2011 I Love You

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Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm just overflowing with gratefulness, excitement and happiness when I reflect on 2011. This past year has been an INCREDIBLE adventure full of surprises, hard work and stressful moments resulting in personal growth and professional growth.

This blog has really helped me keep track of all of the wonderful things. (Cue Napoleon Dynamite... "I love technology. Always and Forever...")

A couple of highlights...

1. I left my PR job completely

2. Bought a house

3. Had my first art show

4. Had my writing and style opinions featured in 8 publications

5. Styled professional models

6. Had my styling work featured in 6 publications

7. Styled my first advertisement (blog post about that coming soon)

8. Grew my personal shopping clientele

9. Saw wine country and San Francisco for the first time

There are so many more wonderful things that have happened this year that I can't even list, but building relationships with many new faces and growing existing friendships has been the creme de la creme of them all!

Thank you to all of you who read this blog. I truly am thankful for each one of you!

Cheers to the best of 2011 and best wishes for an adventurous 2012!

2010 in Review

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"This is my prayer in the harvest where favor and providence flow...I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I received I will sow." - "Desert Song" by Brooke Fraser

Though I adore music, you won't find me quoting lyrics that often. In fact, I have the hardest time recalling them. The words above, however, have been on my mind all month as I've just been reflecting on what a tremendous year 2010 has been.

The past couple of years I've sat on this same bed in Sedona, AZ writing about my dreams and aspirations for the year to come. When I sat down to write about my hopes for 2010 and what had happened in 2009, I was feeling discouraged and questioning my abilities and dreams. I was at a point where I had gotten into fashion school, but unable to go for a couple of reasons and consequently felt like a stick stuck in the mud.

I soon realized, however, that a formal education in fashion wasn't needed to express myself and share my talent with the world. In March, I started AVE Styles, went part-time at my communications job and began a blind journey of pursuing a styling business. Most of you have either ridden on the roller coaster with me or watched me enjoy the ride by following along on the blog. I can't say it enough, but thank you so much for your love and support!!!

In 2010, I've dressed models for fashion shows for the first time, styled many a photo shoot, started working for my dear friend Promise Tangeman, won an award for a crazy fashion concept and most importantly felt more like myself than I even have before.

There is something freeing about doing what you feel you were meant to do in this moment.

Ryan and I call 2010 my grad school year as my schedule has been pretty insane working three jobs, but what a feeling it is to finally look and feel like the true Alexandra Evjen.

As the lyric says, "I know I'm filled to be emptied again. The seed I received I will sow." I know that I am in the midst of a pleasant and fruitful season and that hardships are promised to come in this life, but I'm going to do my best to give and share the joy that I have inside of me with you all and more.

Happy New Year! Much gratitude and blessings to you!

Razzle Dazzle

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To me, New Year's Eve is a time to bring out the glitter, sparkles and sequins. Why not ring in 2011 with something that shines?! Most of the year all of us stick to solid colored tops, our comfy jeans and neutral nail polish because it's easy and simple, right?

So, here's my style challenge to you..Add some sparkle to your outfit through accessories or maybe even go all out with a sequined top or skirt. Declare 2011 as a shiny, brand new start for your body, your relationships and maybe even your wardrobe. ;)

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!