STYLE – Page 3

SPOTLIGHT: GUNNER & LUX

May 19, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

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Let me introduce you to LITTLE LUX, if you haven’t already heard of them. Dad [John] and daughter [Riley] are a precious duo who design and hand-create the cutest kids jewelry.

John began collecting vintage jewelry for Riley when she was born. He knew there would come a time when she would want to play “dress up.” Since neither of her dads wear jewelry, they began collecting a treasure chest full of amazing jewels. As Riley grew and developed her own fashion sense, she began picking out the jewels she wanted to keep.

John decided to craft his first one-of-a-kind adult necklace in early 2013. Riley watched, and soon was helping John create the first Gunner & Lux necklace. His first necklace was a success and began selling on-line and in local boutiques. Riley soon began helping dad craft necklaces. Dad thought it was great for fine motor development too – learning how to tie knots, use pliers and tweezers [as a preschool teacher, I, too, second this!].

Riley later developed her own line of necklaces for little fashionistas called LITTLE LUX. Not to mention, Riley is only seven, y’all. Riley and John, we love you!

PS: Their packaging is AMAZING. Talk about Happy Mail! With your order, Riley and John send a hand-written note, stickers, and other fun swag. To order, visit www.gunnerandlux.com. You can follow Riley and John’s adventures on Instagram @GUNNERANDLUX.

Outfit Details: LITTLE LUX necklaces // Cat & Jack for Target white tank (only $6) // Cat and Jack for Target pink eyelet shorts // Egg by Susan Lazar light wash denim pom short

GIRLS' STYLE

SPOTLIGHT: STELLA COVE SWIMWEAR

May 7, 2017May 11, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

To me, there’s nothing cuter than little girls in swimsuits. If you haven’t noticed from previous posts, I have a thing with little girls’ swimwear. As in, I can never have enough. And I always have to have more. Justifiably, we spend a lot of time in the pool, so my girls definitely get their use out of their swimsuits. Continue reading “SPOTLIGHT: STELLA COVE SWIMWEAR” →

GIRLS' STYLE, LIFESTYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

STYLING A STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT

April 30, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

I recently posted about beach lifestyle photoshoots and what to wear; however, studio shoots are a bit different in my opinion. Below are a few things I like to remember when styling my family for studio photoshoots.

Coordinating pieces but not matching. Stick with a common color. Or possibly let one piece be the inspiration for the shoot, and coordinate the other pieces to it. While I usually stray from all white or all black for a lifestyle shoot, I think this is a rule that can slide when in a studio setting. In our last two studio shoots, I’ve chosen an all-white palette and a black-and-white palette. In my opinion, black or white pieces, with beautiful textures and details, offer high contrast that really pops in black and white photography. You want your family to shine, and your clothing to compliment the overall look.
Classic pieces. When choosing outfits, choose classic pieces that withstand the test of time. Pieces that you will look back on in twenty years and not regret.
Dress comfortably … especially if young children are involved! This is important regardless the location of your shoot. Remember you will be sitting, standing, running, dancing, etc. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your straps or tugging on your too-short dress.
Have fun and be you! If you do, I promise you will end up with some beautiful photographs.

Continue reading “STYLING A STUDIO PHOTOSHOOT” →

GIRLS' STYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

GINGHAM STYLE

April 26, 2017May 9, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO1 Comment

Have you noticed that gingham is everywhere lately? I’ve always been a fan of the print, both in it’s original, smaller scale and in its exaggerated, buffalo check. It resonates well with my personal style: both timeless and understated in design, yet current with updated silhouettes. I find it’s a pattern than nearly goes with anything and can be easily accessorized and layered.

I’ve been drawn to the print for swimwear specifically this season (as you may have noticed from photos of my recent trip to Rosemary Beach, Florida). I love the color choices out there, too! Below is a roundup of pieces that have caught my eye perfect for mama and me styling.

Shopping Details: Girls’ Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit in mixed neon gingham // Hula Star Girls’ Summer Skies Gingham One-Piece Swimsuit // Carter’s Gingham Swimsuit [under $20!] // Girls’ one-piece swimsuit in oversized rainbow gingham // Gingham off-the-shoulder swim top // Gingham bikini boy short // Vera Moda Gingham Bandeau Bikini with Scallop Trim // Gingham tunic

Did you see my post a few days ago in that precious off-the-shoulder gingham swimsuit?

Outfit Details: j.crew gingham off-the-shoulder bikini // quay sunglasses // mara hoffman girls bikini // zeroUV sunglasses // tassel earring

Or the same post of the girls in their classic black and white gingham bikinis and my favorite gingham one-piece?

Outfit Details: mara hoffman tie front one piece // oversized round sunglasses // tassel earrings // la coqueta gingham bikini // j.crew factory girls’ round sunglasses // j.crew factory girls’ colorblock sunglasses

GIRLS' STYLE

SISTER, SISTER

April 21, 2017May 9, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO2 Comments

Meet Eloise (7) and Charlotte Cate (4)! They are the inspiration behind Mama etc. Anyone who knows me, knows my intense love of children’s clothing and my desire to go above and beyond to match or coordinate my girls. I spend countless hours “designing” and planning outfits at trunk shows such as Red Beans or Alice Kathleen. I scour Gilt.com daily looking for the perfect complimentary styles. I even love searching the racks at Target and Old Navy to find easy pieces to layer with the right accessories.

Last week’s vacation to Rosemary Beach, FL was no exception. Each day the girls were perfectly coordinated on the beach for three fun days in the sun!

“Dress them up, let them play & take a ton of pictures.” – unknown

Outfit Details: zeroUV sunglasses // lolli swim sweetheart bow back one piece swimsuit // stella cove yellow swimsuit // sunnylife kiddy flamingo float

GIRLS' STYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

MAMA AND ME

April 21, 2017May 9, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO1 Comment

While vacationing on 30A’s Rosemary Beach, FL, I, too, coordinated with my girls on the beach! While they wore matching suits, I took colors and patterns from their suits as inspiration when finding the perfect “mama” suit to coordinate. Mara Hoffman’s prints are always the best in my opinion and finding gingham, one of this season’s hottest trends, to coordinate made perfect sense. I love the mix of modern and traditional details that make matching feel more 2017 and less Laura Ashley.

Outfit Details: j.crew gingham off-the-shoulder bikini // quay sunglasses // mara hoffman girls bikini // zeroUV sunglasses // tassel earring

Outfit Details: past season Mara Hoffman coverup // past season Mara Hoffman girls one piece // ombre tassel earrings // rimless sunglasses // le papier studio silhouette charm necklace

GIRLS' STYLE

SPOTLIGHT: TWO SISTERS BOWS

April 21, 2017May 9, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIOLeave a Comment

As a Baton Rouge, Louisiana mom of two girls, I’m a huge fan of Two Sisters Bows. Two Sisters Bows specializes in hand made hair bows for girls of all ages. Their self-proclaimed “perky” hair bows set them apart from manufactured styles.

Owner, Sherri Acosta, founded Two Sisters Bows in 2003. She created an “open loop” hair bow that actually perches on the head instead of lying flat and withstands the accidental ‘stuffing into a dresser drawer.’ Growing more and more popular in local circles, she began to take orders for her bows instead of friends buying the bows off of her daughters’ heads at preschool! Soon she was selling bows wholesale to local children’s boutiques and specialty shops and eventually her own children’s boutique in Baton Rouge, LA. Now, Two Sisters Bows is marketed through sales representatives in the Dallas Market Center, the Atlanta ApparelMart, online and through over 100 specialty shops throughout the country.

Two Sisters Bows believes in using top quality ribbon that is Made in the USA. They also believe it’s essential for their customers to have the choices they want along with the quality they expect. Each of their bows are individually hand made, painted, stoned with crystals and/or embroidered to order.

Two Sisters Bows are a staple in our home. Our favorite bows are the hand painted bows. We have bows for every holiday and occasion. We had a custom bow painted for our trip to New York. We also love the crystal bows. The girls each wore custom crystal bows with their Halloween costumes this year.

1.Rainbow Unicorn bow // 2. Orange Crystals Bow 3. Soda Shop Sweets Bow // 4. Hot Pink Bow

Outfit Details: Two Sisters Bows // Cat and Jack for Target pink eyelet dress // Mes Demoiselles tunic // Ombre pink tassel earrings

GIRLS' STYLE, LIFESTYLE, MAMA'S STYLE

STYLING A FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT

April 21, 2017May 17, 2017by KRISTEN CASCIO1 Comment

Each year during family beach trips, we always make an effort to take our “family beach pictures.” It’s definitely not something my husband, Mark, looks forward to, and it’s something I most definitely overthink. I usually have a vision weeks (okay, maybe months) before our trip, having every last detail planned, but this year things were different. I figured, I’d just “wing” it. I packed everyone’s bags without coordinating “picture” outfits. I figured I wouldn’t stress about it, and if we got pictures, great. If not, that was great too.

While shopping at Outpost, one of my most favorite shopping spots ever on 30A (or maybe in the world), I found the most perfect coordinating outfits for a photoshoot … should one transpire!

Outfit Details: Elina Lebessi blue and white kaftan // tassel earrings // Nellystella Zoe dress // lil’ lemons by For Love & Lemons Little Daisy Bow Dress

What to wear for family photos?

Coordinating pieces but not matching. Stick with a common color. Or possibly let one piece be the inspiration for the shoot, and coordinate the other pieces to it. Most importantly, outfits should help express and showcase individual personalities.
Stray away from all-white or all-black. We all have been there and done that. Try something more interesting. Add patterns, textures, or subtle color! And if you must do all-white or all-black (because, I know it’s hard not to), try incorporating various textures to give your photos more depth.
Dress comfortably … especially if young children are involved! Remember you will be sitting, standing, running, dancing, etc. You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your straps or tugging on your too-short dress.
Have fun and be you! Rules are made to be broken, so be you and have fun!

Below are a few photos from another beach trip. Notice how my kaftan was the inspirational piece. The girls’ swimsuits coordinated, and they were comfortable. This shoot took place around 7AM, and the girls had the best time with the beach to themselves!