was pretty easy because these students are very stylish.

Obviously, the hair was the true star of the show, AND students created these looks. SO talented!

We had a variety of styles going on for the shoot. A mix of prints, a simple LBD, formal wear, simple menswear, edgy menswear...you name it. The client wanted a variety so that any person could feel like they belonged at the school.

One of my favorite things about the shoot was being able to work with more than one model at a time and figuring out poses with Promise that showcased their hair, makeup and clothing.

Don't these girls look gorgeous?!!?

If you glance at the picture above, you'll see a necklace with scissors. Miss Promise had the brilliant idea of turning shears into an accessory.

I also walked away from this shoot understanding the importance of the model's energy and understanding of direction. With this shoot we didn't improvise as much as normal because there were so many components. We had planned poses and ideas for capturing the hair and style. I would definitely do that again for a project as large as this.

Well, what do you think? Yay or nay?

Do your clothes reflect your TRUE style?

/

If someone looked through your closet would they get a good glimpse of your TRUE style?

I'm asking you this question because in the past 24 hours I have had four different conversations with women who feel that their clothes don't really reflect the styles that they love. Some of it is that they don't know how to put the ensemble together after the basics have been purchased, but I would say the majority of people find themselves buying things that continue to miss the mark.

Why is this? Well, I think the majority of us appreciate the melting pot of trends and styles the world has to offer, and we all wish we could be bohemian one day, preppy the next and high fashion on Friday nights. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm sure most of our pocket books don't give us the flexibility to be and wear all things. So...that's how we end up with closets that are a little bit of everything, but mostly of nothing that truly reflects your style, your inspiration and your personality.

How do you stop this? When you flip though magazines and scroll through blogs save the images that truly make your heart go pitter patter. After about twenty or even ten, you'll start seeing common threads. Your eye may go to certain colors, a-line skirts, cardigans, jeans, etc. THEN...grab five photos and take them with you shopping. Only buy things that match the photos. Then you'll start being able to create looks you truly love.

All of us have our own style and you can appreciate everyone's style, but the dissatisfaction comes when you try to be every other thing than yourself. And you know what? I need to take my own advice!

What is MY style? I'm an all-american girl to the core. Gingham and plaid has been in my blood for years, and will be until I die. My eyes and hands go directly to it, but do my clothes reflect that? No. Guess I better fix that, huh? ;)

What about you?

Menswear Monday: Pink & Purple

/

Since we were first born it has been ingrained in us that pink and purple are for girls and blue and green are for boys. Well, I know plenty of girls that enjoy wearing blue and green, and I have never run into a guy that has an issue with it. However, it seems that plenty of guys and even some of the ladies out there still are a little iffy about guys wearing pink and purple.

People, seriously?! I love pink and purple on men. Who knows...It could be YOUR color. Here are some examples of men rockin' the colors. Next time you are in a store, please try it. If you still are unsure of how you look in the color ask a sales person for their unbiased opinion.