Happy {Almost} New Year to all the wonderful Wardrobe Wednesday Readers!!

I can hardly believe that the Holiday Season is here and almost over. In just a few short days, the New Year will be here with tons of great things to look forward to. For now, the buzz is what to wear for your New Year’s Eve holiday party. I have taken the last month to find the perfect attire and am looking forward to ringing in the New Year with some of my closet friends and family. For this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday I thought it would be fitting to give some great tips for the perfect outfit and some oh so secret tips for the perfect party photo!

If you’re like me, New Years is probably the one and only time I go all out for the party. From the dress all the way to shoes and accessories. I love the glam and sparkle that New Years brings and my attire is no different. The hot new trends for the year are short glam dresses that can really flatter any figure, chunky accessories, and fabulous heels. So what’s your style??

First and foremost the most important part in preparing your New Year’s Eve attire is to find out what your venues dress code will be. From there you can dress your selection up or down depending on your party.

Color: The trend in color for this year’s new year party is the beautiful jewel tone. Gorgeous and very flattering to all skin tones {you really can’t go wrong}. Accenting for the jewel tone family is very easy to do with a silver or gold shoe depending on which side of the color spectrum you choose to lean towards.

Sparkle: Ok ladies it’s time to glam up and be flirty! New years is really the only day I allow myself to sparkle and trust me, I don’t shy away. There is nothing more beautiful then a little sparkle or shimmer in your dress and accessories. Eyes will turn with a form fitted rouched sleeveless dress from Express…My Fav!

Little Black Dress: So you say you have nothing to wear? I am sure we all have our stapled black dress waiting to be worn out of the closet. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with this selection. Select some fun silver or diamond accessories to glam it up a bit and your ready to be fabulous!

Shoes and Accessories: Have you seen all the fun heels out this season? From the peep toe to the fun and funky strappy heel; there are so many to choose from. The most important selection in a heel is the comfort. If you’re going to be on your feet all night, make sure to have a fitted heel that won’t tear your feet up. With the variety and selection out this year, I am sure the perfect fit is there to compliment your style. Now on to accessories. If you’re wearing white, make sure to pair your dress with a nice gold tone. For the jewel tones, make sure you pair your selection with a nice silver or sparkle, and finally, remember to have fun with your accessories. Chunky necklaces, bracelets, and a coordinating clutch will for sure complete your look for the night.

Photo Tips!! As a wedding photographer, I always use this tip for all my brides and bridesmaid photos. When posing for your party photo, remember to keep a flattering position by placing your weight on the back leg and the front leg at a relax bend. Standing to the side with one hand on the hip makes for a slim and flattering photograph as well. For the group photos try leaning in with a tight core and relax stance. Most of all make sure to smile and have fun with your New Years photos. This is the time to celebrate and be fabulous for the year ahead….Happy New Years!!

I love this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday because I am a HUGE fan of being comfortable and having fun! One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is cuddle up with my little man at night and watch Christmas movies…So much fun to see him get all excited over Rudolph and Dasher!!! To further celebrate all the festivities, this week’s Wardrobe Wednesday comes from the fun and fabulous Shannon of Shannon J. Dodge Photography. She shares some wonderful tips on how to be comfortable, have fun, and capture your holiday moments in your PJs and trust me, I’ll be doing this on Christmas morning!!

Is there anything better than your child all clean and dressed in their cozy pajamas? Well…okay maybe a few things. But for me, this ranks way up there! I’ve always thought it would be fun to do a PJ session with some kids in bed. I’ve done plenty of sessions and none of them have been in PJs. I decided it was time, so I dressed my kids in their new Christmas PJs and shot away! They had so much fun jumping on the bed, laughing and rolling around. AND the images are so cozy and natural. I simply LOVE IT.

Recently, I’ve discovered Hanna Andersson. They carry such cute and colorful things for children and adults. They have a huge variety and often run great sales. The best part? Their clothing is WELL MADE. To me, this is a mega BONUS. This past summer, I bought my kids some PJs from their organic cotton line (these PJs are fitted and NOT flame retardant which was important to me). They are soft, comfortable, warm, and best of all, they REALLY hold up after many washes! SUPER durable. I bought them 2 sizes too big so my kids will have them for another year or so (you can just roll up the cuffs on the arms and legs).

Check out the cute variety of pajamas they carry. Adult pajamas to baby pajamas! They even have family looks so you can coordinate or match with the entire family. Don’t forget the details! Hanna Andersson carrie adorable plush animals, blankets, sleep sacks, and other bedtime related items. Their slippers are to die for! Remember all of the details that make your custom photos special!

NOTE: they are having a huge sale right now so some items may not be available at this time!

SHOPPING GUIDE
All items are from Hanna Andersson

Organic Cotton Long Johns
Striposaurus
$28.00

Fleecy Friends Slipper Boots
$28.00

Dreamy Nightgowns
White/Red Snowflakes Print
$20.00

Short Johns in Organic Cotton
Navy/Heather Gray
$26.00

Night Night Baby Sleepers in Pure Organic Cotton
Life on the Farm Print
$25.00

Crossover Long Johns in Organic Cotton
Pink Multi
$28.00

Slipper Booties
Pink Garden (appear to be sold out…also come in brown)
$15.00

Jellycat Cordy Roy Cat
$22.00

Truffle Sheep
$22.00

Just like Santa, “I’m making a list and checkin it twice!” The time has come to reveal the winners of this year’s Holiday Giveaway! Before we get to the winners though, I must mention a few important things…

First and foremost, THANK YOU to all the amazing vendors who participated in this year’s holiday giveaway. Without these amazing companies, this giveaway would not have been possible. I feel so blessed to work in an industry where people are so generous and thoughtful to giving back to the people who are passionate not only for photography, but for sharing timeless moments with others at the press of a shutter. If you have not yet shared your appreciation for these amazing vendors, please take some time to say thank you for their generosity and continued support to all of us!

Links to Vendor Facebook Pages!
Photobiz
Shootsac
MCP Actions
WPPI
Bayphoto
ProPhoto Blog
Sassy Designs

Secondly, thank you to each and everyone of you who took the time to enter and participate in this year’s giveaway. I received several emails from the participating vendors sharing their excitement over the comments and love you all were sharing…You all are SO Awesome!! THANK YOU!

And FINALLY, after 406 official entires the winners of the this year’s amazing Holiday Giveaway ARE…..DRUM ROLL…..!!!!

Paige Cooley winner of the Photobiz Flash Website

Angel Craig winner of the SHOOTSAC Lens Bag

Alexandra Tebow Wong winner of the $100 Gift Certificate to MCP Actions

Pickle Posh Photography winner of WPPI 2011 Las Vegas Convention Registration

Sue Ables winner of the 11×14 BayPhoto Canvas Wrap

Casicline Design winner of the ProPhoto Blog

Lauren Howe winner of the $100 Gift Certificate to Sassy Designs

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Holiday Giveaway. I hope that these amazing prizes make wonderful gifts for you this holiday season.

NOW….The GIVEAWAYS certainly don’t end here!! There are some fun and fabulous giveaways planned for with the New Year, so make sure and stay tuned for more!!

Winners of the 2010 Holiday Giveaway were chosen at random by Random.org. For the winners above, please contact me via Facebook or email at stephanie.reeder@hotmail.com to redeem your holiday gift

Because I can never end a post without a little something fun, some of my favorite holiday photos from last year’s snow day! Hope we get some more this year to play in….

.

This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday is featured by the fabulous Morgan of Morgan Dawson Photography. Her tips come just in time for the chilly weather and holiday season!

Morgan shares, “So I’m sitting here in my office, looking at a fresh 20 inches of snow, and wondering what my client will wear to our outdoor photo shoot this Friday. I’m thinking it will definitely involve a jacket. Probably some gloves. Likely a scarf. Boots for sure. Maybe a hat? When an outdoor shoot is scheduled for cold weather, often this happens: You arrive wearing a random coat over your favorite I’m-wearing-this-no-matter- what outfit – throw off the jacket for pics – freeze to death – throw back on the jacket to warm up – take it off and try again – shiver and try to smile – rinse, repeat. Sounds like fun, right? And then there are those who don’t enjoy the cold at all, and opt to wait until the weather warms up – which here, might mean April or May. I’m not a fan of either scenario, and there’s really an easy solution – bundle up, while also looking great!

Now I know some of you are lucky enough to live in a place where a snowplow contract isn’t the best investment you make each year, but that doesn’t mean a little cold weather outerwear isn’t necessary. And we need to blow up this notion that by bundling up, you can’t look absolutely outstanding. But what to choose? Those tips we’ve been sharing with you – layers, color, accessories – are still key ingredients when it comes to putting together stylish outerwear for photos. And here’s more:

- I suggest staying away from straight white or black and opt instead for greys, browns, beige and color, color, color! I absolutely love bright yellows, pinks, greens and blues – the more vivid the better.

- Since jackets can be expensive, don’t feel like you need to go and buy a trendy colorful coat that you’ll only wear once – especially for kids that will grow out of it in by next year. If what you already own fits you well (not some oversized thing you wear because it “goes over everything”), then keep it – and accessorize! Adding a hat, scarf or gloves can really make a huge difference.

- If you warm up because everyone is hiking to reach that perfect photo spot, you may want to unbutton your jacket, so make sure the outfit beneath the jacket is photo-ready by looking over some past WW posts.

- Vests look great over chunky sweaters or hoodies, and often come in a million different colors at a decent price (think Old Navy).

- Leggings are another way to add fun color, and look great with boots over them. They also help you extend your fall wardrobe because you can wear them under skirts or dresses.

- You can’t go wrong with jeans, so consider dark denim a winter wardrobe staple. Consider wearing them a little different by tucking them into your boots or rolling them up to meet the top of the shoes (especially cute for younger boys).

- Still not warm enough? Throw on some long underwear, a thermal top, and an extra pair of socks! Pretend you’re dressing to go play out in the snow – just with style.

Below, I’ve put together outerwear ideas for a family of six. I only included one accessory for each person, but you can definitely add more. For women, I love chunky earrings peeking under hats, or a necklace you might only see if the jacket is worn open.

Bottom line: This is a wonderful time of year for outdoor photos! It doesn’t take much to turn a drab day into a thrilling memory.”

Outfit Guide

Mom:
Double-Cloth Colletta Coat – $208 (on sale) – J.Crew Sequinned Jersey Scarf – $28 (on sale) – Boden
Dad:
Down Shirt Jacket – $99 – Eddie Bauer Men’s Ribbed Scarf – $34.50 – Lands End Canvas
Young Girl:
Cosy Textured Coat – $35 (on sale) – miniBoden Olive Green Beanie Hat – $9.00 – Etsy
Young Boy:
Detachable Hood Puffer Vest – $18.99 (on sale) – Crazy 8 Avocado, Cream, Mustard & Coffee Children’s Hat – $24.00 – Etsy
Baby Girl:
Faux-Fur Trim Hooded Jacket for Baby – $17.00 (on sale) – Old Navy
Gingerbread Earflap Hat – $5.99 (on sale) – Crazy 8
Baby Boy:
Jersey Duffle Jacket – $21 (on sale) – miniBoden Stocking Hat – $28 – Etsy

Want some new and sweet inspiration for this year’s winter photo sessions. This week’s Wardrobe Wednesday {Where fashion meets photography} is brought to you by the fabulous Lindsay of Lindsay Horn Photography. She shares some great tips, visuals, and option on how to dress for your upcoming session. You ROCK Lindsay…Hope you all enjoy!!

Since I have a bunch of senior girls on my “winter” schedule this year, I thought I would offer some tips on how to make the most of your winter wardrobe using two of your best friends – layers and accessories! Winter portraits are the perfect opportunity to layer, layer, and layer again.

For Outfit #1 I paired a feminine ruffled cami with skinny jeans as a base. Then add in some gorgeous boots, a belted vest, and scarf for an awesome mix of textures. Now down here in Texas there are some winter days where you could get away with just that, but when you need to stay warm, you can pair this ensemble with a cute cardigan or pea coat jacket, and add a beret for a little something extra! The nice thing about all of those layers and is that you can have several looks within one outfit. I always encourage my seniors to switch out things like accessories and jackets to give a fresh look to the same basic outfit. It’s amazing the difference it can make. Wear the scarf for a few shots and then ditch it in favor of a beautiful charm necklace. Tie back your hair in a low loose ponytail and add the beret for a completely different vibe. The possibilities are endless!

I always recommend bringing at least one casual and one dressier outfit for your senior session. I’m getting cold just thinking about wearing a dress outside in the winter, so I’m offering you another option in Outfit #2. Pair a sweet lacy floral tank with black skinny jeans or leggings and gorgeous black boots for a more glamorous look. Add a black blazer or even a black leather jacket for a little extra flash. What you have now is a killer dressy outfit that will help keep you warm too!

An AMAZING resource that I used to put together Outfit #1 is Wet Seal’s “Runway”. As you browse their clothes, you can add your choices to your Closet, then go to My Boutique to put together actual outfits. It’s a really great way to see how things look as part of an ensemble. I used the outfit-maker (not Photoshop) to create the base look in Outfit #1. Even if you don’t plan on shopping at Wet Seal, it’s a great way to find inspiration and have a little fun. Enjoy!

Shopping Tip: Is Nordstrom’s a little pricey for your budget? Check and see if you have a Nordstrom Rack in your area! It’s a discount/overstock chain of Nordstrom stores and you will be absolutely floored by the amazing clothes AND prices you can find there. It’s one of the first places I look when putting together my own family portraits.

Shopping List: Everything can be found at either Wet Seal or Nordstrom.
Outfit #1
Lace Ruffle Cami (Wet Seal) – $22.50
Skinny Jeans (Wet Seal) – $29.80
Faux Leather Scrunch Boots (Wet Seal) – $29.50
Bow Belted Vest (Wet Seal) – $20.50
Double Layer Knit Scarf (Wet Seal) – $12.50
Beret (Nordstrom) – $24.50
Taupe Cardigan Sweater (Nordstrom) – $39.00
Olive Coat (Nordstrom) – $42.90 (sale)
Crystal Heart Necklace (Wet Seal) – $9.00
Layered Flower Earring (Wet Seal) – $6.00

Outfit #2
Black Skinny Jeans (Nordstrom) – $34.00
Floral Tank (Nordstrom) – $34.00
Black Boots (Wet Seal) – $34.50
Black Blazer (Nordstrom) – $44.00
Black Leather Jacket (Wet Seal) – $29.50
Multi Facets Charm Necklace (Wet Seal) – $8.50
Multi Bead Chandelier Earring (Wet Seal) – $6.00

URL for Wet Seal’s “Runway”