Behind the Scenes: The Day in the Life of a Fashion Stylist

Have you ever met someone that was so similar to you? The same personality? Similar Style? Almost like your are long lost twins or kindred spirits? Well, that's how I feel about my good friend, Ashley Monique! She's a rising stylist here in the state of GA working hard and making moves. Last week I had the privilege of getting my feet wet in the world of styling thanks to Ashley Monique! She extended an invitation to let me tag along and be her assistant for a two day bridal photo shoot. I must admit it was an awesome experience seeing the designer make amazing creations by hand, meeting models, assisting with model fittings, seeing the photographer capture story lines behind her lenses, watching the makeup artists and stylist work hand - in - hand to create a land of fantasy and awe. I felt like I was channeling my inner fashion stylist besties (at least in my head) Mama June Ambrose, and Rachel Zoe. Here are some behind the scene shots of the 2 day bridal shoot.

*Disclaimer: I shot all the behind the scenes photos you will see today on my personal camera, but to see the "official" shots from the shoot check out the photographers amazing photos here. 

THE TEAM THAT MADE IT HAPPEN
Dress Designer: Leolena Harrigan (Facebook Link)
Wardrobe Stylist: Ashley Monique! (Facebook Fan Page)
Make - Up - Artists: Christine Harrigan (Facebook Link) & Ebonie Kristie (Facebook Link)
Photographer: Melinda Humphries (Photography Website)
Hairstylist (for Tyler & Brittany): SheaLocs Natural Hair Studio (Facebook Link), (for Mercedes): Derrick Brooks
Day 1 Models: Tyler Cooper (Model Mayhem Link), Eric Van Beek (Model Mayhem Link), Mercedes Shannon (Facebook Link), Giorgio Render (Model Mayhem Link)
Day 2 Models: Sana (@hopeforlife IG), Brittany Leshalle (Facebook Modeling Page) 

As you can see it was 2 days of jammed packed action. You never know all it takes behind the scenes to make photos look so polished. I have a new appreciation for models, designers, stylists, photographers, mua's everyone who are involved on a daily basis with creating amazing photo shoots for magazines, ads, etc.

-Ali
xoxoxo

A Nautical Sunday - The Mr. & Mrs. Edition

After losing an hour of sleep on Sunday morning, the hubby and I were rushing to getting ready for church when he asked "what should I wear today?" Since I picked out my navy and white striped nautical dress the night before I thought it would be great if the hubster matched my swag and wore his nautical striped shirt too. The full looks turned out better than I expected. So great, that my good friend, an up - and - coming stylist (aka my photographer for the day), Ashley Monique took our pics after church. They turned out really nice. I felt like I was getting my engagement photos taken again :)

MR. & MRS.
My hubby looked so cute that I had to capture his entire look and share with my Ali's Fashion Sense family! He actually jumped from behind the lens (he's my photographer usually), and allowed me to shoot him for a change! Since it's warming up the crisp white blazer was a perfect way to dress up his striped tee without looking to "stuffy." I chose to pair my navy and white nautical dress with a bold neon blazer to add an unexpected twist. I layered a couple of cute necklaces, threw on my gladiator booties and my look was complete. 

His: Kenneth Cole Blazer (Macy's), Navy & White Striped Nautical Tee (Target), Denim Jeans (Levi's), Denim Boat Shoes (Forever 21 Men)

Hers: Neon Blazer (Forever 21), Navy & White Striped Nautical Dress (JC Penney), Gladiator Booties (DSW), Chunky Pearl Necklace (Forever 21), Crystal Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21)

We look good as a unit I must admit. Do you ever dress like your significant other? Do you thinking matching each other is a "go" or a "no - no?"

Have a great Monday luvs! Make it productive.

-Ali
Xoxoxoxo

Palazzo Pants in Winter White

I love the concept of wearing winter white during the winter. Who said you couldn't wear white after Labor Day? While it's technically winter is still full throttle GA gave me a false glimpse of spring when it exposed us to temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s last week. Rays of sunshine beamed on us sparatically throughout the week creating a peak into our glorious future of sun and fun! Too bad all good things must come to an end (it is literally in the upper 40s this week). But while the temperatures artificially rose for a few days, I pulled out my cream Jennifer Lopez palazzo pants that I scored from Kohl's a couple seasons ago and other winter whites and neutrals to pull together this soft, romantic look. The deep red berry lip was inspired by a host of Instagram photos I've seen over the past week of dark, vampy pouts.

Outfit Details: Jennifer Lopez Palazzo Pants (Kohl's), Cream Transparent Blouse (Zara), Neutral Leather Jacket (Wet Seal), Silver Necklace (Macy's), Floral Peep Toe Sandals (DSW)

2 Piece Leather

If you've been following Ali's Fashion Sense for a while you know I have a slight obsession with leather garments. OK, a huge obsession with leather. During our day trip to Vancouver, Canada over the Christmas break we visited "Topshop", where they had a massive holiday sale. I was able to snag a super cute light gray leather envelope skirt. I couldn't wait to create a stylish outfit using the leather skirt as the focal piece. I paired it with my cropped leather top, a tuxedo blazer, and a cute pair of sandals. A few added accessories (clutch, sunnies, statement necklace) and the look was complete. If you've never shopped at Topshop you're missing a treat. Check out their online website at http://us.topshop.com. You can find some awesome items (just thank me later).

Outfit Details: Envelope Skirt (Topshop), Cropped Leather Top (Forever 21), Tuxedo Blazer (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (H&M), Sandals (Forever 21), Snakeskin Clutch (Target)

Enjoy your Monday luvs! Make it productive. I will see back here on Wednesday. Same place, same time!

-Ali
Xoxoxo