Today I had a sweet brainstorming session with seasoned commercial photographer (and my newest collaborator – stay tuned), Steven Meckler and David Olsen, the founder of Tucson’s Urban glossy Zocalo Magazine, who have dubbed me their new Fashion Director. YAY. Not fully grasping what that meant until after said meeting, I attempted to dress the part – eye-catching, but classic and professional. What better thing to wear than possibly my all-time tippety top most flattering dress, this buttery leather rucksack (thank you, Thomas Lyte!), and the most comfortable, versatile loafers in existence.
photos by Abraham Cooper
Stripey Zara Dress, $4 – Buffalo Exchange Outlet (oh say, can you spot me on their homepage?) Did you hear? Horizontal stripes have now been proven to be more flattering than vertical!
Thomas Lyte Rucksack – have you ever seen anything so beautiful? Absolutely perfect for transporting my laptop on my bike.
Vintage Nude Tassled Loafers, $1 – Phoenix Thrift Store
Gold Fern Earring – a gift from my good friend, Laura Kepner-Adney, Wingflash Designs
Gold Filigree Statement Rings, $5 – 4th Ave Street Fair
Tucsonans, please mark your calendars for Painfully Hip’s first fashion show on August 27th at Hotel Congress! It will be a benefit for Hope Animal Shelter, Tucson’s only no-kill, cage-free haven for abandoned dogs and cats.
In training for my first Arizona summer, I am quickly learning that owning 2 or 3 swimsuits will not suffice. So I’ve been on the lookout for a 60s swimsuit without those dreaded torpedo cone cups. You know, the ones that the less blessed-of-bosom have to be constantly monitoring in case an errant elbow suddenly renders one concave?
Never have I been known to curse my lack of mammary fortitude more than last week when I was buzzing around Phoenix styling a test shoot for fashion photographer Mark Morgan. I was ransacking the lovely Butter Toast Boutique oohing and ahhing in an annoying fashion, when it hit me that the perfect periwinkle patterned 60s swimsuit was balking at me from its high horse on the mannequin at the front of the store. It was from Merry May Handmade and it had all the perfect elements… except that it was not made for a 30-something woman who would likely still fit into her 7th grade training bra. Luckily, there was a shapely 16 year old Ford model standing in the wings, ready to fill those cups with aplomb.
Oh… curses.
Photo by Mark Morgan
Model – Victoria Klemme, Ford Models
Hair & Makeup – Haley Irene
Styling by Amber Mortensen
Today I asked a $100 question! Answer it in the comments at BlogHer and you could be $100 richer! Think of all the socks you could buy to stuff you cones with!
My team and I loved the outfits for our Mixed Prints story so much, we decided to use them again to shoot Paige, this straight-to-the-top 14 year old model, who rocked these duds to their maximum rockability. This girl was obviously born to be a model. She and her size 11 tootsies! I had to make a rush trip to Marshall’s and Ross on my way to Phoenix to get some basketball player-sized shoes for her. But oh the results!
Photography – KailasPhotography.com
Model – Paige
Wardrobe Styling – Amber Mortensen, Painfully Hip.com
Hair – Jenny Strebe
Makeup – Jordan Dudgeon
Jewelry Designed by Laura Kepner-Adney, Wingflash Designs
Outfits 2 & 3 designed by SapphireCordial.com
Shoes from Marshalls and Ross
Everything else is vintage
One of the first sections I ransack at thrift stores is the oft-overlooked lingerie section. Besides romantic escapism, lacy onesies and bustiers can also function as pretty camisoles when worn with a high-waisted skirt and shrunken blazer. A detailed nightgown can be easily shortened into a sweet mini dress or top.
Partially shot in the historic Hotel San Carlos, this PHDC shoot features vintage lingerie, chunky modern jewelry by Diana Deaver, fine, semi-precious jewelry by Laura Kepner-Adney of Wingflash Designs, and shoes from Marshalls and Ross. You can also spot my backless “Edie” dress by Sapphire Cordial.
Photography – Kailas
Model – Lauren, Ford Models AZ
Wardrobe Styling – Amber Mortensen (me)
Hair – Jenny Strebe
Makeup – Jordan Dudgeon
Jewelry Designed by Laura Kepner-Adney, Wingflash Designs and Diana Deaver
Continue reading PHDC: Stars and Garters
