The portrait of the perfect sunset reflects against white hot sunglasses. In the distance, banana tree leaves brush against each other in the afternoon breeze. Vibrant lipsticks bloom among the flora and fauna. Sparkling accessories, little critters in their natural habitat, slither and curl endlessly. This is Glam Island.

For my first test shots at my styling internship, I wanted the tropical tones to emanate a feeling of empowered femininity, possibly gained from walking through the jungle (near the beach!) in stilettos. I dream big. My co-worker, who is clearly a photo and lighting genius, quickly obliged, making the set look like a balmy midsummer afternoon. With a few of the products in the studio, some wooden blocks, a draped faux reptile cloth and a random leaf found in a box in the corner, the show was on the road.

At first, I positioned the Michael Kors Selma satchel at the center of the shot. Its firm structure contrasts its soft, neutral hue, making it the perfect girly tote for summer. (Also, it’s a crowd pleaser.) Then I realized there was much more going on. The glimmering Jessica Simpson princess heels deserved equal attention. A fellow stylist brilliantly rolled up a Chan Luu leopard print scarf like a beach towel, playing on the jungle island theme. Some of the accessories, like the Steve Madden sunglasses and the Kate Spade watch, were made to resemble treasures in the sand, while others, like the Chan Luu necklaces, were coiled up like tropical serpents.

It was a fun challenge to create this odd mixture of summer essentials. I was thrilled that my co-workers, my teammates, were excited to help me realize my vision, and even more excited to play around with these precious products for a few hours. By picking statement pieces that you naturally gravitate to, you can create a look that fulfills your personal style goals, even if those goals are to walk gracefully through nature in strappy sandals.

Always Deviate,

Jen

 

Elise

The fashion industry has many serious aspects to it: the hardworking designers, the critical editors and the ambitious sales personnel, but when clothing finally gets to the Fashionista, it’s all about having fun. The most interesting thing about personal style is that with one wardrobe you can blossom into a different person every time you dress.

Whether you’re the college career girl or the Friday night Fashionista, you can style key pieces in your closet in new ways to reinvent yourself, flaunt different sides of your personality and keep life refreshing.

I met up with my pal and fellow study abroad comrade, Elise, to style summer looks that are professional and pretty. As I mature, I find it more important to create looks that are appropriate for a wider range of “grown-up” occasions, so when styling we kept in mind the respectable young lady.

For the office deviant, we paired a soft chambray blouse with coral harem pants. It keeps things interesting since the fabrics are usually reversed on the items. I accessorized with a cool mint necklace and topped it off with a regal bun that says, “Office Style Queen.”

We put together a cobalt-blue blouse with light-wash jeans and nude heels for a casual-Friday kind of look. The eye-catching pattern is subtle enough for the office but ready for drinks at happy hour. The nude cork heels keep the look fun and young because it’s summer, and we haven’t fully entered the dreadful adult world.

This black printed dress layered with a sheer long-sleeve blouse is a look ready for a classy and sassy night out. Realistically, the blouse would never work in Florida due to heat and humidity, but I’m keeping my northern Fashionistas in mind with this tip for cooler nights. We added casual brown wedges and a Michael Kors cross-body to give it an earthy touch.

F. Scott Fitzgerald said life begins over again with the summer, and I’m pretty sure this roaring twenties bon vivant was also referring to fashion. To start anew with your look, you don’t have to go out and buy an entirely different set of clothes. You simply focus on how you want to present yourself that day, and build the courage to show off a renovated style.

Always Deviate,

Jen

Blush

Coy. Cute. Coquettish. Confident.

Sarah and Kevin rocked matching racy red coats that crackled on this sunny Florida day and gave the term “his and hers” a fired new edge. The word “tantric” comes to mind. Platonically, of course.

His: A red track jacket that’s not too heavy but textured enough to stay warm on a day that wont decide whether it will be hot or cold. (A similar style is available at H&M!) A pale blue polo shirt because preppy isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a lifestyle. Light washed taupe corduroy pants, a light brown belt and dark brown shoes.

Hers: A quarter sleeve, lace-detailed cherry blazer with matching lips and a thin belt. A scoop-neck beige top with high-waist black pleated shorts. Wonder-woman jewels that included a gold cuff bracelet on one hand and watch on the other, red and black wing-like earrings and a semi-spherical ring. To round off this Michael Kors-esque sports chic look, black Nike trainers.

These trendy two deviate from the boring blacks and white, and exude a valiant demeanor that is…red hot.

Sleek. Sexy. Sultry. Smart.

As a good friend of mine once said, “Go ahead with your bad self.”

Always Deviate,

Jen