M. Rock Style Photo Shoots with Celebrities: Brian O'Halloran, Christian J. Simpson, and Rochelle Davis

Recently the M. Rock Style Team was on the road traveling to different cities working with more celebrity friends and clients along the way.



First stop was to Columbus Ohio were we caught up with both Brian O'Halloran and Christian J. Simpson during their personal appearances at Origins Gaming Fair. M. Rock Style arranged new promotional photos and headshots for the two actors during their weekend trip.

These are photos from Brian's Photo Shoot With M. Rock Style:


Photography and Wardrobe Styling by M. Rock Style, Makeup by Whitney Kayrouz

With his first film role being Dante Hicks in Kevin Smith’s “Clerks”, it is a role he is most known for. Brian O'Halloran has worked with some of the film industry’s best in “Mallrats”, “Chasing Amy”, “Dogma”, ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back”. He voiced the role of Dante for the animated series “Clerks” on ABC. He stared in the title role of the very dark comedy “Vulgar”. He owned a flower shop for the demented in the film “Drop Dead Roses”. He tackled the role of a former TV superhero in the film “The Junior Defenders”. Brian returned to the role of Dante in the film “Clerks 2”.



He recently took a turn towards the horror genre sort of in Steven Mena’s film “Brutal Massacre” a mock-u-mentary look at the making of a horror film. Brian can be seen in M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Happening.” He also finished filming in the new James L. Brooks comedy "How do you know?", that was due out this past summer.



These are photos from Christian's Photo Shoot With M. Rock Style:


Photography and Wardrobe Styling by M. Rock Style, Makeup by Whitney Kayrouz

Christian notably portrayed fighter pilot ‘Bravo 6 - Lt. Gavyn Sykes’ in Star Wars: Episode I. Partnered with R2-C4 he knocked out the final ship's shield generator - a pivotal victory which allowed Anakin Skywalker to destroy the craft and begin his fateful journey down the path to the dark side. As one of only a few pilots to survive, his character took the lead role in the Battle for Naboo video game, Simpson's likeness now also immortalized as a promoted Captain Sykes in the hit online game Star Wars Galaxies.



Simpson has since featured in several other notable film and television productions up to the present, including:
•True Blood
•Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (as ‘Old Fred Weasley’)
•Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
•Batman Begins



After our Ohio weekend working with Brian and Christian we headed back to Louisville Kentucky to meet up Rochelle Davis during the Fright Night Film Fest where we also setup new promotional photos and headshots.


Photography and Wardrobe Styling by M. Rock Style, Makeup by Whitney Kayrouz and Hair by Celita Sacra

Rochelle Davis is best known for her role as 12 year old “Sarah” from the cult film The Crow with Brandon Lee. After several years away from entertainment, Rochelle is back and looks to pick up where she left off.

Celeb Style Watch

By Dedra McDowell |May 4th 2010

We didn’t have to look far to find celebrity style trends this week. With stars arriving in our dear city, our star-gazing was made easy. Celebrities including Diane Lane, Marisa Miller, Maria Menounos and Jamie Pressly made appearances in Louisville over the weekend. Each had a distinctly different look.

We caught up with image consultant, Merika Rock whose team styled one famous woman last week.

“I always get to meet such interesting people and celebrities. I find they are just like us --with the same stresses of finding the right outfit to wear for events and how to do their hair and makeup,” she says.

They even get worried about how to make their looks withstand the weather.

Merika runs M Rock Style, an image consultant company based in Jeffersonville, Ind. and her team styled Bonnie-Jill Laflin for a few events this past week. Bonnie-Jill is NBA's first female scout for the Los Angeles Lakers. She turned to Merika and her team as she got ready for the Julep Ball and the Party in Pink.

(M. Rock Style both styled Bonnie-Jill Laflin for two events this Derby weekend, The Julep Ball and the Party in Pink)

“We were supposed to style her for Derby Day as well, but when the weather report came in, she decided to pull her hair back and do hat and glasses if need be,” Merika said. They ended up styling her for Derby Eve. “Thankfully the weather kept clear and had mercy on her hair and makeup,”

(Bonnie-Jill Laflin at the Party in Pink in her second dress of the night)

Had she styled Bonnie-Jill on that rainy Derby day, she had a few quick tricks in her repertoire. Perhaps you could use them for your next event.

1. When attempting to look good when the weather is bad, products are your friend.

“For fighting humidity, I recommend using products such as smoothing creams, balms and hairsprays that are made specifically for that when styling,” she says.

2. Opt for styles that will work with the weather.

“(What) I find works well is a side ponytail with curls or wave. It can look very classic with your Derby hat and elegant with gowns in the evening time,” she says.

3. Don’t fear last minute wardrobe adjustments.

“There was a comical moment where I’m running from one Galt House building all the way to the other one in 7 inch heels to get her the perfect flower from the flower shop she wore in her hair for the red carpet. Later on Whitney and I returned to her hotel room and came to the rescue with emergency dress alterations when she found her dress maker had made some measurement errors. I was cutting while she was sewing and we had her racing to the Julep just in time for red carpet arrival.”

Original article can be previewed at: http://www.herscene.com/fashion/fashion-features/celeb-style-watch-990

The Buzz | Stylist to the stars for Derby parties

By Christa Ritchie • critchie@courier-journal.com • May 4, 2010


From left: Amanda Mattingly, Merika Rock, Bonnie-Jill Laflin and Whitney Kayrouz.

Celebrity stylist Merika Rock of M. Rock Style in Southern Indiana (she did Kim Kardashian's hair and makeup last year for Derby) helped get Bonnie-Jill Laflin camera-ready for her Derby festivities

NBA's first female scout for the Los Angeles Lakers got glam by Rock and her team of stylists — Amanda Mattingly and Whitney Kayrouz — for the Julep Ball and the Party in Pink.

Rock and company even had to do some last-minute handiwork on Laflin's outfit.

“We had to do some emergency alterations on her dress,” she said. “We got her done just in time for her red-carpet entrance.”

(preview original article at http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100504/COLUMNISTS1802/5040321/-1/DERBYFUN/The+Buzz+|+Stylist+to+the+stars+for+Derby+parties)

Merika's Morning Show Interview about ShoeDazzle

I recently did a morning show with morning show news host, Julie Smith, chatting about a current ShoeDazzle promotion for a red limited edition pump called the "Wynn". Portion of the proceeds go to WomenHeart.

www.womenheart.org

An organization that provides both support and education to woman battling heart disease, or at risk for heart disease. You can find this pump and other fabulous shoes at www.shoedazzle.com!

M. Rock Style Caps Off The New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone! M. Rock Style capped off another stellar year with more celebrity shoots over the holiday season. Here are a few clients we worked with recently and what they've been up to:

Vyxsin Fiala - From The Hit CBS Reality Show - Amazing Race

Vyxsin, who I blogged about earlier last year, had returned from California over her Christmas Vacation. We styled and photographed her for a sexy new pictorial and got the chance to catch up with her on what's new since her big move to the west coast.
She's been keeping busy with her goth counterpart, Kynt Cothron, also of CBS's Amazing Race, with numerous appearances over the last year, as well as showcased in mainstream publications ranging from People Magazine, TV Guide, and US Weekly to the Los Angeles Times, Variety, and even Nickelodeon Magazine. They've also been keeping busy on auditions, red carpet entries and appearances to the 2009 Scream Awards - not to mention a round 2 at The Emmy's.

Vyxsin adds that Kynt and her have recently appeared on two episodes of the popular television show Bones, staring actor David Boreanaz -Previously of the hit show Angel. Vyxsin herself has recently shot for the NBC comedy My Name is Earl. You can also watch for Kynt & Vyxsin on upcoming episodes of programs including: The Hollywood Judge, HBO's Entourage, and Bravo's Shear Genius.This awesome duo has also kept busy being photographed in advertisements for both Hot Topic and Lip Service - and recently covered in Gothic Magazine. Even though their season of the Amazing Race that aired here in the states has come and gone, it is just recently airing for the first time in many other countries around the world bringing them an international fan base worldwide. What will they do next? Stay tuned!

Next on the list of clients is:

Camille Cothron - From The Style Network’s inspirational home makeover show Dress My Nest, and sister of Amazing Race's Kynt Cothron.

We had the pleasure of photographing Kynt's sister over the holiday season, as she flew in from the west coast for Christmas vacation. This was Camille's first shoot with M. Rock Style, but don't worry it will not be her last, as we are planning another one with her later this year.
Being the younger sister of Goth personality Kynt Cothron of CBS's Amanzing Race, Camille is no stranger to the entertainment world. She currently is Thom Filicia's assistant on The Style Network’s inspirational home makeover show Dress My Nest -Getting ready to be green-lighted for another season. We look forward to seeing what's next on the horizon for this blond bombshell.

Turning the tables from reality television to professional wrestling:

April Hunter - TNA Knockout, Playboy&Penthouse Model, Fitness Competitor and Professional Wrestler


April Hunter stopped in at the start of the holiday season for some fitness photos. She was preparing to compete in the Kentucky Muscle Figure Competition. Nothing new to the body building and fitness circuit, April has a long list of other resume credits which includes pictorials in Playboy, Penthouse and Maxim, as well as television appearances as a professional wrestler and wrestling valet.

TNA Wrestling's Knockouts Special, Spike TV (aired 12/31/09 New Year's Eve)

Having just returned from a European wrestling tour, she appeared on air as a TNA Knockout this past New Year's Eve.

And lastly but not least, spinning things over to the sci-fi arena:

Orli Shoshan - From George Lucus's Star Wars Episode II and III, as Jedi Master Shaak Ti.


I wanted to add a very much delayed announcement on a very special client we worked with back in July I haven't had a chance to blog about. Over the summer I took an adventurous trip up to Chicago and spent the day with Australian Supermodel and Star Wars actress Orli Shoshan. M. Rock Style provided her with makeup and photography services, not for actor headshots or modeling pictures - but maternity photos.

It's not every day you have the chance to photograph a former Jedi Master with child, so we felt privileged to be able to assist her in capturing these precious and intimante moments of motherhood. She has since then given birth to a baby girl and we send our heart felt congradulations to her and her family as she enters into her own adventure of parenthood.


To wrap up this blog, I'd like to announce that our lead photographer Todd Fischer who shot all these celebrity photos, has officially stepped down from shooting M. Rock Style Clients. He is taking time away from the studio to pursue some awesome projects he is currently working on for television. As we say goodbye to 2009, 2010 is gearing up to being another stellar year for both Todd and M. Rock Style.

I, Merika Rock, will be taking over the reigns of photography as lead photographer. But no frets, I've had a good teacher ;) and we are also in the process of training a new assistant photographer as well. As the start of this new decade begins, M. Rock Style is officially a fully all female staff team.

Todd and I would like to take a moment to thank all our loyal clients over the years and wish you all a Happy New Years!

The Fashionista: Merika Rock

By Javacia N. Harris • October 14, 2009

(Photo by John Rott/ Velocity)

Merika Rock's job is to make other people look good. As owner of the image consulting business M. Rock Style, Merika does personal shopping and provides style services for photo shoots and special events.

She's helped style the likes of Kim Kardashian and local celebs like “Amazing Race” goths Kynt Cothron and Vyxsin Fiala and Julie Smith of “Southern Belles: Louisville.”

Despite her busy schedule, Merika finds time to make sure she looks her best as well. Here's how she does it.

Just a girl

“I'm a girly girl,” Merika said of her style. “I like to feel feminine.”
Merika never shies away from wearing pink, purple or fuchsia, and her pencil skirt is one of her wardrobe staples. Merika doesn't, however, spend a lot of money.
“I like to bargain shop,” she said. “I don't find myself going to expensive stores because I know from season to season styles change so much.”

Merika tends to fill her closet with classic pieces and completes her outfits with eye-catching accessories like hats, belts, jewelry and shoes.

Hairspray

For Merika, a woman's hairstyle is just as important as her clothes and shoes.
“I feel that can really make or break how up-to-date your look is,” she said. “You can't stroll into a place wearing up-to-date clothes and then have a hairstyle that hasn't been in style for the past decade.”

Real women have curves

Merika has enjoyed working with Kardashian in part because she loves her style.
“I like that she embraces her curves,” Merika said. “In a world where fashion magazines push you to be a stick figure, it's refreshing to see curvaceous girls in the limelight.”

Always on the hunt for a bargain, Merika found this dress at TJ Maxx.
This sophisticated clutch is from Target.
She snagged this bracelet at Target too.
Merika's vintage earrings were a gift from her mom.
The legwarmers and shoes are from the Atlanta boutique Junkman's Daughter.

View Origianl Article in the October 14, 2009 edition of Velocity Weekely: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20091014/VELOCITY/910140352/1064/velocity/The%20Fashionista%20%20Merika%20Rock%20%2032

Glamming Up Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian's silky, smooth strands and flawless Derby weekend makeup weren't the work of the “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” star herself, but the talent of Merika Rock of M. Rock Style (an image consulting, styling and photography services company) in Southern Indiana.

Rock and her team of stylists — Kristal Shannon, Amanda Mattingly and Donnie Skaggs — were in charge of getting Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, glam for all of their Derby festivities.

So what was the bootylicious beauty like up close and personal?

“She was very welcoming… They were very down-to-earth people and a pleasure to talk to,” Rock said. “They were really excited about visiting Louisville, the Derby Spectacular party and their first time to Churchill Downs, adding, “we chatted about Derby fashions, what they were going to wear to both the party and the race, and about this crazy concoction called the mint julep.”

View Origianl Article in the May 5th 2009 issue of Courier Journal at


http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905050319

Our Shoot with Reality TV Star Julie Smith of Southern Belles Louisville

Last week we had the honor of photographing our good friend Julie Smith.

Julie is no stranger to the world of Reality Television. She has been on both "The Bachelor Season 4", and soon to air "Southern Belles: Louisville".

The show follows the lives and loves of five young Louisville women determined to make their own way. The 10-episode series features the stories of newly-divorced Kellie, aspiring TV reporter Emily, girl next door Hadley, socialite Shea, and model Julie. It's an intimate look at the professional and romantic lives in one circle of friends -- set against the backdrop of the progressive art-centric and warm community of Louisville, Kentucky. "Southern Belles" premieres Thursday May 21st at 10PM/9c on SOAPnet!

Clothes Call

Everyone likes a bargain, right? Then how about some free advice from our fashion experts?

By Javacia N. Harris Photos by John Rott • March 4, 2009

Like it or not, your clothes and your style say a lot about you, whether you're at work, at a party or just relaxing at your favorite bar.

"Image is an expression of your character," said Merika Rock, a local image consultant and owner of M.Rock Style. "If you exude confidence in your appearance, you are more likely to have the edge you need to excel in life."

Over the past five years, Rock has helped style actresses, reality TV stars, pro wrestling divas and other celebrities for Derby parties and other events.

We asked Rock and Shondrita Tarrence, who runs the fashion consulting business Stylistic Theory, to give us some tips to help you improve your look.

Don't be a fair-weather fashionista

It's easy to throw fashion to the wayside on rainy, windy or frigid days, but Rock knows how to weather-proof her style.

"I just throw on a trenchcoat, wrap a colorful scarf around my neck, add a trendy knit cap, my favorite pair of sunglasses and purse and I'm good to go," she said. "On a really cold day, don't forget the Isotoners. Sleek, form-fitted gloves just look more sophisticated, especially with a trenchcoat."

Tarrence is a fan of pea coats, down jackets and coats with eye-catching buckles and belts. "When it's cold out, it's all about the coat," she said.

If rain and humidity make your tresses go wild, Tarrence recommends keeping stylish berets, funky fedoras and newsboy hats on hand.

And don't forget to have fun in the rain with some playful rain boots.

"There are a lot of designs out to fit your personality," Tarrence said.

Frugal fashionista

These days everyone's talking about recessionista chic — style for the woman who wants to look good without breaking the bank. If this is you, Rock recommends checking out clearance sales at your favorite department stores, shopping at outlet stores to snag bargains on your favorite brands and shopping out of season.

It's also smart to use accessories to create different looks with gear you already own, she said.

Tarrence suggests hitting stores that offer trendy and classic looks for less, such as Target, Forever 21 and New York & Company. "It's not where you get it from, it's how you wear it," Tarrence said.

Will work for shoes

If shoes are your obsession, Rock is pushing her new venture that lets you indulge your love of fashionable footwear on a budget.

Kim Kardashian's ShoeDazzle.com is "like a Book of the Month Club, but with shoes," Rock said.

Each month, members can choose from a selection of shoes chosen by stylists like Rock. Each pair is $39, shipping included.

For ladies looking to improve their shoe collection, Rock says some must-haves include black pumps with pointed toes, kitten heels and flat, simple thong sandals.

If you're looking for comfort and style, Rock and Tarrence are both fans of wedges and ballet flats.

A natural woman

Your hair is just as important as your outfit.

"Your style should reflect what your hair does naturally," said Kristal Shannon, a hair stylist who works with M.Rock Style. "If you have curly or wavy hair, celebrate it and use a smoothing serum and a curl enhancer along with a diffuser to create soft natural waves."

For ladies with straight hair Shannon recommends a layered cut. If your hair is thin, try a short cut to make your mane look fuller.

"If you try to fight with your hair, it will win," Shannon said. "So work with your stylist to choose a cut and color that is a naturally beautiful improvement of yourself."

What's in your closet?

There are several things that Rock thinks every woman should have in her closet, including a classic tailored suit, a pencil skirt, an A-line skirt, a black sheath dress, a wrap dress, crisp button-front shirts and classic handbags.

Tarrence's picks include figure-flattering jeans, a blouse in a bold color, fitted shirts that flaunt your femininity and more flowing tops and sweaters (as long as they're not too bulky). She also believes it's important to buy items that you can mix and match, especially if you're trying to be both fabulous and frugal.

Dazzling

January 15, 2009

Written by Angie Fenton
The Buzz Column
Heavy Stuff

(Story Title: Dazzling)

Who can blame Kim Kardashian for cashing in on her fashion sense?

The reality TV beauty operates ShoeDazzle.com, an online shoe subscription service.

Membersfill out a survey on their fashion likes and dislikes. Then, for $39 a month, they receive a new pair of footwear chosen by a panel of personal shoe stylists -- like Louisville resident Merika Rock.

"I would have to say for me, personally, it's all about a good heel with an ankle strap," said Rock, an image consultant. "My closet is never without a pair of them."

Original Article Published at:

http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090115/COLUMNISTS18/901150310/1062