Summer 2021 Inspired Looks by Gulf Coast Woman

Inspired looks just for you! PHOTOSHOOT CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER BRANDI STAGE PORTRAITURE LEAD CREATIVE/STYLIST JASMINE BALL STYLING CONSULTANT BRENDA BLOUNT MAKEUP ARTIST KASPER LY HAIRSTYLISTS RACHAEL HOLLINGSWORTH & CODY SHAFER LOCATION LA MAISON GAUTIER

OUTFIT FROM GRANT'S FOR HER

OUTFITS FROM GRANT'S FOR HER

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Grant's for Her “Our goal is to empower women to go out and accomplish their dreams, because in the right outfit, you can conquer the world." Sharon Weeks Owner/manager, Grants for Her

Whatever your style, Weeks offers the following tips for looking polished and pulled together: 1. “Dress to express your personality with accessories and color.” 2. “Try something new, like a pair of high-waisted denim, a belt or even bold, printed blouse that you wouldn’t normally wear but feel good in. It will be an instant mood changer.” 3. “When in doubt, dress up! Wear that new dress you just bought, add an extra layer of jewelry or pair some fun shoes with denim. Don’t be afraid to be a trend setter!” As a boutique owner with her pulse on the fashion world, Weeks has noticed the following trends: 1. “Pearls galore” 2. “Floral prints” 3. “Sustainable accessories — a favorite handbag brand we carry makes really cool totes from plastic bottles that are recycled from the beaches of Bali.” 4. “Hats! Straw, wool, bucket — you name it!” 5. “Scarves — on your head, on your neck or on your handbag” 6. “Oversized puff sleeves for an uber-feminine touch”

OUTFIT FROM GRANT'S FOR HER

OUTFITS FROM GRANT'S FOR HER

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Brandi Stage Owner and photographer, Brandi Stage Portraiture

“I wanted women to experience the freedom of knowing that they are beautiful simply by being a woman.”

randi Stage has a message for all women: Even with no makeup and undone hair, you are beautiful. She makes everyone she shoots at Brandi Stage Portraiture, her namesake photography studio in Bay St. Louis, look like a cover girl. However, she’s the first to say she can’t create anything that’s not already there. To Stage, her subjects are gorgeous when they walk in the door. And having grappled with insecurity herself, she knows how hard it can be to recognize your own beauty. “I also struggled with it when I was younger and didn’t want women living in that place,” she says. “It’s bondage, and I wanted women to experience the freedom of knowing that they are beautiful simply by being a woman.” From that desire, Stage’s Bold, Beautiful and Perfect project was born. She says the name came from an encounter with Jesus, in which He allowed her to see herself through his eyes. “I knew then that I was beautiful,” she says. “I became bold, and I was perfect in His eyes.” BBP’s basic tenet is that beauty doesn’t come in one size or have a particular look — nor does it have to be earned. Women are made in the image of God, and therefore are beautiful. Through the project, Stage creates a dialogue between those needing help with their self-image and those who have overcome their insecurities and are further along in their confidence journey.

Stage is excited about some developments happening with the project, including a book she has planned to widen its reach. “It will include my favorite image of the ladies and their story,” she says. “We are also going to do a podcast, where I interview the (participants) and others and have conversations that will make listeners laugh, possibly tear up and definitely be inspired!” The BBP ladies also will be highlighted in a show on Oct. 21 at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi. To read their stories and insights, visit the project blog site at brandistage.com/blog/. From her vast experience behind the camera, Stage realizes that sometimes she must create beauty on the outside before her subjects can see it on the inside. To that end, she says, “wardrobe matters.” Describing her own style, she says, “I’m drawn to elegance and edge. I love gorgeous, natural fabrics. In the warm months, I love cotton, linen and silks, and in the cooler months, I love cashmere, wool and specific linen pieces.” In any season, she adds, great jewelry can elevate any look. Stage is noticing more casual looks for wardrobe choices, which she attributes to the pandemic and to her studio encouraging women to bring clothes that show who they are. Making subjects comfortable gives Stage the result she’s aiming for. “The best expressions captured come when clients are relaxed and enjoying the experience.”

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Gabrielle's “An outfit sets your mood. If you look good, you feel good!” Wendy Figer Founder and chief executive officer, Gabrielle’s

Here are her tips for dressing with confidence: 1. “Accessories are to an outfit what lipstick is to makeup.” 2. “Always dress to impress.” 3. “You can put on a dress and heels in the same amount of time it takes to put on shorts and tennis shoes.” Figer bills Gabrielle’s as the place “where trends begin.” Here’s her take on what’s popular right now: 1. “Athleisure wear is still strong as it carries over from 2020. ‘Sofa to street’ has never been more true.” 2. “2021 brings flowy, floral day dresses paired with sneakers for a balanced look of ‘casual-dressy.’” 3. “Soft, feminine silhouettes with ruffle details in neutral tones are strong as the social scenes start to make a comeback.”

OUTFIT FROM GABRIELLE'S

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Jasmine Ball Fashion stylist/columnist and social media specialist, Gulf Coast Woman

“I want everybody to be able to express themselves because fashion is an expression of who you are through clothing.”

With her eye always fixed toward the big trends, here are the styles Ball says are having their moment: 1. “I would say free-flowing clothing, loose fitted and natural to the body, (is popular).” 2. “Big puffy sleeves are definitely still on-trend. They haven’t gone away since they began to come out.” 3. “Very bright colors are coming back in for summer.” For those who need help taking their wardrobe to the next level, Ball has the following tips: 1. “First of all, always buy the shoes. You’re already looking at them, just buy the shoes.” 2. “Try to find inspiration for your clothes before you go shopping. That way, you’ll know what you like in terms of style and fit.” 3. “Don’t be afraid to try new things with color, with style and fit.”

asmine Ball’s first foray into fashion was being an assistant to her seamstress grandmother. “We’d go in (the store) and pick patterns, pick fabrics, and I used to just watch her sew,” recalls the now 24-year-old. “From there, I realized I didn’t want to be a doctor anymore and I wanted to be in fashion.” Ball went on to study fashion merchandising and design at Mississippi State University. Outside of her studies, she participated in the MSU Fashion Board, which produces multiple fashion shows each year on and around campus and puts out its own fashioncentered publication, ÊTRE Magazine. Besides working and interning at several boutiques, Ball has shared her sartorial knowledge on her blog, The Ball Post, for over two years, where she encourages her audience to let their personality shine through their clothing choices and to not be intimidated by shopping. “I want everyone to feel comfortable knowing that even if you’re wearing black on black, that is still fashion; you’re still a part of fashion,” Ball says. “I want everybody to be able to express themselves because fashion is an expression of who you are through clothing.”

OUTFITS FROM LADIDAA BOUTIQUE

OUTFIT FROM LADIDAA BOUTIQUE

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Ladidaa Boutique OUTFIT FROM LADIDAA BOUTIQUE

“As summer rolls into our beautiful Gulf Coast, we are seeing romantic, bohemian styles take over the dress market,” she says, “with ruffles, tassels, and fringe on muted, lightweight fabrics.” Windy Stanton Owner, Ladidaa Boutique

For those seeking some style guidance, Stanton has the following tips: 1. “Keep basic pieces in your wardrobe for layering, including black, white, and colored tanks, black leggings, white jeans, jean jackets in various colors and pair of sandals in a neutral color that go with everything.” 2. “Splurge on splashes of color in your jewelry, shoes, purses and other accessories. A pair of statement earrings can take a plain black dress to the next level.” 3. Make sure your clothes fit well and have been pressed if needed. Clean, pressed and well-fitting pieces will make you feel put together. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look good.

OUTFITS FROM LADIDAA BOUTIQUE

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Kasper Ly Makeup artist

“I want to evoke confidence through makeup to help people discover their inner beauty.”

For those who want their faces to look flawless, Ly offers the following tips: 1. “Skin prep is the key to beautiful foundation application.” 2. “Do your eyes first. I guess it depends on your preference, but if you do your eyes first, you can clean up your mistakes, such as eyeshadow fallout or crooked eyeliner, before going in with your base products.” 3. “Have fun and experiment with makeup. It’s not rocket science. Makeup is an enhancement tool to make you feel good and confident about yourself.” Like any industry, the beauty business is ever evolving. Ly has noticed several makeup trends, including: 1. Fresh, glowy skin 2. 90s supermodel matte eyeshadow looks 3. Gloss is coming back 4. Graphic Liner 5. Fluffy brows

asper Ly discovered his love for makeup at a young age, but initially, he was afraid to pursue it as a career choice. “I am a guy, and (for a guy) from my cultural background, it’s odd,” says Ly, who is originally from Cambodia, “but i found the courage and pursued it full time three years ago, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.” Ly’s specialty is fresh, glowy skin, which he says “always makes women feel their best.” Although the makeup artist finds joy in all aspects of the industry, he finds one facet particularly gratifying. “Most importantly, he says, “I want to evoke confidence through makeup to help people discover their inner beauty.”

PHOTOSHOOT VENUE SPOTLIGHT

La Maison Gautier "It’s the perfect mix of history and timelessness.” Courtney Gautier, Venue coordinator

estled among majestic live oaks, La Maison Gautier, better known locally as “The Old Place,” had modest beginnings as a home and lumber business. Since its establishment by Fernando Upton Gautier, who built the home in the 1860s with native pine cut at the sawmill, the property has been privately owned by the Gautier family. Today, it provides a stunning venue for celebrations large and small — including hundreds of weddings.

“The history of the home and the beautiful grounds make the property so special to many brides,” says Courtney Gautier, venue coordinator. “The expansive lawn featuring our hundredyear-old oak trees, the natural ivy and climbing greenery, the Spanish moss, all combined with the water views of the Pascagoula River, make for a magical experience. It’s the perfect mix of history and timelessness.”

OUTFIT FROM SARA KATE BOUTIQUE

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Sara Kate Boutique “My mission is to have a fun, light and airy place to shop and visit…three generations can come in and find something to take home.” Sara Reymond Owner, Sara Kate Boutique

Having fun with fashion is key, she says, and she offers the following advice for great style: 1. “Find trendy fashion and colors that work for you. Whether it’s a certain style of clothing or a color that looks good on you, find what works for you.” 2. “When you put on an outfit, just make sure it makes you smile. If it makes you smile and feel good, I say get it.” In her quest to spark joy with clothing, Reymond has taken note of the following trends: 1. “First and foremost, people are bursting at the seams to get out and get shopping again! Everyone is craving to feel cute!” 2. “Fun, big, beaded earrings and beaded bags are a big hit.” 3. “Anything with pops of color added in are very trendy. Skorts and cropped tops are definitely popular with the younger girls, and the softer the better with fabrics.”

OUTFIT FROM SARA KATE BOUTIQUE

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Rachael Hollingsworth Owner, Polished Salon & Spa

“When you feel good about the way you look, that gives you confidence in every part of your life.”

For those who want beautiful, healthy locks, here’s what Hollingsworth recommends: 1. “Use good products.” 2. “Make sure you’re using a thermal protectant if you’re using heat.” 3. “Always get your hair professionally colored. We always make the integrity of the hair the number-one consideration.” As for what’s popular, Hollingsworth has noticed the following hair trends: 1. “We’re actually seeing a lot of throwbacks to the ‘80s and the ‘90s these days — not just with hair, but fashion and makeup. For example, more bright colors.” 2. “Textured hair is really in right now — (including) curls and perms … .” 3. “Really anything goes these days; there’s not just one particular mold. Now people feel comfortable trying all different types of styles that maybe they wouldn’t have in the past.”

ith pandemic restrictions gradually easing, Rachael Hollingsworth is hopeful. “We look forward to more proms, homecomings, Mardi Gras and all of the balls, weddings — more events in general,” says Hollingsworth, owner of Polished Salon & Spa. And as the world returns to its normal rhythm, she and her team will be doing what they do best — pampering their patrons. Polished, the Gulfport beauty destination Hollingsworth and her husband bought three years ago, is a full-service salon and spa. After more than 20 years in the cosmetology business, Hollingsworth knows the work she does on the outside can have a profound impact on the inside. “When you feel good about the way you look,” she says, “that gives you confidence in every part of your life.”

PHOTOSHOOT CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT

Cody Shafer Hairstylist/cosmetologist, Polished Salon & Spa

“At the end of the day, I feel accomplished knowing that I just enhance a woman’s true beauty.”

To keep your hair in top condition, Shafer has the following tips: 1. “If you are a blonde, don’t brush your hair when wet; brush when semi dry. It prevents stretching and breaking.” 2. “Styling doesn’t always have to involve a hot tool. You can always do soft rods at night and wake up with beautiful curls.” 3. “Don’t be scared to invest in quality tools and products for your hair.” As we head into summer of 2021, here are the trends Shafer sees gaining traction: 1. “Hidden fashion colors, like peekaboo, rainbow-colored hair” 2. “Protective styles for those with naturally textured hair who want to protect their hair using wigs, braids, etc.” 3. “Shag cuts and curtain bangs”

ody Shafer realized early in life that hair and makeup were his calling. “I’ve always had a passion for this career,” says Shafer, a stylist with Polished Salon & Spa. “In high school, I used to do my friends’ hair and makeup for all sorts of events.” Raised by a single mother in Louisiana, Shafer came to the Coast about five years ago. He found “so much hospitality and rural beauty” that he doesn’t see himself ever leaving. He is equally committed to his career and says It means everything to him to help women look and feel their best — drawing out their confidence, bringing out their personalities and helping them make the most of their natural assets. “At the end of the day,” Shafer says, “I feel accomplished knowing that I just enhance a woman’s true beauty.”

MEET THE MODEL

Kylar Smith “I follow what I think looks cute on me; if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,”

hen one of Kylar Smith’s cousins asked her to model for her t-shirt line, the 22-year-old discovered an unknown talent and hasn’t looked back. Since then, the recent Louisiana State University grad, who studied political science and law, has done runway and print work. In the short term, she plans to take a year off from school and see where modeling takes her before starting law school. While she enjoys modeling, she acknowledges that the job isn’t always as

glamorous as people assume. “Don’t get me wrong, I have a great time, but it’s definitely hard work,” she says. “The days are very long, but it’s all worth it.” As for her own style, Smith says, “I don’t really follow trends.” “I follow what I think looks cute on me; if it works, it works, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” she says. “It’s really simple — I like to be comfortable, but I like to look cute, too.”

Modeling has given Smith an inside look at fashion, and she’s seen several trends come to the forefront recently: 1. “I feel like a lot of the styles from the 90s and the early 2000s are starting to come back into play.” 2. I’m also noticing that people are very expressive and fun with fashion. I feel like everyone has their own style.”

MEET THE MODEL

Grace Byrd “Always believe in yourself; always be confident in what you’re doing,”

In watching what others are wearing, Byrd’s identified several trends, such as: 1. Thrift store shopping — “I feel like a lot of people are doing whatever they want,” she says. “They have their own style.” 2. Flare jeans 3. “Scrunchies are coming back.”

ith her piercing gaze and determined air, Grace Byrd commands attention in front of the camera. Ask the 17-year-old high school student, and she’ll tell you that modeling is what she wants to do — and that she’s willing to work for it. “I really like it; it’s just fun for me,” says the teen from Mobile, Alabama. “I never thought I could do it, but I really like the idea of getting big and going places.” Not long ago, Byrd was focused on volleyball — then she accompanied her sister on a photoshoot and was encouraged to go into modeling. Since then, she’s been taking steps toward realizing her dream, including posing for photographer Brandi Stage. She also has interest in fashion design but has determined that modeling fits her better. “Being able to do this is huge for me,” Byrd says. “I really hope it goes somewhere.” Describing her own style, Byrd says it “changes every day,” but she generally just wants to be comfortable. Whatever you wear, Byrd’s number-one style tip is to “be yourself.” “Always believe in yourself; always be confident in what you’re doing,” Byrd says. “People will help, but in the end, you’re the one who’s going to make it or break it. Whatever you want to do, you have to make it happen.”

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