'Not Falling For It'

Okay, I hate to admit that I’m in fall denial. Even as I sit here, shivering from lack of heat in this Syracuse apartment, I am staring at my tan leather boots with mild disdain.

Sure, I managed to pack most of my summer clothes away weeks ago. But the black suede sandals came along for the four-hour ride to visit friends in upstate New York, with the promise of warmer times ahead.

Fat chance. I imagine that even when I do return to New York City at the end of this week, it will be to start shopping for chunky knits, luxe wool coats and winter accessories.

For some reason, the idea is hard to swallow. I think I still might need some cheering up.

Perhaps a few fall-friendly additions to my home décor will do the trick:

1. The seasonal wreath and autumnal plants in golds, reds, browns and oranges will set the fall tone if placed at the door and to the entrance of the home. Making a first impression with guests, the fall foliage is another way to draw nature indoors – since more time will be spent hibernating.

2. Accessories like paintings, clocks, plates and candles are subtle, but still have the capability of transforming a fireplace or counter.

3. With the start of the holidays approaching in less than two months (can you imagine!), the focal point of any home will likely be with friends and family in the dining room. Changing everything from the tablecloths and napkin rings to the fruit on the table signals the start of much hearty, holiday eating and memories with those that matter the most.

4. Just like any change in season triggers our sense of sight, so it must awaken my sense of smell. With the plants already in place, potpourri is the best way to get the house far from ‘ocean mist’ to ‘autumn melody’ in no time flat. I like to place potpourri in the expected places (the bathroom, foyer and living room), but I think I will try some unexpected places (the closet and drawers).

It doesn’t take much for fall to win me over.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of interiordec.about.com; www.bhg.com; decoratorshome.blogspot.com

'Confessions of a Stylist'

There is nothing like a fashion shoot to get the adrenaline going.

The week(s) leading up to a fashion shoot are typically spent mulling over fashion archives, magazines, history books and Web pages. Combing through sales racks in thrift stores or roaming the mall becomes a daily adventure. I dig out my travel suitcase, stocking it with: lint brushes, an iron, a steamer, safety pins, clamps, scissors, sewing kit and other must-haves from my styling kit.

I clog my e-mail accounts with messages to photographers, models, makeup and hair artists, determined to book the best team possible.

Yesterday’s fashion shoot was proof that the anxiety, stress, fatigue and lack of food are well worth it.

Here are some of the unedited photos taken from that day:

Having worked with the photographer (Vinny G.) before, I knew that he was strongest in outdoor photography. His landscapes from travels to India and streets shots of a bustling Chinatown have a cinematic quality to it – the subjects are captured mid-scene, unbeknownst to them. I wanted that sense of movement in my fashion styling portfolio.

I met model Monica Mendes through a social networking site for models, photographers and stylists. A 23-year-old model and signed to an agency in her native Portugal, Monica has been modeling since the age of 18. I could tell.

“You’re the first model I haven’t had to tell what to do,” I told her. Even as Vinny and I struggled with the shifting sunlight (default photo assistant when times get tough), Vinny noted that the seasoned model would wait patiently for the ‘click’ of the camera before changing her pose.

Hair/Makeup artist Monique Albritton contacted me through a casting call, hoping to add a look with ‘big and luscious hair’ to her portfolio. She did her very best working against the obstacles – strong winds at our location and a Brazilian-straightened head of hair.

A black/white editorial shot near the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris for the German Vogue served as my inspiration. Bold shoulders and velvet, leather and satin fabrics were part of my selection in crafting six looks that were young, edgy, but still glamorous.

From my mother’s vintage suits to Marc Jacobs, I seemed to have made adoring fans out of Monique and Monica, who asked me where I got the pieces so that they could shop there themselves.

All in a day’s work for this fashion stylist.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo credits:

Model: Monica Mendes

Hair/MUA: Monique Albritton

Photographer: Vinny G.

Fashion Styling: Sophia Gonzalez