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

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

Rosamosario bath robe
$515 - 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 strappy sandals
$555 - net-a-porter.com

Pearl jewelry
shopakira.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.

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 

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.

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

(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...


NJ + NYC BOUDOIR | 15 YEARS OF ANNIVERSARY GIFTS THROUGH BOUDOIR PHOTOS

15 YEARS OF WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFTS BOUDOIR STYLE

With the height of wedding season here, it's always a gentle reminder to me that lots of my clients are celebrating and seeking wedding anniversary gift ideas.  As a New Jersey Boudoir Photographer, my stylist Miranda and I find ourselves super busy hosting clients in NJ + NYC for boudoir photo sessions as gift ideas for their anniversary.

If my clients have taught me anything, it's that every wedding anniversary is a chance to do something special for their love. It doesn't have to be your 1st, 5, 10th or 25th wedding anniversary to need a reason to celebrate. To help you think through your own upcoming anniversary gifts, I've compiled a wonderful list of original ideas how you can celebrate your special day. 

1st ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: PAPER

Paper doesn't need to be unsexy. With some elegant boudoir photos as your gift, you can create a special and upscale anniversary gift that will last a lifetime. For the ultimate paper anniversary gift,  I'd suggest a boudoir session featuring my Signature Poetic Love Story book with Italian milled Tintoretto paper, made by Queensberry. Many brides are familiar with Queensberry, as the ultimate bridal album. You can personalize the vellum overlay paper with personal messages and quotes. 

Beautiful poetic storybook display by Queensberry.

Beautiful poetic storybook display by Queensberry.

2nd Anniversary GIFT IDEA -  Cotton

There's something organically beautiful about cottony styled boudoir sessions. I'd recommend a "White Sheet" session, featuring ...YOU, a cotton sheet and your God-given beauty. 

Cotton Anniversary Gift Idea - A White Sheet Boudoir Session with LifeAsFineArt.com

Cotton Anniversary Gift Idea - A White Sheet Boudoir Session with LifeAsFineArt.com

3RD ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: LEATHER 

Imported Italian leather album makes a perfect anniversary gift. LifeAsFineArt.com

Imported Italian leather album makes a perfect anniversary gift. LifeAsFineArt.com

 

4th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: FLOWERS

 

A growing trend this year in boudoir photography is a flowery milk bath. Sure it requires a little effort, but WOW look at the results! Imagine this on your wall! 

The milk bath...a growing trend in boudoir. LifeAsFineArt.com 

The milk bath...a growing trend in boudoir. LifeAsFineArt.com 

5th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEAS: WOOD

A beautiful wood carved frame from the Cate Scaglione Frame Collection.

A beautiful wood carved frame from the Cate Scaglione Frame Collection.

 

6th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEAS: CANDY

Nothing says sexy like chocolate. Skip the cliche gift chocolate heart... And create a chocolate themed anniversary, including a boudoir session dressed in chocolate, along with a chocolate leather album?

7th Anniversary GIFT IDEA: Wool 

Buy him a wooly sweater as a gift. But before you hand over that plain old dull thing, give him a boudoir image collage of YOU in it. Sweaters are a great way to style a session. If you really want to step things up, consider a wild and wooly fur coat!

CATE SCAGLIONE | LIFE A SFINE ART | MANSION.jpg


8th ANNIVERSARY GIFT: BRONZE

This beautiful Italian imported album is both sleek and sexy, making it the perfect way to celebrate a bronze anniversary.

Bronze photo album, imported from Italy. LifeAsFineArt.com   | Image courtesy of Album Epoca

Bronze photo album, imported from Italy. LifeAsFineArt.com   | Image courtesy of Album Epoca

9th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEAS: WILLOW 

I love outdoor sessions. A beautiful willowy session outside is a fun and creative way to celebrate that willow year...

A willowy outdoor sessions makes a lovely anniversary gift for the wall.  Featured here,model  Alexandra Morgan in her early years.

A willowy outdoor sessions makes a lovely anniversary gift for the wall.  Featured here,model  Alexandra Morgan in her early years.

10th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEAS: ALUMINUM

I bet you've never imagined ALUMINUM looking this sexy before? This is an aluminum metallic print ensconced in linen and matted in a carved mahogany frame. Perfect way to showcase your boudoir images in upscale decor. 

Aluminum Anniversary Gift idea... Aluminum print wrapped in linen. } From the Cate Scaglione Collection with Jonathan Penney.

Aluminum Anniversary Gift idea... Aluminum print wrapped in linen. } From the Cate Scaglione Collection with Jonathan Penney.

11th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEAS: STEEL 

This imported Italian steel-engraved album is a personal and beautiful way to express yourself on your steel anniversary!

LifeAsFineArt.com | Stainless Stell Italian Imported album, image courtesy of Album Epoca.

LifeAsFineArt.com | Stainless Stell Italian Imported album, image courtesy of Album Epoca.

12th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: LINEN

From my new Cate Scaglione Frame Collection, a linen-matted fine art print.

A Linen matted print is a great way to commemorate that 12th  linen anniversary. | LifeAsFineArt.com  

A Linen matted print is a great way to commemorate that 12th  linen anniversary. | LifeAsFineArt.com  

13th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: LACE 

Lace is an easy one, and any gorgeous lingerie piece will suffice. But after 13 years, why not give him the gift he'd NEVER expect? Bring your laciest pretty things and I'll help you make a dream session for your 12th Anniversary.

On your 13th Lace Anniversary, Lace is an easy gift to give. But why not make it one he'd never expect? Lace-styled boudoir photo shoot.

On your 13th Lace Anniversary, Lace is an easy gift to give. But why not make it one he'd never expect? Lace-styled boudoir photo shoot.

14th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: ANIMALS

I haven't done many sessions involving animals and boudoir YET (we do have one in the works so stay tuned...), but animal print is always a great way to go... (more housebroken, too!).

15th ANNIVERSARY GIFT IDEA: CRYSTAL

This might seem like a hard way to surprise him... But when he pops this beautiful crystal flash drive loaded with your boudoir images into his laptop, he may just want to repeat the honeymoon!

Crystal Flash drive | LifeAsFineArt.com 

Crystal Flash drive | LifeAsFineArt.com 

NYC + NJ BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHER | WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR SHOOT | ART DECO

As a NYC + New Jersey Boudoir Photographer, I get the privilege of working with some exceptionally stylish women. Despite their excellent fashion sense, they still always seem to seem nervous about shopping for their boudoir session...and want to know how they can look tasteful and sexy in their boudoir pics. 

CHECK OUT THIS BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT LINGERIE BUYING GUIDE BELOW! 

One question I like to ask clients in their pre- boudoir photo shoot consultation is, "What's your favorite era?"  Meaning, I am very interested to know what style they identify with in women's fashion history. For many, it is the Art Deco period, characterized by vintage boudoir of the mid to late 1920's. 

Flowing gossamer, sheer silks and luxe lace all add to the details of this terrifically styled session. With the beautiful work of my hair and makeup artist Miranda Richards, the look is retro yet uniquely contemporary. It's one of my favorite ways to style a session.

NYC + NJ BOUDOIR: WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR PHOTO SHOOT

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY BOUDOIR PHOTO SHOOT?

As a NYC  and a New Jersey boudoir photographer who likes to shoot classy, elegant boudoir photo shoots, it's one of the questions I get asked the most frequently. 

I find that many women like to wear black for at least one of their lingerie wardrobe choices. As a boudoir photographer, I will say it's an excellent choice because black lingerie can really flatter any body type, as well as add to the dramatic mood of the photo shoot. 

The devil IS in the details, and choosing high-end, highly detailed lingerie choices for your wardrobe will translate quite beautifully. 

Below are some links to these beautiful ensembles... Happy lingerie shopping! 

xo, 

Cate