Academy Artistic (Portfolio Shoot)

Once more, Gene Juarez Academy (my school) has opened up the opportunity to build our portfolio, with what they call "Academy Artistic". This also gives us the chance to compete with each other. I've never been a fan of competition. I feel that it just fuels arguments and judgment. Art and creativity should come from the pit of your guts and the wonders of your mind. When you add the pressures of trying to be better than one another, those tools get clouded. Not to say that you shouldn't strive to be better, just be the best version of yourself. Whoa..a little off topic.. So, there was not a specific theme, so I chose "fire and ice", sort of a fairy tale version. I hope you enjoy. :)

Once again, my sis, Jen Jo Johnson,  helped me out with being my model. Icy Victorian.

Kelly has hair that reaches mid back. I gave her a faux bob with a variation of pre-set (wet) curls, and a few outer barrel curls to mix up the texture.

Check out Miguel's website for all of the sets from 12/5/2012!

P.s. Only 18 more days of school left!! 

Haunted Carnival Wedding

Halloween is absolutely my most favorite holiday of the year. It's the one day a year that society says its OK to go out in public doused in glitter, crazy hair, and caked on make-up (..this is my everyday..)..so who wouldn't want to commemorate this day twice (a year)?! Well, my twin sister is now one of those lucky people who get to. She married her fiance, and father to her crazy adorable baby, on October 27th, 2012, in their Haunted Circus/Tim Burton themed party/wedding. I am so glad I got to help out with hair for the "big day". 

Check out some of the pics..I was the lion tamer w/Tucker as my little lion. ;)

She's ready! 

The Elephant man with Organ Grinder Monkey

Blind Snake Charmer w/ seeing eye dog

Lion Tamer (ME) and Lion

Pretty Clown

 Gypsy Fortune Teller

 Coke Can and Tightrope Walker Bride

Back

 

They did it, They're married!

Photography: Nicole Wilkes

Hair: Stephanie Stafford

The rest of the photo set can be found here

Pretty Little Pin Ups (Portfolio shoot)

I've always been a fan of the beauty and artistry of all things pin up. So, of course I jumped at the chance to style for this pin up themed photo shoot, put together by (photographer) Holly Milender. I can't wait to collaborate again, but in the meantime, here are some of the shots from August. Enjoy! :)

Model: Lucie

Model(s): Jen Jo & baby Skyland

 Model/Photographer: Holly Milender

Model: Nicole

Ps. Do you live in the Seattle/Tacoma area? Looking for a hair stylist for an upcoming photo shoot, modeling gig, or special event? E-mail me your details.

Baby Shower Blues

Today is my brother (and his wife's), baby shower. They are having a boy, adding a new nephew to the pack of three. I've decided to dress in shades of blue in support of baby "Robert StanLee Gates". Plus, it gave me an excuse to coordinate with my hair :). With my hair, I wanted to give a little (modern) 60's vibe with a pseudo beehive and twist knots in the back.  Here's what I put together. :)

Dress: Forever 21

      Headband: Forever 21

         Necklace: Betsy Johnson

                Sandals: Off Broadway Shoes

Who Wore it First

 To better understand modern hair trends, you must take a look into the past and give credit to the fashionistas before our time. Like in any artistic field, you can trace influence back to specific trends and periods of time. Take a look at these ladies below! :)

The "Bob", made popular again by Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes, a few years back.

Finger Waves will always be a classic. In more recent years, you've seen this look on Gwen Stefani & Christina Aguilera.

Soft finger waves, aka the "Veronica Lake" is seen on most young starlets on the red carpet when going for a classic, pretty look. It was hard to choose just one image, but I do love me some Scarlett!

 The hair bow has shoved itself in your face within the past 5 years, thanks to Gaga, but we must give thanks to Audrey for doing it first.

The bold bang is found on adorable hipster girls all over the country, but used to be synonymous with sex symbols of the 60's. 

Long waves are evvvverywhere in 2012. This will definitely be a hairstyle that is noted in the future as, "early 

2000's hair". As in, give me an early 2000's hairstyle.

Fashion colors! Most commonly seen on Katy Perry, Gaga, Nicki Minaj, ect...!

The color fade, or "ombre hair" is also found everywhere in 2012, but remember when Aaliyah did it in the 90's?



Those are a few of my examples of "who wore it first". Can you think of anything to add? :)

Butter My Victory Rolls

I love the dramatic effect that you get by adding a victory roll to your everyday hair. This is a style that I've been playing around with for (about) 4-5 years, but there is no better tutorial than Pin up Doll Ashley Marie 's to really help you polish your look, and get the basic technique down. It's alright if it doesn't end up perfect, or the same each time, just have fun. Check it out, and get to playing! :)

Here's a series of rolls that I have worn throughout the years. :)

Hair inspirations

There are hair inspirations everywhere, it all just depends on what your senses are attracted to the most. I've always been a girl who looves drama! Give me color, a blunt bang, finger waves, or a really elaborate up-do, and I'm in heaven. My biggest hair inspirations embody all of the above and more!  

 So, I know that Christina gets a lot of flack, and is often on the "worst dressed list", but I love her courage and "try something new" attitude. She will always be a trend setter, and someone to look up to (style wise), in my opinion.

 Gwen. I don't think I need to say anything more. I remember, in 3rd grade, leaving my house late because I had to stay and watch No Doubt's "Just A Girl" video. Sorry Mrs. Dye.

I love the whole Mad Men series, but the hair and fashions are reason enough to watch. Betty Draper is the pitts, but her hair is always fab! These are some of my favorite and most inspiring looks from the MM women. :)