For some of you, winter may just be getting started, but in the fashion world, spring is beginning to arrive! Spring is a joyous time at Lindsay Phillips because it captures the sunny, fun-filled LP lifestyle. This week, we are featuring our “behind the scenes” spring  photoshoot, as well as a Q & A with Lindsay about LP Spring 2013! (Don’t forget to click on the photos for enlarged images)

An LP Model poses with Ashley - LP's first ever stacked heel, which will debut shortly!!

Q & A with Lindsay

What was your vision for Spring 2013 when planning with the designers?

Color, color, and more color! I wanted to make a big splash for 2013. We went back to core shoes, but made them pop with color this season. It’s all about the  relaxed carefree lifestyle that I live.

A photographer sets up a session with Lulu brights - all part of the LP colorful Spring collection.

Talk about some of the new shoes for spring!!

We really listened to our customer when designing the line for this year. We made some fabulous introductions, such as the Libby (a new cork platform strap shoe), Ashley (a new stacked heel strap shoe), Lulu brights, and my personal favorite – Kelli (a flip flop featuring PLUSfoam material).  We brought back a much-missed shoe (see next question), and made some fabulous updates to some of our past best sellers, such as the Devon and the Gwen.

You have some exciting news for long time fans. Explain :)

We’re bringing back Taylor!!  Apparently, this was much-loved shoe (not to mention that she’s named after a fabulous young lady). When we took her off the market last year, we heard that people missed her, so we brought her back!!

An LP Model poses with Kelli - a comfy arched flip flop that debuts this spring.

What are you most excited about with the spring line?

My favorite shoe is the Kelli. I am obsessed with the fish detail imprint. I just love all the colors in the straps and snaps we have to offer this spring.

Where did the photo shoot for spring take place? How did you come to choose this location?

We shot this photoshoot on the north end of Clearwater Beach at a private residence. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to use this location,  which belongs to a family friend of ours. This is one of my favorite houses and it just screams what the Lindsay Phillips brand is all about.

A ceiling & chandelier composed of mosaic tile and shells - one of the artistic, hand-crafted touches to the private residence where LP Spring was photographed.

The woman who owns this house is an artist, and this really is something that you can see throughout the entire photoshoot. I grew up going to this house when I was in high school, so it is almost a part of my life. Check out the amazing shell mosaic  porch. Probably one of my favorite spaces in the world…Yes, this sure was handmade…piece by piece.

What was it like shooting there?

Words can’t describe it….Unreal!

You were about 7 months pregnant during this photo shoot. What was that like?

Lindsay, about 7 months pregnant, poses with the upcoming coral Lulu.

It was totally fine, although it was hard not being able to fit into most of my clothes. We had to work with a very limited wardrobe for this shoot.

What was the overall experience that day? Do you do anything special for the crew to make the day a little easier for everyone?

Our photo shoots are a work hard, play hard theme. The days are very long days, and sometimes they can start at 4am and go until 8pm, trying to get the perfect light.

A Frenchy's Lunch Fiesta for the crew keeps spirits and energy up on these long days.

My  consistentency is that we always like to have good food for these shoots. So if you are on my photo-shoot team, you know you will be fed well! My favorite place for lunch is Frenchy’s – a Clearwater Beach classic. They have the ultimate grouper sandwich….My fav!!

Fans have long requested a denim-colored shoe, so LP is thrilled to introduce a navy Devon this spring:)

When can fans expect to see LP Spring in stores and online?

The spring line is launching at the end of January.

Please scroll down for more photos from the LP Spring photoshoot!

Now that the holidays are nearing an end, many of you are beginning to plan or finalize those tropical vacations. One of the best parts of planning a vacay is imagining all of the outfits you’ll wear!  The perfect shorts, flirty sundresses, colorful cover-ups, and of course, fun-loving flip flops are all vacation must-haves. But one of the unfortunate parts of packing is having to narrow down what shoes you’ll take, since they tend to take up precious space and weigh down your luggage.  Trying to narrow down your shoes to one or two pairs can be such a challenge – that is, unless you own a pair of versatile  shoes, like a low-heel wedge. The Gwen, an LP favorite, may just be that perfect jet-setting, casual yet dressy (and did I mention comfy?) wedge you’re searching for.

Gwen in gold, shown with the Lenore snap (left) and the Maura snap (right). $39 at Lindsay-Phillips.Com.

There are many reasons Gwen has been an LP classic for years now. She’s the perfect go-to when you need a little step up from a traditional flip flop – and in more ways than one! One of Gwen’s many stylish features is her one inch wedge heel – perfect for fashoenistas looking for a little reprieve from taller heels. Her tapered, classy patent straps provide a more streamlined, chic look, making her a great choice for a special event, date night, or even the office (dress code-pending).

Gwen (shown here in black) features a comfortable footbed and cushy one inch heel, making her the perfect wedge.

Gwen is also known among fans for being remarkably comfortable – no need to worry about aching heels or arches. You can definitely shop, sight see, or stand comfortably  in these shoes, thanks to the cushy heel and footbed. This wedge is designed to cradle your foot, so no awkward scuffs or trips – even after a few too many umbrella drinks ;)

The Unity snap, part of the LP resort collection, is a perfect choice for black Gwen.

Gwen looks fabulous with sundresses, capris, skirts & shorts, and even your swim suit cover up, making her  a great travel companion – she is literally one of the only pair of shoes you need on your beach getaway. One of the things I LOVE about this wedge is the fun you can have pairing her with a variety of snazzy snaps. Her signature snap is fun, yet dressy, with circular layers of elegant beading

Many of our fall snaps, like Francesca (shown above), pair perfectly with Gwen.

surrounding a rhinestone center. The neutral colors of these snaps go with everything – you can even wear these to a wedding – brides included! Some of my other favorite snap pairings with Gwen are from our Jet Setter collection. I especially adore gold & stone Gwen with the Lenore or Maura snap  and black Gwen with the Unity snap– so fun, so classy! If you’ve already treated yourself to any of our fall snaps, you can easily pair many of them with Gwen as well. Some of my favorites: Gold Gwen with Drea , stone Gwen with Francesca, and black Gwen with  Bardot. Whatever snap you decide to adorn her with, Gwen can be easily dressed up or down. She’s like the friend you can take anywhere.   And her sleek design means more space in your luggage!

More often than not, I think we end up stressing ourselves to the core around the holidays. The cooking, the gift giving – we love it and we despise it all at once. I’ve learned a lot about entertaining through the years, and I wanted to share some tips that have made my life all the more simple. The holidays are a time to spend with loved ones and make memories. We should all be doing just that!

Plan In Advance

The biggest factor to planning any holiday event – from a large party with everyone you know to a small family gathering – is planning in advance. We plan our late December events at Thanksgiving. This includes anything from the menu to how the table will look – it’s very important to have a pre-set vision for your party, so you aren’t running around like a crazy person the day before. After all, with the work you’ll be putting into the preparations, you should be able to sit back and enjoy yourself as much as your guests! Pre-planning will cut down on your stress levels tremendously.

Food

Another big question that may have you stumped is how to serve your food. Some people prefer the casualness of buffet-style, while others cherish a more formal sit down meal. Why not consider a mixture of both? I like for people to get their own food, which prevents the awkwardness of passing dishes or having a server, which can feel so formal that it prevents your guests from relaxing.  When guests have a choice of what they can scoop onto their plates, they’re going to enjoy your food that much more! Plus, you can have a lot of fun with the way you choose to display your buffet as well. It can be as casual or fancy as you like :)

 What can get awkward with a buffet style is that people aren’t sure where to sit – they may even feel like they need to stand, which is never fun if you’re eating anything heavier than appetizers. This is where having  a beautiful table for your guests comes into play. I always do assigned seats with place cards – that way, no one has to wonder where they will sit, and you can seat guests according to chemistry. Aunt Mildred doesn’t have to worry about getting “stuck” next to Uncle Ted, and people who came in small groups can all sit together without asking others to move down a seat. There’s also something about your guests seeing their name near their setting that makes the meal more personalized and special. And by the way, if you’re wondering how many people to invite, my philosophy is, the more, the merrier!

Holiday Party Must-Haves

Beyond pre-planning and seating, prioritize your top must-haves. There are three things I always have that “make” my holiday gathering: Good wine, good friends, and Gravad Lax. You might be thinking Grava-whatta? My family has Scandinavian roots, so  we serve a traditional salmon appetizer. It’s just something I look forward to every holiday season, and something our guests have come to cherish as well. Think about your own holiday traditions, and if you don’t have any, it’s never too late!

Attire

As far as attire goes, I encourage you to keep it casual. We’re a very relaxed and carefree family. My feeling is , when attire gets too formal, people are just uncomfortable. And it goes beyond wearing clothes that you can’t eat a decent meal in. When people are too dressed up, it often prevents them from relaxing. Depending on the outfit, you have to sit a certain way, keep your legs at a certain angle, etc. We’ve all been in that situation and it isn’t fun! So I say, keep it causal. Here in Florida, that means flip flops or ballet flats – these are far more comfortable in the warm weather. And don’t forget about planning your event based on the weather – in Florida, some of our most beautiful weather is around the holidays, so our goal is to be outside.

PS: If you’ve been invited somewhere else, and you aren’t sure what the attire is, think black pants with the Courtney wedge, and a fun, festive short with great accessories. You just can’t go wrong :)

Gifts

Gift giving can be tricky. In my family, we’ve cut down on some of that stress by choosing one person only – through a drawing. Our limit is 500 dollars, which makes it very easy to get your chosen person exactly what they wanted. It’s become increasingly difficult to find great gifts for everyone in your family under 20 dollars. So why not agree to spend your holiday budget on just one person? Just be sure to agree on a budget that’s comfortable for everyone.

Another thing my family focuses on is stockings. We all buy a few things for each others’ stockings, and I cannot tell you how much fun we have! When I think of what Christmas means to me, I always think of our stocking events. We’ve created some fun traditions with the stockings too. My dad, as an example, goes out every year and buys random trinkets for our flip flops. It’s so fun because we wait in anticipation to see what he’s come up with for the year. It’s just such a great moment to share with him.

Some people freak out about how to handle gifts with those outside of their family. They scour the stores looking for inexpensive finds in case someone shows up at their home with a small gift. Honestly, I spend zero time worrying about this. We forget when we’re hosting that often times, someone wants to bring you something as a token of gratitude for extending an invitation to them. Just thank them and enjoy your gift, but focus more on the meaning behind the gift and the time you’re spending together. If you’re really concerned and cannot bear the thought of giving nothing in return, keep a few extra bottles of wine on hand, with some ribbon tied around them. Or consider talking with your friends and agreeing to a “no exchange” policy. My friends just know that exchanging with them is not important to me – I’d rather spend quality time with them. Isn’t that what’s more important?

Just remember, plan in advance, so you can relax. That includes the menu, the table setting, the music, and even your actual food. Keep it casual. And my last tip: Choose recipes that can be cooked in advanced and simply warmed up, so you aren’t  trying to entertain guests while simultaneously glazing a ham. Enjoy…and don’t forget your camera! xoxo

Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with one of my favorite people – actress Alicia Coppola, whom you may have seen on CSI,  Jericho, Common Law, or The Nine Lives of Chloe King, among others. I met Alicia several years ago at an event in LA – she has long been a fan of LP shoes, and I have adored both her work as an actress and her warm personality. Alicia has it all…. a career, a family, and stunning style. She makes it all look so easy, but she also looks fabulous while doing it. ;-)  A perfect example of this is when she tweeted me from her spin class the other day…you have to love multi-taskers! Alicia is just a beautiful person inside and out. This talented (and funny!) woman & mother has a big heart, and she’s an amazing role model for others to look up to. I am so excited to share her Q & A with you all, which includes all of her fabulous wisdom :)

Photo by Lisa Franchot

 Biography

Name: Alicia Coppola

DOB: April 12, 1968

Residence: Los Angeles

Husband: Anthony Michael Jones (an actor writer and producer)

Children: Mila Roselena (Age: 10 ), Esmé Marlena (Age: 4) and Greta Helena (Age: 2 )

Q & A With Alisha

How long have you been acting?

I have been acting since I was a senior in college. So that would be five years now ;)

What projects are you currently working on?

Laundry, lifting my ass at YAS Silverlake Spin Class, researching new and exciting lunches for my girls, and finding the next fantastic role that is meant for me: the role that I have been preparing all this time to play.

What do you love most about acting?

Alicia starred as on The Nine Lives of Chloe King

I am completely fulfilled on set. I am a very creative and emotional woman. I remember growing up trying to find an outlet for this. I went from Ballet, to Art, to Clarinet, Sax, Flute, Piano, Writing…you name it, just to find my bliss: that which would use all of me. When I immerse myself into a character, I feel I am at times, using all the best of me and at others, using all the worst of me, but at all times, I am using every part of me and that is everything. That experience and the joy of sharing it with another actor is my church.

What do you like the least?

The inconsistency. The instability of an artist’s life is difficult. I have chosen this path for myself. Actually, however, sometimes I do believe an Artist’s way is chosen for them…I know I am too well educated to have chosen a life that is so fraught with this instability. (I was studying to become a lawyer in college and somehow ended up on MTV in Lycra! There was an intersection, and I guess I took a right instead of a left. God was in those details.)

In times of struggle, I never wonder if the path I am on is correct for me, I wonder only if it is correct for my children. The insecurity, both financial and at times geographical, isn’t fair to them. They didn’t choose this for themselves. But, I also know  that they see me, their mother, doing something I love and am passionate about, so I hope they have learned to go after what it is that makes them happy. They have also learned a lesson in persistence: They have seen me brush myself off after being knocked down. That is good for them. Their daddy and I have always told them “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” Perseverance vs. Instability… I guess it all balances out.

Alicia as "Mimi" with Skeet Ulrich on the set of Jericho

What project sticks with you the most? Why?

Jericho stands out to me the most, as it seemed both in hindsight and while filming, that I was experiencing a working environment that had every possible positive element; it was the Perfect Storm of Greatness. This is as rare and as wonderful as a Unicorn.

What role would you say you’re best known for?

Of all the work I have done, I think I am most well known for my role of Dr. Susan Hillridge on one episode of CSI. I have no idea why, but people LOVE that role and recall my work from that.

Alicia at an Emmy party in Los Angeles. Source: Michael Buckner/Getty Images Entertainment)

 What’s the side of you that the public never sees?

 I don’t know that there is a side to me that is hidden. I am a private person, but I am a person. As such, in my daily life, anyone who comes into contact with me is going to see it all: good, bad, ugly, pretty. It’s all good.

The Five Things You Can’t Live Without Are…Anthony, Mila, Esmé, Greta and my sparkly Acrylic Nails. (I know…very 80’s! Who cares, I love’em!)

You’re a big fan of Lindsay Phillips shoes. What drew  you to the LP Lifestyle?

The ease and fun of LP Lifestyle is the attraction. I am also attracted to anyone who has an idea and runs with it. Anybody can have an idea; it is, however, the rare few who turn that idea into something. As it is said, all things come from thought. Lindsay had a great thought, which turned into an incredible business: A shoe that can reinvent itself with the change of a jewel. God Bless you, Lindsay!

One of the reasons Alicia adores LP: "When you are running on empty and you are so tired that you get dressed with one eye open to take your kids to school and look down and realize you have two different shoes on but because they are LP Ballet Flats, you still look cute!

What are your favorite LP products?

I own upwards of 8 pairs of LP Ballet Flats, 1 pair of LP Flip Flops and the LP Wedge. I absolutely LOVE these shoes. I adore Ballet Flats and LP Ballets are not only the most comfortable I have ever worn, but also the little detachable Jewels are divine! I love anything that sparkles and glitters (see afore mentioned nails! ;) ) and these Jewels give me the opportunity to try different styles and colors. It’s like having multiple pairs of shoes. Also, I feel like I have jewelry on my feet and that alone makes me happy.

What advice can you offer to women who are eager to pursue their passions, but for whatever reason are held back?

Be brave. In times where I have been feeling frightened, stressed or as my manager and friend, Leslie calls it “utsy,” I have found that just showing up is half the battle. Just show up and be brave. That’s it.

With three daughters, a husband and an acting career, your life must get pretty hectic! Can you give newer moms about balancing it all?

Alicia with her beautiful family. Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images North America

1. Don’t try to “balance it all.” It cannot be done. The scale will always tilt more to one way or the other. The trick, I think, is to have it tilt to both ways equally.

2. Try not to take it all so seriously. If I think about women in the 1700’s with 10 kids and no washing machine, I realize we all have it pretty damn good.

3. Be good to your husband.Don’t ever forget him in the quotidian chaos of Mommy hood. Remember, it was just the two of you before there was anyone else.

4. It’s not your job to be your child’s friend. It is your job to make other people want to be their friend.

5. Be nice to yourself. Take it easy on yourself. You are doing all you can, the best way you can. No guilt and no “should-ing” on yourself is allowed.

6. Devote some time to physical exercise: It’s good for your body, your spirit and your mind.

7. Wine is your friend. Now I am going to try to take my own advice!

What kind of projects do you see yourself working on in the future?

I have been working towards an amazing goal for the past few years since Jericho ended. I have had two of my three girls since then and have changed and grown in more ways than I can say. Being a mother to 3 little girls has altered me, and I am a better woman for them and all the better of an actress because of them. My amazing goal is to find the role that will allow me to explore and challenge myself and tell the stories I feel I have grown to tell. Something that scares me. Having said that, I would kill to do a role that requires the stuff of an awesome Action Heroine, be a BOND Girl, star in a remarkable Cable Series either making people laugh or cry, whichever (I can do it all), reprise my role in the 3rd installment of National Treasure, sell my book “seeking grace”, continue developing my collection of therapeutic undergarments, and raise my girls. That’s not too much is it?

December is finally upon us…with holiday events approaching, don’t get so caught up in the seasonal rush that you forget about what you’re going to wear! Whether you’re keeping it casual or dressy, I’ve featured chic holiday must-haves  for all of you!

Many of my looks this week feature black leather – from leggings to leather-trimmed dresses.  Leather can definitely feel like a splurge, but you’ll wear it a lot because it’s so classic! Even better – black leather is very slimming, so don’t pass it up thinking that you have to be model-thin to pull it off. And for my eco girls, there are plenty of vegan leather styles available!

My favorite LP shoes  for this month are definitely  our fun-filled Liz Black Glitter (Bling in a Box),  the flirty Black Peep  Toe Courtney, and the ever-classic  Black Suede Alex.  These shoes are all extremely versatile, so you can pair them with just about anything. And don’t forget the snaps! We have a wide variety of festive snaps, all under 20 dollars. If you purchase Liz, you already have two additional sets of snaps to work with – what could be more fabulous?? Happy Holidays to you all – here’s to putting a special sparkle into someone’s eye ;)

(PS: Don’t forget to remind your special someone that LP snaps and scarves make  great stocking stuffers and Hanukkah gifts!)

If you’ve already treated yourself to a pair of Alex pumps, you’ve undoubtedly noticed the versatility of these charming heels that literally go with everything from dresses to leggings. While I know you all love wearing your Alex pumps to the office, don’t forget to pair her with your jeans as well. Flared, boot-cut, straight-legged, skinny – whatever jeans you love, Alex adds a unique vintage flair…perfect for your weekend and date-night looks!

This week, I show you how to wear Alex with a variety of outfits – the possibilities are literally endless with this shoe, which is why I was so thrilled to launch her this season!

 LP Fall Fashion Guide 2012 – Alex (Black) by lindsay-phillips-switchflops featuring Alex Black Suede Heel

Alex in black suede has been really popular this season and it isn’t hard to see why! Every fa”shoe”nista out there knows the value of the staple black pump – and this one is such a great choice for the fall/winter season. If you’re into colored tights, you can have a LOT of fun with this shoe – pink, yellow, green, red – you name it, this Alex will rock it! Printed dresses are also in this season, so don’t forget to pair a funky dress or blouse with her either :)

 LP Fall Fashion Guide 2012 – Alex (In Gray Flannel) by lindsay-phillips-switchflops featuring Alex in Gray Flannel

The winter season always makes me think of cozy flannel  textures– so what better way to warm your toes than Alex in Gray Flannel? I was super excited to launch this particular shoe because not only is this texture is so unique for footwear, but let’s face it, ladies – Gray is the new black!  Alex in gray is a really fun alternative to your traditional black heels – wear her at work with practically anything! If you like more of a monochromatic look, you’ll love this Alex with charcoal or gray-hued tights, but as with Alex in black suede, don’t be afraid to go for brighter-colored tights, depending on your outfit. I LOVE gray flannel Alex with jeans  too!

 LP Fall Fashion Guide 2012 (Alex Purple) by lindsay-phillips-switchflops featuring Alex in Purple Tweed

Purple Tweed Alex is hands down one of my favorite shoes of the season.  Violet is such a great, feminine fall color and the combination of violet and tweed is completely irresistible! Fashionistas of all ages know that purple is a power color in every sense of the word – not only does it get attention, but it goes with nearly everything and  looks great on everyone.  Alex in purple tweed will really provide that pop of color you’re going for. In the office, pair her with trouser pants, skirts and dark tights, or even sheath & sweater dresses. She’s that versatile! And of course, what a great way to add a little va va voom to your favorite pair of jeans.

With the winter chill, don’t forget about scarves! I just love the colorful and cozy design of our LP scarves to add even more warmth to your outfits. I paired Alex with our new Berry Splash Blue Scarf, as well as our Firefly Scarf in purple (made to look tweed, though  it’s actually a smooth, soft texture), but those are just a few looks.  LP scarves come in a variety of fun, vivid colors and textures that are hard to find elsewhere!

It’s that time of year again – the smells of cinnamon & pine, everything covered in beautiful lights, family coming into town, and of course all of the wonderful recipes incorporating pumpkin,  peppermint, and chocolate. Only one thing can ruin this beautiful time – Stress!

For many women, the holidays nearly always mean racing around to find the perfect gifts to make everyone’s holiday, well…perfect. We get so frazzled trying to cook, gift, and trim everything to perfection that we forget to just take a breath of crisp air and enjoy! Shopping for gifts can be especially frustrating– a far cry from visions sugar plums ;) But don’t complicate something that should be fun!

In my opinion, the key to keeping everyone happy (and surprised) is to select gifts for loved ones that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves – think funky accessories, gourmet treats, uniquely colored or designed tops, or fun shoes. Below is a list of my favorite gifts this holiday season, with ideas for nearly everyone on your list. And don’t forget about YOU :)

1. Alex and Ani Bracelets. I love all bangels and these are the perfect gifts for family members or friends. A girl can never have too many stackable pieces.

2. Holiday Stickers from Ashley Brooke Designs. All of my packages will be wrapped and stamped with these adorable stickers….I love Ashley’s creative, fun spirit.

3. Kate Spade Jewelbar Round Studs. I am loving these fun earrings from Kate Spade – they are super adorable!!

4. Southern Tide Gingham Sports Shirts. All the men in my life will be getting these fabulous shirts. They fit so well and I love all the great colors! ;-)

5. Liz Glitter in a box, which includes two additional pairs of snaps, is one of my most favorite gifts to give around the holidays. They’re so fun for New Years Eve, date nights, and girls’ night out!

6. LP Coverlets and Pareos - the perfect gift for all of my beach beauties! And all under $40 at Lindsay-Phillips.com :)

7. Swanson Vineyards 2010 Pinot Grigio…my favorite wine choice for my ladies who love to enjoy life!

8. Don’t forget that Etsy.com now has gift cards! Who does not LOVE this site!?!?

9. Trina Turk Disco Ball Ring. Talk about a statement ring! Why not live life large?!?!

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, but you don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe to look as fabulous as the Thanksgiving spread. Use what you have – and that includes your favorite LP shoes! This week’s fashion guide shows you how to pair your favorite fall LP shoes with wardrobe staples you already own. It’s a lot easier on your sanity and wallet to treat yourself to a new scarf or top than to run out and buy an entirely new outfit. If you’ve got a nice pair of dark wash jeans, an autumn-hued top or dress, or a basic black dress, you’re halfway there!

If you’re looking for a laid-back-yet-stylish look, consider pairing dark wash stretch jeans with trendy, comfy flats like Kate (shown above in tan python). Add a festive-colored blouse with a pair of  jewel tone earrings and an eye-catching scarf & voila! Understated chic.

If your Thanksgiving celebration calls for a bit more  pizzazz, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look glamorous. Put that little black dress hanging in the back of your closet to work! With a sparkly cardigan and fun pair of heels like the Alex (shown above in black suede) you’ll be the life of the party! And don’t forget that the LP Jupiter bags (shown above in black) feature interchangeable snaps, so you can match your LP bag to every occasion!

This ensemble is a perfect example of how a dress can be chic AND practical! Choose a dress style with a little give so you can stuff yourself in comfort. I love this rayon dress from BCBG – perfect for climates where Thanksgivings tend to be much warmer! Complete your look with gold-toned accessories and a pair of ballet flats (like the Liz) adorned with a funky snap.

We had to have some shots on the beach - one of our favorite places on earth :)

Baby photos are something that nearly every new mom looks forward to. To forever capture the image of your newborn in his or her first few weeks of life, and to share those images with loved ones – there’s almost no better feeling. I am just beyond thrilled to be sharing these photos with all of you! But more importantly, as a new mom with a lot of prior photo shoot experience, I wanted to pass what I have learned on to you :)

Amy was truly a baby whisperer!

Tip #1 Find the Right Photographer and Book in Advance

Friend’s recommendations are always useful, but don’t forget about Facebook or Blogs – that’s how I found Amy Robertson. I was so looking forward to working with her after seeing her work. Be aware, though, that a good photographer is busy, busy, busy. You may need to book months in advance.

For most people, it can be tough to "see" what the photographer sees, so go with an open mind.

Tip #2 Be Prepared

Photo shoots are always long days filled with hard work, persistence, perfect lighting, and a WHOLE lot of patience ;) Bring snacks, lots of water, diapers, burp cloths, and your creative design spirit.

Tip #3 Be Open-Minded

I wasn’t sure how it would all work out with our 5lb baby boy as the center of the action, as opposed to models and LP shoes, but I went in with an open mind. I wanted it to be a fun and memorable experience for me and my husband, so I knew that trying to be a control freak – which sometimes we women can tend to do – would interfere with the simple joys of this special day. After having seen Amy’s work via social media, I knew that I would wind up with fabulous shots, so it was best to let her do her job. And by the way, she was amazing…a total baby whisperer.

A photo shoot is all about perfect lighting, patience, and trust in your photographer.

Tip #4 Know Your “Big Picture”

While I was open-minded, I knew what I didn’t want, so I explained to Amy that I like clean simple lines without frills. We decided to choose our colors – neutrals and navy -which is the same color scheme as Burcham’s room. We also took a few props that had special meaning for us. So there are definitely ways to be prepared for baby photography sessions, but in my opinion, it’s about balance. Give the photographer a “big picture” to work with, but allow her to use her brilliant creativity :)

Instead of freaking out about details that most likely won't matter, enjoy the moment. Here, Amy Robertson takes a break to pose with her newest fan :)

Tip #5 Enjoy It

If you so choose, these precious moments are something you will always cherish. Consider taking your own camera and capturing “behind the scenes” for your baby’s scrapbook. Get friendly with the photographer, since you’re there for so long. Working with Amy and getting to know her was one of my favorite parts of the day. To watch her work her magic with Burcham and position him…indescribable. And when I saw my husband holding Burcham in the palm of his hand….It just melted my heart. That’s why tip 3 is so important – don’t focus too much on controlling the situation at the expense of just “living” the beautiful moments. I can honestly say I loved every minute of this experience.

Tip #6 Pass it on

Help your mom friends by giving them great tips and referrals - they're invaluable! By the way, here's one of my favs.....it's just priceless :)

As I have quickly learned in the past few weeks, you can never have enough help and good tips. That’s why it was so important for me to share my experiences with you, and why I hope you’ll share your own experiences with new moms in your circle. Also, don’t be afraid to brag about your photographer if you were amazed with his or her work. Honestly, I wish I could have done a three day shoot with Amy. She was that talented, and I am thrilled to recommend her to loved ones and LP fans in the Orlando area. In fact, I’ve left her website and Facebook information below.

The end result of Amy's amazing patience and creative eye.

I just love this one of Burcham and Cosmo. This wine bin, compliments of my dad, is one of the props I brought along.

Here is one of our outside shots. Love the pops of color from these buoys!

This one just melts my heart...

Amy Robertson’s website: http://www.amyrobertsonphotography.com/.

You can also find her on Facebook .