Kari's Happy Birthday House!! (Photography: Barclay Horner)

One weekend I was hanging out at home and got the sweetest email from a beautiful mom who wanted some help styling her upcoming family photos. We met for coffee and discussed wardrobe, make up, trends. They were doing urban shots at Mill City and then some lifestyle shots at home. Their home was turning 100 this year and she wanted some shots out in front with her adorable son. He is a hoot! Loves Titanic which I think is just too cool. We covered a lot of ground and put together some fun ideas. I told her I was going to put together a board for her and send it over. I went home, put my kiddos to bed but I just couldn't help feeling like there was more... I was so inspired by them. I kept seeing colors, old house, blue sky and trying to envision some fun things to do with this adorable family. 

It hit me: A birthday cake on the front porch! Balloons, vintage apron on mom. All these styled parties are the rage- let's throw one NOT to be outdone~ for the house!! So I sent her this inspiration board:

One of the things I love about styling and using these boards is how people use them. I have clients who have printed them and brought them to the store and I have clients who use them as a jumping off point and do their own thing totally and of course the in between. I send the board out and have to wait to see the photographs to know exactly what they ended up with- it's sweet agony I tell you  .*) I urge people to put their own spin on trends and to always be comfortable in what they chose no matter what. And you don't have to buy all new clothing!

Kari looks sophisticated (and sexy!!) just like we discussed and her outfit doesn't detract from the focus of the shoot- her and her "E-man" :) I can tell they have a blast together! E looks totally comfy-cool! Love his kicks !! She did a fantastic job coordinating them without it being totally obvious. Enough of the chit chat, here they are:

all amazing images from Barclay Horner www.barclayhorner.com

Kari, thank you so much for working with me and sharing these with me. I cannot thank you enough for the inspiration to help style you! The moment a great idea hits is a dream come true for people working in this business and I feel truly blessed to know you.  Thank you so much Kari!!

{Trends for Spring}

Moving my trends page to the front page ...

Hoodies for all! Super fun for local photographs- we are anxious to get out but there is still a chill. Super cute to put the little ones in lighter/brighter too! Mom and Dad can wear their favorite jeans, little sis in her favorite tutu or petti, tween/teen in his fashion denim or laid back shorts... Guaranteed to be a spectacular shot because everyone is c o m f o r t a b l e.

Mommy and Me styles (fun Easter looks perhaps...) Try matching hair accessories or even a set of matching aprons for a unique lifestyle portrait shot of you and your honey in the kitchen baking together. Tons of fun !!

Love the maternity styles out right now!! I'm hoping for a maternity styling opportunity! 

Here's a super fun look for shots with mommy and her bump!

Lets Shine ! Spring 2011 All items are available from BodenUSA.com

{Styled.Winter}

Winter Stylings

A HUGE shout out/thank you/mega-snaps/applause to Amy of Ten Tiny Toes Photography. She gave me a wonderful opportunity when she agreed to give me a shot as her Client Stylist the last several months. I have learned and gained tons of insight under her wing !! Thank you so much Amy and her beautiful clients too ...xoxoxo...