lifeXpressions photography blog | Naples Baby Photographer | Fort Myers Children's Photographer | Estero Family Photographer

I will begin this post with an apology, as all you fashionistas out that are about to love me or hate me for addicting you to this new clothing, shoe and accessory website I adore. So, I am sorry in advance, well sortof *grin*.

I have been secretly following this blog for over a year now, waiting patiently to share with my Trendy Tuesday readers the website information once the on-line store was open. Today, I am happy to announce the launch of Jessica Haley’s store called Joyfolie. Joyfolie, pronounced like the common word “joyfully,” is a play on words as “folie” is the French word for madness. The owner thought it was fitting, as children are a joyful madness! Which is how we all feel sometimes in our photo sessions, the intense moments of crazy joyfulness and unquenchable frenzy in capturing the perfect photo!

This store is amazing collection of “pretty little things” for woman and girls. Joyfolie items are all feminine, but not frilly…detailed but not busy and modern with a vintage influence. You will love this site because you can find “soft and stylish ballet flats with ORGANIC cotton lining. Sweet and simple little jackets with just the right amount of ruffle. Woman’s textile necklaces hand crafted from VINTAGE materials. Fresh and floral accessories worn by mother and daughter alike. Beautifully packaged, wonderfully detailed, and sometimes even items that are ONE OF A KIND.” You will love everything and every item will be perfect for your next Lifexpressions session. I love the idea of pairing flower broaches or headbands with everything for both woman and children. Every item is simply timeless just like you want your photos to be.

Check out some of the delicate and beautiful items I have chosen from Joyfolie.com to wear in your next session. Please keep checking back to the Joyfolie website as new items are being added daily. Even read her blog at joyfolieblog.com for secret $2 giveaways.

I can’t wait to see all my young models in their Joyfolie clothing and accessories!

You have decided on the date, the location and maybe what to wear….but what to bring to the session is part of the fashion as well! The night before, or maybe a few nights before we meet, take time to pack a bag of some of these items to avoid a fashion emergency!

Here are some of my favorite items that have saved many a session in the past. First is for you ladies a little inexpensive item I found at Target. We are in Florida so there are lots of opportunities to wear sleeveless tops, but sometimes our bra straps just don’t corporate with the cut of our outfit. So I have found these great strap holders that keep your straps hidden. It is seriously just a little plastic clip that can hide your straps.

Another item that could come in handy during a shoot is called, Fashion Tape. It is an easy-to-use, clear double-stick, “do everything” apparel and body tape! The clear tape doesn’t cover up the skin’s natural color and is more discreet and fabric-friendly than safety pins. And it’s as easy as peel, stick and go (much easier then carrying around a travel sewing kit)! I love fashion tape for a stepped on hem during the session or a shirt that won’t stay in place. You can find fashion tape at target too!

Other items to remember to throw in your bag, especially for the kids are wipes or Kleenex . Noses only run when you are trying to take a photo! Also bring along a beach towel to dry feet or rocks for sitting! A hairbrush for those outfit changes that require a re-comb is a MUST! Don’t forget extra hair products (gel, clips, pony tail hangers) if you need them.

Lastly, the nourishment! The smile bribing treats. If you choose to bring a treat – make sure it is a neat treat for you child, you don’t want chocolate on that pretty white dress. Something that can not melt is the best idea. Bring water for your family, all that smiling may make them thirsty.

Fashion emergencies do happen but these few items will help you get through your session with a little more ease. And maybe because you are prepared it is likely you won’t even need your “emergency kit” after all.

Can’t wait for our session to begin!

Many on-line retailers have figured out that they can help customers by coordinating entire outfits and offering matching sibling clothing. So for today’s Trendy Tuesday I will share with you a great find at Gymboree.com. Gymboree has dedicated a section on their site called Family Looks and Picture Perfect! They must be subscribers to our lifeXpressions Trendy Tuesday edition and incorporated this great idea for their customers too! *grin*

Here are some adorable outfits from head to toe that Gymboree recommends for Spring. All the pieces work perfectly and effortlessly together. Every size range from newborn to 12 years of age has an outfit that coordinates with the same or opposite sex, as busy moms I know you can’t be more excited! Gymboree even did all the work and coordinated accessories and shoes too!

Just as simple make one more virtual stop at Jcrew.com. Pick up an outfit for mom and dad in the same colors as your Gymboree outfits and you are done shopping! I added in some easy shoe selections from Jcrew ! Enjoy some easy virtually shopping as the weather starts warming up again outside! Happy web surfing.

“Come’on who doesn’t love a compliment?” The designer of Matilda Jane Clothing knows that all her shoppers hear these words every time they wear anything Matilda Jane! Some may call Matilda Jane clothing an addiction, others who don’t know the brand will simple become addicted, in a matter of time.

Matilda Jane clothing showcases the sweetness of any child. These clothes are also so powerful in a photo. All the designs are simple silhouettes because its not about the clothes it is about the darling girl wearing them. This season even brother, mom and dad can become a part of the Matilda Jane addiction for a perfectly coordinated photo.

For your next lifeXpressions session try some of these adorable styles that have been featured on the Matildajaneclothing.com website. The mix of fabrics, patterns and styles will make each picture unique. The colors all coordinate so your families clothing choices will work together without competing. These simple clothing selections will make a portrait look like you spent hours shopping for just the perfect combination.

All Matilda Jane clothes are sold through a trunk keeper, so if you don’t have one of your own email Nia at niac@matildajaneclothing.com between now and March 14th to get the details. Don’t forget to mention you heard about it on lifeXpressions’ Trendy Tuesday post. Don’t delay, you know how quickly the most popular styles sell out! And your Spring session is right around the corner too.