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Week in Review

Whew – what a week! It ended on a rather low point – mastitis (again!). Mastitis is a breast tissue infection that, quite frankly, sucks. I had it for the first time 6 days after Isla was born (on Sasha’s birthday!). This time, I was able to identify it early, as I knew those flu-like symptoms weren’t the flu! Thankfully, we got medicine very quickly and started the antibiotics, and I’m feeling much better.

Besides mastitis, the week was wonderful. Kirby, one of my best friends, was in town for a wedding, so we got to spend most of the day together on Friday and had a quick little visit on Sunday. Sweet Lillian is just gorgeous! See photos of their last two play adventures here and here.

Other highlights include:

How was your week? Tell me about it in the comments!

islaweekThe sass.DSC_0911Ugh, over this.

Family Photo 101: Outfits, Poses, Photographers

As crazy as this sounds, it is time to start planning your holiday card photo. My family has taken an annual photo every year since we moved to America in 1996, and I plan on keeping the tradition alive with our new little family. After 18 years of practice, I have lots of tips to share for photos: what to wear, how to pose, and who to use! These things are all very important. If you’ve got additional help hints, please share them in the comments below!


Outfit Tips 

  1. Coordinate everyone’s outfit colors, but don’t be too matchy-matchy. 
    It is important to pick colors that complement each other, but are not all the exact same. Not sure of a color scheme? You can use Adobe Kuler for inspiration.
  2. Observe your home decor before picking your outfits.
    We recently put up a new gallery wall in our kitchen and are only using professional photos (wedding, engagement, newborn, sister’s wedding, etc.). I realized that in all of the photos, we are wearing pastels – there is a coral color in every photo. I’ll continue this trend in our family photos this year, as they will be added to the frames. Is your house full of burgundy? Wear browns or deep reds. Do you have pops of yellow? Incorporate that into your outfits.
  3. Don’t wear all white or all black.
    The detail of your outfits gets lost when someone is in all black or white – with the exception of a dress. Try to vary your color from head to toe.
  4. Avoid too many patterns.
    One plaid shirt is okay, but don’t have two, unless they are in a very similar color scheme. Try to avoid big, bold patterns and stick to solid colors.
  5. Remember that textures and accessories are your friend.
    Add textures to your outfits, like scarves, belts or jewelry. Avoid anything that makes a strong statement, unless it coordinates closely to other family member’s outfits. Another great texture is a chambray (denim) shirt. And it complements almost all colors.
  6. Classic never goes out of style.
    I love a good silk blouse and jeans. Add heels or solid flats and a pretty gold necklace and you’re set. Something that is overly trendy may have you groaning in ten years time.
  7. Wear soft tones to complement skin tones.
    I love pastels on kids – cream and tan also look incredibly good. I would strongly advise against a bright color, as those are much  more difficult to pair together.
  8. Put your baby in something simple.
    Cute onesies and pants always look good in photos! I don’t recommend multiple outfit changes, but having your baby in a sweet formal outfit melts my heart (and others’, too!). Pick your outfits, then find a cute Carter’sBaby Gap, Old Navy, Zara or J. Crew Cuts (or Factory!) outfit to match.

For Herfamily photos - what to wear, photographers, natural light, film, poses, modern, trendy, classic, blazers, cream, white, gap, j. crew, banana republic, mom, babies, dad, kids

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Cyber Monday Sales

Photographer

I cannot stand shopping when it’s crowded, so Black Friday is definitely not something I participate in; however, I’m all about Cyber Monday. There are some incredible sales taking place today! See the discounts and promo codes for my favorite stores below.

PS It’s December. My favorite month of the year.

PPS I leave for Bali tomorrow. I’m exceptionally excited.

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30% off entire purchase at J. Crew with the code “MONDAY”

50% off entire purchase and free shipping at J. Crew Factory with code “GOSHOP”

40% off designer items at Saks Fifth Avenue

Fashion Reward members at Nordstrom earn double points today

30% off entire purchase at Piperlime with code “CYBER”

Spend $250 and get 15% off entire purchase at Shopbop with code “BIGEVENT13”

Get 40% off entire purchase at Gap with code “CYBER”

Get 40% off entire purchase at Banana Republic with code “CYBER”

Get 20% off your purchase when you spend $300 at Tory Burch with code “HOLIDAY”

 

 

images via fourthlake

Favorite Black Boots

BlackBootsEvery year, I splurge on one new pair of boots. I got Tory Burch black ankle booties two years ago and tan DVF boots last year, and I wear them both all of the time (yes, it’s finally fall/winter in  Texas!). As I begin to make my Christmas list, I’ve been tagging some of my favorite black (abd dark gray) boots. I love the Tory Burch Jess Boot (#5) and the Sam Edelman Shay Bootie (#2 – only $140!). Are you a boot fan? Have you spotted any other cute options?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

featured image via pink peonies