Prizma

Sometimes when your creative juices are low you just need to get out there make something. This past summer while business was slow, longtime coconspirator and photographer, Michelle Herrick, asked to collaborate on a test shoot. There was no end goal of getting it published and there was no paying client, there was just an opportunity to work with an amazing model, Gwen from Agency AZ, and to make some magic happen.

I love the edgy quality of these images. It's so unlike my style, and that's the best part. It's good to stretch yourself and go beyond your comfort zone. The clothes are all thrifted and vintage pieces too, which is also very different for me. My friend Sara Chambers has a wonderful online shop, and was so kind to share her clothes with us.

Azure Schaeffer did an amazing job with the makeup. All together the collaboration was a wonderful experience and invigorating during such slow time in Arizona.

Capes Aren't Just for Superheroes

Wintertime is Arizona is the best. It feels exactly like fall in the midwest. The leaves start to fall off the trees (FINALLY) and the air is crisp. The most you need to wear is a light jacket or sweater or, in my case, a cape to stay warm. I got this beautiful cherry red cape from ChicWish last year (try this grey one), but this is the first time I have worn it. It got shoved into the back of my closet and I completely forgot about it.

Since dusting it off, I have received so many compliments on it. You can wear this cape with or without a belt. I like it with a belt so that my waist is defined. I paired it with a patterned shirt so that my whole outfit wasn't color blocked.

Try out a cape if you find one you like. It's a unique and stylish alternative to your trusty sweater.

My Style Philosophy

What you value influences how you shop and what you wear. Do you value quality craftsmanship? Do you value whether something is eco-friendly or American-made? Do brand names matter? Do you believe less is more? Is modesty important to you? Many of us have a personal style philosophy that we use as our shopping filter before we even pick up a garment and ask whether the color is complementary, the style is flattering and the price is right. My philosophy is style is expression, not consumption. So, I often ask myself, "Do I really need this?" I believe that you can express your personality, creativity and values through your clothing without having to buy a lot. In fact, I think when given limits we show more creativity and problems solving. I'm sure we could all create five new outfits if we just stood in our closets for 10 minutes putting different pieces together.

Try it this week. See if you can come up with five new outfits with things you already own rather than buying a new top at Target even if it is only $4.99.

Photo by Imaginale Design Modeling, hair and makeup by SN Makeup Styling by AVE Styles Floral crown from Mignone Handmade

Floral Edge

Red roses have always been my least favorite flower. For most men, they are the obvious choice to give to women for Valentine's Day and special occasions. I love the unexpected and because red roses are so common they feel a bit cheesy. Until now...

Pair red roses with a muscle t-shirt, a black lace bra and sequins...That's anything but cheesy to me. Can I get an amen?!

Alejandra called me up randomly just before the new year and asked if I wanted to style something for fun. Stephanie, our mutual goddess- friend and makeup artist go-to, was going to model and be Ale's muse. All Ale told me was that she wanted to use some colored film she had left and photograph a graphic t-shirt and a floral crown together.

The hard and soft juxtaposition does it again! All I could think about was a black lace bra underneath a graphic muscle t, and sure enough Steph had found the perfect one at Nordstroms. Pair that with a sequin skirt also found and Nordstrom's and BAM! Magic!

I also brought a lace kimono and a black lace bralette to the location. Steph has impeccable style and just happened to have the perfect floral pencil skirt and leather pants to complete two other looks. The kicker though was the red floral crown that Ale just happened to have lying in her closet. The red flowers paired with Steph's perfect red lip was perfection!

Sometimes the best stuff just happens on the fly. This project had to have been the easiest styling gig I've ever had and one of the most fun sessions I've ever been a part of. Three girls, all friends, ooo-ing and ahh-ing over creating beautiful imagery. It can't get any better!

To see a glimpse of this shoot in motion head on over to my Instagram, click here.

Photos by Ale Vidal Hair, makeup and modeling by Stephanie Neiheisel Styling by Alex Evjen

KT Jean Designs Styled

blog

Whimsical, warm, beautiful, natural...These are the words that I would use to describe Katie Jean's Spring 2014 collection of dresses, separates and robes. If you love metallics, lace and chiffon you HAVE to check out her shop!

Katie recently moved from Phoenix, AZ to Brooklyn, NY, but just as she was driving to her new home she had Kym Ventola photograph her spring collection. You would never be able to tell that this was shot in the fall. It always feels like spring in AZ as soon as the weather cools down. I love the warm tones of the beautiful sunset mixed with the light, airiness of the collection.

blog2

I had the chance to style and accessorize her dresses with lovely pieces from Anthropologie. It was as if I was playing dress up with dolls again. Meilan Mizell from FORD did an amazing job modeling. Her joyful spirit and sweet heart is so evident in these images.

blog6

Her hair and makeup was done to perfection by Paige Ashcroft. I got to work with Paige on Frances' lookbook, and I was so glad to work with her again. Katie's sister, Amy Hanen, is not only is my babysitter but a brilliant photographer in her own right and assistant to Kym Ventola. She made sure that everything was what her sister would want since Katie was on her way to NY when the shoot took place.

blog8

It makes me love my job even more when I get to work with such wonderful people. Go check out Katie's shop, and start dreaming of spring!

blog7