Pepperologie: A Five Course Study of Style

I can't wait for October for two reasons...1. Fall. 2. Pepperologie. My dear friend Jessie Artigue for Style & Pepper will be hosting a five course study of style here in Phoenix on October 26, 2013 at Domus from 10AM to 5PM along with Summer Bellessa from The Girls with Glasses, Jenny Strebe from Confession of a Hairstylist, Lauren McBride of Holistically Fit and...Me! YAY! I'm so honored to be a part of this wonderful day that is all about helping women put a little more flavor and spice into different areas of their life (style, DIY, hair, health and home). Jessie's whole goal is to help women become the best possible version of themselves, and my heart is for that too. I love that this is an event that is not only fun, but is all about encouragement and positivity for all areas of our lives.

Attendees of the one day workshop will get lunch, snacks and drinks provided. They also get a ton of swag from AWESOME sponsors (check out past ones here).  If you register before September 1st you get $100 off your ticket, so go here right now and sign up!

If you totally aren't convinced this is worth a day of your time watch this video!

How to Style A Graphic T-shirt

With the popularity of graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts on the rise, I had a chance to share my thoughts on how I would style them for the Digital Stylist Network. You can check out the post (click here), but I'd thought I'd expand a bit more by sharing my shopping picks and pairings. I'm a fan of taking t-shirts and dressing them up with a pencil skirt, blazer or even tying them over a dress. But there's nothing more comfortable than a simple t-shirt and jeans. Okay, that's not true. Sweatpants are hands down the winner of comfort. But, if you're trying to keep on trend without thinking too hard a white t, jeans and cool shoes are your ticket. Below, I've shown you two different directions while incorporating some other fall trends (boyfriend jeans, leather, midi skirts and ankle booties).

how to style a t-shirt by alexandraevjen featuring flat shoes

As I mentioned in the DSN article, if I'm going to use my clothing to say something I want it to tell people something about myself. Pineapples are the universal symbol for welcome. I think it's a happy fruit that brings smiles, which is something  hope to do every day.

(Top image by Free People)

Peek Kids Store Event - Come on out!

I'm SUPER DUPER excited to be hosting a fun little back to school party with Peek Kids next Thursday, August 15th from 10:30 to 12:30. Their clothes are ridiculously cute. I love them because they aren't overly cheesy like some kid clothing and they are made with soft cottons. If you come out to the event you can enjoy 15% off your purchase, come refreshments and get some stylist assistance from me. I'd love to meet you! You can check out some of  my Peek picks on my Mini Me Pinterest board. Can't wait to see you there! Please RSVP by calling 623-223-8998.

Back to School Picks

I can't believe it is back to school season already! I know that doesn't mean much for those of us that aren't in school, but it does mean a lot if you're a mom sending your toddler to pre-school or your five-year-old to kindergarten. It also means that stores are gearing up for fall clothing. EEEK! My favorite fashion season! Below, you'll find some of my favorite back to school picks (list right here). Plus, I had another opportunity to do a Pinterest Interest segment with Good Morning Arizona showcasing some cool clothes from Peek Kids. Click here to check out my Peek picks.

If you need help styling your kiddos come on by Peek Kids at Scottsdale Fashion Square on August 15, 2013 from 10:30AM to 12:30PM for some styling assistance from yours truly. There will be cupcakes for you and your kiddos to munch on while you shop. More details to follow!

(top image via J.Crew)

Pinterest Controversy - Stylish Kiddos

Yesterday, I saw a picture of a very stylish kiddo and I pinned it to my Mini Me board (image below). To my surprise I started to receive a slew of negative comments. I thought to myself, "Even if this kid was styled by his parents, why would this image upset so many people!?

So, I thought this would be a great time to address styling children. I have definitely styled plenty of children for photo shoots. Here is a project I worked on with Kym Ventola that was featured in a magazine last year. I would say these kiddos fall in line with the photo to the left. I would also like to add they had a blast on the shoot. =)

Being a mom, I put clothes on my daughter every day. I would definitely take something off if I thought my daughter was unhappy or hated it. I think it's important to help her express herself with her clothing, but until she can talk I choose clothes for her that I find cute. I'm not trying to project my taste on her in a purposeful way. I just need to make sure my daughter isn't naked. Why not pick something that looks cute in the process. Can I get an amen?!

When I was young, I remember my mom dressing me in outfits I sometimes thought were lame. However, I also remember getting to pick my own outfits and my mom letting me walk out of the house in some really bizarre stuff. I can't recall one time I got made fun of to my face until I got to high school and I wore an Abercrombie t-shirt. Yeah, I never wore that thing again. haha.

What do you think? Do you feel that this kiddo is over styled in a negative way? Do you feel that parents shouldn't style their kiddos to extremes? Is there a line? I want to hear from you!