Fashion by Elda Doamekpo for Afielda

Designs -  High Fashion - Photography

High Fashion. The two words I think of when I describe a photo shoot I did for designer Elda Doamekpo of Afielda from Nebraska.  Her designs are incredible and so fun to wear!  My absolute favorite was the first look I had...the leather collar was to die for! Besides being to able to wear her designs and meet her in the flesh, I met some other amazing people too...models, hair and makeup and let's not forget the eyes behind the cameras...and there were a lot of cameras!

The location -  Unity Village in Missouri.  This place is gorgeous and the photographers at this shoot took the opportunity to utilize the most incredible spots for snapping these amazing photos.  I guess thats why they do what they do, they have an incredible eye for this.  Let's get to the photos! I am obsessed with everything about this shoot! Thanks to Tiffany Manson, Jonny Hackett, Ken Schmidt and Jim Bob for the amazing shots! This shoot was Fall 2016...I am a bit behind on this one!

Until the camera shoots again... 

Shona 

The Deco Ball and Gala at the Mayo Hotel ~ Tulsa

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending The Deco Ball and Gala at The Mayo Hotel in Tulsa which benefits the Tulsa Art Deco Museum.  Think jazz bands, dinner, drinks, silent auction, fashion from the 1920's, 30's and 40's and endless dancing.  It was fancy and meant I was able to dress up and wear heels...besides, I knew I would have the best dressed date there.

Let's talk fashion.  My dress was designed by Betsy and Adam and Shoes by Michael.  This dress has a story...I bought it 8 months ago for a possible New Year's Eve Party...I didn't wear it, was told to keep it for a future date and I can admit that was a good decision because it was the perfect dress for this occasion.  He was dressed in a Navy Michael Kors Jacket, one of my favorite designers, Shirt by Banana Republic, Tie by Calvin Klein, Vest by Perry Ellis, Chinos by Banana Republic, and Shoes by Dune of London. One word, dapper.

The Mayo Hotel is stunning, if you haven't been, go.  Plan a weekend to visit this Stylish Historical Landmark. It first opened in 1925 and hosted many prominent guests and oil tycoons but sadly closed it's doors in 1981. It remained vacant until December of 2009 and at this time a cool 42 million was spent to re-open this beautiful space. Can I just move in? This hotel is gorgeous and a must-see in Tulsa. Be sure to visit the Roof-top bar, but get there early to avoid the crowds that flock there.

Another adventure in the books.

Shona

Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga ~ Colleen Salmans Photography

Sometimes opportunities come your way when you least expect it...

I was at my last clinical day for Nursing School and I received a message from a dear friend regarding a photo shoot for Cote Munizaga by local photographer Colleen Salmans.  They needed a few models to wear her clothing line.  I thought, why not give it a shot? I sent in a few head-shots, not professional of course because well for one, I don't have any and two, I have never really given myself the title of a "model"...

Within a couple of hours they got back to me and just like that, I was one of the ones chosen for their photo shoot.  An exciting new experience and although the day of I was super nervous, the designer and photographer were two of the nicest people I have ever met.  Next up, I did some research on the designer and was amazed at her line.  Le Sheikh by Cote Munizaga is the fashion line and it's full of rich colors, unique designs, hand crafted one by one, using textiles from other continents.  One word, beautiful.

The first location was the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This building has amazing architectural design and is one of my favorite's in Kansas City.  We shot outside and did some really unique photos in the parking garage.  The second locale, Art Alley in KC. If you have never been, google it and visit.  Brightly painted graffiti walls right in the heart of this beloved city, the perfect backdrop for this clothing line.

At the end of the photo shoot, I had done more than just take photos...I made new friends and learned a lot about them too!  Cote invited us to her presentation at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Arts for GUILDit, where art and business fuse.  Cote is not only in fashion, but also an interior designer who was born in Chile.  She came from Israel to KC and brought the fashion with her.  An amazing designer that I have gotten the privilege to know.

Make sure to check out Colleen Salmans Photography on Facebook and IG @colleen_salmans_photography. She is an amazing person and photographer.

Cheers to opportunities...
Shona

Derby KC and the Kansas City Museum

The Kentucky Derby. It has long been a dream of mine to attend the greatest two minutes in sports! This year I was lucky enough to attend a watch party at the Kansas City Museum along side the one guy who I knew would enjoy it as much as me...let the outfit planning begin.

Let's be real, it's all about the hat and usually you would want to start with the hat and build around it. But when you find the perfect dress...well, you start with the perfect dress and build around that. The hat and shoes were next. I turned to none other than the one person who I knew could help me make the perfect Derby hat. It turned out perfect too!  Bright pink, feathers, flowers, a horseshoe and even a tiny horse; his neck adorned with red roses.

Next quest, his outfit. Mint green pants is where is started and it went from there. The jacket and purple shirt were perfection and even though we found the tie and pocket square the day of...I was sweating a little bit, it was exactly what we both had in mind.  I turned to Dapper to find the perfect socks..navy blue with pink bow ties and mint julep cups.  He looked amazing.

The party was set at the Kansas City Museum. This place is gorgeous with a lush green lawn and colorful flowers, it was the perfect setting. Vineyard Vines, you may have heard of them, is a sponsor of the Derby yearly, so their infamous "whales" were seen around the grounds that day.  Did someone say Whale Hat? I may have had one slipped into my bag.  The day consisted of Mint Juleps, Food, Beer, Yard Games, Pic Wood Photos, a Beautiful Horse and Mingling...and then the Race! We met some awesome people too. The day couldn't have gone any better.

Until the 143rd...

Shona