Many, many moons ago (in a land far, far away) I was a dancer.  Ballet.  Jazz.  Musical Theater….it was a huge part of my life.  It’s been a long, long time since my last curtain call – but the world of dance will always hold a special place in my heart.  Of course, I jumped at the chance to be a part of a fashion shoot inspired by the growing trend for dance inspired clothing, hair and makeup.

By now almost everyone has seen the blockbuster film The Black Swan.  Dance inspired fashion had already been gaining visibility, with ballerina buns, leggings and tights popular with fashionistas everywhere.  The release of the Oscar Nominated film moved the style solidly into the mainstream.

The combination of poise and elegance with simplicity and comfort personified by dance clothing (and dancers themselves) was the inspiration for my third collaboration with Phoenix’s very own fashionista, stylist Alex Evjen of AVE Styles.  This shoot was initially conceived back in the fall (kudos to Alex for being ahead of the trends and predicting what was to come) but had to be rescheduled recently because of busy holiday schedules. We were all so excited when the planets finally aligned on a date when everyone was free to do the shoot.

Clothing for the shoot was provided by The Willows Home and Garden, a local luxury home and lifestyle boutique.  Hair Stylist Extraordinaire Kim Cornwell of Triple Threat Studios was on hand to provide her take on ballerina-inspired hair, and the multi-talented Alex took care of model Jennifer’s makeup (LOVE the smoky eyes)!   We shot at the always fabulous Tempe Center For the Arts, which provided the perfect urban backdrop for our shoot.

At the beginning of 2010 I set myself some personal goals.  They weren’t resolutions, mind you, that would be far too cheesy.  And kittens – just so you know – I would never dream of being cheesy.

Just five simple goals, ten words total.

The first one of the list was a single word:

GALLERY

When we neared the end of the year and that one particular goal didn’t seem to be materializing I shrugged it off.  Figured I’d just slide it over into the 2011 column, all casual like so nobody would notice.  No biggie – it happens.

And then, somewhere between Turkey Day and Auld Lang Syne I got an email from Alex Evjen (the genius behind Ave Styles) who invited me to be a part of The Phoenix First Friday Art Exhibit on  March 4^th (that’s tomorrow peeps!) at Day|Twelve – an incredible gallery space in downtown Phoenix.

So what, it wouldn’t take place till 2011.   The invite came in 2010.  I immediately made the executive decision that this totally counted.  Mission accomplished.  Goal crossed off.

~~~

The theme of tomorrow night’s exhibit is STYLE.   I will be featuring images from several fabulous urban fashion shoots – and joining some other incredible artists in showcasing our work.  The best part?  We are collaborating in support of the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation – an organization which exists to educate and assist women in difficult life transitions.  We will be collecting pens and journals all night – these will be used by women at the foundation as they move through the program and on a path to a better future.

The portraits are chosen, the frames are hung and the gallery is ready, but the really important question remains….

What the heck am I going to wear?!*

Date: Friday, March 4, 2011
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Place: 812 2nd Avenue,Phoenix, AZ 85003
*Parking is available across from the gallery and on the street.

Check out our Facebook invite,  and share with your friends. The official event  flier can also be downloaded.

**Send me some style inspiration – if I choose your suggestion (or something close to it) for Friday night, I’ll send you a $25 gift card to use towards your next session or print order!

She is…

Urban goddess

Downtown diva

Voodoo mama

Fierce and feminine

Dark chocolate

High heels

Half-moon eyes

And open heart

Strength you can lean on

And a soft place to fall.

She is Leigh…and va-va-va-voom – does she know how to work the camera!