Tucson Modernism Week 2014 | Vintage Style Exhibit Part 1

Another year has come and gone, and the beautiful desert nights of October have graced Tucson with their presence. What that means is...Tucson Modernism Week, a two week long series of events, dedicated to the preservation and design of all things mid-century modern. Some of those categories are homage to architecture, furniture, fashion and cars. You know the good stuff!

My contribution to this wonderful event is the vintage style exhibit, where I produce, curate and style a lovely show, complete with stand still models and a set of vintage mid-century fashions that will feast your eyes. Below is Part 1 of the show, the behind the scenes footage, shot by my creative comrade Puspa Lohmeyer. Enjoy!

Credits:

Photographer: Puspa Lohmeyer

Creative Director + Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Hair: Raul Mendoza

Wardrobe: Black Cat Vintage | Razzle Dazzle Vintage | How Sweet it Was Vintage | Desert Vintage | Buffalo Exchange

Models: Kelsey Hagan | Ariel Robinson | Lindsey Meredith | Savanah Impellizzeri | Rachel Vague | Megan Russell | Niki Freeman

Plain White T | Casual Chic

I’m not entirely sure if it’s the heat that is getting to me, or just the lazy vibe of summer itself. Most likely it’s a combination of both, but all I want to wear these days is a white t-shirt and jeans (preferably a loved pair of vintage 501 button down levi’s). This casual chic ensemble is perfect for a Sunday brunch outing, followed by some treasure hunting plans and a little adventurous wandering perhaps?Black leather converse and leather ray ban wayfarer frame sunglasses! I am definitely swooning over the chic spin on these classic pieces. The black leather backpack might even come in handy as a stylish shopping or camera bag. Boom.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7


xx~Syd

Paint it Black

We all know how valuable a basic black shoe is. It's needed for almost any occasion and it complements almost any ensemble. I like to think of it as a commodity in the wardrobe dept. A black shoe (or black anything for that matter) just gives that dose of classic and refined bit of polish, that makes things feel sophisticated and exude panache.  Here are eleven of my top picks for the a basic everyday black summer shoe, ranging from sandal and slip-on to classic and comfortable.

1. Franco Sart | 2. Madewell | 3. Soludos | 4. Need Supply Co. | 5. Birkenstocks | 6. Sam Edelman  

7. Micheal Kors | 8. Loeffler Randall | 9. Stuart Weitzman | 10. Repetto Ballet Flats | 11.  Joie Espadrilles

The Shirt-Dress….

Since we are on the subject of wearing white cotton- along with the classic white shirt, comes the extended version, it’s sister.…the shirt-dress.

Note: another staple in your summer wardrobe. Cool, comfortable and classic, goodness knows mine has been with me a while.

I trotted around town in it all weekend long, it was 106 degrees on Saturday!

styling: sydney ballesteros

photos: stacia lugo

ps: the evidence of the arizona sun, is quite apparent by the sandal tan lines on my feet.

dress: old- similar versions of the shirt dress here, here and here | silver jewelry: vintage | sandals: franco sarto, similar here

xx~syd

Summer Whites

There is nothing better than the feeling of wearing a white cotton shirt on a hot summer day. This ultimate wardrobe staple can be dressed into so many ways. For this look, I was in the mood to tie it into a knot and pair it with some white vintage cigarette pants. Feeling a little inspired by a classic film actress, Grace or Audrey keeping things chic in the southwest perhaps.... 

creative director + stylist: sydney ballesteros
photos: puspa lohmeyer

location: tucson, az
wardrobe:

shirt: calvin klein | pants: vintage | sandals: target | silver jewelry: vintage 

xx~syd

Matchbook Magazine | June 2014

I am so thrilled to have my creative direction and styling work featured in this month's (June 2014) issue of Matchbook Magazine. This production was such a fun one to put together, and so many wonderful-talented people were involved in making the vision come to life. Big bonus- I am over the moon to be sharing the pages with such talented creative spirits, like Emily Henderson and Bonnie Tsang! To see the full editorial, head over to the pages 23-34 of Matchbook Magazine!

Credits:

Creative Director + Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros

Photographer: Puspa Lohmeyer

Prop Stylist: Elizabeth Montgomery (Boxhill)

Models: Lauren Free | Savanah Impellizzeri | David Arreola | Corey Khuen

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Hair: Raul Mendoza

Wardrobe + Prop Products: ModCloth, Black Cat Vintage, Razzle Dazzle Vintage, How Sweet it Was Vintage, Kuzu Clothing, Hot Cool Vintage, Ellie Mayhem, AZ Modern, Buffalo Exchange

Location: Charles Cox House (Tucson, AZ)

Love + Hustle

I want to introduce you to my latest fashion story, Love + Hustle. A seventies fashion take on a modern day love story. Featuring renowned tattoo artist and rapper Isaiah Toothtaker and his fiancee Caroline Jackson. Featured in this month’s issue of Zocalo Magazine and shot in an amazing 1970s time capsule house offered by Atomic Tucson.

Creative Director + Stylist: Sydney Ballesteros

Photographer: Puspa Lohmeyer

Producer: Michelle Hotchkiss

Models: Isaiah Toothtaker and Caroline Jackson

Makeup: Tangie Duffey

Hair: Raul Mendoza

Wardrobe: Black Cat Vintage, How Sweet it Was Vintage, Razzle Dazzle, Desert Vintage, Buffalo Exchange, OZMA Atelier, Isaiah Toothtaker