Hello. I'm Jess, and I am into fashion.
Not in an addicted sort of way.. anymore (I’ve overcome! Sort of...), but I certainly care about fashion, and what I put on my body. I'm an artist! Walking through Anthropologie, or Nordstrom, or more often these days the Rack, I create outfits and looks in my mind and think about color, and fit and the normal,“will this make me look fat” question we ladies tend to ask ourselves every time we shop. Some of us do this mental styling shopping thing regularly, and others are so confused by fashion that shopping and styling feels overwhelming.
So.. don't stress, this is for you.. Let’s talk about style, how to find yours, and what to wear to your shoot so that you feel confident, comfortable, lovely, and free.
I recently did my own photo shoot with one of my favorite commercial photographers, Trevor Hoehne. This guy photographs celebrities, musicians, and Ford models.. {let's just say I have connections}. I was thrilled when he agreed to photograph me (I did a happy dance, no joke), and was so amazed with the result of his images. In prep though, I choose a few looks I thought would work for my shoot, keeping in mind my branding of the new FLY website. I wanted my colors to work with the site, but I also wanted to look sort of glam. So in choosing my looks and creating my own style for my photos, I had to think through a number of things that I’d like to offer as tips to you when you are doing the same:
- Be yourself. Don’t let mom choose your outfit for you (sorry mom). I mean, she needs to approve of course, but you need to express your own style and look and feel good about what you choose. If you are a simple girl, keep it simple. If you are a punk rocker (awesome), rock the leather. Get into your personality and consider how that is expressed through your wardrobe and styling. For me, I LOVE Michale Kors watches and sort of have a little collection going, so I chose to wear a different one in each of my three looks...
- Choose figure flattering silhouettes. If you’ve got a little muffin top, its gonna show on the camera. Sorry, but it will. If a crazy baggy top is your flavor (that pirate look is really in right now), pair it with something more snug on the bottom. Consider what features of your body you are most proud of and showcase those with the clothing you choose. Belts, layers, scarf’s, and hats all photograph beautifully and add visual interest and personality to your photos. For me, I have a much smaller waist then I do hips, so I tried to put emphasis on my waitline…
- Feel Comfortable, and choose something that makes you feel beautiful! You know how there are some outfits that you “like” but don’t totally “love”. Choose the ones you LOVE! When I was in high school, my mom would tell me that she could tell which outfits I felt really good in because I would walk differently. Too funny. She was right though, and I probably still do that! You know which looks you feel absolutely fantastic in; which ones make you feel like a million bucks. Those are the looks you want to be photographed in. And girls- heels always help (think posture)...
- Be inspired & do your homework. There are so many ways to research and create looks these days. For my shoot, I was completely addicted to a few Fashion Blogs. So, in light of my FB (that's "fashion blog"...) addiction, I’ve listed out a few of my personal favorites.. some you might like, and some won’t be you, but I think these might help you:
The Sartorialist (Super chic and modern international style)
Stylelist (What the celebs are wearing)
Cupcakes and Cashmere (this combines two of my favorite things: food and fashion)
High Snobiety (where the music culture meets fashion.. super cool)
The Cherry Blossom Girl (Think sweet with this one)
Fashion Toast (Super cool street style.. what people are actually wearing)
Sea of Shoes (really chic and couture fashion)
College Fashion (This is a pretty trendy site, lots of celebrity style and young)
Kendie Everyday (Probably my personal favorite.. pretty much my style, lol)
So.. onward! Go create a few looks that are completely YOU. Don’t be someone else, be YOU.. then tag it on pintrest so I can comment on your awesomeness!! Happy pinning!!!
-Jess