eLevated Style Studio

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Stylist's Spotlight: Bey on Vacay

Welcome to the latest Stylist's Spotlight post! In this edition, I am shining the style spotlight on my client, Beya Johnson. You might remember that I recently collaborated with Beya on a Frida Kahlo inspired photoshoot. She's a talented photographer, who runs her own business, as well as a wife and mom, so she is always on the go.

Beya reached out to eLevated style studio for help styling her vacation to France. She was heading to Paris, the South of France, and a wedding in Versailles and needed style help and a quick turnaround time. I got to work sourcing items from some of my favorite sites that have a great track record with quality and shipping.

The wedding guest dress

Everything reached Beya in more than enough time for her departure and we were able to try things on and put together various looks that will give Beya lots of style versatility without taking up too much suitcase space.

A little something for the South of France!

Bey, I hope your trip is as amazing as you looked during our dress rehearsal! Can't wait for you to share your beautiful photos. If you want to see pics from Beya's trip or book her for a photography session, follow her on IG @beyajohnson.

Saturday, July 6, 2019

My #StyleDiary: Animal Print on the Prowl

Animal prints are so much fashion fun! First, there are so many different prints to choose from leopard to cheetah to tiger to snakeskin. Second, it's basically a neutral - there isn't a color out that can't be paired with an animal print (put that to the test if you don’t believe me).

This giraffe print blazer is my favorite animal print piece because it's so versatile. The yellow and black color is different than the typical brown and yellow giraffe print and is more vibrant. The jacket can be dressed up or down and every time it gives off a different look. Below I dressed it down with a pair of Adidas capri joggers and an eLevated Style studio custom made sequin graphic print tank.

Scroll down for a peek into my #stylediary to see the other ways I styled one jacket. Be sure to let me know which look is your favorite!

fun and flirty with a ruffled tiered tutu

Classic shorts with a beach hat for a preppy vibe

A smooth criminal in a fedora and leather pants

#staystylish 💋

- love, Michele

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Brunch-n-Style: Sundresses, Seersucker, Rooftops and Rosé

"Brunch-n-Style" is an event held and hosted by eLevated style studio where the all-girl guests are asked to dress for brunch in a specific style theme. I always encourage everyone who attends to be creatively stylish and unique while following the theme.

We brought in the Summer 2019 edition of Brunch-n-Style season at City Winery in the Ivy City section of Washington, DC. Featured on the style Menu - "Sundresses, Seersucker & Summer Suits!"

Not only did my Fashionable Friends bring the summertime style and shine but they also bought the party to the rooftop of City Winery!

It was a perfect setting for this group of beautiful women to come together, bringing our positive energies and giving off our magical vibes. We were clearly radiating something phenomenal, because I had quite a few requests to be put on the guest list for the next Brunch-n-Style.

The City Winery rooftop is covered but has beautiful views and great spots for photo ops as well.

Our plates were emptied quickly and our adult beverages stayed full. And DJ Jealousy rocked the house, providing all our favorite hits so we could dance off the calories from the good food and liquor! When we started up the line dancing, someone who was attending an all-white 50th birthday celebration walked up to me and said she wanted to join our party! You know me, if it's a party, the more the merrier!

This is one venue that is definitely high on my recommendation list (click here for more info on the Rooftop Brunch) and I know we will be back!

Scroll down for pics from the day - there were so many great ones to choose from, too many to include on one post, but these are just a few favorites.

Follow me on IG or on FB to be added to the Brunch-n-Style guest list! I love to meet new fashionable friends as everyone brings a different flavor and style to this wonderful group!

Stay Stylish!
- Love, Michele 💋

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Inspired by Frida Kahlo: An Editorial Photoshoot

"I paint flowers so they will not die" - Frida Kahlo

Working as a wardrobe stylist for photoshoots is a humbling experience. Each and every opportunity I get to do what I love feels fresh and new and is such a blessing. My most recent invitation to style a shoot was just as incredible with one exception that made it even better - this shoot was a picture perfect all- female collaboration with 5 other amazing creatives! Hairstylist Gwynn Johnson of GoByGeohaghan, Makeup artist Sarah Carter, Photographer Beya Johnson and models Aja and Sara were the quintessential girl dream team and together we made Frida Kahlo come to life in the Spring of 2019! (Special shoutout to our silent collaborator, business owner Kristie Lee of Lee's Flower Shop for providing the floral arrangements for the shoot!)

While other people were running Saturday morning errands or just getting out of bed, we were up and at 'em, letting our creative juices fly on the set.
Sarah prepped, painted and retouched faces using a brilliant color palette.

Gwynn created beautiful crowns of hair using big braids and curls and vibrant flowers.

Beya facilitated gorgeous shots with her photographer's expertise, finding the best lighting and angles as well as being super encouraging and putting the models at ease.

As for the styling for the shoot, I was inspired by Frida Kahlo's iconic sense of fashion - blending traditional Mexican looks with a modern twist that felt easy but still sexy. Below are the looks I came up with.

Scroll down for a peek at a few of my favorite pictures from the finished album collection. These pictures will be featured in an upcoming magazine editorial via the Two Bright Lights platform. I am so proud of the work I did with these ladies and truly cannot wait for the chance to do it again and again!

"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?" - Frida Kahlo

#StayStylish
- Michele

Saturday, June 1, 2019

The Return of the eLevated style studio Style Swap!

I always say, "one girl's trash is another girl's treasure" and that is why the eLevated style swap is always a successful event. What's better than a great fashion find for the FREE!

My fashionable friends always have so much fun at the style swap and this year was no different. After several years of hosting the event, I've discovered that some swap shoppers are more savvy than others - I heard quite a few exclamations of "where'd you find that?!?!" and "I didn't see that". And of course, the early birds always catch the worms, but with so many different styles and sizes of clothes, shoes and accessories, everyone left with something new and a smile.

Attending an eLevated style swap is a great way to purge your closet and get rewarded for all the hard work that goes into that task. You can attend as a style swapper and bring clothing items in good or great condition, or attend as a style shopper and come empty handed. DON'T bring anything that is damaged or too worn, or anything you want to sell (take that to a consignment store and make some money). DO bring a desire to shop and to have a good time because we like to eat, drink, and play dress-up!

Stay tuned to my IG for the save the date for the next style swap. It will likely be some time in the Fall of 2019. You won't want to miss it!

#StayStylish 💋

Love,

Michele

Thursday, May 30, 2019

My #StyleDiary: The Wynwood Walls Entry

The Wynwood Wall Art District provided the perfect backdrops for me to flex my style muscles. Every time I visit I see something new - I am so inspired by street art and the people who create it!

Scroll down for a peek into the latest entry of my #stylediary!