Christa B. Allen Photo Shoot

I think it’s called the perfect storm when you have a gorgeous model (actress Christa Allen from ABC’s Revenge, which I am completely obsessed with) who is smart, fearless and willing to have fun and try anything, while the whole team has an amazing synergy. Some of the photos above and below are “risque” as they say but done with the idea that being sexy and beautiful comes from a source of strength. With that in mind, I decided not to retouch these images because I don’t think they need it and even more so when an email came through my inbox this week from Change.org about a 14 year old girl who recently started a campaign asking Seventeen magazine to publish at least one unretouched shoot per issue in order for her and her friends to start building a better body image. It seemed like an even more fitting moment to champion natural beauty, which Christa clearly has plenty of. Thanks to her, Kira Nasrat and Addie Markowitz for an amazing day of creativity, inspiration and plain old fun (and for helping with the light when needed since there were no assistants in sight). And thanks to the designers who loaned us the gorgeous threads and heels!

An Edith Palm jacket over a Loft tank top with a Basler skirt, Rough Roses belt and Casadei boots.

Loft knit tank top and earrings by Dream Collective

Imitation of Christ fall 2012 one shoulder shirt over a Theia gown with a vintage leather belt

Biya dress under a Charlotte Ronson jumper with a Levi’s belt, Celeste Stein socks and Aldo heels

Charlotte Ronson dress and earrings by Dream Collective

AF Vandevorst fall 2012 gown and Jerome C. Rousseau Suede and Platinum Leather Peep Toe Pump

Tank top, blazer and braided belt, all by Loft over a Basler gown and Casadei heels

Dress by Dominic Louis and Jerome C. Rousseau Black Glitter Mesh and Satin Peep Toe Ankle boot

An Edith Palm jacket over a Loft tank top with a Basler skirt, Rough Roses belt and Casadei boots

Dress by Dominic Louis and Jerome C. Rousseau Black Glitter Mesh and Satin Peep Toe Ankle boot

I got obsessed with this shot, it was hard to pick just one…

And even though she looks quite serious throughout, this gorgeous smile is the real Christa…

Photography & Styling by yours truly, Make up by Kira Nasrat and Hair by Addie Markowitz.