texture and plaid for family portrait session

I love to play around with different textures and prints; It makes photos look more interesting. I have an upcoming fall/winter portrait session for a family from my hometown, and I put this collage together for them so they can get an idea of my vision for what they should wear. It's important that I keep in mind the families' sense of style. After all, my goal is to capture their true essence and personalities in the photographs.

The family has a classic, outdoorsy flair. Rich textures like leather and fur will be great for them. I incorporated plaid because it's such a great print, and also happens to be very big for fall (isn't it always?). Mixing different plaids as well as stripes of a similar color family will add depth to the outfits, and so will layering. I always love accents of metallic either in belts, boots, or necklaces; An outfit isn't complete without some shine and sparkle! Oh, and that little leopard ballet flat in there was not an accident; I consider leopard a neutral! :)

The guys can use this collage as well when putting their outfits together. Just think J. Crew!

Texture and Plaid by glamguru featuring a metal belt

ASOS cotton dress
asos.com

J Crew cashmere striped sweater
jcrew.com

J Crew long blouse
jcrew.com

Zara plaid top
zara.com

J Crew striped t shirt
jcrew.com

Zara shirt
zara.com

Camilla and Marc vest waistcoat
$450 - theoutnet.com

BSABLE brown vest
farfetch.com

Zara black cape
zara.com

Zara red coat
zara.com

French Connection vest
usa.frenchconnection.com

Zara lined jacket
zara.com

Zara fur vest
zara.com

J.Crew j crew jeans
jcrew.com

Zara trousers
zara.com

UGG Australia military-style boots
zappos.com

J Crew flat
jcrew.com

J.Crew ankle boots
jcrew.com

Zara leather high heel shoes
zara.com

Zara short boots
zara.com

ASOS brown handbag
asos.com

ASOS curb link chain necklace
asos.com

Zara rhinestone jewelry
zara.com

Zara woolen scarve
zara.com

Banana Republic black shawl
bananarepublic.gap.com

Zara blue shawl
zara.com

ASOS metal belt
asos.com

Banana Republic Heritage Plaid Wool Scarf - Navy
bananarepublic.gap.com

Banana Republic Heritage Plaid Wool Scarf - Grey
bananarepublic.gap.com

for fall: shine + slick

earring: zara

one shoulder top: the limited

awesome slicked hair: garnier fructis clean slick power gel and paul mitchell freeze and shine hairspray

I'm very into greased back hair lately. It immediately makes you feel sleeker and chicer. I got my sister Bri into it, too and she's rocking it in these photos with her stunning Zara earring! Great hairstyle for serious ear-bling.

denim on my mind

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



black, white & bright

 

blouse: target

pants: target

boots: nine west

blazer: h&m

scarf: the limited

lipstick: maybelline vivids in fuchsia flash

 

Talk about spring fever! I'm ready to lighten up my layers, say sayonara to the snow and break out all the spring trends. Dressing between seasons can be easy with the right pieces. I live in the Midwest, so the transition isn't always so smooth; One day it could be 65 degrees and sunny, the next 32 and snowing. Think layers in lighter colors and lighter fabrics. Here I incorporated one of spring's biggest trends, black & white. Spring always calls for brights, too. A sleeveless blouse and blazer combo is perfect for spring since the blazer can easily be removed if temperatures rise. I love the sheer shoulder and piping detail on this Prabal Gurung for Target top. It would look great with a slim pencil skirt in a neutral like the blazer, or a full patterned skirt, in a similar color scheme as the blouse, of course. Swap the boots with ballet flats or strappy wedges and you're warm-weather ready. A silk scarf is another staple for spring. They add a little warmth for a chilly morning and make a great accent to a handbag midday.

for cakestyle: office to out

 

This outfit is streamlined with the wide-leg trousers and structured jacket. A nice wide-leg pant will never go out of style and is flattering on nearly every shape; definitely a wardrobe staple. I've had this pair for almost 3 years! The brights and pattern keep this look fun and fresh. I tend to wear a lot of black, but it's nice to add a splash of color once in a while. And who doesn't love a little sparkle? The blouse is Tracy Reese from the Neiman Marcus line at Target. It could be worn with straight leg jeans, flat boots or nude flats, and a boyfriend blazer for a more relaxed look.

I love details, and that's what drew me to this salmon jacket. The zippers add a rugged, moto touch and the cut is interesting.

The outfit transitions well from the office, to dinner and drinks. Just add a stand-out clutch like the Proenza Schouler one here from Target. Gotta love Target, right?

Top it off with a classic pair of black pumps.

can you say GQ?

 

I shot my brother for his senior pictures recently. I've never really taken any photos of him before, and I was surprised how much the camera loved him. 

Can you say GQ?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



winter skirting

 

sweater: gap

skirt: express

belt: elliott consignment chicago

boots: ugg australia

lipstick: maybelline fuchsia flash

 

Dressing in winter can be difficult and sometimes function wins over fashion. But big cozy layers can be cute. With the right accessories, of course. And skirts aren't just for warm weather, either. Here I paired a maxi skirt with a knit turtleneck from Gap. It's a refreshing change from having to wear pants all the time. The wide belt helps break up all the black and gives shape, so I'm not drowning in fabric. The boots I found at TJ Maxx for 100 bucks, more than half off of what they originally cost. Super steal, and super warm!

I've become such a lipstick lover. I'm always drawn to more dramatic shades; dark and Morticia Addams-esque like HERE or bright, bold and wow like the one I'm wearing by Maybelline's New Vivids line in Fuchsia Flash.