Serious Obsessions!

So we all know that I have obsessions with music and photography, and even with fashion to a certain extent, but lately I have developed newer obsessions. So the new Gap commercials, who else thinks they are amazing? Every time they come on I smile and try to learn the chant. I think my favorite is the one of the little girls. You know what... I found the link to it just for those of you who haven't seen it. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGUd6sFGMN8 
Amazing!!!! So cute ha(:

Okay my other new obsession is Vogue. I've loved it for awhile but the other day I was in the store and told my mom I had to have it. I was broke and she refused to buy it for me! My amazing friend Megan bought it and gave it to me as an early Christmas present. Side note: My friend Megan is delightful, lovely, amazing, giving, I could go on and on! She is just the sweetest and one of my besties. Anyway back to my original subject: Vogue. Inside my Vogue obsession was another new obsession, Lady Gaga. Now I think she's weird and extremely inappropriate, BUT I love how she talks when she's interviewed, and I love how crazy she is when it comes to her dress. I think I've already expressed my longing to be her fashion designer but lately it has blown up into a huge problem! She was in the Hansel and Gretel photo shoot in the December issue of Vogue. Here are some pictures from this genius photo shoot:

 

 

My absolute favorite picture in this shoot is the third! I think the story is eerie but these photos turned out amazing! Some of my friends also have an addiction to Lady Gaga. An example of this would be: I was out the other night at Applebee's with some friends and my family. Out of no where my friend Joanna pulled out an Elle magazine with Lady Gaga on the cover. We all started laughing but she kept talking about how Lady Gaga was in Elle and showed us the shoot! I don't know why people are so attracted to her. If any other person decided to wear a leotard with geometric shapes coming out of their shoulders we would find this weird and disturbing. So why can she pull it of? I don't know, maybe it's because she first introduced herself in as someone who was going to make these fashion statements, so we expect it. I don't know why but I'm glad and wish I was her designer. 

In the world of photography, well in the part of my world that deals with photography, I am wanting a new camera, lights and a tripod! I think these items will bring my photography to a whole new level. I'm hoping to sneak a few photo shoots into my hectic life! I need to make time for some more because my sister is becoming anxious! Well I got to go because it's my sister's birthday and she wants to play life with her familia! haha so cute! She turned 12 today so everyone wish her a happy birthday!(:

-Cadence

It's Good To Be Back

What have I been doing: Good question.... I don't really even know.

So I haven't wrote in awhile & I know I've been busy, but I don't really know what I've been busy with... Well I guess I just helped my mom with a Christmas Tea at our church. That was crazy, but fun. Then I had a photo shoot two days ago for some amazing people. I shot their Christmas card pictures. Other than that it's just been dance, school, and church! 

Since I've been gone I have come to some beauty conclusions. I do not like Burt's Bee's face wash, I am in love with Kate Hudson and David Babaii for Wildaid products, and my new hair cut takes a lot of time!

Burt's Bee's- They make amazing lip shimmers, and lip chap (a.k.a. chap stick), but not so great face wash. Every night when I washed my face I just felt like I was smearing honey on my face, which to a certain extent I was. It left a coating on my face and didn't seem to do any deep pore cleaning! I was left disappointed.

David Babaii for Wildaid- I think I told you guys before that I got their beach spray and that Kate Hudson teamed up with David Babaii to make this amazing product line....blah blah blah. Well I am in LOVE with my beach spray, and I found out that my grandma has their shampoo and conditioner, and my moms best friend has their hair spray and root booster! I found all of these products to be quite... lovely! (: I want to get my hands on all their products!!!!!!!! 

New haircut- I recently cut my hair short. I wanted a change and decided just to cut it off.... bad idea! I miss my long hair, it fit my face better and I didn't have to do anything when I got out of the shower, now I have to blow dry it, apply product and straighten. I cannot wait for it to grow out!

Anyway that's what's been going on fashion wise in my life. As for photography I have done three photo shoots since I last wrote a blog! They were super fun, and rewarding. I'll put some pictures up later!

- Cadence
 

Harper's Bazaar Part 2

Okay, so it took me longer than a day to finally start writing the second part of my blog about Harper's Bazaar- November issue, but I know I have to write it, so here it is! Woo hoo (:

Lately I have been obsessed with necklaces. So when I saw that there were many fabulous necklaces in November's issue of Bazzar, I was ecstatic! In the Editor's Letter there is a magnificent Kate Spade New York pearl and diamond necklace which is connected by sheer, white ribbon. $495

Then in Editor's Choice there is an Oscar de la Rente necklace that I think is fabulous, for whatever reason. I would never, ever, ever wear this necklace but am hoping to see Lady Gaga spotting it some day soon! $1, 190 (Picture coming soon!)

One of the necklaces that I fell in love with that I might actually be able to pull of is the Marni necklace also featured in Editor's Choice. $900

So, obviously ribbon necklaces are in this fall! They are popping up everywhere. Designers everywhere are selling ribbon necklaces...

1-Phillip Lim 3.1

2-Marni

3-Lanvin

4-Marni

5-Louis Vuitton

6-Louis Vuitton

7-Oscar de la Renta

8-Miu Miu

9-Lanvin

This fall we are not only seeing the typical red's, orange's, and brown's but also floral prints and summer colors; navy blue, greens, lemon yellows, and light pink are making their way into collections. I find this odd, I would never dream of wearing pink or green in the fall. Frankly I don't wear pink in summer either, but I would never wear it in the fall. But my opinion does not matter in the fashion industry; they don't even know I exist, and they can do whatever they want, so pinks, florals, and other "summer" colors are in.

Although fall seems to have a touch of summer this year, don't through out all of your fall clothes! We are still seeing those colors! In fact, even though I don't wear heels and am not a fan of neon, I have fallen in love with Jil Sander's neon orange pumps, $945. Of course, I would never wear them but for some reason I think they would be adorable on the right person with skinny jeans and a black or gray top. (:

We are also seeing lots of black and white. Black and white is classic, and always in, so if you have a ton of extra money laying around, I would definitely suggest Nicolas Ghesquiére's Balenciaga beautiful, black and white clutch, $1,160.
Or Jack Vartanian's black, onyx ring. $4,200. But if your broke like me then Forever has some really sick rings!

Beaded rose ring $3.80                     Round pollen ring $6.80                     Rectangle jewel ring $2.80   

H&M as well as Forever 21 have some affordable clutches too! (:

Yet another thing I don't love that are huge right now are... funnel scarves! If you like them then your lucky, you now have an excuse to wear them! I refuse to wear something that the fashion industry says is in that I absolutely can't stand.... just a side note.

There are two other articles that I'm absolutely in love with in November's issue! Cheap Thrills, and Crimes of Fashion.

Amazing photography and fashion! Props to the photographers Mark Seliger and Miguel Reveriego. Beautiful and outstanding work!

A few quick side notes and I'm done.

1. I'm not sure why I haven't written about this yet, but about a month ago the fashion industry came out with the statement that anyone over a size 6 is now considered plus size. I am NOT saying this to make anyone feel bad, I myself am not a size 6, but to inform everyone of the insanity. I love fashion, but I hate the fashion industry! As an aspiring photographer, when I am editing photos of my models I refuse to make them look thinner! I am realizing more and more what actually goes into photos and it is horrible and unrealisitic.

2. On a happier note: I went shopping two days in a row at my favorite store, Forever 21! I bought lots of cute stuff and will go into more detail later. I will also be visiting Scottsdale's H&M soon and will inform you guys on the little piece of heaven that is now available to us Arizonans. (:

Love,

Cadence

Harper's Bazaar Part One

Fashion trend I hate the most right now: Fur vests period! hahahaha But seriously, I don't like them but they are everywhere.

So, the other day I was at the store with my mom. When she was going through her coupons in the dairy area, I snuck off to the magazine section. I scanned the aisle looking for Vogue, but came to the sad realization that it was not on their shelves. I saw Harper's Bazaar, and decided I would settle for that. Although I was hoping for Vogue, I was excited to see Tina Fey on the front cover of Bazaar. I walked back to my mom and begged for the magazine. After much pleading and a long discussion about how I'm already in debt and cannot even afford a magazine, she finally caved.

I spent a long time going through the small 246 page magazine and looking closely at the fashion articles. Here is what I found. (ha I sound so professional!)

Obviously we will be talking about Tina fey and the amazing clothes they put her in, so let's start there. On the newsstand cover she was wearing a red crepe de chine dress by Fendi, $1,890, beautiful Bulgari earrings, $2,620, and a $300, Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet. On the subscriber cover she looked just as gorgeous. She had on a white cotton-twill bustier dress by Yves Saint Laurent, $1,995, yellow diamond earrings, Leviev, and metallic silver pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti Design. (If there was not a price next the the item it is because price is given upon request when you call.) I personally love what she is wearing in the subscriber cover better. She looks classic and outstanding!

In the article all about her, Tina Rocks, she continues to look flawless and beautiful.


I love that she is wearing outfits that are classic and that her make-up is natural. It seems so... Tina! If they would have caked on the make-up and put her in high fashion clothing I would have been disappointed. They did a great job. She was photographed by Alexi Lubmirski.


Above: blue, satin dress, $1,725, and belt, $470, by Versace. Vhernier ring, $7,500. Paloma Picasso for Tifany & Co. bracelet, $4,500, and Maholo Blahnik silver high heels for $695.

Below: Michael Kors belt, $1,295, and dress, $1,495. Alexis Brittar earrings, $175. Cuff, Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co., $14,500. Manolo Blahnik shoes, $865.

Well you guys... I'm exhausted and have to go make lunch, so I'm going to finish up this blog in a part two, probably tomorrow!

Much love,

Cadence

Product, Product, and More Product!

My favorite beauty product right now: David Babaii for Wildaid Bohemian Beach Spray, it is downright amazing!

My two absolute favorite hair product brands are
1. Bumble and Bumble &
2. Bed Head
I love them! If you have used them, you would most likely agree! They work well with my hair, and I always get the look I want. So when I found out that Bumble and Bumble had a beach spray I had to have it. Here's why, I love the way my hair looks after I've been to the beach, and this spray was suppossed to do exactly that; make it look like I had been at the beach, hence the name! So I skipped down to a salon in my area and picked up a bottle, only to find that it was $27. Now for people who read Harper's Bazaar, and can actually afford the stuff they are staring at on each page, that might not seem like a lot of money, but when you are a broke teenager you don't have $27 for beach spray! I was so disappointed. A few days later my mom came home with David Babaii for Wildaid Bohemian Beach Spray. It was rated one of 2009 InStyle's best beauty buys. Ever since I started using it, I have been hooked! It is only $9.00 a bottle and they sell it at Sally's Beauty Supply stores.
The other hair product I'm in love with right now is Control Freak by TIGI's Bed Head. My mother and I found it cheap at Ross, and decided to try it. Said product is suppossed to straighten, calm frizz, and cut down on drying time.... It does all of this! I think it's superb, and would recommend it to anyone! If you would like to buy this product or see more reviews I recommend going to,
http://www.folica.com/TIGI_Bed_Head_C_d1987.html#at

Ever since I hit my teenage years and started washing my face, I have used almost every different Arbonne face wash that there is. I decided that I wanted to switch to a different face wash two days ago. I have heard people rant and rave about Burt's Bees and decided to try their Orange Essence Facial Cleanser with Orange Oil. Since it has only been two days I can't tell you if I like it or not yet, but I will keep you updated.

Harper's Bazaar came out with a skin special in their November issue. One of the "10 Skin Secrets" is Tinted Lip and Cheek Balm by Invisible Zinc. It is a tinted sunscreen that you apply to the face. It is said that Nicole Kidman is a fan of this skin care line, and has now become one of their recommended products. It is "around $16" and now on my wish list! (:

My most raved about perfume has almost always been Heavenly by Victoria's Secret. Side note: I love, love, LOVE, Victoria's Secret perfumes including their Pink perfumes! They are freaking bomb. Okay, back on track now.... But recently I have fallen in love with True Religion by True Religion for Women. I was given a sample a few months back, but just started using it. Every website says it has a floral smell, but I don't really smell that. It smells nice and soft, but also with a touch of .... masculinity, but you won't smell like a dude. It's hard to explain you'll just have to go smell it for yourself. The retail price is $78.00.

Now this doesn't have anything to do with beauty products, but a little birdie told me that Arizona is now privileged enough to be getting, not one, but two H&M stores! One is said to be in Scottsdale, and I'm not positive where the other will be located.(: Yay for fashionably underprivileged Arizonans... I don't think what I just said made any sense, but whatever.

Love,
Cadence

Emma & Cassaundra

Sorry I haven't wrote in awhile, I have been super busy. I recently went on a missions minded mystery trip adventure. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, it is an in-town mission trip. It was a lot of fun, but I'm am now extremely exhausted.

About a week ago I did a photo shoot for my sister, and her friend, Cassaundra. Cassaundra has an amazing, custom home, so I thought it would be cool to shoot there. I think the photo shoot turned out really well. Emma and Cassaundra are beautiful girls and really know how to "work a camera".... yeah that doesn't sound good but whatever! (:

 

  

 

 

 

Even though the photos turned good there are certain things that bug me about each. I really have to get better about small details that will help me in editing later...

Copyrighted © 2009

Love,
Cadence

Expensive Taste Meets Reality

My most recent splurge: $40 black, suede boots that I didn't have money for... and when I brought them home I found they had a huge rip in them, and not only that but they give me blisters. To make things worse, you can't return things to the store I bought them from.

I am a girl who loves good deals. I bargain hunt, and you can find me at thrift stores pretty much any day of the week. I don't mind searching through hours worth of crap to find one great piece of clothing or an amazing accessory for a fair price. Although this is all very true about me, I am finding, that although I am broke, I have expensive taste. (That could be the reason why I am broke, and do not have a penny to my name right now!) Every time I see something I fall in love and feel I can't live without, but find I have to live without it.... because it's WAY to expensive.

I was going through the October Nordstrom catalogue and saw things I loved and couldn't afford...

Jessica Simpson 'Belta' embellished ballet flat in satin, eggplant: $74.95

Steve Madden Drop-waist wool blend topper with tab belt in back:

$138

Marc By Marc Jacobs 'Flight of Fancy' two sided pendant watch:

$175

Of course I don't NEED these things, but I think they are just adorable and WANT them. I could, of course, never afford these things unless I "schemed" and saved, and hoarded until I had enough money, but then a new fashion trend will have started and it will not be what I want anymore. I will have new wants, and desires. New things will be in and fall will have come and gone. I think it's funny that all this has been going on inside my head and that this weekend my youth pastor spoke on the importance of tithing. He spoke about all the things I mentioned above but in his own way. I always find it quite amusing when my pastor, Adam, talks about things that I'm struggling with in my life.

Anyway, after my boot incident I have decided that my splurging days are over, and that I should think rationally (and make sure I have money) before I buy anything. I don't need a purple set of Jessica Simpson flats, or a Marc By Marc Jacobs clock necklace, or an adorable Steve Madden coat. None of those items are practical. How many outfits do I have that go with purple ballet flats? I'm pretty sure none. Anywho there's my sh-peel on overpriced clothing, shoes, and accessories. But none of you probably give a hoot! (That was for you Ramiah)

On another topic have you noticed that furry vests are the in thing right now? Personally I find them hideous, but they are popping up everywhere! I first saw them shown in a Seventeen magazine. I ignored it, because even though I like Seventeen, I don't note them as a fashion magazine, just more of a magazine for fun tips about hair and make-up.... oh and relationships. (Gag me with a spoon!) Then I saw them pop up in a Vogue issue, I believe the September issue, the October issue of Elle, and Nordstrom's October catalogue. I then realized that it truly is in and decided that, no matter what, I would never wear one!

Love,

Cadence

Love Is In the Air

So my photoshoot from Thursday went very well. It is finally starting to look like fall in some areas, so I took my friends to one of the best places to shoot fall pictures in my area. I don't feel like writing much today so I'll just put the pictures up and get outta here! (: Enjoy!

Copyrighted 2009

Love,

Cadence

A Couple, an Actress, and Nerves

The thing that makes me the most nervous: people being upset with me/ making a mistake!

Thursday I have two photo shoots planned. I'm shooting my friends Ben & Jessi, and my other friend Bethany. Ben and Jessi are a new couple and all three of us wanted me to have a photo shoot for them. It is a free job, just so I can get some work for my portfolio. Bethany is an actress. She is signing up with an agency so she asked me to take head shots. I'm charging her a small amount to take the pictures, edit them, and shoot on location.

I'm super excited for the shoot, but very nervous. I haven't taken pictures of anyone except my siblings, and I don't want to mess up their pictures. My biggest fear right now is that I will have the shoot, I will think the pictures turned out great, and that when they get them, they will hate them. This will be good for me, but the waiting till Thursday is getting to me.

So remember that trip I went on? well here are some pictures from it! Enjoy (:

All pictures are copyrighted and belong to Cadence Meeks, © 2009

Bon marché Mode Trouve

My proudest fashion find: Juicy Couture Sweats for $30. 

In case you do not speak French, it's okay I don't either, the title of this blog is Cheap Fashion Finds. It just sounds so much classier when spoken in the French tongue, a.k.a. language. I'm obviously feeling very, what's the word, witty today. I guess that's the right word.

So for those of you who don't know I'm a girl who loves good deals! If I want designer things I  find them cheap. I love thrift stores and as I've said before Forever 21. Well two days ago I returned a dress and pearl strand to Charlotte Russe, this gave me a little extra spending cash. I went to Forever 21 and for the first time was a little disappointed with their clothes. Just when I thought that my favorite store had let me down I found the cutest accessories! When I walked out of the store I had a big smile on my face and a Forever 21 bag in hand. I left the store that night with a fetching bangle, and a very couture headband. The bangle is glass and colored blue. It has two peacock feathers painted on it and is gold on the inside. The headband has a flower made out of brown, tan, and white feathers on the side. The bangle was $5.80 and the headband was $3.50


Today I got two amazing deals. I went to a name brand thrift store that I love, and found the cutest pea coat and dress. The dress is from Forever 21. It is purple with lace in the front on the neck. It is flowy, has gathered sleeves and goes perfectly with a pair of leggings! The pea coat is red and has big black buttons down the front. It has big pockets, and ties in front. It is by Pretty Kensie. The pea coat was $12.50 and the dress was $9.50


Ahh good deals make me happy! 

Manny, Dorothea, & Scott, Oh My!

Notable photographers: Manny Berumen, Dorothea Lange, Scott Schuman, Mark Susan, KrisD Mauga, & Stacy Leson.

Manny Berumen: I met Manny through my mom. She is a make-up artist and has worked with him on several shoots. The first time I saw Manny's work I loved it! He has an amazing eye for photography and his pictures are flawless. For him photography isn't his full time job, but more of a hobby (personally I think that he is amazing and should be a photographer full time). This past May I had him shoot me and two of my friends. I was very happy with how everything turned out, and got a bunch of comments on the pictures. He is definitely one of my favorite photographers and would recommend him. 
*He doesn't have a website but he has a Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/MannyBerumen?ref=sgm 


Dorothea Lange: If you have never heard of Dorothea Lange or seen her picture "Migrant Mother", you must be living under a rock! To me Dorothea was a strong, outstanding woman. She was one of the few woman photographers in the 1940's, and saw the beauty in everyday people even in hard times. She photographed a lot of the depression era which makes me look up to her even more, because even in hard times when there was no way that she could make a living off of what she loved, she still pursued it. 
There are many websites that notice Dorothea Lange and her work. One of my favorites is 
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html 

Dorthea Lange

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html

Scott Schuman: I actually just found out about Scott today. I was looking at blogs and somehow found my way onto his blog. Just a few minutes of looking at his work and I was in love. I read about how he did a shoot for Italian Vogue Pelle's September issue. When I saw he pictures I decided right then and there that he was a photographer that had to be noted in one of my blogs. He is definitely now a favorite!
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/

Mark Susan: I also met Mark through my mommy! (: They did a lot of work together and every time the pictures were amazing!  One of his collections, Oranges, is my absolute favorite by him. My mom did the make-up for two of the ten pictures in the collection. The photographs were chosen to be placed in The Orange Table, which is located in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ, about a year ago. Every single one of his photographs are stunning; they are always clear and vibrant. His creativity and raw talent has made him one of Cookie Monster Meeks' notable photographers. Not that, that really means anything to anyone. (:
http://www.marksusan.com/

Mark Susan Photography

Orange Series 

Mark Susan Photography's Myspace

http://www.myspace.com/marksusan

KristD Mauga: I found out about KrisD through the amazing online photo editing system picnik. After reading about her and seeing some of her pictures I googled her! I couldn't help it after seeing some of her work I had to see more. I found her website and soon she became one of my biggest inspirations. Her shots are simple and show everyday people in their everyday lives, but even in the simplest there is an undeniable beauty about each photograph. That is why I love her photography. 


Stay Leson: Stacy is an amazing young women. I also found out about her through picnik and googled after reading about her. She is in tenth grade but her photography skills are far beyond her years. Every photograph is something that people look at every day but her pictures seem to put a twist on those everyday things. You can tell by looking at her pictures that she sees things differently and sees beauty in the world around her! She is definitely someone I look up to, even though we are the same age, and am inspired by. 

Hotel Breakdowns

Stacy Leson

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stacyleson/3701266849/in/photostream/

Coincidences & Inspirations

My biggest photography inspiration: Well inspiration means a divine influence and I think that other photographers influence me a lot.

So recently.... actually a few weeks ago... I decided to buy a copy of Vogue. I absolutely love looking at high fashion photography and when I saw Septembers issue of Vogue I swear it was calling my name! (: (There's a a little drama for those of you who have boring lives.) Anyway when I was going through Vogue two articles stuck out because of their amazing photographs. "Into the Woods" which was photographed by Marcus Piggott & Mert Alas, Little Red Riding Hood is Natalia Vodianova, and "In the Mood" photographed by Steven Meisel. 

"Into the Woods" is a collection of photographs that have a high fashion twist on the well-known fairytale, Little Red Riding Hood. I loved looking at these pictures and it made me feel like a real photographer who is plugged in with the fashion industry. A month and a half ago I shot my sister in a Snow White inspired photo shoot. She wore a Joy & Moon, soft cotton, t-shirt dress and I stuffed the sleeves with tulle. Her hair was curled and she wore bright red lipstick. After I got her completely ready, I shoved an apple in her face and told her to model. One thing you'll have to keep in mind about my sister, is that she is an amazing model. I am not just saying this because she is my sister, but because she truly is. I can tell her my idea and she gives me input and has ideas of her own. You don't even have to give her direction, she is just a natural. Okay, so back to what I was saying, I was very proud of my work and thought that I should do more fairytale inspired photo shoots, and was very excited to see that I was headed in the right direction as far as high fashion photography. 

 

After I was done drooling over the "Into the Woods" photographs and wiped the enormous cheesy grin off my face, I flipped to the 1940's inspired photo shoot, "In the Mood". Every page showed a different side or view of the women in the 1940's. Personally, I am in love with the fashion, the music, the way people talked, really just about everything about the 40's, so when I saw this spread my eyes twinkled and that huge cheesy smile that I had a few minutes before came back. I was inspired! A few days later I was at an antique store and found an old suitcase. I had been looking for one everywhere, and almost came out of my skin when I found it and realized it was only $6. I, of course, had to buy it, and skipped to the car merrily with it in hand. About a week later is when I arrived home from my traveling experience and told my sister we were going to have another photo shoot. I told her what I wanted to do and she was on board. For this shoot she wore a Charlotte Russe red, navy blue, & tan plaid, potato sack like dress, with a black Steve Madden pea coat, and black Walmart (yes Walmart) brand ballet flats. As for accessories she wore a H&M black and forest green feathered headband, my pearl earings, and a Charlotte Russe pearl strand. Her hair was curled and her make-up consisted of Bobby Brown & Arbonne black and gray eyeshadow, Bobby Brown black eyeliner and bright red Arbonne lipstick. I took my sister across the street where the sun was hitting a street corner just perfectly and handed her a Vogue magazine and my suitcase. She did amazing, and considering the limited space that we have to shoot, the pictures turned out quite wonderfully! 

 

 

 

 

 

Always and Forever,

Cadence

All pictures are copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

©2009