Shiela Hizon: My Favorite Los Angeles and Inland Empire Photographer!

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Shiela Hizon, an insanely talented editorial photographer. I know her skills firsthand, as she has taken shots of me more than once. It has always been fascinating to work with Shiela, because she always got me, meaning she always understood my vision. And she, of course, had an insightful way of directing me. So here are a few of pics of me that she shot -- photographs that continue to amaze me to this day.

Shiela serves the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas. She can be contacted directly through her website, Hizon Photography. Please check out her interview on ClosetMouse.com.

Say cheese!

Social Networking and Stylish Contacts

I spend a large portion of my time (in between writing, editing, and personal shopping) on social networks like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, ClosetMouse, and BlogCatalog. There are tons of really interesting contacts out there! Are you actively involved in networking and meeting those who share your passion? I, myself, have benefitted immensely from spending time on sites such as these.

While I don't believe that networking on the Internet is the only way to grow your inner circle, I do believe that these resources are advantageous and will help to market yourself. These are places where you can discuss what you do, why you do it, and how well you do it.

Please feel free to add me as your friend on these networks (just click on the links above to connect to my profile!):

Get what you want out of life by putting yourself out there. That is my tip of the day! You never know who could be seeking your services, products, and/or expertise.

Have fun and happy networking! Grab some coffee, tea, a cocktail (but just one!) while you communicate. Opportunities await you.


Photo Credit: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Make An Avant-Garde Statement with 'Lolipop Glass'

As seen right here, on model Whitney Perry, Lolipop Glass is a refreshing direction in fashion jewelry. I personally enjoy wearing pieces that have personality and strike up conversations. Designed by Jonathon Leon, Lolipop Glass will so do this. This line offers one-of-a-kind, unique pieces that truly make dressing up fun! And when you want to be casual, say in a tank and shorts, a Lolipop Glass bracelet or necklace can definitely spark some color to your style.

For more info about the line and to read an amazing interview with Whitney Perry, visit ClosetMouse.com! Michael Godinez had a fun chat with her. (And isn't she just the cutest?)

Photo Credit: http://www.closetmouse.com

I hit the Red Carpet with ClosetMouse.com!

I recently attended an event in Los Angeles at Vanguard off Sunset with some of the ClosetMouse.com crew! It was wonderful! Project Ethos put on a fabulous fashion event that featured uprising LA-based designers. With great honor, as an Inland Empire personal shopper and wardrobe consultant, I was able to chat with the majority of them before the show and interview them afterwards.

So be sure to check out some of these interviews! Fashion designer Daisy Gonzalez, makeup artist Rachel Lisa, and AUSFAHR's co-founder denim designers Steve Hohenwarter and Lauren Seldomridge are featured pros on ClosetMouse.com. (Interviews with Julia Lovan and GOCI are coming up!)

In this photo: standing next to me is the amazingly talented Michael Godinez who created the concept of ClosetMouse.com, and has poured his blood, sweat, and tears into this venture. Then going from right to left, Jessica Lopes (e-commerce, instore shop mgr), Kamile Kruc (Project Mgr), Michael McVean (ex-editor), and Mayra Mundo (ex-PR networker). When you have a strong team, the work that is involved becomes as exciting as the events we have attended, and will continue to do so. I'm one fortunate managing editor!

...And when it comes to being fortunate, now you can score couture handbags on sale! Our e-store offers you plenty. Please contact me if you have any questions.Stay tuned with all that develops with ClosetMouse.com. It's gonna blow your mind!

Photo Credit: ClosetMouse.com's in-house photographer

Hang Out With the 'Good Girl' in a New Fashion Forum!

I am the forum administator of Mavens of Fashion Magazine (formerly Closet Mouse)! So, I've started a bunch of topics that may arouse your inner style chatter, and would love to hang out with you there as well.

Here are some of the threads I developed:

- My Favorite Designer Is...

- One of the Most Prized Possesions in My Closet Are...

- International Fashion

- Fashion TV

- Poor Retail Customer Service Bad for the Economy

Reminder: If you are a fashion writer/ blogger, stylist, personal shopper, boutique owner, buyer, sample maker, sales rep, image consultant, model, photographer, wholesaler, manufacturer, concierge, or thrive in makeup and hair: MOF Magazine is a great place to promote your business for...FREE!

Contact me at: elana@talkingchic.com if you have questions!

Photo Credit: http://www.mofmagazine.com/

It's Amanda of "Fashion, Love, and Martinis!"

I was the first person to comment on Amanda Allison Valdez's blog, Fashion, Love, and Martinis. And I love to remind her about that!

When I originally came across her site months ago, I was immediately drawn to how candid she was (and is!) about her goals with fashion, her personal style, and how fabulous she feels in her own skin. She is completely open and honest, and I completely respect her for that. So, since then, we became friends through tons of networks. You know, myspace, facebook, blogcatalog, Twitter, etc., while now moving onto actual text messages. After getting to know what she is made of, I decided to invite her to ClosetMouse.com after I was personally approached from CM's Ali Costello regarding my own personal shopping, wardrobe consulting, and styling services. Truth be told: it was quite obvious how a talented image consultant and stylist such as Amanda would do their site good. Shortly after that, Ali and Amanda made contact, began building a working relationship, and voila....

Now, we are both CM "Featured Pros!" This is truly a great opportunity to meet other fashion professionals, while also reaching out to those need of our assistance.

And what makes this really special, is that Amanda and I interviewed one another and wrote bios for each other. In the process, we learned how similar we both are (journalism majors, fashion bloggers, AND stylists) and agree how important it is for a client to work confidence in his or her wardrobe. (Amen to that, right?!)

Be sure to watch and listen to Amanda' latest "vlog" post on Fashion, Love, and Martinis! Just as I am, she is delighted to be a "Featured Pro." Her squeals are the cutest!

Photo Credit: http://www.closetmouse.com/

Nicole Richie's 'House of Harlow 1960' Featured on ClosetMouse.com

So I have two announcements my friends:

(1) I am a new featured fashion stylist and personal shopper on ClosetMouse.com -- a fresh community where fashion designers, stylists, personal shoppers, makeup artists, fashion writers, image consultants, fashion publicists, and even fashion students can join. I would suggest registering today if you're interested, because there are some fabulous professionals out there! Plus, you can then visit my profile and learn about my rate details. ClosetMouse.com also provides knowledge regarding the distinctions of each type of fashion job!

(2) And on ClosetMouse.com, I will be writing new articles. After just learning about Nicole Richie's new jewelry collection, House of Harlow 1960, I'm absolutely in love! A bit late to hearing about her accessories line, but so glad I found it. Exclusively on ClosetMouse.com, I chat about House of Harlow 1960. (And if you haven't read The Truth About Diamonds yet, you gotta! Thanks for lending me yours, Leeann. Promise to return it soon...let's do lunch.)

I know, another celebrity designer (like gag you with a spoon?). Besides Gwen's L.A.M.B. line, I am very happy about Nicole's launch. And named after her daughter -- how cute is that...

(ChicGalleria.com, AgendaMag.com, BeautyChatBlog.com, PlasticSurgery.com, and YourNewBodyBlog.com are additional, fabulous publications I am apart of as either columnist, contributor, or senior editor. Visit my services section to learn about what I offer as a freelance professional.)

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com