Totally unacceptable. With only a few days until the new year, I am reinstating my resolution that I make every year...keep record of what's happening, journal, or write a blog. I know, even if no one ever reads this, it is important to document. I love reading my grandma's and mom's old journals. I have gained such insight into myself from the ones I've kept over the years. Oh, and I am still completely devastated that my dad threw away his diaries recently. He had kept them everyday, no fail, for 50+ years! And now they are gone.

 I am committing to blogging at least once a week in 2010. I also plan to keep up on the journaling and BTS, too.

I have so much to blog about but it will have to wait until I get back from NYC! Until then, follow me on Twitter. I will be updating like crazy. Yay! Super pumped!

Wow! Tonight was amazing! The most fun I have had in a long time. Thanks to everyone that came out to support the show. Special thanks to the production team, models, and beauty team. Kristi Moe did it again. Even with the rain scare, this was the most relaxed, easy going show eva. I loved everything. I will blog more about it soon. I am so happy!

Tonight was great. I am so excited for tomorrow's show! This is the most in love I have been with a collection. The girls are amazing. I am so proud of them and can't wait to see them in my clothes! The runway was beautifully designed by my lady friend, the lovely, Sarah Montgomery. She is brilliant. This will be the most fun show eva! This is the most fun I have ever had!

Abby Schoofs is brilliant. She is naturally talented and she works hard to strengthen her craft...What more can you ask for in a photographer? I was blessed to meet Abby during the Fashion Fridays show in February of this year. I feel like we were brought together by magical means. I have no doubt that our mom's had a hand in our meeting...

 It was my first collection and I was so excited. The weeks leading up to the show my mom was on my mind. My mom passed away four years ago and it has been the source of my greatest heartache and my greatest learning. My mom always believed In my creative side. She thought I would be a muse, an artist, or both. My mom helped make my dreams come true, no matter how crazy or big they seemed. She always did what she could to have it come to fruition. I remember the time when she searched forever to find me full size store mannequins. Or the nights she stayed up sewing a design I had created. So, when it came time to show my first collection, I was so happy, but so sad that she wasn't there to see it. Just as those thoughts passed through my mind...in walked Abby. It took my breath away. Abby's mannerisms and overall look reminds me so much of my mom. My sisters were at the show that night, and when we got back to my house, they asked, "Did you see anyone...who, um..." I said, "Yes, her name is Abby and it's gotta be a sign."

That night I went on Abby's website and was further convinced this was meant to be. I read this in her bio...

"Photographer Abby Schoofs is the creative mind behind Avalon Sky Photography. Her mother passing away suddenly due to cancer in late 2003, made her realize that there was more to life then a 9-5 business work week and weeknights spent watching TV. She found her artistic roots again through picking up her mother’s point and shoot, analog camera."

"Her personal motto is to make each photograph 'Creative, Artistic and Unique'. Abby will continue to honor her mother's memory by preserving the world around her in photos, as it was this desire that started her on an artistic journey. It will always continue to be a factor throughout her life and career as an artist."

This was the first image we created together with model Brittney Giessel. This photo won "Pic of the Day" on Model Mayhem!


The next shoot we did together was emotional. It was a mother/daughter shoot that we did on Mother's Day. Models Kelly Raz and her mother Mary.



Our latest work was a Boho Chic shoot with Brittney Giessel.

The rest of the images from these shoots will be up on my portfolio page soon.

Alice Dellal inspired the fall 09 RTW collection for Issa. The models sported faux cracks and then the muse walked the runway.
"Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." -Charles Caleb Colton

The Real Deal...

Seeing Mz. Alice does have me thinking about shaving my crack again...hmm? I like the color, too...

This girl              is rocking my creative socks. She peaked my interest by referring to herself as a "Modern Day Mermaid"  and then I started crushing over her "Ear Candy" entries. I fell in love when I continued reading. What an inspired creative soul! That is what life is about!

We all take ourselves too seriously with fashion sometimes... so let's lighten up and laugh at our not-so stylish moments. What's in it for you for baring this public humiliation you ask?
1. Hair Cut AND Color by Elevation Spa (www.elevationspa.net)
2. Dinner for 2 at Old Market Bistro
3. 1 month membership to Capital Fitness
4. Designer-made dress tailored to your measurements from Milwaukee designer Tena Her (http://www.modelmayhem.com/1002028)
5. Fashion consultation from Rosalee Eichstedt (http://www.rosaleeonline.com) with tips for selecting pieces for your body shape.

Value: A trillion $$$$! Seriously, good value peeps!

Rules:
1. Must be 18+
2. Must live within 10 miles of Madison
3. Must be female
4. Only 1 photo upload allowed of each entrant which must be of themselves and current. (don't upload a pic of you from 5 years ago after a bad dye job). Go to (http://www.facebook.com/wisconsinfashionweek) and simply upload your "hot-mess" photo to the wall. Then, direct people to go to the "Fan Photos" photo album to comment!
5. MUST ATTEND THE JULY 17 EVENT FOR THE REVEAL!!

Selection:
1. Friends, family of the contestant and the WFW Facebook fans may vote for their favorite hot mess by simply commenting under any number of contestants but are limited to only 1 vote (aka. comment) per contestant. See the "Fan Photos" photo album on the WFW Facebook page. VOTING BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AND GOES UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON JULY 10
2. The Fashion Fridays team will select the winner from the top 3 highest scoring contestants.
3. The other 2 highest scoring contestants will receive a premium swag bag (includes fashion + beauty products) that must be picked up at the event on July 17.

What are you waiting for? You've got a voting campaign to start! (PS - people must become a fan of the WFW page in order to be able to comment)

This is an amazing ad concept. Learn more HERE.

This event is going to be amazing! I am so pumped. We have a great location, beautiful models, awesome musical performance, fab beauty team, talented production, and superawesome stylists. All we need is you! The show is free! Come on down and check it out! You don't want to miss it! I have a top secret, gonna blow your skull collection up my sleeve!