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!

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

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. 

Kids Shoes - Whats Trending Posted by Unknown | Saturday, August 24

Shoes say something... they are an expression just like an accessory. Your shoes can say a lot about your style and personality even for our kids. Let your kids have a little fun when picking out their shoes this season. Remember my Back to School style board? I am collecting all of the current trends and style ideas for you to gain inspiration and put looks together for less. For example, in the looks above, we could find similar pieces at more budget friendly stores but then maybe splurge on the shoes because those are the statement. Here are some current trend shoes for Fall... some are pricy but get inspired and then scout similar for less. 

Do you have a shoe explosion in your house like me? 5 kids equals a lot of shoes and it' not going to change any time soon. So my goal... create a space near the entry way to give each of the kids a home base they could take ownership of. Check out this ittle series about the  "faux mudroom"  

Back To School Fashion Week Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, August 20

Well it has begun... summer is officially over, except that this week happens to just be the hottest week we have had. The kids started school and for most of us that means cleaning out closets, donating clothes, shopping back to school lists and of course new clothes. I remember every year my mom would take us girls on a trip to the mall and it was the most looked forward to day of the summer! We would each get a budget along with what we had saved up and could buy whatever we wanted!!! It was really interesting to see who bought what and if the importance was on quality and brand vs quantity and savings.

Have you heard of Scotch & Soda? I will be doing an entire post about their amazing style and look-book for fall. But for now you can follow my pin board Styling Back to School  where you can see some of my fav looks. 

My littles wear uniforms which is nice and also not nice at the same time. You have to buy their wardrobe for school but also for real life after school! Target has a great selection with the reinforced knees, which is a must! French Toast and Landsend are also great places to get uniforms that last.

So here's my deal... stay current with what all the latest designers are putting out and then find ways to create the same looks for less. It makes me feel pretty savvy to find a comparable item and save $50 to $100 in the process. Adding a cute jacket with a bit of flare or edge will complete any look while letting your littles show of their personality a bit! How's your back to school week looking? Any fab deals you have found?

Kids Jackets Splurge or Steal by ahndeamay on Polyvore

black and white revisited Posted by Unknown | Tuesday, August 6

I am a huge fan of the modern black and white but for this fall I am really loving a new twist from Free People collection. White on white is so edgy by adding the stacked metal and black industrial shoe. The styling is clean, the small details and accessories is what kicks it up. Black leather with a simple white t. a striped cardi, and Boheme inspired sweater are subtle but make a style statement. How are you wearing black and white? Look for 1 or 2 pieces to add into your fall wardrobe.

The New Black & White by ahndeamay featuring skinny jeans

Instagram Friday + Weekend Wear Posted by Unknown | Friday, August 2

See all my style boards here... Styling Camo by ahndeamay featuring ankle booties heels

Happy Friday! Here is a little fall preview inspiration! We are gearing up for a week of family vacation at a friends farm and then Lake Geneva! Can't wait to get going, but my to do list is getting longer as the time is narrowing. Here are a few of my favorite instagram pics of the week. Lots of designing and styling Lindsay Letters "be true" shirt was a highlight!  Your style maven xoxo 

You Pick 3 - Anthropologie Posted by Unknown | Wednesday, July 31

You Pick 3 - Anthropologie by ahndeamay featuring a sweater pullover

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! 

the top every closet must have Posted by Unknown | Thursday, July 18

As I am helping you find your style, phase one was taking the style quiz to help you narrow down where your style lends.  My goal is to learn who you are and put together options that will lend to your class. Based on my experience I have narrowed it down to 4 classes.  Sophisticate, which is classy and tailored, Modern Edge, a bit more urban, current, edge. Neutral Prep is minimal, clean and trendy. Boheme Chic, is whimsical gypsy.  No matter what class you fall into I had to tell you about this amazing express convertible portifino blouse! Every closet needs 2 of these tops. As you can see, they come in many colors and prints and are the absolute perfect piece to make any outfit instantly pulled together. It's appropriate for all ages, and each class. I recommend getting one fun print and one solid to mix and match into your wardrobe. The options are limitless. Deal Alert! You can get these tops now through July 21st on major discount. Buy 1 get one $29 online plus $60 off $150 or $30 off $75 with promo code 1600 or 1614 in stores.

Are you loving this? Don't panic if your style is more than one class... once we find your true class we can style within that class but in many different ways. For example, if you are boheme chic and want to add a bit more modern edge, we would just add an element with a bit more edge but not changing the entire look like these amazing shoes! Much more to come, even one of my clients has agreed to letting us see her before working with me and after... the results are fantastic! Happy Day!

Style Quiz Posted by Unknown | Monday, July 15

This week I am going to help you nail down your style! As I work with clients just like you, the absolute number 1 thing I hear is "I know what I like but don't know how to put it together." It's important to know who you are, your likes and dislikes, your best shapes, risk levels and how to make fashion work for you.  I consider myself a dabbler...  I dabble in every style trend but know how to piece things together in ways that are not expected but just work. Let's start with a little quiz to help narrow it down.

We all love checking out what the celebs are wearing and get fully inspired as they set the trends.  Which celebrities do you follow? Who's dressing the way you want to be?  Heidi Klum has a quirky, sophisticated look, she is not afraid to push the envelope a bit but her every day look is chic and put together. Gwen Stefani rocks an amazing modern and edgy vibe. I am totally drawn to the way she mixes feminine with an unexpected flare like check black and white pants. But she makes it work, by pairing it with a black blouse, heels and a red lip. Jessica Alba is able to make neutrals, denim, and a simplistic look ahh mazing! She's not afraid of bold and pattern but her every day lends to minimal and nothing short of fabulous. Nicole Richie has become my go to for all things boheme. She regularly adorns bando head pieces, beachy waves and fabrics that flow.

Now that you have an idea of which celeb your style lends, here are some visuals for you to choose from. I labeled these styles to bring understanding as I consult and help people discover themselves. I spent hours updating my pinterest to be the best resource for you. Within each style you can add some of the others but there are a few rules when doing that.  I created fashion style boards for each of these 4 categories and many more, so you have an instant place to land for inspiration and ideas. Are you following my blog on bloglovin? Do it! Lots of major coming your way this week!