I styled the Spahn family in casual dress, bringing in details that leant charm and whimsy.  The boys wore plaid shirts, vests, suspenders, and ties, and the girls wore dresses with lace, tulle, and ruffled boot socks.  I had Jeff bring his guitar and the Spahns had a little jam session on hay bales covered with burlap and checked cloth, followed by a time of posing and playing.  This gorgeous family farm in Lyons belongs to some dear friends, the Nowlin family.  Huge thanks to them for welcoming us onto their property and even leaving us homemade chocolate chip cookies!

Jeff, Danielle, Levi, Ellie, Ethan, and Jude, you are beautiful – thank you for bringing me in to style you!

Jarrod, it’s always such an inspiration to work with you – thank you for getting such perfect images!

See more of this amazing shoot on COUTURE Colorado Baby here: Family of Six in Style

Love, Jill

I recently got to style the beautiful Rachael Weaver of Denver’s Rachel Grace Photography for a fun and surprising (snow!) session with Meghan Valentine.  Rachael has so much natural beauty and is a no fuss kind of gal, so I loved doing her hair and makeup with a neutral smoky eye and curled soft waves into her hair before putting it up into a top knot.  She looked so gorgeous it took my breath away!    Baby Weaver is due any day now and I can’t wait to find out what they’re having!  My guess is a girl and I hope she’s born on my birthday – February 13th.

For Rachael’s first look, I restyled her baby shower outfit, adding a more ornate belt from her closet and matching boots.  The second look is a wonderful tube dress by Heidi Klum from A Pea in the Pod Maternity.  The wrap is from H&M and earrings from Claire’s.  You can’t see her boots very well, but they are amazing Frye knock offs from Target.  I have the real harness boots from Frye and they look exactly the same for only $59.99!  I brought along a sweet elephant from India to place on Rachael’s bump since the Weavers have decorated their baby’s nursery with items inspired by elephants – the belly photo is going to look so cute in the baby’s room!  The last look is a bright tee from A Pea in the Pod paired with Rachael’s own jeans and a sweater borrowed from my closet from the Missoni for Target collection last Spring.

Here she is… The woman all other pregnant women are jealous of…

And here comes the surprise SNOW.  It was actually so wonderful because Rachael had pictured her maternity shoot surrounded by white and a light snow fall.  This has been one of the driest winters I’ve seen in 35 years so we never thought it could happen.  But it did.

Rachael, you’re going to such an incredible mom.  Good luck and I can’t wait to hear the happy news!

Jill

It’s my birthday next week – the big 35.  When I turned 30, I felt a huge shift happen internally regarding my purpose, my body image, my life in general.  I think that the twenties have so much angst attached to them and all the “who am I?” stuff seems to fall away on that magical 30th birthday.  It’s like we get numerical permission to just BE who we are and stop agonizing over the “becoming”.

I feel like 35 is a little scary as the scale tips toward the next big birthday of 40.  (Holy balls, did I really just type that number???)  I’ve found myself examining the lines in my face with scrutiny and anything but thoughts of love.  Here’s where I admit that I wanted to get botox for my birthday.  I truly wanted it!  I wanted my frown lines to be erased.  I wanted my kids to stop asking me if I’m mad at them when I’m just sitting there calmly sporting my permanent frown.  But sigh… I’ve worked too hard to get healthy on an extreme diet to inject some crazy chemical into my body.  And oh, my husband.  Not a good reaction from the man who loves and adores me with a blind love I’ll never understand.

So I got bangs.  My bangs have gotten an extreme reaction around town.  Everywhere I go, people I didn’t even realize knew me have commented and complimented this new ‘do.  People say I look younger and sexier.  My sweet dad says I look like a super model (he’s hilarious) and the kindergarteners I volunteer for ask, “are you still Zeph’s mom?”.  My manicurist didn’t recognize me the first time she saw me post hair cut – “I say, that’s not Jirr!!!”  It’s a major change!  I hate attention (honestly!  I know several of you don’t believe me and that’s okay, it means I’ve gotten better at putting myself out there) so I’ve been going around quietly saying, “oh.  thank you” while internally blushing and feeling victorious over said frown lines.

The moral of this story.  We all have things we wish we could permanently change about ourselves or wish we could take away completely.  I’m not saying I did the better thing by getting bangs.  It was a risk that turned out well.  It saved me from altering my face.  I’m not making judgments here and I assure you I have no place to (that’s a whole other Oprah). I’m just trying to encourage women to grow gracefully. Notice I did not say “old”.  Perspective on that is key.

We are supposed to age and we are supposed to change.  Anyone who says otherwise is just plain wrong.  I want my face to tell the story of my life.  I laugh a lot, I squint a lot, and when I am actually mad, I want my forehead to SHOW it.  I hope I can stay strong and stay graceful.  I hope you can too.

Now someone stop me from getting a tattoo.

Jill

I’m honestly not one to sit and reflect (any journals I’ve been given are sitting empty on a shelf) and I think resolutions are mostly pointless (although well-meaning).  However, the year 2012 was one in which I was turned upside down and shaken until I learned some valuable lessons that are worth sharing, even if they only impact one more person.

Here are some realizations that I’m taking with me into 2013…

1.  You must admit something is wrong in order to make it right.

2.  You must allow yourself to be sick in order to heal.

3.  Expectations can be dangerous.  Don’t set people up to fail you.

4.  Collaborate with other artists… If they share your work ethic.

5.  Trusting God doesn’t always make you exempt from fear, anxiety or worry, but it does give you victory in the end.

6.  Giving thanks is the best weapon against discontent.  ”In everything, give thanks”.

7.  Pick up the phone – texting can be a horrible waste of time and our voices are too beautiful to not be heard.

8.  Never put anything in an email that you wouldn’t want read by at least 5 randomly chosen people in your life.

9.  Don’t get angry when someone “copies” you – give thanks for your ability to influence and set trends!

10.  Strongly edit other people’s sentences that begin with “you should…”

11.  If you no longer feel passionate about your work, something went missing.  Go find it.

12.  Asking for help is a lot like apologizing, your pride hurts at first, but then the goodness comes.

I’m so thankful for this little business I’ve got and all of my wonderful clients that make my work so rewarding.  That I get to touch peoples lives in such a powerful way is something I’m continually in awe of.  This year I’ve gotten to work with some of the most incredible artists, photographers, models, musicians, and other extraordinary “common people” who have each taught me more about being a good person, artist, and stylist.  I continue to love what I do and give thanks that I get to do it!

Love,

Jill

I recently worked with Shannon Kaple to capture some magical family photos of my ever-growing and changing children.  This time of year, we all think about Christmas cards, some of us with excitement and some of us with dread.  Through my years of styling family photo sessions, I’ve learned a thing or two to improve on the typical family session!  There are the obvious things like having your kids rested and fed and dressing your family in their best clothing, but sometimes you need a little more than that.  Maybe because it’s been a hard year, maybe because it’s been a good year, or maybe because you love your beautiful family and want to make your photo session memorable beyond the photos you’ll get as keepsakes.

My motivation for putting in extra effort this year is that my children are at the age of being too young to do as their told willingly and too old to play peek-a-boo to evoke smiles.  No matter what the reason, your family session doesn’t need to be a nightmare.  Taking the time to think about how to draw your kids into the process is worth all the effort.  Here is the product of my time and effort planning WITH my kids.  Giving them ownership in the event is the way to their hearts.  Every child loves to have a job – marshmallow holder, laugh maker, pose maker, prop master, or in our case, Fairy Catcher.

We regularly spend time in the woods near our home hunting for fairies so I knew it would be the perfect way to get the kids excited about our family photos this year.  The kids and I prepared glass jars with our fairies’ favorite things, brought our best fairy books, and the kids went to work, setting beautiful traps for the winged creatures I’m so happy they believe in.  Especially because they might not believe this time next year.  Thank you to Shannon for capturing all the magic so beautifully, these are my favorite family photos yet!

After our time with the fairies, I had us change into a more colorful and playful wardrobe.  As a stylist I constantly get asked what families should wear for their photos and one of my most frequently asked questions is “no bright colors, right?” followed closely by “no patterns or plaid, right?”… My answer is always “that depends!”  Families can dress in bright colors and patterns if they are careful to keep everyone’s look cohesive.  As you’ll see here, I am wearing plaid pants and a bright orange top, my son is in orange pants and a plaid shirt, husband in denim and plaid, and my daughter wore bold striped leggings and a brightly patterned poncho.  It could have looked CRAZY but the trick is keeping individual looks cohesive.  Matching is never the goal.  I love that everyone’s personality and unique style is still showing through.  I kept the kids involved and let them choose the pumpkin chocolates, pack the marshmallows, and prepare the hot chocolate for our “halfway through reward!”.  We hit the pumpkin patch the day before so they could pick out whatever pumpkin they loved so that they would be happy and proud to show them off!  It all worked like a charm…

And back to the making of Christmas cards, here’s our end result.  Lovely cards ordered from Minted.

Merry Christmas!

Jill

It’s the eve of my husband’s Christmas party, a.k.a. “Holiday Party” to be P.C.  I’ve known what I was going to wear for about….. 3 weeks.  That’s how I roll.  And it’s how you should roll too.  We’ve all had those horrible last minute shopping trips where we’re racing around desperately – it’s no way to go into an event!!!  My man works his a$$ off and he deserves to have me prepared and focused on him and his company’s success on the night of his party.  Not whining that I can’t find anything to wear and griping that nothing fits and being selfish in general.  (Yes, that’s happened.  More than once.)  This black dress is my pick for most versatile, can be worn by anyone, most flattering, most appropriate, most affordable for what you get, most likely to be worn again dress.  From Anthropologie, of course!  And with Pantone’s announcement, how could I not pair it with these gorgeous emerald earrings?

Planning ahead is crucial to having fun at a party.  And my gosh, if you’re like me and you rarely get out and dress up, you deserve to get out and have some FUN.  The key to planning ahead is knowing what to expect.  If you know the hostess of a party, simply ask her what she’s wearing, it’s the easiest way to make sure you’re dressed appropriately.  If an invitation is nondescript, take your cues from the venue and the time of the event.  An evening party will always be dressier than an afternoon one.  A party at a Mexican restaurant will always be much more casual than one at a hotel ballroom.  And remember that it’s ALWAYS better to be OVER dressed than UNDER.  If needed, you can say you have to stop by some fabulous event after the one you’re overdressed at.  :)

My goal in dressing my clients for special events is to make sure they are 1. appropriate, 2. comfortable, and 3. confident.  Allowing yourself time to be thoughtful in your dress choice is just kindness!  Expecting yourself to find something that fits the above criteria in one afternoon of shopping is not realistic, so don’t set yourself up.  Finding a dress that’s perfect in almost every way is why God inspired people to become tailors.  If the dress you love is too tight in one area, buy the next size up and have it taken in.  Do NOT shop for a number or a size, shop for what you love… most things can be made to fit by a tailor that ends up being YOUR size, not a 6,8,10, or 12.  You are not a number and a size 8 will look different on you than your other size 8 friend… and it should.  Because we’re all different!!!  (Okay, I’ll stop lecturing now)

Once you find your piece, make sure you try it on with the proper undergarments.  If you don’t have the proper undergarments, don’t say, “oh, I think I have this one old strapless that might work” and then wait til the night of to try it.  Just don’t!!!  Undergarments are as important as your outfit.  Make sure you have the correct fit of spanx, hosiery, bra, etc.  And remember to try your outfit on with the shoes you plan to wear.  I had to have my strapless black jumpsuit (yeah, you heard me) hemmed up so that I can show off my gold platforms (yeah, you heard me again) and have the right shape to my outfit.  An $18.00 investment.  So worth it!  And remember to be thoughtful about your outerwear.  It’s not okay to wear your fleece or ski jacket over your cocktail dress!  With even Target putting out cute faux fur coats, you can find something, I promise!  Beg, borrow, or buy!

When I’m hired to personal shop, my clients have to fill out a questionnaire for me that asks details like sizes, venue, color preferences, and even metal allergies for jewelry.  The details matter so much!  This is how I decide on where to shop.  Most often, I find special event wear at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack, Anthropologie, White House Black Market, ModCloth, or LOFT.  The best deal on dress shoes is Nordstrom Rack, hands down!  They also carry larger sizes that can be difficult to find elsewhere.  Accessories are what I scrimp on if need be, finding deals on costume jewelry at Francesca’s or even Forever 21.  If something is truly going to be worn once with one special dress, let’s not spend our hard earned cash on it!

Want to avoid “Bitch Stole My Look”?  My favorite trick to make sure my clients are not wearing the same thing as their co-partiers is vintage or separates.  Vintage is a no brainer but requires more time for acquiring and tailoring.  If you’re limited to off the rack, finding an amazing skirt at one store and pairing it with a blouse from another, with jewelry from yet another is a surefire way to set your outfit apart and show that you put effort into your look.

Easy links to fabulous dresses are here:  Anthropologie, Nordstrom, LOFT, ModCloth, Francesca’s, White House Black Market, Spanx, and in case you walk on the wild side like me… Linda the Bra Lady’s got you covered.

Remember, there’s really no excuse to not being prepared, especially because you have me!  :)

Jill

The Restoration Initiative (TRI) is an organization that it has been my joy to know and support.  During their outreaches in India, the founders work with local artisans and buy the unique jewelry and scarves that they sell stateside through “advocates” who host socials, inspiring people to “Buy Socially, Restore Globally”.  The purchase of one of these accessories supports American women who want to have a small local business, and supports countless women and children through TRI’s initiatives across the globe.  On my trip to India last year I was able to visit one of the orphanages that TRI works closely with… Santvana Home,  run by an incredible female doctor who quit practicing medicine to care for the children she takes in that are HIV positive.  Here are a few of the little guys I was honored and humbled to meet.

At Santvana Home, the doctor loves them and gives them everything she can, these kids whose parents have lost their fight with AIDS and who know that they carry the same disease.  The love and care there, across the world, is powered here, by us who have so much.  TRI is doing something beautifully powerful, so when they asked me to help style their new Look Book, I couldn’t have said “YES” faster or louder…  MUA, hair, styling and wardrobe by yours truly.  Photography by Audrey Hannah.  Jewelry crafted in India, sold by advocates, or by website – TRI Socials

Please check out TRI’s holiday collection to see many more pieces and shop for a cause this year… free shipping on all orders until December 10th!

What’s in my jewelry box?

In this unique shop (online too!) you will find one of a kind necklaces crafted with vintage chains, stones, and brooches.  The beautiful line of vintage charms called “Charmed” offers sweet pieces in delicate necklace form as well as lovely earrings.  The “Luck” bracelets that nearly sold out on Fab.com have their own special shelf.  A line dedicated to the mystery of astrology has every sign covered with bracelets, rings, cuffs and necklaces.  An earthier line offers gorgeous copper cuffs with vintage stones and necklaces of sliced agate.  Add to all this the best vintage cowgirl boot collection I’ve ever seen (along with vintage belts and buckles) and cases full of antique jewelry, lockets and rings that are too beautiful to change up with a modern look and you will find Frisk, my new favorite.  While I love all the delicate pieces at Frisk and have bought several, I have a passion for the bolder side of Frisk and wanted to showcase those pieces here.

Something I frequently say as a stylist is, “Oooh, you need a statement piece to go with that outfit!”.  And my clients often look a little scared.  A “statement piece” is an accessory that clearly communicates your style.  It elevates any look by adding beauty and boldness.  A large pearl choker makes the statement that you are a classic woman who is not afraid to be sexy.  A studded cuff says that you have an edge to your personality and may have ridden a motorcycle or two in your time.  A brightly beaded necklace says that you are spirited, fun, and not afraid of color.  You get the idea… Women should not shy away from statement jewelry!  The trick to wearing it is keeping your outfit simple and chic.  This photo shoot was dedicated to showing how to wear bold jewelry while remaining classy and cool.  Remember, you want to be noticed.  :)

I’m honored to share the styling of these Frisk pieces with you.  Photos by Drew, one half of the incredibly talented and awesome photography crew of The Willinghams.  (Thanks Drew!!!)

If you’re a local, please join me on Saturday, December 1st for Common Couture’s 2nd Anniversary party, hosted by Frisk.

From 4-6pm I’ll be celebrating and toasting to my amazing clients and friends!

The challenge:  Wear a skirt or a dress for two weeks straight.  Document your progress on instagram and hashtag your photos with #twoweeksofdresses – Such a fun idea, such a great challenge, so good for me for me to do!!!  I learned that I have a LOT of skirts.  And I rarely wear them.  I have a lot of dresses.  And I rarely wear them.  The silliest thing?  I love wearing feminine, beautiful skirts and dresses!  I think that my number one reason for not wearing them is… Motherhood.  Beginning with babies, it’s near impossible to breastfeed in a dress.  There went 3 years of my dress wearing potential.  Toddlers – so hard to wear a skirt when you’re chasing and picking up and changing diapers on the floor!  But not impossible.  And, my children are now 5 and 7 – it’s time to wear skirts and dresses again.  (And realize how many no longer fit!)  ;)  Through purging and wearing, I feel like my closet became more refined.  It’s like catching up with old friends – sometimes you’re like, “why don’t I hang out with you more?!?!” and sometimes you’re like, “wow, now I remember why we don’t hang out!”.  Ha ha, but seriously.  It’s time to get to know your clothes again…

If you’re like me, you tend to collect a certain item that you love, but don’t necessarily wear a lot.  Maybe it’s high heels… You love them, but wow, they’re so dressy and sassy and stuff, so you just don’t wear them.  Maybe it’s belts, boots, scarves, or lovely blouses.  Whatever it is, it’s time to WEAR your pieces!  I’m challenging my lovely readers to make better use of their clothes.  Time and again, I visit women’s closets and ask, “why aren’t you wearing this, it’s amazing?!” to which they reply, “I know, I love it, but I just don’t know how or where to wear it!”…  To this I say, PLAY in your closet – put that piece on and keep trying others with it until you find the right pairing.   And remember, this is for fun, not for misery.  You don’t need a “reason” to wear your great pieces, you ARE the reason.  :)

Consider yourself challenged.  Please visit your closet, pick a category of loved but underworn pieces, and commit to wearing them for two weeks.  If you’re on instagram, hashtag your photos with #twoweeksof____ – Good luck, I’ll be watching, following, and commenting!  :)  And kudos to my beautiful friends Carol and Keely who already took the challenge… You can see their lovely photos along with other women who are having so much fun with this when you search #twoweeksofdresses on Instagram.

Love, Jill

It was such a privilege to style a photo shoot for Tyler & Julia Waneka before they made their monumental move from their native Colorado to San Francisco, California.  This couple was moving away from a huge community of beloved friends and family and this session was devoted to their growth as a couple and to commemorating their time here.  I brought balloons to the shoot for them to write important words of love and memory, then we did a beautiful release.  I also asked Julia to bring black and white prints of special photos so that we could arrange them in a cool way and capture the beauty of their community.  I hope you enjoy these amazing moments as much I did in the creation of them…

Good luck and blessings to Tyler & Julia – San Francisco is so absolutely lucky to have you!

Photography:  Shannon Kaple Photography

Styling, Hair, Makeup, Props:  Jill Carter