I Luv Luvocracy

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So, you guys already know I'm a complete Pinterest fanatic. Well, I wanted to share with you yet another cool website that allows you to not only categorize all of the things that you are loving right now so that you can be inspired and/or buy things down the line, but it also lets you be, if you will, an owner of your own shop.

Luvocracy is a brand new site that just launched, and they're changing how we shop. Instead of browsing all of your favorite stores online, why not browse the online shops of all of your friends?! I know that recommendations from my friends mean a lot to me, and I love their personal style. Why wouldn't I want to buy something from their shop? Luvocracy has created a way for you to add anything that you see while you're shopping online to your page or "shop." And when you do that, it is then shared with all of the people that "trust" your taste - in other words, follow your recommendations.

Once you've added an item to your shop, you no longer have to go back to that website to buy it or even click an image and get directed back to the website. You can just buy it directly from your shop page. COOL, huh?! AND...whenever you or someone buys an item that you have recommended, you get a commission from the sale. Yep, you get to make money while you shop and share your latest finds. Why wouldn't you sign up, right? =)

Sound like something you want to dive into?! You should! 

Winter Wardrobe Musts - Bootights

One of my favorite things about fall and winter is getting to wear boots. To me, they are the shoe that embodies function, style and comfort in one. The ONLY teeny weenie thing that can make me not enjoy my boots is having to wear bulky socks over my tights. I especially hate that feeling of your sock starting to come off in your boot and then you have to unzip the whole thing, take your foot out and fix it.

Well, there's a stylish solution out on the market that you'll love - Bootights. I don't know why I didn't think of it because it's simply genius. It's socks and tights in one so you don't have to put on two different items and wash two different items. Bootights also act as shape-wear, so you don't have to worry about those holiday treats you've been munching showing.

They have all different colors and patterns. My favorite are these herringbone tights. I can wear them with my tall boots or my booties without the sock showing.

If you're starting to do some holiday shopping and you're looking for some good stocking stuffers, these are perfect. Seriously, stockings for your stocking!

Images by Sara Nevels.

Elle's Nursery

Earlier this year I had a list of home improvement goals, and for the first couple of months I was doing great at attacking them. Then along came baby and a baby room became number one priority. I had SOOOO much fun conceptualizing her nursery, pinning things on Pinterest, putting together her inspiration board, and of course, shopping for all of the decor. I even found my inner-DIY girl, and created a rad polka dot wall. WOOT!

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I wish I had been better at taking before photos, but I will say I have some pretty awesome after photos taken by my friend Mike Olbinski.

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I had a lot of help from friends and family in creating this space for Elle. And having the hands of people that I love help create a room for my baby girl makes me love the nursery even more. My friends painted the walls and a cute growth stick.

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My father-in-law repainted my cedar hope chest that I had when I was a little girl.

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My sister-in-law created a mobile, the pennant you see on the crib, and these SUPER cool balls of string.

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The nursery has a couple of second-hand pieces. I found an old rocking chair at a thrift store and had it reupholstered. I also found a colorful oriental rug at a consignment store in Sedona. And my favorite find, was a mid-century modern credenza that I'm using as a changing table for now, but can't wait to put it in my living-room one day. =)

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I was so excited about putting the nursery together I completed it about two months before she was born. And up until I went into labor I would sit in her rocking chair and just dream about what it was going to be like to meet her. Now that she is here, I look forward to spending time with her in this happy room, and I think she is going to love growing up in it.

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My advice to people creating a nursery, make it a special, happy place because you're going to spend MANY hours there.

Glamour Contributor

Hello, hello! I am happy to say that I am writing this blog post well rested and back in the saddle of AVE Styles. WOOHOO! I finally have more of a handle on being a mom and taking care of Elle, which means I can actually devote a little time back to my business. YAY! So, to kick off being back, I have some very happy news to share with you. One of my dreams came true! I got to contribute to a major magazine!!! EEEEK! Glamour Magazine asked me to help them find examples of washable and wearable outfits as part of a campaign with Woolite. I couldn't have been happier to be a part of it because that is exactly how I approach selecting clothes. They HAVE to be washable and wearable. Yeah, I have some dry clean only clothes, but they are a pain in the butt to take care of. Plus, they aren't baby friendly either. Below and above, are a couple online posts sharing my tips and opinions...

And, here is a pinterest board that I contributed to as well.

I'm so excited to see what more the future holds. Let this be an encouragement to you that hard work and a lot of faith pays off.

The Rosson House Styled Shoot

Any Downton Abbey fans out there?! I am definitely a fan of the hit T.V. show, and I highly recommend it to anyone that loves period dramas like Mad Men, The Tudors, Game of Thrones, etc.

So, when Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs approached me about doing a styled bridal shoot at the Rosson House in downtown Phoenix I was excited because she wanted it to be a modern take on the styles of the early 1900's. The Rosson House is one of the few historic places in downtown Phoenix that was built during that time considering Arizona didn't become a state until 1912 - exactly 100 years ago. As you can see in the photo above, it's pretty spectacular, and I would say it's the closest to Phoenix's Downton Abbey.

With the house setting the tone, I selected a simple lace gown with an empire waist from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique. Since it is strapless, it is obviously WAY more modern than what would be acceptable back then, but with just a piece of tulle I created two different looks to add more coverage to the dress. You can see what I mean in the photos above and below.

I found this AMAZING pearl collar necklace at a vintage shop called Antique Sugar. Collar necklaces are very popular right now, so I'm really happy I purchased it. It was from the 1950's, but I thought the intricacy of the necklace and the fact it was made of pearls was very complementary. Plus, the strapless dress was just begging for something to fill in the space.

The hair and makeup really brought the whole look home. It is more reminiscent of the 1920's, but I wouldn't have gone any other way.

For the groom we kept things simple. A black suit with a vest, cufflinks, white shirt and a pocket square. You can't really go wrong when you stay classic.

I would LOVE, LOVE to have a Downton Abbey wedding, but since I'm already married this was the next best thing! Check out Whitney's website for a little video of the shoot.

Hair- Melanie from Curls Gone Wild Salon in Gilbert, AZ. Makeup- Azure from Artistry by Azure Stylist- Alex Evjen from AVE Styles (pearl choker provided by Antique Sugar in Phoenix) Venue- The Rosson House Museum Gown- Natalie from Wedding Belles Bridal Boutique in Gilbert, AZ. Photography- Whitney from Gold Soul Photographs Table styled by- Paula and Brittany Anderson (chairs and dishes provided by Merchant Square Antique Mall in Gilbert) Florals- Tamara from AZ Petal Pushers Paper Goods- Stephanie from Paper INKlinations Models- Rachel Kress and Chris Procopio