Tomboy Lovin'

When asked the question, "Katharine Hepburn vs. Audrey Hepburn," I always go for team Katharine. I remember when I learned that she was one of the first actresses to wear pants on screen, and I thought, "I like this woman! She has guts!" Now, don't get me wrong. I wear dresses and I have my girly moments, but in general, it's more of a costume "dress up" thing for me. My CORE style and what I wear on a daily basis is more relaxed.

I've always had a harder time embracing my curves and femininity. Instead, I always wish I didn't have boobs, and I'm glad I don't have hips. I just like the tomboy all-American look. I have no idea why, but I really align myself with that style. Even in home decor, you will not find much femininity, and instead a lot of androgyny.

And now that you know a little bit about me, my style, and my favorite old Hollywood film star, I'd love to share some style inspiration of people and designers that are also inspired by this look too.

What about you? Are you a girly girl or a tomboy?

PHOTOS: Karen Walker, Hanneli, The Glitter Guide, The Daybook, Karen Walker, The Daybook, Dress, Design & Decor, Sea of Shoes

Imagination

I think one of our greatest gifts as humans is our imagination. It's not only what fuels innovation, but it transports you to places where colors are more vibrant, where nature becomes more majestic, and most importantly where there are no limits or restrictions. Kids are the best at using their imagination because they haven't yet experienced and learned about life's limitations. BUT I do think that we can continue to be just as creative as we once were if we spend more time doing it and experiencing the result of others doing it too. This is why the arts are so important to support, and also why the entertainment industry is so profitable...Film, music, dance, fashion, etc. are professions that take us beyond our reality. Last night I finally sat down to watch Chanel's Pre-Fall 2012 Paris-Bombay show. WOW! Chanel never disappoints when it comes to a show and that's because they completely transport you to what they were once imagining, and then made reality for 15 minutes.

Sit down and watch at least five minutes of their show, and then watch two minutes of how these clothes were executed. Part of bringing our dreams to life is excellent craftsmanship.

And in that video also lies the reason for why these clothes cost so much - talent, creativity and excellent craftsmanship.

Seeing this just makes me want to bring excellence and imagination to every shoot I'm a part of. Oh, and dream of one day attending a Chanel show too. =)

Photos from Cool & Chic Style Fashion.

2012 DIY Home Decor Goals

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

Fall Flux

Issue 9 of WLWL MagazinePhotography: Nick DuPlessis Model: Cristina Irimiciuc Styling: AVE Styles Hair & Makeup: Arthur Federico

Testing with Nick Duplessis

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. =)