Category: Collaborations
Reflecting on 2014
Reflecting on the past can be an important part of moving forward. I often choose to end each year looking back at what has transpired and what I’ve accomplished. When a portion of your life is documented online – through social media or a blog – it’s easy to travel back in time through the past 365 days. Sometimes this is a blessing and a curse. There’s a point at which spending too much time on the past can hinder our journey into the future. There’s such a fine line between constructive and detrimental reflection on the past.
For me, the past year – my first year of freelancing and blogging full-time – has been a lot of learning what not to do. I’ve made a number of poor decisions as I’ve taken total and complete control of carving and shaping my career. While I know it’s all part of the learning process, it’s easy to fall into the trap of looking back with a negative mindset – the could-have, would-have, should-have mindset. Of course there are many, many things I could have, would have, should have done differently. The key to reflecting on these moments in a productive way is to acknowledge and examine what can be learned from them as I head into a new year and fresh start.
Whether it be self-imposed or a force from the universe, there’s a lot of pressure on year two of freelancing and blogging from New York City. So, I’m spending the last day of 2014 focusing on my energy – mental, physical, emotional energy – and reflecting on 2014. As cheesy as it sounds, I have this intuition that this is my year. It’s scary to proclaim in writing on such a public forum, but perhaps this is my first step in telling the universe I’m ready!
W I N T E R
S P R I N G
5. A Fusion of Music & Fashion
S U M M E R
7. Blogger Bazaar Milwaukee
8. Midwest Style Blogger Happy Hour
9. Exploring the Adventure Issue: Eide Magazine
10. My Best Friend’s Wedding
11. Styling for Men: Amsterdam Station
12. Fan Favorite Look: Styling Singer/Songwriter Erica Bryan
13. Just Knotted ARTicles of Clothing Blog Bands
F A L L
16. Gameyday with Girly Go Garter
17. Styling for Fall ft. Encore
18. ARTicles of Clothing Blog’s First Birthday
19. Go Blog Social Conference Chicago, Illinois
20. Day to Night YouTube Makeup Tutorial with Woo Skincare & Cosmetics
22. Activewear Essentials for Fall YouTube Video
24. Birthday in NYC with blogger GaBrielle Pedriani of Look Sharp, Sconnie
New Year, New You Headshots
2015 is fast approaching. While it’s always a good time to reinvent yourself, the New Year is a particularly poignant occasion to do so. Perhaps you’re planning to look for a new job or pursue a new career in 2015. Maybe you’re hoping for a promotion at your current company in the New Year. Is 2015 the year you monetize your hobby into a serious side project? Have you been considering launching a blog? There are numerous reasons to think about renewal as a New Year draws near.
A portrait session is the perfect way to jump-start a new you for the New Year.
There was a time when portraits were primarily reserved for special occasions – think yearbook photos or family Christmas cards. No more! Anyone with some disposable income (or, hey, some Christmas cash) can afford a professional portrait and present a more polished image.
We live in a time when social media has given almost everyone a public persona, and sometimes it’s tough to say where personal ends and where professional begins. A social media photo is often the first impression you make, and more and more it seems an iPhone and an outstretched arm won’t suffice. Don’t you want an image that makes people stop and say, “maybe I want to look a bit closer,”?
If you’re ready to kick off the New Year with a new you, join Angie Webb of Angie Webb Creative for a Headshot Mini Sessions Event from 10:00am to 1:00pm on Saturday, January 10. Each session lasts 20 minutes, and you’ll get the opportunity to shoot with up to two different backdrops. Afterward, you’ll be able to view your proofs online and select two images to be fully retouched by Angie. This exclusive event is limited to eight slots, and space is filling up fast – register now!
BONUS – Complimentary Styling Consultation from Yours Truly
As a bonus, I’m offering complimentary styling consultations for those participating in the event. Once you register with Angie, connect with me to arrange an in-person or online styling consultation free of charge!
FAQ
Who needs a headshot?
Anyone and everyone! Business professionals, small business owners, entrepreneurs, event planners, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, models, actors, students, fellow bloggers – people from all walks of life can benefit from a high-quality headshot.
Where can I use my headshot?
Again, the possibilities are endless – personal or professional social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google+, and so on), personal or professional websites (digital portfolios, personal blogs, your company’s website, etc.), job applications… believe me, you’ll get good use out of your headshot! I know I have!
Why would I need styling assistance for my headshot?
When you look good, you feel good – dressing well boosts your confidence. Many people feel they can’t afford to be stylish, but you can show your personal style without overspending (or spending at all). Sometimes all it takes is looking at your wardrobe with a fresh perspective – it can be as simple as accessorizing.
About Angie Webb Creative
Angie Webb is a brand designer and consultant who assists businesses and individuals in creating a visual look and feel for their brand. Angie’s services go beyond that of a typical designer with her holistic branding approach. First, Angie walks each and every one of her clients through an in-depth process of discovery to find out who they really are and how they want to portray themselves to the world. From there, Angie helps them create a visual identity and other supporting elements, including but not limited to photography, website design, and print materials. Her work doesn’t stop there! Angie then assists her clients in implementing their new identity and moving forward with their renovated brand. Through a clear and thorough process, comprehensive strategy, and coaching, Angie helps businesses and individuals succeed and thrive for the long term.
Styling for Portraits
There are numerous reasons to get portraits throughout your lifetime: graduation, engagement, pregnancy, holiday cards, or maybe just a new image for your website or LinkedIn profile. Portraits are an investment for your family and your business, so it’s important to style yourself accordingly.
Rachel Zoe couldn’t have said it better. Whether you consider yourself a fashion fanatic or not, what you wear says something about you. When it comes to styling for portraits, there are three key things to consider: simplicity, timelessness, and individuality.
I partnered with a recent graduate to style three looks illustrating the three basic components of styling for portraits.
1. SIMPLICITY
No matter what your size, shape, color, or age, it’s always best to keep your style simple in a portrait. Busy prints and over-accessorizing are too distracting for portraits, particularly if you’re taking a family or office portrait with multiple people.
Simplicity is embodied in your favorite jeans and a basic white tee. Pairing these go-to items in your closet is sure to make you feel good and look good in any portrait. Make the look your own with a simple, statement accessory like a fedora!
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS:
Denim: Aero Boyfriend Jean (similar)
Top: American Rag (similar)
Fedora: Charlotte Russe (similar)
2. TIMELESSNESS
Because portraits are an investment, you want them to stand the test of time. Avoid trendy apparel and accessories when styling an outfit for a portrait. You don’t want to look back at your photo in a year and feel it’s outdated!
What’s more timeless than the little black dress? The LBD is perfect for any portrait. Pair it with pumps for a corporate look or a bold accessory for an artistic aesthetic. No matter how you style the LBD, it’s sure to make a portrait that will stand the test of time.
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS:
LBD: Forever 21 (exact)
Shoes: Alfani (exact)
3. INDIVIDUALITY
Simple and timeless doesn’t mean bland and boring. It’s important to let your individual style shine through in your portrait. Think back to Rachel Zoe’s quote and ask yourself what you want your style to say about you. If you’re taking a milestone portrait, choose an outfit that’s age appropriate and fun. If you’re getting a professional portrait, dress for the industry and job you want, such as business attire for corporate settings or artistic apparel for a more creative field.
When styling the third and final outfit for this recent graduate, I wanted a playful look to reflect her youthful spirit. Since the first two looks are very clean, crisp, and neutral, incorporating a pop of color was key. We completed the look with a classic camel cowboy boot to add a touch of personality and contrast the first two ensembles.
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS
Dress: Flying Tomato (similar)
Boots: Wet Seal (similar)
Photographed by Meghann Miller of Memories by Meghann
Transitional Fall Fashion – Part IV
It’s the fourth and final installment of my Transitional Fall Fashion series – the go-to fall outfit!
First, I want to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone I worked with in this series:
Model Mercedes Bleth for looking beautiful in each and every look I styled.
Photographer Logan Potterf for being an amazing director and having a keen artistic eye.
And last but not least…
Encore boutique for supplying all the apparel and accessories featured in each and every look.
Next, let’s recap the first three parts of the series:
Fall 2014 Must-Have: The Chic Sneaker
Fall 2014 Must-Have: The Hand Chain
Fall 2014 Must-Have: The Vest
PART IV – THE GO-TO FALL OUTFIT
It’s good to have go-to outfits in your closet locked and ready for that day you oversleep or impromptu girls night.
Choose pieces that are quick and easy and make you feel and look good no matter what your mood.
A flowy neutral-colored sweater + denim + booties pretty much sums up my go-to fall ensemble (pun intended).
A basic drop earring and simple statement necklace complete the look.
Up your essential-fall-outfit game with my fourth and final Fall 2014 Must-Have: Coated Denim!
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS
Top: Encore Exclusive
Coated Denim: Seven For All Mankind
Bootie: Sam Edelman
Mercedes Bleth photographed by Logan Potterf
Transitional Fall Fashion – Part III
Today I’m coming to you with Part III of my four-part series, Transitional Fall Fashion featuring apparel and accessories from Encore boutique.
If you live in the Athens, GA area, you can visit Encore to purchase every piece featured in this series. Don’t live near Athens? Don’t worry! You can call Encore directly to order a particular item or you can simply use these looks as inspiration for your fall wardrobe.
In Part I and Part II, I shared tips on how to compose the perfect fall outfit AND some of my must-have accessories for fall 2014.
Part III showcases the layering accessory that should be your best friend this fall: the vest!
Don’t forget! A new season doesn’t mean you have to purchase a completely new wardrobe. Many pieces featured in this series are basics you already have in your closet that can be enhanced by a few key purchases, like my fall 2014 must-haves!
PART III – FALL’S BEST FRIEND: THE VEST
The vest is my third must-have accessory for fall 2014. They’re a fun, functional, and flattering!
Adding an asymmetric sweater vest over this graphic tee and bralette instantly gives this ensemble a cozy fall vibe.
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS
Graphic Tank: Feel the Piece
Bralette: Cosabella
Sweater Vest: Encore Exclusive
Denim: Genetic
Bootie: Diba True
Maybe a structured shearling/faux leather vest is more your style. Pair it with your favorite plaid button down for a quintessential fall look.
FULL OUTFIT DETAILS
Button Down: Encore Exclusive
Shearling/Faux Leather Vest: Wells Grace
Bootie: Diba True
Mercedes Bleth photographed by Logan Potterf