Lil Jackie- A Fashion Chameleon

m- As I was walking on Ohio Wesleyan University's campus for the first time, I instantly regretted the contents of my packed suitcase from North Carolina. To my first dismay, but later satisfaction, I realized that this college nestled in the poster-board land called conservative mid-west, was not the sweat-shirt wearing campus that OWU's college webpage portrayed. The subtle, but oh-so-present style found on the paths of Ohio Wesleyan's campus definitely exceeded my expectations upon arrival.

A strong contributor to this instant change of heart- Jackie. Jackie is part of this group of girls that SCREAM natural beauty and effortlessness whom instantly made me question my "toned down" and "professional" wardrobe I thought appropriate for central Ohio. The country is more progressive than you would think and this is evident in one's dress. 

Lil Jackie has never modeled before in her life...and these aren't edited....I have nothing else to say. 

Watch how Jackie goes from precious college undergrad to FREAKING SUPER MODEL...

in mere seconds. 

One of the best things about Ohio is the landscape. I constantly find myself on the curb of backroads, rural Ohio, snapping pictures of miles of beautiful farmland, litered with picturesque barns and silos. The seamless, natural air of Ohio is so picture-perfect that I often forget that this is more than a play place or toy set. Add a stunning model, and you've got yourself a Lady Gaga music video. 

("You and I," of course) 

BAM! See that? All we did was put up that hair...and instant super model. 

Are you seeing what I'm seeing? Hair changes everything. 

Fall is time for sweaters and turtlenecks. It is a lovely 60 something degrees in Ohio currently and goes down to mid 30s at night, so jackets and fall attire is here for sure. Animal print is always fantastic and I think Jackie did an awesome job with this outfit, both proportionally and aesthetically. 

Again, no editing. Plum perfection. 

Keeping the animal trend going, and trying take as much advantage of this stellar lighting as possible, Jackie grabbed this shirt out of the back seat of my car, pulled of her skirt, and got to steppin on these here railroad tracks. Instant model material. I just can't get over this one. 

What is so great about this outfit on Jackie was that she instantly became a chameleon of sorts. Depending on the lighting, setting, and hair style, Jackie jumped from Asian influence to African godess, to even something spicy and Latin. The Animal print facilitated this ethnic transformation process even more. SUCH a treat. 

And, to make our experience with this lovely afternoon even more perfect, a locomotive decided to aid us on our photo endeavors. Could not have been better timing. Good thing I always keep a vintage trunk in the trunk. Where ya headed Jackie?

This corn has never looked better. Of this, I am sure. 

It was really a pleasure to shoot with you, Jackie. I can not WAIT for many shoots in the future. Who's signing this girl a model contract?

Because we're obsessed. 

f&p

The Exorcism of Billie Jolene

m- Billie Jolene Barefoot, at her humble abode. Billie is one of a kind, and anyone who knows her wouldn't argue otherwise. I know Billie first from my PR co-worker, Garrett, but as small as the world of Raleigh can be, Billie and I have connections for years. The best thing about Billie is that there is no one, best thing, but a multitude of talents and bests. Fashion is certainly one of them. Bille perfectly dresses her quirky personality with equally unique and forward wardrobe. 

This summer, Billie and I got caught in a Summer storm on our day off...I already miss the long days of sun, with minimal schedules and to-do lists, solely for self indulging. This summer day went from sunshine to summer chaos in minutes. During this powerful shift in nature, Billie and I were completely affected by the storm and channeled a theme of rebirth...A sinful housewife being exorcised, sins washed away from above. Summer days provoke creativity. 

This blazer is super cool. The thick white and blue vertical stripes are flattering and fitting with Billie's floppy hat. Housewife on the lawn. 

Of course Billie wouldn't just wear a floppy hat....these kick ass shorts with mesh bottoms are so fantastic paired with a simple bando. She knows how to do it. 

Welcome home. 

 A storm is brewing. 

This old church pew was really our inspiration for the exorcism of Billie Jolene. Look how dark it got.

Something was going ON on this here pew. The wind, lightening, and thunder combined with the church pew took us to another place. So much fun. 

Billie is not the tallest person in the world but she clearly knows how to dress this precious body type. I love how these wedges and long cardigan elongates her body for the better. You are so great Billie. 

And the rain poured. There is nothing like playing in the warm rain on summer days. Being comfortable outside merely in jean shorts and a tank is certainly one of the finer moments in life. This awesome top is from Free People. 

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 

 -F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

As the days are getting shorter, and the sweaters and boots are masking the cold, lets hold on to our summer mentalities but bring on the fall!

Because we're obsessed. 

f&p

Boho Babes- Bohemian Fall Fashion

m- Part two. Alexa finally made her way back to London last week and I'm certainly having some withdraws with this one over the pond. It's so crazy that the three of us were together a month ago and now we are spread out from Ohio to North Carolina to the great UK. Plum craziness. Good thing we snapped some pitchas prior! Alexa and Dina we're channeling their inner-hippie today and the kids really done good. Sometimes hippie, boho can be translated poorly but these girls have such great taste that this certainly wasn't an option. Alexa and Dina's gorgeous Middle Eastern roots are as colorful and beautiful as their outfits today. 

True beauty, true friendship.

Boho done right, right? These skirts are killer. The rich colors, and heavy draping are to die for. Dina and Alexa compensated for the heavy bottoms with light tops. Perfect compliments. 

This phenomenal top is a vintage piece from Alexa's super fashionable, and ridiculously beautiful, mother's closet. Both Dina and Alexa have RIDICULOUSLY beautiful mothers and clearly they passed down some good genes. There is a glorious flare at the elbow, courtesy of the 70's and I still cant get over how much I love this print....it is definitely a new color combination, and I am all for the pink, black, and asian influence. 

Double beauty. 

These girls know how to accessorize. Glad I got an invite to this arm party. Michael Kors, David Yurman, Evil Eyes, and many more are partying it up. You really can't have too much on your arms. Pile it on. Live a little. You only live once.

We wrapped up the day with some chill time by Alexa's pool. It is crazy how in-tune these best friends are. A wonderful pair. These cool, crisp colors are relaxing and beautiful on these two. 

Red lips are an accessory too. Red lips are bold but...go bold or go home.
With a peak of a feather....I'm sold.

A fun afternoon of fashion with the ladies. 

Because we're obsessed. 

f&p