NYC & NJ WARDROBE WED. | WHAT TO WEAR -BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT

WHAT'S THE LATEST TREND FOR LINGERIE STYLES? THIS NYC & NJ BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER WILL TELL YOU ON WARDROBE WEDNESDAY...

 

GLORIOUS FLORALS 

Flower Bomb by aibp featuring a fake flower arrangement

GLORIOUS FLORALS 

When a client comes to me and asks what to wear for a boudoir session, I often turn to the runway for inspiration. Seeing the latest trends from Fashion Week, you can get a feel for what will make an impactful session. The goal is not to be trendy in lingerie choices, but rather make sure that the client has a high-end, fashion-inspired look.

That is the difference between my boudoir style and many more "mainstream" choices of boudoir photographers in New Jersey and NYC  is that I want a couture look for my clients. It should feel like a high-end designer's boudoir photo shoot, even if their attire isn't actually a designer!

The key is to keep a finger on the pulse of the fashion and lingerie industry, and help clients achieve couture-looks, that are classic boudoir yet never feel out of date.

One of the freshest mainstays of the fashion world has been the floral fabrics the past few seasons. It emerged in 2013, and again just this year with some of the lingerie designers. 

Flower Bomb by aibp featuring a fake flower arrangement

Jenny Packham short silk robe
$630 - harrods.com

Ted Baker plunge swimsuit
$48 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Top Secret Society stretch lace bra
theoutnet.com

Hanky panky panty
bloomingdales.com

Wolford hosiery
pret-a-beaute.com

GUESS black heel boots
guess.com

Jeffrey Campbell pointy toe shoes
lorisshoes.com

River Island black heel pumps
$42 - riverisland.com

Forever 21 cut out jewelry
forever21.com

Mimco laser cut jewelry
$180 - mimco.com.au

Kate Spade pearl jewellery
katespade.com

Brooks Brothers white jewelry
brooksbrothers.com

Red flower hair accessory
hottopic.com

Mimco flower hair accessory
$8.67 - mimco.com.au

Yves Saint Laurent moisturizing lipstick
$36 - harrods.com

Chanel eau de perfume
nordstrom.com

Hervé Gambs fake flower arrangement
amara.com

Pool Blue Paper Hand Fan
lunabazaar.com

What's really cool, is that at the Life As Fine Art Studio (Red Bank, NJ boudoir), you can even carry that theme over to your custom album design!

NYC AND NJ BOUDOIR | BRIDAL BOUDOIR PHOTO WARDROBE - WHAT TO WEAR?

WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR BRIDAL BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT- PART 1

It's Wednesday which means WARDROBE WEDNESDAY! 

It's also wedding season. And quite frankly, we could not be happier. Bridal Boudoir is among some of our favorite sessions to shoot. 

Sure, it gets a bit chaotic when brides are down to the wire, here at my Red Bank, New Jersey boudoir studio. Quite honestly though, it gives us a chance to provide our brides with some much-needed time off from the stress at our boudoir studio oasis (complete with in-house bridal hair and makeup salon).

The hair and makeup salon inside our Red Bank, studio.

BLUSHING BRIDALS THAT YOU CAN PLAY UP OR DOWN!

Personally, I love at least one soft palette for a bride-to-be in her session. It is a great way to open the storyline in a bridal boudoir album, and then you can work your way up to something more dark and sultry. But just because you're in blushes and pale muted wardrobe tones doesn't mean you can't play up the sexy bridal boudoir!  In fact, you can go as subtle or as daring as you like through styles, hair and makeup, accessories and color choices. 

Hooked on black lingerie? Our soft and romantic studio setting allows a beautifully feminine, high-end bridal backdrop. This lingerie set available through "Agent. 

The lingerie shopping below serves as an inspiration. While many high end lingerie enthusiasts shop at The Short Hills Mall Agent Provocateur location and La Perla, you can also find incredibly high end looks at Victoria's Secret in their designer collections (online). Elle McPherson and Heidi Klum have also put out some interesting pieces we've seen come through the studio. 

This gorgeous ensemble was purchased at the Life As Fine Art in-house lingerie boutique. It's so flattering to a variety of body types! 

DID YOU KNOW? We also have many gorgeous pieces for sale at my in-house lingerie boutique, although size and selection are limited.

Another local favorite of mine where I send clients to shop, is just down the street from my Red Bank studio ...the Sweetest Sin Boutique (see @AngieKnowsBras on Instagram). They also give  you the added bonus of custom bra fittings. 

The best part about lingerie shopping? You get to wear it on the honeymoon. What a grab way to make your bridal boudoir album TRULY come to life!

SHOPPING LIST FOLLOWS….

xo,

Cate

Blushing Bride by aibp featuring velvet throw pillows

Agent Provocateur high waisted lingerie
$270 - theoutnet.com

Wonderbra strapless underwire bra
$36 - debenhams.com

Elle Macpherson Intimates bride lingerie
$28 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Hanky Panky bralette bra
journelle.com

Elle Macpherson Intimates bikini lingerie
$25 - houseoffraser.co.uk

HYD white hosiery
pret-a-beaute.com

Mix no. 6 shoes
dsw.com

Lulu Townsend pink evening shoes
dsw.com

Audrey Brooke sandals
dsw.com

Blumarine pink flower brooch
yoox.com

Flower jewellery
$14 - oliverbonas.com

Lanvin accessory
farfetch.com

Lanvin bride hair comb
theoutnet.com

Accessorize flower hair accessory
accessorize.com

John Lewis flower hair accessory
$11 - johnlewis.com

Monsoon bride hair accessory
monsoon.co.uk

Clinique powder brush makeup
bergdorfgoodman.com

Byredo flower fragrance
barneys.com

Mavala nail polish
$6.03 - thehut.com

Velvet throw pillow
$56 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Fake bouquet
afloral.com

WHAT TO WEAR IN YOUR BOUDOIR SHOOT | WARDROBE WEDNESDAY

LINGERIE INSPIRATION: 
GORGEOUS GOLDEN LINGERIE & ACCESSORIES FOR A LUXE BOUDOIR LOOK 

"I'm the kind of person who would have liked to have lived at the Plaza. I love crystal chandeliers and gold leaf, velvets and mirrors, Oriental rugs and marble."
- Candace Bushnell
 

Gorgeous Glamour Gold by aibp featuring a queen bed

Calypso St Barth cashmere cardigan
calypsostbarth.com

Oscar de la Renta jacket
$1,325 - net-a-porter.com

Rosamosario bath robe
$515 - net-a-porter.com

I.D. Sarrieri Rhapsody metallic lace bodysuit, Gold, Women's, Size: XS
$340 - net-a-porter.com

Wolford tight
pret-a-beaute.com

Agent Provocateur body suit
$485 - agentprovocateur.com

Dolce&Gabbana white boots
$940 - farfetch.com

Sophia Webster heeled sandals
matchesfashion.com

Sophia Webster strappy sandals
$555 - net-a-porter.com

H M diamond jewelry
hm.com

Pearl jewelry
shopakira.com

Chanel long necklace
1stdibs.com

Chanel belt
1stdibs.com

Chanel perfume
neimanmarcus.com

Dolce Gabbana nail polish
$28 - harrods.com

Queen bed
ikandi-interiors.co.uk

Though my design sensibility has always been somewhat tailored and tame, all that changed during my first trip to Venice, Italy in 2003.  I fell in love with the romance of it all -- this ancient, complex water world, gorgeously wrapped up like an ornate dream. Luxe gold carvings, beautiful metallic details and delicate lace surrounded me, along with thick, velvety fabrics. I found that the Venetians had such an amazing ability to combine the ancient, the rustic and the lush into one gorgeous element. 

I found myself beginning to incorporate more gold into my home and my wardrobe after that trip! I also loved seeing the jewelry and fashion trending toward gold looks in the past few years.

When women ask me what to wear for a boudoir session, I like to refer them to some more of the differentiated, unique lingerie wardrobe ideas.

When I say "Go for something gold!", I sometimes get the sideways look. But imagine yourself at my Red Bank boudoir studio, this elegant ivory setting, with a gorgeous glittering pop of gold against the backdrop of the many soulful antiques! SIGH...Simply stunning.

Gold makes me think of Venice.

It makes me think of old-world romance and ancient Roman goddesses.

I'm reminded of the golden age of The Great Gatsby.

These are things that make my heart swoon! And if you can't envision it, let some of these gorgeous lingerie, shoe and accessory gems guide your light the golden path.

Guess what? I also carry gilded album covers and golden craved fine art frames so you can enjoy a fully coordinated boudoir album or boudoir gallery wall.

Go for the gold, baby! 

xoxo, 

Cate

NEW JERSEY + NYC BOUDOIR | VINTAGE STYLED BOUDOIR SESSION

HOW TO STYLE A VINTAGE BOUDOIR SESSION | A MODERN TWIST ON THE
 CLASSIC TIMELESS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

As a boudoir photographer, I sometimes like to imagine my studio as a real, living storybook. Every boudoir session we complete together as team is like a colorful page in a winding, epic  novel. We have stories about the past, present and future that unfold before my lens. Through these visual stories, we often help women re-examine their self image and for some, experience self love in a totally new way. Styling is a super relevant part of this equation. That's why we love stylized boudoir sessions most of all. 

Sometimes, just for fun, we like step into the PAST, creating a rich visual storyline through vintage boudoir. Timeless yet classy; Dramatic and unique, these sexy stories of the past are truly special. 

But how do these sessions come about? How can you go sexy retro without looking all cutesy-and-kitschy? Well, style is our obsession here at my Red Bank studio. If you love styles of the past, here's a bit of insight from myself and my amazing New Jersey & NYC Makeup Artist, Miranda Richards.

What are the most popular hair and makeup trends? What do you see happening next …and how would you like to see this work for
boudoir style? 

Says Miranda Richards, "We often hear a lot of people asking for the dramatic contour, which can be flattering on some, but for others it gets a little overwhelming. The Kim Kardashian look is still very requested for boudoir, but unfortunately it is not flattering on every face. The Victoria's Secret look is extremely popular, which consists of a simple, natural, smoked eye and tousled beach waves." This is very common -- and seductively easygoing... But what if you want to go a bit dramatic?

Sometimes -- letting go of a little control enables some amazing outcomes, as we were able to do with client Dana Leigh in this session. Miranda is truly an artist, and letting her do her thing produces some wildly amazing results.

Here, Dana relinquished complete control to us. Armed with a plethora of wardrobe choices from the in-studio boudoir boutique as well as a brave client, Miranda and I worked some magic on an already gorgeous "canvas". 

A vintage session gives you an excellent chance to step outside the ordinary and step into a dreamy, dramatic and sexy character.

“
I absolutely love the vintage look, and I love playing around with vintage hair - I’d be happy to see more people requesting looser soft waves like Veronica Lake, and Lauren Bacall. I’d love to see that merge with an edgy look, like the way we orchestrated this session. ”

— Miranda Richards

Red Bank, NJ Boudoir Studio | NYC Boudoir 

SO HOW DO WE PLAN AHEAD TO CREATE THESE RETRO LOOKS?

Sometimes we pull inspiration from weird things, like the tapestries in the studio, furniture, the wardrobe, or even a single accessory to style a session. Or maybe it's from a recent movie we've seen or favorite book. For this particular shoot, Miranda pulled her inspiration from a color. She had been obsessing over cranberry and wine color palettes for a while, and I told her to go rogue. We selected wardrobe based on Miranda's vision for the hair and face.  

Some of the questions I may ask a client, to appropriately design her stylized session might include:

• Is there a certain era you identify with? Or that your loved one identifies with? 
• Do you have a favorite fashion icon or designer (this often gives me insight on how elaborate we should go) 

• Tell me about your home... how is it styled? (This might tell us what kind of artwork could look great on the wall).

Armed with these insights, we mix together some of the old (era, vintage pieces and a an overall setting/vibe), with new, modern makeup trends that blend into an awesome styling canvas. It sets us up for an epic boudoir photo shoot. 

BUT FIRST, A SELFIE...  

I always ask a client to send me a barefaced selfie before the session, so that Miranda can dream up some looks and plan ahead. Looking that gorgeous? It's way more orchestrated than you'd imagine and requires our attention as artists.

preparations... 

Sometimes, Miranda will experiment on her own face to test a new look. This way, she knows what products she needs for the session and how to execute it brilliantly. If you follow her Instagram (@Mrndmua) you'll often see some of these interesting test looks.  

We also lay out the CLIENT'S BOUDOIR WARDROBE before the session, preferably while hair and makeup is being done. This helps us guide the session and keep it running smoothly. Preparation helps us maintain the constant zen relaxed vibe we enjoy at the studio. Our clients often tell us how at ease they feel during the styling session once we lay out and select all that wardrobe!

This vintage accessory was scored at a thrift shop for $5. SCORE! It was one of many looks we photographed that day.

Here at the studio, we have a beautiful lingerie boutique for shopping, an accessories closet to borrow and stylize, and plenty of inspiration lying around to help you plan the session of your dreams.

(c)2015 Life As Fine Art | www.LifeAsFineArt.com

 Are you interested in planning your own special boudoir photo experience? Look no further, we are excited to dream up something special with you...Just send us an email below...

RED BANK | OUTDOOR BOUDOIR PICTURES ON A HORSE FARM |

““For the night is dark and full of terrors.””

— -Melisandre, (aka The Red Woman), Game of Thrones

As a photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot some exciting people and places…

But never in my wildest imagination did I think I’d find myself having the most amazing boudoir photo experience in Scotland.

That’s right, Scotland.

Scotland, Connecticut is the not-so-far away home of the magical Beth Claire, who is both a professional boudoir photographer and world-traveling boudoir model. Beth and I became friends through Facebook, and ultimate as chosen “boudoir family” through AIBP (Association of International Boudoir Photographers). For years, we had dreamed of scheduling a session together, but no ordinary session would do. 

We had talked about shooting her in a fur (and not much else) in the middle of Times Square. Then, I dreamed up a special stylized shoot in a with her dogs. (That is SO still happening!)

...Then, we got on the topic of her horse farm.

“Wait” I said, …”Did you just say HORSE FARM?” I felt like I won the lottery. It was the session of my dreams.

We threw together some plans. We discussed casting… which horses would fit visually and would be most cooperative. It was decided that Phantom…her stunning new black beauty gelding would be up for the task, and as Beth said...“The least ‘a$$hole’ of the whole stable.” We both laughed so hard.

I made the four hour journey (which with summer beach traffic, soon became six) but still could barely contain my excitement. When I arrived, Beth was as stunning in person as her many modeling photos convey. We had an immediate connection of laughter.

We hopped into the pickup, with Phantom in tow, and headed to her grandfather’s vast acreage of apple orchards.

By this time, the sun was going down and light was fleeting. Beth prepped Phantom swiftly and  without hesitation Beth stripped down to ride bareback. Now, I stress the word BARE.

It’s not every day you see a half naked woman mount atop horse so fearlessly, without a saddle.

Phantom ultimately decided he did not like Beth’s chain accessory and got a little spooked. Mounting him was harder than expected. So, in a very Beth fashion, she took him for a little guided walk, topless of course, through the fields.

I stood in awe, intermittent with hysterical laughter and amazement at this woman. “Hey Phantom, how do you like them apples?”

We finally cooled Phantom’s temper for a while and Beth was able to pose with him. I have shot with horses before, but horses...like people...have different "careers". Therapy horses are excellent models. Show horses wait for commands and race horses will give you a run for your money, depending on the day.

Especially useful to this situation was the Sigma Art lens 50mm 1.4, which fellow AIBP member Charles Eames of Apeture Priority Rentals loaned us for the purposes of this session. It was a fast, sharp and deliciously creamy lens that lent itself nicely to show the intimacy between Beth and her beloved horse.

Though I had some specific shots in mind, I quickly needed to relinquish those. Our horse Phantom wasn't having it. 

And, while Beth’s posing looks dreamily carefree, we had been losing light and had only about 45 minutes to do all the looks we desired.

As the sun went down, Beth demanded Phantom let her get her way. He eventually obliged and we were left with beautiful dusky twilight imagery. But it would not be without consequence.

As we were packing up, Phantom decided he wanted to “sow his oats” a bit, and charged off as we attempting to bridle him.

For over 2 hours, Beth and I (with the help of Beth’s aunt) were chasing a complete unchained horse in a field. He dodged us like a playful dog. Carrots, lullabyes, even tough love did not do the trick.

And, as the last piece of dusk shined on us, Phantom charged off full speed. Beth, now in sneakers, ran in pursuit 3 miles up the road. Me, the city girl in her designer sandals was rendered useless. I stood in the darkness of an empty field, listening to either frogs, foxes or the possible mountain lion of my imagination.

After 90 minutes in the pitch dark, I huddled in an empty pickup truck, wondering if Beth was alive. If it wasn’t comical before, this is when it got really comical.

I was wearing a 19th century velvet cape to stay warm and eating mints from my purse. I texted a few friends to see what I should do. I sent pics of my view to my friend eErin, which consisted only of the moon.

Finally Beth returned, Phantomless. Now midnight, we looked a bit more but she insisted I return home.

An all-night search party, which included a Beth, her Mom, her aunt, a 4 wheeler quad farmer ended in heroics that only a boudoir photographer could dream possibly dream up… the super hot cowboy. 

“Was he hot? Sweaty? Shirtless?” I asked. “Yes,” Beth said, “And his name is Nacho.” 

Thank you Beth, Phantom and Nacho for the greatest photo adventure of my life, and these beautiful resulting images.

NEW JERSEY BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY | THE STUDIO'S THIRD TRIMESTER

NEW JERSEY BEAUTY & BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER LIFE AS FINE ART | CATE SCAGLIONE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE UPCOMING OPENING OF HER *NEW* CUSTOM-BUILT
ECO FRIENDLY STUDIO & SPA LOCATED IN RED BANK, NEW JERSEY.

CREATING A NEW 'HOUSE OF WORSHIP' FOR MY CLIENTS. Here's the beautiful exterior of the new Life As Fine Art studio, which rests below the bell tower.

Well, the secret's FINALLY out. For the past 9 months, I've been incubating a little bundle of joy and it's now in its final trimester. No, it's definitely not what you may think. 

Introducing My Life As Fine Art  Red Bank, New Jersey STUDIO & SPA.  

It's a beautiful space, where I have the ability to create the most amazing experience for my clients.

This is a house of worship of a different kind, where I can help my clients feel revered and honored, for the day...But in a way that will change their life.

Finding and building this space has been a cathartic journey, a project of the soul that helps me deliver the very BEST photography experience in New Jersey and New York City.  It's also a prime destination for clients who travel and visit from beyond to indulge in the hip, hot town of Red Bank, New Jersey 
 
But to me, this is so much more than a studio space in New Jersey. THIS IS A REBIRTH. I

It is a chance to create epic moments and profound memories in the privacy of this enclave. 
It's a place where I can, without boundaries, create beautiful art that's meaningful and memorable.

It's not showy, pretentious or overindulgent. It's just... Heavenly.

And, once all the beautiful treasures of found antiques and luxe, up-cycled furniture are appointed, it will be ultimately swoon-worthy.

"Exclusive?" HELL NO. It's INCLUSIVE.

I always say "Custom Portraits are for Everyone". Everyone deserves to feel special. Art deserves to be preserved. And here, that's what happens. (And maybe just add a luxe organic massage while you're here)  ..winks.  ;)  

ON THE RISE. A soaring staircase, made entirely of reclaimed wood from the church leads to a mezzanine loft space and heavenly skylit- setting.

Want to come play?

As I put the final touches on this beautiful space, I would love to include you in the journey. Please be sure to subscribe to my website newsletter to stay informed of developments, contribute ideas, and get invited to the Gala Night during my Gallery Exhibition opening. 

LOFTY EXPECTATIONS. The open loft area, which overlooks the studio, will serve as a shooting space and a styling area. The beautiful skylight is designed for compelling light and shadow in the set all day long.

Please be aware that with all this new excitement the calendar is already booking up fast. I'd love to have my longtime friends and followers be among the first to experience the new space. Be sure to contact me and  book your appointment NOW! 

WINDOWS TO THE SOUL. The studio features beautiful gothic style church windows throughout, creating an iconic look to my sessions as well as beautiful varied light throughout the day.

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