styling - The Little Style File

behind the scenes: Gina Cristine Photography Surprise Session

July 6, 2012

About a year ago my favorite photographer came up with a wacky idea.

“What if we work together and do a Surprise Session? All the families will do is show up. We will have a scene set and all of the clothes waiting for them. What do you think?”

Um, that sounds pretty freaking awesome. What parent wouldn’t want to just show up with their kids and have everything ready to go?

So Gina Cristine Photography announced the Surprise Mini Session and it quickly filled up.

Over the last several months a theme and color scheme were selected by Gina and session stylist Jennifer. We met over our favorite Starbucks drinks to discuss ideas and make sure the Surprise Session vision was cohesive.

Betsy and I scoured Etsy and our favorite designers, working within our $50 per child budget to get each family a complete outfit for the best value. We discovered Thread Culture, which everyone should heart on Etsy ASAP, called in our friends at Tom & Drew and filled in the gaps with staples from Crewcuts, Gap Kids and Old Navy with a few ‘couture’ friendship bracelets thrown in for good measure.

Now I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t a little nervous about seven families showing up for a photo session without a clue to what their kids would be wearing. Thankfully, everyone was thrilled and we can’t wait to see the finished images from Gina! Until then, here is a little behind the scenes peek at the Summer ’12 Gina Cristine Surprise Mini Session! {WARNING: amateaur photos were taken by me on my iPhone ahead!}

Interested in having TLSF style your next shoot? Send us an email at info@thelittlestylefile.com. Visit GinaCristinePhotography.com for information on Gina and her fab team of photographers!

Filed Under: kids fashion, styling Tagged With: family photo sessions, family styling, Gina Cristine Photography, kids fashion, styling, what to wear

Perfect Fit by Clinton Kelly

November 4, 2011

Everyone is going to want to move to the Chicago area. I’m telling you. First we get Wonder! and now Clinton Kelly is bringing his new stylist concept to Orland Square Mall!

The first location to open, Perfect Fit by Clinton Kelly is a new spin on custom tailoring. You walk into the store with your outfits in need of help and his professional stylists give you the rundown on how to fix the look, pin it and send it to the back to be tailored. You pick up the garment the same day or the next day and it has the perfect fit. Here is a video where Kelly describes the concept.

This is great for people who have lost weight or women who have had children and their clothes just don’t seem to fit quite right anymore. Or if you love to find vintage pieces but need a better fit.

I am going to raid my closet for the now ill fitting pre baby clothes and I’ll let you know how it goes!

For more information go to ClintonKelly.com.

Would you use a service like this? What do you think?

Filed Under: cool finds, mommy style, styling Tagged With: Clinton Kelly, Perfect Fit by Clinton Kelly, styling

family style: the b sisters

September 22, 2011

The B Sisters are three girls – 1, 4 and almost 6 – with similar features but very different personalities. For their Fall family photo shoot, mom Amy wanted coordinating looks that would compliment their outdoor photo shoot in the woods.

1.. 2., 3.

4., 5., 6., 7.

8., 9., 10, 11.

Amy had already purchased the denim skirt for Isabel and we were easily able to incorporated that into the looks with a chunky sweater, knit hat and sherpa boots. Big sister Olivia will have a floral print corduroy dress with a frilly headband and fringe moccasins. Anna, the baby of the family, gets a plum colored corduroy dress with coordinating knit scarf, patterned tights and mary janes.

The three looks are balanced and coordinated yet each sister’s outfit stands alone. The B Sisters are ready to rock their shoot!

What do you think? Do you need styling services for your next event or photo session? Contact us at info@thelittlestylefile.com !

Oh, and by the way, did you see that new little badge on the top left side? The Little Style File has been nominated for a Best Blog Award from Parent’s Magazine! We would love it if you would take a quick second and give us a vote. THANK YOU!

Filed Under: styling Tagged With: coordinating sister outfits, gap kids, old navy, photo shoot, styling

family style: first birthday pictures

September 16, 2011

Maren is turning one and her family is commemorating the event with first birthday pictures with their favorite photographer. Maren needs two looks for her pictures and her parents need one. The first look is cozy and comfortable with a sweater dress, adorable knit ear flap hat, tights and moccasins.

1., 2., 3., 4. (alternate boot)

Look number two goes a little more with Maren’s vintage, sophisticated style. Pink is her signature color and this muted tone will take Maren from her birthday photos through the holidays. Paired with silver Mary Janes and tulle hair bows, it’s a picture perfect look.

1., 2., 3.

For the parents, dark denim on the bottom with creams and browns will compliment both of Maren’s looks. Because when you’re the parents of the one year old doing the photo shoot, there is no time to change!

1., 2., 3., 4., 5., 6., 7., 8.