Before I showcase some things from local stores, I wanted to let you all know about a great site that has daily deals on mom, baby, and children’s stuff.  If you haven’t already, you must to check out Zulily.  Zulily has new deals posted daily…many top brand children’s items for a great deal.  Many adorable outfits that would be PERFECT for photo sessions!! You can sign up for email alerts to get the daily deals…and I should note that you may want to make it one of the first things you check in the morning as some of the deals sell out quickly.

Ready. Set. GO! Check sign up for Zulily now!

- – - – - – - – - -

Check out some of these clothing links:

SweetPetunia
cachcach
Baby Sara
Jen Jen

On to more outfits….lots of colors and pattern this time of the year.  Fun, bold colors always look great with green grass and golden sunsets.  I love bubble outfits and dresses for little ones. A few things for baby girls from GAP.

And Gymboree…

More from Gymboree…

For toddle girls from the GAP…

A few more…first from the GAP second two from Old Navy.

For big girls from the GAP…

Stay tuned for a post with boy clothing ideas in the next couple days!

I know most clients become completely overwhelmed trying to coordinate outfits…so just relax….take a deep breath….I am always available to help you out, so don’t be afraid to ask!  In fact, I LOVE helping clients.  I’ve decided to make a series of blog posts to help you all in your “what to wear” woes.  This first post will be advice for families, then I’m thinking boy/girl siblings and families with 3+ kids.  Leave me a comment if you have any other suggestions!

So…where to start for families? Worry about the kids first!  Yes, that’s right, if you are having a family portrait done, coordinate the kids’ outfits first.  I tell all my clients, it’s all about the kids anyway! ;)  Yes, parents are most definitely included, but most of the time are not front and center.  I suggest choosing at least one outfit with a little bit of color or a pattern, that way you can pull from those colors to coordinate other outfits.  When coordinating looks for an entire family, think as if you are creating one mega outfit, everything should go together, but not “match”.

Now, if I could just follow my own advice! :) I too am in the process of putting together outfits for our very own family photo session with the fabulous Mindy Harris, who is coming to photograph my family in October!  I am SO very excited!!  You can see my outfit progress so far at the end of this post!

I thought I would share a couple family “what to wear” ideas, and my thoughts during the process. Some people aren’t as huge into color as I am, and that’s okay!  The black/grey color combo is a great option for those who think less is more, but there are a few things to keep in mind when sticking to a 2-toned color palette.  First…do keep the good ‘ole basics of color, texture, and layers in mind.  Please, no everyone showing up in black shirts!! In this case, color means using different shades to pull the entire look together.  Using different shades and textures, along with layers, adds visual interest and dimension to an image.

For this family I considered a 2 year old boy and 6 year old girl.  I started out with the toddler boy outfit first.  Sometimes stylish toddler options (especially for boys) are hard to come by.  I loved the grey & black graphic t-shirt, and picked a cute jacket for an extra layer of style.  I chose the graphic tee also keeping in mind if little one decides to shed the jacket (likely!), the under shirt is still stylish alone (versus say, a solid polo).  Next I looked at outfits for big sis.  I loved this gradient dress and chose striped leggings to add some visual interest…polka dots were also an option, even argyle print would work.  Add boots and possibly some simple bracelets from Claire’s and big sis is all set.  Next up was dad (because I already had an idea of what I wanted).  I always tell my clients to keep dads simple.  A solid dress shirt or sweater in a coordinating color will almost always work.  I chose a black button down dress shirt with subtle white pin stripes along with jeans and some casual shoes, and dad is done.  Moving on, finally….mom!  I often tell my clients, if dad is wearing a solid colored top, it’s okay for mom to wear a solid colored top as well, but NOT the same color.  My initial thought was to find something more in the charcoal tones for mom, and accent with some touches of black, however, I came across this sweater/shirt combo and thought it would be perfect.  The sweater adds texture, the stripes add just enough interest, and even though the sweater is solid black, the under shirt breaks up the color just enough.  Add a necklace and some bracelets and viola!

What if you want to add just a splash of color? Well, stylish red shoes would look awesome for little brother.  Maybe red bracelets or some patterned socks/leggings with red in peeking out of the boots for big sis.  Mom could add red touches to her jewelry as well, or a shirt with a bit of red under the sweater, perhaps a funky red graphic tee?

Now…I know what you’re thinking….“but what about all the stripes?  I’m not so sure about that!” In this case, the stripes don’t bother me at all.  Here’s why, #1. They are all pretty subtle (wide, bold stripes would be another story) and #2. They won’t be photographed right next to each other (if sis’s dress were also striped, that might be a little much).  Dad’s pin stripes will hardly be noticed in the images but add just enough so the shirt doesn’t photograph solid black.  Even if dad is photographed right next to mom, she has the sweater to break up the stripes.  And sister’s legs won’t be photographed near mom’s shirt, so we’re all good!!

So who will buy this combo so I can prove it will look amazing in photographs?!? :)

Shopping Links
Big Sister Dress from GAP | Leggings from Old Navy | Boots from Justice
Little Brother | Entire outfit from GAP
Mom | Shirt & sweater from JCrew | Jeans & boots from The Buckle
Dad | Entire outfit from The Buckle

Okay….family #2….MY OWN!!  Another thing to keep in mind is the location of your session and also the style of your photographer.  You might look silly as “Rocker Family” out in a field of long prairie grass or a bit out of place wearing your “Sunday’s Best” in an urban setting.  In regards to photographic style, *my* style is colorful & fun; mixed patterns, lots of layers.  In thinking about outfits for our family session, Mindy’s work is definitely colorful & fun, but in a different sense…her style is more natural and organic (in my opinion); understated, in a good way.  So when choosing our outfits, I tried to remain true to my style (I don’t want us to look different than we normally do, because that’s not who we really are), while also respecting hers.  I want color, but I don’t want so many patterns and colors that they become the focus of the images.  I chose a color palette of plums, deep purples, charcoal grey, and navy.

In searching for ideas, I found the plaid dress for my middle daughter at The GAP.  It’s even less plaid in real life. :)  This was my patterned piece I mentioned above, from which everything will coordinate.  It has plum, purple, navy, and some grey in the plaid.  I toned it down with some navy leggings and navy boots.  I’m still considering grey tights, not sure yet, and have a plum colored crocheted had for fun.  Since I was already at the GAP, I thought I would look for something coordinating for my oldest daughter.  I found this plum tunic sweater that I LOVED, and she is a skinny minnie, so it was perfect.  I paired the sweater with some “jeggings” and grey boots from Justice.  For my youngest, I had originally found a plum sweater, grey shirt, and skinny jeans, but felt like we were becoming too matchy-matchy so when I came across the (slightly less navy) dress and sweater vest from 77Kids (American Eagle’s kids division), I ordered it up.  Then I emailed Mindy to see which she preferred. :)  Okay, the dress it is!  For myself, I already had this shirt that coordinated and was a bit more my style than some other options I considered.  I’m 85% sure this is what I pick for myself, but don’t be surprised if I change my mind 42 times before then. LOL  I’m in the process of looking for something stylish and navy for my husband…that’s hard, everything is black!  I will keep you posted on that.  So, while our outfits are a bit more solid than I normally choose, I still love the rich colors and textures and I know Mindy will photograph us perfectly!!  Can’t wait to share the final images with you.

OKAY…just a tad more…(world’s longest blog post)…

Moving on from family, a few more outfit ideas!  These first few are for the 6 month crowd…all from The GAP…

A few for school age girls, also from The GAP:

This next set would be perfect for two brothers, but also great as individual outfit options.  The one on the left is for school aged boys and the right for toddler sizes.  Both outfits can be found at The GAP and the little red Vans can be found at Zappos online.

After re-reading all that I’m convinced I must be neurotic and WAY over think things!! HAHA! Seeeee….I truly do understand what you all go through when deciding on outfits.

Whew!  Happy Shopping!!

Some ideas for toddler girls…all from The GAP.

And for toddler boys…layering clothes and graphic t-shirts are still great stylish choices…styles below also from The GAP.

For grade school girls…from The GAP.

For the older boys…first outfit from Old Navy, second outfit from The GAP…

And a few more from the girls….the first dress/jeans is from Tea…and the second two are from Janie & Jack.

Happy Shopping to you all! :)

These little guys are always such a pleasure to photograph…so easy, and just plain happy.  Love that!  And I know I have probably commented on it before, but their eyes….big, brown, and so gorgeous, I just can’t get over it!! :) This is another little guy graduating my Bebe Plan…where oh where does the time go?  Seems like just yesterday that I was photographing his newborn session.

Here’s baby Drew a year ago:

And now:

I bet not too many people can resist this sweet face.  I know I can’t! :)

First up….for baby boys up to 24 months from MiniBoden:

Let me just say that I loooooooooooove this new line from The GAP, for baby girls up to 18 months!!

I may be forced to buy this stuff for my girls for their yearly photos!!! For toddler girls (1yr-5t) from The GAP:

And for older boys from The GAP:

For toddler boys (1yr-5t), also from The GAP.  Are you sensing a pattern here?? Yes, I have a secret love affair with everything GAP.  Well…guess it’s not so secret anymore! Hehehee!

And for girls…yep The GAP:

:)

—–>The October 18th session has been booked. Thank you!< -----

Fall season is in full gear and I couldn't have asked for more perfect weather this past week.  Hope it stays that way!  I'll be back with the Fashion Friday weekly posts here to give you all lots of great ideas for your upcoming sessions!  Hopefully some of these outfits will inspire you all.

Tip for this season: Things don't have to match!

Okay...first up...for girls size 5+....

Cardigan, tank, and skirt from Old Navy.
Tights from The GAP.
Boots from Target.

A couple more for younger girls from The GAP:

Another from The GAP for the sizes 5+…

More from The GAP for baby boys:

And for toddler boys….

One for boys sizes 5+….shirts and jeans from Old Navy (striped dress shirt goes under the sweater with collar and sleeves showing a bit)
Shoes from The GAP

Happy Shopping!!

So perfect!  I LOVE this one so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom and dad had to sneek in on a few too….so pretty!

These first options are from Gymboree…I wouldn’t pair these together, but individually they are super cute. (The dress for big girls, and outfit for up to age 2)

All of these next options are from MiniBoden…I adore this shop!

For the boys…Shirts (layer t-shirt under button down…layering is always good!) & jeans from Old Navy, shoes from GAP, and hat from Goorin Brothers.

**Check out these 7 stylish outfits from American Eagles’ kids line of clothing: 77kids by American Eagle
**And take a peek at Gymboree’s sister company: Crazy8
**Always great stuff at Tea as well! Diva’s & Darlings right here in Lincoln carries a lot of the Tea Collection!
**More cute stuff here: shopgenes

Girls are SO easy to shop for. I’m looking for some more boy ideas!! I’ll post more when I find some! :)

For more great outfit ideas check out these links:
SHRNK – Cute stuff for boys!
KNUCKLEHEADS – For the hippest little men! And….if you’re in the Lincoln area, I was so excited to see they are now carrying Knuckleheads Brand at Diva’s & Darlings (27th & Yankee Hill)
Tea Collection
KID BODIES – Waaaaaaaaaaaay cute boutique dresses and clothes for girls! Use the coupon code TOTS for 15% OFF your order!!

Loved this watermelon stuff from Gymboree….the first 2 are baby girl, last one big girl.

A couple for the boys also from Gymboree….

And for the little guys (0-24 months) from The Gap…

How adorable are these outfits from The Gap for the toddler boys (1-5yrs)…

…and these too…

And for the little ladies (1-5 yrs) from The Gap…

For now I wanted to share some outfit ideas. I have a bunch of sessions coming up and clients are loving the “Fashion Friday” concept. I have several sessions in the coming weeks scheduled outdoors, so I hope the weather starts cooperating soon! Enough of this rainy cold weather…bring on the sun!

This outfit from Janie & Jack would be perfect for little munchkins!

A couple for the little guys from The Gap.

I couldn’t resist this bright and fun pattern from The Gap.

And these dresses caught my eye, also from The Gap. I’m normally prefer barefeet, but the sandals this season are just waaayyy too cute!

First, for the little babies from Gymboree Layette Line:

More for toddler girls….dress and shoes from Gymboree, sweater from The Gap

One for the big girls…Outfit from Gymboree, sweater and shoes from The Gap.

And for the big boys….long sleeve shirts layered under t’s are still all the rage this year…shirts from Gymboree, jeans and shoes from The Gap.

Let me first just confess I’m in LOVE with all things green….so of course I would looooooooooooove these next couple outfits…all from The Gap.

I must also confess I DID buy my daughter these skinny pants!!  Oh heck, I can’t wear them, at least one of us might as well be stylish! Plus, she’s much more cute anyways! ;)

And one more for the big girls from The Gap.

A couple for the toddler girls, all from The Gap…

Happy Shopping! :)

I haven’t been loving the stuff at Gymboree lately, but I really dig the newest line.  In fact, we are getting our family photos taken by my fabulous photographer friend Shellie in November and I think we’re going to wear stuff from this line.  Of course, I’m sure I’ll change my mind no less than 50 times between now and then. ;)

A few outfits from Gymboree:

…for the little fellas from Gymboree (shoes from Old Navy):

…for older boys from Old Navy (I wasn’t feeling the whole Gymboree cowboy look for bigger boys):

Once again, I’m still loving The Gap (big surprise there!! ;)).  Just as I wished, they came out with toddler sizes to coordinate with the last Fashion Friday post I made.

I love that nothing has to “match” anymore!  I love the texture in the funky fur vest!  And I love all the color!  This first one is for little girls up to 5T.  Not into tights?  This would look fab with a pair of skinny jeans as well!!

…another one for the little girls! Say this three times to yourself…think layers and texture, think layers and texture, think……

One for the big girls…add a pair of brown boots and perfect-o!

I took these next images right off the Gap website since they were already all put together and looked just perfect! So here a few stylish looks for the guys!

Head on over to The Gap to purchase any of these outfits!!

I hope you all enjoy the holiday weekend!!  Don’t forget to cheer on the Huskers in their first game!! Go Bo & Co.!! WOOT!

More sneak peeks soon!!

So…I’ve already confessed my love affair with the GAP right?!?  I swear, I need to buy stock in that store!!  Last week we picked outfits for older kiddos, so this week is dedicated to the little bambinos…up to 12 months.  It’s too bad my youngest daughter has outgrown the newborn collections at the GAP or I’d surely be running out to buy these now…I love these classic fall colors.  I’m hoping they come out with a collection in these colors for the 1-5 year olds as well.  :)  These colors would look FABULOUS combined with the lovely fall foliage.

I could not decide between these first 2 picks, so I decided to showcase them both! I loved the funky butterfly print dress paired with the sweet brown sweater of this first one.

Links to buy:
bodysuit
dress
sweater
tights
shoes

…and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the cable knit sweater dress shown here. My daughter actually had the lavender one from last year and the texture of the knit with the fun striped tights are just a match made in heaven (yes, I’m a dork, I know ;))…and they photograph just lovely too! :)

Links to buy:
dress
tights
hat
shoes

We can’t leave out the little men now. Here’s something equally as cute for them. How can one resist the newsboy cap??

Links to buy:
bodysuit
zipped sweater
pants
shoes
hat

It’s okay to have a little fun with your outfits….Rock-n-Roll styles are sure to be a huge hit this year!

For the little ladies…a fun denim blazer and some stylish pink accessories. I actually chose this outfit for a Fresh Faces session I have coming up this week…so stay tuned for those photos later this week.

If you really like layers, but aren’t sure how to implement them or what looks good together, here’s a tip.  If you have a jacket on top that’s denim (like the one shown here), choose pants that are something other than denim, think white, khaki, olive green, brown, etc.  and vice versa if you have a khaki jacket, choose a different color bottom for more visual interest and a less matchy-matchy look. :)  Sometimes you CAN get away with denim on top and bottom, but you definitely DO NOT want them to be the same wash…that is SO last year!! ;)

Links to buy:
denim blazer
tank
khaki capris
shoes
scarf (from the Limited Too)

And for the guys…

Links to buy:
button up shirt
t-shirt
jeans
shoes