Amber Rose Is A Goddess: Red Dress, White Carpet

I have such a girl crush on Amber Rose. There is no doubt she stands out in a crowd. Beautiful bald head, that luscious tan, bright white teeth, and curves for days! But aside from all of her characteristics that qualify her as "beautiful", the lady has some serious style. The vixen graced the public with her presence in her stunning little red dress at Elle's 16th Annual Women in Hollywood event. I absolutely love it when the color red is paired with a nude/ khaki tone. An edgy, but ever so classic color combination. This color combination looks like a risk, but is always safe!


Amber Rose always coming correct!


I want to be her best friend.

Photos via Bossip

Turn A New Leaf This Fall

Don't get me wrong, Seattle has pretty epic summers, but I would have to say Fall is my favorite season by far. I love the vibrant colors of the leaves, the crisp sunshine, and the way the morning dew nips at my nose and cheeks. A couple months ago I did the art direction/ wardrobe styling for a photo shoot with Kyle Johnson and model Giselle Gonzales. This was my favorite picture from the batch. Everything about it screams Fall!



When I was pulling pieces for this look I wanted to do a rendition of a gypsy, without the funky jewelry and makeup. A more sleek natural gypsy if you will. The bag is by my friend Dolores Gill for her Fall 2009 collection. See more of her bags here.

Photographer: Kyle Johnson
Wardrobe Stylist: Osiris Navarro
Makeup Artist: Calvy Tran
Hair Stylist: Omar Willis

Fashion: Future vs. Flashback, Maybe Both?

For me fashion is not only the future, but a rendition of the past. You see it all the time, every season, and it is a cycle that is inevitable in fashion. Like when the 1980's did the 1920's. Or when the 1990's did the 1960's. Now we're in an era where the 1940's are back in full effect. Could it be a statement of the current economic downfall?

In the October 2009 issue of Seattle Metropolitan Laura Cassidy (fashion editor) and photographer Alex Martinez beautifully portray the 1940's in a futuristic but classic fashion editorial of a chic damsel in her daily ins and outs. Check out a couple of the photos below from the editorial, and for the rest of the story and photos click here





Photos via Seattle Met online.

Thinking Outside The Box

These economic straining times has forced almost everyone and their mama to do the following... thinking outside the box. To some, thinking outside the box might mean settling for less, or taking a pay cut, or dealing with a recent lay off, etc. but maybe these times aren't so bad after all.

Dreams we had when we were wee bit hopefuls seem a little harder to attain, and the typical route of college and finding a high paying job soon after graduation isn't as black and white as we thought it would be.

For myself it has been very challenging to stay motivated with the career path I want to take. And it takes a lot more than just talent and skill to prosper in the fashion industry, or any industry that is. It takes a great deal of optimism and drive. It takes a lot of e-mails to strangers, it takes a lot of humility, it takes a lot of putting yourself out there day after day and dealing with rejection like it's nothing. It also takes a lot of confidence and knowing you're worth and what you can offer. Forgive me, I don't mean to write a speech about the American Dream, because with the way things are going for me...I am far from it.

I do not live in a high rise in Manhattan, and I am not the heir to a famous conglomerate. I am a 20 something college graduate who moved back home with Mom and Dad for financial security. I make a living doing a number of odd jobs and sometimes irony gets the best of me...ie; using my last 60 bucks on that super cute vintage shrug when I should be paying a parking ticket. Like many fashionistas I like to wear heels in the winter time and have tights in every color imaginable. I browse through Style.com on the daily and think of ways I can make crafty renditions of my runway favorites.

I am up to date with what's new on the racks of Opening Ceremony, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman, but the reality is...I cannot afford anything there. I used to tell myself that by the age of 25 I would enjoy the luxuries of my early 20's in my metropolitan loft, sipping on my martini, and living the good life compliments of my high paying fashion job.

My early 20's are about over and I have about 5 more years to prove to myself that the last 25 years of my life obsessing over fashion, art, and all things fabulous has not been done in vain. And sometimes I'm not sure if shows such as Sex and The City, Rachel Zoe Project, and Gossip Girl is good for inspiration or just pure propaganda. (Shrugs)

But the last couple of weeks has kept me thinking hopeful and staying faithful to my dreams. You will meet some people who can't afford to give you a chance, not because it's anything personal, but because they simply cannot afford it. However I have been fortunate enough to meet people who are what I like to call..."down for the cause" and genuinely appreciate what I do and my drive for it...and for that I'm thankful!

Stay inspired and think outside of the box is the best advice I can give myself and to others. And by thinking outside of the box I don't mean it in a Alexander McQueen kind of avant garde way. Think outside the box that bridges the gap between the glamorous image of fashion and the reality of it all. Use this time as your time to create something you've always wanted to create...whether it's altering that old vintage dress, or learning how to sketch, or writing, photography, etc. Use this time to write business plans and 10 year plans, to volunteer time into the community. Use this time to make new friends who will eventually be old friends, and friends who like what you do and can help you as much as you can help them. I don't mean this in a opportunist way of thinking, but in an optimist way of thinking.

When I say think outside the box...recognize the circumstances but don't let it defeat you.

Teen Vogue November 2009: Brown and Beautiful

I can't express how excited I am to see Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn on the cover...together of Teen Vogue November 2009. Stuntin' and 19! PYT for sure!

Black Magic: Photo Shoot With Christine Hahn

One of my favorite themes for a photo shoot thus far. Sequins + sparkles = magic, black magic that is! When Christine and I were planning this shoot we knew one thing, we wanted to use black! All black! Fierce, deep, and all sorts of drama with whimsical undertones! We wanted it to appear serious, but in a playful and juvenile kind of way.

Below are some of my best vintage finds ever. It's evident that fashion is never really the future, and styles are always recycled and recreated. I can't stop blowing smoke up Christine Hahn's ass, but she is seriously one of the most talented young fashion editorial photographers. And she practices a dying art...film photography. We have worked on 6 photo shoots together and we see eye to eye in a lot of things which makes the work flow so easy.

The model we chose for this shoot is Cassidy. This was her very first shoot and as you can see she looked stunning! I could totally see her in Chloe ad campaigns, Gucci, Prada, etc. This young lady is a face to watch. Move over Jessica Stam and Sasha Pivovarova.

Photographer: Christine Hahn
Wardrobe Stylist: Osiris Navarro
Model: Cassidy Stone
Makeup Artist: Angel Dorr
Hair Stylist: Tara Zak


The magician in her lair cooking up delicious recipes of love potions, sneaky spells, and rebellious concoctions of one teaspoon of licorice, a dollop of sparkle, and a pinch of gold. A voila...black magic! You can't see it, but there is a white rabbit under her hat. Trust.



I found this sequins tuxedo jacket in a flea market. It was from an old Broadway play in the 1940's. I think it was made for a small boy, which resulted into a perfectly fitted jacket for a lady. I had to pair this jacket with a top hat and bowtie, I just had to!


You wouldn't believe it, but this little number is a vintage Jessica McClintock for Gunne Sax dress back in the early 1980's. The sweet heart bustier top is a timeless look for young, sexy, chic. This cut and style still graces the runway 20 years later. Take note of the sparkly detail and gems on the top.


Mesh, sheer, and bodycon is so hot right now, all the designers are doing it. This dress is so delicate but dramatic at the same time. Again a sweetheart top, but with sheer to compliment it.


If you have been keeping up with fashion you know that Balmain does it best when it comes to tight sequins dresses. Quite similar yes? The only difference is this number was only $5. The great thing about sequins dresses is that it's so dramatic that accessories aren't really needed.


The old saying goes...eyes are windows to the soul. That may be true, however a woman's dress is a clear indication of her attitude. Work it Ms. Stone, work it, work it, work it.


I was all sorts of excited when I found this dress. Can you believe I found this dress at a Mormon thrift store? It's true! This dress reminds me of Brian Lichtenberg's Freak Um' dress but with flame cut outs. I still can't believe how lucky I am that I found this piece. I am going to hold on to this dress as a keepsakes and have one of my first celebrity clients wear it, when I reach that point of course.


This outfit was pulled from Moksha Clothing & Accessories. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the boutique for the last 5 years and I can say with confidence that even though Urban Outfitters is next to Moksha in the UW District, that Moksha is always a year and a half ahead of Urban Outfitters. It's true. Reconstructed vintage top, and high waisted Obey shorts.


There is a reason why black is the most fashionable color of all time. It never goes out of style, it has a slimming effect, it is seen in power suits, or in little black dresses, it is flirty, it is mysterious, it is dark, but it also offers contrast. Black is always back and black is always the new black. And for what it's worth, you can never go wrong with this color.


I remember when Forever 21 jumped on the vintage revival bandwagon. I was excited about it, but also kinda annoyed with it. They tried to recreate these sequins disco butterfly blouses, but didn't replicate it quite right. I got this butterfly top for a whopping $4 and everything about it is beautiful. It drapes wonderfully over the shoulders, shows just enough mid drift when you walk. I thought it might be too much pairing this top with American Apparel lame tights, but it worked out.


Black magic is no magic at all without feathers. I think feathers are here to stay...forever.

The Tea Party: Photo Shoot Collaboration with Naomi B., Kyle Johnson, Chris Nelson

My friend Naomi B. is an amazing designer, however...her lifestyle and schedule is not conducive for planning details and things such as look books, fashion shows, press kits, etc. She likes to party and have fun and I'm sort of a grandma and like nights in with my boyfriend. Basically, she sews and designs and I do the rest for her. I guess I am her PR person, brand manager, and little elf all in one package. It works out perfectly! With that said, I produced and did the creative direction for the following photo shoot for her very first look book. It's still in its beta stages, but it was mainly for her portfolio and for her to land a job in NYC. I figure I will piggy back off her future success and fortune. =) Speaking of which, I am sending my good karma her way while she is in New York. Cross your fingers!

Photographers: Kyle Johnson & Christopher Nelson
Creative Director/ Wardrobe Stylist: Osiris Navarro
Makeup Artist: Debbie Maresma
Hair Stylist: Eunice Navarro of Nola Salon
Models: Destiny Delisio of TCM, Michelle Green of Heffner, Rose Renee, and Caryl Cavner
Clothing/ Accessories: Dresses by Naomi B., hats by Katie Cox, Jewelry by Susan Goodwin







Photos by Kyle Johnson

Riri In Paris Fashion Week

Our beloved R&B princess Rihanna has gotten more buzz about her wardrobe than her actual career as a singer. Sometimes I almost forget that she actually sings because I'm too busy paying attention to her wardrobe. Rihanna's stylist Mariel Haenn is responsible for all the chic overload. She has transformed Rihanna from a tropical Barbados bumpkin to an international fashion icon. You go girl!

Booty Duty: Ass With Some Class

My friend Luis Facebook status states...

"Googling booty shots....trying to separate a classy booty shot, from a trashy booty shot"

I found this rather curious and thought about the age old obsession with butts. I find a good butt more interesting than breasts any day. And I was to choose from one of the two procedures I would opt for butt implants. Not that I would, I'm just saying!

Anyway, Luis Facebook status made me think about notorious booty shots captured by some of the most amazing and provocative photographers of all time. Check out what makes the list...


Miles Aldridge


Miles Aldridge


Helmut Newton


Helmut Newton


Guy Bourdin


Guy Bourdin

Throwback Tuesdays: Gia Carangi

My boyfriend and I watched GIA last night. Seen it a couple times before, and honestly the movie is a little cheesy. Not sure if it's suppose to be cheesy because it's based in the early 80s, but the soft light vignette filters and sultry sounds of the saxaphone make it hard for me to take it seriously. All bad cinema aside, the story behind Gia Marie Carangi is quite depressing. She was so beautiful, and so young! Below are some of my favorite images of Gia, including the infamous photos by Helmut Newton that put her on the map. Enjoy!

Teenage Runaway: Photo Shoot With Christine Hahn

Christine Hahn was in town for a couple of weeks and its safe to say we took advantage of the time she was here and pumped out not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 photo shoots. I had a blast! Christine and I are totally on the same page when it downs to fashion, style, and work ethic goes so its no wonder our collaborations have been easy as pie.

Below are the photos of our impromptu editorial shoot "Teenage Runaway" featuring Brittany Hartman of TCM. We originally had a different theme/ look planned, but our first location fell through, so we seriously just winged it and finalized the looks that day. It was a carefree day of sunshine, suspicious activity in the park, tumbleweeds and abandoned trailers in Georgetown. Pretty much awesome.

Photographer: Christine Hahn
Model: Brittany Hartman from TCM
Stylist: Osiris Navarro
Hair: Tara Zak
MUA: Debbie Maresma


All American kind of look. This outfit reminds me of The Outsiders...that is if a girl was part of the gang.


She's ready to blow this popsicle stand! I found this silk cowboy top at my favorite Mormon thrift store. You can't see the detail in this picture but the top is embellished with all sorts of golden glory.


These boots were made for walking. I think this outfit is hilarious. I would never wear this outfit in real life haha. It's too obnoxious for my taste, but it works in a photograph! Vintage fringe sweater, H&M acid washed jeans, and vintage red boots. Kinda trashy, no?


We got so lucky with this location. We were sort of just wandering around and saw this. 1950s metallic zebra print dress paired with a leather fringe bead necklace.


1950's Hawaiian romper. Scored this joint for $1. How exciting.


I like the contrast between a soft and chic floral outfit with aggressive caged boots. A lot of my looks have a touch of childhood in them. My obsession with fashion started when I was a little girl so I attribute a lot of my style and fashion sense today with my nostalgia. Hence the funny watermelon bag.


Ya gots to pop the collar! Stay fitted in a black motorcycle leather jacket. Some pieces are trendy and come and go with this season, but some pieces are here to stay forever and this black jacket is one of them.


Channeling In Living Color Fly Girl! We wanted this look to be fun and rebellious, but we didn't want it to be hookerish. The shoes are the reedeming factor in this look. If you had paired this outfit with heels it would have been a whole different story. High waisted printed 90s top, houndstooth sports bra, leather jacket, ankle boot flats, and leopard bag.

The Selby

I stumbled upon this cool blog called "The Selby". I'm surprised I haven't heard of it sooner! Photographer Todd Selby travels the world and takes photos of creative people in their creative spaces. Here are some of my favorite picks...


Erin Wasson- designer for RVCA

Cobrasnake- Cool people photographer

Alexander Wang in all his glory

Ginger Snaps! Some of My Favorite Red Heads

When I was in the 2nd grade I had a classmate who left a very bad taste in my mouth about redheads. He had golden red hair, green eyes, and freckles for days. He reminded me of a serpent. He smelled like pee, ate his boogers, and always tried to hug me. For a lack of better words I developed a sort of aversion towards red heads.

As of late my silly prejudice towards red heads have slowly grown to a greater appreciation. I accredit this new awareness to photographer Christine Hahn. We worked together a few times and some of our most striking models were red heads. They worked it! Anyway, below are some of my favorite red heads.


Designer Brian Lichtenberg...DUH!

The sexy Cintia Dicker

The sweet Lily Cole

The classic beauty Karen Elson