Meet Megan. AVE Styles' first intern.

Yay! Yay! Yay! I'm so happy to share that I have hired my first intern, and she is pretty darn awesome. Megan Bryant is a communications student at Arizona State University, and she will be contributing her style and taste to this blog, pinterest and photo shoots for AVE Styles. How did I meet Megan? Well, she was the model of one of my VERY first photo shoots. Remember this picture by Lonnie Webb?...

She also happens to be the sister of one of best friends. I seriously lucked out.

I thought a great way to virtually "meet" her would be to share a little Q & A with Miss Megan.

Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a senior at ASU, graduating this semester. My major is Communications and I'm finishing my minor in French.

How would you describe your personal style? My personal style could probably be described as relaxed tomboy. Although I do love to throw on a dress and heels from time to time, I'm usually pretty casual and laid back.

What are some of your favorite places to shop? My favorite place to shop is Nasty Gal, I'm a big online shopper and their website is perfect! I also like Urban, Free People and Topshop.

Do you have any favorite designers? I have A LOT of favorite designers, but these are the ones I favor the most: Phillip Lim, David Neville & Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone, and Kate & Laura Mulleavy are my top favorites!

What are the top three fashion trends you are loving lately? I still love the lace trend, even if it's been going on for awhile. Another trend I love is boyfriend jeans! They're hard to pull off, but so cute if you can! The last trend I'm loving is hats. I love floppy hats, snapbacks, beanies, all of that stuff!

Well, there you have it. You can look forward to Megan's picks and finds for the next couple of months. (Photos by Lonnie Webb)

Katie & Derek Styled

New year. New love. Katie and Derek are two incredibly cute people with a really sweet love story (read more about it here). I had the opportunity to style them for their engagement shoot with Gina Meola Photography. Because Derek is currently living in Michigan, I styled him virtually, but Katie and I were able to meet up.

I LOVE meeting my clients face to face if it is at all possible, but I must say, Derek looked nothing short of handsome, no? He loves fashion and is a fan of the preppier side of style. I'm a big fan too, so it was a breeze helping him coordinate is outfits. Once we had his outfits nailed down, Katie and I went shopping.

We were able to find all that she needed at Nordstrom. Her wonderful mom came too, and she was kind enough to keep an eye on Elle for me. Best gift ever! Katie also loves classic pieces, but definitely has a touch of edge with everything she wears. So, we chose an emerald tank (color of the year and perfect match for her hair), a champaigne sequined skirt and a denim jacket for one look. I WANT that skirt too! For her second, we dressed her up a bit more with a beautiful beaded dress, black cropped blazer and black booties. Classic. Edgy. Stylish.

Katie had her makeup done by Stephanie Neiheisel, and visited the Dry Bar to have her hair perfected. I can't wait to see what their wedding looks like with these two sophisticates. To see more photos from this engagement shoot, click here and visit Gina's blog.

January Issue of EMMA Magazine

The first full issue of EMMA Magazine has been released. You may notice a familiar face and baby bump on the cover. =) Pregnancy definitely is a time of new beginnings, so inside the issue you'll find my top maternity style picks. You'll also see a beautiful photo shoot featuring fashions from a local boutique called Frances Vintage worn by popular style blogger, Chelsea Brown. Alejandra Vidal photographed the looks, Heather Wilson did the makeup and hair, and I styled Miss Chelsea. It was such a fun collaboration, and it made me want to own that Free People lace dress!

Check out the new issue, and definitely head on over to Frances if you're looking for unique jewelry and beautiful clothes.

Color Forecast for 2013

2013. Wow! I can't believe a new year is almost here. A lot of change happened in one year, and there is much to celebrate. Who knows what a new year will bring, but one thing I know for sure is that we have some beautiful colors to look forward to. Pantone always releases spring and fall color forecasts, and this spring we can keep our eyes peeled for shades of green, navy blue and lavender. Of course, they like to assign fancy name such as African Violet and Monaco Blue, but who can remember those right?

I personally feel that lavender and navy will be the hot colors of the spring and summer. For a little proof to back up my predictions, check out the images below. These are some of my top pins this year, and what do they all contain? Lavender and navy. haha! What colors do you think will be popular? Do you agree with my prediction?

Quinn Styled

The first time I ever had my makeup and hair done for photos was when I got my senior pictures taken. It was ten years ago, and I remember wearing different outfits and going around Houston finding cool photo spots. Of course, I had to take a picture with my clarinet because I thought that was so cool. Bahahaa!

High school seniors are waaay cooler now or maybe I have always just been a big dork. Quinn, for example, is this awesome senior at Sunnyslope High School ready to jump into theater performance. She decided to get her pictures taken a record store. How awesome is that?! We took some at her house too, but a record store is a killer location for any senior high school student. Sara Nevels did an awesome job capturing her spirit. Tina Burnham did her hair and makeup, and of course, I helped her choose her outfits.

We chose a sophisticated shirt dress and bright flats for her pictures at home. For the record store, a patterned scarf, a bright button down top and a cardigan.

I loved how everything turned out. I only wish my senior pictures were as cool as hers!