Menswear - Pea Coats

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The holiday season is over and stores are preparing their floors for spring. Most people will be wearing coats until April (unless you're in AZ, which is more like until the end of February), but the sale racks will be filled with warm clothes and outerwear. So, now is the time to by a winter coat.

My number one recommendation - the classic pea coat. It NEVER goes out of style. You will always look stylish in a pea coat. You can find them at J.Crew, Banana Republic, GAP, American Eagle and any major department store.

Sweatpants Days

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Yesterday was a, "I wish I could wear sweatpants to work," day. My body was feeling perfectly fine, but it was a day where I felt even my go-to outfits didn't look great and I didn't feel comfortable in them. Plus, it was freezing outside and in my office. I tell you this because society tends to think that celebrities have it all together all the time because they always appear flawless and have abs, but I'm POSITIVE they have sweatpants days even though their closets are filled to the brim. And I'm not talking about fashion sweapants like below...I'm talking no makeup, hair in a bun sweatpants days. And I HAVE those even though I'm a stylist and have some good clothes in my closet.

So, in case you're doing the dangerous comparison game that most of us stupidly play and no one EVER wins, everyone and I mean EVERYONE has sweatpants days. Even guys who say they don't care how they look. Granted, they might be ones that wear sweatpants every day, but I suppose that just drives my point home even further. Wear your sweatpants and take comfort in the soft, warm cotton as well as knowing that there are plenty of people that wish they could look just like you right now. =)

2010 in Review

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"This is my prayer in the harvest where favor and providence flow...I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I received I will sow." - "Desert Song" by Brooke Fraser

Though I adore music, you won't find me quoting lyrics that often. In fact, I have the hardest time recalling them. The words above, however, have been on my mind all month as I've just been reflecting on what a tremendous year 2010 has been.

The past couple of years I've sat on this same bed in Sedona, AZ writing about my dreams and aspirations for the year to come. When I sat down to write about my hopes for 2010 and what had happened in 2009, I was feeling discouraged and questioning my abilities and dreams. I was at a point where I had gotten into fashion school, but unable to go for a couple of reasons and consequently felt like a stick stuck in the mud.

I soon realized, however, that a formal education in fashion wasn't needed to express myself and share my talent with the world. In March, I started AVE Styles, went part-time at my communications job and began a blind journey of pursuing a styling business. Most of you have either ridden on the roller coaster with me or watched me enjoy the ride by following along on the blog. I can't say it enough, but thank you so much for your love and support!!!

In 2010, I've dressed models for fashion shows for the first time, styled many a photo shoot, started working for my dear friend Promise Tangeman, won an award for a crazy fashion concept and most importantly felt more like myself than I even have before.

There is something freeing about doing what you feel you were meant to do in this moment.

Ryan and I call 2010 my grad school year as my schedule has been pretty insane working three jobs, but what a feeling it is to finally look and feel like the true Alexandra Evjen.

As the lyric says, "I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I received I will sow." I know that I am in the midst of a pleasant and fruitful season and that hardships are promised to come in this life, but I'm going to do my best to give and share the joy that I have inside of me with you all and more.

Happy New Year! Much gratitude and blessings to you!