Family Holiday Photos - Beyond The Tacky Sweater

Its that time of year again! The turkey is about to hit the table, Target is filled with Christmas everything, and amateur and professional photographers are planning the perfect family holiday photo. We've come a long way from the mug shot like family line ups in matching sweaters of the past. Now almost anything goes and the more creative the better. But, what to wear for such an important shoot? No more tacky sweaters. We found some family ensembles that are whimsical, fun, classic, and festive.

Lands' End is one of my favorite shops for classic looks at a great price. Its a great one stop shop for your families holiday look. I put together this example, but their are so many possibilities and another fun fact is they will monogram just about anything. 

Landsend.com

If your love a picture in your PJ's. Hanna Anderson has sets for the whole family including your pooch. Lots of styles to choose from to mix and match.

hannaanderson.com

Of course there is always the classic and easy to coordinate looks from JCrew, Gap or Old Navy. Its a simple one stop shop for an affordable and comfortable style.

Gap.com

JCrew.com

One of my favorite places to find something truly unique is Etsy. There are so many handmade shops that have inexpensive and fun looks that are very special. Here are just a few of my top picks for shops that create family ensembles.

SpunkyStork

PuddlesNRainBows

HaddonCo

BabyArcticBear

A few tips to keep in mind before your photo day: 

-Think about scheduling, especially if you are dealing with little ones. Try to choose a time of day that will bring the most cooperation such as between routine naps and feedings.

-When using a professional, be clear in advance about your vision and location. Let the pro's give you their best recommendations for color and pattern and time of day to shoot.

-Don't get too caught up on the perfect pose. Pro's will tell you that the best shots are natural interactions between the family. 

-Finally, no matter what you wear, your best accessory is always a smile and a laugh. Have fun with your photos and you will capture a moment you will treasure forever. Happy Snapping!

Etchings From the Man Cave: John Varvatos

johnvarvatos.com

This guy is just plain COOL. Maybe I'm partial to John Varvatos because he is a Detroit native (ok, I am), but lets face it the fella defines "swagga." As an award winning fashion designer. His influence is definitely old school motor city rock and roll, not in a glitzy glam way. Varvatos designs with an aesthetic that is true to his Midwest roots. Its a mans-man style that is functional and comfortable but tough and has a beat all its own. Clothes a guy would actually wear. His pieces are on trend but not trend-y.  He made the lace-less Converse popular and continues to design cutting edge looks for the classic brand. His latest campaign features musicians Gary Clark, Jr. and the legendary Jimmy Page. Pretty solid endorsement, don't ya think? 

Now, John Varvatos has taken on the ultimate homage to Detroit through his collaboration with Chrysler on the Limited Edition John Varvatos Chrysler 300C and he is legit. This isn't just a "here's my name now go market it" venture. Varvatos is a car enthusiast who even spent time working for the automaker during his youth. The signature details in the vehicle include all the elements that his fashion line is known for. "The seats match the rich leather of jackets.  The dashboard mirrors the face of timepieces. The metal trims are inspired by the titanium bottle accents of fragrances." -johnvarvatos.com

If a Varvatos 300C isn't in the budget, you can still impress the ladies Varvatos style. This week curl up on the couch with your gal and turn on "Fashion Star." You can impress her with your knowledge of the wickedly talented John Varvatos, one of the shows celeb judges. You'll probably earn some points for watching it with her of your own free will too. The bonus, you can absorb more of J.V.'s signature style pointers and impress your lady at the same time! (Just a little insider tip from yours truly. Glad to help.) Rock on!

Design Day Friday: The Emerald City

Disney's Oz The Great And Powerful

No, that is not
 Michelle Williams, it's me!

In tribute to one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Wizard of Oz", I am dedicating today's design board to Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful."  The movie which is released today, is near and dear to my heart. The reason...I was Glinda, the good witch! Well, not in the Disney version, but in my high school musical. I'm sure you recall the stellar performance? (Really, I just loved wearing pink, glitter, a crown and carrying a wand. Not much has changed). When I started researching for inspiration, I found out that I am not the only one with a wicked love for The Wizard of Oz. I don't think that it is any co-ink-a-dink that the color of the year for 2013 is Emerald Green. It is a rich, luxurious color that still evokes the beauty of nature and honestly looks good on anyone or with a variety of accent colors. You can interpret the Oz like feel in your wardrobe or home in a some very creative ways. Here is my Ode to Oz:

O.P.I. nail color in shades like "When Monkey's Fly" and "Which is Witch?"

Pouf  or "Poof" if you are
casting a spell.
Worldmarket.com

Sling Shot Monkey! He can fly and
even lets out two loud monkey
 calls when you launch him.
Officeplayground.com

Its not a yellow brick road, but how
about a glass tile back-splash? So happy.
Modwalls.com

Mini Hot Air Balloon
BelleandJune.com

Look the part with makeup
collections inspired by Glinda and
Theodora.  Ubandecay.com

I just couldn't skimp on the ruby slippers!
Christian Louboutin  NiemanMarcus.com

Oz collection of dog collars available
Swarovski studded
in Pink, Emerald, Black and Ruby
urbanpup.com

Dress like a wizard.
Merino wool vest
rag and bone
Nordstrom.com

If this wasn't enough to make you want to skip arm-in-arm, HSN has launched an entire collection for each witch! They have curated from their designers to find items that represent each member of the family trio. Here are my top picks:

Evanora

Heidi Daus Ring

Naeem Khan Feather Skirt

Glinda

American Glamour
Badgley Mischka
Peasant Dress

RAVEN Flapper Bag

Theodora

Scentaments Diffuser
Dark Amber and Lily

Jean Dousset
Feather Bypass Bracelet

"There is no place like home." You knew that was comin' Ta!

I Feel Pretty: Runway Meets Retail

One of my favorite breaks from the winter blahs is NYFW (New York Fashion Week) although in fashion speak spring shows mean fall fashions...it is still a kick to the creative juices to see all the fresh new creations. Then I look in my closet and wallet with disappointment and crawl back in my flannel pants. Not anymore! It seems that those same high-end designers are sharing their talents with us fashion voyeurs on a budget. No more cheap knock-offs. Instead, get the real thing cheap. We have seen the pop-up shops at Target with Prabal Gurung and the long term collaborations with Vera Wang and Kohl's. These co-ops are going to a whole new level. This spring retailers everywhere are pairing up with designers, many who have never been in the mainstream retail market, to bring us fabulous fashion mostly under $100 price point. (squeal.)

Kate Young for Target

Kate Young for Target - One of the pioneers of this marketing strategy, Target is staying ahead of the game by launching the first clothing line by celebrity red carpet stylist, Kate Young. "Kate Young for Target reflects my aesthetic for edgy, sophisticated style and is designed to offer items that are versatile, modern and ideal for special occasion dressing." according to harpersbazaar.com. Kate's pieces will launch in stores on April 14.

Pearl by Georgina Chapman for JCP - If you are a fashion follower then you know the fashion house of Marchesa. Georgina Chapman has created a line of glamorous and flirty cocktail dresses and separates that are true to the labels aesthetic for get this...JCPenny! These pieces are perfect if you are heading to prom, attending a wedding or any occasion to make an entrance. (Love these for possible engagement photo wardrobe or rehearsal dinner.)

  

Derek Lam for Kohls

Derek Lam for Kohl's - Kohl's DesignNation is growing with its second collaboration. This time its designer, Derek Lam. The beach to street looks are inspired by Rio de Janeiro. "I really love the city. The people are wonderful and the setting is amazing," said Lam. The vibe is obvious in his collection. It just looks so comfy and fun!

Milly for Banana Republic - One Kate Middleton's favorite designers  Michelle Smith of Milly is taking her first steps into menswear with her spring line for Banana Republic. According to WWD, a rep from BR says the guys pieces will have "a more muted palette" and "scaled down prints." Its not just for the fellas, the Milly designer includes her signature prints in the ladies line. The entire line is Hamptons inspired and set to launch in late April or May. Did I mention its Duchess approved? Well, kinda.

DVF for Gap Kids and Baby Gap - I don't like to overuse the word "icon" but it is completely appropriate when it comes to Diane von Furstenburg. She is back for a second launch of her designs for Gap in April. Although this is not a new collaboration, it definitely bears repeating. After all, you are never too young for a DVF wrap dress! If I could squeeze into one, I would.

Grab those spring fashion mags and start revamping your closets. Time to make room for all the new wardrobe additions! Goodbye flannel pants, see you next winter. Ta!

Etchings From The Man Cave Monday: Tying a Proper Tie

www.details.com

I attended a parochial school and boys were required to wear ties. Back in the day, the wide ties were in, but by high school it was all about the skinny tie. (and the mullet).  I remember guys running around school with these oddly tied strips of leather and fabric hanging awkwardly around their necks. Not a good look. So imagine my shock, when the hubs and I were shopping recently and he picked up a knit reincarnation of the skinny tie and said with excitement how much he wanted one! He missed them. Really? Well they are back fellas. (but the mullet is NOT). In an effort to prevent the tie faux pas' of the past, I'm here to help. (Insert girl flying with cape here). There are different ways to tie a tie. Depending on the width, fabric and look you are going for, there is an art to the knot.  So, I compiled some of the best tutorials I could find to share with you.

First, for my wonderful husband the skinny:



Next, you can never go wrong with a properly tied classic full Windsor: (Sorry, on some browsers this link is acting a little wonky and shows the "skinny" link again.  If you watch the first one, it should roll to the full Windsor..or so I hope:) Working on a fix!

Just to be different, you should try the Eldredge knot just once. You will be sure to dazzle:



Finally, for the dapperest of dude, the bow tie. It's not just for weddings and proms anymore. Pair it with jeans for a look that is funky and edgy. It should never be printed on a t-shirt and worn as a tuxedo:



Even an inexpensive tie can look crisp and finished if it is tied properly. Time to kick up your style fellas. No clip on ties aloud! Ever.Ta!