Hey Yall! Its that time of year again! You have booked your fall session, you put the date on the calendar, you have told the husband and threatened the kids within an inch of their lives..... and now the hardest part. Wardrobe. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR?!!!  Never fear my darlin! I am here to guide you and direct you. Luckily, if you are one of my clients in the Greater Charlotte Area or Lake Norman Area, you are probably already fashion forward and have a pretty good idea where to start. My clients never fail to show up in coordinating, trendy (but not too trendy), and well tailored outfits. I love it! But just incase you need a little reminder here are a few reminders:

1) Consider where these images are going

Are these portraits going to be printed on a large canvas and go over the mantel? Are they destined for holiday cards? Will you be creating an heirloom album to give to grandma? HOW are you going to use the pictures? When picking out your wardrobe, you will want to consider your home's paint colors and styling. If your home is in cool neutral tones and has a modern edge.... you probably don't want to show up in Cowboy boots and Turquoise. You see? So think about how the colors and style of your wardrobe will look on your walls and around your home.  This will help guide your choices!

2) Location, Location, Location!- Greater Charlotte and Lake Norman areas have so many perfect locations for Family Pictures

Are we shooting in Uptown Charlotte? If so, you might consider dressing up a bit and experimenting with color and texture. Are we in a field on the outskirts of Davidson, NC? Then maybe a boho dress and warm fall tones are in order.  Are we shooting a lifestyle session at the lake house on Lake Norman and grabbing some action shots on the boat? Then nail that maritime look with navy's and whites! Location matters. Mostly, you want to make sure you compliment your surroundings...not overpower or blend in.

3) Layers!!!- Cozy Layers can make a Fall Family Pictures

Yall, I LOVE layers. They can change the look of an outfit in a second. Lightweight cozy sweaters and cardigans can had warmth and softness to an image. Avoid bulky... bulky is... bulky. No one likes to feel bulky. Layers are also a way to add a texture without it being overpowering. Faux fur for a bit of glamor. A leather jacket to slim the silhouette. Perfect use of layers!

4) Accessorize- for the Perfect Family Picture!

Its the little things that bring the whole outfit together. I love big earrings and tiny little gold necklace.... or the other way around. Just be certain to not go big with EVERYTHING. Pick one item to be your WOW item....then let everything else be understated. And don't forget your "add-ons".  These are your hats, scarves, ... things like that. These items we can "add on" for a one or two images to give a different look, but we don't wear them for every image in the session. Variety is the spice of life. 

5) Where to Shop for Fall Pictures in Charlotte and online?

Ok, so first of all, I am a BIG FAN of shopping local. We have so many amazing boutiques here in Charlotte and LKN. Shop local and have a unique look that is different from everyone else!  Second, I am also a mom of 4, business owner, and all around more busy than I could ever imagine. So sometimes.... I shop online. So below I have some links to my favorite local boutiques and online shops.

Vestique- LOVE this boutique for their cozy sweaters and on trend pieces 

Vestique Insta

KKBLOOM- This shop carries some of my favorite/harder to find designers. You will walk away with something totally you and unique.

KKBLOOM Insta 

Lavendar- Lavendar is a favorite in the Lake Norman Area. They carry a wide variety of designers and the cutest booties!!! (love their fall selection)

Lavendar Insta

Uniquities-Birkdale- Uniquities in Birkdale is an awesome place to get your entire look put together. They have everything you need. 

Uniquities Insta

Online Shopping:

H&M- H&M is a standard favorite. If you find something that you look fabulous in... you are certain to find corresponding outfits for everyone in the family. 

Boden- Boden offers high quality items that are cozy and colorful. They have a kids and men's line that will sync up with whatever adorable outfit you bought for yourself :)

Amazon- Yep. I said it. I GET CLOTHES OFF AMAZON! And don't act like you don't do it too. Sometimes I just need a long flowy skirt in 48 hours!!

Free People- This one is for the ladies... I love their cloths. Flowy, feminine... free.

An most importantly: Choose to love yourself in everyplace, time.... and outfit. I can help you pick out a stellar wardrobe. I can get you the BEST hair and makeup done for your session. I can pose you and your loved ones with complete perfection. You could look like an instagram star.... but if you pick yourself apart for every imagined flaw.... I CAN NOT make you feel beautiful. That has to come from inside you. So before your session this fall.... practice self love. Practice giving grace. Practice speaking to yourself the way you speak to your best friend. You are enough. Your family is perfect the way they are RIGHT NOW. And 20 years from now, when you look back at these images. You will see joy, happiness, and love. And THAT is what is most important. 

XOXO,

Allie