GLENNA Fashions

what a stylist does | wedding edition

glennafashions — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:06:39 +0000

One of my latest favorite things (I seem to come up with more of them every minute. Thanks, Awesome Life!) is styling a shoot and working directly with a photographer. Stephanie Garvey and I created this awesome casual country vintage concept for a few post-wedding photos with Josh & Allison last month.

In the “Pre-Party” stage, we talked looks and locations. I gathered up the necessary accessories and a few extras in case the creative muse brought us new direction during the actual shoot. Steph put together these photo groups to help you see what a stylist actually does. Apparently, I grin and hold a lot of accessories at once.

But actually, I do a lot more than just use my strong arms and hilarious joke-telling skills. A stylist on your shoot is all about the details. It’s a lot more work than you’d think to get those perfect images. I fix the dress hem just so, make sure the belt hits the most flattering place, fluff hair, tell you if you have a booger in your nose… That way your photographer can be free to focus on all the things I don’t understand, like “aperture” and “tilt-shift.” I’m there to eliminate those tiny distractions (except for those hilarious joke distractions) so your photos are the absolute best version of you.

Allison is the amazing designer at at Bramble Floral Design, and she brought along this buttonhole sprig and gorgeous take on a cascade bouquet wrapped in burlap and twine. When I heard “cascade bouquet,” I first thought of of something tacky and full of ribbons like a paper plate wedding rehearsal creation, but Allison proved that this relaxed, natural look is the perfect way to bring some volume and texture to your look.

We ended the day at Cathedral Park in St Johns, where the creative muse showed up in a few elusive spring sun rays. When I say I’ll give the clothes off my back for a project, I mean it. Especially when it involves my faux gorilla fur vest and a large hat.

So, think your favorite photographer needs some style assistance? Want to see what we can dream up for your post-wedding, family, friend, or lovers photo shoot? Send an email to: stylist@glennafashions.com

I’ll bring my jokes.

winter | stockings

glennafashions — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:23:42 +0000

I have a problem with stockings.

Basically, every time I put them on, it looks like I got them from a recycling bin. One use and you can call me Shredded Sally. If it’s not a table corner, it’s a fingernail or a coat button. I can cut those babies on anything. Fortunately, I do a bit better with tights. And lucky for me, there’s a bit of magic that’s in style this year for us serial stocking shredders: socks!

Whether you wear them above your knee, scrunched below, or colorful ankle socks with pumps, socks are this seasons best friend.

And lately I’ve found that wearing them over tights and nylons helps the more fragile fabrics last a bit longer.

Unfortunately, once I shred them above the knee, there’s real no saving them. (Apologies for the indoor iphone quality photo)

How do you wear your socks? Do you layer them over tights to keep your toes extra warm and your snags hidden?

vintage dress, gap belt, gap socks, br suede boots, vintage/gifted rings

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

winter | outtakes

glennafashions — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:54:00 +0000

There’s a reason why I look sullen in most of my images. Pretty much because when I get goofy while shooting photos, they turn out like this:

That’s right. Either scaring away fluffy neighborhood spectators or laughing uncontrollably at my photographers jokes. (There are advantages to hiring your high school best friend as your photographer, let me tell you. I spent most of high school looking exactly like this. Well, not as styled.)

One of these days I’ll find a balance, but until then, enjoy both the silly and serious sides of Glenna Fashions!

Who makes you laugh so hard your face scrunches up?

gap body cardigan, gap body tank, banana republic skirt, h&m belt, br suede boots, cargo earrings, gifted vintage rings

{image: stephaniegarvey.com}

winter | looking forward

glennafashions — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:12:49 +0000

There was one show in the New York Spring 2011 Fashion Week that stood out to me. (The fashion world is always a season ahead of the rest of us.) Usually, I look through photo sets and watch clips of runway shows and am amazed at the creativity and beauty. But occasionally, I think: I can wear that!

The Jil Sander Ready to Wear collection is bold and bright and geometric and I can’t stop thinking about it, even months later. Or wearing it in my head. From the hot pink lipstick to bits of bright colors, I’ve bypassed winter completely and am heading straight for spring! This is proof that the runway doesn’t have to translate into debt and despair.

Yes, I did change my hair about six times with this outfit. But with colors like this, there’s no wrong way to do the ‘do!

This skirt is too big for me now, but still in great shape. Fortunately, I’ve got a quick and easy solution for that: hitch it up and cinch the waist with a handily placed belt. Woven belts are incredibly versatile – no need to punch extra holes, they’ll fit any size!

I softened the look a bit with neutral boots and a cardigan, but this runway inspired look is made of items already in my closet!

How about you, Glenna Friend? Did you find inspiration in the Spring 2011 set and run straight to your closet?

gap body cardigan, gap body tank, banana republic skirt, h&m belt, br suede boots, cargo earrings, gifted vintage rings

{image: stephaniegarvey.com}

*Bonus! Vote on your favorite hairstyle with this outfit! My preference, after looking at the photos, is the low pony, no earrings look.

winter | utilities

glennafashions — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 22:02:32 +0000

Hi Fashionable Friends! Hope you brought in the new year with a bang! I brought in mine acquiring a new brother-in-law!

Fortunately, his great taste in women makes up for his affinity for 10 year old t-shirts. (Don’t worry, we’ve got plans to shape up his wardrobe a bit!)

Family weddings are fun, but they take up a lot of time. Fortunately, I’ve got a closet full of simple, comfortable, and lovely options for a Bridesmaid Brunch or Meeting His Extended Family Dinners. With the right pieces in your closet, deciding what to wear is as easy as grabbing a third cookie off that holiday leftovers tray.

This simple Utility Shirt is a bit more fancy than her country cousin, the Chambray Shirt. I love the cut, the feel of the material, and the versatility. Oh, the versatility! She’s good with everything from khaki shorts to a tweed skirt to my favorite skinny jeans.

With any button up shirt, a proper fit is essential to preventing awkward gaps or constant tugging. Effortless fitted clothes are out there, and a personal shopper is exactly what you need to find yours!

And can we talk about this Utility Bag for a minute? We can? Great!
It is versatility and utility and gorgeous faux leather and cute buckles all blended up in one perfect bag. All the straps can be shortened or lengthened or removed, so it’s basically a shoulder/cross-body/clutch. And you would be surprised at how much stuff I can fit in there. Crossword puzzle book? Check. Regular book? Check. Pens? Wallet? Indispensable Moleskine planner? Check.

You know what else could fit in my planner? Your Closet Consultation appointment to start the year off on the right fashion foot! How else will you know how great you look in that dress or that you need a new pair of shoes or that it’s easy to mix up a daily style recipe when you’ve got the right ingredients?

I also share secrets like the fact that I cut off these jeans. With scissors. Because your shoes are worth seeing and it’s better to Wear it Differently!

gap utility shirt, cutoff gap jeans, br heels, gap utility bag, gifted vintage rings and earrings

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

winter | ruby slippers

glennafashions — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:38:37 +0000

We all know there’s no place like home for the holidays. But how do we get there? The flights are expensive, the roads are full, the cheer seems absent from transportation. Well, it’s easy for me! See, I have these nifty shoes, and I just click my heels together three times and I go wherever I’m thinking of. Sorry, guys, I’ll be in Tahiti for a while…
Actually, I don’t have those shoes. (But my family is close so I might as well!) But I do have these shoes:

My sister and I have a tradition of gifting shoes for birthdays. She finds amazing vintage ones all over the place, like these handmade slippers. How cool is this back detail? It looks like a creepy eye!

My only problem is that wearing flats is a rarity for me. And if I do, this time of year, it’s usually my boots. Also, red is a challenge for this spring-toned blonde. I swapped out the ruby slippers for the teal heels (my present from the year before, I might add) in this outfit, thinking that the monochromatic grey/blue and the loose cut pant would emphasize the difference of this shoe compared to most flats.

These shoes are perfect for this time of year, of course. See how the toes turn up? I’ve determined to go all Arabian Christmas Elf on everyone and wear them for Christmas Eve Family Night! Now to plan the rest of the outfit…

Happy Holidays from Glenna | Fashions to you and yours, dear friends! And wishing you a very stylish 2011!

gifted handmade vintage ruby slippers, gap chambray shirt, ann taylor sash belt, br slacks, gifted vintage rings

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

fall | bits and pieces

glennafashions — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:42:22 +0000

This outfit mixes some of my favorites from this fall: my navy corduroy blazer, a silk scarf given to me by a friend, my BR paper bag skirt, a thin belt, and brown heeled oxfords. Are you ready?

Obviously, with a bit more chill in the air now, I add tights! But each of these pieces represents a major trend of the season, translated into a Glenna | Fashions wardrobe: simple, versatile, and personal. The blazer sat unused for nearly a year until I rediscovered the texture it added to everything. An old blazer is never going out of style if you’re willing to play with it and make the small adjustments like rolling the sleeves or belting or switching buttons or wearing it differently.

Do you own something that your friend loves? Give it to her! That’s how I got this pretty vintage scarf. (Thanks, A!) So often things that are in your “eh” pile can be at the top of the list for someone else! Talk about a meaningful holiday gift that will last all year long!

And those brown heeled Oxfords? Swoon. I’m wearing them as I type. They are functional, comfortable, and will be season-less, as far as I’m concerned. Get ready to see them all over the place! I’m working on finishing this year well and a few new big ideas for the next. Stay tuned for more remixing tips, inspiration, and new closets to share!

h&m blazer, h&m tank, gifted vintage scarf, jcrew belt, br skirt, rocket dog oxfords

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

fall | stripes and scarves

glennafashions — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:05:17 +0000

Well, my Thanksgiving blog-break extended long past the long weekend, apparently. I think I just have so much to be grateful for, it takes me extra long to categorize… Right? Right. Okay, so on my extensive list are: friends who take amazing photos and Style Party favorite finds.

This striped shirt might have Sisterhood-Magic powers. because I put it on and despite a label size that shouldn’t match my body, it fit well. Turns out it has a story: a Style Party find from one friend to another, then swapped between sisters, and finally, into my hands. I guess somethings (stripes and sharing) never go out of style!

I wanted to mix up the patterns and tie in the black jeans and boots, so I added this long and luxurious double sided striped/checked scarf and a thin silver belt. Again with the belts, I know. But I find that so often, a belt’s the finishing touch an outfit needs. It’s one of the least expensive ways to expand your wardrobe, too!

And of course, what kind of Oregonian would I be without my very own Linebacker pose? (Hey, it was cold!)

Want to be sure no great gems go undiscovered in your closet or your friend’s closet? Call Glenna | Fashions for a holiday style upgrade!

frenchi jacket, style party striped gap t, borrowed scarf, jcrew belt, levi’s jeans, gap wellies, gifted vintage rings

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

fall | leopard and leather

glennafashions — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:36:08 +0000

I’ve added something new to my list of Take-Backs. You know, those things I said I can’t pull off, would never wear, might be in style but just aren’t me. I took it back, and like every other thing on my Take-Back list, I’m currently obsessed. With leopard. And with these amazing photos taken by the super talented Stephanie Garvey.

I traded this scarf at a Style Party last weekend. It was one of those things I intuitively knew I had to have (I’m pretty sure I let out a terribly unlady like squawk.) But lucky for me, I didn’t have to fight anyone for it! It was truly one woman’s trash, my treasure.

If you’re planning to focus more on spending time and love instead of money this year, why not start a new tradition with your girl friends? Style Parties are a fantastic way to adjust your closet, find some new inspiration, donate to a charity, and celebrate that friendship is always fashionable! And they’re even better when you have a personal stylist present to help everyone. Want to make sure no gems get missed? Glenna | Fashions will be there! Give me a call for help with making your Style Party an absolute success!

Oh, and I promise not to steal all the best items! You know. Just most of them!

style party scarf, gifted pamela mccoy band leader jacket, kld signature dress, levi’s jeans, gap wellies, br leaf earrings

{images: stephaniegarvey.com}

fall | jewelry style

glennafashions — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:52:50 +0000

So, are you as madly in love with the necklace from my last post as I am? Well, probably not, but I can assure you, if this gem was hanging on your mirror every morning, you’d be happy too.

One of the best kept jewelry secrets out there is this: it doesn’t have to be expensive. Mixed media, layers, and vintage style jewelery so popular right now, so that means vintage shops, hole in the wall thrifts stores, and your Great Aunt’s treasures should be your first stop on the jewelry search. I try to go without too many expectations, because this necklace didn’t fit in with my wants at all, but once I saw it I couldn’t stop staring! The mall is rarely the best place to find those pieces that will keep even you saying “woah!” every time you pass a mirror.

Plus, classy and old beats cheap and turns-your-neck-green anytime. I love wearing items that have a story: from the skirt I bought in London to the shoes from a friend’s wedding, my style is always about the story. This necklace had a story before me, and I love adding to it! This necklace is a gift from my aunt, who found it with me at the Albertina Kerr shop in Portland. Not only is it a fantastic find at a reasonable price, but the proceeds went to help special local families! If you’re looking for unique gifts anytime soon, I’d definitely suggest checking out their stores!

I call it my “Old Lady Bling Bling.” There is no other possible name for it. It’s heavy, flashy, and perfectly imperfect.

Do your favorite items have a story you tell every time you wear them? I’d love to hear about them!

gifted vintage necklace, gap chambray shirt, ann taylor sash belt, br slacks, gifted vintage rings

{image: stephaniegarvey.com}