So Vain

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The definition of vanity is, "to be excessively concerned about one's own appearance, qualities or achievements. So, let me just spit it out once and for all...I'm vain and I don't like it. Heck, my job is all about being concerned with people's appearances, BUT when things become "excessive" or I find myself thinking I'm not as beautiful or stylish if my hair isn't styled OR even worried about people's judgements of my style and talent if I'm not dressed to impressed every day, there's a problem. Granted, my style is a huge marketing tactic, but if I'm thinking terrible things in my mind simply because I'm having a bad hair day - I need a reality check STAT!

This past April, I came to this realization after leaving my blow dryer at our vacation home a couple hours away. Knowing I wouldn't be able to grab it for another month, I had a bit of a freak out moment. I quickly contemplated driving back for it the next day, realized that wouldn't work, then texted my hairstylist to see if she had an extra to borrow (she didn't) and then finally almost jumped in my car to spend $100 JUST SO I could have "perfect" hair for a month.

You may be thinking, "WOW! This girl is shallow, conceited..blah blah blah. However, I'm not blogging this to publicly embarrass myself. I'm sharing this because I realized I know a lot of people that won't venture out of the house without a full face of makeup, their hair coiffed perfectly or their shoes matching their outfit...This is NOT good people!

So, back to the story about the hair dryer...I did NOT go buy one. Instead I challenged myself and spent A MONTH with only air dried hair. This was hard for me, but in the moments of negative self talk I was able to challenge lies with the TRUTH - that my worth and value doesn't come from perfection or beauty! I believe my worth and value comes from God - my Creator - who says I'm beautifully and wonderfully made. You may not share the same religious views, but regardless, no man or woman should EVER find added value in textiles, face paint or aerosol cans! NONE! Zero! Zilch! Nada!

So, if you're reading this and finding yourself relating to my words, take something away from your routine and get uncomfortable. Purposely mismatch your socks for a week, stop using eye shadow for a month or don't blow dry your hair. Then replace your insecurities with truth.

It's okay to enjoy fashion and express your style through hair, makeup and clothing (duh!). Just don't find yourself thinking your Armani suit adds value to who you are.

Rebirth of Your Style - Tukee AZ

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I had the chance to talk about style after motherhood for the May issue of Tukee AZ Magazine. Now, I'm not a mom, so this was a bit of a challenge. However, after talking with some of you mommies out there, I feel like I was able to come up with a few ideas on how to maintain your style. I hope you enjoy it! Click here to read.

Disco Fever

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Session Nine Photography and I teamed up to create a fun and funky disco shoot for their good friend Christine Valero.

At first this shoot was supposed to be 70's bohemian inspired, but once I met Christine I realized what a fire cracker she is. I mean, this woman has three pairs of disco boots. No lie! She's a talented hairstylist with engine red hair, she has this charisma that is infectious and a closet full of clothing that represents every time period. So even though she had elements of 70's bohemian...this gal was all disco in my eyes.

We combined the tomboy spirit of Farrah Fawcett with the colorful and crazy rock vibe of Debbie Harry from Blondie. I just pulled fun clothes and shoes from her closet and she brought a truck load of fun things like a skate board and a bike. Jessica and I took her to a giant vacant parking lot near my house.

Jess brought some tunes, and we just had a blast being silly and loud. Side note - if you're not have a blast, laughing and playing on shoots then you're missin' out.