Mia & Dean Styled

A month ago, I had the opportunity to style Mia and Dean, clients of Gina Meola's, for their engagement session. I love engagement sessions because it's just two people being themselves in front of the camera. I always tell my clients that they are not going to have a bunch of wedding pictures scattered around their house because frankly the white dress in every photo gets old. Pictures in every-day clothes, acting like themselves are just as special and timeless.

Mia and Dean definitely have style! It took me less than two hours to find four outfits for them. I usually just recommend two, but we couldn't resist the opportunity to show off their fashion sense in addition to their love.

I'm convinced that Mia is sisters with Eva Mendez. She is stunning, no?!

We selected Mia's outfits first. I always find that easier since women's outfits can be more complex considering the many combinations patterns, jewelry, shoes, etc create. From there we chose Dean's clothes, and made sure everything complemented each other.

Dean invited his kids for a couple shots after we had chosen everything. So, I just advised them on what would complement their clothes best and they did a wonderful job shopping!

To see more photos of Mia and Dean's session with Gina Meola, click here.

Urbran Cowgirl

I've lived in Arizona for nine years, and it took me two and half years of styling to finally do a cowboy shoot...or shall I say cowgirl. For some reason, I have finally fallen in love with the desert this year. I've already done three shoots using the Sonoran backdrop. I think that might be enough for the year though.

Several months ago a NYC makeup artist, Tonya Noland, contacted me about doing a test shoot with her. In New York City she is constantly working in a studio, so it's really hard to add photos using natural light to her portfolio. She arranged a special shoot in sunny Arizona, and reserved time on a dude ranch. Yep, we got to use LIVE horses!!!

She sent me some inspiration and then I added my own twist to it. I didn't want it to be too literal. I wanted to make sure fashion trends were present, so obviously a bit of rock 'n roll and glam came out.

Eric Cassee was the photographer on the project and did a wonderful job using the light and the scenery. It was actually high Noon when we were shooting, which can pose a lot of problems for a photographer. Harsh light and shadows are rarely your friends, but he managed to work around it.

Because it was a test shoot there were only four looks, but I love every one of them. Rachel Yampolsky from Agency Arizona was the beautiful model and rocked everything. You need to watch out for this girl. She has the gift!

Shoulder Cut Outs

I think every woman has great shoulders no matter their shape or size. Shoulders are always beautiful. So, of course, I'm loving the trend of shoulder cut outs.

It popped up here and there last year, but is in full swing this spring and summer. What's great is that you can wear a bra and showcase a feature that always looks good. Yes, one-shoulder tops, off-the-shoulder tops and strapless dresses also do the trick, but what woman prefers a strapless bra to a regular one?!

What do you think of this trend? Too bizarre or totally in love?

Photo sources: unknown, No Rest for Bridget, Nasty Gal, Flickr, unknown, Cats and Rocking Chairs.

Styled Engagement Shoot Done Virtually

A couple of months ago, I started offering virtual styling so that I can help those that are outside of Phoenix, Arizona feel confident in their clothing. Recently, I was able to link up with Houston photographer Holly Hoyt to help a lovely couple get ready for their engagement pictures. Before I lived in Arizona, I lived in Houston, so I was extra happy to have clients from my old stomping grounds.

JP and Angie are a gorgeous couple that are getting married in the fall and are centering their wedding around the 1920's. We all agreed that it would be great to give their family and loved ones a taste of what's to come with a Great Gatsby inspired engagement session.

After asking several questions, I created a style board full of clothing that fit the concept, their personalities and the location. The location was a rose garden in central Houston. How perfect, right?! Here's what I came up with...(click here for board).

From there, Angie and JP went shopping. They did a FABULOUS job finding clothes that looked great on their bodies and aligned with the pinterest board.

And, of course, Holly did a brilliant job capturing their love. She even filmed the two love birds interacting with each other. So good!

If you're interested in hiring me for virtually styling or adding my services to your business, please send me an email and I would love to give you more information (alexandra@avestyles.com).

To see more photos from the session, click here.

Beauty Review - LORAC Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette

I never thought it was possible to use up an eye shadow tin, but it seems that I was wrong. I've depleted most of my favorite eye shadows, so I finally set some time aside to go to Sephora to find new ones. LORAC is a brand that I really enjoy. I've owned an amazing eyeshadow palette by them for three years, so I definitely went back for more. The color pigmentation is very strong and comparable to MAC. When I saw the UNZIPPED palette filled with all sorts of beautiful, neutral colors that I needed replaced I couldn't pass it up.

Valued at $200.00, this palette is being sold for only $40. I got an additional discount with a coupon from their VIB program, which made it a total steal. Not to mention, the palette comes with a sample of their eyeshadow primer. I had yet to try theirs, and as you may have read in my past posts, I'm a huge fan of MAC's paint pots as an inexpensive primer. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. The primer goes on clear, which is nice because it doesn't interfere with the eyeshadow color.

All in all, I'm SUPER happy with my purchase, and I'm looking forward to using the palette over the next three years until it's time for more!