Engagement Photo Session

When you're in love, you want to share it with the world! That's why many couples like to announce their pending nuptials through an engagement photo shoot!  We browsed theknot.com for some unique photo shoot inspirations, and here are our favorite picks:

We love this cute beach motif captured by Leigh Miller Photography. The grainy pictures and vintage styling give this a wonderful retro feel that really reflects the couple's personal style.  Plus the matching outfits are too cute!

These photos by Caroline Tran are sweet and whimsical, with a great use of color.  We love that the couple is dressed simply in white, causing the vibrant red balloons to really pop! 

Engagement photos can be used to tell a story, like recreate how the happy couple first met and fell in love! We love this approach, as photographed by Jesse Leak Photography, because it recreates a real life fairytale, complete with eating pizza and walking into the sunset. 

Don't be afraid to play dress up! This photo shoot by Punam Bean Photography creates an eclectic look, pairing vintage fashion with the gorgeous Redwood Forest. We love the couple's unique style and their fun poses, plus they look so happy together!

Strike a pose, dolls!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Pretty in Polka Dots

When you think polka dots, you imagine Minnie Mouse, Betty Boop, Lucille Ball, and Gwen Stefani (in the "Don't Speak" video).  These ladies all have iconic style that is classy and fresh at the same time, and definitely makes them stand out from the crowd.  Now, the last time we put on a polka dot dress was in grade school, but we're ready for some excitement.  Here are some modern takes of the classic polka dot print:

This dress by Ralph Lauren is the epitome of the modern polka dot dress. The square neck and the flared skirt provide for a simple but well-proportioned fit, and is perfect for a night out on the town. Remember to accessorize with some red pumps, bold lipstick, and tons of attitude!

For a fun-filled day on the boardwalk, try out this multi-colored polka dot dress from Anthropologie. We love the A-line cut and the double spaghetti straps, and think it's a fun, flirty look for the summer. 

Solid skirts and tops can get a bit monotonous, so jazz up your office style with this polka dot sheath dress from Kohl's! The large black polka dots against the white dress give it a crisp and vibrant look, and we love the yellow belt, which adds a discrete pop of color to your ensemble! Throw on some pumps, grab your portfolio, and you're good to go!

Red and white polka dots aren't only for Mickey's number one squeeze.  This cute and flirty sundress available at Mod Cloth is great for a summer barbecue, and the lightweight cotton will keep you fresh and cool all day long.

For a sexier look, try this mesh overlay dress by Top Shop. The sheer lining gives this an edgy look, but the side pocket balances it out for a sexy but sweet outfit.

If you want to steer away from the classic black-and-white, try this sunshine yellow halter dress by Adrianna Papell. The lightweight fabrics makes this a great look for summer bridal showers and will compliment your golden summer tan!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Fabfrocks reviews: J by Jasper Conran Swimsuit

I always struggle to find swimwear to fit, but I love to swim both in my local pool and especially when i'm away on holiday. So as you can imagine, I was delighted when Debenhams asked me if i'd like to review one of their Designers at Debenhams pieces. There was so much to choose from, but sadly their two pieces in the ranges don't include my cup size, so I opted for a simple black one piece from J by Jasper Conran instead.

I loved the simple black colour (I mostly opt for black swimwear, working under the illusion that it's slimming) but with the added details of the one shoulder and the bow. The fit is really good and the tummy control works, but doesn't feel uncomfortable. I liked the bow in the flesh, though it looked a little small against my chest.

My one issue with the suit was that I just couldn't keep it up! I was hoping the suit would come with a small detachable strap so that I wouldn't be worrying about it all the time (especially when i'm swimming) but it didn't and I really struggled to stop the top sliding down on one side: even a particularly bouncy walk could lead to boobie exposure! The fit on the hips and bum was really good though, and I think that the top would have been fine on boobs that needed less support: this was probably more an error with my choosing process than anything else!

This certainly isn't a swimsuit i'll ever be able to swim in, but for posing around the pool on days when i'm feeling too self conscious for my usual two piece, it will be perfect.

Love, Tor x

PS - You can read a nice little interview with me, in which I don't make myself look too stupid, over on the Qype website, as part of their series of blogger interviews.