Old Family Christmas Tradition

Tradition lives on... a personal post.

CRECHE: A representation of the Nativity, usually with statues or figurines

For many years these Creche's have been given to countless family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, employees, etc. My grandmother made them with my mom and her brothers, and as "Gigi" grew older, she and my mom would bake the cookies and gingerbread well before Christmas, during trips to visit us in Phoenix. My sister and I would then help my mom assemble these scenes just after Thanksgiving.  As I got older I was less involved in the process; thankfully my mom always had a few spare creche's for me to give to my own friends. Now that I am a mother and my son is old enough to truly begin to understand the true meaning of Christmas, this year he was a part of the Creche tradition with his "Gigi" (my mom) and me. It's a very special tradition I am honored to carry on with her and my son.  

The Creche:

A sugar cookie dough for Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, Wise men & donkey

Gingerbread dough for the stable

Toasted coconut for the hay

Add some M&M's to the coconut "floor"

Add a bow or Christmas greens to the top of the stable

As simple as this is, it says it all... what Christmas is truly all about, 

the birth of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Two weeks ago my son was riding his bike out front & suddenly came to a stop, called out to my husband and said, (while pointing up to the sky) "Hey Dad! Guess who's Birthday's coming up?!" My husband says, "Who?" Our son replied, "Baby Jesus! Aren't you excited!?" 

Thank you to the teachers at Christ Church School for helping us as parents, lay the foundation of Faith.

Merry Christmas!

Angela

Kids Holiday Fashion -TV Segment

*** KIDS HOLIDAY FASHION ***

3TV Fashion Segment

Here's a look at the ensembles I put together for my latest fashion segment on "Your Life A to Z!"

For those of you who don't live in the valley, didn't have a chance to see the segment, or simply want more information about the clothing and accessories I used to style the children, please take a look! 

Look #1

I wanted to create a "monochromatic" look for Miss A. Gray is HUGE this season and faux fur and sparkle are always on trend during the holidays. Animal prints are "in" no matter what the season or your age. Those stretchy shimmer jeans are so comfortable! Not much was spent on this look and all three pieces of clothing can be worn again in a different way, being paired with many other clothing options, which is most economical! A pair of UGG type boots would be adorable with this ensemble as well! 

 Faux Fur Vest/Leopard Sweater/Shimmer Jeans: Target, Shoes/Purse: Children's Place, 
Hair Accessory: Ladybug Bowtique on etsy

Look #2

For this look I wanted to show viewers how to put a little guy in pieces other than an uncomfortable suit or pair of slacks that may only be worn once or twice. Colored jeans have been all the rage for over a year now and since last summer, I've been seeing more and more stores carry them for boys. These are skinny jeans that be dressed up for the holidays or dressed down and worn the remainder of the year. I love this color palette of red, brown & navy. I had to include some unique accessories like the Littlevys deer bow tie & Fore!! check hat! Fore!! Axel & Hudson is one of my absolute favorite boy brands. I purchased this hat last fall & they are still selling it this season. A hat like this NEVER goes out of style... so something to splurge on! Etsy and smaller clothing boutiques and companies are great places to shop for accessories to help make an outfit really stand out.
Uber cool, right?! I think he likes it!

Check Button Down: Mini Boden, Navy Cardigan Sweater: J. Crew Crewcuts, Jeans: Target, Bow tie: Littlevys on etsy, 
Hat: Fore!! Axel & Hudson, Shoes: Gap

Look #3

Miss L rocked the sequin skirt! More of a true "holiday" piece, this skirt can be paired with so many tops and sweaters. I chose to layer the ever popular chambray shirt, giving the ensemble a western flair also adding red boots to the look. Who doesn't love a cute pair of red boots on little girls?! The navy sweater that looks festive with the bright red bow can certainly be worn throughout the winter.  It would be darling for Valentine's Day or birthday celebration. Accessories such as a simple bow to mimic the sweater and gorgeous bead necklace from Miss CoCo Designs, complete this holiday look.  I love using local designers! It's ok to splurge or spend a little more on one item that can be paired in different ways. This look is a nice alternative to a fancy holiday dress that could cost as much as a great skirt, top or sweater that can be worn again. Take off the leggings (or keep them on) & wear these clothes with a pair of ruby red sequin flats too! 

Chambray Shirt: Old Navy, Bow Sweater: J. Crew Crewcuts, Sequin Skirt: Peek, Leggings: J. Crew Crewcuts, Boots: Zara, 
Bead Necklace: Miss CoCo Designs on etsy.

Look #4

This is a more traditional look with a twist! A good looking pair of cords are always a nice alternative to slacks as they are a little more dressy than khaki's or jeans, and much more comfortable. Aren't they great in red?! Here I paired them with a blue stripe button down (it came with the bow tie!), off white sweater vest and hello... a super cool blue blazer! Layering is smart. If he takes off the blazer, he's still very stylish. Bow tie or not, he's still looking festive! I completed the look with a more traditional holiday plaid cap (on sale!). Each of these items could be worn again in different ways as well. I can see the fun blazer with a simple white tee and skinny jeans. The cords could be paired with a long sleeve tee & puffer vest or a sweater during cold months. This off white vest was purchased last winter at the end of the season, on sale, knowing it could be worn again this year. Try to save a little when you can, right?! Trade out the shoe laces with green or blue for fun!

Red Cords: Zara, Blue Shirt & Tie: H&M, Vest (from closet) Macys, Hat: Janie & Jack, Shoes: J. Crew Crewcuts

Thanks again to my little models who really rocked their holiday attire! 

If you need styling help for yourself or children for professional portraits, the holidays, or a special occasion, please email me at aeisacksen22@gmail.com. 

*Remember SSS when planning your next professional photo session!*

Fashionably Yours,
Angela

Style Inspiration & Tips

For the past several weeks I have been posting inspiration sets or "what to wear" boards on my Facebook page. I hope you have found my collections inspirational & helpful. My goal is to help you think a little outside of the box when it comes to putting clothing together for your family photography sessions.

Here are some styling tips:

Tip #1 - Wear prints, but VERY carefully

Depending on how many adults & children are photographed, prints should be limited. This collection below is SO overwhelming! Even though the color palette stays within the reds & blues, it's way too busy.

 Below, the three children are wearing prints, but two of them are very simple and all children have layers to break up the print. Adding a solid jacket or vest, as shown here are great ways to break up prints. For dresses, try a solid color belt or tights. 

Tip #2 - Combine Pleasing Palettes

Choose a color palette that is appealing to the eye and translates well through the lens and onto your prints. Also, think about your session surroundings and colors to complement your skin type. I urge you to put the black polos & jeans away for this year. Wear lighter colors where you want to draw attention and darker colors where you want to hide something. I like to layer light things under dark. For families, shades of two or three colors work well together. Below I used blues, yellows & tan. 

Tip #3 - Be You!

Don't lose yourself in the styling. Remember to wear clothing that is "you." Here I'd let the little toddler girl wear her cute cowboy boots and the tween boy can sport a cool hat. Again, it adds interest & lets the children (or adults) feel good about what they have on!

Tip #4 - Layer

I absolutely LOVE to layer clothing (& not JUST for photographs)! Children are the most fun to layer... and it's so much easier to layer when the weather cools down.  As I have said before, layering adds interest. Here, with six children, I used a primary color palette with hints of pastel for an unexpected pop. The predominant colors are red, blue & yellow. Any combination of these children would look great! For example, the "big girl" & "baby" would be a darling combo or the combination of the "little girl" & "little boy" or "baby boy" = camera ready! Use tanks & tees under button downs or dresses or pair jackets with polos or long sleeve shirts. Vests, sweaters, cardigans, tights & leggings are fabulous pieces to incorporate too. Don't forget about the accessories. Bracelets, bows, necklaces or neckties, a hat or even suspenders can really spruce up an outfit fast! Just remember to keep it somewhat simple.

Tip #5 - Add a little POP!

If you have a pretty simple color palette and your clothing choices aren't full of pattern or a lot of layering, try adding just a little pop of an *unexpected* color! Here you'll notice yellow isn't part of the color palette, but does coordinate well with the green, navy & pink predominant colors. Mom, sister & brother each have just a little pop of yellow. Isn't it fun!?

Have fun with mini sessions this fall!

I love using bunting, hay stacks, pumpkins, signs, etc. for fall mini sessions. Orange & brown seem to be the "go to" colors for pumpkin patch or fall photos. Quite frankly, I love the colors & why not use them? Just try to stay away from putting your children in solid orange shirts, while in the pumpkin patch... they'll blend right in!  I added pops of yellow to little miss (seems to be a trend, doesn't it!?) 

AH! I should have put yellow converse on the little guy here! I'm always thinking... 

Here are a couple images of my family from last year... you'll notice

layering, nice color palettes for the surroundings & skin tone, a couple patterns & a few accessories

Tami Proffitt Photography

Lizzie Bee Photography

Here's a little peek of the collection I put together for my family photos next weekend.

I definitely went with a color palette very different from anything we've worn for photos in the past. 

I just can't resist wearing gray this season!

 As you're trying to come up with a collection for your family portraits, just try to have fun with it. It's so easy to stress over "what to wear!" Refer back to this page & some of my tips... maybe you'll get a little inspired or feel better about changing it up this year!  Do you have questions or just want to leave the styling up to me? I'd love to help you out!

Fashionably Yours,
Angela

Color Blocking Continues

COLOR BLOCKING CONTINUES

It's a trend that has been around for a few seasons & continued during Fall 2012 fashion week runway shows. From high end designers to mainstream fashion brands, color blocked fashions will continue to be marketed. I just wonder how long this very popular trend will last.

This bright color blocked dress was purchased back in late winter & 

I'm still wearing it well into summer!

ME - Dress: Juicy Couture (now on sale here!), Flips: Valentino, Handbag: Pour La Victoire, Jewelry: JCrew, David Yurman, Michael Kors, Leopard Headband: JCrew, Sunnies: Chloe (now on sale here!)

LITTLE MAN - Top & Shorts: Fore Axel & Hudson (top here) & (shorts here), Flips: Target, Shades: Janie & Jack 

My Color Blocked summer bag up close...

Some fashions that will take you from summer into fall...

BCBG MAXAZRIA

Don't you adore the cute & girly dress, great for a cocktail party!? 

Isn't the back of the navy, green & white top fun?! 

GAP

Everything's casual... really liking the yellow & oatmeal combo!

SHOP RUCHE

Very reasonable finds here! Wear the dress on the right, belted with a cardigan.

Color Blocking your little ladies... 

Darling JCrew styles for girls! Ummm, do you see any resemblance here to my Juicy dress? :)

Color Blocking can be done with separates too... here's some inspiration!

Arizona Foothills Magazine

Atlantic-Pacific  fashion blog (blogger, Blair Eadie)

Looks like color blocking lingers on...

Fashionably Yours,

Angela

Marvelous Mint!
My "Tuesday Trend" this week is certainly worthy of a little blog love. Enjoy!

Back east the temps were chilly so my AZ blood needed to layer! I love that my look would still look fashionable if I shed a couple layers, left with the simple navy stripe tank & mint jeans on a hotter day... maybe add a hot pink or bright yellow bracelet or fun neon necklace for a punch of color.

Here are a couple fabulous looks from pinterest & one ensemble I created using polyvore (all pieces from JCrew). 

My ensemble: mint skinny jeans: JCrew, stipe tank: JCrew, neon pink cable knit sweater: JCrew, jean jacket:Anthropologie, flip flops: JCrew, sunnies: Diane von Furstenberg

My mint pinboard...
Look for more of my fashion boards here!

Mint as seen above, can be paired with SO many fabulous colors & prints. A pair of mint jeans should be a staple in your closet this summer... and even into fall. I love the taupe & leopard with the cool mint, exactly for this reason. Pair it with pastel tones... all the way to shades of neon! My absolute favorite color palette has to be the navy, MINT... & hot pink! Hence, my photo up top :). 

Go buy your mint... in the lighter shade, or with a hint of blue or green, they're all FUN for the season!

  

                       JCrew $125                                                        Gap $69                                                              Old Navy $35

              

MINT... is perfect for beach photos!

Little boy: mintish shirt: JCrew (old) great options here, brown button down: Janie & Jack (old), shorts: Janie & Jack (old)

 Father: Mint linen button down: JCrew (old) similar on sale here, shorts: JCrew (old)

Shark: Sea World :)

Remember this look I pulled together for my last TV segment? 

Hints of MINT all over from Gap & H&M!

Here are a few GOR-GEOUS hair accessories from Poppy Lime Design. These pieces would add the perfect touch to newborn photos, a fun girly session with your favorite photographer or for simply gettin' dressed up with no reason at all! You'll have to check out more of her beautiful work by clicking here! 

A color for girls, boys, women & men!
Feel ultra "cool" in this sweet shade of greenish-blue, I call "MINT!"
Fashionably Yours,
Angela

Wouldn't Change a Thing!

 A MILESTONE...

20 years ago I became friends with this guy in high school who everyone thought was really quirky but so fun to be around and 15 years ago we casually & jokingly made a "My Best Friends Wedding" pact to get married if we were both still single at 30.  Marriage was inevitable due to our special friendship that developed into so much more. 10 years ago today, we were surrounded by nearly 300 of our friends & family who supported us & believed in our love as we began our life together with so many hopes & dreams for the future.

 Something Old: 

On my right hand, I wore my Great Grandmother's wedding ring that had been passed down to me just a few years prior to our wedding. 

Something New: 

Wedding Gown found in Vicenza, Italy

Something Borrowed: 

My parents wedding chalice from their ceremony (now married 40 years)

Something Blue: 

Seven beautiful bridesmaids in iris Lazaro gowns

Months after my sister died I dreamed about my wedding, with my sister at my side... in a blue gown.

When looking at todays wedding trends on www.theknot.com, I found that we incorporated some of what's trending now... 10 years ago! 

This Summer's Wedding Trends: From The Knot

#1 - Sophisticated Brights: Incorporate dynamic colors for a strong statement. They suggest sticking with two to three hues of strong colors. I love the color palette Mark & his team at Angelic Grove came up with for our big day!

#2 - Laid-back Music: Create a laid-back vibe during the cocktail hour. We had a steel drum band playing during the cocktail hour before our reception started.

#3 - New Themes: The Knot suggests a garden or beach theme instead of something generic

#4 - Unexpected invitations: Use color in unexpected ways.  For unique, fabulous invites you'll have to visit Page & Mason Invitations! Amy started her business a few years ago & is amazingly talented.

#5 - Natural Centerpieces: Use fruit or an unusual container for centerpieces like a wooden vase for a more "green" feel.

#6 - Wine Smoothies: This could be a signature drink & not as strong as a margarita. I've never had a wine smoothie but it sounds refreshing... maybe for an outdoor wedding.

#7 - Beyond Wedding Cake - Try strawberry shortcake with citrus infused filling or hire an ice cream truck to come at the end of the evening. Now that's FUN!

#8 - Eco Friendly Favors: Give guests locally grown herbs planted in glass jars.

 Photos: Emily Carroll Photography

Florals: Angelic Grove

 After 20 years of friendship & 10 years of marriage, I can still say that my husband is my best friend & my best friend is my husband. We have been through so much together... so many heartaches but so many wonderful memories have been made. We have grown together & as individuals in so many ways.  I am beyond blessed to have such a supportive, caring, funny, quirky, hard working man by my side.
Next week we will travel back east to attend a dear friends wedding... one of our high school friends (actually, I've known him since grade school & we dated in high school - yep, we are all still friends!) will tie the knot as we gather for the weekend at a YMCA Camp in New York... it is sure to be an experience we'll never forget!
June is wedding month! Cheers to all of you getting married this month & to those of you celebrating your anniversary. Wishing you laughs & happiness always...

Fashionably Yours,
Angela

Kids Summer Fashion

KIDS SUMMER FASHION

3TV Your Life A to Z Fashion Segment

Comfort :: Layering for air conditioning & cooler climates :: Unique Looks :: Supporting Local Boutiques & Etsy shops

I had the wonderful opportunity of going back to Channel 3's Your Life A to Z for another fashion segment. This time, the segment was all about kids fashion for summer. I wanted to show layering for those freezing air conditioned buildings or travel to cooler climates as well as feature amazing fashion finds from local boutiques. I love supporting local designers & small business owners. In styling adults, children & families for professional photo sessions, I like to put looks together from several stores. Of course, it's easier to walk into a store, look at the mannequin & say, "I'll take that whole look!" But, sometimes it's fun to play with fashion & pair clothing from different stores, for a more unique look.  Try pairing unexpected patterns & colors & layer clothing. Have FUN with fashion! Are you afraid or not sure how to play with fashion? Don't have the time?
That's where my services come in handy!


Here are my STYLISH models from the segment that aired Tuesday!

LOOK 1 & 2

Miss A: Tops: Peek... Aren't You Curious?, Skirt: Peek... Aren't You Curious?, Jean Jacket: Target, Sandals: Target, Bracelets: Dillards, Headband: Moonbeams

Mr. M: Graphic Tee: Peek... Aren't You Curious?, Polo: Target, Shorts: Target, Button Down: Target, Shoes: Converse @ Zappos.com, Hat: Knuckleheads @ Urban Kidz

I highly recommend the children's boutique, Peek! They have fun, unique, quality clothing for boys & girls, as well as a wonderful selection of shoes & even books! They JUST received a new shipment of summer clothing, so stop on by to check out the darling new looks! Tell them you saw the 3TV segment or read about them on my blog! Oh btw... they have clothing at Nordstrom's too!

For Miss A, I layered the tops by using the pop of pink tank under the tee and paired the outfit with sandals, with more pink pop, wooden bangles & a jean jacket. A jean jacket is a great staple to have in any girl's closet as it can really be worn all year long. To finish the look I had Abby wear a beaded sunflower headband to bring in more golden yellow of the fun boho skirt. I think this color palette totally compliment her gorgeous brown hair & big brown eyes!

I put Max in one of the Olympic inspired tee's from Peek. It's such a fun line as they have numerous countries represented with cute graphics on the front & back of the tee's. I LOVE the green & blue combo... it's cool & cheery (plus they bring out Max's to die for blue eyes!) Max is in the Australia swim tee and I paired it with an aqua polo & aqua shorts,  a lightweight gingham button down, some aviator sunglasses & a fedora hat. He also wore white converse, my favorite on little guys!  This look is easy for summer & the layering gives you lots of options for changing the look a bit. Take the tee off & he has an aqua monochromatic look that's so on trend this season!

LOOK 1

LOOK 2

LOOKS 3 & 4

Dress: H&M, Shirt: Gap, Jelly Belt & Shoes: Gap

Dress: B. Belle Couture @ Moonbeams, Sandals: Target, Jean Jacket: Gap, Dragonfly Hair Clip: Frances

Here are two sweeties in cool, yummy colors for summer! Again, layering is key for weather changes & a unique look. I enjoy browsing the racks at H&M, but I admit it can be a bit overwhelming with the amount of inventory they usually have on the floor. That being said... there's something for everyone & at such reasonable prices! Sometimes I'll look on line first to get a feel for what I want to look for when I go to the actual store.

The pink jumper on little G is perfect for summer. I layered a long sleeve mint (OBSESSED with this color!) shirt but could also see a patterned tank under it as well. I left it unbuttoned to show off the glitz of sequins.  I added a jelly belt & sandals that coordinate perfectly! Below you'll see this ensemble could also be paired with cute sunnies & a scarf for hair or to tie around a little handbag.

Miss Maddy is camera ready in her Tory Dress by B.Belle Couture, sold at Moonbeams and several other boutiques around the valley, as well as on Etsy. Can I get this in my size?! Seriously, the quality of this dress is stellar... the fabric & craftsmanship is top notch! The shop owner, Alexis is so sweet and great to work with. You'll have to check out her other goodies here, on Etsy. I paired the aqua dress with metallic shoes & a white jean jacket. Both are fabulous staples for summer as coordinate with pretty much anything! I added a little dragonfly bobby pin in her darling flipped hair & she's ready for a party, beach photos, or a lunch date with dad!

LOOK 3

LOOK 4

LOOK 5

Cardigan: Fore!! Axel & Hudson @ Little Boy Chic, Plaid Shirt: One90One @Urban Kidz, Tee: J Crew, Shorts: JCrew, Hat: JCrew 

Here I featured one of my absolute FAVORITE boys lines of clothing, Fore!! Axel & Hudson. It's a golf inspired line sold in boutiques and online. Moonbeams at Gainey Village Shops carries some of their clothing & hats. From the polos, to the cardigans, shorts to the fedoras, it's all so unique and very quality. Often times you'll see children of stars wearing this line! Really though, the price point is right in line with JCrew's crewcuts, Janie & Jack & the like. I also have to plug a wonderful boutique, Urban Kidz! Shop owner, Lila, is awesome! She has a variety of girls & boys clothing & accessories in her shop, also at Gainey Village Shops. I've always adored their swim gear for boys as well as their selection of hats. You'll have to pop in soon to see what she has on the racks for summer.

I styled Carter in a simple white tee & khaki cargo's from JCrew (more great summer staples). This way we could have fun with pattern & layering! He's wearing a "One 90 One" button down as well as a Fore!! Axel & Hudson cardigan. Do you like the 4th of July color theme here?! This look would also be rockin' with the tee & sweater or loose the cardigan if the weather's too warm. Pair the tops with linen pants & button the shirt & sweater to kick it up a notch. 

Also, a fabulous ensemble for summer beach photos!

Thank you again to my stylish models & their parents for helping make this segment happen!
Again, if you need help styling your family for professional portraits, let me know! I have limited availability this summer and fall, so please contact me to get on the calendar as soon as you book your portrait session. Thanks!
Fashionably Yours,
Angela

Plethora of Peplum

Trend Alert!

PEPLUM
pep.lum [pep-luhm]: a short full flounce or an extension of a garment below the waist, covering the hips. A short skirt attached to a bodice or jacket.

There's certainly a plethora of peplum out there in tops, skirts & dresses, from loose frill to full layers of ruffles, this 80's trend is back!
Peplum is flattering on many body types whether you're a size 2 or 22! It's yet another lady-like,
sexy trend we are seeing in stores & boutiques this season.
You can dress it up or dress it down & transition from day to night very easily.

See the many styles from Zara below... all so reasonably priced!
Visit my polyvore site (here) for more info on the clothing below.

 2012 Met Gala Red Carpet
Solange Knowles & Rachel Roy, in Rachel Roy
LOVE the bright yellow Pep on her gorgeous dark skin!

Celebs wear it well... thanks, "The Iconic Concierge."

This is how I wore my peplum at an annual Kentucky Derby party. (terrible Instagram photo quality)

I'm not too keen on how the model was styled... I went for a more sophisticated look!

 

My favorite runway pep... lady-like fashion at it's best!

Jason Wu

Fashionably Yours,

Angela