As mentioned a couple times, last week I had the opportunity to shoot with Gap Inc. It was probably one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in my professional life. The shoot was about real life Gap fans showing how they style one or some of their favorite pieces from any of the Gap brands. I think what made this opportunity so special was the fact that I’ve been wearing Gap since I was 8 years old and continue to shop there for all my basics. The idea of working with a brand that you’ve loved all your life is special in itself.
Unfortunately, the photoshoot was for internal use and won’t be available to see anywhere public. If they decide to use my videos or photos (they shot 12 people and are using only 8) they’ll be up on my Facebook page within the year. A big thanks to Gap’s creative director who took the above shots on my camera.
I know many bloggers don’t talk about collaborations or don’t make a big deal of them, but I thought this experience was something to share because of the way it happened. Gap approached me after seeing a couple of my photos on their Facebook page (after being pinned to their Styld.by You board on Pinterest). Only because of my blog and social media could they have ever seen my photos and been able to approach me. It goes to show, when you put in the work and you put yourself out there (even if you’re not the biggest blogger) opportunities arise. You never know, you could end up working with a brand you’ve loved since you were a kid =)
A couple highlights and things I learned:
- - I booked an appointment at The Dry Bar early that morning. I thought, hey it’s Valentine’s Day and I have a photoshoot, why not? Yeah, not a good idea. All the stylist ran late which is no bueno when you have to be to the city in morning commute traffic.
- - For some reason the stylist brushed all my curls out the second I got to the shoot…”wait no, that’s how it’s supposed to look!”
- - Cameramen, videographers, and stylist do not like flyaways…. I have a thing with my hair, it has to have top volume and it has to be a little messy. That’s just the way it has to be! Unfortunately, they won’t have it. All my flyaways kept getting hair sprayed down which also meant flat straight hair. BIG time sad face. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I never ever wear my hair straight. It’s just not cute. So, I was pretty disappointed in the way my hair looked for the photos.
- - I was in the elevator with the CFO of Gap Inc. No big deal!
- - Working for a retail giants means lots of well dressed employees. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stylish people in one place.
- - Being under bright lights and answering interview questions to the camera might be the scariest thing ever. Let’s just say my palms were sweaty lol.
- - Working with creatives in any and all fields is so much fun. The crew at Gap was absolutely amazing and gracious and I feel so blessed to have worked with them.
Lucky girl! This must have been so much fun…wish I could see more of the photos! I hope you have a great weekend!
YAY!! How amazing for you and CONGRATULATIONS. So well deserved. I’ve worn Gap forever too so I can only imagine how cool it must have been to be approached!
I think your hair looks great so though you think otherwise, you still look amazing!
I was uber excited for you to see your Instagram photos about this so it’s really cool to see these “behind the scenes” shots. =D
Happy Friday!
xo,
nancy
@Nancy- Thank you so much, Nancy! It means so much to me to have your support and to hear your feedback
Have a wonderful weekend!
Your hair looks great! I work in tv and we always prefer a neater look. You’d thank them if you saw the flyways. On camera, it’s like those little pieces out of place are magnified by 10000000.
@Krissy- Haha, I figured it was for good reason. Just wished it didn’t make my hair so flat
What an amazing experience! And straight hair not cute? it looked gorgeous! congrats!
great post, it’s a shame we can’t see the photos, i’d love to see how they turned out! Did you get to look at them at least??
That’s also cool to hear that you were approached by Gap, & shows that all the effort you put into your blog is paying off
Some of the smaller blogs are of just as good standard as any other, i can think of one which isn’t huge, but the author now works for teen vogue because of her blog 
PS liking the hair, but i’m exactly the same – i much prefer the slightly messier look on myself! I think it looks more natural & pretty!
Katie x
I love the recap and appreciate your honesty about the day and events! SO refreshing! And now sweat, your hair looks great!
wow, so awesome! congrats!
i think your hair looks great in the above photos, btw. definitely a different look that what we usually see on your blog, but i like it.
xo julesinflats.com
I have to agree with Gaby, I like the straight hair! What you said about their dislike of flyaways and your curls was really interesting – must be because they are used to shooting more catalog looks as opposed to street style.
Ah, this is so exciting! Congrats on such an awesome opportunity. And thank you for being so transparent about the experience – so refreshing!
thanks for sharing this! first off, congrats it’s a huge accomplishment. and secondly it’s really great to hear that your hard work has landed you a role with a company we all know and love. i love hearing my favorite bloggers getting real opportunities, yay you!
What a cool opportunity! I hope you’re one of the 8 picked – I’d love to see the final product! (And you hair doesn’t look bad straight! lol) Have a great weekend! xo
What a great opportunity! Thank you for sharing your insights
It’s so great you got to work with a brand that you’ve truly supported for pretty much your entire lifetime!
You’re so lucky! Congrats!
Xo,
Elvy
Pigtails and Pearls
i love your blog, but every time i look at your pics i wonder why you never smile and almost frown…you are such a beautiful girl, you should smile more
Suz- I actually have braces (in my last months) and don’t love how they look when I smile on camera. You will see me smiling soon enough
I’m so glad this worked out! Congrats. You always wear Gap so well!
-amy
What a great opportunity! Thanks for sharing.
SO exciting and so well deserved. And you are ALWAYS impeccably styled yourself lady!
fly aways or no fly aways you LOOK FLAWLESS in these behind the scene pictures!!!!!! can’t wait to see the final pictures!!!
xo. c & v
cake & valley
Love and appreciate you sharing this recap. Your so talented and I’m glad you were able to have your moment to shine. I am sure there will be many more opportunities like this to come!
Congrats! Sounds like a fun opportunity…even better that it means something special to you!
- Kaitlyn
Boardwalks & Boulevards
congrats on the gap photo shoot! xo
http://allthingsprettyandlittle.blogspot.com/
What a cool experience! Congrats!
A post on Oscar fashion is up on Local & Opulent.
http://localandopulent.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/and-the-oscar-goes-to/
love your trench coat! congrats on the opportunity! i’ve always loved gap and worked for them too!
~Chioma
C’s Evolution of Style
This is such an incredible opportunity and I am so glad you shared a behind-the-scenes look! I’m amazed everyday at where a blog and social media channels can take you! Congrats!
Lexi @ Glitter, Inc.
You look great. And you’re hair looks fabulous.