We had a post on our Wardrobe Wednesday Facebook page last week asking for advice on creating a wardrobe to go with Army Combat Uniforms.  We always appreciate requests for help, and we thought that this would make for a wonderful post!  We recruited the fabulous Rachel of Rachel Brenke Photography to help us out.  As a photographer and military wife, she has a very unique perspective.  Thank you Rachel for helping us out and sharing your thoughts with us!  Here’s what she has to say:

As a military spouse working intimately with clients who are going through deployments/homecomings is really emotion invoking.  The mindset getting ready for a homecoming or deployment session is completely different than one of family portraits that are done yearly.  There’s always the real possibility this may be their last, or at the very least is one of the things that will help the family get through the rough separation.  Being in a military community the majority of my clients are military, even if they prefer to shoot not in uniform.  My biggest goal with getting ready for a session, especially one that is during or before a deployment is to ensure that they have FUN because you are essentially taking up their limited together and want to make it more than a session. Make it a memory.  Of course the goal is for ALL Clients to feel this, but with military it just seems to have that air of privilege that you get to be the one to document.

I chose the colors for the styled outfits because they are reminiscent of the yellow and blues that are often associated with the united states military and flag.  I avoided red’s as red is not flattering on most individuals. The use of cooler tones tied in this patriotic theme but also lent to be flattering for most body types and skin tones.

Army Couple:

This week we are proud to welcome Leslie from Seniorologie as a guest contributor to Wardrobe Wednesday. If you have not checked out Seniorologie you must run over there right now and check it out! It is an awesome resource for the Senior photographer and our senior clients. It is packed with tons of tips, ideas, and inspiration.  Check it out:

Here are a few awesome sets Leslie put together and some helpful tips from her!

“Mountain Charm – This holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with your family near a warm fireplace.  And what better way to hang out together, than in comfy, cozy clothes.  Family photos don’t always have to be dressy for those holiday photos.  Why not get your photos made in a casual wardrobe that is perfect for this chilly weather?

Cable knit sweaters, fur vests and boots all add texture and layers to your wardrobe for photos.  I picked these outfits based on the mom’s patterned sweater and colored blue jeans.  This set the tone for the others’ ensembles.  Once I had her outfit picked, it was easy to coordinate but not match the other outfits.  The little girl’s shirt picks up the rust color from the mom’s sweater and the blue from her jeans.  The little boy’s flannel shirt is a perfect mixture of the same colors without perfectly matching them.  Then to finish, I kept the Dad’s outfit simple and casual with beiges and browns.  All together they make the perfect family wardrobe.  And I can envision the perfect family photo on the porch of a beautiful mountain retreat!”

“For the past few years, I have sent out Christmas cards that are not your typical red and green!  I love the options out there now with fun colors such as yellow and turquoise.  They just happen to be two of my favorite colors so I love to incorporate them into mine and my families wardrobes whenever possible.

I know the holidays are upon us and most of you have already gotten your cards out.  But if there are a few still looking for inspiration (maybe even for a photo for a Happy New Year card), think about pairing non-traditional colors to make a fun wardrobe for your entire family.

For this grouping, I started with the little girl’s dress.  I loved that it was so bright and fun.  I used the colors in the dress to coordinate with the mom’s turquoise dress.  After that, I thought about the men and decided to go a little more muted on their color scheme.  The gray worked as a perfect accent to the bold colors from the girls outfits.  After this was all put together, I did a little card shopping and found these awesome cards that just so happen to go with this color scheme.  The best thing about them, is that they really could be sent out any time of the year!”

“Every New Year’s I have high hopes of going to a fancy, dressy New Year’s Eve party and I fantasize about the beautiful clothes I am going to wear to ring in the New Year.  However, I always end up in my jammies and asleep before the ball drops!  What a party pooper!

But don’t let my normal attire of jammies deter you from dressing up and going out on the town!  With the beautiful outfits I picked below, I almost want to throw my own party just to wear this sequin romper!!

The trick with dressing for New Year’s is to be festive but also comfortable.  Let’s face it…it is a long night!  So when I stumbled upon this sequin romper from French Connection, I knew it was the perfect thing!  I chose the black one but it also comes in a bronze color.  Both are fabulous.  Pair it with tights, booties and some fun earrings and you are set!

For your date, it is best that he coordinate but not match.  So I picked a purple check shirt to add some color to this duo and paired it with some charcoal pants and tie!  If it is cold, you can always add a blazer and scarf!

Happy New Year!”

Thank you so much Leslie! We were honored to have you! Make sure to run over and check out the Seniorologie page and like them on Facebook too!

Rebecca of Rebecca Keeling Studios has some great party outfits picked out for you this winter.  I’m loving all of the great textures and sparkle!

The holidays are here, New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and while you probably don’t have a portrait session scheduled for your party wear, there are sure to be plenty of photos being snapped and maybe even some fun photo booth opportunities, so you want to look your best!  I think the most fabulous part of New Year’s Eve is the chance to get all dolled up in sparkles and fun things that we don’t normally get to wear.  The trick to wearing “bling” (and not looking like a mirrored disco ball) is to do it a little at a time.  Choose one item of clothing that you want to highlight, a cute tank or a mini skirt, and then choose simple and classic items to go along with them for a knockout party look.  If you have a few holiday parties on your social calendar this year, buy pieces that you can mix and match for several different looks.  Jackets such as these shown here can be worn with dress pants, skirts, dresses, and jeans.  Fancy heels look super cute with both dressy clothes or with this beautiful off the shoulder sweater and jeans.  Mix in some sparkly accessories and you’ve got the perfect outfit for just about any get together.

Having a holiday engagement session?  These casual party looks would be SO cute in an urban setting.  Now, I know a few of these items are a bit more expensive than most people normally spend on clothing, especially the Hugo Boss suit…my boyfriend would look at me like I had three heads if I asked him to buy that suit.  The suit IS ridiculously beautiful however,  I was more going for the look to show how well it coordinates with the colors of her outfit and to show another option versus the plain old black suit and tie.  There are many less expensive options out there, just look for a similar style and that beautiful brown color.  The most important thing about getting ready for holiday parties is to have fun!  Don’t put on the same ‘ole thing you wear every year.  Even if you just buy one new piece, make it a statement piece and…bring on the bling!

Where to get the goods

{Casual Party: Him}
Vest: Buckle | $90
Shirt: Buckle | $100
Jeans: Buckle | $65
Shoes: Buckle | $65
Fedora: Buckle | $25
Belt: Buckle | $35
Scarf: Dillards | $16

{Casual Party: Her}
Jacket: White House Black Market | $60
Tank: White House Black Market | $78
Jeans: White House Black Market | $88
Shoes: White House Black Market |$56
Earrings: White House Black Market | $38

{Formal Soiree: Her}
Sweater: White House Black Market | $40
Jacket: White House Black Market | $188
Skirt: White House Black Market | $168
Shoes: Guess | $35
Earrings: White House Black Market | $34
Clutch: White House Black Market | $30

{Formal Soiree: Him}
Suit: Hugo Boss | $1150
Shoes: Piperlime | $98
Pocket Watch: Overstock.com | $65

I just love following up on requests on our fan page! Erica May with Erica May Photography did a great job with this tough request! Love the ideas!

We recently had someone post on our Wardrobe Wednesday facebook page requesting a couples session that features cowboy boots. Being from Texas, I was all over that =P. I wanted to put together something that was country but not over-the-top. The thing I LOVE about these outfits it all the layers. The warm tones, mix of textures, and small pop of color will add a lot of depth and interesting features to your images. I love the option to take off and on jackets, vests, hats, and jewelry so make sure to any or all of those items along. The more layers you have the more posing options your photographer will have.  I tried to make it an easy shopping trip with the majority of this ensemble being from one of my favorite stores Eddie Bauer. I could just live in their catalog and they have a great outlet section! =) Don’t forgot to bring a few things that are special to y’all (maybe a few books, a bottle of wine, etc..) and a quilt or sherpa blanket to snuggle up on. Enjoy!

Woman:

Trailhead Plaid Field Shirt – Eddie Bauer
$59.99

Classic Fit Barely Boot Cut Jeans – Eddie Bauer
$64.95

Legend Wash Blazer – Eddie Bauer
$69.95

Justin Stampede Western Cowboy Boots  – Sheplers
$139.99

Man:

Classic Fit Solid Washed Chambray Workshirt – Eddie Bauer
$49.95

Carpenter Jeans - Eddie Bauer
$59.95

Yukon Model Waxed Cotton Down Vest – Eddie Bauer
$179

Mens Cowboy Boots – Sheplers
$159.99

I was incredibly honored to photograph this wonderful couple’s engagement session a few weeks ago.  They are officially my “most travelled” clients to date, as they came all the way from D.C. for their engagement session.  Originally, they were heading down here in April so we could take advantage of the Texas bluebonnets (Kathleen is a native Texan), but illness kept them in D.C. and we missed bluebonnet season.  However, I was so excited to find some gorgeous wildflower fields while I scouted for their session, and they worked out beautifully!  We incorporated some fun props as well, including some maps of their respective homelands.  I just love it when clients are up for bringing something meaningful to use in their session!  Did hearing about their Mexico destination wedding make me momentarily wish I was a wedding photographer?  Yes, but don’t tell!  ;P  Lastly, I just have to say that I am even more grateful that I got the chance to work with this amazing couple because they have been SO kind and patient during my bed rest ordeal.  They have had to wait a very long time to see their images, and I sincerely hope it was worth it!  Thank you so much for having such a great laid-back attitude during the session AND after – y’all are great! 

OOOOHHH, I really think I NEED the dress Erica of Erica May Photography found for this week’s awesome maternity post!  I’m glad Erica is excited about her upcoming maternity sessions since one of them is mine! :) This post gives me all sorts of inspiration, I hope it will do the same for you.  Here’s what she has to say:

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!”

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

I love, love, love what Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography has put together for us this week!  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.

SHOPPING LIST

Women’s Casual
Jacket
Pink Tank
Orange Tank
White Capris
Sandals
Necklace

Men’s Casual
Pants
Shirt

Women’s Dressy
Shirt
Pants
Earrings
Necklace
Bracelet

Men’s Dressy
Shirt
Vest
Pants
Hat

I love Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography’s take on how all of the guys (or the women dressing them) can build on their basics to create some great portrait outfits!  Here’s what she has to say:

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 butt.)

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.

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

I couldn’t think of a better Valentine’s Day surprise then a long-awaited sneak peek for my beautiful sister and her handsome husband.    As you can tell by the lovely fall colors in these images, they were not taken … well, they were not taken this year.  That is both the blessing and the curse of being family of the photographer – you get squeezed in last minute for your shoot, but you have to wait shockingly long periods of time to get your images.  To their credit, they have not said a single word to me about them.  So, without further ado, enjoy your sneak peek you two!

Ahhh, Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography is a girl after my own heart.  Check out her post below on how to build on your basics for a fabulous wardrobe, and you’ll see what I mean:

“I admit it – I have a uniform that I wear almost every day.        

            {Dark jeans and white tank} + {X over tank} = {my outfit}

 If it sounds lazy – and some days, maybe it is! – remember that people like Bobby Brown and Vera Wang also have “uniforms” (have you EVER seen them wearing something other than black?). The trick to keeping this highly functional outfit fresh is to change up the {X}. For example, I can throw on a cozy sweater in the morning to wear while I edit with my coffee, swap the sweater for a white cardigan and fun necklace when I head out for a shoot, then make one more change into a fitted jacket and a pair of hoop earrings before meeting friends for a drink.

 How easy is that – three totally different looks by changing out one piece of clothing and a few accessories!

 Will this idea work for your next photo shoot? Absolutely! Rather than spend money on separate head-to-toe outfits, you can either save some dough by only picking up a few new pieces, or splurge a little on one or two killer tops. The other reason I love the idea of wearing a uniform to your shoot is how easy it is to change your look. You can bring along a small bag and make a quick change without having to look for a bathroom or car to change in. Not only will this get you more looks for your shoot, but your photographer will love knowing that the location for your session doesn’t need to revolve around a nearby spot to change.

 To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I put together a few different outfit ideas that will look great over your jeans and tank. But let’s make sure we have the basics set first.

 The white staple tank shown below is my all-time favorite, can’t-live-without-it, should-have-bought-a-few-more top. No lie. I actually bought one for my Mother as part of her Oprah’s Morgan’s Favorite Things Christmas gift (which included a pair of pants from Lands End that I wear all the time – message me if you’re curious). While a white tank is something you can pick up anywhere, I love this because: 

• the material is thin enough to layer and not get warm, but thick enough to not be see-through
• wide shoulder straps mean your bra straps won’t show (a no-no for any picture)
• you can wear this multiple times without it stretching out (great for travel!)
• wash after wash it still looks great

 Ok – enough about the tank!

 Jeans. Everyone has them, but just make sure what you’re wearing actually fits you. If they’re too tight or sag in the butt (you know what I’m talking about), you really should invest in a new pair. I secretly hate shopping on my own, so I like to go to a store where the salespeople will be brutally honest and not let me leave with a pair that looks bad. With SO many options – low rise, mid rise, skinny, bootleg, curvy – you can definitely find a pair that fits you. And for color, a darker wash always looks good, and can transition easily to an evening pant.

 Since the majority of your outfit is set, have fun with your {X} top. Be bold with colors and patterns. Wear some sweaters or tops buttoned up (maybe with a belt) or open and layered. Mix in fun jewelry and accessories like a scarf or hat (I’m obsessed with newsboy caps lately) – and voila! Picture perfect outfits in a snap

SHOPPING GUIDE: 

I recently asked our amazing Wardrobe Wednesday Facebook fans to tell us what clothing shop they love that many people don’t know about. Thanks to them, I now have even more online shops to drool over. You’ll see that I picked out a few items from these new-to-me stores. If you’re not familiar with them, I highly suggest you check them out! 

Ultra Soft Square Neck Tank – White House Black Market ($24.50)
Chic Merino Cardigan (yellow) – Boden ($88)
Fairy Dance Top – Anthropologie ($98) 
Perfect-Fit Mixed-Tape Cardigan (blue) – J.Crew ($49.50) 
Com-pleatly Contemporary Top – ModCloth ($54.99) 
Navy Blue Striped Cardigan Ruffle Trimmed with Pockets – La Posh Style ($41.99)

 ACCESSORIES:
Polka Dot Bangle – Down East Basics ($7.99)
 A Flying Swallow and Branch Necklace – Etsy ($26.50)
 Teardrop Earrings with Crystal Detail – Maurices ($10.00)