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

Merika Rock's Venture with ShoeDazzle Makes News Again!

Catch me in the January 2009 Issue of Today's Woman

In the hot seat: Merika Rock

Lafayette native and Jefferson High School graduate Merika Rock is hard to keep up with. She is an image consultant now based in Louisville, Ky., where she helps make a wide range of people look good. So it only makes sense that Rock, 31, is set to collaborate with reality television star Kim Kardashian on a new shoe company called Shoe Dazzle, www.shoedazzle.com.

http://www.shoedazzle.com/

1 Have you met Kardashian yet? What is Shoe Dazzle about?I haven't met her in person yet, but I will be possibly flying out in the spring for their official launch party and perhaps meet her then. I'm extremely excited about my new venture with her company, Shoe Dazzle. I thought the concept was really interesting when I first heard about it. Every month, you receive an extraordinary pair of shoes, kind of like a book of the month club, but with shoes. And it's really economical. You can skip a month if you don't like any of the shoes offered in a particular month.

2 What does an image consultant do?Everything from wardrobe consulting, personal shopping, arranging time with hairstylists, makeup artists, and taking care of spa and retreat bookings for their clients nationwide. They can also provide fitness programs, including a wide variety of fitness classes, and time with personal trainers. An image consultant can assist you in looking your best for photo shoots and special occasions.

3 Who have been some of your more interesting clients?I have either styled, or had in my photography studio everyone from World Wrestling Entertainment superstars and divas, reality TV stars, to a Playboy Playmate. And, they've all been amazing to work with and some of the nicest people I've met. I've been able to cement a lot of friendships along the way. They're just regular people doing extraordinary things.

4 Did your time at Jefferson help mold your career?I'd have to say for the most part I was extremely confused in high school, as a lot of teenagers are, as to what career field I wanted to take. I'd have to say most of my career opportunities started in Louisville where I've lived since 1999.

5 How often do you make it back to Lafayette?I unfortunately don't make it up there as much as I would like. Perhaps once or twice a year I come to visit my family who all still live up that way or they come down to visit me.

My job can be very demanding at times, and I am often working in my studio 12 to 15 hours a day. That's not including office work I try to catch up on in the evenings. And when I'm not doing that, I have to travel for business as well for my company M. Rock Style.I work with a lot of out-of-town models who travel to work with us. They come everywhere from Evansville, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, all the way up to Lafayette. So, I have had quite a few of my hometown people come here to shoot in our studio.On the Net: http://www.mrockstyle.com/

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812120304

Local Stylist Ventures With Fashionista Kim Kardashian

From mothers to doctors, from Pro-Wrestlers to Pro-skaters, Merika Rock has styled them all top and bottom. Now the Indiana based Fashion Consultant is bringing Hollywood shoe styles to Kentuckiana by venturing with Reality Star, Kim Kardashian's newest project ShoeDazzle.





































































Rock describes ShoeDazzle as," kind of like a book of the month club, but with shoes." Initially, each individual is asked to complete the Fashion Survey to determine their personal style. Then, once a month, the who's who of the fashion world personally describe and recommend what shoes fit your unique fashion personality. Each member then receives a "perscribed" pair of shoes for only $39 a month. "For those that have a huge shoe fetish such as I, this service is going to be right up your alley. Not to mention it has a bit of flexibly to it. If you decide you want to skip a month here or there because you don't like the shoes selected for that month or just because, they give you an option to do so. Not to mention the shoes are gorgeous and at $39 dollars each pair, economical. What more can a girl ask for!"

Ms. Rock was personally selected by a representative for Kim Kardashian to join the group of style experts from different parts of the nation with Kardashian leading as both the Co-Founder and Chief Stylist. "Our job would be to assist with the selection of shoes that ShoeDazzle members would be sent monthly when they joined."

Currently, Ms. Rock resides in Jeffersonville, Indiana, where she runs M. Rock Style, her image consulting, styling, and photography business.

To learn more about Merika Rock and M. Rock Style's services, visit www.MRockStyle.com or see her at www.ShoeDazzle.com under the "Experts" section.

http://www.louisville.com/content/local-stylist-ventures-fashionista-kim-kardashian

Merika Rock Teams Up With Kim Kardashian!

Originally Published on December 5th, 2008

I am pleased to announce that I have teamed up with Kim Kardashian
as part of a specially selected group of style experts from around the nation to provide a new and exciting service for a company which she has co-founded called ShoeDazzle. Preview us at http://shoedazzle.com/the_experts

We the fashion experts choose the hottest shoes for you every month based on YOUR individual personality. The shoes we pick for you will express your individuality and self-expression. Unique, yet true to trend.

ShoeDazzle is a monthly membership society. Every month, for just $39, you will receive an extraordinary pair of shoes. The shoes are handpicked for you by us, your personal fashion experts.



Here To Get Started Today! www.shoedazzle.com

Amazing Race's Kynt and Vyxsin’s Farewell Shoot

Origianlly Published September 9th, 2008

Celebrities, Wrestling Superstars, WWE Divas, Playboy Playmates and Reality Show Stars know where to come when they want great photography and styling services.

We had the pleasure about two weeks ago to do one final shoot with our good friends Kynt and Vyxsin, a day out from their long road trip and permanent move to California. Many of you may know them from the local Louisville Goth Scene, or even more, from the hit TV show of The Amazing Race last season.

The two had decided to make the move to be closer to the entertainment industry out on the west coast, and to continue their pursuit of the Hollywood dream. We've known the pair for many years, and it was a pleasure to be able to set them on their way with some fresh photo content for their actor's headshots and portfolios.

The evening in the studio started with complimentary M. Rock Style services, as our style team worked magic on first Kynt and then Vyxsin's hairstyles. Afterwards I consulted on what makeup looks would look best for their shots and recommended color usage. After I completed the final touches on Kynt's eye makeup and lashes, Vyxsin and I rummaged through her wardrobe and we came up with the setups that would work best for the shoot.

As usual, our internationally known photographer, Todd Fischer, would lead the shoot. This was an especially sentimental photoshoot for Todd as he has been a trusted advisor and friend to Kynt and Vyxsin for some time. Todd is also scaling back his shooting responsibilities soon as he is involved in a 14-hour mini-series project for Sci-Fi channel.

No worries though, as Todd's apprentice Trish Nohalty is more than capable of picking up the extra work. Trish was a remarkable addition to the photoshoot, capturing Kynt and Vyxsin in some of our most favorite photos. There is a certain feeling of accomplishment to know that as Kynt and Vyxsin are handing out headshots and resumes all over Hollywood….that an M. Rock Style photo is what the casting agents will be seeing.

In closing, it was sad to see their headlights pull out of the driveway for the last time. We hope to see them a couple of times a year when they return to visit. And don't rule out a cameo appearance by the pink and black attack on a Sci-Fi channel show in the near future.

Come Join M. Rock Style For The 6 Hours Of Rhythm Derby Eve Gala

Originally Published On April 24th, 2008

Come join M. Rock Style for the 6 Hours of Rhythm Derby Eve Party this Kentucky Derby!

M. Rock Style is one of the official hosts and sponsers of this gala event and we are heading up both Celebrity VIP Coodinating and Hospitality arrangements for the celebrities attentding, as well as styling them for the event. We are also providing style services for their charity fashion show.

The year's most extravagant Derby Eve party will be at the Glassworks Building at 815 W. Market St. in downtown Louisville, KY. 6 Hours of Rhythm will benefit the Kosair Children's Hospital Foundation autism research and The Actor's Fund.

This evening of Rhythm will begin with a celebrity red carpet entry to an exquisite dinner. The region's finest will show off a gorgeous collection of unique fashions from around the country at the elegant fashion show accompanying dinner. Each fashion will be silently auctioned off over dessert as the models work their way through the tables, allowing each piece to directly appeal to the bidder's senses.

Upstairs, djs will be shaking the house and moving your feet with the funkiest dance music around from 9 o'clock until 2. And still further up, local, regional, and national bands will rock the rooftop from 9 to 2 as well.

Be a part of our exclusive VIP section and enjoy the night in exceptional style and comfort.

M. Rock Style Playboy Playmate Shoot

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.