Welcome 2024!

HELLO 2024!!

I’m always so happy to welcome a new year and new start! I’m also thrilled out of my mind that this year starts with a MONDAY!I deeply love Mondays.

Every December, I like to reevaluate The Fast Fashionista. Which has been my little corner of the internet for almost ten years. Blogging has changed, content creation has changed, and I have changed. All (for the most part, minus some silly algorithm things) have been good changes. I’m in an extremely content place in my life and after my usual blogging hiatus (where I amerce myself in my kiddo’s birthdays, the holidays, and this year some travel) I’m back again and ready to welcome a New Year. Not a new me that’s for sure. Same me, even though I am always aiming to be better no matter what time of the year it may be.

Anywho. This space isn’t going to look too different in the coming year. I’m still keeping my three categories of Fashion, Food, and cocktails…fast. I’m not the blogger who is going to tell you a three year long story before I give you a recipe. No need for that. Who has the time for that anyways? Not I. This, and my Fall Fashion post are the longest posts. But that’s why I like to keep it. Short and sweet so you can check out something new but also get on with your life. I’m also not the blogger who will monetize. I’ve frequently gotten that question and it’s a simple answer. I don’t want to. This space is for me to share my passions and creativity not to make money from you reading that.

Last year, I started my “What I Pulled” segment. I didn’t get a chance to do as much with it as I wanted so I’m pulling it into 2024 and I’ll continue sharing with you outfits I pulled for whatever it is I’m doing. I’m also adding the science of fashion in with that. Think “dopamine dressing”. The fashion forward part of The Fast Fashionista has always been the most popular. It’s changed over the years from a year of color palettes and the Dior Dictionary year, two of my favorites. But, fashion is such a major part of my life and I love sharing looks and how and why I put them together. I feel style is a constant evolution and I love that so many of you have been on that ride with me throughout the years.

I absolutely have a passion for food! Mostly healthy with some cheat days sprinkled in. I’m pescatarian and dairy free 90% of the time and leave that 10% for special occasions or if I simply must create a certain dish. But I live for seafood so there will for sure be a lot of that.

I really like to focus on a few different things. One being making something that looks complicated and showing you that you can make it too and to not be afraid to try different things. Another being healthy foods made interesting and delicious. Being vegan sometimes can get a bad wrap but I absolutely love being creative in the kitchen, making cooking fun and elevated…usually with a glass of vino in my hand.

Speaking of having a drink in my hand… “My Martini Moment” is a segment that I’ve had around since the beginning. It’s taken on many different shapes and concepts but is now fast, pretty, and delicious cocktail recipes to share or keep for yourself. Since my early employment days of being a bartender (quick random story: I had to fight to be a bartender at a restaurant when I was a brand new 18. After holding a couple different positions there I wanted to bartend. I asked my boss who was, pardon my french, an asshole. He rolled his eyes and said no. After I asked again, thinking I’d never do it, he said he’d give me a daytime bar shift and if I made 50 dollars he would let me be a bartender. Well for my first daytime bar shift I made 150 dollars and I was put on as a bartender. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something. Ha.) I fell in love with shaking up a good drink and sharing that experience. Experimenting with new cocktails is something (when I have the time) I love doing.

Well that about wraps up my blog breakdown for 2024. I can’t remember where I heard it but I think going into a new year and picking a word for it is really cool. So here’s mine: Elevate. I’m elevating everything baby. Fashion, food, drinks, and every damn part of my life. Down to the tiny details I’m bringing it all up and romanticizing it all.

With all of that said in my longest post of the year, I love that you’re here and that you let me share this part of my life with you. I’m forever grateful I’m able to step outside motherhood and dive into a different part of me that makes me feel alive. It’s a good balance.

I hope this new year brings you nothing but happiness, great outfits, delicious food, and really good cocktails.

When You Book a Boudoir with me…

One part of my business that I truly love is shooting boudoir photos. I do them all year but I’m most busy with them for Christmas and Valentines Day. Having just wrapped some really beautiful boudoir photos, I don’t have any availability before Christmas but if it’s something you’re wanting to do for V-day, it’s smart to book now. That way, I’m able to get you in my schedule. Also, f you want the book I offer you’ll have time to get it in. Now, pop some bubbly and I’ll give you everything you need to know..

What to expect:

  • That was a good place to start because I always have champagne! We’ll use it as a prop as well as sip it.

  • 1-2 hours of photos in a fun and relaxed environment

  • Hair and airbrush makeup if requested (I’m licensed)

  • I have no limit on photos. I’ll edit as many as possible (fast) and they are all yours with the print rights.

  • If desired, our book options are $159 and $249

What to wear:

  • 3 outfits of your choosing plus a bonus outfit that you aren’t sure about but still like (sometimes those end up being the favorites!)

  • Include something that HE likes. Some examples that I’ve shot are: a doctor coat and stethoscope, a bow, work boots, jerseys, a fireman hat, and police uniform just to make a few. Get creative!

  • Heels! I always say two bring two favorites.

    Some tips:

  • HAVE FUN! This is the most important part. Don’t get stressed and just enjoy the shoot.

  • If you’re experimenting with a fake tan, make sure that this isn’t the first time using it. Know that you like it and its the color and shade you want.

  • Try everything on before the shoot to ensure you want it in your photos.

Having said all of that, keep in mind that the only people seeing these (unless I’ve been given permission) are me, you, and him. So have fun with it! You can email me at emily@michaeldkilgore.com to book your session. For more info go to: Beautiful Boudoirs by: Emily

If You’ve Got Skeletons In Your Closet…

…you better teach them to dance!

This is one of my favorite sayings so for the first Friday in October, I themed a drink around it with my little skeleton friend.

This cocktail is refreshing, delicious, and very fast. Playing with a baby skeleton while making it it optional..

Simply fill a cute glass with ice, and throw all of your ingredients in there. You can salt or sugar the rim before starting your drink. I used colored sugar and a little bit of salt.

Happy Spooky Season, Happy Friday, and Happy Cocktailing!