My Own Sense of Fashion: #interview

#GulfCoastFashion #StyledbyJessicaLauren

Trendsetting and Tulle- An Interview with Stylist Jessica Jackson

12:00:00 PM
By artstarsky
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I wanted to close out the year with something special. For this interview, I chatted with stylist Jessica Jackson. I initially met Jackson while attending The Premiere Fashion Show in May. Find out more about her experience as a stylist and much more.

1. Let’s start by introducing yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessica Jackson and my styling business is named after my first and middle name. My dad helped me come up with the name. I'm from Mobile, Alabama and currently reside in New Orleans, Louisiana. I love shopping, cooking, traveling, long romantic walks to the wine aisle, I'm the happiest being with my friends and family.

2. You have worked as a Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist on the local fashion scene. What do you think sets you apart?

I think what sets me apart is the reasoning behind why I became a stylist. I worked retail during my time in college and I found that so many women had gotten married, had children (which are beautiful acts of life), but in the process, they had completely placed themselves on the back burner and lost their confidence. I'm extremely passionate about helping women of all sizes and ethnicities feel beautiful in their own skin and express that through style.

3. Each season we see a lot of fashion trends come and go. Which recent trend has been your favorite and do you think it going anywhere soon?

I'm big on comfort and being chic at the same time, so I've loved seeing how athleisure has become a major trend and the fact that it's now okay to wear your yoga pants beyond the gym. Just make sure you accessorize correctly! I am also a fan of the layering style being mimicked of the 90s coming back and the impact statement earrings have made. This trend I don't see going anywhere anytime soon because you can easily dress up a t-shirt and jeans with the right earrings.

4. You style a range of clients including brides. What best advice would you give to those seeking styling services?

I'm the stylist that comes over and is like your homegirl instantly! The best way to solicit my services is to contact me via email, or social media. We'll then have a conversation about what your goals are for my services, go from there and most importantly have fun. If you're not having fun you're not doing fashion right!

5. Lastly, where can people find you online?

You can find me online at styledbyjessicalauren.com, Instagram styledby_jessicalauren, and Facebook Styled by Jessica Lauren.

Special thanks again to Jessica. Be sure to follow her and Styled by Jessica Lauren online.

Did you enjoy this interview? Who would you like us to interview in 2018? Let us know in the comments below.

All opinions expressed on the blog appear courtesy of Tamarah Brown for My Own Sense of Fashion © unless otherwise stated (i.e. interviews). No use or reproduction may occur without the written consent of the author. This blog uses affiliate links which generates a small commission from purchases.

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#2017FaceofFFFWeek

Catwalks and Briefcases- An Interview with 2017 Face of FFFWeek © Mallory B. Richardson

12:30:00 PM
By artstarsky
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I had the chance to speak with Indian Plus Size Model & 2017 Face of FFFWeek© Mallory B. Richardson. In between her busy schedule, I asked about her journey to become the 2017 Face of FFFWeek© & more. Keeping reading to find out more.

1. Congratulations on being declared 2017 Face of FFFWeek©. What motivated you to enter this year’s competition and what has been your favorite moment so far?

MBR: Thank you so much! I decided to enter this year after casting as a runway model last year. After watching the FFFWeek© brand build over the years, I thought very carefully about how I wanted to be involved this year. I was unable to make either casting and couldn’t get the thought of not submitting for The Face out of my mind. I had recently worked with a videographer I trusted and truly am a public speaker at heart. Once I heard Gwen on the radio explain the basis for creating The Face role, I was that much more assured, I should submit. The journey has been incredible so far. I have been contacted by previous Face winners, media, embraced by industry professionals and instilled with a new sense of self as me being me and all the hard work I have displayed over the past two years was all worthwhile for a moment in time like this.

Image Credit: Erika King

2. In addition to being a model, you are also a Clothing Stylist and Fashion Producer. Would you say that this has allowed you to have a unique perspective when it comes to modeling?

MBR: I am that much more selective, hands-on, and meticulous when it comes to the treatment of all parties involved in my productions, and what I command when working as a model for a designer in a production. Being a stylist allows me to use my creative abilities to unveil a new and refreshed version of a person via their clothing and appearance, which internally gleams from the inside out as their self-esteem begins to enhance as well.

People do care about their personal appearance, or at least they should, and what others think. As a model, I am there to showcase designer attired suitable for sale. I am a spokesmodel with no words, I am the template to a piece of artistry, I give life to garments and let the audience envision themselves or loved ones enjoying collection items based on my representation of the brand, that is powerful. When I am in production mode, I am constantly thinking, how best can I show my team I value them and receive the best performance both from my staff and the expected attendees.

What type of experience do I want them to have? How can I continue to evolve my productions and keep the core values of creation the same… these are all things I think about. I have produced both Birth of an Empire, my first runway show and now Crusade of Curves which will be an annual production. I hope to continue to build my legacy in the fashion marketplace both for straight and plus women to highlight incredible design aesthetic.

3. Here is a fun question. What is your must have item in your beauty arsenal and why?

MBR: I must have an amazing statement piece. Whether jewelry, belt, or clutch, I am an accessories kind of girl. I believe anything can look like something with a splash of accessory. It takes your look to the next level of completeness.

Image Credit: Erika King

4. Lastly, where can people find you online?

MBR: Facebook: Mallory B. Richardson

Instagram: Malthemodel

Instagram: (Styling) Largerthanlifestyling

Instagram: (Nonprofit) Beaucoup919

Instagram: CrusadeofCurves

Website: www.malloryb.com

Special thanks again to Mallory. Be sure to find her online and catch her at this year’s Full Figured Fashion Week next month.

Did you enjoy this interview? Who should be the subject of our next interview? Let us know in the comments below.

All opinions expressed on the blog appear courtesy of Tamarah Brown for My Own Sense of Fashion © unless otherwise stated (i.e. interviews, guest blog posts etc.). No use or reproduction may occur without the written consent of the author. This blog uses affiliate links & generates a small commission from purchases.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see what we have in store. Let us know what topic you would like next on the blog.

#fblogger

Pastry and Pastels -An Interview with Designer Shelby Rider

9:30:00 AM
By artstarsky
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Last month, during the final night of Mobile Fashion Week I had a chance to meet Designer Shelby Rider. Her collection was one of many from the night that left a lasting impression on the audience. While taking a break from her busy schedule I had a chance to talk more in depth with the designer.

Keeping reading for more from our interview.

Can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

My name is Shelby Rider and I am an American fashion designer. I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma and went to high school in Fairhope, Alabama. I received my bachelor of fine arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and spent a semester abroad studying in Florence, Italy attending Santa Reparata International School of Art. I love traveling and have recently visited Doha, Qatar; Paris, France; and many cities in Italy, but I have finally settled down in New York to focus on my career in Fashion. As a designer, I specialize in surface techniques such as laser cutting, beading, screen-printing, and fabric manipulation. I consider myself an artist above anything else and choose to use my artistic abilities to add unique and creative elements to my garments.

Shelby Rider Fashion “Pastry” Collection

Image Credit: Shelby Rider

Your Pastry Collection showcased at this year’s Mobile Fashion Week. What was the inspiration for the collection and how was your experience at this year’s event? (favorite moment or etc.)

My pastry collection was inspired by my family and the restaurant that we own in Fairhope, Alabama: R Bistro and Pastry. My mom is an amazing self-taught pastry and savory chef and my sister, Madeleine, just got her degree from the French Pastry school in Chicago where she was taught by world champion pastry chefs. Because we both graduated in the same year, my mom decided to celebrate our achievements by doing a showcase at the bistro.

We did a three-course wine dinner and the two collections I had at the time walked during the appetizer and main course. I knew I wanted to make a special new collection to show during the dessert course, so I had the idea to use Maddie’s new pastry skills as the inspiration. I used a lot of white ruffles to resemble whipped cream and kept everything bright and colorful like the glazes she makes.

I like to make very whimsical and fun garments.

Shelby Rider Fashion “Pastry” Collection at Mobile Fashion Week 2016

Image Credit: My Own Sense of Fashion

My experience at Mobile Fashion Week was great! I think the audience seemed to like what they saw, and I even had several models backstage checking out my clothing and telling me that they wished they were walking in my collection, which was a great compliment. I worked very hard to make my segment of the show a full pastry experience. Not only did I have candy related music, but I filmed and created a video of my sister baking while she danced around in my collection pieces, and I finished it off by placing one of R Bistro’s macarons on the seat of each VIP member. I wanted everyone to feel like they were a part of the show and have a great time.

As a sustainable fashion designer what would be your advice to a designer looking to take this step as well?

There are so many approaches to sustainable fashion design that you kind of have to find your own path. There are many techniques such as natural dye methods, only using organic fabrics, upcycling old clothing, and so on. The sustainable practices that I usually employ are fabric recycling and zero waste techniques. Zero waste is a method used to ensure that the designer uses every scrap of fabric so that nothing is wasted and sent to a landfill.

This means either cutting shapes that use the entirety of the fabric, or taking the leftovers to create appliques to be placed back into the design, which is the route that I usually take. The ways that I maintain these methods are by collecting a lot of fabric over time. I like to buy from remnant bins that will be thrown out or I take the scraps that other people no longer need. This not only ensures that the remnants will be used and kept out of landfills, but it also forces you to be more creative when you have smaller pieces of fabric. I hold on to all of my treasures until I have enough to create a cohesive collection, and then I make it work. Recycling textiles is so important to our environment, and if you try hard enough, the limitations of it can bring you something very new and unique.

"Royal Portraits"

Shelby Rider Fashion “Marie Antoinette” Collection in Italy

Image Credit: Shelby Rider

Switching it up if you could design for anyone past and present who would it be and why?

That’s a hard one… There are so many designers that I respect and would love working with, but my two favorites are Dolce & Gabbana and Valentino. It was not until I started studying in Italy that I realized that every designer I look to for inspiration just happens to be Italian… I think that between the two I would prefer to work with Valentino Garavani. I met him when I was in Qatar, and I just love the way that he talks about his clothing with such passion. He just kept repeating how beautiful life was, and I found him to be a wonderful man. I wish I had been able to spend more time with him, but he gave me a signed copy of one of his books that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

In addition to being a fashion designer, you are also a graphic designer and illustrator. How do you incorporate these skills into Shelby Rider Fashion?

I love all aspects of art, but I never knew that my path would lead me to fashion design. I started at Virginia Commonwealth thinking that I would apply to be in the Communication Art program. I mainly drew portraits but also did photography. After finishing their art foundation program, which included a short project class in the Fashion Design Department, I knew I wanted to try something new. I applied and got in, and I also landed a job in the Graphic Design Department, so I was learning a bit of everything.

It was not until I moved to Italy, though, that I was sure how I would incorporate all of my skills together. I took a screen printing class where I hand drew two different patterns and hand printed them onto several meters of fabric. The prints I made inspired the Marie Antoinette collection on my website. That was the most cross-disciplinary project I have done so far, and I look forward to doing more in the future. I also always make it a point to create my own logos and do my own photography. It is not to get recognition for doing it all, but for myself to be in a constant state of creating.

Shelby Rider Fashion "Seven Wonders" Collection inspired by the Paricutin Volcano

Image Credit: Shelby Rider

Lastly, where can people find you online?

Most of my work can be seen on my website: ShelbyRiderFashion.com but I post a lot of in progress photos via my Instagram: Shelby_Rider

I also have a Facebook page called Shelby Rider Fashion.

I am always happy to reply to emails at ShelbyRiderFashion@gmail.com

Special thanks again to Shelby Rider. Find Shelby and Shelby Rider Fashion at her website, Instagram, and Facebook .

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#ChrisKurkPhotography

Camera Ready with Christopher Kurk (Chris Kurk Photography)

6:30:00 PM
By artstarsky
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Here at My Own Sense of Fashion I have the opportunity to interview several people from different parts of fashion. This time around I caught up with Fashion Photographer Christopher Kurk. Keeping reading below for our interview.

Image Credit: Chris Kurk Photography

First, can you tell the readers a little more about yourself and your business? How did you get started?

My name is Christopher Kurk and I am a photographer based in Bridgeport, CT. I love to travel and I am willing to depending on each and every client I work with. I got started with photography back as a sophomore in high school & at that time it was only black & white photography. I took it for my last 3 years in high school, but after that the rest is history. Photography has been a part of my life ever since. I went to college a few years after I graduated high school & enrolled myself in photography and received my Associates Degree.

Did you always have an interest in photography? If so what would you say originally sparked your interest?

I didn’t always have an interest in photography, but back in high school I decided to give it a try & slowly started to fall in love with my passion for photography. What really sparked my interest was that my 1st year of being a freelance photographer or a professional photographer, however, you would like to word it but I was able to get these really beautiful photographs of models outdoors whether it was at the beach or the park depending what the concept was & after I retouched the photos and returned them back to the client they were blown away with how well my eye for photography really was, then my friends/family started to see that I really had an eye for it as well.

Image Credit: Chris Kurk Photography

Do you work strictly accept clients in the Connecticut area? Also, what are all of the photography services you provide?

Well, my clients aren’t really restricted to Connecticut. Depending who I network with whether its websites catered to the photography field or even through word of mouth by friends, mutual friends, etc. I go wherever the wind may take me. As of right now, I have worked with clients all around Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, & Miami. I am just networking more with anyone & everyone I work with regardless of where I am at whether it’s at my day job through coworkers, local singers/comedians, etc. My photography services vary depending on what you’re looking to do but I do Portraits, Fashion, Glamour, Swimwear, Lingerie, Weddings & Birthdays.

Image Credit: Chris Kurk Photography

Name one dream location you would love to have a shoot and why?

The 1 dream location I would love to shoot at would be somewhere tropical because I really love the tropical weather, sandy beaches, etc.

Do you have an upcoming project that you would like to share?

Well my upcoming project is something that I have been a part of since of February 2016 which is a new project to me that I have never done before, but I have a strong relationship with everyone involved in the program I am working with a nonprofit program based out of New Haven, Connecticut that is called Kid Model Life which teaches the youth from ages 4 to 18 about the entertainment world of modeling from how to properly walk in a fashion show, get casting calls, how to pose on the runway as well as making up a modeling portfolio too. If you have any questions about it, I will be more than happy to them or put you in the right direction for more info about the program if your son/daughter, or even you depending on how old you are and want to get involved in it.

Lastly, where can people find you online (website and social media)?

You can reach me at:

Facebook: @chriskurkphotography (my fan page)

Facebook: Search Christopher Kurk (my profile page)

Instagram: @chriskurkphotography

Snapchat: Chriskurkphotog

Special thanks again to Christopher Kurt be sure to find him and his work online.

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter to see what we have in store. Let us know what topic you would like next on the blog.

#fblogger

Inner Peace- An Interview with Jen Stock

7:30:00 PM
By artstarsky
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Image Credit: Jen Stock Designs

We here at My Own Sense of Fashion are always searching to bring you the best when it comes to fashion. With that being said, I am interviewing Jewelry Designer Jen Stock of Jen Stock Designs. For those who may be unfamiliar, Jen Stock Designs is a Luxury Vegan Yoga Influenced Jewelry line. Keep reading to find out more about this brand.

Image Credit: Jen Stock Designs

1. You have been a yogini for over 27 years and you incorporate that into your jewelry. What made you decide to design jewelry with yoga as the inspiration?

My jewelry has always been influenced by my interest in different cultures and bringing them all together in my pieces. I was a jewelry designer for many years as well as a practicing yogini, but about 12 years ago they naturally merged when I made my first Mala style piece. In other words, “I wanted a cool Mala!”

2. Among your clientele are celebrities such as Rihanna, Heidi Klum, Elaine Irwin, Gabby Bernstein, Swizz Beatz, Elena Brower, k.d. Lang, LL Cool J, Nelly Furtado, Rita Ora, Journey, Mandy Ingber, The Black Crowes and Russell Simmons. Have you ever received a unique request when designing a particular piece and what was it? (They came remain anonymous if you would like).

Two people have asked me to create a vial for their dog’s ashes and turn into a necklace. I have not made either. I consider myself a beader, not a jewelry maker and definitely not a glass blower.

God-dess Necklace

Image Credit: Jen Stock Designs

3. Each collection ‘s name is inspired by Yoga and Buddhist culture. How did you decide which names you would use and why?
Organic. I came up with the goddess almost 10 years ago. I changed the spelling by adding the hyphen about 8 years ago when a man first bought one!

Image Credit: Jen Stock Designs

4. What would you say is your most popular piece?

Image Credit: Jen Stock Design

5. Lastly, where can people find you online?

www.jenstock.com

@jenstockdesigns on Instagram , Twitter &Facebook

Thank you for your time.

Special thanks to Jen Stock of Jen Stock Designs. Be sure to check out Jen Stock Designs at their website and on social media.

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter to see what we have in store. Let us know what topic you would like next on the blog.

#accessories

Design by hand: An interview with Amy Reeves of Amy’s Design

9:30:00 AM
By artstarsky
1 Comments

Trendsetting and Tulle- An Interview with Stylist Jessica Jackson

1. Let’s start by introducing yourself to our readers.

2. You have worked as a Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist on the local fashion scene. What do you think sets you apart?

3. Each season we see a lot of fashion trends come and go. Which recent trend has been your favorite and do you think it going anywhere soon?

4. You style a range of clients including brides. What best advice would you give to those seeking styling services?

5. Lastly, where can people find you online?

Catwalks and Briefcases- An Interview with 2017 Face of FFFWeek © Mallory B. Richardson

Pastry and Pastels -An Interview with Designer Shelby Rider

Camera Ready with Christopher Kurk (Chris Kurk Photography)

Inner Peace- An Interview with Jen Stock

Design by hand: An interview with Amy Reeves of Amy’s Design

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Trendsetting and Tulle- An Interview with Stylist Jessica Jackson

1. Let’s start by introducing yourself to our readers.

2. You have worked as a Wardrobe and Fashion Stylist on the local fashion scene. What do you think sets you apart?

3. Each season we see a lot of fashion trends come and go. Which recent trend has been your favorite and do you think it going anywhere soon?

4. You style a range of clients including brides. What best advice would you give to those seeking styling services?

5. Lastly, where can people find you online?

Catwalks and Briefcases- An Interview with 2017 Face of FFFWeek © Mallory B. Richardson

Pastry and Pastels -An Interview with Designer Shelby Rider

Camera Ready with Christopher Kurk (Chris Kurk Photography)

Inner Peace- An Interview with Jen Stock

Design by hand: An interview with Amy Reeves of Amy’s Design

About Me

Like My Own Sense of Fashion on Facebook

Follow My Own Sense of Fashion on Instagram

Follow us on Bloglovin

Alabama Women Bloggers

recent posts

Shop my ShopStyle Shop

Blog Archive

Subscribe To

Activate by Bloglovin

Follow me

Socialize!