Vision

Making mood and vision boards were practically a part of almost every class I attended at Parsons. And for good reason, it is an essential tool that communicates ideas, concepts, inspiration and vision in the fashion industry. I put together many boards while at Oscar de la Renta, American Eagle, and other private label firms.

Vision boards are not limited to only fashion either. Bob Wilkinson and I spent an entire Saturday covering a rather large piece of particle board with images from Dwell, Architectural Digest and other design magazines in order for me to show him what I wanted done to my "Beadle Box" remodel.

So last week when both Ashley Bugg and Alexandra Evjen suggested I create a mood board to help with my brand and latest collection, I WAS all about it. They had attended Promise Tangeman's "Show It" marketing and branding conference and Promise was talking about creating vision boards there. I figured it would be a great exercise for Tracey Martin and I.

Making mood boards ranks up with there with one of my favorite activities!

Synergy

Last week Evonne Bowling asked me to be a part of Mesa Community College's Fashion Advisory Board. She wanted valley locals connected to the fashion industry to give their input on how MCC could improve its fashion program and better prepare their students for the real world.

It was a fabulous place to meet people! I met Lisa Bayne the owner of the VERY adorable boutique Here On The Corner located in Tempe (714 South College Ave/SW Corner of College and University across from ASU's campus). I brought my pieces into Lisa's boutique today and she took several headbands and barrettes. I also did a bit of shopping -- she has really fresh, fun and affordable items. I love it!!! It is going to be my go to place for birthday and Christmas presents!

I also met the stylist Shannon Campbell at the advisory board meeting. She is in the process of photographing my headbands for an editorial spread. Shannon told me to go over and check out Robert Black (of Ford Modeling Agency)'s new vintage shop in Scottsdale -- Fashion By Robert Black. Robert fell in love with my photography and the look book Ashley Bugg had created. Ashley now has one of the biggest gigs of her career. I hope this launches her into the big leagues!

And this doesn't even include the lovely lady I met through Tracey Martin of Baby Butter Clothing on Saturday. This friend of Tracey just bought a children's television on Nickelodian and I am going to assist Tracey with the styling of the characters!!! Jennifer Paige Headbands will be rocked by actresses :-)

I love networking. I love connecting with people. I love when things fall into place!!!! I love the genuine. The Authentic. The real! Viva those with a soul!!!

Creative Synergy

On top of everything else that is going on, I am helping my old boss, Cathy Jahnke with Cjcommunications, with the grand opening of Barney's at Scottsdale Fashion Square in October. She purchased 150 mannequins and her concept is to have artists, designers and other imaginative types use the mannequins as their canvas and create something really spectacular.  The event will be called "The Mannequin Is Our Muse". 

The mannequins will be displayed through out Scottsdale Fashion Square, with the top 5 mannequins being auctioned off and the proceeds going to the Scottsdale Art Museum. Local celebrities will be the judge of the contest. Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney's, as well as installation artist Janice Leonard (AZ 88 and Bar 89) are both participating in creating a mannequin. 

I am collaborating with my friend Bob Wilkinson who is an architect and we might even get to work with another architect Bill Tonnesen on the mannequin project. 

I know NYC is a mecca of creativity, but everyday seems to bring more opportunities for some absolutely fabulous creative synergy right here in Arizona. I could sit and brainstorm with Bob for hours ideas on what to do with our mannequin. We are started experimenting last weekend with various ideas and art mediums. It felt like my soul was being artistically fed. 

And then there is my photographer Ashley Bugg we got together yesterday to do still-life shots of my headbands. It is like Ashley is my creative kindred spirit. She totally understands my vision and her ideas are off the charts! Working with her is a pure delight! And I am totally bouncing off the wall with ideas, excitement and concepts when I am around Ashley. 

Oprah's magazine "O" magazine contacted me about my headbands. And Ashley is going to help me put together a Look Book and Line Sheet for the magazine. I think our finished product will be pretty slick. And of course my mannequin with Bob is going to be out of control. 

Creativity, I love it! It is my addiction and high...

I could do this every weekend!

Several years ago my sister invited me to a "Stamp It Up Party". We made all sorts of adorable hand-made cards. The gal that hosted it was named Ashley Bugg. Ashley is also a photographer.

When I told my sister I wanted to do a photo-shoot of my headbands while I was home, she suggested Ashley. I looked at her website and I was sold! She had exactly the type of look I wanted! 

We chatted on the phone and it was as if she was inside my brain, she totally got my "vision" and what I wanted to accomplish with my photo-shoot. 

I have some absolutely gorgeous friends, who fit the mold of the "Posh Prepster" so I asked them to be my models. They were thrilled and I figured since we were all friends it would be natural for the camera to pick up on our chemistry and bond. Editorial shoots can be amazing, but I did not want anything severe and stuffy. I wanted something playful and warm. 

Ashley was spectacular to work with and we all had an absolute blast "playing models" and striking poses. 

So thank you Erika, Jamie, Diana, Jaime and Kealey!!!!! And of course Ashley! 

I could not have asked for a better day. Today is one of my best friend's birthday, Kealey, but it was such a great day, it felt like my birthday :-)

I can't wait to see the final pictures! In the mean time check out Ashley's work