Something Old, Something New

Port Work - Artist Styling

I know you guys have heard the story of my fashion career journey a million times, so I won't bore you here with specifics.  However, in this blog post I want to highlight one aspect of my job - Artist Styling. 

A few weeks ago I had the great privilege of working with an artist as she prepared for a special performance at an outdoor music and art festival.  My brief was to simply source a unique headpiece for her performance (have a look at the picture below, and please leave a comment telling me how you think I did).  I was really grateful for the opportunity to get my feet wet in this realm of styling here in Memphis because although I've styled artists for  video shoots and magazine shoots abroad, this was my first time as a professional styling an artist for a performance.

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If I may be honest, I really wouldn't say personal styling is my preference or strongest suite.  With styling people in their everyday lives, outfits have to be practical.  On the other hand, with something like styling an artist for a stage performance, I get to be more extravagant.  And that's one of the biggest differences between personal styling and editorial styling.  Personal styling is usually more practical, and for an actual everyday people.  Editorial is all about fantasy, and playing dress up with a model.  In my opinion the editorial side of things is a bit more fun.  However several of my personal stylist friends absolutely love connecting with real people, and helping to build their self confidence by helping them to look a bit more stylish.

Lastly, I want to thank Misti Rae of the Misti Rae Band for entrusting me with this task.  I encourage you guys to please check out their music. 

Capsule Wardrobe: Classics

A crisp white button down shirt, or any white top whether jumper or t-shirt is always preferable to me especially paired with skinny jeans.  I have been investing in to more luxury basics lately.  Pieces that will withstand time, as well as seasonal trends.  You know, basically items that will never go out of style.  My ultimate goal is to create a capsule wardrobe that will be able to easily travel with me all over the world. 

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Living abroad forced me to pare down my wardrobe extensively, simple because there wasn't space available in my luggage to bring everything with me.  My capsule wardrobe wasn't out of choice, but more so a necessity.  I was forced to live with only my absolute favorite things.  In this series, I want to touch on how I managed to be fashionable off of a fraction of my wardrobe.  Up first, I am focusing on just two pointers in Capsule Wardrobe 101.

  1. Basics:  Start with the basics.  A mini collections of thin layering items that can be paired together or with more glam/borrowed pieces.  This items shouldn't be expensive, but they should be of pretty good quality.
  2. Neutrals:  Blacks, white, creams, denim, khaki.  Neutrals are key to a capsule wardrobe.  They are super easy to build upon, and they are simply harder to determine if they've been worn repeatedly.  Nothing about neutrals really stand out, and that's exactly what you want with a capsule wardrobe.
outfit details - shirt: The Limited (here); jeans: Forever 21 (here); shoes: H&M (here); earrings: H&M (here, here)

outfit details - shirt: The Limited (here); jeans: Forever 21 (here); shoes: H&M (here); earrings: H&M (here, here)

Be sure to check back later in the week for more pointers on building a capsule wardrobe to live by.

On Set - Editorial Shooting

One week ago today my dreams came true.  I never would have imagined at the start of 2016 that I would move to London, England and actually have the opportunities that I have been given.

The day started with us stylist prepping our clothes (organizing and steaming) just before the models arrived, and then they were into hair and makeup.  Next up was the styling.  Above is a picture of one of my classmates/fellow stylist dressing her model.  Below are a few great shots from the day.

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Here are a few shots of the model styled in my look.  My styling choices encapsulated the brief's theme which was Hippie Luxe.

shoot details - Model: Sally Jonsson (Milk Models); cardigan: Blitz Vintage shop c/o stylist archive; fringe suede bra top (here) & pants (here): Forever 21; headband: Ann Taylor (here); shoes: Topshop (here)

shoot details - Model: Sally Jonsson (Milk Models); cardigan: Blitz Vintage shop c/o stylist archive; fringe suede bra top (here) & pants (here): Forever 21; headband: Ann Taylor (here); shoes: Topshop (here)

Fun with friends on set...the best part!!!