The Future is Stigma Free

One day in the not too distant future I hope mental health is treated like we treat physical health. I hope I see people meditating like they are exercising. I hope I see people going to check ups with a psychiatrist or counselor like they do their primary care doctors. I hope we admire someone’s peaceful state of mind and emotional maturity like we do their bodies and fitness routines. I hope we digest educational podcasts and books like we eat healthy foods. I hope we refuse garbage for our minds like we do with foods that make us feel gross. I hope we hold each other accountable to our mental health goals as effectively as our fitbits and pedometers.

Ultimately, I hope we regard mental health as important as our physical health, and end the stigma that surrounds it. The only way to do that is to talk about it. Start by wearing a shirt like this one. 100% of the sales of this shirt go to Bring Change to Mind. And for every post that uses #thefutureisstigmafree on Twitter or Instagram $5 will be donated to Bring Change to Mind.

Because, you see, taking care of your mental health not only impacts you, but those around you. ✨🌻 You can get your shirt at Saks Fifth Avenue or Off Fifth. 

Modern Wedding Featured on June Bug Weddings

This past summer had I the wonderful opportunity to work with some AMAZING people, and contribute to a styled wedding shoot with a modern focus. Melissa Jill Photography and Outstanding Occasions were the big masterminds behind the project, and I was brought on to select the bridal gowns and the menswear for the shoot.

I'm very proud to share that this shoot was featured on June Bug Weddings last week, which is a great blog and wedding resource for brides, photographers, and any other industry related professional.

Mariee Gallery and Saks Fifth Avenue were the two places where I pulled the clothing for the shoot. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Mariee is a fabulous local bridal salon, and they were very generous in lending us a WTOO pocketed wedding dress and Matthew Christopher bridal gown.

From Saks Fifth Avenue, I found some gorgeous Chanel and Christian Louboutin shoes for the bride.

For the menswear, I really wanted to create a layered, patterned look.

I think it's a fresh take on what men can do with plaids, hounds-tooth and gingham prints. Why not use it for formal wear too, right?

We had beautiful jewelry by Emmaquist and Laura Eva Designs.

I think this shoot is a great example of how to create modern wedding for the city gal, and one that definitely resonates with someone like me.

Below is the extensive list of everyone that played a part in the project:

Event Planners: Outstanding Occasions Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography Floral Designer: Camelback Flowershop Reception Venue: W Scottsdale Invitation Designer: Idieh Design Dress Store: Mariee Modeling Agency: The Agency Arizona Cake Designer: Classic Cakes and Confections Linens and Coverings: Classic Party Rentals Phoenix Makeup Artist: Bliss Spa Hair Stylist: Organic Hair Lounge Shoes: Saks Fifth Avenue Jewelry: Laura Eva Designs, Emmaquist Personal Stylist: AVE Styles

As you can see, it takes a lot of amazing people to create something so beautiful, and I'm so glad to have been a part of it all!

Make sure to check out June Bug's post to see more photos!

Photography by Melissa Jill.

Winter Nautical Wedding

I had a wonderful opportunity to help style the wardrobe for a bridal shoot for Arizona Foothills Magazine. The project was with a VERY talented group of people, and was photographed by my dear friend Gina Meola. You may remember her work from our architectural bridal shoot that was recently published in Style Me Pretty.

This styled wedding shoot was centered around having a nautical wedding in the winter. You never hear about weddings near the water in the winter time, especially in Arizona. Well, my friends, the water isn't just reserved for the summertime.

With a winter color palette of navy, maroon, white and silver, you can definitely have a beautiful nautical wedding right now!

Check out the Pinterest board that Gina and I put together to get the project off on the right foot. (I seriously can't say enough how great style boards are for visualizing the direction of a project).

Saks Fifth Avenue was SO kind to lend all of the beautiful menswear, shoes and cocktail attire.

We had two looks for the shoot - formal bridal attire and cocktail attire.

Starting with the bridal, Mariee, my favorite bridal boutique in Phoenix, let us use THE perfect wedding dress for this shoot - a Matthew Christopher gown!! The silver bands are perfection!

And umm...Hello, Louboutins?!! I never tire of the red sole, and these shoes make a statement!

For menswear, we went with a classic navy pinstriped suit, white dress shirt and a maroon tie. Nothing fussy and everything timeless.

As for the cocktail reception, I thought a knit sweater would be perfect for nautical vibe. Paired with slacks and great shoes, it's a fresh change from the typical sport coat.

As for our bride, a one-shouldered sparkly cocktail dress was a perfect complement to the menswear - simple and timeless with a touch of glam.

To see more photos of the food, desserts and lovely boat, check out Gina's blog!

Fashion Stylist: Alex of AVE Styles Matthew Christopher Wedding Gown: Mariee Bridal Shoes and Wardrobe: Saks Fifth Avenue Catering: Creative Hands Cuisine Florals and Decor: Encore Creative Sweet Treats: Tammie Coe Cakes Venue Rental: Bella Palazzo Models: Ashley and Brad Richardson Hair and Makeup: Arthur Frederico Stationery: The Paper Place

Project Update - Hollywood Glam meets Nautical

It has been a while since I posted some of my recent work. All of that has to do with waiting for things to be published. EEK! It is a LONG, exciting process that sure does test your patience, but it's TOTALLY worth it, right? So, because it's killing me inside that I can't share any finished products with you quite yet, I wanted to share some inspiration and cell phone sneak peeks of this bridal shoot I styled last night for Arizona Foothills Magazine. It's basically Hollywood glam meets nautical bridal.

IT WAS SOOOO MUCH FUN, especially since the project was with my good friends Marcus and Gina from Gina Meola Photography, and featured clothing from Saks Fifth Avenue and Mariee. DROOL! I also got spend time with, Ashley Gain who is a wonderful wedding planner in the Valley and modeled for the shoot along with her husband Brad!

WOMENSWEAR:

MENSWEAR:

To see more inspiration from the shoot, check out the Pinterest board!

SNEAK PEEKS (Photo Credit: Gina Meola):

Can't wait to finally reveal the project in November, so check back!

Affordable Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue is having a huge sale! Designer items are 70% off. Although, most people that I know would just look the other direction because Saks is a store that carries luxury items; however, I've found some really great things for under $100.00. I don't care whether something is last season or five years ago...If it looks great and the price is right, count me in!