Wardrobe Wednesday {on a budget}

PERFECT timing for this Wardrobe Wednesday post from Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography! Times are tough AND it's the holidays. Not many of us can afford to purchase great custom photography AND the perfect outfits. So here's one solution...i'll let Jennifer take it away!

"I have to admit, every time I do my post for Wardrobe Wednesday, I go to different stores looking for the cute outfits and accessories with hardly a care about looking at the price tag on each item. It sure is fun (and easy) to “cyber shop” when you know that bill really isn’t going to hit your pocket book. But, let’s be reasonable here, good custom photography doesn’t come cheap and times are tough for many of us lately especially if we have kids. So, I was given a challenge to find a great ensemble for family portraits that comes only from the most-known discount store, Wal-Mart.

While conducting my search, I found that one of the best things about Wal-Mart apparel is that many times they come in sets or with coordinating accessories. For example, check out the Toddler Girl’s top. Not only does it come with the shirt, but it also has a blazer and scarf to match. All of this for only $10. YES, I said $10. Ok, I’ll admit, this is on clearance, but when this was regular price, it was only $12; it doesn’t get much better than that! I even found hair accessories that had multiple pieces so not only could the toddler girl use the bow, but the teenage girl could use the clips as well! I’ve listed a few important points below to help you save money on your fabulous wardrobe so your budget can be put more toward purchasing those fabulous portraits!!

1. Plan ahead. Pick out the one item you really want everything else to coordinate with and watch your Sunday ads. Go to your stores to check out items and watch for them to go on sale.
2. Purchase items that have a coordinating accessory. Many times this can save you at least $10 for an outfit.
3. Don’t worry about purchasing new jeans. If they don’t have spots and look good, why spend $15-$30 for a new pair?
4. Use accessories you already have at home. I know it’s fun to go out and splurge for a new wardrobe for pictures, and if you have the money for it, great, but if you are having to be a little more conscious about where your pennies are going, then it doesn’t hurt to reuse some of “last year’s” accessories.
5. Check out your local thrift stores. Often times, you can find some funky clothes, a great hat, scarf, and especially cool jewelry.
6. Borrow from a friend. There’s no shame in asking a friend to borrow their fun jacket, fancy boots, or that perfect set of earrings. Besides, it’s an awesome compliment that you would want them in your special pictures.

You can find all of these awesome items at http://www.walmart.com!"



I hope this gives all of you some great ideas for low priced outfits for your custom photography session!

Wardrobe Wednesday {Flatter Your Figure--Part 2}

Ladies...it's time for another installment of Wardrobe Wednesday--flatter your figure! Kelly of Kelly V. Photography did a fantastic job of showing those with an "apple" body type what (and what NOT) to wear to best flatter your figure for your photo session. I'll let Kelly take it away...

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The last time it was my turn for a Wardrobe Wednesday post, I promised to highlight each one of the four female body shapes – pear, apple, hourglass and rectangle — and discuss what to look for when shopping, as well as what to stay away from. Because, lets face it: We’d all like to accentuate our best features and subtly hide the ones we’re not so fond of — especially when it comes to picking clothes for a portrait session.

I've already featured the pear shape, which you can find here. Next up? Apples!

APPLE SHAPE

Typically apple-shaped women have:

• A fuller face and neck
• Broader shoulders
• Fuller breasts
• A fuller, undefined waist
• Narrow hips
• A flat rear end
• Shapley legs

It’s all about balance
The goal is to lengthen and elongate your torso in effort to slim the appearance of your shoulders and waist. Ideally, you want to draw attention away from the tummy area and draw attention to your best attributes which include your breasts and legs. Focusing on your assets and emphasizing your positives will make you look slimmer.

There are certainly going to be lots of options at almost every women’s clothing store, but when it comes to apple shapes, simple is best. I searched a variety of retailers to compile the following suggestions just to give you a visual idea of what to look for when shopping:

Tops
For apple-shaped women, start with the right bra. Your breasts are one of your best features, so make sure you have the support you need. You have lots of options when it comes to tops. Look for V necklines, which will pull the eye away from your shoulders. Wrap-around tops are also an excellent choice. Look for shirts that have a cinched waist. And this year's big belt trend is perfect for you! Belts slim down your tummy and give the illusion of a smaller waist. Concentrate on choosing tops with darker solid colors. If you want a little pattern, find something that is darker around the midsection with a pattern at the top, bringing the eye up toward your chest and face and diverting attention from your middle.

Pants
You want to choose jeans that have a flat front and a rise that is lower than your natural waist. (Basically opt for low-rise jeans without pleats or crazy front pockets.) On the flip side, look for jeans that have back pockets with flaps. This will help give some curve to a flatter rear. Jeans with subtle fading will add shape to your thighs. Boot-cut and flared legs will give you a longer, leaner look. When in doubt, apples look best in simple designs, rather than overly excessive details.

Skirts and dresses
Play up those nice legs with shorter skirts! About 1 to 5 inches above the knee is perfect. Skirts should be fitted at the waist and flare toward the hem line. This will balance out your top and bottom by giving you more of an hourglass figure. Dresses should have gathers under the breast to direct all eyes to your waist. Textures like chiffon and silk are great options for your skirts. Here's where you can get a little crazy with bolder colors and patterns -- just keep them on your lower half.

Shoes
You can wear a chunkier heel. This will actually help balance you upper body. Wedges are a perfect shoe for you. If you are shorter, pointy-toed shoes will give the appearance of a longer leaner look. Avoid stiletto heels becaues they will make you look out of proportion. Sleek shoes with a thicker heel will work better visually.

What to avoid
Stay away from tops that are too baggy and have puffy or full sleeves. They will only make your shoulders and arms look bigger. Avoid bold patterns above your waist. A wild print will make you look big and wide on top, which is the opposite of what you should strive for. never wear bottoms that are too tight because this will also make you look bigger on top. Never wear pants that have a pleated front and avoid high-waisted pants entirely. Stay away from jeans with very dark washes as it will only make your hips appear smaller. And, finally, stay away from tapered legs. You'll only make your top half appear bigger than it is. Oh, and not like this is an issue, but NO SHOULDER PADS. One word: Linebacker.

Wardrobe Wednesday {Chasing Fireflies}

Raise your hand if you enjoy styles that are fun, whimsical...maybe a bit different?!?!? I know I do! Especially when it comes to my children. I have been checking out...visiting...ok ok, stalking Chasing Fireflies website for quite some time now. I finally caved in and got THE cutest summer outfit for my daughter (that’s her crazy self on the left!).



We coordinated a dress for her BFF and I shot an adorable shoot with them just being silly together. Since then, I’ve been stalking their site for new items.

When I realized I was up for the Wardrobe Wednesday {where fashion meets photography} post, I HAD to spotlight some of their cute stuff! I put together four different “looks” from their site.


Looks #1 and #2 are color coordinated, as are looks #3 and #4. The thing I love MOST about Chasing Fireflies is that you can find EVERYTHING you need there. You need coordinating tights? They have them! Hair accessories? Yup! Shoes? YES! If you have time to shop around, more power to ya, otherwise, you can experience one stop shopping at Chasing Fireflies! Take a look for yourself and see if you can resist the cuteness! Happy browsing...shopping...buying!

SHOPPING GUIDE--all items can be found online at Chasing Fireflies!

LOOK #1
$58. pocket vest
$20. oxford cloth shirt
$28. little levi’s
$30. low top chuck taylors

LOOK #2
$78. floral ruffle dress
$24. lace-trim leggings
$28. glitter flower plum cloche
$110. button ugg boots

LOOK #3
$78. dots of fun dress
$28. squiggly embroidered tights
$68. brown suede mary janes
$28. velvet flower headwrap

LOOK #4
$58. reversible 99 vest
$34. rugged henley
$30. low top chuck taylors

Shannon
xo