April 14, 2015

Moms Are Superheroes

April 14, 2015/ Alexandra Evjen

Heroes aren't imaginary. They're real. Contrary to popular belief, they don't wear masks every day, but instead love to wear jewelry, jeans, and sometimes even dresses. They rescue kids from danger every day, stay up all hours of the night, and can turn tears in to laughter within seconds.

Moms are heroes. They can make pain go away with a kiss and give birth to new life. Those are incredible super powers, and I am so thankful for them because none of us would be here without moms.

I am so thankful that I get to be Elle's mom, and a mom to this little one growing in my belly. I wouldn't usually describe myself as a super hero, but when 31 Bits picked me as one of their Super-hero Moms, it made me think about the role that moms play in the world. It sure is a big one, and it's an honor to be a hero for Elle.

I must say, however, that I have one super hero kid. As much as I might have an impact on her, she sure has an impact on me. She has superpowers to make me feel happiness, purpose and humbleness like nothing else. I think it's safe to say that everyone in this world possesses qualities of a superhero, but I'm sure glad that I can know what it means to embody "superhero mom" powers for Elle and Baby E.

If you have a superhero mom in your life make sure to visit 31Bits.com to look for a gift for her. When you purchase a piece of jewelry from their site you are also providing income for superhero moms and kids in Africa. Cool, right? Check it out!

Photos by Gina Meola

August 25, 2014

Styling Harem Pants

August 25, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

Every once in awhile a fashion trend comes along that I laugh at, and a year later I find myself wearing. Overalls and harem pants are two trends that took me a year to embrace, but now love. Rompers and jumpsuits on the other hand...I couldn't get enough right away.

The drop crotch of harem pants isn't that attractive. In fact, men hate and will always hate harem pants. But you guys, they are SOOOOOO comfortable and are far more stylish than sweatpants. Who cares what men think? I dress for myself!

Agnes & Dora make SUPER cute harem pants in all different patterns for moms and kids. I love the mom and kiddo combo, and I also like that you can wear these pants with a simple t-shirt and heels and look super fashion forward. I added statement necklace from 31 Bits and a bracelet. I thought the tribal quality of the jewelry complemented the pattern of the pants.

I would rock this outfit for a ladies' night out, First Friday art walk or to the mall. But, if you don't have the confidence to rock these pants in public you can wear them in the comfort of your home.

Get the look: Pants, t-shirt, shoes, necklace

Photos by Michelle Herrick

August 14, 2014

31 Bits - Fashion for Good

August 14, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

Every time we make a purchase we are choosing to support a person or a group of people. How cool is that?! Our money and what we value changes lives. Whether your are buying local, from a large corporation or from a socially conscious business you aren't just consuming you are supporting.

There are many brands that I love, but one of the companies that I love the most is 31 BITS. They create fashionable jewelry that supports women in Uganda. Not just supports, but they change their lives by offering healthcare, education and skills to support and sustain women. Doesn't that just make you want to donate your money let alone buy awesome jewelry?!

You get both with 31 BITS.

They just released their new collection for fall, and I'm in love. Just thinking about fall makes me happy. In fact, 31 BITS and I are partnering to bring you the latest fall fashions through Pinterest. Follow along and see what what trends we think are hot this year. Knits and boots are two of my favorite things this fall.

You can also check out a fun Q & A where I share some of my favorite things about being a stylist, my top fall trends, and where I see myself in five years.

BIG thanks to Frances Vintage for this awesome maxi dress, clutch and rings. They also have awesome fall style coming into their store as I write this post. Go visit!

Amazing photos by Kym Ventola.

Get the look: sweater (a gift from my mom), maxi dress, clutch, bracelets, earrings

August 12, 2014

Fall Transition & Pineapples

August 12, 2014/ Alexandra Evjen

Last week I went from 110 degrees to 50 degrees. Ryan and I traveled to San Francisco to see Beyonce and have some quality time together. It was one of the best trips we have ever been on...and COLD! 50 degrees with wind...This Phoenician was freezing in her boots. On the bright side, I got to break out my sweaters and boots and pretend it was fall (my favorite season).

On our trip I made sure to meet up with two new friends I met through Alt Summit. They are genius business women! Sarah Deragon (left), photographer of Portraits to the People and Lisa Shaffer (right), designer and owner of Zelma Rose Dry Goods. They are Instagram wizards and spoke at Alt Summit about their Instagram workflow, as well as how to take great photos with an iPhone. We talked a bit of business, broke bread and had a mini photo shoot. Sarah is SUCH a talented photographer! She knows how to capture people so well.

I wore my summer pineapple dress from Lulu*s, and used the mini photo session to show y'all how you can style your sweater over your favorite summer tank dress to transition your style for fall.

#1 Sweater wrap - Wrap your cardigan completely around your dress or top, and then belt it. This creates the ideas of separates.

#2 Slightly open - Put the sweater on, fasten your belt and then move an excess fabric to the back. Make sure you can see your dress peeking through showing that you are in fact wearing a dress and not separates. This approach creates more of a shape for those with larger chests.

#3 Throw it on over - If you don't have time to think about styling your sweater, just throw it on over and you still have a cute fall transitional outfit. Just be careful that you don't lose your shape. Sometimes people can look a bit frumpy with clothes just hanging on them.

I'm also wearing some AMAZING jewelry by 31 Bits. It's from their fall collection which just released today. Go check it out!

Get the look: Dress, sweater, boots, jewelry

Photos by Sarah Deragon, Portraits to the People

April 07, 2011

The Haven

April 07, 2011/ Alexandra Evjen

I hope you have heard about the awesome jewelry line 31 Bits, but if you haven't heard about it I'm super excited to be the first to share it with you because this jewelry is not only beautiful, it's helping women have a future.

The purpose of this jewelry line is to, "USE FASHION AND DESIGN TO EMPOWER WOMEN TO RISE ABOVE POVERTY." Um...need I say more!?

It was started by a group of young women that met in college, and visited Uganda. They began buying jewelry from six women in Uganda, and have since grown to 63 jewelry makers. Not only is this supporting the women in Uganda financially, but 31 Bits also provides English lessons, finance training, counseling/community groups, AIDS and health education, and vocational training. You can read more about how they help the women of Uganda here.

They have a BRAND new line coming out ON MONDAY called, "The Haven," and my very good friend Promise Tangeman is the model for the campaign.

Check out the SUPER cute teaser video, and make sure to visit 31 Bits on Monday to shop the new line!