We’re taking family photos next week and I’m so excited. We haven’t taken photos of the four of us with a photographer in over a year and it’s crazy how much bigger the kids are now. Wilder looks like a completely different baby. It might be the former stylist in me, but I enjoy picking out our family outfits for the photos. I wanted to share some styling tips if you’re taking family photos soon.

I usually start by going through our closets and pulling possible choices we own in the colors I want us to wear. Since we’re taking them this time of year I’m leaning into fall neutrals – beige, brown, gray, black, cream, etc. I pulled a few dresses from my closet to try on and decided on this black wrap maxi dress from Yumi Kim. It’s at least four years old so I don’t have a link but I found some similar Yumi Kim dresses: here and here, and a couple dress I think are gorgeous and would be so pretty in photos: here and here.

I knew Jeff would have something that would work so I didn’t bother to go through his closet until I had the kids looks nailed down. The kids have grown so much since last year and needed new things. I first went to Zara because I love their baby boy basics but struck out on sizing for Wilder. Note, size down at least two sizes when shopping for babies there. Luckily I found Crosby’s dress there. Next I headed to H&M and found these skinny jeans and cardigan for him. I sized down to 6-9 months in the pants and 9-12 months in the cardi. He’s 18 months old and typically wears a 12 month size elsewhere, just to give you an idea on sizing.

Next I lay out our looks to see if the colors/patterns (if there are any) compliment each other and then I work on Jeff. To be honest, his look is usually more of a filler. I knew he’d either wear a henley or button down and gray pants or jeans. He usually wears a one of these henley’s, J. Crew pants, Levis, or a button down.

To summarize:

Think about what colors you want

Go through closets first and pull and possible options

Shop for other pieces you need

Lay them out together and photograph to make sure they go together and there are no clashing colors or competing patterns

Now that the outfits are set, we tackle the hardest part… actually taking the photos with two toddlers + a husband who will probably want nothing to do with it. It’s really the most wonderful time of the year!

Another post from our backyard… when the weather’s nice we practically live out here. The kids have been loving playing in the inflatable pool and water table. A few weeks ago I realized Wilder didn’t have a swimsuit that fit currently so I went to order some. I had no idea how hard it would be to find cute swimsuits for little boys! I’m able to find Crosby cute swimsuits basically anywhere so this is a new challenge. I’ve done a deep dive on in the internet and finally found some cute options.

outfit details –

on me: saha swimsuit (two years old, this one is similar), similar hat, sunglasses

on Crosby: zara swimsuit

on Wilder: zara swimsuit (sold out, this one is similar)

inflatable pool

Ok let’s talk baby/toddler boy swimwear. The first few places I checked had really ugly options. Lots of baggy trunks that aren’t cute and would most likely weigh anyone down in the water. I had to think a little outside the box. Here are the places I’ve had the best luck:

Zara – there’s a few really cute options here. I ordered Wilder’s in a 6-12 month
(it’s completely sold out now) and when it came I didn’t think it would fit… they are very stretchy. It fits but I went ahead and ordered it in the size up and also grabbed him this pair.

Janie and Jack – some really cute options here. I love this one, this one, this one and this one.

Show Me Your Mumu – this pair is to die for. It even comes in matching prints for mom and baby girls.

Cotton On Kids – I ordered these for Wilder and love them, but I do want to mention they run big. I got Wilder a 6-12 and there’s a little extra room in the waist and they’re a bit baggier than I would have liked. I still think they’re cute and they come in a few other colors/prints too.

Monica and Andy – my friend Kim sent a photo of her son in these trunks and I knew I needed them. They’re sold out in smaller sizes but Wilder will be rocking them next summer.

Minnow – I’ve been a longtime fan of this brand for Crosby and think they suits for little boys are darling.

Hope you have a great day – thank you so much for reading and following!

hair clip, onesie, pants, shoes

my top

One of my most frequently asked questions is where I buy Crosby’s clothes. The answer is everywhere! There are honestly so many cute baby lines. We’re lucky enough to live in an area with lots of baby stores and we seem to see it all. So I wanted to break down some of my favorites.

This Monday came a little too soon for my liking. We had another productive weekend doing things around the house and I’m excited to be that much closer to having everything DONE.

This LBD is a bit different from what I’d normally pull, but I’m loving it’s casual easy-breezy vibe. I’m not gonna lie, a drop-waist kind of intimidated me at first. I’m 5’4″ with a long torso and short legs and I thought it would just draw attention to that. Instead of taking the easy way out and pairing it with high heels, I decided to do the opposite and wear flats. I think it’s safe to say I concurred my drop-waist fear. Bring it on!

A sizing note… I love how Banana Republic gives you “Regular,” “Tall” and “Petite” options. I went with Petite and the length was perfect. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re under 5’5″.

karen walker sunglasses, banana republic dress c/o, banana republic purse c/o, similar shoes

– shop the look –

Hope you have a great Monday – thanks for reading!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Banana Republic. 

Well it was another hot one in Orange County this weekend. But that didn’t stop me from busting out one of my favorite fall trends, the sleeveless trench! I might be rushing it a little… when I came out of my cloffice dress liked this Jeff asked if I was wearing a costume. Probably because it was pushing 100 degrees, but sleeveless is okay right?!

Let’s also talk about another new obsession of mine… Shoes of Prey. When I found out I could create a pair of shoes exactly to my liking, I was over the moon. I got to work and these babies are what I came up with. Tassels, gold, snakeskin and pink might seem like a lot to some but I think they’re just perfect. Can’t wait to see how many outfits I can pair them with!

justfab dress c/o, karen walker sunglasses, zara sleeveless trench (really similar), rebecca minkoff bag (loving this color for fall) , shoes of prey shoes c/o

– shop the look –

Thanks for reading – hope you have a great start to your week!

If loving a poncho/cape is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

I have been on board with this trend all fall and winter long and just love how versatile they are. This color blocked version is my alternative to the Burberry Cape that made the rounds this fall. I wasn’t about to drop that much on something so trendy but still lusted after it. Luckily I found an alternative that won’t break the bank. The best part is you honestly feel like you’re wearing a blanket… and sometimes I wear it over my pj’s at home when I’m cold. Now I just need to get my initial monogramed on it.

karen walker sunglasses // color blocked poncho c/o // madewell top (similar) // j brand jeans // zara heels (similar here and here) // pour la victoire bag

– shop the look –

Hope you have an easy Monday – thanks for reading!