Banana Republic: Sleeveless Pintuck Top

Have I mentioned that I love sales??? I got the notice that Banana Republic was having a sale and figured that I'd go and see if they had any great tops that I liked. When I saw this top I immediately fell in love. It's hard to go wrong with a simple black button up but it's rare that they add anything to make it special. I adore the pintucked sleeves on this top SO much, such a cute and elegant detail. Just enough to dress it up for a wedding and take it a step beyond your basic button up.

Price: $59.50

Additional Codes: BRSPECIAL for 30% off (4/26 ONLY), 25% off (4/27 ONLY)

Target: Beaded Crochet Trim Knit Top

I stumbled across this top at Target online when looking for another style and the description brought me in and it was all over after that. Cute details? Check. Rosettes? Check. Beading??? BONUS! Yeah, this is a definite win for the tops list - especially for Target! Wahoo!

Cost: $21.99

Express: Photographer Pants

I've heard that the men out there actually wanted some representation on this blog as well so I shall start including pieces that I hear about that the guys are recommending to one another. There's a current topic on a forum that I frequent and these pants from Express were mentioned as being really awesome. I think there is an additional bonus with the name ;)

Cost: $41.65

Additional Codes: 2175 for an additional 15% off

Express: Flutter-Sleeve Banded-Bottom Top

This top from Express has all the components that I LOVE about tops. It has flutter sleeves, a modest neckline, comfort fit and a banded bottom. The best part about the banded bottom is that you don't have to worry about the shirt moving and showing any skin when shooting! I have a pink shirt very similar to this and it fits well and looks great on.

Cost: $39.50

Additional Codes: 2175 for 15% off

What I Wear: The Limited Radiating Ruffle Tank

While I typically wear black, every now and again I like to mix it up with gray. I wear this top from The Limited with a black cardigan and it's just frilly enough to snazz it up a bit.

Cost: $20.65

Ann Taylor: Piper Embellished Sandal

The day that I purchased this shirt at Ann Taylor, I fell in love with these shoes which are a perfect compliment to the shirt. While I don't think they'd be comfortable for a full day of shooting, they may be just right with the perfect insole or for a shorter day. Then again, some people rock flats without any issues, if that were me, these would be mine!

Cost: $158

Available Codes: 30% off w/ FRIENDS (4/20-4/25)

Born: Stowaway Flats

Prior to my falling in love with my Softspots, I wore a pair of Born sandals to a few weddings. While I loved the comfort of the shoes, I felt that even though the sandals were dressy, it was still just enough underdressed to bother me - even with a pedicure! I feel more at ease wearing closed toe shoes at weddings - I realize that is a complete personal preference though! At the time, Born did not offer flats but now they have joined in on the flats game and I'm so glad to see it.

The Stowaways appear to be an ideal flat for weddings. They have a smidge of a heel, have cushioning and are leather. They aren't out until May however but I would highly recommend keeping your eye out at your local Born retailer for a pair to try on before wedding season is in full swing!

Cost: $99

Target: Maternity Sleeveless Ruffle Top

I had a request to add on some maternity wear to the line up so I poked around to see what I could find. Please keep in mind that I've never been pregnant so I am pretty clueless about this other than going off of the "oh that's cute in the pic" factor so bear with me if you have been there and know that a certain style only works on the maternity models and not in real life. This top from Target immediately caught my eye as adorable. I love the ruffle detailing at the neckline and the bow around the front. It's maternity without being peasanty and I like that. I fear I'm going to be a very picky maternity clothes wearer as I tend to not like the "HI I HAVE A BABY IN HERE" shirts/dresses. The cost is what seals the deal for this cute top which could either rock on its own or with a layering item. Win!

Cost: $16.99

Lane Bryant: Sleeveless Rosette Top

I had a request to make sure I don't leave out any lady no matter what her size so here's a super cute top from Lane Bryant. I love the detailing along the neckline on this top. Make sure you check out the page to see it better on another color (LOVE the coral color!). It'd be perfect for an outdoor wedding or paired up with a layering cardi or jacket. You can't go wrong with rosettes at a wedding!

Cost: $39.50

Available Codes: 010000571 for $10 off $50, 050007912 for $25 off $75, $50 off $150, $75 of $225, 020165548 for 20% off your online order of $100 or more (exp. 4/29/10)

Ann Taylor Loft: Corsage Top

Ann Taylor Loft is definitely a store that I frequent, perhaps a bit too much. It's been a love affair ever since they opened a store in my mall! Recently, this top caught my eye as just fancy enough to be worn at weddings and not eye catching enough to be distracting. I'm not completely sold on the neckline being jagged but I think that in the black it's not as raggedy looking as in the lighter colors. As you may be seeing, I'm a big fan of details on tops - I tend to not wear necklaces as they get caught on my straps of bags and cameras so I try to decorate the clothing to make up for it!

Cost: $34.50

Available Codes: 30% off w/ FRIENDS (4/20-4/25)

The Limited: Bow Sleeve Tie Cardigan

This cardigan from The Limited is a perfect layering piece, even over a plain tank or a fancier tank. The detailing on the sleeves and the ribbon bow tie dresses up enough to make it spiffy enough for weddings.

Cost: $44.50

Available Codes: 351 for 25% off, 12064081 for $25 off $50 (can only use one or the other)

Kohl's: Apt. 9 Pintuck Top

I love this top for so many reasons. It's inexpensive, it's flirty and flattering. Kohl's is either a HUGE hit for me or a massive miss. This brand though is usually a hit and in the case of this top, a definite one.

Cost: $17.99

GAP: Hip Slung Pants

Pants.... oh my they are my kryptonite. They can either fit famously or horribly and I struggle the most with finding a pair that fits well. On top of fitting well, you also need them to cover so that when you are bent down shooting you don't have to worry about your crack showing. Yes I went there but ladies you know what I'm talking about.

The wonderful thing about these pants from Gap is that they cover what they need to cover, are stylish and most of all they cover your crack!! I love the spandex as well. They also come in navy which is a great option for when you don't want to wear all black. One thing I love about Gap and the Gap chain is that they have various sizes and options for fit.

Cost: $54.50

Anthropologie: Layer Cardigan

One thing I have found over the years is that for me, suit jackets are great - but a bit limiting in movement when it comes to shooting. I tend to find myself gravitating towards knits for layering items instead of jackets (but I do own a few jackets as well). One of the great things about the current trends is that it's in to layer cardigans over shirts so there is an abundance of perfect layering cardigans available.

I love Anthropologie and I've had my eyes on this cardigan for quite some time. It's a lightweight cardigan so it makes it perfect for summer weather over a sleeveless top or in the spring and fall months for over heavier shirts. There is also a dark grey option for those that don't wear all black but try to remain in darker clothing.

Cost: $98

What I Wear: Shoes

One of the hardest things for me to find to wear to weddings was shoes. I am a bit of a shoe freak so just any shoe wouldn't do. I know that many wear tennis shoes to shoot weddings in but for me, no matter how much the tennis shoe is dolled up, it's still a tennis shoe and it's not fit to wear tennis shoes to a wedding. I tried the Croc flats (two different styles) and both times I ended up with blisters before the end of the day. My first season shooting, I tried a million different shoes and each one was eliminated from the running for various reasons - usually because at the end of the day my feet and legs were still hurting.

Last May, I came across Softspots' Verdent shoes and I am so glad that I did, I've gone through two pairs now and I LOVE these shoes. They are comfortable beyond words, I no longer come home and immediately put my feet up. They have a bit of a heel, so I don't have to worry about hemming my pants (and I'll admit, I'm a heel kind of girl). The big seller is that they are virtually silent when walking and that's a big plus when it comes to shooting in churches that have marble floors. I can't rave enough about these shoes. They are cute, comfy and perfect for me. The downside? They have been discontinued. They are still able to be found online but it isn't easy (I recommend Google).

If you want this shoe and can't find the Verdent in your size, I recommend searching for the Softspots Star. While it's not in their current lineup, it is available in quite a few places on the internet. The only difference between the two shoes is that the Verdent has a 1.25" heel while the Star has a 1.50" heel.

Ann Taylor: The Perfect Wedding Tee

This past week I was shopping at Ann Taylor and as soon as I laid eyes on this t-shirt I said that it was the perfect wedding t-shirt. The detailing of the pearls, ribbons and rhinestones on this shirt are just enough to dress up your everyday t-shirt without being too showy for a wedding. This shirt looks great on its own or layered under a suit jacket or cardigan. If black isn't your 'thing' at weddings, there are other color options as well.

Cost: $48

Available Codes: 20% off w/ FRIENDS (4/20-4/25), 30% off w/ 108023352 (expires tonight),

Welcome!

As a professional wedding photographer one thing has always been a struggle for me... finding cute clothes to wear!!! Men have it easy, dress pants, shirt & tie with the optional jacket (preferably in dark colors). For women, it's not so easy! We have to look professional, be able to move without showing any girly bits and be comfortable at the same time. While suits are always an option, it's not always easy to wear a suit during the warm months and it's always not an option to just take off the jacket.

When discussing these woes with some fellow women photographers, they gave me the idea of starting a blog posting items that would work well for weddings and also be fashionable. While I may not be a style maven, I do love clothes so I figured that I would give it a whirl!

I'm also a lover of a good deal so look for sale items and codes whenever I can find them!