New Face: Jessie of Q6 Talent

A look at brand new model, Jessie, who just signed with Q6 Talent. I think I must have asked her "are you sure this is your first real shoot?" enough times that she wanted to punch me in the face. Well, probably not. She said about 5 words the whole evening... Shy little thing. Sweet too.
It was amazing to see her turn on when I'd give her direction though. For a 14 year old girl I felt like her instincts and familiarity on set were AMAZE!
I'm super excited to see where her career takes her- And I must say, this is a fabulous start.

Lavenda's Closet: Sunshine and Blue Sky Jeans

Wore this outfit on a particularly sunny day. Was super excited to wear my bright blue hat to block sunshine instead of rain. The blouse was a gift from Jenni Walker of Jarfly. The jeans are from Reveille on 23rd Ave. I did a shoot for them this summer and ended up getting these jeans instead of a paycheck. Wooopsies! These shoes are in my top 3 FAVES right now! I love the texture of the light leather and they are really comfy. The pink stud belt was a Christmas gift...

How to Shoot Models

Wow. I had a blast today. I ended up spending 12 hours at the studio shooting 3 models and then wrapping up, tearing down and cleaning up on my own. It's crazy without an assistant! Aparna Brielle came to give me a hand in the morning -thank goodness- or else I would have been at least 30 minutes late with set-up and missed lunch for sure!
The reason for my wacky brain today, is that I actually did all of the wardrobe pulls for this shoot myself. I have styled for shoots in the past, but it's usually been very casual. I have a few connections with local designers and boutiques, but I never had to pull 16 entire looks for 4 different concepts!
Our shoot schedule went down without a hiccop however and every model left with some AMAZING shots for their portfolio's. So excited to send their agencies these proofs...

Just to give you an idea of how it works: I like to be in touch with the agencies from the get go. This way  I can get a heads up on how each model is marketed... For Jacki (below, first set) we were going for "flirty and sexy, but still fun" versus, Kaila, (below, second set) who needed "something more high fashion and editorial" to prep her book for NYC.


Model: Jacki of Option Model and Media Makeup&Hair: Madeline Roosevelt Styling: Lavenda Memory



Model: Kaila of Seattle Models Guild  Makeup&Hair: Madeline Roosevelt Styling: Lavenda Memory

I didn't have a chance to edit shots of our first model, because my cards are yet to be fully uploaded, but her session was trickled with some commercial and some edgier urban shots... Even more shoots to come tomorrow!

Shooting this Weekend/ How to Wear fashionable Camo

I have this modeling special this weekend, which booked up in less than a week and I've been looking forward to all month! Shooting with models and understanding how they'll be marketing themselves and then catering the shoot around their image is fun, challenging and inspiring for me.
Tomorrow I'll be working with some familiar faces and some new ones- even a model from Seattle!
Anyhow, I look forward to sharing some of the different images they- and their agencies- will select from our shoot this weekend.

On another note... we were expecting freezing rain yesterday. Ugh. I really miss summer on days like that. I was headed to a film-set for a commercial. I wore something I was hoping they'd select for the final shoot, which I don't have photos of sadly. But it's cool, cause they picked something else and you'll see that on the commercial eventually...

Instead of that outfit, you can see this outfit I wore the other day... I haven't been a huge fan of camo since middle school camp, where it was cool to wear oversized camo pants with a white tank top. (Yes, this was rural, Oregon and no, I was not exempt from this fashion statement).





This little dress with a camo-inspired print is much more friendly on the eyes and easy to dress up or dress down. I played up on the rugged feel with a beanie and suede booties. But the pop of color in these Ego and Greed wedges makes it a bit more playful and feminine. Necklaces are from Junghwa and Brandy Melville.  Bracelets are from Forever21 and Nordstrom.

Other side of the camera: I'm on Ben Trovato!

A lot of people who know me as Lavenda, the photographer, don't know that I am an actress and model as well. But in fact, I've been signed with my fabulous agency for a little over 2 years.

I have had soooo much fun being on "the other side" that I do test shoots periodically to keep my book updated. This editorial - from a beautiful test I had with Kim+Phil over the summer - is one of those tests and is being featured on Ben Trovato today!

Styling by Amy Allen and MUAH: Nolie Marie Platt

Another Sequin Kind of Day

Don't know what my deal is with all the sequins lately. I threw this on with an all-black ensemble because I wanted to downplay the patchwork sequined vest. The glasses bring the whole thing toward a John Lennon, 70's vibe which I love.


Vest: Vintage, Sweater: H&M, Glasses: Brian Atwood 

Marc Jacobs Give Away

First things first: This Give Away!! All of the names were written down and folded up according to their posting on my blog... To make it fair, I had my husband shake up all the names and draw the slip of paper himself.

As promised, I drew the name from my hat and here it is... THE WINNER! 

"Amy S" also know as Amy Stewart is mutual fan. I adore her jewelry line, Jungwha (I of course- own quite a few pieces myself) as well for her fashion and interior design sense. You can see more of her personal style on her blog here.

She will receive this fabulous Marc Jacobs leather pouch from the Neiman Marcus & Target collaboration in the mail and will be filling it with "a diaper, baby wipes, cookies, lip butter, cell phone, eyeliner, and coupons"

Thanks again everyone who submitted for this first 2013 giveaway! I already have some other little treats put aside for upcoming monthly giveaways.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Family Day

What's better than a sunshine sneak-attack in the middle of January? This January has been much colder than our December and the frost is kind of killing my wardrobe options. I feel like I need to wear industrial boots everyday so that I can catch my balance better as I skid around on the icee sidewalks and driveways.
Anyhow, we took advantage of a 30 degree sun-shiny day and saw the sites out at Oregon City this weekend.





I was wearing Mossimo Sunglasses with a Calvin Klein coat and Hudson jeans. 

Portland Fashion Photographer: Model Books SPECIAL

This special booked up so quickly that we are doing a "take II" this February as tax-returns special. Can't wait to work with some fresh faces from Portland all the way to Seattle!

How to Play down Sequins for Everyday Wear

I love this little Tracy Reese top, I ordered from the Neiman Marcus & Target sale. Of course, I would rather it be silk, but the price point was crazy low and the sequins make up for it. I layered it with this JCrew cardigan I got for Christmas, a little pleated skirt and my Miista booties. Bracelets are all an assortment from Nordstrom and Anthro.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Lavenda's Closet

This is a little "wishful spring" outfit I put together and then couldn't wear because of the near- freezing temparatures. I am asked often asked rhetorical questions by less-daring skeptics such as "oh, my- aren't you cold in that?" And the truthful answer with this outfit would have been hells yes I'm cold!





Shirt: Abercrombie, Cardigan: Alexandar Wang, Skirt: Asos, Necklace: Top Shop, Shoes: EllyClay 

Portland Fashion Photographer: MARC JACOBS Give Away

I am always so excited to see give aways on my favorite blogs. I had a sponsored $50 give-away almost 2 years ago and LOVED it! Now that I have more fans and followers, I am hoping to offer them more frequently. These give-aways will include anything from fashion accessories to fashion PRINTS (signed of course) by me.

We had to start off the official first give-away with a bang, so I chose this brilliant leather pouch by Marc Jacobs. This beautiful, metallic piece is great for carrying makeup or odds and ends in your larger totes, or you can use it as a travel piece for your bathroom kit. It's from the recent Neiman Marcus and Target collaboration and the quality is just lovely. You can see me modeling it here. 

(It will be mailed (or hand delivered) to one winner in this beautiful collectors box.)

The rules for the give-away are as follows: Like my Facebook Fanpage and "share" the Marc Jacobs Give Away post to your page with a little quip on what YOU would fill your leather pouch with. Please leave the same comment in this blog post for your chance to win this pouch! 

Names will be Drawn by Monday, January 21st. Good luck!

Portland Fashion Photographer: Lavenda's Closet

I had two shoots today. One in West Linn for local celebrity and screenwriter, Randall Jahnson (writer of the The Mask of Zorro and The Doors) and the second for a Portland child-actress in Portland-proper... It was fun checking out West Linn and Oregon city. I felt really inspired by all the historical buildings and the beautiful backdrops of nature versus industrial. I'm brainstorming a shoot for that area in the next few months.

Anyhow, I bought this little velvet, BCBG, romper a few months back in mind for a Christmas party, but was too sick to wear it out, so it's just been sitting in my closet. I finally purchased this little yellow belt that made it feel a little more day-friendly and warmed it up for a January outing with my Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket. The shoes are from Urban Outfitters (purchased last year). 

Portland Fashion Photographer: New Shoes

These just arrived from Solestruck a couple days ago. I finally unpackaged them and tried them on last night. I love the feeling of seeing an unopened box on my porch and EEEEEK! Solestruck keeps changing the design of their boxes. Loving the "shoe addict" printed boldly inside.




The shoe is going to be amazing for Spring. I like the orange suede, because it feels like it will be durable. The heel hight adds a great twist on a simpler silhouette. 

Portland Fashion Photographer: Lavenda's Closet

Another blog post on some of my holiday haul... The scarf is Marc Jacobs, striped top from Ella's Godmother, Lori, from JCREW and the skirt is Talulah. I actually picked up the skirt on my last trip to NYC from Aritzia...

I wanted to pair this striped, pretty shirt with something a little more fun, but then play down the sequins and color with the black scarf and my ZARA jacket.

The shoes are by Senso and I love this nude booty with bare legs, because I feel like it extends my legs and makes my 5'4 frame look much longer.


You can find more Senso shoes here on Solestruck's site! 

Portland Fashion Photographer: Men's Fashion

Being a fashion photographer in Portland, I haven't touched into Men's fashion but a handful of times. My first Men's lookbook Homeboy, was shot in NYC for Solestruck this summer and I found that working with a great team allowed me to focus on the shoots. In the end it felt like any other fabulous set- the people and collaboration bringing it all to excecution.

Here is a recent test with international model, Trevor Cross. He contacted me last year before leaving the states, but we weren't able to connect until his recent holiday home.



Muah: Madeline Roosevelt
Stylist: Amy Allen 

Portland Fashion Photographer: Self Portraits

Gosh, I remember back in the day when a tripod and remote were my best friends. Or my only friends, haha. I didn't have photography subjects back then so I practiced everything on myself. Anyhow... it sort of lost it's magic and I think I kind of forgot about the fun and ease a tripod brings to a self- portrait shoot.
I have been blogging my outfits on a separate shoot called "Lavenda's Closet", but quickly realized it wouldn't be frequent enough to hold it's own. Instead of posting solely there, I will be combining these shoots with my LAVENDA blog- right here!
Now that I have rediscovered my tripod, this will be a lot easier and hopefully more frequent.

So, for Christmas this year I found myself overwhelmed with the amount of presents that were "spot-on", like this Marc Jacobs clutch from my little brother.


These green trousers from JCREW were another favorite my husband, Jelani. The beanie came in my stocking from Santa, heehee.



The tank underneath is by TART, the cardigan from Rhapsody Boutique by LA Made, and the "L" necklace from Nordstrom.

These TBA platforms are a fun little treat I picked up at the Solestruck Sample sale. There were marked down like 90%.


I can't wait for Spring to arrive so that I can wear these outfits for more than a quick run outside. It's cold enough to snow these days, but not quite wet enough... PS Check out Kelly Peach for hair color and cuts. She did my beautiful new auburn look!

Portland Fashion Photographer: Portland's Pretty FEATURE

Meet Marissa Sullivan of Portland's Pretty. She is a fashion blogger I first met and photographed nearly two years ago. Marissa is a warm, funny girl with a self-proclaimed NW send of style.
Her blog captures and reports a large percentage of the indie fashion scene in Portland and her casual approach gives her the opportunity to post frequently. Not only that, but she is a babe HERSELF! I was excited to shoot her for our first installment of "Fashion's Night In" which is in collaboration with Rhapsody Boutique and features fashionista's from all walks of life. Check back or subscribe for our bi-monthly Blog feature of Rhapsody's Blog and recaps to be seen here.



What was the best style advice you received and who gave it to you? This has stuck with me since I read it: ”I don’t hate anything in fashion. Everything is okay as long as you do it with enough conviction. Hating on stuff is what causes mediocrity and conformism. It makes people nervous and cautious and they start reining in their flamboyant impulses. So you could say ‘I hate hating.” – Simon Doonan

-Marissa (as reported on Rhapsody)

Check out her full interview here.

Portland Fashion Photographer: Published Work

After my first editorial "Through the Trailer Park" was published on Ben Trovato in 2012, I found myself swimming in a new pool of opportunites. Because of that one publication, agencies and magazines suddenly began knocking at my door. Or 20th century speak: writing emails. (Thanks and many many kisses to Marius of BT!) But the truth is, agencies and publishers are always looking for something fresh. Something new. Two days later my editorial was pushed to the bottom of the landing page and after a week was archived, only found through a search.
I didn't find this disheartening though. I found it exciting and took it as a personal challenge to continue producing great work and knocking those publishers off their desk chairs.
I find that it keeps me inspired and sharper to shoot these "tests" now and again. My portfolio stays fresh and clients seem more inspired by my editorial work that past commercial work anyhow. The big hope is that my photos keeps circulating until they find themselves in the right hands- fingers crossed.

So, on that note- I am really excited about this recent test with one of my favorite makeup artists, Kelly Peach and personal muse, Jessica Smith of Major Models in NYC. A new face on set was Marris Essex who joined us for styling...




Hope you enjoy this sneak peek. These will be the only two until it's picked up for publication. xoxo

Portland Fashion Photographer: Happy New Year!

It's officially a new year! I hope your New Years Eve celebrations were a blast, whether you were at home on your couch or out on a dance floor!
I had a little bit of both worlds at Aloft Hotel where Jelani and I were able to enjoy a night away from home. I didn't realize they have a fabulous lounge called the W XYZ bar on site as well. When I arrived to check in I asked the front desk where the hotel lobby was, haha. It was so -over-the-top-trendy that I thought for sure I had stumbled upon a restaurant.
Since it's not our thang to stay out all night dancing up a storm, we sat down a storm at the movies and watched "Perks of Being a Wallflower" before returning to the lounge for our toast and a 2013 first dance!

Here's me and J all dressed up for a nice of champagne, toasts and dancing...


And outside the elevators, Jelani is wishing I didn't have a camera in my hands...