'Confessions of a Stylist'

There is nothing like a fashion shoot to get the adrenaline going.

The week(s) leading up to a fashion shoot are typically spent mulling over fashion archives, magazines, history books and Web pages. Combing through sales racks in thrift stores or roaming the mall becomes a daily adventure. I dig out my travel suitcase, stocking it with: lint brushes, an iron, a steamer, safety pins, clamps, scissors, sewing kit and other must-haves from my styling kit.

I clog my e-mail accounts with messages to photographers, models, makeup and hair artists, determined to book the best team possible.

Yesterday’s fashion shoot was proof that the anxiety, stress, fatigue and lack of food are well worth it.

Here are some of the unedited photos taken from that day:

Having worked with the photographer (Vinny G.) before, I knew that he was strongest in outdoor photography. His landscapes from travels to India and streets shots of a bustling Chinatown have a cinematic quality to it – the subjects are captured mid-scene, unbeknownst to them. I wanted that sense of movement in my fashion styling portfolio.

I met model Monica Mendes through a social networking site for models, photographers and stylists. A 23-year-old model and signed to an agency in her native Portugal, Monica has been modeling since the age of 18. I could tell.

“You’re the first model I haven’t had to tell what to do,” I told her. Even as Vinny and I struggled with the shifting sunlight (default photo assistant when times get tough), Vinny noted that the seasoned model would wait patiently for the ‘click’ of the camera before changing her pose.

Hair/Makeup artist Monique Albritton contacted me through a casting call, hoping to add a look with ‘big and luscious hair’ to her portfolio. She did her very best working against the obstacles – strong winds at our location and a Brazilian-straightened head of hair.

A black/white editorial shot near the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris for the German Vogue served as my inspiration. Bold shoulders and velvet, leather and satin fabrics were part of my selection in crafting six looks that were young, edgy, but still glamorous.

From my mother’s vintage suits to Marc Jacobs, I seemed to have made adoring fans out of Monique and Monica, who asked me where I got the pieces so that they could shop there themselves.

All in a day’s work for this fashion stylist.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo credits:

Model: Monica Mendes

Hair/MUA: Monique Albritton

Photographer: Vinny G.

Fashion Styling: Sophia Gonzalez

'Under the Rug'

The end of New York’s fashion week signaled the last time I would look wistfully at bathing suits and espadrille sandals for another six months (well, not including Milan and London’s fashion weeks).

It was one last reminder to reorganize my closet and to put away all my summer clothes – a task which I managed to complete, but took me all last weekend to do.

And a task which made me draw the following conclusion: I am going to need some new floor rugs.

Sure, the woven white area rugs with hand-knotted fringe are cute. But the white rugs are more appropriate for warmer weather, as it provides minimal warmth and coverage.

For this coming season I am going to need something bigger, better, warmer and oh yes, fuzzier.

Recent arrivals at Décor Innovation include an appropriately named Safari Collection with grizzly and polar bear rugs and accent pillows.

The area rugs (each $84.99) are made of acrylic fibers with soft polyester backing for warmth and comfort. Measuring 55”x96”, the rugs provide ample ground coverage, protecting your hardwood floors underneath and absorbing noise.

To compliment the area rugs, the accent pillows for $29.99 come in a set of two – a perfect addition to that sofa, lounge chair, or bed. Easy to clean, the pillows can be washed in cold water and hung on a line to dry.

Personally, I like having a wild card when it comes to décor (the burst of color on a wall, the velvet couch, the lampshade made of antlers) and an ensemble (ie. the crocodile clutch, the brightly colored heel, the statement necklace).

Faux fur vests and stoles pack the kind of fur ball punch that few studded and glittering accessories have. Its 3-dimensional texture instantly amplifies a wardrobe. Yet, it maintains its versatility – faux fur could be translated into looks that are luxurious, hippie, sexy, country, or just savage.

The same rule applies to faux fur rugs, bedding, curtains and other accents. It doesn’t take much.

Plus, I get to spend all day cuddling with something fuzzy. I don’t even have to feed or walk it.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of decorinnovation.com

'Double Take'

Reminding us all that fashion is supposed to be fun, designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCullough of Proenza Schouler dreamed up a Spring-Summer Collection with tie-dye, animal print, tinsel and beading in the brightest colors imaginable.

It was a collection welcomed by fashion critics who argued in the last couple of seasons that the 28-year-olds were “trying too hard to come off as adult.”

The critics were right in this aspect, lest the two designers forget that they owe their overnight fame and success to their 20- early-30-something and celebrity customers. The youthful take on fashion’s recent trends had much to do with their source of inspiration:

“We wanted something young, something that felt fresh,” Hernandez told Style.com. “So we looked to surfing and skating – the things we grew up on.”

And refreshing it was, in a California-scuba-diver-meets-New-York-club-goer sort of way.

The sporty chic collection starred windbreakers wrapped around the waist which doubled as skirts. The motif continued in aqua blue shirt dresses and purple tank dresses. The most versatile combination was a black jacket with a menswear cut worn over color-blocked track pants.

Not afraid of color, the duo delivered animal print tops in an interesting tie-dye effect. But there were no references to hippies and Woodstock, with such blinding color combinations of blue and yellow encouraging the models to don thick, black sunglasses.

The bra-cup bodices that have defined Proenza Schouler style did return, this time accented with layers of mini-ruffles. In an unlikely use of material, plastic pom-pom fringe and tinsel fell in a torrent from the shoulders of racer back dresses.

Do you think the pair tried to tone it down with their choosing of accessories? Nope.

Studded, laser-cut heels, woven wedge sandals, and clutches came in the same electrified color palette as the rest of the garments.

Need a bit more attention next season? This is one collection that can’t help but go unnoticed.

-S.Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of style.com