March 30, 2014

Phoenix Fashion Week: Spring into Fashion

Last Friday, Phoenix Fashion Week held its annual Spring into Fashion event highlighting Arizona's Top 5 Stylists and local boutiques.  Being an AZ fashion blogger, I couldn't wait to attend!  I brought along my photographer (also known as my BFF) Kiersten Graber to enjoy in the festivities, including an official press conference, blogger lounge, socializing, live music entertainment, the Spring into Fashion show, and after party.  The whole night was a fashionista's dream and I couldn't wait to share it with you all!


To start the evening off, a select number of photographers, journalists, and bloggers attended the Phoenix Fashion Week 2014 press conference, in which we all got to ask the local boutique owners, buyers, and stylists, who were featured in the show, questions about upcoming trends, career advice, closet staples, etc.  The panel of interviewees included stylists Rochelle York who teamed up with Kim Kendall, owner of Clothes Minded, Yekatherina Bruner who styled Allie Ollie BoutiqueVanessa Renee who teamed up with Fresh Start TreasuresJessica Hunter who styled 7 Diamonds, and Jenesis Laforcarde who teamed up with Divaz Boutique.  It was fun to hear the stylists talk about what inspired them and what trends to expect this spring. 








After the press conference, Kiersten and I rocked the red carpet, mingled with fellow fashion bloggers, relaxed in the exclusive blogger lounge  (where we got incredible goodie bags filled with items I can't wait to blog about), ran into Jordan Wessel, Miss Arizona, and enjoyed live performances from local up-and-coming musicians.  



Enjoyed catching up with fashion blogger, Audree Lopez of Simply Audree Kate.  Fun fact:  we grew up in the same hometown and attended high school together.  Can't wait to see where fashion takes us!


Loved chatting with Jordan Wessel, a.k.a. Miss Arizona 2014, the soon-to-be Miss USA ;) 
Jordan and I were featured alongside one another in the recent Marie Claire April 2014 issue.  

Photo courtesy of @phxfashionweek


Tired from a long day of fashion (not complaining), Kiersten and I couldn't resist taking a post fashion show selfie, documenting the moment and our outfits.  Kiersten rocked a Charlotte Russe blouse, American Rag skirt, and H&M wedges, while I wore a Missguided dress, Daily Look purse, and Grey City platform boots.  

Hope you enjoyed Spring into Fashion and a little sneak peek of a day in the life of a blogger. 

 Xoxo, Shelly

March 26, 2014

My Style: Stripes on Stripes


Today's Look:  shows how much fun you can have with stripes!  You can't go wrong with a black and white monochromatic outfit.  For this look, the peplum top and striped shorts match so well that the duo resembles a romper.  My favorite new "pièce de résistance" is the clear clutch--super trendy and eye-catching!  Last but not least, have confidence to wear bright red lipstick and nail polish.  One of the most important things about fashion is to keep it fresh and try new things.  Also, I want to say thank you to my blog readers and Instagram followers who have commented positively about my artwork.  Giving me incentive to continue sketching, you have made my week and I adore you all! Xoxo, Shelly


Outfit Details:  Shorts courtesy of Charlotte Russe ❤, Top by Charlotte Russe at Charlotte Russe (Scottsdale, Arizona), Blazer by Silence + Noise at urbanoutfitters.com, Shoes by Shoe Dazzle at shoedazzle.com, Purse by Magid at handbags.com, Earrings by Destine Austrian Crystal at Sally Beauty Supply,  Love Ring at Earthbound Trading Co., Black Sparkly Ring by Silver Luxuries at Kohl's, Nails by Impress at Walgreens, Lipstick by Avon, Phone Case by PINK at Victoria's Secret, Necklace at Beall's.


Fashion Tip:  When wearing a monochromatic outfit, consider adding a pop of color by matching your nail polish and lipstick in a bright color, such as vivid red.







Get Connected with Charlotte Russe:



March 25, 2014

Magazine Feature: Marie Claire April 2014

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of not only being photographed and interviewed for Marie Claire's April 2014 issue, but also I was asked to be the Beauty Roadshow production assistant for the day.  I had a blast meeting and working with the editor/interviewer, Joy Hernon, and the photographer, Mark Lim.  The talented duo photographed and interviewed over 20 beautiful, stylish girls and only 11 made it into the magazine.  I am honored to have been selected as one of the Scottsdale-area fashionistas to represent AZ, alongside my fellow blogger friends, Emily Goswick and Claire Planeta.  Behind the scenes photos and write up here.  Be sure to pick up your own copy of Marie Claire in stores everywhere to see more! :)




When my issue came in the mail, I of course had to text my family and friends the exciting news about the feature!  They are all so supportive that they have been buying the issue and showing it off.  

                

        


March 23, 2014

My Style: White Converse & Crop Sweater


Today's Look:  mimics the sassy, casual style of the 1960s with white Converse sneakers, white skinny jeans, and a striped sweater.  In order to avoid being too preppy, I added some updates.  The striped sweater is a crop-top and the jeans are shredded, not to mention the backpack is embellished with spikes and studs.  Some of my readers gave me positive feedback on showing my artwork, so once again I had fun sketching.  


Outfit Details:  Sweater courtesy of Poof! Apparel , Jeans by Express at express.com, Sneakers by Converse at urbanoutfitters.com, Sunglasses by Forever 21 at forever21.com, Backpack by River Island at riverisland.com, Black Ring at Earthbound Trading Co., Sparkly Ring by Silver Luxuries at Kohl's, Bracelet from Premier Designs, Impress Nails at Walgreens.


Fashion Tip:  Any day you’re not sure of what to wear, grab this combo:  cute top + white shredded jeans + white Converse sneakers = perfect casual outfit.











March 19, 2014

My Style: Red Rocks


Today's Look:  combines edgy leopard-print creepers with a charming burgundy lace dress.  The feminine cut contrasted with the funky shoes and sexy, sheer tights.  The temperature outside was cool, so I threw on a boyfriend sweater for warmth and comfort.  I was inspired by Minh Nguyen of Freshminhtea to create some art; it felt great to pick up ink and watercolors again.  I've been so into the graphic design world that it was nice to come back to sketching.


Outfit Details:  Dress courtesy of Poof! Apparel , Purse & Earrings courtesy of Charlotte Russe , Sweater by Express at express.com, Creepers by Wild Diva at urbanog.com, Tights by HUE at Dillard's, Headband at Claire's, Gold Ring from Premiere Designs.  


Fashion Tip:   Lace dresses are very versatile and a wardrobe essential.   They can be dressed up for an evening out on the town or dressed down for everyday casual.





While enjoying Sedona's scenic view, I had to take a cheesy tourist photo.  ;)



My family and I enjoyed experiencing all Sedona has to offer.  We saw the gorgeous red rocks, loved shopping at Earthbound Trading Co., and enjoyed delicious food.

   
Along with great shops, Sedona has excellent restaurants!  I can verify that Taos Cantina serves dream-worthy chicken fajitas and bottomless homemade chips and salsa.  We discovered Taos Cantina by asking local retail vendors which restaurant they recommended for great Mexican food and 2 out of 3 recommended it as their first choice.


If you're in the Sedona area and craving Mexican food, the restaurant is located on the main strip of uptown Sedona and has outdoor eating under bright umbrellas as well as inside seating with views of the red rocks.


After dinner, my family and I made our way to find dessert.  We enjoyed a tasty, decadent brownie sundae at Sabrina’s Gourmet Ice Cream located in the Sedona Center, Canyon Breeze Restaurant.  Best brownie sundae—hint to the wise, one sundae can delight 3-4 people easily.  Definitely recommend the place!