La Rousse Styled

I love doing style consultations for photo sessions, and recently I got to consult virtually for Kate Doherty. She is a wedding and portrait photographer who asked Ale Vidal to capture her beautiful face and style for her new website.

Kate has impeccable personal style, and after hearing her vision for the session and more about her personality, I knew that a printed kimono was the perfect choice for photos in the desert. It would blow in the wind and provide a bohemian quality that Kate related to. Her hair is bright red and her skin pale white, so vibrant jewel tones were a great match.

To balance the volume of the garment I recommended something form fitting and shorter. I love the ivory camisole and skirt combination. And, of course, desert boots were the perfect shoe for the desert.

Her hair and makeup were done to perfection by Jessica Fierro, and the photographs by Ale took were nothing short of gorgeous. I look forward to consulting on more creative projects and sharing them with you.

To get Kate's kimono jacket shop Urban Outfitters, Free People, Nasty Gal  and Lulu*s

Photography by Imaginale Design Makeup and hair by Jessica Fierro Style Consultation by AVE Styles Modeling by Kate Doherty

My Alter Ego

I stepped on a stage at the age of three and I think it was that moment that I fell in love with performing. I can still remember the song that I did my first tap dance to, "No Can't Do!" I've haven't stopped performing since. Whether it was choreographed water ballets at the public pool or hours of practicing my dance moves in front of my bathroom mirror, I've always loved performing.

I loved it so much that I went to a special performing arts high school in Houston, Texas where I majored in clarinet performance. Yes, I was a nerd, but I have always found a way to be involved in the arts. I am proud to say Beyonce went to my school, so maybe that's where this alter ego of mine first started to develop. B has Sasha Fierce and I have Alexa!

Alexa is the name of my mannequin and my diva alter ego that dances in my head. haha. I am weird you guys, but I think you know this by now. Who doesn't secretly dream of accepting Academy Awards, dancing in a music video with JT and strutting on the runway at New York Fashion Week?!

The ability to transform myself and others is part of what makes me love fashion. To this day I still step on stage to sing for church, have daily dance parties with my daughter and create special experiences for film and photography. Alexa is very much alive, and keeps me dreaming and performing even though the audience might not be able to fill a football stadium.

I'd love to hear the names of your "alter egos!" Please share!

Dress from Lulus.com; Photo by Gina Meola, makeup by SN Makeup Artist; Hair by Kim Cornwell, Styling by AVE Styles

The Boys Call Me Al

I spent a good chunk of my childhood in Wisconsin where my dad taught me how to hunt and fish. I became a pro at calling in the ducks and didn't even flinch at grabbing earthworms and tying them to my fishing hook. My dad never wished he had a son because he got a tomboy daughter who didn't mind getting dirty camping.

Back then I could have cared less about the world of fashion. Clothes just kept me from running around naked. In fact, I wore a uniform of baggy shirts and shorts for almost eight years. It was only on Saturday mornings that you would find me in a leotard and tights for ballet class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I remember a lot of my boy friends would call me Al, as well as my cousins in New Hampshire who all equally love the outdoors.

I don't hear the name Al all that often anymore, but I have definitely kept my tomboyish spirit. Most days my husband and I wear button down shirts and jeans as if I am trying to match him. If I didn't love to wear makeup, had long hair and boobs I could totally pass as a man. haha. I also still love getting away in nature and don't mind getting dirty. I love my tomboy side that is playful and carefree, and it's something that I hope my daughter gets from me too.

Photo by Gina Meola; Makeup by SN Makeup Artist; Hair by Kim Cornwell; Styling by AVE Styles