Head-turning Hats

Last Friday, I spent the morning shopping with my good friend Jessica Williams, and we started talking about hats. I kept telling her how much I LOVE her in hats, and found myself saying, "I like people in hats because it makes them stand out in a crowd." Aside for the typical baseball hat, IT'S TRUE! I have only three to four fashion hats, and after that conversation and the photos below, I think I need to add more to my collection. Some hats add a touch of mystery, and I think all hats show off personality. Don't you agree?

Pictures from Jody Rogac, Fashion Gone Rogue, unknown, Mizhattan, The Simply Luxurious Life, Fashion Gone Rogue,

Solid

This past year has been a fury of prints with stripe, chevron and ikat graphics leading the pack. We've also seen a lot of hard and soft texture combinations, as well as the color blocking craze showing up on runways everywhere.

So, naturally, my eyes are pleasantly relaxed when gazing upon solid colored AND solid textured clothing.

I wouldn't say I'm tired of prints or color blocking by any means, and I'm definitely a sucker for leather and chiffon combinations, but I'm finding comfort in solid statements right now.

Anyone else feel the same?

Dresses by ASOS, Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier

Inspiration Fix

Lately, I've been feeling pretty overwhelmed and very uninspired. Sometimes when my mind has a lot to process (i.e. moving to our first home, a death in the family, birthdays, traveling, business management) I can't even begin to think about fashion and art. Maybe because there are so many choices and directions? I'm not sure. I'm starting to feel like I'm coming out of my creative funk, and part of it was seeing this photo:

It just reminded me how beautiful women are, and it made me want to create beauty.

Here are some more photos that I think are beautiful as well....

Photos from The Simply Luxurious Life.

A Stylist's Tool Box

After my first couple of shoots and some fashion emergencies that were remedied Macgyver style, I quickly learned it's a good idea to have a fashion tool box on hand, as well as some other key items for things such as stains, rips, a bad fit, broken jewelry, etc... So, I thought that it would be helpful to share some top tool box items with photographers, stylists and/or anyone about to be in front of the camera. Always be prepared, right? Besides, the last thing a photographer wants are more items to Photoshop. The goal should always be to look as flawless as possible.

So, here we go...

1. Scissors - Great for random threads, cutting tags, etc.

2. Safety pins - I use them for broken clasps on necklaces, keeping clothes in place, ensuring a better fit, etc.

3. Clothing clamps - Great for changing the fit of something loose and baggy to tight and fitted.

4. STEAMER - Wrinkles happen and they look bad on camera. It's just good to have on hand. I got a compact one from Bed Bath & Beyond.

5. Portable garment rack - helps keep clothes organized and wrinkle free. Definitely get one on wheels. I got mine for $16.00 at Target.

6. Lotion - Skin gets ashy and it shows on camera.

7. Extra panty hose or tights - Sometimes an outfit just needs it. Great to have on hand.

8. Small sewing kit - I've yet to have to use one, but things happen.

9. Clear nail polish - for runs in stockings

10. Kleenex and baby wipes - Kleenex can sometimes help rub off stains, but if it doesn't work break out the baby wipes. They are awesome at getting off deodorant. It's a trick I learned at J.Crew.

11. Deodorant - Sweaty pits happen and the last thing you want are wet marks on camera.

I also carry wardrobe enhancers with me, but we'll get to that in a later post. =) I hope this is helpful!

Fashion Plates

Do you remember Fashion Plates? Those pink plates that had Barbie looking figures on them, and you could mix and match the outfits and then color them in?

I had totally forgotten about this awesome toy until I rummaged through the closet of Local Lily's Brandi Walsh. She showed them to me thinking I would get a kick out of it, and of course I had to sit down and color a bit.

I had forgotten how much I love to color and how AWESOME and simple the toys were back then. It seriously made me want to go out and buy some coloring books and just doodle for an hour. For me, it's one of those activities that totally relaxes my mind.

Does anyone else out there love to color or remember playing with Fashion Plates???

Image sources: unknown, Pattern of Life, Alex Evjen