Adventures in Modeling: Part Deux

Next Strides: Building a Modeling & Fashion Styling Portfolio

Last month I kept up my modeling and styling momentum with a second test shoot. This time I teamed up with the lovely and talented Momoko Fritz of Momoko Photography. Mo and I met at Anthropologie (sound familar?) and remained good friends. She played a major part in my decision to explore modeling.

We collaborated in October of 2013 for a mini shoot where she took the photograph pictured above. Mo really captured my spirit in this photo and the response I received from family and friends was overwhelming. The shoot stuck with me and had my gears turning. I was psyched to work with Mo again.

Additionally I had the opportunity to work with the multifaceted makeup artist Alyson Lyon again. Alyson has become such an awesome friend and resource since our shoot with Wittefini in January. Every time I leave this woman's side I take a wealth of knowledge with me.

Once again, before the shoot I shared an outfit lookbook I put together as well as a pinterest board of inspiration. Check out my look layouts below!

For our February shoot Alyson gave me a natural look for the majority of the photos and a dramatic eye and lip for my third outfit. Mo helped me transform my humble studio into, well... a photo studio!

We shot mainly film, which after shooting mainly digital for my first test shoot, was both nerve wracking and exciting. I love how the shots turned out. Mo and Alyson thank you for making me look and feel beautiful.

I'm seeing my growth from shoot to shoot and can't wait for what's ahead!

Conquering Menswear : Trumaker Style

After many years of fashion styling women's wear I've decided to expand my repertoire into men's fashion. I just started working as an Outfitter with a new menswear line called Trumaker. We make shirts built-to-fit men's unique measurements. Pretty cool right?

I'd say we've all scrolled through our closets to find shirts we really like but (there's always a but) they're too baggy in the waist or too short in the arms... I could go on. Something is always a bit "off", when buying straight off the rack. Trumaker is determined to eliminate this issue while creating a convenient service for guys to shop.

"Made-to-measure—or as we call it, built-to-fit—has its roots in a different era of personal style, when clothes were cut and sewn to fit individuals and be worn for years, not fill discount shelves and wear out after a season." - Trumaker

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How Does it Work?
Great question! Gentlemen, book an appointment with an Outfitter like myself and we'll come to you at a place and time of your choosing. To ensure the service is convenient and accessible, your local Outfitter will meet you at your office, home or favorite coffee shop. There we'll learn about you and your personal style, take your measurements and show you our catalog of shirt fabrics. Check out a Fitting Breakdown here.

After your first appointment your first shirt is built and sent your way in a few weeks. Once you try on your first shirt and the fit is accurate, future purchases are simply a click away through the online store or contact with me, your Outfitter!

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Now Trumaker was created based around built-to-fit shirts but we've taken it up a notch with handmade built-to-fit blazers. Additionally we carry sweaters, t-shirts, ties, belts and wallets. Basically we're a one stop shop fellas.

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Why I'm in Love?
I'm a social butterfly and since I started with Trumaker a week ago today, I've had the opportunity to reconnect with friends. As Outfitters get started we book appointments with friends, family and people we know. I'm loving catching up with everyone and learning about my friends' style.

A brand who holds fit and quality at the utmost priority has my respect. Plus I LOVE helping people look and feel good! Watch out menswear :)

Booking: dthaxton@trumakeroutfitter.com

Adventures in Modeling

Building a Portfolio: Modeling & Fashion Styling

I'm trying new things this year. Exploring the world of commercial and print modeling is underway.

Recently I teamed up with Chicago based Wittefini for a test photo shoot. Jeremy Witteveen and Tina Serafini are not only a talented photography duo but an adorable couple as well! Tina was one of my favorite clients when I was a Personal Stylist at Anthropologie. We've been scheming to work together for some time so I was thrilled a collaboration was finally coming to life.

Makeup artist Alyson Lyon executed two beautiful looks. The first was natural while the second was a bit edgier with a cat eye and bold lip color. I loved both and took a list of every Mac product she used.

Before the shoot I shared a lookbook of over ten potential outfits for the shoot as well as a Pinterest board of inspiration. I aimed to gather a range of moods, focusing on form fitting pieces to accentuate my figure. We were able to shoot four outfits in three hours!

Tina, Jeremy and Alyson truly made me look and feel beautiful for my first test shoot. Our collaboration was an amazing way to start building my modeling and fashion styling portfolio. I can't wait to work with this team again! Check out a few of my favorites below and head to my spankin new portfolio to see a few more :)

Chicago Festival Outfits 2014

The weather here in Chicago has evidently shifted cooler. (Snowing on Halloween, c'mon!) As I pull sweaters out of my closet and pack away sundresses and tanks, I can't help but recall my favorite Summer outfits. A few of which were given some amazing compliments in the Chicago festival scene.

Pitchfork July 18-20, 2014

I pretty much lived at the Blue stage this year. The buzzworthy stage presented a home for both TDE's SZA and Isaiah Rashad, Magical Cloudz, Kelela and FKA twigs. Saturday while en route through the dusty field and sweltering sun, a young lady sought after and received my attention. She was from Teen Vogue and asked to photograph my outfit. Passing for a Teen... nah :)

Fondly referred to as my "creature dress", the colorful inkblot pattern instantly caught my attention through the beautiful racks at Anthropologie. The cocoon silhouette, collar and optional synched waist sealed the deal. A patterned dress can be a go to and speak for itself... but I don't leave the house without accessories ha!

elevation:

• metallic dangly earrings: that sway to the rhythm of my stroll
• new favorite crystal necklace: the length of which draws attention to my waistline 
• fallback granny party purse: fits just what I need, allowing freedom to dance
• tan, black with metallic fleck wedges: that allow my shortie self to walk flat with plenty of height to see over the crowds

To think I hesitated slightly with my final edit before stepping out the door (shrug)!

The Best of Pitchfork Street Style: 21 Ultra-Cool Outfits to Copy Now

"This is one of the raddest dresses we've seen all festival season. We want it!"

Amanda Keiser

Shoutout to and Photographed by Amy Creyer

While enjoying Kelela's set I was tapped on the shoulder by a gentleman photographing for New York Times Fashion. Two compliments from notable publications in one day. What in the world! 

Initially I wasn't so sure about the location but there wound up being a level of dimension to this photo. The sunlight filtering through the fence gave me an afternoon spotlight. As the eye drifts from shadows, to the fence opening on the left, a parked car is visible and seemingly compliments the colors in my dress.

Shared the stylish company of SZA! Check out "SZA's Pitchfork Festival Style" for the New York Times.

Pitchfork Festival Style

Shoutout to and Photographed by Drew Anthony Smith

Lollapalooza July 31-August 2, 2014

While chatting with friends at Lollapalooza I felt a gentle tap from a young woman photographing for Refinery 29. Taking my very serious expressions from the two previous photographs into consideration ha I decided to cheese for this one. 

Although the simple t-shirt dress I scooped in Urban Outfitters sale is textured, it has a clean, neutral palette that begged for accessories. The scarf and jacket were my summer armor this year. I loved that she preferred leaving my jacket slung over my purse for the photo! 

elevation:

• black and white mock bone earrings: give a literal edge to the look
• purple & brown tortoise sunglasses: compliment my scarf
• multicolored printed scarf: twisted to give a three dimensional effect
• greyish purple tassle belt: to accentuate my waist since I have a narrow, boyish frame
• white lace tights: that don't work for many seasons but perfectly for a low 70ish day (yes I wear tights in August)
• emerald green "Victorian" lace up boots: that I've worn into the ground and can't give up
• army jacket: that has just enough feminine details 

Check out my Lolla weekend recap for Culture Collide and don't miss Lykke Li's stylishly brooding snap for Refinery 29!

Lollapalooza '14 in 32 Gorgeous Street Style Snaps

"The tights, the shoes, the scarf...we love it all."

Rebecca Taras

Shoutout to and Photographed by Heidi Jewell

North Coast August 29-31, 2014
North Coast, my final festival of the season. (September = festivaled out.) Highlights from this year were Talib Kweli, Cashmere Cat and Snoop Dogg. In fact we heard a legendary crowd participatory moment during Snoop's set. I wish I recorded it. PartyLineChicago for Chi based Fashion blog Trés Awesome asked to take my photo.

I lived in my boyfriend jeans and army fatigue cargos this summer. However I did not wear my army jacket with my fatigue pants. That's just too much army y'all. There's some repeat pieces here. I love wearing accessories and separates in new ways.

elevation:

light brown fedora: menswear inspired to compliment the fatigues
gold three prong asymmetrical earrings: the gold has worn off a bit but I prefer them distressed

So I lost my sunglasses :( I'm so glad I have photos to remember them!

North Coast 2014 [Streetstyle]

Shoutout to and Photographed by PartyLineChicago