When Sarah from ARC Apparel reached out to me, I was pretty sure I’d misinterpreted the message. She mentioned that we’d met years ago through work at a yoga studio nearby and that she’d started this awesome new online store. The reason behind her email, was to see if I’d be interested in modelling some of her clothing for the site, which I was positive wasn’t actually the case. I spent a day trying to craft a response that gingerly pointed out that I wear a size 10/large and that maybe she wanted to use someone who was a few sizes smaller? Her message back to me was lovely and she assured me that ARC carried my sizing and that she’d still love to have me participate.
It wasn’t just a numbers thing that was so incredible (a store that carries my size actually wants to showcase a person who WEARS that size – crazy), but it was also so interesting on a personal career level. You see, my beginnings within the fashion industry were as a Junior Stylist for a local clothing company. Though I had many duties within this role, primarily it was to put together/style looks and photograph/edit/post them on the store website. This, of course, set me up entirely for this weird world of blogging and blossomed my love for styling AND photography. Back then, the process began tediously with a mannequin and then evolved to sourcing real live women to model. I adored what I did those years ago and it’s just so funny how full circle life can be, as I was now given the opportunity to relive the good ol’ days, but from other side of the camera!
The other component to this that still blows me away, is that not only did Sarah want to work with me, but her vision and the store are ahhhmazing! ARC sources brands that are doing notable things in the apparel industry (in terms of sustainability, ethical manufacturing, or giving back) and they’re all about the wise investment pieces. The mission is an admirable one, but don’t let the concept of responsible dressing mislead. Everything within their store is trendy, stunningly beautiful, perfectly curated, and very well made. Every single thing that I tried on fit me well, which is positively unheard of. Trust me, you’ll love it too. ARC is exactly the kind of store I’ve been looking for!
Our day of shooting in their studio space was a blast and a memory I’ll always treasure. I am so thankful to Sarah and Hannah for the experience. I just know that ARC is going to do great things and that this is just the beginning!
If you haven’t already, you simply have to check out ARC Apparel. At the very least, to see yours truly fumbling my way through a photo shoot! I have to warn you though, that browsing their store tends to lead to purchasing. I know I’m only minutes away from getting this bag and/or this dress.
Cossac Shift Dress c/o ARC Apparel
P.S. This post was not sponsored, I’m just that jazzed about the store
P.P.S. Thanks to my husband for getting up at sunrise on our vacation to snap these photos!
