kansas city fashion week (spring '14)

(Designers from from top to bottom: L.O.D. Designs*, Sara Kahrs, Zoherh Zarraabi, Andrea Marie Long Designs*,L.B. Glam, Oblivion Clothing*, Elle Inspired) *designers repeated throughout

    I had never attended Kansas City Fashion Week before, until this year when I was invited to.. which I can say I wish I had gone in during the past years. The two-day event was held at Union Station, which I post about occasionally here, and that location was a perfect choice. The lighting during the afternoon shows was amazing, but I could tell I was finding myself getting too drawn to the designs to focus on photographing the pieces. If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen a few runway pictures and snapshots of my outfit from Kansas City Fashion week, which my phone was honestly my choice of camera besides when I was seated. 

    Besides the runway shows themselves, I was allowed backstage to see the make-up artists prepping the models and all the other before-the-show features. Ulta Beauty was one of the main sponsors for Kansas City Fashion Week this year, and they gave out the most wonderful gift bags backstage. I adored admiring the pieces on their own, before they were worn on the runway. We were also served some of the most delicious whiskey cocktails from the Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey. I am so glad that I attended KCFW this season, and that we have such a wonderful and inspiring event in my hometown. Huge props for the event coordinators and designers, I was most defiantly inspired to start making a few pieces of my own again and met many inspirational people throughout the weekend. 

that's love, that's amore

(all photographs captured by Whitney from Whitney Knutson Photography)

    I am so pleased to share the photographs from a shoot I did with Whitney over my winter break. When Whitney contacted me about wanting to do a shoot inspired by old Hollywood glamour and a fur wrap she saw on one of my Instagram photos, I was too excited to be a part. Although I did some various modeling gigs in the past, I haven't been in front of a camera for a "serious" shoot in quite awhile. I can defiantly tell I'm used to directing/styling/behind-the-scenes as of lately. 

    Whitney and I meet up at Chez Elle that afternoon for some crepes and coffee, then headed to Union Station to take a few more photographs. Whitney and her husband have recently moved to Kansas City, so it was fun being a "tour guide" to the few places we stopped at. You can check out Whitney's favorite photographs from the shoot, and the rest of her other photography on her blog. 

her ghost in the fog

(tights: target, everything else is thrifted or vintage) 

    Dense fog like this doesn't ever happen in Kansas City, I honestly can't recall a day where it had been so foggy. Although the fog seemed to disappear sooner than I had hoped, it was such a change from the norm here. I have always longed for foggy, gloomy weather I see in other people's pictures in the North West or San Francisco. I came up with so many short films I wanted to make with the fog being the perfect backdrop, witchy photoshoots of models in long Victorian dresses... well, looks like I will have to store those ideas for whenever this fog decides to return one day. 

     My last week of my winter break has been very full. I have seemed to find myself quite a bit at Union Station, where they have the most magical arrangement of lights for the holidays and the most beautiful ceilings. I recently shot a video in the "ballroom area" (just the main room, but I see it more of that), for an upcoming charity event that my friend and I will be hosting. I also recently did a photo shoot there, and met fellow Instagram-ers from across the states at non-planned meet-up. Yes, Union Station has been my go-to lately. I have also been drinking lots of black coffee from Oddly Correct, cuddling with my cats while I should be doing other things, and enjoying these winter days. 

a penny for your thoughts

   i have been in sort-of... a fog the past two days. not that this is a sad post, i have just been in a weird mood. possibly a huge case of the mondays? probably. after my last class of the day, i took a walk over to parisi cafe inside of union station. i figured i'd treat myself to a soy double shot latte since i was having a gloomy day and sleepy from being sick the whole week. parisi cafe makes their own sauces and syrups; i decided to try the cinnamon honey flavoring (i don't normally add syrups to my lattes, but it actually sounded perfect today!) which was amazing. i asked for half the normal amount and i felt that was exactly the measurement it should be for the 12oz. 
   the cafe was mostly empty, so i had a giant table to myself to gaze at the artwork displayed in the shop, sip on my steamed latte, and have peace and quiet to ponder. i absolutely enjoy going places by myself, some might find it strange, and just having time to relax and gather thoughts. in my journal, i wrote some things i am thankful for that i often do not realize i am taking for granted. i'll share a few:

-having a wonderful family that is helping me through school so i can pursue my passion to teach
-my health, my open state of mind, my morals & judgement
-being with a man who cares deeply and pushes me to always do the step above

   my list was very lengthy and concluded in having a lovely loft that i feel so at home in. readers, what are you thankful for today?