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Search Results for: label/Rule of Three

Tips for Styling Holiday Family Photos

November 21, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! The kids are home all week, and we’re so ready to spend some quality downtime together, and take a break from schedules and routines. I’m determined to slow the pace of our holiday, and enjoy the process, as opposed to running around like a crazy lady. Well, the crazy lady part is unavoidable, but hopefully I can limit the running around part. 😉

On my agenda this week is creating our annual Christmas card (Minted is my favorite resource for gorgeous card designs and customer service), and since we just got our family photos back, I’m excited to get started! Today I’m sharing my best tips and ideas for styling and shooting family photos.

Once again, I turned to J.Crew Factory to plan our family outfits (see a few from years past here and here). It’s the easiest spot I’ve found to effortlessly coordinate the entire family, in the styles we each love. The colors and patterns are right up my preppy-loving alley, and the styles are more timeless than trendy. Not to mention, the prices are budget-friendly and they have amazing sales. In fact, everything is 50% off through tomorrow!

Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears 
Slim Fit Plaid Shirt | Puffer Vest | Dark Denim
Tips for Styling & Taking Family Photos

* Determine the feel of the photo and card you want…do you want a theme, festive, everyday, seasonal?  From there, choose outfits that make sense in that setting. Remember seasonal props might be fun, but if you plan on displaying the pictures year-round in your home, you might not want to be wearing Santa hats. 
* Consider your photo location and background. What you wear should somewhat reflect your environment, and the colors should be visible. 
* Outfits don’t come together overnight, so allow yourself plenty of time before the shoot. No matter how many deep breaths you take, if you come to the shoot frenzied, it will show in your body language.
* Start with a single piece and build around it. If you fall in love with a dress for your little girl (Little Miss loved this one), or a sweater for yourself (like I did this one!), use that as your base, and build from there.
* A good rule of thumb is to choose all cool tones (blues, red, grays, purples), or all warm tones (yellows, oranges, khakis, olives). This will keep everyone coordinated, but not matchy-matchy. You want the person to shine, not the uniformity of the group.

Striped Sweater (on sale for $26!) | White Oxford Shirt | Similar Leopard Heels | Similar Belt

Fit Tip: You moms of teenage boys will be thrilled to know J.Crew Factory starts at size 28 waist, and has extra-long inseams! Our son loves their jeans and khaki pants.


Slim Fit Plaid Shirt | Puffer Vest | Dark Denim

Fit Tip: Little Miss is extra-sensitive to fabrics and tags, so we really appreciate the softness and quality of J.Crew Factory’s pieces. She especially loves their long-sleeve tees. 

Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears

Slim Fit Plaid Shirt | Pullover Sweater | Similar Tie

* Shopping a single store, like J.Crew Factory, makes mixing-and-matching for each family member a lot easier, since the color palettes usually coordinate across departments.

* Choose outfits that reflect each person’s style (even if it’s kitten ears!), and give them a say in what they wear. They’ll be a lot more relaxed if they feel like themselves…or maybe just a cleaner, more stylish version. 😉

* Don’t shy away from pattern, as it adds interest and layers to your photos. To keep us coordinated, I think of the family as one giant outfit, as opposed to four individual ones.

* Lay the outfits out ahead of time, even take a picture to see how they’ll photograph together.

* Keep the looks more classic than trendy, so they don’t become dated when hanging in your home.

Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears
Striped Sweater | White Oxford Shirt | Link Bracelet
Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears
Striped Shirt | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears
Slim Fit Plaid Shirt | Pullover Sweater | Similar Tie

* Layering clothes adds texture and dimension to your photos. For instance, add a sweater or jacket for the guys, and accessories and cardigans for the girls. Remember the Rule of Three, and add that extra piece to give each outfit the finishing touch.

* Skip the graphics and characters.

* Have a plan before you drag everyone in, so husbands kids don’t grow weary before you even get started. And remember to stay calm (and flexible!)…your attitude will set the mood for the rest of the family.

* Don’t expect to get the shot in one take…we literally shoot over 100 to capture the right few. And like I tell the kids, ‘The hammier you feel, the better the photo!’

Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears
Striped Sweater | White Oxford Shirt | Similar Leopard Heels | Similar Belt
Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Tulle Skirt | Glitter Kitten Ears

Striped Shirt | Puffer Vest | Glitter Kitten Ears

But most importantly, have fun! The idea is to capture your family’s dynamic, not create the ‘perfect photo.’ People will notice the joy on your kid’s faces, not their outfit. And if the whole thing is too overwhelming, just have everyone wear what’s most comfortable, and take the photos in black and white! 

Looking for more inspiration, or just a fun morning out?! I’m thrilled to be hosting a grand-opening event for the new J.Crew Mercantile store at the Shops of Preston Ridge in Frisco! (It’s behind Gloria’s, across from Stonebriar Mall.) Mercantile is essentially the best of J.Crew Factory, but in a shopping center setting, as opposed to an outlet mall. They also carry Mens, Women’s Petite sizing, and Crew Cuts for the kids…all at Factory prices!

I’ll be sharing some darling holiday looks, along with my top picks from this year’s Gift Guide. I’d love to see you, and chat all things cute and preppy while nibbling on breakfast treats, so I hope you’ll stop by and say hi!

{Shop Our Outfits All 50% OFF!}

{More Holiday Combinations}


*This post is created in collaboration with J.Crew Factory, but all clothes, ideas, and overwhelming gratitude are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*

by Cassie 
12 Comments
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Fall & Winter Style, Holidays, Style Tips

 

 

Work It | Puffer Vest 2 Ways

October 24, 2016

How was your weekend, friends? Ours started with a family trip to the State Fair, and ended with preparations for our son’s first Homecoming. #gulp Almost overnight, it’s as if time hit the fast-forward button, and he’s literally growing and changing before our eyes. It’s amazing to watch him become a young man, but I’d be lying if I said my heart wasn’t aching just a little at losing my baby boy. #doublegulp

Let’s move on to the topic of puffer vests before I start bawling! Ya’ll know I’m a fan, especially considering I named them one of my Fall’s Essential Seven. They provide an extra layer of pattern or color, but not necessarily a lot of bulk or too much warmth.

It’s easy to pair a vest with a striped or plaid top, jeans and booties…but today I want to share two ways of dressing up your weekend puffer for casual work days.

Swing Dress (longer option) | Plaid Scarf | Quilted Vest | Booties
Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Bag c/o | Watch | Cuff c/o

This little swing dress is the perfect base for so many outfits this Fall, including a puffer vest and scarf. I lean towards quilted vests for less bulk and more styling choices (as opposed to the puffier, frost-free styles), and these booties dress it up a bit, while still remaining comfortable.

Swing Dress (longer option) | Plaid Scarf | Quilted Vest | Booties
Sunglasses | Bag | Watch | Cuff

I’ve received lots of requests for a scarf-tying tutorial…so I’m working on a new one for Fall, but you can start with this post.

 Ring | Scarf (smaller version) | Quilted Vest | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Fit Tip: The dress is a soft ribbed knit, with a fun pleats and a peek of skin in the back. It runs a tad small, so I sized up for more length and room (I’m wearing a Small). It’s not too thin, and will look darling with tights and knee boots a few months from now!

Just as in home decor, mixing metals in your style adds depth and interest to an outfit. I love how this sterling silver Multi-Band Cuff (from Nambé’s new jewelry collection, available at Macy’s) pops against the gold and brass. Simply paired with a watch, it makes a great little arm-party!

Swing Dress (longer option) | Quilted Vest | Bag | Watch | Cuff | Ring
Swing Dress (longer option) | Quilted Vest | Booties
Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings | Bag | Watch | Cuff


For a second look, I paired the plaid vest with my favorite bootcut jeans and a turtleneck sweater. Alone, the jeans and sweater are a cute outfit, but the vest works that Power of Three magic.

 Turtleneck (similar in cashmere) | Puffer Vest | Bootcut Jeans
Monogrammed Bag c/o | Similar Leopard Heels | Sunglasses

Again, the Nambé cuff pairs beautifully with the gold accents, and the sculptural lines are easily dressed up or down. It’s become a daily piece for me since it looks great with virtually every outfit.

 Turtleneck (similar in cashmere) | Puffer Vest | Bootcut Jeans
Monogrammed Bag | Similar Leopard Heels | Sunglasses | Necklace | Watch | Cuff
Ring | Necklace | Watch | Cuff
 Bootcut Jeans | Monogrammed Bag | Similar Leopard Heels | Watch | Cuff
Fit Tip: Are you sick of these bootcut jeans yet?! #toobad (See them here & here) They do run large, so I recommend sizing down…I’m in a regular 0. The petite length is perfect for flats for me, but long enough for heels if you’re under 5’2″. But beware, they’ll give you legs for days! 😉

 Turtleneck (similar in cashmere) | Puffer Vest | Watch | Cuff

Where do you stand on puffer vests? Are you a fan? What about mixing metals in your jewelry? I vote yes to both! Oh, and thanks for all the love on Friday’s Dressing Room Diaries! I think Mama Sugarplum will have to start making regular appearances! What do you think?!

See more Work Wear styles here, and Work to Weekend inspiration here.

{Shop Outfit One}


{Shop Outfit Two}


{More Favorite Puffer Vests}

*This post is created in collaboration with Nambé, but all styles, ideas, and general puffiness are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*


by Cassie 
13 Comments
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Day to Night, Fall & Winter Style, Work Wear

 

 

Day to Night | Black Maxi

April 12, 2016

Happy Tuesday, friends! Who’s ready for some Spring Style inspiration today?! It’s been awhile since I styled a Day to Night look, and since I’ve been wearing this new maxi dress pretty much non-stop, it was the most obvious choice! In fact, these are all real looks I’ve worn in the last few weeks…Mr. SP was just sport enough to snap some shots for me while we were out and about!

Let’s start with my favorite Day look…by following the Rule of Three, I layered on a fitted jacket, statement necklace, and chic bag, to give the simple black dress lots of style.

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress (available in four colors!) | Similar Jacket | Handbag (similar)
Similar Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Sunglasses | Watch

This maxi dress may be simple, but the flattering high-low hemline makes it fun. Most maxi dresses and skirts drag the ground unless I wear a wedge, but as you can see on the (much taller) model, it’s intended to be more of a tea-length in back, and knee-length in front.

Which means it’s the perfect maxi length for me, even in flats! #everybodywins


Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, and even after putting it through the washer/dryer and it shrinking a teenie bit, it’s still a tad big on me up top. #noboobs So I’d say it’s true-to-size to a tad big. 

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi

Maxi Dress (I also love this full-length version) |  Handbag (similar, but larger version)
Similar Necklace | Hoop Earrings | Sunglasses | Watch | Similar Sandals

Style Tip: To keep from swimming in fabric when styling maxi dresses, make sure your jacket is really fitted. I pull the sleeves up to show a little skin, as well.

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi

I’m often asked how I transition bags so frequently…and really my only trick is to streamline what you carry in your bag. In addition to my wallet, phone and sunglasses, I keep lipstick, gum, and other small necessities in a small zippered bag…those four things are easily transferred from bag to bag.

Of course on the days when I need a checkbook, laptop, notepad, etc…I carry a larger bag, and about once a week I clean out the gum wrappers, receipts, and toys that inevitably find their way to my bags. Keeping my accessories closet organized has helped, as well, because it allows me to quickly grab the cutest bag for my outfit, along with just the lipstick and sunglasses I want for the day.

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress | Similar Jacket | Handbag (similar) | Similar Necklace | Watch
Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress Handbag (similar) | Hoop Earrings | Sunglasses | Watch | Similar Sandals

I view handbags as another layer of style for an outfit, so I want to make it easy on myself to mix them up.

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi

Next, by changing up the shoes and accessories, and swapping the cross body bag for a clutch, I was ready for a night out.

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress (I also love this full-length version) |  Handbag (now 50% off & only $15!)
Leopard Belt | Earrings in ‘Chalcedony’ | Sunglasses | Watch | Sandals

My easy nighttime formula usually includes heels, a statement jewelry (earrings or necklace), and a clutch. You could add that trio to so many casual looks, and it’s instantly ready for evening. In fact, that theory might just need it’s own future post! #challengeaccepted

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress |  Handbag (now 50% off & only $15!)
Leopard Belt | Earrings in ‘Chalcedony’ | Sunglasses | Watch | Sandals
Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Handbag (now 50% off & only $15!) | Watch 
Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi

You didn’t really think I’d leave it at two ways, did you?!? #overachiever #firstborn I wore the dress again with my stand-by jean jacket and wedges, and this look could go Day or Night!

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress (I also love this full-length version) | Handbag | Jean Jacket
Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses | Watch | Similar Wedges

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi

Maxi Dress Handbag | Jean Jacket | Pendant Necklace | Watch | Similar Wedges
Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress Handbag | Jean Jacket | Sunglasses | Watch

Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Handbag | Jean Jacket
Hi Sugarplum | Day to Night Black Maxi
Maxi Dress (I also love this full-length version) | Handbag | Jean Jacket
Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses | Watch | Similar Wedges

What’s your trick for working your outfit from Day to Night? Do you swap your handbags regularly, or stick with one for an entire season? Oh, and if you were trying to get the Gift with Purchase with a $35 purchase from yesterday’s post, it’s now live!!

See more Day to Night looks here & my full-length maxi dress styled {Five Ways} here.

{Day Handbags Under $100}
(hello Mother’s Day gifts!!)

{Night Handbags Under $100}




*This post was created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothing, ideas, and handbag-hoarding are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*


by Cassie 
8 Comments
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Day to Night, Spring & Summer

 

 

Neutral Styles | Gray & Camel

March 8, 2016

The neutral combination I seemed to reach for most often this season was shades of gray with camel. Maybe it’s because I’m so smitten with my $28 camel peacoat, and want to wear it every chance I can. But there’s also something so warm and rich about the pairing.

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Camel Peacoat | Gray Sweater | White Oxford | Distressed Jeans
Rainboots | Crossbody Bag (back in stock!) | Sunglasses

Because of the light camel, this outfit would work beautifully with taupe or darker brown boots as well, but I opted to play off the gray sweater and pair it with black.

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Style Tip: Layer a collared-shirt or turtleneck under your sweater for an extra kick of style. You know, that whole {Rule of Three} thing we’ve talked about.

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Camel Peacoat | Gray Sweater | White Oxford | Distressed Jeans
Crossbody Bag (smaller version) | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Camel Peacoat | Crossbody Bag (smaller version) | Sunglasses 

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Camel Peacoat | Gray Sweater | White Oxford | Distressed Jeans
Rainboots | Crossbody Bag (smaller version) | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Style Tip: This spray works well for keeping your rubber boots shiny, but word on the street is, so does Goo Gone!

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Rainboots
Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style

Hi Sugarplum | Neutral Winter Outfits Style
Camel Peacoat | Gray Sweater | White Oxford | Distressed Jeans
Rainboots | Crossbody Bag (smaller version) | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings

So what do you think of this combo? You could easily add color and pattern with a plaid shirt or scarf, or even a bright bag. Would you keep it neutral, or add the pop of color?

{See More Neutral Styles in this Series}
Charcoal & White

by Cassie 
11 Comments
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Fall & Winter Style, Five Ways

 

 

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