Maternity Photo Shoot Inspiration

Two weeks ago, I had special maternity photos taken by my dear friend, Gina Meola.

Tomorrow I'm going to share them with you, but today I wanted to show you my inspiration behind the concept of the maternity session.

I really wanted this photo shoot to not only celebrate becoming a mom, but who I am all together - a woman, a fashion stylist and a mother. So, we turned it into more of an editorial styled shoot with lights, a blank backdrop, dramatic hair and makeup.

No props. No gimmicks. Just fashion and baby bump!

Can't wait to show you the result!

Gold Belts

There is an accessory missing from my closet that I REALLY want right now...A gold belt. However, my waist is just a tad larger than normal being 7 months pregnant and all. haha. So, that shopping trip will have to wait a couple months longer, but that doesn't mean you can't go snag one. Belts have been a popular accessory for a long time now. Granted, the width of belts has dramatically changed from thick to thin, but they remain a fashion accessory must have nonetheless. Braided belts were extremely popular this past spring and summer, but as the fall approaches and people start thinking about the holidays, gold belts will take over.

Gold is THE metallic of choice in fashion. Even in interior design gold has made strides toward center stage. So, my recommendation is to invest in a gold belt. It can be skinny or go up to 1.5 inches, but I probably wouldn't go any wider.

Not sure if this trend goes with you fashion aesthetic? Here are several examples ranging from professional to bohemian to inspire you.

Image Sources: A pink dream, Who What Wear, Pinterest, unknown, Your Fashion Inspiration, Lilac Chiffon, unknown, Glitter Guide

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Pinterest Tips

In the past month I have been asked quite a bit how I've grown my following on Pinterest, so I thought I would write a post sharing some simple tips based on my experience. First, I can honestly say I don't have a strategy in place other than I really focus on pinning things that ONLY fall in line with my personal brand. What do I mean by that? I only pin things that I REALLY love - that I would actually make or buy or own or say or do. I don't pin stuff that just sounds cool or that I think would get a lot of repins. That is the golden rule.

Some other simple tips are...

1. Pin every day. It's just like blogging. You have to keep your content fresh and use the tool every day to interact with your followers and get new ones.

2. Content is king. Again, it's just like a blog. New and original content is more likely going to catch someone's eye than the same image that has been repinned a bagillion times by people. 80% of the content on pinterest is made up on repins. Try to be the 20%.

3. Vertical images are more noticeable than horizontal.

4. People LOVE recipes and home decor!

5. Don't use silly phrases to label your boards. Just say exactly what the board is about.

6. When putting in a description don't write an essay. Just write exactly what it is, how much it costs and where it is from. It's more searchable that way. SO many people use Pinterest as an image search tool, so make your pins easier to find and you could end up with more followers.

7. Take time to edit your board covers. Make sure they are great representations of what your board is about and eye-catching images.

Continue to enjoy Pinterest as for what it is intended - a way to catalog things you love. Don't focus on numbers. Just have fun and enjoy it!

Fall 2012 Trend Watch

As I mentioned last week, stores are getting rid of their summer clothes to make room for pre-fall collections. Can you believe it?! So, what can you expect to see? Well, I was just chatting with a friend, and I mentioned to her that fashion has really gone in many directions this past year and will continue to do the same this fall. You can pretty much say there are 'no rules.' You'll still see chiffon, white, pastels, bright lips and even maxi skirts and dresses as the cooler weather rolls in.

So, I thought I would share with you some of the things that I am personally most looking forward to sporting and seeing this autumn.

1. Berry Lips - People with olive complexions are going to love this beauty trend. Purple tones always look beautiful with olive skin. I really love how Badgley Mischa and Louis Vuitton brought this beauty style to life in their 2012 Pre-Fall collections. (photo by Nasty Gal)

2. Nods to the 1920s - Just like Mad Men influenced fashion with its popularity, Downton Abbey and soon The Great Gatsby will have influenced fashion to repeat some styles of the 1920's. Drop waists, pleats, intricate beading, fur...You'll see all of those fashion traits pop up in retail stores. Alberta Ferreti and SportMax are great examples.

3. The return of green - Did you know that green happens to be my favorite color? Yep! It has been for many years, but surprisingly I don't wear it that much. I think that has more to do with the fact that it rarely is a popular color in fashion. This fall it's making it's way to the top though. Ports 1961, Doo.ri, Reed Krakoff and Derek Lam all used this pretty color in their pre-fall collections.

4. Peplums - I shared this micro trend this past spring, and it looks as though it has stuck around for fall and winter too. So, jump on the peppy train, and add some femininity to your outfits just like designers Rebecca Minkoff and Alice by Temperley.

Stay tuned for more, and until then, have fun stocking up on summer goods!

Details to Remember When Preparing for a Photo Shoot

I just had my maternity shoot with Gina Meola (sneek peak), and it reminded me to pass on little details that can really help make your photos a touch better.

1. Paint your nails - When a photographer poses you chances are your hands or feet are in the photo too. A pop of pretty color that is complementary to your outfit choice can be just the tiny trick to bring everything together.

2. Crest Whitening Strips - They really do work! A couple days before the shoot whiten your teeth a bit with some strips. It'll make your smile sparkle all of the more.

3. A flip of the hair - Just before the camera starts clicking away, flip your hair upside down and rub your fingers quickly along your scalp to give your hair some volume.

4. Dry Cleaning or Steaming - Dry clean or steam all of your clothes that you are going to wear for your photo session. It will ensure picture perfection.

5. Clean your jewelry - Grab an old tooth brush, some warm water and soap and clean those earring, rings and necklaces so that they sparkle in the light.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6