Ahndea May: ASOS

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Maternity Style Guide Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, June 26

Being a stylist allows me to work with such a wide variety of people and I have to say moms are at the top of my list! So much has changed in maternity fashion from when I started having babies 11 years ago. I still have a horrid photo of me 20 weeks pregnant with floral cropped pants and a white oversized blouse that was so unflattering!!!! Thankfully with moms like Heidi Klum we have jumped leaps and bounds and are now trend setting while pregnant! Check out this fab video with Heidi talking all about maternity fashion!

Photography is another forever way to capture the beauty of pregnancy. Gone are the days of stuffy posed portraits, we are now focusing on more lifestyle imaging. Capturing beautiful silhouettes in a romantic and whimsy feel turns out simply stunning. I absolutely love designing statement accessories to enhance and accentuate beautiful bumps. Being commissioned to creatively direct the overall feel and look of the shoot from posing to concept, wardrobe styling and a custom accessory is what creates a one of a kind experience. In a recent maternity shoot with Paige, I chose this black maxi dress, which picked up the lighting so beautifully. We also used a light blue fabric to wrap her into a grecian inspired dress. I then designed the flower crown below using lavender and taupe flowers with dipped gold accents. I have seen a test shot and it is seriously amazing! Can't wait to show you all of them.

photo credit: Jeff Anderson Photography
styling: Ahndea May

The Wrap Dress... for your shape Posted by Unknown | Monday, April 22

The wrap dress has been deemed the most flattering and comfortable type of dress for many years. I have in fact rocked several wrap dresses in my day, but have found there is no such thing as "one style fits all," even with an easy and accessible shape like this, you are still dressing for your body type. Hopefully by now, you know what body type you are, but if your not sure or need a refresher you can read about it here when I posted about the little black dress.

Here are a few tips when searching for your go to wrap dress:

1. Understand your shape as it is right now. Not how it used to be in college, or how it was after you had a baby, or when you ran that 10K. What is your shape today, and how can you play up your best assets.

2. Try on, try on try on. Even expert stylists don't know exactly what wardrobe will look like until the model or client tries it on. This processes becomes easier, the more comfortable you are with your body and learn the shapes that flatter most.

3. Remember to fit the smallest part of your body.

Athletic shape, you are fit, lean, and usually have a smaller chest. You want to focus on giving a nice line across the shoulder, allowing a v at the neck, and really emphasizing right under the chest, creating an hourglass shape.

Bootylicious is my word for the pear shape, as I really wouldn't want to be compared to a pear rather embrace that I have a booty and make it look fantastic! This body type is typically smaller up top, which allows for tank top straps, or A line type styles. Really fitted at the waist line and then a bit more fullness on the bottom. Again, giving that hourglass and focusing the eye on that tiny waistline.

Petite, this is actually one of the harder body types to style, as you need to avoid bulky materials and fabrics. Keeping it simple with small print and details will allow you to look womanly. Even though you are able to fit into more youthful styles, you still need to make smart choices.

Long and lean body types typically have longer torso's and legs. This can be a problem when looking for shorter style dresses. You would look amazing in a longer to the knee or right below fitted style with a wrap tie, but I wanted to give you a shorter option as well. This dress has some detailing with the pockets and the small ruffle which will allow room for a longer torso. Also be prepared to grab a fun colored tight or legging as sometimes the length becomes tricky.

If you are curvy your goal is to synch that waist allowing for a balance between a broader shoulder, large chest and a curvy hip line. Look for the v neck or a nice neckline showing the collar bones and a small amount of cleavage. Narrow at the waist and then a fitted bottom skimming the hip and thigh to really accentuate your shape. Be careful, you can easily add unnecessary bulk by choosing wrong fabrics and styles.

The Wrap Dress by ahndeamay featuring halter top dresses

Black Dress Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, October 30

This weekend I was styling a friend for a wedding with these requirements. "Can't buy anything new!" Of course we all get that and what that really means is we just have to be a little more creative. I had her grab any black dresses in her closet, black tights and a solid black heel or bootie. Keeping with one color, is seamless, looks expensive and allows you to bring focus to other areas with a necklace, lips or scarf. And it's a pretty good bet we all have at least 1 black dress, a pair of tights and a black pump.

Everything on this style board is under $50 so if you need to get a black dress, here are some great suggestions. You could also throw on a black shawl with this brooch as a statement piece! Heirbloom is launching it's winter collection on "Black Friday" this year, with new fab accessories.

Little Black Dress by ahndeamay featuring chiffon dresses