Testing with Nick Duplessis

The first year of styling was just about getting pictures. The second year was definitely about that, but it was also about working with new photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and professional models. This past September I reached out to Nick Duplessis who is an amazing fashion photographer in Phoenix, Arizona. I asked if I could "test" with him, which means that I wanted to test my styling skills with a model who also wanting to add to her portfolio (a.k.a not a paid gig). Test photos are something that makeup artists, hair stylist, models, photographers and fashion stylists all need in order to get paid jobs and eventually tear sheets.

I was SOOO nervous. It was the first time working in a professional studio and working with Nick.

WE HAD A TOTAL BLAST! The whole team of Cristina from FORD RBA, Nick and Arthur Fredericko (makeup and hair stylist) was brilliant.

Man, I can't tell you how much a professional model changes a photo. Cristine was genius to work with. Every little silly jump and hair flip turned into magic.

All of the clothing that I used was from a closet of my good friend Sarah. Yep! You have to get creative, especially when it's a test shoot because it's not necessarily going for publication, and therefore stores aren't going to be apt to lend.

BUT...You may remember these images from my announcement on Monday - that this shoot was just featured in the most recent issue of WLWL Magazine.

I went into the test with the concept of transforming summer clothes into winter, and I really feel that the thought out concept made it successful in submission process.

Other than the wedding industry, it is REALLY hard to get photos published that have been taken purely on 'spec.' Meaning done without the magazine hiring out for it. I think this is slowly changing (thank goodness), but it's still very much the case for most fashion magazines.

I hope you love the photos. I definitely wish that vintage gold dress wasn't one of a kind. =)

Assisted Styling for Arizona Foothills Magazine

Arizona Foothills Magazine is one of the few fashion magazines in Phoenix, Arizona, and I was recently invited to assist Diane Aiello, an amazing local stylist, for the December cover shoot.

It feels great to see my name in print, but what is SO much more valuable to me is having the opportunity to see how a cover shoot is put together and ALL of the effort that is put into it. There was a team of about 15 people (including models) the day of the shoot that made this happen.

Just on the styling side alone it was a team of three us. Me and the other assistant, Christine, were busy all day setting up, prepping all of the clothing, helping with fitting, doing quick hemming of pants, fixing the clothing for every frame taken...It was a 13 hour day, and it was all worth it. It was especially great to work alongside someone that I really look up to and who has paved the way for local fashion stylists in Phoenix.

If you EVER get the opportunity to assist seasoned professionals TAKE IT! Relationships are SO important in the arts, and you can always learn something!

And the next time you open up a magazine and flip through a fashion spread, just think about the lighting techs, the photographer, the stylist, the hair and makeup artists, the assistants and the models that all played a role in making those five perfect images.

Contributor for WeLikeWeLove

I am SOOOOO over joyed to share that some of my work has been featured in the latest issue of WeLikeWeLove Magazine!!!

I've shared how much I love this magazine before, and now it's a total dream come true to have my face and work shared alongside SO many other incredible talented and creative people all over the world!

The shoot featured was centered around the idea of using spring and summer clothing for fall and winter outfits, and so I also got to share some fun fashion tips.

Please check out the magazine, and I hope you enjoy the Fall Flux article. WeLikeWeLove is wonderful source of inspiration for home decor, fashion and fine art, so if you have the time definitely read the past issues too!

Photography: Nick Duplessis Model: Cristina Irimiciuc Styling: Alexandra Evjen Hair & Makeup: Arthur Federico

Style Inspiration

Today I'm spending the day reviewing the year for Promise Tangeman Creative (my other life) with Miss Promise. There's nothing better than a great dose of creative inspiration to fill up the gas tank before a long day of planning, dreaming or any job for that matter. Enjoy!

Images (Fashion Tribes, Pinterest, Paper Tissue,  Zimmermann Clothing, Style vs. Fashion, Belle Rosemonde, Lemonade & Ivy, Pinterest)

An Etsy Christmas Guide

Ever since Thanksgiving Day, I have been getting on average about 35 emails a day from big chain stores such as GAP, West Elm and Barnes & Noble with free shipping deals, coupons and other enticements. Have I cashed in on some of those bargains? Definitely. But, did you know that you can find equally amazing things on Etsy like vase a for your mother-in-law, a locket for your best friend, and iPhone cases for your spouse for much cheaper than big box store prices?! Plus, you're helping local businesses survive with every purchase you make. It's a win, win if you ask me. Check out some of my cool finds. Everything you see is under $100.00, and personally something that I would like to own.

A glass locket - $62.00 I think this necklace is awesome. It's one of those one-of-a-kind special treasures, and something that you can personalize for someone you love with a photo. Although, I think it looks cool without one.

NYC Brass Cuff - $38.00 Who doesn't love funky pieces of jewelry? Brass cuffs are a great accessory all year round, and this one in particular is perfect for anyone that loves NYC.

Bud Vase - $12.00 How cute is this bud vase?! It's handmade and would fit in any style of home or would be perfect on an office desk.

Chevron Pillow - $14.95 I've been in love with this pillow forever, and anyone that has been awake the past year knows that chevron is the big print of the year. Plus, black and white goes with just about anything.

Rose & Chamomile Face Scrub - $14.00 Most women I know love beauty products. They are a gift of luxury, and the fact that this face scrub is all organic is over the top awesome.

Perfume solids - $70.00 Perfume and cologne are good, common Christmas gifts. I just wish that I had more portable scents like this solid perfume. This one is the one perfect gift because it's also in the most beautiful box and is all natural.

iPhone case - $50.00 I actually don't have an iPhone, but if I did I would have this case. Again, you can't go wrong with chevron.

iPad sleeve - $52.00 I also WISH I had an iPad, and an awesome looking sleeve to go with it. The cherry red and mixture of fabrics is killer!

Coaster set - $32.00 Coasters are the perfect gift for someone that you don't know all that well because everyone uses them AND you can find SUPER cool designs that match their style or personality.

Doormat - $65.00 I know a doormat is kind of a weird item to have on this list, but seriously how cool is this handmade rug?! It's made out of recycled boat rope and it's yellow. Yep, this one is definitely on my personal wishlist too.

Have fun shopping!!!