January 30, 2014

My Style Philosophy

January 30, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

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

September 30, 2013

Weekend Style

September 30, 2013/ Alexandra Evjen

It's not too often that you see pictures of me sportin' my favorite outfits, so I'm going to try to start posting more. Here are a couple photos from my weekend captured with my iPhone. I chopped my very long hair off into a mid-length bob. I was inspired by Alexa Chung's amazing hair. Also, earlier last week ZARA opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square, so I had a lot of fun wearing my new boots and hat. I also fell in love with this blouse from Ross Dress for Less. Boy, I sure love a good bargain.

September 26, 2013

Desert Rendezvous

September 26, 2013/ Alexandra Evjen

View More: http://jasminestar.pass.us/desert--rendevouz

Game changer. That's what this project is to me. A career-shifting, game-changing, spirit-awakening styled shoot with incredible talent and passion.

Last September I became a mom. I added another role to my life and made the balancing act of work and life even harder. It has taken me a year to get the hang of things, and along the way I think my styling has suffered. At the end of this past spring I found myself taking projects simply to keep my portfolio fresh and make it appear that I'm still busy. Let me tell ya, that is the WRONG reason to approach anything. Though others may not notice, I promise you will look at your work and feel dissatisfaction if you take jobs for those reasons.

Fast forward to June, my dear friend Alejandra Vidal asked me to be a part of a brand project for...wait for it...Jasmine Star! I said yes within seconds. If you don't know Jasmine Star's work and haven't read her blog you will now and you can thank me later. She's one of the most REAL and sincere people I have ever met. She is a dynamic speaker, writer and photographer that gets to work with dream brides every day.

As Alejandra and I began to plan and flesh this story out using the amazing power of Pinterest, the character and personalities of the models came to life. I was able to visualize what they would eat, drink and say. I knew what kind of music he would listen to and what she would throw on for the day. My simple task of styling morphed into art direction. Soon enough we added a prop stylist (Misha West) because we knew this project needed that kind of attention to detail. Of course, hair, makeup and a kick butt location were all figured out, and then the day came that Alejandra and Jasmine captured the story through motion and photography. More than that they captured the feeling of the moment.

You guys, this was a game changer. Watch the video and you'll see what I mean.

Desert Rendezvous with Jasmine Star from Ale Vidal - Imaginale on Vimeo.

I was never good at math, but here's an equation that I will always calculate before I decide to accept a project. Passion for the subject + Plenty of planning + Great team = Beautiful work

This styled shoot elevated Jasmine's brand even further. Seeing her pictures makes me feel something, and it makes me want to feel it all of the time. All I can say is, a new chapter has begun. You can definitely count on seeing more art direction from me and more motion from Alejandra. As for Miss Jasmine, well, that girl is on FIRE as Alicia Keys would say.

To read Alejandra's experience with the project, click here. To read Jasmine's experience, click here.

Photography by Jasmine Star // www.jasminestar.com Cinematography & Video by Imaginale Design // www.imaginaledesign.com Art Direction & Styling by AVE Styles // www.avestyles.com Prop Stylist: Misha West // www.mishawest.com Modeling by Jess Lenstrohm and Black Johansson of Agency AZ // www.theagencyaz.com Make up by Stephanie Neiheisel of SN Makeup // www.snmakeupartist.com Hair by Kim Cornwell Clothing provided by Frances Vintage // www.francesvintage.com Location (Jennifer Bush) // www.chateaustudiophotography.com

February 25, 2013

Topshop Unique

February 25, 2013/ meganbryant

I look forward to the Topshop Unique show every year. I love that Topshop is such an accessible brand, yet they still produce fantastical shows every year. This year at London Fashion Week, Topshop Unique definitely did not disappoint. Pleats, midi skirts, and rich textures walked down the runway and gave me another collection to love for fall.

All images by: Vogue.com

February 22, 2013

Fashion Week Favorites: Beauty

February 22, 2013/ meganbryant

I enjoy the hair and makeup at fashion week almost more than the clothes. So much so I decided to dedicate a whole post to my favorite beauty looks from NYFW. Here are some of my favorites (in no particular order!) Bright lipstick and fun up-dos at Badgley Mischka: