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January 7, 2011

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday}

With as many inquiries as I’ve gotten in the past few weeks from brides-to-be, I KNOW a lot of people got engaged over the holidays. And although the wedding date is months away, now is the time to start thinking about engagement portraits — especially if you want to send out personalized save-the-date cards.

For some great layered looks, check out what Wardrobe Wednesday contributor Erica May put together! Here’s what she had to say:

This week I choose to put a few outfits together for a couple’s session. I really wanted to pull in some classic fall/winter colors and give couples some layering options. Although most of these items are a little pricey, I think most of us would be able to find the jeans, shoes and possibly blazers from our own closets (or a friend’s). I love the option during a session to throw on or take off another layer to really mix up the looks. These bold and rich colors photograph well and look beautiful in color or black and white. Always spring for a nice new pair of dark jeans for your man if his are starting to look a little too worn.

You definitely don’t need to have two different outfits for your couple’s session, but if it is in the budget and it is okay with your photographer, it can really give a whole new look to your portraits. (It is also good if you are on the fence about what to wear!) This is also a nice time to touch up your make-up, fix your hair and re-group. (The guys always enjoy the break, too). The second outfit I put together is a more carefree almost spring-like look. It would be great to throw on for a few more pictures at the end of your session to really change it up (if it is not too freezing!).

wardrobeWednesday1511

Woman – Outfit 1
Silky cascade ruffle blouse – Gap – $44.99
Perfect boot jeans (dark wash) – Gap – $69.50
Ambition Women’s Army Green Military Inspired Jacket – Ovestock.com – $35.99
LifeStride Unity Bootie – DSW – $49.95

Man – Outfit 1
Three-button topcoat – Banana Republic - $275.00
Silk/cashmere v-neck sweater – Banana Republic – $59.99
Timberland Earthkeepers City Plain Toe – Piperlime – $80.99

Woman – Outfit 2
BR Monogram Clara jacket – Banana Republic – $99.99 (optional)
Monogram ruched goddess dress – Banana Republic – $89.99

Man – Outfit 2
The new classic polo – Indian earth – Gap – $29.99
The vintage khaki – Chino Tar – Gap – $49.50 –

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December 30, 2010

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday}

Holidays are always filled with photo ops, but New Year’s Eve is in a league of its own! If you want to look your best but don’t know what you’re wearing yet, Wardrobe Wednesday contributor Stephanie Reeder has put together some gorgeous combinations so you can welcome 2011 in style!

Here’s what Stephanie has to say:

I can hardly believe that the holiday season is here and almost over. In just a few short days, the new year will be here with tons of great things to look forward to. For now, the buzz is what to wear for your New Year’s Eve holiday party. I have taken the last month to find the perfect attire and am looking forward to ringing in the New Year with some of my closet friends and family. For this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday, I thought it would be fitting to give some great suggestion to put together the perfect outfit and some oh-so-secret tips for the perfect party photo!

If you’re like me, New Year’s Eve is the one and only time I go all out for the party — from the dress all the way to shoes and accessories. I love the glam and sparkle that New Year’s brings, and my attire is no different. The hot new trends are short glam dresses that flatter any figure, chunky accessories and fabulous heels.

The most important part of preparing your New Year’s Eve attire is to find out what your venue’s dress code will be. From there, you can dress your selection up or down depending on your party.

Color: The latest trend is selecting beautiful jewel tones. They are gorgeous and flattering to all skin tones, so you really can’t go wrong. Accenting for the jewel tone family is very easy to do with a silver or gold shoe depending on which side of the color spectrum you choose.

Sparkle: Okay ladies, it’s time to glam it up and be flirty! New Year’s is really the only day I allow myself to sparkle and, trust me, I don’t shy away. There is nothing more beautiful then a little sparkle or shimmer in your dress and accessories. Eyes will turn with a form-fitted rouched sleeveless dress from Express … my fave!

Little Black Dress: So you say you have nothing to wear? I’m sure we all have a staple black dress in the closet. You can’t go wrong with this selection. Select some fun silver or diamond accessories to glam it up a bit, and you’re ready to be fabulous!

Shoes: Have you seen all the fun heels out this season? From the peep-toe to the funky strappy heel, there are so many to choose from. The most important selection in a heel is comfort. If you’re going to be on your feet all night, make sure to have a fitted heel that won’t tear your feet up. With the variety and selection out this year, I am sure the perfect fit is there to compliment your style.

Accessories: If you’re wearing white, make sure to pair your dress with a nice gold tone. For the jewel tones, make sure you pair your selection with a nice silver. And, finally, remember to have fun with your accessories – chunky necklaces, bracelets and a coordinating clutch will complete your look for the night.

Photo tips: As a wedding photographer, I always use this tip for photographing all of my brides and bridesmaids. When posing for your party photo, remember to keep a flattering position by placing your weight on the back leg and keep the front leg at a relaxed bend. Standing to the side with one hand on the hip makes for a slim and flattering photograph, as well. For the group photos, try leaning in with a tight core and relaxed stance. Most of all, make sure to smile and have fun with your New Year’s Eve photos. This is the time to celebrate and be fabulous for the year ahead … Happy New Year!

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December 22, 2010

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday}

There’s no doubt about it – when your kids are comfortable in the clothes they’re wearing, they’re more likely to show you some big, genuine smiles. Everyone is more relaxed, and the shoot gets to start on a good foot. Now I ask you, is there anything that says “relaxed” more than pajamas?

In this week’s post, Shannon shows us some cute pajama options from a store I wasn’t familiar with (you’ll have to read below to see who) — AND — we get to see some pictures of her crazy adorable kids. Enjoy!

Here’s what Shannon has to say:

Is there anything better than your child all clean and dressed in their cozy pajamas? Well … okay maybe a few things. But for me, this ranks way up there! I’ve always thought it would be fun to do a PJ session with some kids in bed. I’ve done plenty of sessions and none of them have been in PJs. I decided it was time, so I dressed my kids in their new Christmas PJs and shot away! They had so much fun jumping on the bed, laughing and rolling around. AND the images are so cozy and natural. I simply LOVE IT.

storyboard5x7-web

Recently, I’ve discovered Hanna Andersson. They carry such cute and colorful things for children and adults. They have a huge variety and often run great sales. The best part? Their clothing is WELL MADE. To me, this is a mega BONUS. This past summer, I bought my kids some PJs from their organic cotton line (these PJs are fitted and NOT flame retardant which was important to me). They are soft, comfortable, warm, and best of all, they REALLY hold up after many washes! SUPER durable. I bought them 2 sizes too big so my kids will have them for another year or so (you can just roll up the cuffs on the arms and legs).

Check out the cute variety of pajamas they carry. Adult pajamas to baby pajamas! They even have family looks so you can coordinate or match with the entire family. Don’t forget the details! Hanna Andersson carrie adorable plush animals, blankets, sleep sacks, and other bedtime related items. Their slippers are to die for! Remember all of the details that make your custom photos special!

SHOPPING GUIDE

All items are from Hanna Andersson
NOTE: they are having a huge sale right now, so some items may not be available at this time!

Organic Cotton Long Johns
Striposaurus
$28.00

Fleecy Friends Slipper Boots
$28.00

Dreamy Nightgowns
White/Red Snowflakes Print
$20.00

Short Johns in Organic Cotton
Navy/Heather Gray
$26.00

Night Night Baby Sleepers in Pure Organic Cotton
Life on the Farm Print
$25.00

Crossover Long Johns in Organic Cotton
Pink Multi
$28.00

Slipper Booties
Pink Garden (appear to be sold out, also come in brown)
$15.00

Jellycat Cordy Roy Cat
$22.00

Truffle Sheep
$22.00

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December 15, 2010

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday}

Winter Outerwear Guide Part II! This week, Wardrobe Wednesday contributor Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios in Virginia offers more tips for dressing warmly during those beautiful snowy portrait sessions. And if you’ve been enjoying my latest series about how to dress for your body type, you’re gonna love this!

Here’s what Rebecca has to say:

In the spirit of the wintry cold and snowy weather season upon us, we thought it would be a great idea to continue our outerwear theme from last week and take it one step farther, just for us girls. You see, when dressing for your outdoor portrait session, outerwear is essential. Think of it as an extension of your outfit, not as an afterthought! To do this successfully, we must consider the same rules for dressing our individual body type, about which Kelly has been educating us with her exciting and insightful series of posts! Keeping these rules in mind will not only help you find the perfect outerwear for your session, it will make you look FAB! And really, isn’t that why we’re here?

Pear Shaped
1. Define your shoulders!
2. Draw attention to the upper body with cute neckline detailing.
3. Belted styles help define waist.
4. Hemline just above the knee.

Hourglass Shaped
1. Fitted or tailored styles are best.
2. Cinched waists to show off those curves!
3. Wrap jackets or deeper v-necks for full busts.
4. Hemline just above or just below the rear.

Apple Shaped
1. Look for single breasted, structured jackets.
2. Belted styles help define waist.
3. Wear outerwear open to “lengthen” your body.
4. Hemline should be mid-thigh.

Rectangle Shaped
1. All about creating the illusion of curves!
2. Wear outerwear with cinched waists that flare out to the hip.
3. Avoid straight cut, boxy styles with no shape.
4. Hemline: have fun! You can wear most any length.

Show off that cute baby bump with these adorable maternity styles!

Shopping Guide

Pear
Macy’s $380
Burlington $49
Victoria’s Secret $129

Hourglass
Coldwater Creek $299
Victoria’s Secret $129
Burlington $99
Lord & Taylor $476

Apple
Lane Bryant $133
Avenue $85

Rectangle
Victoria’s Secret $109
Victoria’s Secret $79

Maternity
Gap $70
Motherhood $30
Isabella Oliver $359
Pea In The Pod $199

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A Simply Fabulous Wardrobe « - December 15, 2010 - 9:23 PM

[...] spirit of the wintry cold and snowy weather season upon us, we thought it would be a great idea to continue our outerwear theme from last week and take it one step farther, just for us girls. You see, [...]

December 8, 2010

What to wear {Wardrobe Wednesday}

As a photographer in the northeast who works year-round, I’m really excited about this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday post by Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography in New York. She focused on great outerwear for winter sessions. And I can speak from experience that I have had some awesome portrait sessions in the snow — coats, hats, scarves, gloves and all.

Here are a few of my favorite images from a snowy engagement session last winter:

But don’t just take my word for it! Here’s what Morgan has to say:

So I’m sitting here in my office, looking at a fresh 20 inches of snow and wondering what my client will wear to our outdoor photo shoot this Friday. I’m thinking it will definitely involve a jacket. Probably some gloves. Likely a scarf. Boots for sure. Maybe a hat.

When an outdoor shoot is scheduled for cold weather, often this happens: You arrive wearing a random coat over your favorite I’m-wearing-this-no-matter-what outfit, throw off the jacket for pics, freeze to death, throw back on the jacket to warm up, take it off and try again, shiver and try to smile – rinse, repeat. Sounds like fun, right?

And then there are those who don’t want to deal with the cold at all and opt to wait until the weather warms up — which here might mean April or May.

I’m not a fan of either scenario, and there’s really an easy solution — bundle up, while also looking great!

Now I know some of you are lucky enough to live in a place where a snowplow contract isn’t the best investment you make each year, but that doesn’t mean a little cold-weather outerwear isn’t necessary. And we need to blow up this notion that by bundling up, you can’t look absolutely outstanding.

But what to choose? Those tips we’ve been sharing with you — layers, color, accessories — are still key ingredients when it comes to putting together stylish outerwear for photos. And here’s more:

I suggest staying away from straight white or black and opt instead for greys, browns, beige and color, color, color! I absolutely love bright yellows, pinks, greens and blues — the more vivid the better.

Since jackets can be expensive, don’t feel like you need to go and buy a trendy colorful coat that you’ll only wear once – especially for kids that will grow out of it in by next year. If what you already own fits you well (not some oversized thing you wear because it “goes over everything”), then keep it — and accessorize! Adding a hat, scarf or gloves can really make a huge difference.

If you warm up because everyone is hiking to reach that perfect photo spot, you may want to unbutton your jacket, so make sure the outfit beneath the jacket is photo-ready by looking over some past WW posts.

Vests look great over chunky sweaters or hoodies, and often come in a million different colors at a decent price (think Old Navy).

Leggings are another way to add fun color, and look great with boots over them. They also help you extend your fall wardrobe because you can wear them under skirts or dresses.

You can’t go wrong with jeans, so consider dark denim a winter wardrobe staple. Consider wearing them a little different by tucking them into your boots or rolling them up to meet the top of the shoes (especially cute for younger boys).

Still not warm enough? Throw on some long underwear, a thermal top, and an extra pair of socks! Pretend you’re dressing to go play out in the snow — just with style

Below, I’ve put together outerwear ideas for a family of six. I only included one accessory for each person, but you can definitely add more. For women, I love chunky earrings peeking under hats, or a necklace you might only see if the jacket is worn open.

Bottom line: This is a wonderful time of year for outdoor photos! It doesn’t take much to turn a drab day into a thrilling memory.

Outfit Guide

Mom:

Double-Cloth Colletta Coat – $208 (on sale) – J.Crew

Sequinned Jersey Scarf - $28 (on sale) – Boden

Dad:

Down Shirt Jacket – $99 – Eddie Bauer

Men’s Ribbed Scarf - $34.50 – Lands End Canvas

Young Girl:

Cosy Textured Coat – $35 (on sale) – miniBoden

Olive Green Beanie Hat – $9.00 – Etsy

Young Boy: