Bows & Beau-Ties: July 2013

Close-Up | Ella MG

Mark Johnson of When Light Falls Photography,
Clothing by Ja'Nae vs. Ja'Nae

Hey Belles&Beaux!

There are always so many talented models at every show, but this April (at the Gg Collection show) I met one that is quickly becoming a top model (I think we can probably just call her a top model already).

Ella MG is actually an up-and-coming model in Milwaukee, but she seems like such a pro from her portfolio. And she's beyond nice, so it's always great to work with her and I was totally excited I was able to interview her. She was also in the fashion show for Timothy Westbrook's Project Runway premiere party (photo below).

How long have you been modeling? How did you get into the industry?

I was first introduced to the fabulous world of modeling while working as a photography assistant at a photo studio in Allenton during the summer after my Junior year in High School (2010). There was a group shoot set up for that day and a couple more models were needed, so my boss asked if I and some friends would be interested in modeling for the event. I was super excited and rounded up a girlfriend to bring with. We shot with many well-known photographers in the area and, although we both had no idea what we were doing, got a bunch of great pictures out of it! That was my first exposure to the industry, and I honestly never really considered doing more with it than a few filler positions here and there until a fellow model-friend of mine stepped in.

Noelle Hetzel (Noelle Rose) and I worked together at the local Walmart when she first mentioned to me that I should model. We were both pretty unhappy with our day-jobs at the moment and looking for something more. She was doing fairly well as a freelance model at the time and promised me that she would show me the ropes and practically mentor me every step of the way. I denied her multiple times, shaking my head that modeling wasn't for me. After all, what would the fashion industry want with a small town girl like me? I mean, honestly, I grew up on a farm, and with 5 brothers, I was seriously the biggest tomboy my whole life. You couldn't catch me in a dress, much less heels, a short 6 months ago!

It came to be January 2013 and I finally gave in. I made a Model Mayhem (www.modelmayhem.com/ellagorgan) and was extremely surprised by the level of attention I got from photographers. It all took off from there. I did a couple TF shoots, and got comfortable in front of the camera. I was spending all my free time practicing posing techniques and gaining confidence in those stilettos. Personally, it all really took off for me after modeling for Aquage at America's Beauty Show 2013 in Chicago, IL in March. They transformed my look drastically and that was the first time I actually FELT like a model. When I got home, I auditioned for a fashion show with Gg Collections and have networked my way to where I am now from that point on.

What's your favourite part of modeling?

My favorite part of modeling is definitely all the fabulous people I meet and get to work with! I was a little worried at first about working with other models. I thought I was going to be competing with a bunch of divas!! The truth could not be more opposite. I have met some of my closest friends through modeling and formed bonds that I don't think will ever be broken. Photographers, designers, HMUAs, everyone has been just lovely.

What has been the most fun show or photo shoot?

Hmm... that's a tough one.. I would have to say at this point the most fun I have had was in Chicago at ABS. It was very exciting for me because it was my first real exposure to the glitz and glam of the fashion world. There was mystery with every new day of the 4-day event wondering what new hairstyle I would be ending the day with. Also, working with the Aquage team and all of the other models for that extended period allowed us to bond. It definitely felt like an "Aquage family" as they often call eachother. I made friends there that I still talk to, visit, and even arrange shoots with.

Do you have any favourite photographers, stylists, or models to work with?

I really enjoy working with all of my model girlfriends that I have become super close with: Noelle, Carri Niet, Suzanne Beck, Erica Stenglein, Chelsea Crawford, and Alli Shinn. As far as photographers go, I especially loved working with Lex Allen because we both seem to be on the same page style-wise and he was very easy and fun to work with. Richard Allen, Joel Stensberg, Kryg Piatek, Mark Johnson, and Abe Van Dyke are a few others that I have enjoyed working with and see around the fashion scene often. Those are just a few people that stand out to me, but as I said before meeting and working with new people is the best part of this industry.

What do you do when you're not modeling?

When I'm not modeling I'm usually working or at school. I am going to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, double-majoring in psychology and communications. I am currently nannying for a four-year-old and a newborn for the summer, but I also work at the Wisconsin Early Autism Project as a line therapist. I definitely keep busy, that's for sure!

Who's your personal style icon?

I'm not really sure that I have a personal style icon. I may be tsk-ed by others for this, but if I like something style-wise I like it and if I don't, I don't. I never really follow the latest trend or celebrity activity.. Although I can say that I am loving the mints, chevron, studs, and hi-low trends right now!

Aquage transformation. Photo by Luis Alvarez. Styling by Aquage Masterclass Academy.

Gee Luedtke Photography; Styling by Alexis Rose, Elyse Cizek, and Megan Zarnott; Hair by Heidi Kiely, Makeup by Katie; Swimwear by BrownCow Vintage; Necklace by Sunshine Acid Designs; Hat by Linda Marcus; taken at Project Runway Premiere "Girl from Midwestbrook" fashion show feat. Timothy Westbrook

Dametreus Creations Photography; Clothing by Chelsea Stotts of ModaMuneca; Hair by Johnathan London; Makeup by Angelica Morales

Ron Justin, Swimwear by Rosina Mae based out of Chicago, IL

Lex Allen Photography; Hair by Leana Cristiana; Makeup by Aleasha Hernandez;
Clothing by Bjorn Olaf Nasett of Fashion Farmboy

Follow her on facebook so you don't miss any of her amazing shows and photo shoots.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee

Beau-ties | Vintage Sunnies

Hey Belles&Beaux!

Last week I caught up on some reading and realized I haven't shared nearly enough sunnies for guys this summer. I kept seeing The RL69 Safari Eyewear Collection ads- which are fantastic by the way. Oliver Peoples was featured in GQ and Cutler and Gross was featured in GQ UK (both August 2013). If we're talking vintage-y and classic sunnies though, I always think of Warby Parker. I'm now completely in love with all four brands so I've rounded up my favourites from each.

Cutler and Gross

Each pair of Cutler and Gross frames has been entirely handmade and follows in excess of 30 individual processes that have been set in place since the first pair were handcrafted in 1969. (Cutler and Gross)

0328 Bronze

0163 Dark Turtle

0378 Grey

This frame was chosen by the Sun newspaper as their front cover image the day they announced the death of Ronnie Barker in 2005. (Cutler and Gross)

Oliver Peoples

Afton Sun

Jannisson Sun

These may be my favourite. The Gregory Peck Sunglasses were inspired from Peck's character, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird which I just love since I completely adore old movies.

Ralph Lauren- RL67 Safari Eyewear Collection

Round Pilot Sunglasses

Warby Parker

I am kind of obsessed with sunglasses and have to try on every pair I see, but I'm so picky about the exact shape for my face. Which shapes are your favourite? And what do you think of these cool vintage sunnies?

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee

Close-Up | Giovanni Claudio

Giovanni Claudio (right) and his dad (left)
photo by Geonie

Hey Belles&Beaux!

The Project Runway premiere party was full of influential and up-and-coming people of Milwaukee's fashion industry. One of which was lead hair stylist of the event, Giovanni Claudio.

He styled a friend of mine's hair recently so I was already pretty impressed. But if I wasn't before, I was after the fashion show. And really... who wouldn't want to get their hair styled by that beaux guy? ;)

Even as a recent grad, I can tell he'll be a major top stylist by 2014 so naturally I had to feature this rising star. And you might remember I kind of have a thing for Aveda.

How long have you been a hair stylist?

I actually just graduated from the Aveda Institute of Beauty and Wellness a couple months ago, and have been working in the salon since the beginning of June.

Why did you decide to become a hair stylist?

I decided to be a hairstylist because I was always very intrigued by all the different hairstyles and trends every year and something so simple as a new hairstyle could completely change a persons appearance and make them feel so good.

How did you get started in the Industry?

I knew the guys from Fabrizio Cappeli Salon before I went to IBW, and so I basically had a job straight away.

What are your personal favourite hair products? Favourite product for girls' hair?

I personally like "Aveda Men's Clay", it has good hold, and has a matte finish which I like. Another would be the "Verb Forming fiber", which is similar to the Aveda Clay, but has a stronger hold and adds more texture.

Favorite girls products for now would be the "Aveda Flax Seed Aloe", and also the "Aveda Volumizing tonic", both work wonders especially when doing a blowout.

What/who inspires you?

My inspirations come from a number of things, a couple of my classmates in school were inspirations because we pushed each other to new heights and learned from one another. There is one instructor (Catherine) at IBW in particular that was one of my biggest influences, she is one of the greatest women I have ever met in my life, and I can't thank her enough for the amount of knowledge that she bestowed upon me. I am so grateful to have had her as an instructor. And last but definitely not least my parents, especially my father who has instilled such a great work ethic in me, and who has always stood by my side through thick and thin, I have never once in my life felt like I was alone in anything I ever did, I always had their support in any decision I ever made, and I wouldn't be who I am today without my parents.

What are your hair styling "don'ts"?

Styling "Don'ts"...hmmm.... DO NOT USE PANTENE PRO-V anything!! Haha

Um...I really don't think there's a lot of "Don'ts" in styling, I believe that every style has a suitor, a certain "don't" for one person might be someone else's "do".

(on right) Geonie

(on left) Anupama Adireddy

(on left) Sinceree' Dixon

(on left) Elyse Cizek (on right) Alexis Rose

"Like" his facebook page (& follow his Instagram @siciliangio and Twitter @gio_T84) so you don't miss any of his latest looks. If you're in the Milwaukee area, cheat on your old stylist at Fabrizio Cappeli Salon (number on facebook page).

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee

Project Runway Premiere Party | Timothy Westbrook

Happy Monday!

Project Runway returned last Thursday with not one talented Milwaukee designer, but two (and Katelyn Pankoke from Chicago).

Both Miranda's premiere at the InterContinental or Timothy's at The Pfister Hotel (where he was an Artist in Residence) were abuzz with excitement and Milwaukee love.

While there was a shuttle between both parties, I just attended Timothy's. The fantastic event was organized by the amazing Fashion Director Alexis Rose, Creative Director Elyse Cizek, and Assistant Director Megan Zarnott. It was, needless to say, not a night to miss. Michael Dammond of FashionableMags.com, Corleen Heidgerken of Barely Practical, Deb Reimer of Infinity Productions, Rebekah of From the Mixed Up Files and Timothy Westbrook and family were just some of the stylish guests in attendance. (and that's why we all need business cards! any event is excellent for networking ;)) It was actually the first time I had met Timothy, but he was incredibly nice and of course so talented.

Before the Project Runway premiere viewing there was a gorgeous fashion show of some of Timothy's pieces along with other beautiful designers. And then we all watched as the designers on Project Runway transformed parachutes into some great... and not-so-great looks. In case you missed it, Timothy, Miranda, and Katelyn all made it through to this week. :)

Timothy Westbrook

Timothy Westbrook
necklace: wantable.com
accessories and bags: linda marcus turbans: Bree Rose

Timothy Westbrook, roses: Shorewood Florist
earrings: wantable.com
bag: linda marcus design
cuffs: wantable.com

Timothy Westbrook
earrings: wantable.com

Timothy Westbrook
A cage skirt... :)

Swimsuit: BrownCowVintage
glasses, rings: wantable.com
hat, bag: linda marcus design
necklace: sunshine acid designs

swimsuit: BrownCowVintage
earrings: wantable.com
accessories and bags: linda marcus
turbans: Bree Rose

Elyse Cizek, Megan Zarnott, Alexis Rose
gowns: zita bridal
necklace far left: wantable.com

See more photos of the event on KrygPhotography and VDC Photo's facebook pages.

Watch Project Runway this Thursday at 9.8 c on Lifetime to see more of Timothy and Miranda. And if you're in Milwaukee on 21 September don't miss the Palentology of a Woman event at The Public Museum.

Have a fabulous week,

xoxo Aimee

Crinoline and Cage Skirts

Happy (almost) Friday!

So I saw 'cage dresses' on polyvore (love that site). I recently got to wear a cage hoop skirt for a show, so the cage dresses sounded really cool.

Other than the Chromat Full Cage Dress, the cage trend is really more cutouts that look similar to the lattice of strings and hoops in the full cage hoop skirts or crinoline. I think the Chromat one would be fantastic under or over a dress and much more wearable so it's a great modern twist on a crinoline. With some cutouts, both the edgy black Shakuhaci Cage Bustier Dress or sweeter neon pink Commotion Cage Dress are fantastic. Don't forget sunscreen- those would be some weird tan lines.

While the awessome trending cage dresses aren't as elaborate as the crinoline skirt, I read a bit about the skirt's history anyway...

1830- originally meant stiff fabric of horse hair and cotton
1850- referred to the structured skirts made from the material
Not first skirt structure though, farthingale and panniers were first
1946- first hoop skirt patent from David Hough Jr.
1858- patent for latticed string and hoop skirt from IRJ Mann

What do you think of this nod to old cage skirts? They look much easier to sit in!

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee

Club Monaco Sparkle Factor

Hey Belles&Beaux,

I went to check out Club Monaco's new arrivals and lookbook- the tribal/jungle print pieces are great btw- but then I saw the beautiful turquoise Radà Tassel Earrings in their 'Beach Shop'. I actually don't wear earrings very often, but these reminded me right away of Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn)'s glam earring/earplugs in Breakfast at Tiffanys.

I think they are absolutely perfect for Club Monaco as they're trending this season with the fringe and turquoise, but are timelessly classic any season. They're not as casual as earplug earrings, but they could be dressed down with CM's other beach pieces or dressed up a là Audrey Hepburn.

And then I decided that nearly the entire jewelry collection at Club Monaco was too gorgeous not to share.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Stay Fabulous,
xoxo Aimee

Trend-Spotting | Denim Overalls

Happy Monday Belles&Beaux

Last week I was reading Teen Vogue and saw this--

I have been trying to get used to denim-on-denim and overalls (since it looks like both will be around for awhile), but I'm still not totally on board. Tilda Lindstam makes the overall trend look really cool though. I don't think anyone is wearing a jacket, tights, and beanie right now, but I think the lace underneath is cute so it could easily be worn now (sans the extra pieces) or in the fall (as shown).

1. 2. 3. 4.

Have you always been into the denim overall return or are you still unsure like me?

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee ♥

Paris AW13- FashionTV Backstage

Hey Bells&Beaux!

I think it's just as fun to see backstage of a show as the show itself and glad FashionTV thought so too with these...

Stay Fabulous,

xoxo Aimee ♥

Paris AW13 Couture

Hey Belles&Beaux,

After mens fashion weeks, Paris had AW13 Couture Week!

There were so many incredibly gorgeous collections. It's almost too hard to choose a favourite collection, but I do think that Armani Prive, Giambattista Valli, and Iris Van Herpen were stunning. They were also three of the collections that had softer colours than Valentio or Versace's richer colours. I don't usually dress seasonally so I think lighter colours are equally pretty in A/W and richer colours in S/S. Elie Saab and Armani Prive were so glamourous. While I just love a princess red carpet dress during couture week, there were also some metallic and print pieces (trends we've been seeing a lot).