Prize Package ($700 value):

1. Overnight accommodations at the luxurious Seattle Sheraton on Friday, December 16th
2. Two tickets to Seattle’s Traditional Santa Breakfast on Saturday, December 17th (also at Sheraton Seattle)
3. Family photo session with Heleyna Holmes Photography
How to Enter:

“Like” the Ana Louie Apparel Facebook Page or email info@analouieapparel.com with “Holiday Contest 2011″ in subject line to enter to win. Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Dec. 14th.

Some Rules:

Contest runs December 1st – December 14th.
Must be 18+ years old to enter and must be a permanent legal resident of one of the 50 states.
Non-transferable. Winner must be available to redeem prizes on December 16 and December 17, 2011. State issued identification will be required upon check-in at hotel and to pick up tickets at will-call.
Winner randomly selected and announced Dec. 14, 2011.
See all official rules on the Ana Louie Blog.

ALSO! Check out Ana Louie when the fabulous designing duo was featured on Fashion Network Seattle!

Click HERE to check out these killer earrings and more from Blue Nile. Support Local Shop Local.

It’s only the beginning of winter, yet it is already so cold and rainy outside! Here’s some cute and cozy outfit ideas that’ll help keep you warm and safe from the weather while still looking stylish.

The easiest way to keep warm is to layer from head to toe.  This means you can go all out and wear the coziest sweaters, hats and gloves, while still looking cute of course.  For hats, try wearing a beanie or wide brim hat, they’re perfect for keeping your head warm.  Splendid has some great beanies and Aritzia has some great fedora alternatives.  Next are scarves, which can be used to keep your neck warm or used as a shall.  Big wool scarves are great for winter, and can be especially cute in vintage patterns.

As far as jackets and sweaters go, it is important to build up layers, starting with the lightest fabric. An example would be a light weight t-shirt underneath a thick flannel paired with a utilitarian jacket. Another alternative is to just wear a great big wool or fur coat over whatever you are wearing. If bought in a neutral color with small details, they can go with just about anything! The best thing about winter is all the great boot options. I love wearing my distressed Frye’s with a pair of wool knee high socks underneath. Lastly, don’t forget your mittens and a Venti Starbucks tea to help keep you warm this winter!

Some of the local designers who showcased their lines were Justin Zachary Bartle, Cami Funk, Katie Kinkle, and the famous Rene Ropas! All designs were unique in their own way. Justin Zachary Bartle showcased formal wear. Very elegant, feminine dresses for every women to feel extra special in.  Rene Ropas put on a very vibrant, out of the ordinary (In a good way) set where all of her models came out in black jumpsuits, acting as live mannequins and were then dressed by others in her designs. It was something I had never seen done before so I was very impressed and left feeling inspired! Reconstructed Clothing Co.is a local business with local designers using local resources to start a clothing Ecoloution. They simply make news things out of old which I really love! Check them out on 1st ave, Downtown Seattle! Powder Room rocked the runway with over-sized sweaters, fur, plaids, and lace! There is something for everyone at Powder Room and the price point is right on! I love their accessories too! Zebra Club always shines and tonight they did it again with cozy over-sized sweaters, denim, skinny jeans, neutrals, and stripes. Oh, did I mention shoes? Zebra Club always has their models in the best shoes!

To end the evening, the runway cleared off, and the Seattle-based break-dancing group Massive Monkees-known for their  high-energy performances on America’s Best Dance Crew busted some serious moves. Props to the team, because that takes dedication and a whole lot of time! Very impressive! Thank you to those who came out and supported the 2nd Annual Runway to Freedom Charity Fashion Show!

Below are a few of my favorites from the evening:

Justin Zachary Bartle

Cami Funk

Powder Room

Zebra Club

Rene Ropas  “BE BEAUTIFUL, BE INSPIRED, BE UNSTOPPABLE.”

All photos taken by: Chelsea Mae Dickson

How did professional photography enter your life?

I came to professional photography by a number of factors. I had taken a photography class…or three… between my senior year of high school and freshman year of college. I had a definite interest in photography, but was unsure that I would be able to create a business out of something I was so passionate about. During my sophomore year of college I was photographing bands and taking headshots for my actor friends. One day I just decided that I could start charging for my services, and therefore, start a business as a professional photographer.

Who are your influences?

I am definitely inspired by brands such as Anthropologie, Free People, We Are Handsome, Ruche – all brands that are soft and romantic. Teen brands such as Forever 21, Seventeen Magazine, Roxy – inspire me on a California, youthful side. I always have adored J.Crew and brands that have a clean polished studio work. I’m across the board for inspiration. I turn to the cinematography in movies and the lovely things from a great website called Pinterest for more inspiration as well!

What themes were iconic when you began to grow as a professional?

In college I went through a period where I was very influenced by water. It was a recurring theme in my work. Nowadays my portrait work for high school seniors is very influenced by sun, positive energy, and happiness. Iconic (and important) themes are staying consistent with my work (a light, carefree, happy vibe) no matter what I am working with in terms of natural light. This means keeping my style consistent with overcast weather, and sunny weather.

How did you develop your skill as a photographer?

A mixture: A little bit of school and A LOT of shooting! Taking pictures every day, studying the way light works and constantly examining your own work is key to developing your skills.

What is the best way to find work as a fashion and beauty photographer?

Get out there and network! Seattle is such a small community and the best way to get your name out there is to meet people!

How would you describe your photography style?

My style is natural, bright, and youthful.

How did you end up following a career in Seattle?

I was born and raised just a bit north of Seattle, went to high school and college in Seattle. My family, best friends, and network have always been here. I tried to move away, but too many factors keep me here! I have built my brand in this city. It is my home and no matter where work takes me (LA or New York, etc.) – Seattle will always be my home base.

Do you have any other photography interest other than fashion?

Fashion has always been my interest from the beginning. Before I even started taking pictures, I was always into fashion magazines and advertisements. I collected things I ripped out of magazines and pasted them all over my walls and ceiling in high school. I can’t see myself doing anything without a fashion element, like my senior portraits or celebrity editorial work.

What is you dream photo assignment?

I would love to shoot an editorial in Ireland, on the countryside with models on horses – something elaborate, enchanting and ultimately heart stopping. For a magazine, fashion spread, or celebrity, traveling somewhere unique for a photoshoot is my next dream.

If you weren’t a photographer then what would you be?

I think I would either be a Producer, or Cinematographer. I love working in a creative field and I’m very organized. I enjoy putting all the pieces together when doing a fashion shoot.

What is the best advice you received that you can pass down to potentials photographers out there?

Shoot EVERY day!

What do you love most about your job?

I love the flexibility of working for myself, creating my own hours, getting to work with the clients I want and creating something that truly helps girls feel better about themselves. Below are some of my favorite Senior Portraits!

Who would you like to thank for your success?

My family, friends, mentors and everyone that has offered support, advice and friendship along the way! (Below is my first magazine cover with 90210 star Jessica Lowndes!)

What is the photographic philosophy behind your work?

Helping to bring healthy body awareness to young teens by giving them a photoshoot experience that helps them see their own true beauty (inside and out!). Also, by working on fashion projects that help support a healthy body image in that industry as well.

Where can our viewers follow you and see more of your photos?

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

instagram: moorephoto

Wear it on my head, double french braid, or run my fingers through it and…pull.

Yum. Miles McMillan is dreamy.

Street Style. Even if I try….super super hard….I could not look as stylish as this man.

Via Garcon

Have you been growing your hair out? Spring was a time of envy for some of us at FNS, and looking at all of the long, beautiful, wavy runway hair trends for s/s11 had us avoiding the barber for months. Now Fall has rolled around, and for those of us who have been patiently harvesting inches of tresses, there are plenty of long hair ideas on the runway.

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- left to right - Band of Outsiders F/W11, Erin Fetherston F/W11, Lanvin F/W11

The first exciting long hair prospect is braids. Loose and wavy, funky and cute, chunky and edgy, crawling down your back over a knit sweater, tucked into your scarf–no matter how you do it, braids are low-maintenance (messy is good! Sleek is good! However it turns out, say you did it on purpose!). The recent braid resurgence has inspired variations, including the fishtail braid–watch a video tutorial here. Though it looks complicated, it is quite simple (with a little practice, of course).

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-left to right- Vera Wang F/W11, Proenza Schouler F/W11, Alexander Wang F/W11

If you don’t feel like crafting your hair into a braid, take some inspiration from the runway and give yourself a fall 2011 ponytail. Tease your hair as much as you want– until it sags, even– and tie it into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Soft and natural from the front and unique in the back, this look won’t be ruined by a gust of wind or Seattle rain.

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-left to right- Chloe F/W11, Alexander Wang F/W11, Lanvin F/W11

While the side part continues to look good and inspire designers (dramatic side parts accompany updos this season), the middle part is also emerging in beauty trends. Because a middle part can appear severe in its own way, keep the rest simple and sleek.

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-left to right- Michael Kors F/W11, Carolina Herrera F/W11, Dolce & Gabbana F/W11

If you are an ambitious beauty gal, then please do us all a favor and take a stab at the beautiful twisted updos that made appearances at several different shows. Arm yourself with some firm hold hairspray, a handful of bobby pins, and an empty afternoon and report back (we would love to see some photos!). FNS found a similar knotted hair tutorial here.

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-left to right- Lanvin F/W11, Giambattista Valli F/W11, Rag & Bone F/W11

Did you recently chop your hair off? Senior Beauty Editor of style.com Celia Ellenberg noted the presence of what she calls “coiffing androgyny” during a season of “masculine hair looks.” S/S11 was ultra-feminine with those flowing summer tresses, and even though Fall has continued on some of the same trends (braids, center parts, etc.), there is a harsher and less female aspect to many of the looks. Bold brows, harsh cuts, unapologetic boyishness. Go ahead, add some edge to your look.

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-left to right- Dries Van Noten F/W11 for first two pictures, and Chanel F/W11

Short or long, this season’s gold accessories are for everyone. Take the stunning gold of fall leaves and place it in your hair! Nestle a clip into a low bun like Chanel, wrap a gold band or ribbon around a ponytail like Dries Van Noten, or bury a gold pin into a twisty undo.

What does the fall move YOU to explore? We would love to see pictures of your own runway-inspired hair!