You don’t need to be pregnant to love the outfits Erica of Erica May Photography put together this week – just look at the dress she found!

 

“This week I decided to put together some wardrobe ideas for a maternity session. I have a few maternity sessions coming up this Spring that I am excited about so it was a lot of fun! It has been awhile since we have done a maternity Wardrobe Wednesday and we were in need of some new Spring looks. Sometimes shopping for cute maternity clothes can be a bit of a challenge but I noticed that, especially this Spring, retailers have really improved their maternity selections! I was so excited to find all these fun Spring colors when looking around this week. When putting together a wardrobe for your maternity session I find it is easier to find the woman’s outfit first and then find a coordinating outfit for the man. Here are a few tips for your maternity photo shoot:

1.) Admit that you need maternity clothes – okay, we have all stretched our pants as long as we can but some well-fitting clothes are always a must for photo shoots!

2.) If you want to elongate your torso go for a long shirt and a short jacket.

3.) Prints that completely cover the fabric can divert attention away from the tummy and breast area if you want to tone these areas down a bit.

4.) Don’t be afraid to wear form-fitting clothes to show off that belly!

5.) Get your man involved to help think of ideas for your session. Do y’all love to watch baseball, hang out by the lake or beach, or go for ice cream? All of these things are great ideas on how to incorporate your personalities into your maternity session!

The first outfit below is the most affordable option and would be super cute for a maternity session! I love the bright colors in the woman’s outfit and you could accessorize with some cute and colorful jewelry. The optional cardigan is perfect for layering. The second outfit ensemble is a bit of a splurge – hey, it is hard to find cute maternity dresses but you could easily swap it out for a cheaper solid color dress. I loved the nautical feel of this dress and by adding a big floppy hat you could change the look of the outfit dramatically. The man’s outfit is relaxed and pulls in the rest of the nautical colors. So, don’t miss your opportunity to capture your beautiful pregnant glow. It won’t last forever!”

Chic maternity style for your photo shoot by Wardrobe Wednesday

Shopping Guide:

Woman’s Outfit #1
Maternity Crochet-Trim Jersey Tops $14.50 Old Navy
Maternity Tiered Drawstring-Waist Skirts $26.50 Old Navy
Women’s Espadrille Wedge Sandals $25.00 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jackets $32.94 Old Navy

Man’s Outfit #1
Royal Palm Peached Poly $21.99 J.C. Penney
Men’s Bootcut Jeans $29.50 Old Navy
Men’s leather-trimmer Flip Flops $19.50 Old Navy

Woman’s Outfit #2
A Pea in the Pod Collection: Ella Moss Sleeveless High-low Hem Maternity Maxi Dress $195.00
Large Straw Stripe Sun Hat – Dark Khaki $29.99 Amazon

Man’s Outfit #2
Fish Hawk Cliff T-Shirt $14.45 Abercrombie
Indian Pass Shirt Polo $78 Abercrombie
Cascade Lakes Pants $78 Abercrombie
Navy Stone-Washed Toms – $48

Jennifer, of Minor Impressions Photography, has done it again – I LOVE this post! It just goes to show that classic and sophisticated does NOT equal dull and boring. Here’s what she has to say:
 

It’s hard to believe, but my parents will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next month! My mom has already requested that we have a family portrait with all of their kids and grandchildren, but I will be suggesting that she also takes the time to reflect on just her and my dad’s relationship, and have a session with just the two of them.

Of course, a lot has changed in 40 years. Not only have different fashions and styles come and gone, but our body shapes can change quite a bit in 40 years as well. {I know mine has changed significantly in just the 10 years I’ve been married!} So, it’s understandable that “finely aged” couples are hesitant when it comes to having portraits done. After all, for many couples, the last time they had pictures of just the two of them may very well have been their engagement pictures when they were a size 4 and their laugh lines and love handles had yet to make their appearance. Don’t let the emergence of your well-lived life deter you from capturing this special moment in time. You can find some modernly chic ensembles that not only reflect your mature side, but portray your enduring effervescent personalities as well.

You’ll see in the wardrobe below that I’ve chosen some items which can be mixed and matched. The top outfits are more casual and allow you to have a session in the park or somewhere that shows your fun side. Find some swings, or bring a blanket to lie in the grass. The woman’s jacket will help to hide some of those “age marks” around your waste and you can switch out the different tank tops and/or pants to have an alternative color and look. The men should find a shirt that has slight accents of the various colors, but be sure to roll up those sleeves and relax a little. The bottom selection gives you an opportunity to pep things up a bit and reveal your ongoing romantic relationship. These outfits are great for an urban location and add a touch of sophistication. Don’t forget the accessories to pull everything together and bring a few props that exemplify the connection you have.

wardrobe wednesday for mature couples

Shopping Guide:

For Her

Chicos Pink Tank

Chicos Jacket

Chicos Orange Tank

Chicos White Capris

Chicos Brown Sandal

Chicos Necklace

Chicos Necklace 2

Chicos Bracelet

For Him

Men’s Dress Shirt

Men’s Dress Pants

Men’s Casual Shirt

Men’s Casual Pants

Men’s Vest

Men’s Hat

 

The only thing that bums me out about this post from Shannon is that this particular vendor only makes clothing for kids. I wonder if I can convince her to make a dress for me? Or maybe a shirt with a tie for Ev…?

– Enjoy 🙂

I hope by now, our Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} posts have gotten across that white or black is a bit boring. Hopefully what we’ve been conveying is that when it comes to portraiture, bright, colorful and even whimsical is way more exciting! A couple of months ago, I stumbled upon THE cutest, most colorful and different children’s clothing I’ve ever seen! I decided I needed (ok ok…WANTED) a few things for my own kids, so I contacted the genius behind the sewing machine. Krisha Hinkle is the owner and sole designer of Jacks & Kate, a local Fort Myers area company. She whipped up a few shirts for my son, and an adorable dress for my daughter. Every time they wear their Jacks & Kate apparel, they get compliments and I get asked where their clothing is from. Not only is this clothing adorable, it is made VERY well and with love. Krisha is super talented, that’s for sure! I almost fell off of my chair when I read that she is self taught and only been at this for a little over a year. WOW. Not only does Jacks & Kate offer adorable ties, bowties, name and number t shirts, t shirt dresses and other dresses, but also totes! These bags are SO adorable and would make a great purse, overnight bag, diaper bag and yes…camera bag!! Enough rambling…bring on the eye candy!

Make sure you look at all of the images…there might be a special promotion code at the end!

And because you know you want to buy something adorable, Jacks & Kate is offering 15% off for one week only! (4.6.11-4.13.11) Just use the following code: SJDBLOG

What are you waiting for? Go get something for yourself or your kids…or both! 🙂

Jacks & Kate on Facebook
Jacks & Kate on Etsy

I don’t often use this blog to talk about personal things, but I think it’s time I change that. You see, today is the official launch day of my amazing husband’s first book, Summer in a Glass: The Coming of Age of Winemaking in the Finger Lakes. To say that I’m a proud wife would be a huge understatement. This has been three years of very hard work (ok, and a little bit of wine drinking) – and today it’s finally available for everyone to read.

Is this a book about wine? Yes. Is this a book about people? Absolutely. Will you inexplicably find yourself reaching for a tissue after every chapter? Don’t try to resist – it happens to everyone.

Since I’m more of a visual person, I’m going to leave the writing to Ev and point you to the amazing book trailer below. If it catches your attention, I’d love for you to head to the Summer in a Glass website and Facebook page. Here you’ll be able to read an excerpt from the first chapter, see what others are already saying about the book and look at the full listing of fun book events we’re planning for the spring and summer.

I may be a little biased, but I know this is a book you’ll love. 🙂 Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look from the trailer shoot with Evan and Peter Bell from Fox Run Vineyards on Seneca Lake. I’ll have more trailer pictures to share soon!

comment

I like that Rebecca, from Rebecca Keeling Studios, has a good attitude towards the inevitable spring showers. I’m more than a little over the cold and snow, so there’s no way a little rain needs to dampen the day 🙂

“Spring is officially here! The days are getting longer, the grass is getting greener, the sun is getting warmer, and the trees and flowers are starting to bloom! It is one of my favorite times of year, not only because of the beautiful weather, but also because my “studio” (aka: mother nature) is ready for business! But, as the saying goes, “April Showers Bring May Flowers” and as much as we plan ahead, and cross our fingers/toes/legs/arms/etc. we can never quite fool mother nature. This year, instead of rescheduling your outdoor session due to “bad” weather…why not get creative and embrace it!! How much fun would your kids have splashing and playing in the rain in their new boots/umbrella/coat?? Sure, it might not be the sunny, bright images you originally planned, but there’s really no better environment to bring our your children’s playfulness, joy, and true laughter than letting them do what they do best…PLAY! And the best part about rain? If you don’t actually have it, you can make it! Just pull out those sprinklers and garden hoses. Then, you’ll have the best of both worlds…AND, you’ll have images that you will treasure for years to come.”

wardrobe wednesday what to wear during spring showers

Shopping Guide

Girl

Persnickety Green Stripe Bell Pants: $42 | www.littlelunablue.com

Persnickety Retro Rosette Skirt: $70 | www.onegoodthread.com

Persnickety Appliqued Umbrella Tee: $54 | www.onegoodthread.com

Hatley Watermelon Raincoat: $49 | www.hatleystore.com

Hatley Watermelon Boots: $35 | www.hatleystore.com

Watering Can: $25 | www.gardenartisans.com

 

Boy

Boden Board Shorts: $36 | www.bodenusa.com

Boden Big Applique T-Shirt: $30 | www.bodenusa.com

Western Chief Monster Umbrella: $15 | www.westernchief.com

Western Chief Monster Boots: $30 | www.westernchief.com

 

comment

In my last Wardrobe Wednesday post I talked to women about building your outfit around two closet staples – a white tank and jeans. But what about the guys? Let’s start with the same basic idea: start with what you already have and go from there. In this case, I chose jeans and a white dress shirt.

It can really work, too, without being even a bit boring!

First, the basics.

Let’s start with a pair of dark wash jeans that really fit well. Again, no saggy pants or faded dad jeans. If your man doesn’t have at least one pair of nice darker jeans, get thee to a store pronto and make him TRY THEM ON. I’ve absolutely made my husband try on jeans before buying them, only to have a few women critiquing his figure to make sure the fit works. Might he be embarrassed for a minute or two? Perhaps. Will he leave with a killer pair of jean? Absolutely. Totally worth it.

(Husband’s note: You get used to hearing your wife ask the other women to check out your ass.)

The white dress shirt. Again, this MUST fit well. The good thing is that no matter what his size, you can find a cut that works. I suggest going to a store like Men’s Wearhouse where they have a large selection of special cuts (like athletic or slim). My other suggestion – and this comes from the wife of someone who wears a white dress shirt five days a week – is to buy one that is wrinkle or iron free. These aren’t a myth or made of some weird material. I honestly haven’t ironed a dress shirt in YEARS. My newest favorite white shirt can be found below in the shopping guide.

Now, let’s jazz this up a bit.

Even if he only wears the jeans and white shirt, little things like great shoes, a belt and watch can make a huge difference. I almost always suggest rolling the sleeves. Not only will this make the look a little more lived-in and real, but it will also make him feel a little more relaxed. Show even more style with a pair of geek chic glasses or a light scarf.

Consider taking the outfit one step further by adding a loose tie (or bow tie for the adventurous). Again, you can make it more casual by keeping the top few buttons undone on the dress shirt. Keep in mind that this is a great opportunity to show a little color, or compliment something that another person is wearing. The trend in ties now is skinny, skinny, skinny.

Don’t be afraid to layer things over the shirt. Vests look cool and can be worn with or without a tie. If the example below is a little too modern, consider a basic sleeveless golf sweater vest like this from Nike Golf. Button-down and full-zip cardigans are hot now, but you can’t go wrong with a zip-neck mock sweater as well. And finally, jackets. These can look super cool and casual with a slightly unbuttoned dress shirt and jeans. Depending on the material, you may even be able to roll up the sleeves a little. Go with a more formal look by  adding a simple tie and maybe even cufflinks.

Outfit ideas for men by Wardrobe Wednesday and Morgan Dawson Photography

SHOPPING GUIDE

TOPS:

Buckle Pop Icon Edify Vest – $39.95

Zara Cotton/Metal Cardigan – $39.90

Macy’s INC Core Two Button Blazer – $69.98

J.Crew Sun-Faded Fleece Crewneck Sweatshirt – $49.50

Express Full-Zip Mock-Neck Cardigan – $41.94

 

WHITE DRESS SHIRTS:

Zara Structured Shirt – $59.90

Mens Wearhouse Joseph & Feiss Slim Fit Dress Shirt – $39.99

 

SHOES:

Buckle District 3 Latitude Shoes – $49.95

J.Crew Sperry Top-Sider Leather Chukka Boots – $125.00

 

ACCESSORIES:

Macy’s Kenneth Cole NY Watch – $95.00

Banana Republic Madras Scarf – $49.50

Buckle ReClaim Textured Belt – $19.95

Forever 21 Vintage Leatherette Belt – $7.90

Express Narrow Silk Tie – $39.90

J.Crew Brisband Madras Tie – $59.50

Amazon.com Wayfarer Clear Fashion Glasses – $25.00

 

 

 

comment

Even though I don’t typically do team shoots for athletes, it was an easy and enthusiastic “Yes!” when I heard from my wonderful sister-in-law-to-be, Jenni. She’s the head coach for the talented group of athletes at Zenith Gymnastics, and I’d seen them in competition before. If they could pull off those awesome routines, I figured I could pull off an awesome shoot with them!

I have to admit: I’m pretty excited about the results. The girls were so much fun and they had an easy time letting their personalities shine. I will not attempt to do a backflip over these photos – no one wants to get hurt – but maybe a little fist pump. Go Zenith!

 

This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday post is courtesy of one of our Texans – Lindsay, of Lindsay Horn Photography. The ensemble was based on a question we had e-mailed to us. As usual, Lindsay nailed it!

***

When I saw this style request come through our email, I just couldn’t resist.  Mom has a “rustic country” session scheduled this spring and was a little overwhelmed at the idea of coordinating outfits for her three girls (ages 6, 4, and 2).  Since we recently found out that we will be adding another little girl to our family, let’s just say that I have coordinating girls’ outfits on the brain!  Not to mention, being a native Texan and lover of all things country, I thought this would be a fun challenge.

I opted to go with more of a “country chic” vibe for a couple of reasons.  First, here in Dallas (where the request came from) we tend to throw in a little fashion and shabby chic appeal to our version of country, and secondly, I think these outfits will have a wider appeal beyond a country theme as well.  Simply switch up some accessories, and you could take this wardrobe in a completely different direction.

I first found the adorable plaid dress at Tea Collection and decided to use that as my base color palette.  You can find so many options right now in these colors, and that’s always important when you are trying to pull together outfits.  I liked the idea of throwing in a layer with the denim jacket – it lends a little country credibility and helps to break up the pattern amidst the other outfits.  If it’s warm when the session rolls around, one or two rolls on the cuffs can let a little air through and look really cute.

I pulled colors from the plaid dress to put together the other two outfits.  I didn’t want to put all three girls in dresses – I think mixing it up with a skirt and top looks more natural and adds some depth and texture to the entire ensemble.  Then I went to Etsy to find some adorable hair accessories to finish everything off.

Footwear is the place where you can really cement these outfits as all-out country or modernize them a little bit to fit almost any backdrop.  I’ve shown a few options here.  First, you can go for a truly authentic country look and get the real deal kid’s cowboy boots.  I actually have the boots shown below for my daughter, which she wore in our family portraits last spring along with a cute dress and denim jacket.   They were a little pricey for me, but worth the splurge to really make a statement.  You can also “glam” the boots up a little bit too.  I’ve shown some boots with embellishments and sequins from Target as a possible option.  These aren’t going to be authentic boots, so they are a little more affordable.  Lastly, if you want to stay away from boots, look for something like these tan gladiator sandals.  They still have an organic feel to them, which fits well with the outfits as a whole, without screaming cowgirl.

Of course, we would love to hear more ideas on how we can help you style your next session.  Shoot us an email at info@stylishcamerajunkies.com and you might just see YOUR family dressed on our next post!

Shopping List

Big Sis

Taupe Playa Dress $35 Tea Collection

Cream Bolero $26.95 Gap Kids

Pink and Rust Rolled Rose Hair Clip $13.50 Ruby Blue Inc. (Etsy)

 

Middle Sis

Dusty Coral Ruffle Sleeve Top $29 Tea Collection

Tiered Denim Skirt $29.95 Gap Kids

Beige Chiffon Rosettes Headband $6.95 The Fairy Factory (Etsy)

 

Baby Sis

Playa Plaid Dress $49 Tea Collection

Denim Jacket $27 Gap Baby

Cream Lace Vintage Headband $10 BuggaBugga Boutique (Etsy)

 

Shoes

Authentic: Old West Children’s Cowboy Boots $41.99 Shepler’s

Glam: Brown and Pink Deloria Boots $19.99 Target

Sandals: Suede Gladiators $24.95 Gap Kids

 

« Previous Next »