• Blogger Spotlight: Marla Verdugo

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  December
  27
  2011

   

   

  This week I wanted to spotlight a very talented young artist, Marla Verdugo! Marla, a stylist/makeup artist/hair stylist/photographer extraordinaire is basically a one-woman show! Creating beautiful images is like second nature to her. There is so much mood and emotion behind her photos, and I couldn't wait to share her work with you!

   

  Recently, Marla photographed an event we attended in Los Angeles, and I was able to catch up with her to give you guys some background, fun FAQs, and even some tips on styling and photography! Take a look below for some of her beautiful work and an exclusive interview.

   

  

  

  

  I love the pose and editing in this photo!

   

   

  

  

  The heavy metal jewelry plays perfect off of her blunt bangs and dark eyes.

   

  

   

  Interview with Marla Verdugo

  Intro to yourself: 

  I'm a California girl who can't sit still. I've lived up and down the coast. Currently I live in Hollywood but miss the San Francisco life. Been doing makeup and pinup-vintage inspired photography for a few years. But I like to try things that intrigue me...like styling and fashion photography. You can also find me doing other things like; obsessing over Lindsay Lohan, thrifting, finding odd treasures on the street, stalking my friends, driving getaway cars, blogging, watching The Simpsons and making messes in the kitchen...and cracking jokes that only crickets respond to. ;)

   

  How did you get into fashion photography?:

  I first started with vintage/pinup-inspired photography...(my main love)...but after years of doing makeup on several fashion shoots, I decided to to test out my skills in shooting fashion. So I've been dabbling in it ever since--I love it! And I learn things everyday.

   

  Tips for the photographer just starting out:

  Seize the day. Go for your dream! Don't let anyone discourage you. Take a class at a community college. Ask friends to model for you.Find what genre appeals to you, research different photographers...but develop your own style. ;)

   

  Favorite beauty products:

  Lipbalm: love Kiehl's and Cherry Chapstick
  Primers!!! They do wonders for your makeup.
  Sunscreen: everyone should use it.
  Kevin Murphy and Sunsilk: they're on totally different ends of the spectrum, but I find they are both carry amazing hair products.
  

   

  What are your "go-to's" when styling?:

  Honestly...I am very random. 
  1. I love textures...in dresses, pants...
  2. But generally, I would have to say vintage. No matter if I'm styling for a different era or present day looks---I love to thrown in vintage. It keeps the world going and it keeps me going. Makes me happy.
  

   

  Why is fashion important to you?:

  Fashion is another way to express yourself, fashion is beautiful. We all have different styles...and we may not like them all and some may not like our style, but what it comes down to...is what makes us feel good. Fashion is like we are...changing, evolving, reinventing, and also going back to our roots.

   

  *********************************************************************************************************************************

   

  Make sure to keep up with Marla on her blog and her own personal website! Happy New Years! xoxo
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• Insta-Cute! Laura of On The Racks

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  July
  5
  2011

  

  

  Laura of On the Racks
  

  Check out her post, Tomorrowland, for the cutest outfit shots!

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• Insta-Cute! Claire of Stolen from Grandma!

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  June
  22
  2011

  

  

  Claire, of the blog Stolen from Grandma, looking perfectly vintage and sweet!

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• LuLu*s Fit Series Part Three, staring Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  June
  10
  2011

  

   Welcome back to our third and final installment of our Fit Series, starring the beautiful Kyla from Blue Collar Catwalk! In this edition of the fit series, Kyla takes one of my favorite styles from this season, the asymmetrical skirt! With its short hem at one side and longer hem on the other, this style is quickly becoming one of the season's favorite looks! Take a look at the video below for some ideas on how to style and shop for this style!

   

  Items Featured: 

  Zoetrope Black and White Striped Top

  Try a similar style skirt with the Swingin' Swashbuckler Black Skirt 

   

  Thanks again to the lovely Kyla for working with us on this informative and fun series! Make sure to check out her blog, Blue Collar Catwalk, for more inspirational pictures and outfit ideas!
  

   

  What other kind of series would you be interested in seeing?
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• LuLu*s Fit Series Part Two, staring Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  June
  8
  2011

  

  Welcome to our second edition of the LuLu*s Fit Series with our friend Kyla from Blue Collar Catwalk! Kyla has been offering up helpful advice to our readers on how to shop online for your body type, and today she is providing us with a review of the Descending Floral Printed Maxi Skirt! Dishing up info on the fit, the fabric, and more, this video will shed some light on how to buy one version of this season's hottest trend!

   

  Thanks again, Kyla!
  

  Make sure to come back again this Friday for the third installation of our fit series!

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• Insta-Cute! Starr of A Thought Is The Blossom

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  May
  23
  2011

  

  

  Blogger Starr Crow of A Thought Is the Blossom in perfect spring style!!

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• Orchid Grey and LuLu*s Team Up For A Contest!

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  May
  20
  2011

  

  Very recently, we were lucky enough to pair up with one of our favorite blogger friends, Julie of Orchid Grey, to offer readers a chance to win a $100 shopping spree to Lulus! We asked that readers head over to the fabulous site, Polyvore, to create a collage using LuLu*s items expressing their spring-to-summer style. We had some amazing entries with collages including everything from Jeffrey Campbell to Mink Pink with awesome and colorful accessories in the mix! Sadly, we had to pick just one winner! Based on creativity and thoroughness, Julie and I decided on the collage below by the talented Kaye! This lucky lady will be able to shop 'til she drops with a $100 credit to our site. Check out her colorful and cute collage below for some fabulous summer inspiration.

  

  
  Orchid Grey x LuLus Contest by KayeRey featuring a black ring

   

  
  

  Thanks to all of the readers who took the time to enter! Make sure to check back on our blog, as well as Julie's, for more contests and summer inspiration!

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• Guest Post: Jen from JenLovesKev recaps TxSCC!

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  March
  25
  2011

   

  Hi every one! It's Jen from Jenloveskev. I just got back from Austin, TX, with Lulus.com and we had a fabulous time at the Texas Style Council Conference. It was seriously one of the most fun weekends ever! I was honored to moderate at the Going Pro panel with LuLu*s and then speak on the panel about Authenticity. Here are a few photos from throughout the weekend. 

  

   A fashion blogger isn't complete with out her trusty camera.

   

  

   How cute are these little ice breaker stickers for our name tags?

   

  

  Friday night I helped set up for the clothing swap, hosted by Swap.com and The Swapaholics!

   

  

  Ready, set, swap. Stuff goes fast. It is super fun finding treasures. 

   

  

  I got to hang out with the lovely Jennine from The Coveted and founder of IFB.

   

  

  You can't be in Texas without eating some BBQ. I am a vegetarian but enjoyed all the home cooked sides and salads. 

   

  

  Saturday night there was a great party at Bo Concept. LuLu*s had some amazing prizes to give away, and there was a super fun photo booth. Here I am having a blast with Ms. Kendi Everyday.

  photo from Nathan Russell Photography

   

  

   Conference day! Moderating the Going Pro panel with Stephanie and Alessandra as panelists.

   

  

  Here I am speaking with James from Bleubird Vintage and Indiana from Adored Austin. I was so nervous!

   

  

  Love these ladies and also love my Jeffrey Campbell's from LuLu*s!

   

  

   Drawing the winner of the $500 gift certificate to Lulu's.com. The winner was so sweet and super excited!!

  
  

  I can't wait for next year!

   

   

   

  Here is an exclusive interview with Jen at the conference!

   

  all photos from Adam Towner unless otherwise noted

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• LuLu*s at The Texas Style Council Conference: Day 2

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  March
  24
  2011

   

  Time for our coverage of the TxSCC Day 2! On Sunday of our amazing weekend was the Social Media and Style Symposium held at beautiful Ballet Austin. This conference brought industry leaders in blogging, social media, and brands together on speaking panels to give bloggers helpful information on how to work with companies, achieve an authentic voice, how to create a community, and so much more!

  

   As I said in my wrap-up of Day 1, part of the thrill of this conference was hearing accomplished and admired bloggers speak about their experiences. We were all very excited to hear Keynote speaker Jennine Jacob of The Coveted and IFB fame speak about the importance of social media and how to make the most of your blogging experience. Jennine has an amazing blog and was the founder of the Independant Fashion Bloggers (IFB), a place for bloggers to connect on how to blog successfully. She is a super interesting lady and a dynamic speaker.

  

  Alessandra and I (second from left and far left, respectively) were lucky enough to speak on the Going Pro panel! In the company of talented women such as Elisa from Blogher, Grechen from Grechen's Closet (also an organizer of the conference), and Patty of Charming Charlie, we were honored by the opportunity. Moderated by our lovely friend Jen from Jen Loves Ken, we answered questions about how bloggers can get sponsored, what we look for in a blog, and other affiliate questions. 

  

  Other panels included topics such as Careers and Longevity. Above we have our Careers panel, which was moderated by our friend Amy of Punky Style! She did a great job, despite admitting to being more nervous about speaking after the amazing Kelly of The Glamourai came to the conference for a suprise visit and guest-spoke on the panel. I assured Amy that no one was more nervous than me; public speaking is super scary! All in all everyone did an amazing job, and we were very lucky to hear the wise words of so many talented ladies and gentlemen. 

  

  Above we have Punky and Kelly posing for a quick shot!

  

   Speaking on Authenticity we have (left to right, seated) Jen from Jen Loves Kev, Indiana from Adored Austin, and James from Bleu Bird Vintage. This panel, moderated by the lovely Kristina from Pretty Shiny Sparkly, was so interesting because it was all about how to achieve your own "voice" and set yourself apart in a world with so many bloggers and sites. These three talented ladies are especially good at writing in a way that makes their blog something to remember. It's almost as if their words are leaping off the page in their own voices.

  

   Above we have Katy from Kansas Couture! I love her lace skirt paired with neutrals, really spring and on trend! Katy added our Steve Madden Propperr Taupe Heels to finish the look. The bows add the perfect lady-like touch!

  

  James from Bleu Bird Vintage (above) has some of my favorite styles! I love how she mixes vintage eras for a look that is completely her own. She is always super cute with out looking like she tried to hard, and that as we all know, is no easy task. James is wearing a pair of shoes from LuLu*s that I was obsessing over forever, the Jeffrey Campbell Duoma's, sadly now sold out. I really hope they come back soon!

  

   Here is James with her adorable family. Those are probably the best-dressed kiddos I have seen in quite some time! I love how baby Gemma is saying "Hi!" to the camera!

  

  We wrapped up the weekend partying with Etsy and Burdastyle in Downtown Austin! Tons of fun and dancing! It was a wonderful weekend with so many talented people. Thanks again to the TxSCC for having us! Can't wait for next year!

   

  top 5 photos courtesy of Adam Towner

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• LuLu*s at The Texas Style Council Conference: Day 1

  Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

  March
  22
  2011

   

   Here at LuLu*s, we had the wonderful experience of taking part in a weekend full of fashion, friends, and food in the beautiful city of Austin, Texas! Attending and sponsoring the Texas Style Council Conference allowed us to meet new bloggers, finally meet some of the talented bloggers we already work with, and give away some serious LuLu*s swag! The Texas Style Council Conference (TxSCC) was a fabulous weekend with many events including a Clothing Swap hosted by Swap.com and The Swapaholics, a Scavenger Hunt, a Dance Party and a Style and Social Media Symposium. 

  

  At the Dance Party, held at the stunning Bo Concept showroom in Austin, sponsors and brands setup shops, allowing guests to browse unique items such as vintage and new clothing, accessories, and more! We were able to create a LuLu*s Lounge, where attendees could come and chill, spin our prize wheel, and take a photo or two! We met so many wonderful people and had a blast giving away gift cards and cute jewelry.

  

  Bloggers signed in to our guest book and picked up a flyer outlining a way to win a $500 shopping spree to Lulus.com!

   

  Excited faces lit up the room while spining the prize wheel! Everyone was hoping for the $100 gift cards! 

  

   Two of my favorite ladies! Above we have the beautiful Kendi of the beloved blog, Kendi Everyday! Below, we have the lovely Jen from the oh-so-popular blog Jen Loves Kev! These two ladies couldn't be more charming and sweet in real life. It is so fun to make "internet" friends and be even more delighted by their shiny personalities and presence!

  

  I love this face! Everyone had so much fun at this event! 

  

   After spinning the wheel, some winners had the luck of getting to choose a piece of jewelry from our table! We had everything from Claire Fong earrings and cute-as-a-button bowtie necklaces to bangles and glittering tarantula bracelets (a suprising fan favorite!).

  

   Just two of my new favorite people in the world, Melissa and Amy from The Swapaholics (far left and center-left). These two creative cuties get to jet set around and host swaps around the country as the official event hostesses for Swap.com! Sounds like a dream job! Alessandra and I (center-right and far right) were lucky enough to get some hang out time with this adorable duo and snap a few pics while we were at it!

  

  Jen is looking happy as a clam hanging out with another favorite blogger of mine, the lovely Katy of Kansas Couture! I love the color of Jen's shoes along side the vibrant coral shade of Katy's dress. Looking peachy in our Queen of Anything Coral Dress, Katy knows that spring is all about the brights! All in all, the dance party was a great time spent one-on-one with both known and up-and-coming bloggers. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday than dancing the night away with creative people in a city as beautiful as Austin!

  

  But of course we made time for some authentic southern BBQ! Nothing beats Texas BBQ and the trip would be incomplete without it!

  For more coverage of TxSCC, check back for my next post covering the conference panels and more style shots!

   last 3 images courtesy of Adam Towner

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