Fashionable Fotos

It is that time where everybody is getting camera ready for their infamous Christmas card pictures. If you are like me, you are left staring at your closet wondering what to wear and likely agonizing over how to guide your significant others, little ones, and maybe even furry ones on how to coordinate (or heaven forbid, match) your outfits.

I reached out to a photographer friend, Kim Lowery, for a little guidance and here is what she said:

Old school answer: Stay away from patterns or stripes. Keep it simple, and try to match or at least coordinate. Avoid whites and other light colors as they compete with light skin tones. Avoid showing very much skin as it can compete with your face which should be the focus of the portrait.

I'll admit, I have given some of that advice in the past, but times have changed. THANK GOD!

Have fun! It's important that your photos reflect you or your family. Don't be afraid to throw on your holiday dress and heels or your tie and blazer. If your session is on a cold day (or even if it's not) wear your winter scarf and gloves. Bring your favorite accessories. Ask your photographer if you have time for one outfit change or at least an accessory change. Try something casual and something formal.

The most important advice I give my clients about their clothing choice is that they need to feel good in what they are wearing. I want them to feel that they look their best and to be comfortable with what they have on.

Take notice of magazines and blogs to find pictures of families or couples who are wearing something you like.

And on one last note, I think it's important for all of us to have classic and timeless pictures of ourselves or our families, but these pictures also represent who you are today or this year. Your pictures will reflect your style during this time of your life, and that is just as important.

I love Kim's last piece of advice. It gives me permission to rock an outfit that best captures my personal style at this very moment. So who cares if my strong-shouldered, sequin jacket paired with thigh-high boots makes me wonder what the heck was I thinking in 10 years, I will at least know I was having fun and embracing the moment. To me that is way more interesting than a classical portrait.

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist from Budget Babe

I just read a great, all-inclusive must have checklist from Budget Babe that covers off on everything from layering tees to jeggings to nail polish color.

You should definitely hop on over and check it out ... especially if you are scratching your head on the heck are jeggings (FYI, they sell them at Walmart).

Click here for the full checklist.

Techno Colored Dreamy Tights

One of the most fascinating things about trends is observing the evolution year by year, season by season. Tights have been a long standing staple in my winter wardrobe. However, this year's variation of tights is no longer just about black, knit, or ribbed. Tights have gone to a whole new colorful level. If you are like me, initially you find this trend extremely intimidating and think "oh it looks so good on her, but I could never pull it off." But after observing several friends who make it look easy, I came up with three options so that anyone can truly pull off colored tights.

Option 1: Go neutral. The easiest way to balance the blanket of color is to ensure the rest of your outfit is in neutral colors and has simple lines. Blacks and grays are the easiest selection and create a really streamlined and sharp look.

Option 2: Stay in the same color family. If you want to throw in another color, look for a monochromatic color that matches your tights, or is at least in the same color family (in this case, her tights and shoes). That makes the color lines flow seamlessly versus creating a harsh color break with a contrasting color.

Option 3: Be colorfully muted. If you choose a colored tight that is more muted (e.g., army green (BTW currently obsessed with this color), plum or navy), you can play with more color combinations. But keep those combinations muted and complementary. For example, this outfit has army green tights (the picture doesn't represent the true color), navy skirt, mustard yellow sweater, and a red-orange belt. The muted colors almost read as neutrals making the combination completely approachable and not overwhelming.

Still nervous? Try a pattern instead of a color. Maybe a little polka-dot or a lace pattern in a black or gray tight. If you are STILL not sold, I will leave you with a provoking style stat (kind of). I read somewhere that colored tights act as a visual slimming element for the legs. So go forth and be colorful.

Your UItimate Fall Closet

If I had all the money in the world, I would do 90% of my clothing and accessory shopping on Shopbop.com. With a highly developed fashion vision, Shopbop has an excellent mix of foundational designers and new, up-and-comers and carefully selects avant-garde pieces and amazing basics. Unfortunately this type of fashion sophistication comes at a price, which is one I can't afford. I often drool over their email blasts that utilize one-of-a-kind pieces to create one-of-a-kind ensembles that feel I have little ability to apply to my less than designer wardrobe. However, their latest email blast details out 14 pieces that every girl should have for the ultimate fall 2009 closet, providing a mirage of on-trend looks. While I doubt I will ever spend $200 on a plaid shirt, I can definitely look for these key pieces at the stores I can afford.


So what are the 14 things?

• Leather jacket
• Pocket tee
• Scarf
• Flat booties
• Slouchy skinny jeans
• Tote purse
• Jersey dress
• Chambray button-down
• Platform booties
• Flannel shirt
• Stripped tank
• Boyfriend jacket
• Harem pants
• Cashmere v-neck

A couple things I would add if I was a Shopbop stylist: faux fur vest, a leather, motorcycle vest, jeweled flats, and colored tights.

Visit Shopbop to see all the combinations you can create with a couple updates to your closet.

Scarving

For the past couple of seasons, scarves have been a must inclusion for any wardrobe no matter a person's fashion passion. Scarves have such a style altering power that take a plain look to Bohemian funky or effortless sophistication with a single wrap around the neck. Now that the weather is crisp and cooler, I could wear a scarf almost everyday purely for functional warmth. To ensure my repeat wearings don't make my style predictable, I experiment with how I utilize the scarf. Just in case you didn't know scarves could be so completely versatile, I offer you six ways to wear them (keeping you warm and chic).

Let it hang.

This works with a long rectangular scarf or a more substantial pashmina. The hang gives a sense of effortless sophistication.

Wrap, wrap and fluff, fluff.

This works the best with a rectangular scarf that is either very cozy or has a pattern. This look has the power to give any outfit some attitude.

Single, simple wrap for a cool polish.

Single, simple wrap with a tie in the front.

I think this works best with a patterned scarf because this technique makes the scarf a focal point.

Loop-de-loop.

I routinely get asked how I do this. Fold your scarf in half and thread the scarf's ends through the middle of the fold. I like to do this with a contrasting colored pashima to my blouse. What's great about this look is it easily transitions from a coat to no coat and still adds such a nice touch.

Handkerchief Style.

This is my current fave. Fold a square scarf in half diagnolly. Let the big point of the triangle hang from your neck as you criss cross the other corners behind you, bringing them back to the front to hang. This look has a very Indie essence to it.

Office Muses

I am lucky enough to work in an incredibly creative environment that embraces some serious fashion experimentation. Each day I am inspired by the selections my professional peers make. And while not all the girls and I have the same exact style, I love finding the details that I can reapply to my own wardrobe with a unique twist.

Simple colors and streamlined shapes result in a chic polish.

Black and brown can mix and accessories alone can elevate an understated look.

Bare legs with boots can be done tastefully with an edgy sophistication.

Stacy London Says

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting one of my highly esteemed fashion idols, Stacy London from What Not to Wear. If I could have any job, it would take me a second to decide that I want hers. She has the ability to take clothing and make it priceless by dressing women (and some men) the best for their body type, giving them self-esteem and self-confidence that cannot be replicated.

My encounter with her included a couple hugs, kudos on my belt and jacket, and her taking off and putting back on my shoe. But more importantly, it was very interesting to hear her fashion outlook for the fall.

So what are musts for Fall 2009?

• Something ruffled! She said you can do ruffles on shirts or skirts, but just be aware that ruffles add volume, so put ruffles where you want to accentuate versus minimize.
• A plaid blouse! Make sure that it isn't too casual. She said it should have a tailored fit with modern, bright colors. She suggested to pair it with a faux fur vest, skinny jeans, and wedged boots. I am dying over this look.
• Something leather! She recommended to stick to a leather jacket and stray away from leather pants. Black is her color of choice. She recommended to soften the hard look with a sweet, flirty blouse.
• Something platform! Shoes that is. And the platform can be in a boot, pump, or even a wedge. Just be conscious it doesn't cross the stripper line.
• Architectural pieces! Especially with dresses. Look specifically for structure and pleating, but again be aware of the added volume this gives. Her fondness for structure did not extend to the shoulders ... she recommend staying away from strong shoulders or shoulder pads.
• Something velvet! Like in a jacket. But to ensure it doesn't come off as old fashion, go for a modern color like a deep purple.

A couple other things she mentioned were deep florals, Edwardian blouses (high neck), statement necklaces, jackets, lots of black, and mixing patterns, like tweeds or herringbone with plaids.

The best thing about this experience was she was so down-to-earth and approachable. And while her honesty may come across as harsh to some people, it was very apparent that her main objective is giving people self confidence no matter their size, even if it requires a little tough love.

Follow her on Twitter at StacyLondonSays.