Fashion Friday Inspired by Absinthe | San Jose Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyLast week I took my first trip to Las Vegas, and though I missed out on last week’s Fashion Friday post, I couldn’t wait to get back for this one.

Since my partying days (which were relatively tame to begin with) are behind me, I’m not crazy about heat (it was 109 F!!) and I’m not much of a gambler, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Las Vegas. Everyone says you have to go at least once, so I jumped at the chance to go for a short girl’s getaway.

Having lived in both downtown Boston and Manhattan, sometimes I miss the hustle and bustle of city life, and Las Vegas was just what I needed to make me appreciate California again, but still have a fabulous time.

It’s funny how things like long lines for everything (an hour to check in at hotel!!) and drinks at Starbucks costing at least $1.50 more each, are quickly erased from one’s memory. Aside from all of that, Las Vegas is a fabulous city.

Everyone raves about the Vegas shows, and those truly were the best part. We had only booked tickets for Michael Jackson ONE, and it was so amazing, we decided we should try to hit up another show the next night.

After asking several taxi drivers and waitresses, we settled on Absinthe, and I’m so glad we did! Everyone we talked to said Absinthe is impossible to describe, but totally worth seeing, and I’d have to say they’re right. The website calls it an “acro-cabaret variety show” and I’d describe at as an “adult circus/comedy/burlesque show.” (Here’s the trailer if you’re curious.)

It’s taking me quite some time to get to the point of this, but what I’m getting at is that the costumes were fabulous and immediately made me think of how awesome they’d be for a boudoir session.

While I’m personally not crazy about nipple tassels (which there were a lot of), I really loved many of the other pieces. Some of my favorites were the thongs with intricate rear details, and the super-sexy corsets.

You really need to see the show for yourself, but I scoured the internet for some burlesque-esque outfits that I think would be awesome to rock for a photo session. Starting with the least expensive, here are some of my favorites:

Frederick’s of Hollywood – Caged Lace Open Panel Panty

Curvy Girl Lingerie – Breathtaking Satin and Rhinestone Corset

Dita Von Teese – Countess

Agent Provocateur – Sandra Suspender

Feeling inspired by these extra sexy pieces? Give us a call or shoot us an email to set up a session today!

Nicole

 

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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!

 

Fashion Friday Vegas Style | San Jose Boudoir Photoraphy

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyAs some of you may know, I recently moved from Northern California to Southern California, and if this summer wasn’t busy enough already, I’m heading to Las Vegas next week for a girl’s trip.

While it might not exactly be the best timing, I’m super excited because I’ll be able to catch up with some of my Northern CA girlfriends, AND, believe it or not, it’s my first time in Vegas!

While I obviously cannot claim to be an expert on this one, I thought it’d be fun to share a few of the things I’m packing since Vegas seems like an awesome excuse to play dress up.

After professing my love for Rent the Runway a few months back I received a few gift cards, so this seemed like a perfect time to cash in on those. I’ll also be packing some of my new summer staples. Check it out!

vegas style

(Top-Bottom/Left-Right)

1. Slate & Willow Erica Dress, Rent the Runway – This dress is fairly simple, but I don’t own any red dresses, so that makes it special for me. I ordered it a few days early too so I can wear it for date night with my husband this weekend.

2. Badgely Mischka Fifth Ave. Showstopper Dress, Rent the Runway – It may be horribly cliche, but I just couldn’t go to Vegas for the first time without a sparkly dress. I really love the rose gold color of this one, which I think makes it a bit more unique and summery.

3. Nicole Miller Southern Plantation Earrings, Rent the Runway – Aside from the jewelry I wear every day, I haven’t unpacked a whole lot, which I decided was good excuse to rent a few pieces.

4. Factory Denim Roll Up Short, J.Crew Factory – The temperatures in Las Vegas are 100+ this time of year, so I’ll be slipping these on and heading to the pool.

5. Factory Bouquet Necklace, J.Crew Factory – I picked this up on sale while ordering a second pair of the Factory Denim Roll Up Shorts. See #3.

6. Jules Smith Viva Glam Necklace, Rent the Runway – See #3.

7. Vanessa Virginia Capuchina Dress, Anthropologie – This dress has become another summer staple for me since it’s super comfortable and can easily be dressed up or down.

8. Havianas Slim Legend – I’m not sure what party shoes I’ll be bringing yet, but you better believe I’ll be giving my feet a break at pool time (and every chance I get). I don’t have this exact pair of Havianas, but have similar ones I picked up at TJ Maxx a few summers ago. These are super cute and I love the bit of bling, but would definitely not pay $40 for rubber flip flops.

For the Vegas Veterans out there, what are your Vegas must-haves? Sunscreen and a bathing suit are also pretty high up on my list since I anticipate more time relaxing at the pool than hitting the casinos.

 

Fashion Friday Ohhh Lulu | San Jose Boudoir Photography

Boudoir Coterie Portrait photographyHappy Friday! I hope everyone (who celebrates) had a fabulous 4th of July!

I was tempted to do a 4th of July post last week, but red, white and blue lingerie seemed lame. I Googled “fireworks” and “lingerie” together, but the only thing that came up was Katy Perry performing her song “Firework” at a Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Not exactly what I was going for. (Don’t ask what I thought I was going to find. I had no idea).

Anyway, I’ve been busy with moving for the last few weeks, and then once I got settled, I got sick. Needless to say, I needed a little help with inspiration for this week’s Fashion Friday, so I took to Pinterest for ideas and it did not disappoint. I was just a few scrolls in when I found a really neat handmade lingerie shop on Etsy called Ohhh Lulu.

I have to say, I’m really impressed by anything handmade. The best thing I know how to make is a good salad, so I have a lot of respect for people who make things that are good enough to sell and have people actually buy.

Besides lots of really cute lingerie, which I’ll get to shortly, there are a ton of neat things about Ohhh Lulu. The company started as a hobby for Sarah Elaine when she graduated from fashion school, and it’s since turned into a full time business. In addition to selling her cute lingerie items, she also sells a few sewing patterns in a separate Etsy shop – Ohhh Lulu Sews! Aside from her Etsy store, she has an awesome website and fun a blog where she shares stories about her life, inspiration, etc. What I also think makes Ohh Lulu neat is how she photographs her lingerie. I’ve seen some pretty nice lingerie photographed on creepy mannequins on Etsy, so I really appreciate Ohh Lulu’s unique approach.

Alright, now I’ll quit rambling and get to the fun stuff. It was hard to pick just a few pieces to feature from Ohhh Lulu, but here are a few of my favorites from her shop:

I told ya her stuff is cute! I now officially want all of it. I also really want to go on a picnic and eat cupcakes while wearing cute lingerie.

Anyway, I love the props Sarah uses in her photos and I think they lend themselves to awesome boudoir session inspiration too. I could totally see a boudoir session in that adorable strawberry bra and panty set with cupcake props (I think this could be interpreted in more way than one…). How yummy!

Does Ohhh Lulu’s lingerie leave you feeling inspired for a boudoir session? Give us a call or shoot us an email today!

Nicole

Tushy Tuesday & Special Announcement | Campbell Boudoir Photographer

Welcome to another wonderful Tushy Tuesday– and with a twist.

A twist, you ask? Well sort of, you see yesterday I did something that I haven’t done in a very long time… I photographed a client in her home and it was so much fun!! It also resulted in another very favorite image that is perfect for our Tushy Tuesday feature AND it actually shows a little face. Soft, feminine and sexy, all wrapped up in one.

What do you think? 😉

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Looky, looky, it’s here again!! We are bringing it back again for a limited time only…

 

White Sheet Summer Special!

White Sheet sessions are a wonderful way to have the beautiful and pampering experience without the hassle of deciding what to wear! I find that all women who choose to do a sheet set end up looking the most beautiful and relaxed during this session and so I decided to offer them as a stand alone special. you can see more sample images HERE.

Availability is first come first serve and spots are limited so book early before time runs out!!

We had some fantastic sessions last year! The women all looked amazing and had a fabulous time… of course. 😉

 

Sexy Portraits San Jose Bay Area

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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!

 

 

 

Fashion Friday- Maddox Kai Salon Spotlight | Los Gatos Boudoir Photography

I know this is not the typical fashion Friday. Nicole is in the middle of a move to southern California and I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you all about Elizabeth and her gorgeous Los Gatos Salon– Maddox Kai. Besides, hair IS fashion and every time I see her she’s sporting a fun new style.

Maddox Kai Salon Los Gatos

Last year, I not only had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth on a few shoots(she did hair and makeup) but I also had the pleasure of photographing her! Elizabeth is the owner of the Maddox Kai Salon in downtown Los Gatos. They offer not only fabulous cuts, but color, up dos and Brazilian Blowouts! So definitely check them out and be sure to LIKE them on Facebook too!

Now on with some great shots of Miss E looking smokin’ hot! She’s sweet, fun and she had a very playful and flirty side during her mini shoot! I LOVE the glasses and blazer mixed with lace top stockings and feminine bustier! 🙂

And then of course, we went a little softer…

… and then softer still with some beautiful sheet shots. I love the cream flower and the pop of her red lips, so vintage Hollywood. 🙂

Thank you so much Elizabeth! You were a blast to work with and so beautiful inside and out! So again, go check out the Maddox Kai Salon on Santa Cruz Ave in Downtown Los Gatos!

Sexy Portraits San Jose Bay AreaSexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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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!

 

Trying New Things | San Jose & San Francisco Bay Area Boudoir

I finally got to play!

I will admit that at any given time I have 10-20 creative ideas running around my head in hopes to try, experiment and play. Unfortunately not only does running my own business keep me occupied but so do my two young boys and then on top of that– I live with a chronic illness that seems to suck any remaining energy dry. It can be very frustrating so sometime when an opportunity arises, and in this case, a free day to shoot, I grabbed it!

As some of you may know, I did not do a 2014 Coterie Girl search.. mostly because finding the time to work with my 2013 spokes model was challenging and I knew I wanted to get her in the studio a couple more times this year. Last week we did just that and I finally got to play with my Vintage 8MM Video app. The always lovely Kristina, was a great sport and I am so excited with the results! This video and these images were shot in about 15 minutes, no joke(I’m adding that tidbit of info in for those of you who think that a 20 minute Petite session might not be enough time for beautiful images… it IS!).

So without further adieu, here is my very first little promo video… a Coterie “commercial” if you will. Hehehe…

 
Sexy Portraits San Jose Bay Area
 

Now here are some of those images and bonus shots from that very quick set. You look gorgeous, Kristina!! 
Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area

Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area 
Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area
Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area
Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area
 

Classy sexy intimate photos San Jose Bay Area
I LOVE that last shot… it was a quick experiment with a Kleenex and hair tie around my lens. That’s what made that soft edge. 😉
Now for your help…
Please tell me what is stopping you from booking your very own Coterie experience? I want to hear what’s holding you back and over the next few weeks I am going to brave being on video myself to address and questions or fears you might have, so PLEASE leave us some comments!
P.S. Have you seen our limited Yelp Deal? 😉
Sexy Photos San Jose Boudoir Photographer

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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!

Tushy Tuesday and uh… Yelp Deal?! | San Jose Boudoir Photographer

It’s the first week of summer vacation… and I have a cold. How the heck did THAT happen?? Regardless, no rest for the weary as there is always a business to do list and I have some fun things on that list!!

But for now… it’s TUSHY TUESDAY! It’s also wedding season so what better time to show a bridal tush? 😉

So for all those brides out there, may your wedding day be fabulous!

Bridal Boudoir San Jose Bay Area

Sexy Portraits San Jose Bay Area

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Speaking of Brides to be… and anyone else for that matter, I am running my very first Yelp deal! As you may already know, I have never run a discounted deal before and only occasionally offer special priced sessions. This is a very limited deal, only TEN available so grab it while you can!

**Side note: This voucher may only be used on any full a la carte session or all inclusive package. It may NOT be used on specially priced sessions or Petite Mini Sessions.

You can check it out HERE or simply click the image below!

Boudoir Money saving deal San Jose Bay Area

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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!