Family Photo Shoot Black and Navy Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, October 29

Have you done your family Christmas photos yet this season? I have been working on lots of style boards like this one to help families express their personalities, avoid being too matchy and allow the photographer a brilliant canvas with color, texture and pattern. I am really loving the navy and black combo this season. When styling, I always start with mom... once she looks and feels fantastic we move on to everyone else in the family, sort of building around her.

Family Photo Shoot Concept by ahndeamay featuring lace prom dresses

Remember that evermicrush blazer from yesterdays musings? I wanted to show you all of the ways I would style that blazer. The more options the better right? The black and white tweed operates as a neutral even though it has texture to it. Pop over and check out their storewide sale!

monday musings and inspirations Posted by Unknown | Monday, October 28

Happy Monday! Today I am taking a deep breath and preparing for another long week.  This week doesn't include all the fun stuff like last weeks Colorado trip. No instead, I will be focusing on cleaning, laundry and organizing closets. But enough of that, lets enjoy some Monday musings while sipping pumpkin coffee, shall we.

Dreaming - Last week was a dream come true, literally. It began months ago when Mindi Lindscombe, owner of Something New Boutique, Colorado's best wedding dresses, flew into Chicago and asked me to be the accessory designer and stylist of her new wedding dress line Divina. You can read all the details and the story here.

DIY - these would be adorable for a party.

Style Inspiration - Gwen is the top of my list, who is yours?

Mini Style  - This is simply precious and reminds me of when I was a little girl.

Words - I am focusing on doing this lately 

Go To Blazer - Love this black and white tweed jacket from evermicrush online vintage inspired boutique. (photo credit kim neyer)

Weekly Musings Posted by Unknown | Thursday, October 17

Textiles like this have really caught my eye lately. I find myself drawn to visuals like this, with unexpected colors and interesting patterns. Where would you put a textile like this in your home? Mixed in a  gallery wall  or maybe in your office or shop? 

Something I would like to try this Fall is chunky socks with boots. Last season it was all about dainty and feminine socks paired with pretty shoes and flats. This season I am intrigued by the strong confidence of a boot blended with a cozy,thick fleecy sock. Here are some inspired ways to style this look. 

This quote is speaking to me... 

I am working on bridal accessories collection and am simply mesmerized by the back on this Berta Bridal design. A woman's back is sexy and rarely exposed, I love the story this photo tells.

What are you musing over this week? Anything really catch your attention?

colory textiles

belle magazine

The Feather Necklace Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, October 15

I literally fell off my chair when I saw this photo of my feather necklace design on the stunning Kristin Swenson at NY Fashion Week! Words cannot express the honor it is as a designer to be the accessory choice for the most important fashion event of the year! Not to mention, Kristin is the contributing style editor for Mom Trend, one of the most fashion forward blogs founded by Nicole Feliciano out of NYC. My jaw hit the floor when I read this fantastic article she wrote about me and then posted another feature today on her blog BonBon Rose Girls. (Follow my instagram for a giveaway this week) 

The feather necklace is my signature this season, or maybe my good luck charm. I have literally been stopped on the streets, at events, inside the Chicago Bloomingdales and pinch me now... it has even caught the eye of my favorite artisan retailer Anthropologie. Each necklace is custom with either all black feathers and a crescent silver metal necklace or speckled feathers on a gold crescent necklace. It works with a white t and jeans or something a bit more "fancy," you choose your way! Oh and I love seeing photos of how you are styling my designs.... #ahndeamaystylist +Ahndea May 

pc Kim Neyer and Jill Seiman

Friday Weekend Style Posted by Unknown | Thursday, October 10

Happy Friday and happy weekend style. Do you have a go to look for the weekend? Something easy to wear, comfortable, yet stylish. I have had a long relationship with leopard, and this season I am going casual with it. The look.. my go to boyfriend denim with a chambray top, a military jacket and a statement necklace.   Cheers to a happy, stylish weekend! 

photocredit/Kim Neyer

Loft Party Rewind Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, October 9

Well it happened! The Loft style party was a huge success and I am so honored to have this opportunity. As a wardrobe stylist, it is such validation being asked to partner with an on trend retailer like Loft. I frequently bring clients into Loft as I help them to build a classic and transitional wardrobe. This is how I met the loft girls. These ladies are top notch! 

 I edited several looks throughout the store and even brought in shoes for visual reference. I wanted to show casual everyday, work wear and effortless evening. As the party began I had everyone pick out 3 things, something they would normally buy, something they wouldn't and something they need. This was really helpful in getting a quick understanding of their style and how I could help bring them out of the box a bit.  

I styled in some of my floral brooches and custom designed a small exclusive collection of jewelry specific to the Loft esthetic. Have you seen my 2013 look-book? I have had a few amazing design opportunities recently, including my favorite artisan fashion retailer, which is where this collection was inspired, but more on that later.

The best part of the event, was seeing the ladies excited about trying on clothes. the energy in the fitting room, the laughs and smiles and of course the new looks each person added to their closet. 

 

One of the top looks of the night was this black and white stripe top and green lace skirt. It can be styled more casual with a sweater or knit but also dressed up with a blouse and blazer.  I designed this necklace with different vintage crystal pendants and teardrop jewels on a gold chain. The perfect bit of bling! Oh and big news... Are you a Loft Insider? Today only an exclusive FLASH SALE from noon to 7pm 50% off all full price merchandise. 

My Fall Must Haves Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, October 2

Hello! So much has been going on the last few weeks and I want to update you on everything but of course between school schedules, sports, meetings, twin toddlers and a husband commuting this week I decided to share my fall must haves instead. Have you every heard of adult ADD, well I think I have something similar like twin induced ADD. I simply cannot stay focused on one task without getting distracted by the next interruption or thing that needs to be accomplished. I heard this hilarious reading about this very thing at church this weekend. How we decide to do the dishes and then see a bill on the counter and decide to go ahead and pay that and realize we can't find the checkbook which sends us on a manhunt looking which then leads us to a pile of dirty diapers that was left on the stairs, which need to be thrown away and after doing that we remember that we were doing the dishes and then hear the doorbell ring with the culligan man who needs to get your empty bottles which are in the garage and when you open the garage you see your kids football gear which needs to be washed for practice tonight and at the end of the day we wonder why we have accomplished nothing but have been sooo busy! Hilarious right! Don't worry I am working on an entire overhaul in my life and am enlisting some of the best in organization to help.

So on to my Fall Style must haves. I shop in pieces, items that bring in a bit of trend and versatility to my already existing wardrobe. You would be surprised by shopping smart and adding just a handful of items you will actually save you money and keep !

For me, I have been working out pretty hard and would love a pair of these two by Vince Camuto coated black denim. Yes they give the illusion of leather but actually fit like denim making them more flattering. Of course it's no surprise that 3 of my must haves are from Anthro. This peplum blouse is simply stunning and can be worn alone or layered and be a show stopper. You all know I have a slight obsession with jackets and a jacket is on my must have for every season. The shape of this Konrad Joseph Mystique jacket is perfection and paired with a t or a blouse or even black and white checked button up, its flawless. Of course, no fall dress is complete without a pair of floral tights and I will hopefully be wearing them with these killer Report gold toe boots and my favorite new necklace design the grecian . In other news.... I have stumbled up the most amazing hand crafted bags with a beautiful story nena and co. I am a sucker for continuing a family legacy, history and culture, so inspiring. These day bags are legit and will be on my Christmas list for sure. What are your fall must haves?

My Fall Must Haves by ahndeamay featuring a black zip jacket