Fashion Friday | Campbell San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

Swim season is upon us. Finding a comfortable and flattering bathing suit can be difficult, as there are so many different options.

Let’s start with some one pieces. Most moms (I can say this because I am one, and do choose to wear this type) I feel tend to choose a one piece, or tankini option. One piece swim suits are a good choice to for actually swimming, not just sitting by the pool to soak up the rays.

one piece swimwear

 

A halter style is always a good choice to support “the girls”, and some rushing around the midsection can hide any  areas you are uncomfortable with. Why not go with a fun color, pattern or a swim suit with an accent piece like a belt?!
I’m sure we’ve all at some point worn a bikini. There are so many different styles and cuts of bikinis!
bikinis

 

There are retro looks, tankini styles, the middle top is a reversible set from H&M, and then there are the more daring cut as in the bottom picture.
My biggest piece of advice, with any clothing but especially swimwear, make sure it fits. Don’t pay attention to the number or letter on the tag because that isn’t what makes you feel comfortable. Make sure it fits or you’ll be picking bottoms out of your rear or watching for boob spillage all day.
 Devon

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50 and Fabulous! | San Jose Campbell Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

When I created the model call last Feb, I never imagined I would have so many amazing women respond. It was a challenge to narrow them down and I ended up choosing more than I should have. My shame is that I am still editing a couple sessions because I ended up booking so many regular clients on top of those chosen and thus the mc ladies keep getting bumped in the editing line, but we can ring the shame bell later.(My geeky Game of Thrones reference…hahaha).

Today I am super excited to show off Miss V. Her initial contact letter stood out to me and she immediately made the first cut. What I didn’t expect was her reaction to the session and photos. I mean her beauty was obvious to me, but she made me realize how life and circumstances can change us and skew our perception of ourselves. Miss V was gracious enough to write a few words for this blog post and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I say it all the time, a Boudoir Coterie session is NOT just about sexy photos… but I’m going to let her words do the talking and for the record, I cried. Happy tears streaming down my face as I read this, knowing that my job can have such a powerful affect on women.

When Boudoir Coterie published a model call, completely out of character, I leapt at the opportunity. I have done a lot of good things with my life – got two daughters off to college, rebuilt a career after being a stay-at-home mom, became a licensed massage therapist and held a side job as the owner of my own massage studio, and then lost twenty-five percent of my weight as a gift to myself for my fiftieth birthday. Even with that accomplished list, way down deep, I lacked confidence. A burden I carried, that no one could see from the outside. I wrote in the model call letter “I would be so grateful to have a tangible memoir of an occasion that captures the awakening of my love for myself – a concept that I am finally beginning to appreciate. I believe that for the first time in my life, I will see these photos and think to myself ‘I am beautiful and lovable’ and truly believe it.”

Upon leaving Danea’s studio after the photo shoot, I already felt a tremendous surge of empowerment. A little shy at first, because I had never been photographed so intimately, I quickly felt my inner goddess emerge! I spent the rest of that day with a Cheshire cat grin, singing in my head “I know something you don’t know…” and privately glancing at the sneak peek Danea posted online. Who was that powerful, stunning woman in the picture that looked like me? I had spent years focused on the flaws, and had all but entirely dismissed the beauty of “the whole package”. And there it was, staring me in the face with smoldering eyes, a confident smirk, and seductive pose. Female strength, in all her glory.

Days later, another sneak peek was posted and it completely turned me upside down. Something in the candid joy that was captured on camera reminded me of a woman I used to know and admire. Imagine my shock when I finally realized the woman it reminded of was me, from years ago, before life slowly pushed the inner goddess aside. One simple photo erased decades of neglected love and acceptance of myself, letting me reacquaint with the real me. A vivacious, feminine woman, with beauty inside as well as outside.

Choosing the images I wanted to purchase was difficult, only because every single photo presented was a work of talented art. With Danea’s encouragement, more than surface beauty is revealed in intimate portraiture – a woman’s true spirit is awakened. When my package arrived, before I even finished looking at everything in it, I placed two of my favorite prints in a side-by-side frame. The images are similar; one with a demure, downward glance, which is in black and white. The other is the same pose, but with a hearty laugh, looking up.  The second print is in color. For me, having the two displayed together is a reminder that when I laugh, life is lived in color. This experience became so much more than posing for some pretty pictures. It brought the essence of my soul shimmering out to dance with the world, with grace, vitality, and confidence.
 
Thank you, Danea”
Thank YOU, Miss V. It was a pleasure working with you and not one I will soon forget. 🙂
Hair and Makeup by the wonderful Mari Valencia.

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Upon leaving Danea’s studio after the photo shoot, I already felt a tremendous surge of empowerment.

 

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Boudour Coterie Beauty Glamour Lingerie Photography_0151.jpgBest San Jose Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

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San Jose Campbell Bay Area boudoir

How will your portrait session make you feel? Contact us today!

 

Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

 

 

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Fashion Friday | Mountain View Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

It’s dress season ladies! There are so many different styles of dresses out there, today I’m going to show you some handkerchief hem dresses.

I love the hem line of these dresses, and that they can be found in a shorter style, or a longer maxi style. That really fits everyones comfortable length.

This style of dress can be an every day type dress. Something you could wear to work, or out running errands even.

everyday handkerchief dresses

 

These every day dresses would look great with some cute, strappy sandals.
Of course there are options for an event, or date night dress.
dressier handkerchief dress

 

These dress would look great with some heels, and the right accessories.
I love that this style would fit every body type too. You don’t have to be a skinny mini to fit this dress. There are so many different options to fit your style too; long, short, patterned, solid.
What’s your style? Would you like a short dress or long dress? Patterned or solid? Let me know!
 Devon

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Fashion Friday | Campbell Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

When planning your boudoir session, think outside the box a little bit! What can you bring that adds a bit of fun? A kimono is a great addition. Think about it; a beautiful bra and panty set with a beautiful patterned, short, kimono robe to go over, maybe draping off of one shoulder?! I know you can picture it!

Kickin' Kimono

 

There are so many different kimono options out there. From ones that are more plain if that’s your style, to patterned with fringe even. It’s all about finding what your style is, and what you are comfortable with. A kimono can even be paired with a chemise, or a teddy.
Think about how beautiful a white kimono would be with your wedding veil! Maybe paired with a pair of panties that say Bride?
You kimono doesn’t have to be short; if you are more comfortable with a long robe, then by all means choose that! Just nothing fuzzy that you would wear around your house ladies 😉
What would your style be? What would you wear underneath? Whatever it may be, don’t forget your high heels and accessories ladies! Call us today to book your session.
 Devon

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Fashion Friday | Mountain View Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

When you think lingerie, what stores pop into your head first? For many I’m guessing Victoria’s Secret, Frederick’s of Hollywood or trendy boutiques. Would you think of a store like H&M for your lingerie? I went in the other day looking for something for my daughter, and briefly browsed around the store. I was shocked at how many cute things they had for lingerie, and great prices too. I put together a set of some items I found online that I liked.

h&m lingerie

 

The first thing that caught my eye in store was those cut out panties in the mint color. While I would prefer black (which they have) I adore the cut out and the look of the high waist. And they have a matching lace top.
Just like a normal outfit, details can make your break your look. Why should lingerie be any different? The back straps on the bottom left bra are a great addition to what could be an otherwise plain bra. The panties on the bottom right are satin in the front and lace with the cut out in the back; super cute! They even have beautiful bodysuits if you like to wear that.
So, where will you think of to buy your lingerie now ladies? Any stores that you can think of that are outside the typical lingerie store box?

Devon

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Fashion Friday | Sunnyvale Bay Area Boudoir Photographer

This week I thought I’d talk about casual, but classy, outfits. Every woman should have some casual but classy wardrobe pieces that can be paired and mixed and matched. Let’s face it, while it’s fun to get slammed up and look stunning, most of us choose to put on a body smoother or something similar to smoothen out some areas we are less than happy with. And while they give us the desired look, man are they uncomfortable! So why not get some pieces that you will feel stunning in, but won’t have to wear constricting undergarments.

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I love this beautifully detailed tie back sweater with black jeans. I would go with a non-ripped jean to really pull of a classy look, but paired with the right heels and of course stunning accessories, it can really glam these ordinary pieces into a casual but classy choice.
Color choices are important too. When I see someone wearing white pants it makes me think of a classy look for some reason, and I love this beautiful turquoise top and flats paired with the white pants.
Turquoise & White

I adore this final look and would love to have a top like this in my wardrobe! Paired with a light blue sweater (my preference over a jacket) it is stunning! I think another important aspect of this outfit is the shoes. They pair well with the patterned top and give the outfit a little more of a classy look. Heels with the right jeans can really make a statement.

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So ladies, do you have pieces in your wardrobe that can make a look more classy than casual? What are they? What do you pair them with? What’s your favorite outfit you can put together from your closet?

Devon

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Fashion Friday | San Jose Boudoir Photographer

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t wear a beautiful slip dress. I received an email from Polyvore this week talking about the top Stand Out Styles and #1 was a slip dress. Honestly I haven’t given a slip dress much thought, but while looking I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This is such a versatile dress that can be worn for a day function, slammed up for an evening event or even a glamour session with us.

Slip Dress

 

I adore this casual option. The jean jacket paired with some nice flats add just enough of a pop to this beautiful dress. And don’t forget a necklace!
A little more than the last outfit, this one could be worn any time of day. I love the addition of a sweater with the slip dress! I never would have thought of that. And the ankle boots are cute and pair so well with the sweater.
Winter Layers: Slip Dress

 

Lastly I wanted to show you a night wear option. The color of this dress is gorgeous, and paired with a beautiful coat and some strappy heels, it really pushes this dress into a fantastic night option. Of course I would add a necklace and some earrings 😉
Slip dress/BEST SET 22.1.2016/

 

Do you have a slip dress in your closet that you wear? What’s your favorite addition to it?

Devon

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Keep updated on all that is happening with Boudoir Coterie by joining our VIP Mailing list. You’ll also be the first to hear about upcoming events and specials, be privileged to VIP only offers, makeup and fashion tips and much more! P.S. We do not share or sell your info and you can unsubscribe at any time!