This week, we’re going to take a slight detour from our normal routine and talk about the small things in life. It’s been a stressful few months in the news and in people’s everyday lives, so I thought today I’d make a list of some of the fun things I found online this week that cheered me up.
 Image via Fashionista.com
Reason to Smile #1: Your Polka Dot Dress Will Never Go Out of Style!
In case you didn’t love Kate Middleton enough already, this photo of her on the set of Harry Potter goofing off should bring a smile to your face. Even better is the adorable polka dot dress she’s sporting. Just goes to show that polka dots will probably never go out of style, and every woman can wear them–even royalty.
 Image via makingmagique.com
Reason to Smile #2: Attention Sweet Tooth Junkies: Your Favorite Treats are Trending!
Sometimes you just want something sweet to fill that sweet tooth satisfaction. Even better, is when those goodies are as adorable as they are delicious. Colorful macaroons and twisted sweet bread? I’ll take one of each! The use of food photography is blowing up, especially with adorable sweet treats like this. So use it as the perfect excuse to treat yourself, then post the picture to make everyone jealous!

Reason to Smile #3: Spring has Sprung!
Guess what? It’s finally spring! Finally, all around the country, flowers are in bloom and legs are coming out of pants and into skirts and shorts. If you’re having a crummy day, seeing bright colors surrounding you will lift your mood, even if it’s just the tiniest bit. And who wouldn’t love to buy themselves a new flirty spring dress?
 Image via buzzfeed.com
Reason to Smile #4: Puppies. Enough Said.
Animal pictures can pretty much win anyone over, and these pups are not only adorable, but can accessorize pretty well too. Goes to show you don’t have to own a pet to see the benefits of puppy love. Snap a shot of your favorite pup to glance at any time you need a quick pick me up.
 Image via buzzfeed.com
Reason to Smile #5: It Only Gets Better With Age!
And finally, age doesn’t have doesn’t have to dampen your style. Check out this woman who still knows how to accessorize. Regardless of your personal opinion of the style, you gotta admit she owns it! And isn’t wearing what makes you happy what its all about?
When times get tough it’s important to remember the little things that make you happy–whether that’s a bright new pair of flip flops, an adorable cupcake, or inspiring people, photography is the perfect vehicle.
I recently had the pleasure of working with a fabulous model named Nina Day for a bay area portrait photography session.
I found her on Model Mayhem and totally loved her look. Think funky, blaxplotation, Foxy Brown, big hair love! Nina brought that and so much more. She was fun, had a killer dress sense, and exuded this cool Bay Area Berkeley/Oakland funk kinda vibe. It was great!
For this portrait session, we had a lot of clothes to choose from but I wanted to keep it fairly simply with only 2 pieces. So we chose a hot pink striped dress as well as a tan and black ensemble that we put together from bra and pant separates.
With the dress, we added a pink/white flower and slightly untwisted her hair for a fresh, fun, colorful vibe that worked great with her smile. Add in some fabulous hot pink shows and you have great portrait session with serious color.




For the second outfit, we went more boudoir while still keeping it funky. Nina had these amazing vintage tan and black pants and interestingly, a black and tan bra that went very well together. We decked her out in jewelry that had the same tones and went from there. I wanted to go darker and mysterious with these images and I think the whole effect worked out perfectly!





Thanks so much Nina for an awesome portrait session!
Can you believe it’s May already? The month was welcomed in with Cinco de Mayo festivities, and hopefully gorgeous weather that you could celebrate in. As if a holiday that promotes margaritas and guacamole wasn’t fantastic enough, this Mexican tradition will put you in the mood for bright colors, eye-catching accessories, and pretty much anything that screams, “look at me!”
Because on a day where wearing a sombrero is appropriate, you can get away with pretty much anything else. Below are great new buys that don’t just work for Cinco de Mayo, but will keep you feeling celebratory all season long.
 Image via Macys
Embrace the authentic woven fabrics that were worn by this culture in this breezy halter top. The tassels and linen material will go perfectly with skinny jeans or shorts for a southwestern vibe.
 Image via Stylelist.com
South American women have a reputation for being loud, fun, and vibrant–just like these shoes! These rope and tassel heels would look great for a night of salsa dancing, hanging out on a patio, or attending a posh party. Either way, if you were looking for an excuse for new Jimmy Choo’s, look no farther than Cinco de Mayo!
 Image via Tory Burch
Looking for a fashionable and functional way to honor the holiday? Grab this large tote which will fit all your belongings and head out to the parties! It’s made out of rattan making it super durable, and something you can use all season long.
 Image via Piperlime.com
White skinny jeans are a staple for any spring wardrobe. They can be dressed up or down, and being a neutral color they match pretty much anything. So throw them on, grab a flashy tank and layer on the accessories!
 Image via Tory Burch
If you’re not into traditional rosaries, you can still show off your Mexican style with this fun necklace. Beaded figures paired with a delicate gold chain give you an effortless and classic way to embrace the Mexican and springtime trend.
 Image via Workawesome.com
Because these are delicious any time of year. Happy springtime!
There’s nothing I love more than a good set of pajamas. I mean, really, think about it: When we were children, it wasn’t all too uncommon to get a new pair of pajamas (usually footed) for Christmas; then growing into your teen years you’d always want the cutest pair for any upcoming sleepover parties; and once into young adulthood, pajamas kind of became less important. Which, of course makes sense considering the last thing on your mind when graduating from college, looking for jobs, and starting your career, is what you would wear to bed that night. However, as I finish my spiel on my personal history of pajamas (there’s a purpose, I promise), I know that today, I value sleepwear almost as much as my day wear. No, I’m not wearing silky chemises to bed every night, but if you keep reading, you’ll see four great picks for the adult equivalent of pajamas.
 Image via Ari Dein
The Boutique Hotel Pajamas from Ari Dein are not only comfy, but also a totally classic look. Ribbon appliques on the sleeves give the tailored top a feminine finish, and the matching bottoms have enough coverage so you can sleep comfortably without showing too much.
 Image via Between the Sheets
 Image via Between the Sheets
This Come Out & Play babydoll from Between the Sheets Lingerie is loose fitting and made from soft and stretchy modal. With bow accents and sexy matching panties, it could certainly work in a boudoir setting, but you could also fall asleep and wake up looking like a goddess which is almost just as good!
 Image via Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson Intimates offers this lovely Sultry Dreams Cami. It’s lacy, silky, and in a powder pink hue that also has matching shorts. Warmer summer nights will give you the perfect opportunity to be comfortable and sexy.
 Image via Betsey Johnson
Betsey Johnson is known for her fun prints, and her sleepwear collection is no exception! Just looking at this colorful pattern brings a smile to my face, and hopefully to yours too. Babydolls are such a great option because like I mentioned above, they’re sexy enough for boudoir, but the naturally flowing shape makes them just as good for catching some sleep.
From footie pajamas, to slumber party sets, to decadent camisoles, sleeping is one thing that will always be a part of your life. Make sure your pajamas have matured along with you!
You may have your nails manicured to perfection, your hair styled in the latest trend, and have the freshest colored makeup, but in the world of fashion and beauty there’s always room for more. Accessories can make or break an outfit, and this week we are reviewing some great trends for spring 2013.
 Image via Katiechutzpah.blogspot
Even though spring and summer usually mean an outpouring of bright and sunny colors, black and white prove to be year-round staples. The opposites-attract mentality have made this color combination a favorite for this season. From bags, to shoes, to chunky jewelry, you’ll love showing off your yin and yang since it goes with basically every other color!
 Image via WWD.com
Remember when gladiator sandals were all the rage a few seasons back? Well, this spring is no exception, but they’ve definitely amped up their wow factor. Many runways were prodded with knee and shin-high gladiator heels. Whether you just want a shoe that makes you feel like queen of the world, or are brave enough to walk in these bad boys, you’ll be rocking the latest and greatest shoe trend.
 Image via Wildredorosado.com
Chains. Don’t worry, not the kind that bind you up (but if you’re into that then go for it!), but linked jewelry is one type you won’t mind getting caught up in. From earrings to bracelets, they can be large statement pieces or subtle, more delicate options. Whatever your personal preference, you won’t have trouble this season finding a piece to work into your outfit.
 Image via Anyahindmarch.com
Large totes and bags are definitely convenient, but some designers chose the less is more school of thought when adding bags to their collection. Besides downsizing, these clutches also are designed in some pretty cool shapes. This apple-shaped piece would definitely make a small, but mighty statement.
 Image via Harpersbazaar.com
The sunglass trend for 2013 stuck to previous years of oversized shades. But the runway at fashion week seems like they’re bringing back the science lab-esque look. Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about it, but you never know with fashion, I’ll probably end up warming up to the trend! What do you think of these frames, would you ever wear them?
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