Katie & Derek Styled

New year. New love. Katie and Derek are two incredibly cute people with a really sweet love story (read more about it here). I had the opportunity to style them for their engagement shoot with Gina Meola Photography. Because Derek is currently living in Michigan, I styled him virtually, but Katie and I were able to meet up.

I LOVE meeting my clients face to face if it is at all possible, but I must say, Derek looked nothing short of handsome, no? He loves fashion and is a fan of the preppier side of style. I'm a big fan too, so it was a breeze helping him coordinate is outfits. Once we had his outfits nailed down, Katie and I went shopping.

We were able to find all that she needed at Nordstrom. Her wonderful mom came too, and she was kind enough to keep an eye on Elle for me. Best gift ever! Katie also loves classic pieces, but definitely has a touch of edge with everything she wears. So, we chose an emerald tank (color of the year and perfect match for her hair), a champaigne sequined skirt and a denim jacket for one look. I WANT that skirt too! For her second, we dressed her up a bit more with a beautiful beaded dress, black cropped blazer and black booties. Classic. Edgy. Stylish.

Katie had her makeup done by Stephanie Neiheisel, and visited the Dry Bar to have her hair perfected. I can't wait to see what their wedding looks like with these two sophisticates. To see more photos from this engagement shoot, click here and visit Gina's blog.

January Issue of EMMA Magazine

The first full issue of EMMA Magazine has been released. You may notice a familiar face and baby bump on the cover. =) Pregnancy definitely is a time of new beginnings, so inside the issue you'll find my top maternity style picks. You'll also see a beautiful photo shoot featuring fashions from a local boutique called Frances Vintage worn by popular style blogger, Chelsea Brown. Alejandra Vidal photographed the looks, Heather Wilson did the makeup and hair, and I styled Miss Chelsea. It was such a fun collaboration, and it made me want to own that Free People lace dress!

Check out the new issue, and definitely head on over to Frances if you're looking for unique jewelry and beautiful clothes.

Color Forecast for 2013

2013. Wow! I can't believe a new year is almost here. A lot of change happened in one year, and there is much to celebrate. Who knows what a new year will bring, but one thing I know for sure is that we have some beautiful colors to look forward to. Pantone always releases spring and fall color forecasts, and this spring we can keep our eyes peeled for shades of green, navy blue and lavender. Of course, they like to assign fancy name such as African Violet and Monaco Blue, but who can remember those right?

I personally feel that lavender and navy will be the hot colors of the spring and summer. For a little proof to back up my predictions, check out the images below. These are some of my top pins this year, and what do they all contain? Lavender and navy. haha! What colors do you think will be popular? Do you agree with my prediction?

Quinn Styled

The first time I ever had my makeup and hair done for photos was when I got my senior pictures taken. It was ten years ago, and I remember wearing different outfits and going around Houston finding cool photo spots. Of course, I had to take a picture with my clarinet because I thought that was so cool. Bahahaa!

High school seniors are waaay cooler now or maybe I have always just been a big dork. Quinn, for example, is this awesome senior at Sunnyslope High School ready to jump into theater performance. She decided to get her pictures taken a record store. How awesome is that?! We took some at her house too, but a record store is a killer location for any senior high school student. Sara Nevels did an awesome job capturing her spirit. Tina Burnham did her hair and makeup, and of course, I helped her choose her outfits.

We chose a sophisticated shirt dress and bright flats for her pictures at home. For the record store, a patterned scarf, a bright button down top and a cardigan.

I loved how everything turned out. I only wish my senior pictures were as cool as hers!

Family Holiday Photos

Ryan and I have sent out a Christmas card every year since we've been married. It's a tradition I plan on continuing until we are old and gray. I love getting holiday cards in the mail just as much as I love taking family photos, and this year was extra special because Elle is here.

We had our friend Mike Olbinski take our first holiday photos with little Miss Elle. She was a delight the whole time thankfully. We went to a local restaurant called Windsor. They have a beautiful little patio with bright red chairs, and an ice cream shop next door.

I found this cute polka dot, orangey-red cardigan at Target not too long ago, and I decided it was the perfect color for our photos. Ryan already had a red gingham shirt, and it complemented the polka dot pattern well. I found Elle a bright red hat with a bow on top, and had her wear a simple onesie and leggings. I generally discourage couples from both wearing jeans, but the colors of the denim were pretty different. Plus, my dark brown puffer vest and his grey cardigan kept us from being too matchy matchy.

The only thing missing from our family portrait was Wendy. Next time we'll make sure she can come too.

You can see more photos from our shoot on Mikes blog, click here.