Anna Louise Jiongco discovered her first disposable camera at a young age during a family trip to Bangkok, Thailand.

“I took pictures of Theravada Buddhist temples, the allure of wild plants and flowers, religious icons, and architecture around the city,” Jiongco said.  When the photos were printed, a professional photographer saw my photos and encouraged me to consider being a photographer. Something literally clicked.”

But, the decision to venture into fashion photography wasn’t the top of her list.

Model Kori Lee (Photo by Anna Louise Jiongco).

I was such a “fashion-less” teenager and didn’t care much for fashion,” Jiongco said. After years of denying that I didn’t abide to the fashion world, I slowly began to pay attention to all kinds of fashion much like how I relate it to my background in art.”

Merging her love for portrait photography, Jiongco has become a freelance fashion photographer and a photographer for Baltimore vintage boutique, Salome Vintage.

After a photo shoot with a Baltimore fashion scene icon, Pam Haner, the Baltimore based fashion photographer was selected to work on a fashion project highlighting classic fashion garments.

(Photo by Anna Louise Jiongco).

“Technically our first photo shoot as Salome Vintage was for a short-lived project named Brown Leather Couch,” Jiongco said. We had a last minute location change, but the shoot at Enoch Pratt turned out pretty amazing with Jess Bucaro and Maggie Burke as our models.  There were a lot of amazing architectural elements we were able to play around with. It turned out to be a very spontaneous shoot.”

Jioncgo loves to collaborate with the Baltimore based vintage company owned by Pam Haner and Erin Fitzgibbons because they recruit models with natural beauty and down to earth personalities.

“The model is the most important,” Jioncgo said. I find models to be like performance artists in many ways .You can have the most depressed area to shoot at, but a good model will make that area feel like paradise. She will make it look like a place people want to be and elevate its potential for more beauty there.”

(Photo by Anna Louise Jiongco).

In addition to providing images for Salome Vintage, the freelance fashion photographer has photo shoots in places like New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and works with fashion models like Kori Lee.

In 2012, Jiongco hopes to experiment with commercial fashion photography, to explore avant-garde fashion shoots, work with independent boutiques, designers, stylists, and to return to New York Fashion Week photographing emerging designers collections.

“There is no such thing as a typical work day,” Jioncgo said. Once the hair and make up and clothes are chosen for each model, that’s when I get to snap, flash, and direct.”

In a woman’s life, there are two big occasions that you always have a hard time figuring out what to wear:  your wedding and your prom.

Doll House Boutique is providing one of kind prom dresses designed from local fashion designers from January 24 to January 28. The annual “PROM WEEK” event  is something high school dolls do no want to miss!

(Photos from Doll House).

Also, check out Doll House Boutique’s new Twitter page and follow here: https://twitter.com/#!/ShopDollHouse

 Inspired by a 30 foot tall metal basket of florals, Jude Drakeford created her first gown at 11 years old. The young designer enrolled into Maryland Academy of Couture Arts (MACA) to learn more about the creative process of fashion. 

(Photo from Jude Drakeford).

“MACA allows me to broaden my outlook on proper garment construction,” Drakeford said. “All the different techniques I have learned, I try to incorporate into my designs such as pessementary, silk painting, embroidery techniques and edgings. Ella Pritsker, my teacher and mentor, has taught me so many skills that I could not have learned anywhere else. “

Influenced by Pritsker’s expertise in couture design, Drakeford has become a teenaged fashion prodigy. The youngest student at MACA is appreciative of her fashion education. The most important concept she has learned is pattern making. 

“It opened a lot of doors for me and allows my designs to come to life,” Drakeford said. I learned that once you know how to make a pattern, the sky is the limit.”

(Photo from Jude Drakeford).

Before Drakeford created a colorful gown named Rose, she made a green lycra mermaid tail at the age of 7. Wanting to know how it felt to be a mythical creature, she wore it whenever she would go swimming. This early interest developed into a muse for her fabric based inventions.

“Mother Nature is my biggest inspiration because most people do not take time to look around them and appreciate a natural beauty in a form of art,” Drakeford said. 

I try to tell that story through my garments as much as possible, impressionistic art – such as Monet, Renoir, Degas and Van Gogh because their paintings are more abstract it allows my imagination to wonder while still keeping the basic concept.”

Jude Drakeford (Photo from Jude Drakeford).

With a passion to turn natural elements into wearable pieces, the Maryland teenager continues to work towards her dreams of presenting at New York Fashion and designing red carpet ready custom gowns.

“I don’t have a favorite [design],” Drakeford said.  I love them all for different reasons. Because they are all so unique. Each one has taught me something new in the process.” 

 Every garment she makes, there is always a lesson to be learned. 

Throughout the week, Urban Chic is having sales to celebrate their stylish resolutions!

Of course, I am here to tell you about the sales happening at  Urban Chic in Harbor East.

Tuesday, January 17 – “I will inject new life into my closet with fun accessories.” 20 percent off of shoes, accessories, scarves and more at Urban Chic Harbor East. Also, enter to win spring street cocktail ring. 

Wednesday, January 18 – “I will treat myself to an amazing dress because I deserve it!” 20 percent off of cocktail dresses at all Urban Chic locations. 

Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22 – “I will spend my money wisely!”  Shop more and save more. Come by all Urban Chic locations all weekend  for a sip of champagne. 

*There are sales going on at their Georgetown location and Bethesda location if you want to make the drive for an amazing sale. 

 In August 2008, Williams was a fashion designer chosen to show their garments at the first mandated fashion week of Charm City.

 “I designed my entire 32-piece collection in three weeks because I entered the show so late,” Williams said. I remember the stress, the drama, and the sleepless nights. The moment I walked out at the end of my show and I saw my friends, my clients, my family and future clients, all the complaints went out the window.”

 William’s fashion week collection for her trademarked line, Irregular Exposure, was full of vibrant colors and patterns.

 A portfolio with balloon shaped skirts, voluminous hangerchief hemline dresses and a show stopping floor length plaid gown provided the Polytechnic Institute student with an entry into fashion school.  

 Being a fashion student at one of the most prestigious Art Institutes, Williams had the opportunity to discover new realms of diversity and to advance her design aesthetic. While in college, she continued to make her mark in her hometown’s fashion scene participating in events like the annual Charm City Fashion Show.

 The Irregular Exposure designer completed her fashion education in summer 2011. Months before that milestone, Williams started to plan out a business plan for her line.

 “I actually had a friend I went to high school and college with, Courtney Roberts, who worked at Dollhouse Boutique as a seamstress told me about how great the boutique was,” Williams said. I emailed Natalie Graham about selling my designs back in February 2011 and I actually wanted to intern with her. By the time decisions were finalized, I had already graduated and I was ready to start selling my clothes.”

 Irregular Exposure has found a home at the North Charles fashion boutique known for handpicking garments from some of Baltimore’s best independent fashion artists.

“Dollhouse is well organized and that’s something a lot of boutiques lack,” Williams said. They also expose their designers while other boutiques try to keep them for themselves. They take pride in their designers.”

 As a new year starts, the emerging Baltimore designer has expansion on her mind. She will be opening an online store in Spring 2012 and expanding her line’s range.

 “I have a few other boutiques in the works that may be carrying Irregular Exposure soon, but nothing is final yet,” Williams said. In 2012, I hope to have my pieces in a boutique on the west coast. Like I said a few things are in the works in Baltimore, but I want to have my pieces in California. I know that’s hard to do, but it’s very possible with the right team.”

From being a pioneer at a historic Baltimore fashion event to the creation of her own design venture, Williams is an inspiration for aspiring designers. Her recipe for success lies within a familiar four-letter word.

“Find your love and stick to it,” Williams said. You know this is the right profession if you would do it for free. Every year I give away a few free prom gowns to teen girls in Baltimore that can’t afford a dress. You just have to love what you do first.”

Sometimes you look at yourself in the mirror . . . and think “maybe it’s time for a change”.

In October 2011, I decided to give my hair . . . a drastic change. Now, I am a naturalista!

TRUTH: Since 7th grade, I have been straighten my hair with a straighten comb. I have burned my hair numerous times with straighten combs. I would buy pieces (ponytails and buns) for special occasions. I would always have my hair in a ponytail or curl it with rollers.

I had a relaxer once, but the idea of chemicals burning near my scalp just didn’t click. And, I have never had a perm.

DECISION: After straightening my hair with heat for years, I thought the best option for my hair was going back to natural (without heat).

FIRST STEP:  Make sure you have the right products and items. What do I use?

Items I use: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Water Bottle, Satin Bonnet, Bobby Pins, Huge Hair Clip, Organic Gel, and Comb Set

Other things, but not necessary for every naturalista.

Flowers Clips, Headband, Rollers and Hair Bands

NEXT STEP: Experiment with my hair to figure out what hairstyles I could wear. I have tried twist out, twists, rollers and braids so far.

TAKING CARE OF HAIR

On Youtube, I found Naptural85. She teaches you how to take care of your hair and how to make homemade oils for your hair. Also, she has tutorial videos for cute and diverse hair styles.  She is my number one source for many questions about natural hair.

Other great sources: Curly Nikki, Black Girl with Long Hair

INSPIRATION FOR HAIRSTYLES

One of my favorite personal style fashion bloggers is Tamia of Style Sample. I always admire how she always changes up her hairstyles.

(Photos from Style Sample).

Other bloggers with great natural hair: Style Pantry, Mattieologie

Besides that, my celebrity inspirations are Solange Knowles and Diana Ross (old images from the 1970s).

(Photo from Essence.com).

(Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

LAST STEP:  Figure out a daily hair regiment that works. Being a naturalista is hard work, but it always pays off in the end. I find that my regiment changes based on the hairstyle I am wearing.

No matter what, I always spray hair with water, detangle it, and grease my hair. I have been natural (heat free) for three months! I’ll update you on my hair journey when I hit six months in March.

I’m still learning about my hair daily, but I am in love with my hair’s natural state.

1. Find a Job.

As you know, I have been unemployed since August 2011. Officially, I have hit my six months of unemployment (I was rejected from getting unemployment benefits so these last months have been hard for me).

I really would love to be employed again.

I hope this year I will be able to find a job that I will enjoy and will have longevity. I just want to be able to feel normal again and be able to have a real job like every American is promised.

All I can do is pray and hope for the best.

2. Get the Provisonal License.

Two positive things that happened in 2011 was that I finally got my permit and I went to driving school.

The next big step to getting a full license is the Provisional License. I am 60 hours of driving and three lessons with a Driver Ed Educator away from getting this.

I believe I have to wait six months or nine months until I get the chance to take the driving test.

When Ms. Charm is able to drive, her life will truly change for the better.

3. Just keep writing.

I can’t even begin to explain how happy I am when I am writing. If I didn’t have a notebook in my purse or a laptop to type/write, I would pretty much be lost.

I will continue to update Ms. Charm’s Chic with articles, interviews, and more.  I will do my best to expand my writing portfolio. 

I came too far to ever give up on my dreams of being a writer. I’ll keep writing until my fingers hurt.

I just wanted to wish all my readers a “Happy Holiday” and a “Happy New Year”!

I can not wait for the new year to get started. I’ll be back on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 with new posts.

(Christmas and New Year Issue, fashion editorial, December 2008).

2011 has been a year of more downs than ups in my personal life, however writing my blog, Ms. Charm’s Chic, will always keep me motivated and determined to succeed.  

Here are my goals for 2011:

1. START WORKING TOWARDS GETTING A LICENSE.

To Complete or Not Complete: Completed!

(Photo by Paulette W.)

In March 2011, I went down to the MVA to take the written test. I failed the first time, but I didn’t give up. I passed the second time!

In May 2011 to June 2011, I went through three weeks of Driving School. Of course, I passed!

The next step in getting a license is getting 60 hours of driving. From there, you get the provisional license. I believe you have to wait six months or nine months until you get the chance to take the driving test.

I’m thinking that 2012 will be the year of getting the provisional license and trying to find a way to conquer the driving test.

2. CHANGE UP AND EXPAND MY STYLE.

To Complete or Not Complete: ??????

I guess this is an unrealistic goal for one year because I feel like my style is constantly changing. 

3. CONTINUE WORKING ON MY WRITING PORTFOLIO.

To Complete or Not Complete: In the Middle?

In 2011, I learned that jobs can come and go in an instant. By August 2011, I find myself unemployed like millions of Americans.

(Photo by Paulette W).

I am still left without steady employment. I didn’t like that I was M.I.A for many fashion events in Baltimore.  However, I kept writing and updating Ms. Charm’s Chic to get me through my hard times.

Being unemployed without the help of unemployment benefit checks is no fun. It has been one of the most depressing experiences in my life so far.

I don’t usually get religious on this blog . . .

Dear God, I am only asking for one thing in 2012: to have a job with longevity or to at least be employed. 

2011 has taught me that jobs can come and go in an instant. 

Please find a way to find me a real job and guide me in the right direction in 2012. 

So, I am taking a break from blogging (yes, it’s very hard for me to do this. But, we all need a break every once in a while) to clear my mind and spend time with my family.

Don’t worry I will continue to update my Facebook page and Twitter.  

(Photo by Paulette W.).

Anyway, Happy Holidays to you and yours!