Urbran Cowgirl

I've lived in Arizona for nine years, and it took me two and half years of styling to finally do a cowboy shoot...or shall I say cowgirl. For some reason, I have finally fallen in love with the desert this year. I've already done three shoots using the Sonoran backdrop. I think that might be enough for the year though.

Several months ago a NYC makeup artist, Tonya Noland, contacted me about doing a test shoot with her. In New York City she is constantly working in a studio, so it's really hard to add photos using natural light to her portfolio. She arranged a special shoot in sunny Arizona, and reserved time on a dude ranch. Yep, we got to use LIVE horses!!!

She sent me some inspiration and then I added my own twist to it. I didn't want it to be too literal. I wanted to make sure fashion trends were present, so obviously a bit of rock 'n roll and glam came out.

Eric Cassee was the photographer on the project and did a wonderful job using the light and the scenery. It was actually high Noon when we were shooting, which can pose a lot of problems for a photographer. Harsh light and shadows are rarely your friends, but he managed to work around it.

Because it was a test shoot there were only four looks, but I love every one of them. Rachel Yampolsky from Agency Arizona was the beautiful model and rocked everything. You need to watch out for this girl. She has the gift!

Shoulder Cut Outs

I think every woman has great shoulders no matter their shape or size. Shoulders are always beautiful. So, of course, I'm loving the trend of shoulder cut outs.

It popped up here and there last year, but is in full swing this spring and summer. What's great is that you can wear a bra and showcase a feature that always looks good. Yes, one-shoulder tops, off-the-shoulder tops and strapless dresses also do the trick, but what woman prefers a strapless bra to a regular one?!

What do you think of this trend? Too bizarre or totally in love?

Photo sources: unknown, No Rest for Bridget, Nasty Gal, Flickr, unknown, Cats and Rocking Chairs.

Styled Engagement Shoot Done Virtually

A couple of months ago, I started offering virtual styling so that I can help those that are outside of Phoenix, Arizona feel confident in their clothing. Recently, I was able to link up with Houston photographer Holly Hoyt to help a lovely couple get ready for their engagement pictures. Before I lived in Arizona, I lived in Houston, so I was extra happy to have clients from my old stomping grounds.

JP and Angie are a gorgeous couple that are getting married in the fall and are centering their wedding around the 1920's. We all agreed that it would be great to give their family and loved ones a taste of what's to come with a Great Gatsby inspired engagement session.

After asking several questions, I created a style board full of clothing that fit the concept, their personalities and the location. The location was a rose garden in central Houston. How perfect, right?! Here's what I came up with...(click here for board).

From there, Angie and JP went shopping. They did a FABULOUS job finding clothes that looked great on their bodies and aligned with the pinterest board.

And, of course, Holly did a brilliant job capturing their love. She even filmed the two love birds interacting with each other. So good!

If you're interested in hiring me for virtually styling or adding my services to your business, please send me an email and I would love to give you more information (alexandra@avestyles.com).

To see more photos from the session, click here.

Beauty Review - LORAC Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette

I never thought it was possible to use up an eye shadow tin, but it seems that I was wrong. I've depleted most of my favorite eye shadows, so I finally set some time aside to go to Sephora to find new ones. LORAC is a brand that I really enjoy. I've owned an amazing eyeshadow palette by them for three years, so I definitely went back for more. The color pigmentation is very strong and comparable to MAC. When I saw the UNZIPPED palette filled with all sorts of beautiful, neutral colors that I needed replaced I couldn't pass it up.

Valued at $200.00, this palette is being sold for only $40. I got an additional discount with a coupon from their VIB program, which made it a total steal. Not to mention, the palette comes with a sample of their eyeshadow primer. I had yet to try theirs, and as you may have read in my past posts, I'm a huge fan of MAC's paint pots as an inexpensive primer. I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. The primer goes on clear, which is nice because it doesn't interfere with the eyeshadow color.

All in all, I'm SUPER happy with my purchase, and I'm looking forward to using the palette over the next three years until it's time for more!

Luxurious Delights

You know those days when you just feel a bit frumpy? It's not because your clothes, hair or makeup looks bad, but maybe more because you just feel bored or tired of the same old thing. We've all had days or maybe even seasons like that, and I've found that little luxurious delights that help me snap out of it. So, what are some of my secret weapons?

1. L' Occitane Amande Firming & Smoothing Milk Concentrate - The first time I smelled this amazing body cream I thought I was in heaven. It's the best smelling body lotion the history of lotion. It's not over powering like Bath & Body Works. It just has this beautiful smell and velvety feel when you apply it. You feel like you should be sitting on a tuffted stool at your vanity wearing silk pajamas or something. I rarely buy this product because it costs a whopping $44.00, but when I do I always feel a bit special applying it.

2. Especially Escada Perfume - Sometimes all it takes is a splash of really nice perfume. One of my new favorites is Especially Escada. The bottle is beautiful and the scent is feminine and clean. I wear Her by Narcisco Rodriguez almost every day, and I love it. So, when I apply something like Escada it makes it special and I'm ensured I can smell it because my body isn't so used to it.

3. Spa Bathrobe - I've gone to a spa about five times in my life. I loved every minute of it, but I can't afford to go there more than maybe once a year. So what not bring the spa home to you? Just putting on my slippers and clean, plush bathrobe makes me feel relaxed and happy. I was able to find a really nice robe at Last Chance, but you can find great robes anywhere.

4. Aveda Shampoo - I wash my hair every day with common hair products you can find at Target such as John Frieda Brilliant Brunette. But every once in a blue moon I splurge on a designer shampoo, and my favorite is Aveda's Brilliant Shampoo. It leaves your hair smelling amazing and clean. Something about that natural scent transports me to Hawaii.

5. Lighting Candles - Sometimes all you need is to light some candles, have a glass of nice wine, and a bite of a really great dessert. They say you can't buy happiness, but I say you can buy 20 minutes of happiness with these simple luxuries. One of my all time favorite candles is the Red Capri Jar Candle. It's $28.00, but lasts a really long time.

What are some of your ways to combat a case of the frumpies?