Say Bonjour to LilyandViolet.com!

Attention Style-Architects friends: allow us to introduce our new favorite online shopping site, Lily and Violet! Lily and Violet is a new womens’ e-retailer specializing in dresses and skirts, and get this, the majority are under $100! Earlier this month, our team had the pleasure of producing and styling the Lily and Violet fall look book photo shoot.  Here are some images from the shoot {compliments of Canary Grey Photography}. If you like what you see here or at LilyandViolet.com, use the coupon code SAlovesLV20 for 20% off your purchase through the weekend!

Glamorous Evening of Bridal Loveliness + Style-Architects

An exclusive, invitation-only event...top bridal designer {Peter Langner} here from Rome...cocktails and mingling in a penthouse studio overlooking downtown Minneapolis? All in a days' work for the Style-Architects team! Style-Architects is unique in that we offer event planning, design, and day-of management, as well as branding, public relations, and wardrobe styling. Last night we were thrilled to get to use all of our magic for one event. l'atelier couture bridal hosted their first ever fete de blanc. A grand opening party with cocktails, the Twin Cities' bridal industry elite, and designer Peter Langner's largest runway show in the United States. What an honor to get to celebrate l'atelier's new space in such a grand way.

Elizabeth and Rachelle from our events and bridal divisions worked closely with l'atelier couture to help them achieve their vision. Christina and Ranosha from our public relations and styling team were responsible for media coverage including a partnership with MSP Weddings, coverage in MN Bride, a Star Tribune feature, an online article with Martha Stewart Weddings as well as numerous other media outlets. They also assisted backstage to be sure that all of Langner's dresses were represented beautifully to the gorgeous crowd in attendance.

This swanky soiree, held in their luxurious penthouse studio, was a chance for VIPs to experience what l'atelier has to offer, namely, a bridal space unseen anywhere else in the Twin Cities, as well as a chic staff of women who know bridal like the back of their hands. To see it for yourself, visit l'atelier couture bridal this weekend for their Grand Re-opening Open House and trunk show. For this weekend only, there is no appointment necessary to meet Italian designer Peter Langner and the bridal fashion gurus of l'atelier couture bridal.

A special thank to you to the sponsors: Paperista, Apres Party & Tent Rental, Cocoa & Fig, Avant Decor, Alora Ambiance, Instant Request, Capture Studios, Just Bloomed, Evolution Salon and MartinPatrick3.

Setting a Pattern

To stand out in all areas of styling, the golden rule is to think outside of the box. A simple way to add some life to any area of styling, whether it’s your wardrobe, house décor, or photo shoot, is to add in boisterous pattern. The human eye is quick to judge, and is intrigued by bold or contrasting patterns. So throw out the old-fashion and boring rule that styling must have only one strong pattern. Be bold! Add opposing stripe patterns to your bedspread, let your kids dress themselves for the family photo shoot, or wear a shirt with energetic polka dot for fall. A dominant and colorful pattern will provide that unique flair you need! Photography- In a photo shoot, an interesting artistic element is often the unexpected. A sure way to avoid an average photo is to add strong pattern. When adding the pattern to a shoot, it can be robustly contrasting with two different colored and pattern designs.  On the contrary, adding a soft pattern or several similar patterns creates character in the photo.

Remember to contrast patterns as well as textures. Any varying textures are easily seen in a photo and create a new pattern in itself.

Outfits- With the new Autumn season coming up, now is the perfect time to take advantage of wearing fun patterns and textures. Try large and small plaid skirts, animal prints and sheer tights with a design.  A new and distinct trend is to mix bold colors and patterns.

I think we could all take some fashion advice from children, who more often than not have the most interesting and fun outfits, and how to really play with patterns!

Events and Entertaining- Pattern can be created in unexpected ways at your events. From arranging the wine varietals and martini selections at your event, to carefully aligning each wedding program, bouquets or delicious truffle in very distinct way.  The symphony of lines and colors creates visual harmony for your guests.

Photography: Canary grey photography, Kelly Anderson photography, a.m. photography

A Styled Shoot

I consider styling a form of art. And as an artist, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the final images from a well-styled photo shoot. What most people don’t realize is how much work goes into planning the concept, color palette, selecting the models and scouting the location. Fortunately, most photo shoots do not require a professional stylist, but it is still helpful to keep a few styling tips in mind when selecting the wardrobe. Think Outside the Box. When looking for inspiration, many people limit themselves to what’s already been done. As a stylist, I am always looking for inspiration from any source imaginable….my neighbors cobblestone sidewalk, the bright teal swing set at a nearby park, the rusty metal bench outside my favorite coffee shop or an elaborate arched doorway at a local museum. Open your eyes to your everyday surroundings and you will be surprised at what you find! Use these ideas when planning your shoot location and color palette.

Mix and Match. This is my favorite element in photography – the unexpected! Play with the juxtaposition of elements when choosing your location and attire. Mix old with new, refined with rugged, shiny with dull, ethereal with abrasive, modern with vintage…you get the idea. For example, consider throwing on pearls with a t-shirt, pair a sequin top with worn denim or go barefoot with a flowing dress.

Color and Texture. Bold colors and yummy textures will bring life to your photos. Work with your photographer in advance to discuss the background colors and how they will play off your wardrobe choices. For example, bright yellows, pinks and oranges pop nicely against an ocean backdrop. And if you are going with black and white photos, it is especially important to choose drastically contrasting colors so that they read well on camera. And equally important is texture. Adding texture gives an added element of interest. A few ideas: shiny belt, straw hat/fedora, linen pants, silk scarf, wool sweater or metallic accessories.

And lastly (but most importantly), keep it real! For families, weddings, engagement pictures and graduation shoots…. remember to look like yourself. You want your personality to come through in the images so make sure to breathe life into what you choose to wear. If your son wants to throw on his converse sneakers with his seersucker pants and bow tie…so be it! In ten years you will look back at that photo and remember his unique style.