Romancing The Season

I write the fashion column for Wasatch Woman magazine in Salt Lake City, Utah. It's a fun job, especially because I not only get to choose what I write but I get to put together photo shoots and style too. It's ideal! The last piece I did was called "Romancing The Season" and it's all about fall fashion and feeling romantic of course. I wanted to share it with you. Plus, I can't help but mention the photographer, my husband who I'm VERY proud of because I think it turned out beautifully! Here it is:







Wardrobe was provided by Whimsy Clothing in SLC, and the models were Elite and Pulse Management.

My Favorite Coats for Winter

I LOVE winter, because I love coats and layering. It gives you an excuse to not only put more clothes on but be more creative as well. Here are a few of my favorite coats this season. If you're on a budget I suggest purchasing your coats somewhere like Forever 21 which is located in Salt Lake City and Provo. They offer really cute styles and surprisingly good quality for the price. If you don't mind spending a little more, Urban Outfitters has some fun stuff and French Connection. Unfortunately French Connection isn't located in Utah yet but their online store is great. Take a look!

Forever 21

Urban Outfitters

French Connection

Finding Superstars

In my spare time I've always kept an eye out for those who would be successful modeling and then I try to help them start their career by getting them signed with big agencies around the world. I've done this for about 5 years and only found a handful of people (it's not everyday you come by a supermodel). Recently I've taken more interest and decided to work for Stacey Eastman at Pulse Management (he actually sent me to Italy when I was 19) and who is also partnered with Elite Model Management in NYC. Yes, that's the Elite, the biggest of them all. So, I'm called a Director which gives me a lot of responsibilities educating models, and scouts but I also get to scout myself. It's sort of addictive. Plus, when you know you can connect good talent with reputable agencies around the world who don't scam people for money, it's even more fun.

About a month ago I was at the mall and walking around with my husband and son I happened to look over my shoulder behind me and see the most beautiful girl standing with her family checking herself out in the mirror with sun glasses. My body immediately turned around to take a second look to see if what I was really looking at WAS indeed a potential supermodel.
Well, only 4 weeks later she signed a 3 year contract with Elite in NYC and is now on her way to doing some really fun modeling work. Take a look, her name is Nicole and these photos are from her first ever photoshoot. I think she's a natural, don't you?

Nappi Clothing, Nothing Better!

Danny Nappi from Salt Lake City is probably the hottest designer to come from the beehive state. He's created a line that has the looks of French Connection, Diesel and Urban Outfitters packaged into one brand. I have to say, his jeans are my favorite and although they retail at $180.00, it's worth the buy considering the quality, fit and feel. It really doesn't get better. You NEED a pair. His other designs which aren't yet posted on his website are amazing too. Dresses, skirts, shorts, jackets. Look out for him because in no time his stuff will be all over and in high demand. Go to www.nappiclothing.com for more info.

Spring 2009 Trends! Some HOT some NOT!

I have to say, Spring 2009 is going to be one of my favorite seasons EVER. There are so many style elements and trends that are easy to wear. I LOVE the direction the designers are going.

The fashion shows are still happening (Italy and Paris) and I will be talking about more of these trends as they happen but here's what I notice so far. Some of the trends for spring are going to be a little out there, but watch and see, they'll be in full swing by fall 2009 and everyone will be wearing them. Look below for more details.

Solids: This trend is one of the easiest to wear. I mean, all you have to do is go through your closet and pick a color and put in on. How easy is that? Plus, wearing all one color tends to make people look more slim and tall. That's a great advantage!

This trend is one of my favorites and one that I wear a lot. Ethnic styles, patterns and colors.
I'll write more about this later because it's a great one and there are SO many varieties is style for 2009.
The long casual dress: These came in style spring 2008 and thank goodness, they will stay till next year. If anyone has a weird body variation they want to hide, wear a long dress with some sandals and you're sure to feel confident where ever you go. Last week I attended a wedding in Michigan and was debating what to wear. I love that I'm 7 months pregnant and that I have a cute bump, but I'll admit, it's not a body shape and variation I'm used to. I found the coolest long dress at Zara for only $60 and wore it to the wedding. It was great, no one really knew I was pregnant. He he.


I like to call these MC Hammer pants. Remember back in the early 90's when these were the hottest thing to wear? Gee's, they were terrible. BUT, they can be fun to wear and actually look good on you too. I'll write more about this soon because I want to show how to wear them best. Check back soon (like next week)!

I will also write about more trends for next year as well. I really haven't been this excited for a while so please come back!

Daring Prom Dresses

I know I'm way out of high school, and not doing the prom thing anymore but, every so often I'll be out and about on prom night. You know, when all the kids are prancing around with the dates they barely know and looking awkward as heck? I actually love gazing and observing their awkwardness because I love knowing I don't have to be in that situation anymore.

When I was little, I loved checking out the different types of prom dresses the girls would wear. And yes, I remember them being quite unique from one another. Well, you would think that in this day in age, when there are SO many options and AND opportunities to look different, they all look the same. I'm so tired of seeing the same dress on every girl. Okay, not the exact same thing but pretty much the same boring styles. It seems to be an "I'm still 8 years old and want to be a princess" thing or a "How can I look 35 years old and easy tonight?" thing.

If I were in high school again and had the chance to do the prom thing all over again, I would choose something similar to these dresses (below). I suppose I would probably have to make it rather than spend $2000+ on it but hey, it can actually be pretty easy. My advice: Take a chance and be different. That doesn't mean you have to wear less, just be more creative and consider the not so typical prom dress. Take a look.


By the way, Happy 4th of July...and yes, I do have plans tonight (putting my son to sleep at 8 and watching the fireworks from my balcony). Yeah..I'm cool.

Girls Get Dream Come True!

The Michele Bell Fashion Show last week went really well. We had 24 models all together and I spent countless hours styling them all but it was SO worth it and I have no doubt the girls had a great time. These 24 girls all submitted a photo and an essay (about why modesty is important to them). We had over 70 girls apply and I really wanted to use them all but unfortunately couldn't. Maybe in the future.

Anyway, I'll admit, getting 24 girls at Macy's all at one time and having to put them into an outfit that will not only compliment their body shape, but be something they love as well isn't that easy. As a Shape Stylist I took on the task and finished with relief knowing that every girl was going to look amazing on the runway. These are some of my favorite before and after shots. The before pictures were taken the day before and the after pictures were taken right before the show started.
Berret Before
Berret After
Ashley Before
Ashley After
Sarah Before
Sarah After
Mandy Before
Mandy After
Mari Before

Mari After
Katelyn Before
Katelyn AfterShannon Before
Shannon After

Meagan Before
Meagan After
Group shot of everyone, including Michele Bell on the right, Danny Nappi (Designer who made the winning sketch), Kendyl Bell on the left (our wonderful MC) and the models.

Kate Hudson Style!

Celebrities and their style. As much as we hate to admit it, we love to look at them, study what their wearing and try to do it ourselves. Kate Hudson may not have the best taste in clothes all the time ( it may be her stylist) but once in a while she wears something really great. Like this outfit. I love these colors together. The light pastel green, gray, brown, and red. You would never think to put any of these together but they actually work.

I also love the way she did it. Her cropped jacket gives her a higher leg line and makes her look taller. She also wore long jeans and barely lets those red shoes peak through. For being shorter than 5.5, I'd say she looks 5.8+. Isn't that the point?


Get this look for less and click on the picture to find out where to get these cute items!