Ahndea May: Old Navy

Showing posts with label Old Navy. Show all posts

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!

Family Reunion Styling Posted by Unknown | Thursday, August 29

Family Reunion Styling by ahndeamay featuring Hollister Co.

We are coming into family photo season and recently I have been asked more about how to style family reunions? You know the huge gathering of family who gets together once every year or few years. Photography is always important to capture the memories made and it is pretty hard to coordinate 20+ people from different families etc. I will be doing a week on family styling very soon... but for now, I wanted to show you a recent style board for inspiration and link you over to my Family Style board. I will be adding lots of new inspiration plus offering a special on digital style boards for the month of September! I customize a visual board specific to your family based on, colors, trend, and overall feel or message you are wanted captured. But more on that later.

Blogher Chicago Style Posted by Unknown | Monday, July 22

For many of you this is an exciting week! blogher is coming to Chicago and with that comes lots of parties, events, fashion shows, cocktail hours and many ways to network with other fantastic bloggers and major brands. This year, I will not be attending the actual conference but instead tried to get really specific about what events would make sense with my business. Being a mom of 5, time is valuable and limited. I have 3 events this week and honestly I am a bit nervous. Packing and styling your looks for can be pretty stressful and expensive. Finding just the right outfits, shoes, accessories can sometimes become more anxiety than the reward. My thought... don't stress, be prepared, find what works in your closet, and make smart choices. I created this style board to help you make balanced choices, fit everything in a carry on and still look fantastic!

A few guidelines:

1. Day to Night

Pick something versitle that can easily transition from day to night with a quick shoe and accessory change. I have had my eye on this Loft jumpsuit for awhile now. I waited patiently for it to go on sale and it happened this weekend! 60% off! I will wear it more casual during the day and then add some killer heels and a feather necklace I designed for evening.

2. Cocktail

Fit is key here. Choose a dress that flatters your shape and reflects your style. It may be an aline, bold print, fitted sheath, asymmetric etc. This will be your "fancy" look. Here are some options

3. Daytime Chic

Think of what you would wear to a brunch or daytime date. I like a neutral color pallet, blush, cream, mint etc. I love these looks.

4. Trend

Have fun! Pick something trendy and playful. Let your personality come through a bit. You want to represent yourself as you and not anyone else.

5. Layering Piece

Be smart... choose a layering piece that can go with most of your looks. This gives you versatility to add structure or make a look instantly pulled together, or you may just get cold.

Happy Styling!

Details Details - 4th of july family style Posted by Unknown | Friday, June 28

Attending any 4th parties or cookouts this weekend? We have a few festivities that will require a bit of thought pulling us all together. With several kids in the mix, it's just as easy to throw on all the same shirt or dress but I like the challenge of creating a fun mix of color, pattern and diversity! A celebration of holiday without being so predictably "The 4th." I love mixing stripes with the star detail and incorporating salmon with the red to soften it up a bit.

If your hosting a party at your place this week you may want to consider making these or this. And if there will be a slue of kiddos, may I suggest playing some of these games to keep the littles busy.

Even the smallest of details add just the right touches and make everyone feel special. Here are some great ideas for decorating an outdoor space to enjoy.

wedding.com

Old Navy Work Out Gear Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, May 28

Summer is here, school is out and my anxiety is up thinking about what to do with 5 kids and how to manage the day to day schedule. I will be writing more on this later in the week, but since I am on my way to loosing my final 10 pounds, I thought I would share some Old Navy work out clothes that are working for me! They are affordable, which is great, but also they stay up! What I mean is, too many times have I been in a work out class, jumping up and down and as I do... my pants fall down in the process. There are yoga pants for every day running errands like the Pink line from Victoria Secret which sit low and fold over, and then there are active pants, that come up higher and are tighter. When I hit the gym, I am not going for a casual walk, I am killin the cardio and need pants that stay on. The other great thing about these pics, is I can just take my tennis shoes off throw on some flip flops and another tank top and run my errands after working out and still look pulled together. I spend much of my time in work out gear. I have some expensive brands and honestly they just don't compare to the fit of Old Navy. I remember buying the Nike pants after watching Oprah's favorite things. I spent $50 on the pants and they just didn't fit right, they were a bit to short and short in the crotch. So for now, I will stick with the $22 pants, oh and my 2 pairs of lululemon that were passed down to me from my mom.

Old Navy Work Out Gear by ahndeamay featuring old navy

Spring Baby Trends Posted by Unknown | Monday, March 4

Spring is coming and I am so happy about it! Living near the windy city, means cold, snow, more cold, more snow and for months and months! I am ready to walk outside, get out of the house, not have to put socks, shoes and hats on the twins just to have them thrown off in the car within 5 minutes! So if you can't tell I am ready for SPRING. This season also means, cleaning organizing, donating clothes, buying more clothes and so on. If you follow me, you know my HeirBloom site is launching very soon and I have been pretty focused on getting all of the details wrapped up. One of the new things on my site will be "Shop The Look." Smartly pre-styled outfits, both new and repurposed, with coordinating HeirBloom accessory.

The looks above are an example of outfits you will see in my shop. This collection can be worn at least 10 different ways, which is what you want to look for. Items within the same color pallet with stripes, texture, something unexpected and a knit. This will help you keep things really versatile!

Spring Baby by ahndeamay featuring h&m

H&M , $10 / Old Navy Striped Picot Trim Tops For Baby / J.Crew Rikshaw Design baby kurta / Gap Colored Denim Jacket / Gap Skinny Leggings / Monsoon Baby Necklace T-shirt / Old Navy Rugby Stripe Cardis For Baby / Gap Printed Leggings / Zara Plaited Jelly Shoe / Vans Authentic Toddler Vn-0ed9red, $33 / TOMS Pink Village Geo Tiny TOMS Cordones size 9

One Piece 3 Ways + Style Story joins The Little Style File Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, January 29

A little announcement today on Style Story! One of the great things about instagram is you kind of get to know someone through their daily photos. A glimpse into their lives, style, likes, what your eating, your kids etc. This is where I became friends with the girls over at The Little Style FIle. If you haven't been there yet, you will want to. You can see a bit about the editors, Betsy and Kristin here and read the full announcement of contributors on their blog today here. Make sure to subscribe to The Little Style File and Style Story for all the new posts, tips, giveaways, diy's etc. Here is an example of just one of the things I will be sharing with you.

Saving money and space while keeping your kids stylish is a novel idea. If you have littles sharing rooms, or just like a good deal, the key is buying less and making smart statement purchases. Look for something as a neutral base that can be built on. I love stripes, probably have way too many in my kids closets, but I also love pairing it with other patterns, color, denim and so on. You will not go wrong with a black and white stripe. It dresses up nicely like with the red knit skirt and fur and can be worn more playful like with the fleece polkadot and sneakers. Also, don't be afraid to go bold by adding a muted floral print on bottom and a pop color shoe. The denim jacket adds a casual feel and this outfit would be so adorable with a high bun!

A few rules to keep in mind when shopping

- stay away from anything too graphic, you don't want it to be obvious you are wearing the piece multiple ways

- choose knits, jackets, tops, skirts, pants even shoes that can be versatile

- remember neutrals are no longer just black, white, cream, brown and gray. A denim polkadot top would be fantastic, or even a metallic skirt or animal print skinny jean.

- have fun, let your kids influence your picks

My favorite phrase when styling is "it's not how expensive but how you put it together" and as a mom of 5, dressing smart is essential. I gather inspiration from some of my favorite brands and may choose to spend a bit more on a statement piece for quality and trend but then stock up on basics from stores like oldnavy and target. Sticking to these simple rules will help give your little fashionistas a chance to express themselves without even knowing who's working behind the scenes.

One Piece 3 Ways by ahndeamay on Polyvore

girl sweaters faux-fur vest / Gap Striped Pocket T / SCISSOR Floral Girls Twill Pants / CHLOE D1 Ivory Baby Girls Tights, $32 / Old Navy Girls Super Skinny Pop Color Jeans / Old Navy Girls Denim Jackets / Old Navy Girls Micro Performance Fleece Zip Vests / J.Crew Girls' classic glitter ballet flats / Old Navy Girls Cable Knit Sweater Skirts / J.Crew Girls' Converse® Jack Purcell® glitter canvas sneakers

Steal Alert: Half Off Old Navy Outerwear Entire Family Posted by Unknown | Sunday, November 11

Check out this deal.... it's that time of year and if your like me you have lots of coats to buy and when it can be easily $100 a piece this Old Navy sale is fantastic! Coats for $20 - $40, Perfect! Here are some of my picks. Loving that yellow peacoat with the bright colored scarf.

Steal Alert: Half Off Old Navy Outerwear Entire Family by ahndeamay featuring a hooded toggle coat

Old navy coat
oldnavy.gap.com

Old navy jacket
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy hooded toggle coat

oldnavy.gap.com

The Perfect Family Christmas Card Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, November 6

Photo Credit: Jeff Anderson

1. Photography:

With Christmas right around the corner, one of my most favorite things to do is style families for their "holiday" cards or those most important "family pictures." You know the ones, that you spend hours figuring out where to take them, the theme, what to wear, how to possibly coordinate getting everyone ready with the expectation that you (mom) have to look fantastic as well. The dreaded day... is like preparing for the prom. With 5 girls in my home, showering, drying and curling hair, putting on all the layers of tights and boots and keeping everyone from getting dirty before the shoot is like the a huge production, which by the end of, I am usually pouring sweat and hoping to just get one good picture out of it.

Usually we "invest" in this experience and we should... the best way to capture your family as it grows is documenting with photography and when you get that "one" great shot, it all becomes worth it. Finding a good photographer is the first step and if your in the Chicago area, I really enjoy working with Jeff Anderson . Once you get that nailed down next on the list... "what to wear." We rush around buying new clothes, hair bows, shoes, jackets, the perfect shirt for dad oh and what about us, we can't wear the same sweater that we did in last years picture... right?

2. Styling

I started styling for photography when friend and photographer Jeff Anderson asked if I could help with a senior portrait he was shooting. He knew I had a sense of style and could do her hair and make-up so it just made sense. I think we were both kind of shocked at how well it turned out and the value of collaboration. So for the last few years, we have partnered up on dozens of projects from, commercial look books to modeling portfolios, to family and senior portraits. Here is what Jeff wrote about our partnership:

"As a photographer, one thing I have found very beneficial to my photo shoots is the ability and value of working with other creative people. Most people don’t realize that getting great pictures isn’t just about nice camera equipment and rock star photographers (which I’m not quite there yet but perhaps someday will) but it’s a collaborative effort with everyone involved. I have never given enough credit to those that have really helped me make my photography good. My job as a photographer wouldn’t be nearly as easy if I didn’t have these people working with me on my shoots.

One person in particular that I would like to thank is Ahndea May with @AhndeaMayStyling. Styling wardrobes for senior and family portraits has made a world of difference in my photography and with the overall outcome of the portrait. I would highly recommend that you would consider using Ahndea to put together a look for your portraits which can also include her line of vintage accessories she designs and creates. If you’re a photographer in the area and you want your work to stand out, I also suggest that you work with Ahndea. Be sure to visit her page and check out some of the things she is working on. If nothing else, check out the fashion trends that she stays up to date with and shares with us on her page."

"Family Style Board"

When using a stylist, this is an example of what you receive and the value of it. I have been styling clients via, skype, email, text and in person. The goal, is to use what you currently have in your closet, help you determine if your missing anything, take the guess work and stress out of your experience and in the end produce a fantastic photo with color and the right amount of pattern and texture. Your not boring.... so don't express yourself as boring with an "all black" or "all denim" photo. In the end, you will save money and time and it's worth it. Contact me for details.

Family Picture Style Board by ahndeamay featuring silk shawls

3. Christmas Cards

Finally, after you capture that perfect photo, it is then time to select your Christmas Card, which can also be a very stressful thing. Let me help you with that, simply upload and order a fantastical card like this, taken by James&Kate, styled by Ahndea May (me) and designed by Lindsay Letters. Order this or several other "Gilded Greeting" options at her new shop. Shop Now

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