Meet The blvd's new contributor, Megan Parry. A Richmond stylist and lifelong fashion devotee, Parry will write weekly blog posts on the latest fashion trends, local retail news and developments in Richmond's fashion community.
I’ve been “into” fashion since before I could walk — literally. In fact, my nana likes to take credit for my induction into the sartorial scene; she loves to recount the story of me, age 2, strapped into my stroller in a department store, flicking through the bottom rows of clothes as though it was the most natural thing in the world for me to be casually browsing for my next dress.
Megan Parry-Fashion Blogger
It was quite thrilling for me last month, then, to traipse around RVA as a Richmond magazine stylist, pulling racks of clothes for the 1970s-inspired photoshoot for the October issue of blvd. Talk about full circle!
1970s fashion has been all over the runways the past few seasons (check out this vogue.com slideshow for even more inspiration) so honestly, the only challenging part of my task was narrowing down selections to just eight looks. Richmond has such a vibrant retail scene, from high-end, super-edited designer stores like Roan to vintage shops like Halcyon that are brimming with unique duds; we could have easily put together a whole book of retro-inspired photos, no problem.
And by “we,” I mean, of course, the awesome team of creatives behind the photos. Everyone was so inspired with original ideas, and the studio was brimming with positive, fun energy which made the “workday” a total pleasure (the Beyonce/Rolling Stones mix I put
Stylist and The blvd contributor Megan Parry shares behind the scenes shots from the October issue's 70s-themed photo shoot. (Photo by Megan Parry)
together didn’t hurt the vibe either). Collaboration is key in this kind of environment and we rocked it!
Here are a few behind-the-scenes photos I snapped with my Instax — even between shots, our model Melissa was a total pro! I’m digging the Annie Hall look most of all and now have a sequin vest on my fall must-have list (I’ll keep telling myself that’s it a classic investment piece).
And now, I leave you with a little behind-the-scenes Q&A from the shoot’s Art Director, Sarah Lockwood:
Megan Parry, blvd: Hey Sarah, Beatles or Stones?
Sarah Lockwood: Beatles!
MP: Favorite look from the shoot?
SL: I think my favorite is the opener shot in the black dress and crown, because I like it aesthetically, but also because it was such a great kick off to a successful shoot.
MP: Best surprise from the day?
SL: I was probably most surprised to see how poses and faces Melissa, the model, could make, changing in the slightest, but most significant way every two seconds in a steady beat with the click of the camera. I mean, Sarah Walor would ask her to do something with her shoulder and she did 20 different things. I don’t think I can do two things with my shoulder.
MP: Best memory from the day?
SL: Taking the most epic Chipotle order ever. (Editor's note: She’s not kidding when she says epic — just ask creative director Steve, who had to pick it up!)
MP: And finally, are you inspired to incorporate any 1970s rock-and-roll into your current wardrobe now?
SL: Well I’d love to be able to incorporate a crown, but I don’t see my coworkers putting up with that kind of ego. More realistically, I'm all about that printed cardigan in the sitting record shot and would love to find something similarly cozy and bright for the cool weather ahead.
(P.S. — Sarah is right: that quartz crown was the definite knock-out piece of the shoot. What do you think: sequin vest + quartz crown…that’s a normal fall outfit, right??)
