Featured in W25 Magazine

It's the best feeling to share projects that I have worked on and that have been published. Sometimes I have to wait months to share them with you, so when I finally have the green light it's like Christmas morning to me. Screen Shot 2013-06-01 at 11.53.31 AM

I recently collaborated with Mark Morgan and Stephanie Neiheisel to create a bohemian inspired photo shoot. With amazing modeling by Abrianna Coons with Jani Model Management, the character of this wild bohemian girl came to life. Sporting pieces such as over-the knee boots, a cut-off Ramones t-shirt, a spiked hat and a utility vest, Abrianna became a this tough girl with a laid back style.

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w25 magazine was kind enough to publish this shoot. You can check out the spread here and also view some other really artistic projects.

Let me know what you think! Do you have an inner wild Crocodile Dundee style?

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Mint, Coral & Blue

Some of the hottest colors for spring and summer are mint, coral, and blue.  Alejandra, Stephanie, Megan and I thought this pretty trifecta was too good to pass up. We decided to spend an hour one morning photographing how to wear this summer's hottest colors in small ways. I hope you find yourself inspired by the color combinations, and keep reading to see my tips on how to incorporate the color into your wardrobe. View More: http://imaginale.pass.us/avestyles

Mint is everywhere. I love wearing it in bold ways like a lightweight tee because I think it makes my skin look more tan. haha. However, if you're a bit hesitant, wear it in small doses like these flats.

View More: http://imaginale.pass.us/avestyles

Coral is great because it flatters pretty much every skin tone. A way to start your coral collection is with a cute pair of coral skinnies, I like these, which are more of the coral/pink, and these high waisted, slightly cropped jeans. Coral is also a really pretty color to add into your beauty routine. I love Stephanie's lips and nails in the picture above.

View More: http://imaginale.pass.us/avestyles

Blue had a major moment for winter, especially cobalt. Incorporate blue into your summer wardrobe with this statement blazer and this cool, printed dress. And again, you can add the color in small doses with a great necklace, shoes or sunnies.

To see more pictures from this fun shoot click here and here.

Images by Imaginale Design Makeup and modeling by Stephanie Neiheisel Wardrobe styling by AVE Styles Assisted by Megan Brynt

Fast & Easy Style Tips for Moms

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Happy Mother's Day! This is my first Mother's Day where I get to hold my baby in my arms and not just feel her punch my tummy. haha. It is an incredible privilege to be Elle's mom, and I hope one day she gets to experience this same blessing. In honor of Mother's day I would like to share five fast and easy style tips with you. I had the chance to do this on television for Arizona Midday in conjunction with HelloSociety this week (clip coming soon).

1. Dress it up - The fastest and easiest way to feel gorgeous is to put on a dress. It's one piece of clothing and you don't have to match anything to it except for a pair of shoes. Right now, lace dresses are very popular, as well as bright printed maxi dresses.

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2. Make a statement - Still trying to shed the little bit of baby weight? Draw attention to your face and away from those extra pounds with a bright statement necklace or a colorful scarf in your hair. Both are easy to put on, very trendy and make people focus on what is important - YOU!

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3. Smell the roses  - Nothing makes a woman feel more special than getting flowers, right? So, why not wear them this Mother's Day?! Floral prints are very popular and can be worn on shorts, blazers and skirts. If that is too adventuresome, try a pair of floral printed shoes. Even in small doses flowers are special.

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4. It's in the bag - Handbags are always a treat because they have nothing to do with body shape and you won't have to worry about guessing the right size because it will always "fit." The Chloe Marcie bag is the "it" bag of the year but if you're looking to spend less, the Michael Kors Hamilton tote or anything from the Kate Spade Grove collection is beautiful.

5. Five minute face - After I became a mom, the "5-minute face" became a necessity for me to feel pretty while juggling a baby and a job. I had a makeup artist (Stephanie Neiheisel) sift through my makeup, get rid of what I didn't need, and show me how to create the best 5-minute face for my skin tone. It changed my life!

Images: My Blomquist, Dean Street Society, Oscar PR Girl, Frolic-Blog.com

Krystal & Chris Styled

Stripes, plaid and love. Three of my favorite things. I'm so happy to share lovely engagement photos by Gina Meola of a beautiful couple that will be getting married this summer - Chris and Krystal. downtown-engagement91

Chris was willing to wear whatever we asked him to. I LOVE those clients. Mwahahahaaa! He has a bit of country in him, so a colorful plaid shirt and jeans was the perfect choice. But to dress him up a bit we added a gray vest.

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Krystal likes classic with a touch of tomboy. Stripes, chambray and a pop of color were the ticket to success.

You can see more images from the engagement shoot on Gina's blog, click here.

Makeup by Stephanie Neiheisel.

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Drugstore Beauty

Drugstore products are a lot of fun, they're cheap and easy and you never get too upset when the results are less than stellar. Most of us are willing to splurge on products like foundation or concealer, but for things like colorful eyeshadows or really "trendy" products-i.e. lavender eyeshadow or bright pink lip stain, a trip to the drug store is all you need. Here's a list of some drugstore products I've tried, or have been wanting to try for awhile now. Maybelline Baby Lips, have you ever used this stuff? It's awesome. Super colorful, cute packaging, and only around $3. I have the "Pink Punch" color, which is a super bright pink that shows up really well, but I want all the colors!

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Revlon's Lip Butter is another one I like. It has a really creamy texture and costs around $6. There are so many lip butters, stains, and sticks to try, so get to your nearest drug store to get some new colors for spring!

A good eyeliner is hard to find. It's something I wouldn't mind splurging on, but I always revert back to a drugstore eyeliner for colors like violet and emerald. I like Maybelline's Gel Eyeliner for a more dramatic look. Another one I've ended up loving is the liquid liner from Target's e.l.f. line, it was $1! How can you resist?!  I LOVE e.l.f. products, they range from $1-$5, so really, you can't be upset when you don't like the product...I mean it only cost you under $5! I can go on for days about how much I love this line and their price point, pretty much the only thing that fits my budget. I want to buy everything from the e.l.f. line and I probably will since I have no self control when it comes to beauty items. Anyways, their eyeliner is great, as well as the individual fake lashes, which I tried last weekend (and also only cost $1). They also make some pretty good eyeshadow/eyeliner brushes. I really want to try their brow products next.

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Another drugstore product I love is Bioré pore strips. I'm not one to experiment with cheap products for my face because I have pretty sensitive skin, but these strips are awesome. A lot of people find them gross, but I think they're fun! Your face even looks kind of like you had a facial afterwards. At least your nose does.

Mascaras are another product I don't often buy from the drugstore, once again because my face/eyes are sensitive. I've been using the popular Benefit They're Real! mascara lately, but I know I'll eventually return to good ol' Maybelline Great Lash. It's a great, basic mascara I don't mind spending $5 on.

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What about you? Are there any drugstore products you've tried and loved?