2012 DIY Home Decor Goals

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I'm a face paced, task oriented person. In other words, I like to get things done and I like to do it quickly. I'm that person that always needs to be reminded to stop and smell the roses, but still doesn't even when reminded. Heck, I hate even pausing to go to the bathroom when I'm in the middle of a project! It's just plain annoying if you ask me. I don't think I've ever gone to the bathroom in the middle of a shoot or fashion show. EVER! All of this to say that owning a home sure has tested this part of my personality. I just want to be able to do everything I'm dreaming about now, and then sit back and enjoy it once it's finished. However, that's just not reality unless you have a never ending supply of money.

So, to get my fix of accomplishment and progress while avoiding the destruction of my bank account, I've come up with a 2012 DIY Home Decor Goal list because of course I'm also addicting to lists and checking things off.

JANUARY Paint my office, bedroom and hallway white.

FEBRUARY Build slat headboard for bedroom

March Paint my doors and windows black in my office and kitchen

APRIL Level the dirt in the backyard, install the sprinkler system and plant grass.

MAY Build a fauxdenza

JUNE Install art hanging system and create art work for kitchen.

JULY Create the family photo wall in the hallway and turn my mini library into a mess.

AUGUST Rip out the carpet in the office and bedroom. Stain and seal the concrete.

SEPTEMBER Change the mirrors in the master bathroom, paint the bathroom cabinets and get hardware for the cabinets

OCTOBER Find cool area rugs for the office and master bedroom

NOVEMBER Build a floating desk for the office.

DECEMBER Get new bedding for the master bedroom.

 

This is obviously an ambitious and possibly expensive list. But I have some DIY money saving tricks up my sleeve, and a load of paint left over from painting done earlier this year. =) Stay tuned for DIY updates in the new year.

Photos: Lyla & Blu, Dust Jacket Attic, The Brick House, The New York Times, The Brick House, Pottery Barn, Poppy Talk, Life in Grace, Unplggd

Testing with Nick Duplessis

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The first year of styling was just about getting pictures. The second year was definitely about that, but it was also about working with new photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and professional models. This past September I reached out to Nick Duplessis who is an amazing fashion photographer in Phoenix, Arizona. I asked if I could "test" with him, which means that I wanted to test my styling skills with a model who also wanting to add to her portfolio (a.k.a not a paid gig). Test photos are something that makeup artists, hair stylist, models, photographers and fashion stylists all need in order to get paid jobs and eventually tear sheets.

I was SOOO nervous. It was the first time working in a professional studio and working with Nick.

WE HAD A TOTAL BLAST! The whole team of Cristina from FORD RBA, Nick and Arthur Fredericko (makeup and hair stylist) was brilliant.

Man, I can't tell you how much a professional model changes a photo. Cristine was genius to work with. Every little silly jump and hair flip turned into magic.

All of the clothing that I used was from a closet of my good friend Sarah. Yep! You have to get creative, especially when it's a test shoot because it's not necessarily going for publication, and therefore stores aren't going to be apt to lend.

BUT...You may remember these images from my announcement on Monday - that this shoot was just featured in the most recent issue of WLWL Magazine.

I went into the test with the concept of transforming summer clothes into winter, and I really feel that the thought out concept made it successful in submission process.

Other than the wedding industry, it is REALLY hard to get photos published that have been taken purely on 'spec.' Meaning done without the magazine hiring out for it. I think this is slowly changing (thank goodness), but it's still very much the case for most fashion magazines.

I hope you love the photos. I definitely wish that vintage gold dress wasn't one of a kind. =)

Assisted Styling for Arizona Foothills Magazine

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Arizona Foothills Magazine is one of the few fashion magazines in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was recently invited to assist Diane Aiello, an amazing local stylist, for the December cover shoot.

It feels great to see my name in print, but what is SO much more valuable to me is having the opportunity to see how a cover shoot is put together and ALL of the effort that is put into it. There was a team of about 15 people (including models) the day of the shoot that made this happen.

Just on the styling side alone it was a team of three us. Me and the other assistant, Christine, were busy all day setting up, prepping all of the clothing, helping with fitting, doing quick hemming of pants, fixing the clothing for every frame taken...It was a 13 hour day, and it was all worth it. It was especially great to work alongside someone that I really look up to and who has paved the way for local fashion stylists in Phoenix.

If you EVER get the opportunity to assist seasoned professionals TAKE IT! Relationships are SO important in the arts, and you can always learn something!

And the next time you open up a magazine and flip through a fashion spread, just think about the lighting techs, the photographer, the stylist, the hair and makeup artists, the assistants and the models that all played a role in making those five perfect images.

Contributor for WeLikeWeLove

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I am SOOOOO over joyed to share that some of my work has been featured in the latest issue of WeLikeWeLove Magazine!!!

I've shared how much I love this magazine before, and now it's a total dream come true to have my face and work shared alongside SO many other incredible talented and creative people all over the world!

The shoot featured was centered around the idea of using spring and summer clothing for fall and winter outfits, and so I also got to share some fun fashion tips.

Please check out the magazine, and I hope you enjoy the Fall Flux article. WeLikeWeLove is wonderful source of inspiration for home decor, fashion and fine art, so if you have the time definitely read the past issues too!

Photography: Nick Duplessis Model: Cristina Irimiciuc Styling: Alexandra Evjen Hair & Makeup: Arthur Federico