Okay, so a thousand is probably a biiiiit of a stretch, but we are doing family pictures soon, and I’m thinking it could easily take a couple hundred to get something decent out of our crew. Every now and then, I realize that I am attempting to coordinate the smiles (or at least not outright scowls and/or slack-jawed drooling expressions and/or closed eyes) of EIGHT human beings, 7 of whom have absolutely no interest in doing family pictures, 5 of whom are susceptible to lollipop bribes but only for as long as their unreliable short-term memories remind them of what it was for, and 1 who tends to fixate somewhere in the region below my chin and above my waist. And I think, “I must be totally cray-cray to even try this.” (And my husband starts singing, “Aaaa-meeeeen, Praise the Loooooord!”).

But try it we are, and, since pictures in the buff is a non-option (and eeerrbody joins my husband in his song), I’ve coordinated some spring-y outfits for us all.

Here’s the idea:

oldnavycollage

These are the older kids’ exact outfits, and Theo has a cute, coordinating little blue/white plaid shirt + pink shorts (think I can convince Shaun that they’re red?). Shaun will probably be in a solid chambray shirt that coordinates with the older boys.

Which just leaves me.

I knew I wanted a dress. And I was pretty stuck on the idea of a maxi, since I wasn’t too keen on any wardrobe malfunctions (the twins have a tendency to “flip” Mama’s skirt, you know, just for fun. And what fun it is).

So, in typical me fashion, I’m showing you all three of the options so you can help me choose, if you’re feeling so inclined.

Let’s get to it, shall we?

First up:

dress

Couple things: 1) Shaun and I snapped these pics quickly, and I didn’t realize that I needed to adjust the bodice of this dress lower, if you see what I mean. That’s easy to fix, though, because the straps are adjustable, and I’m wearing a cream-colored tube top under the dress that makes adjusting it lower fine without modesty being an issue. 2) I just threw on that belt with the dress because it felt like it needed something, but I also think a pink ribbon might be fun, since this dress already picks up on the purple and seafoam colors of two of the little tutu dresses the girls are wearing and might be fun with a pop of that bright pink in the first dress. Thoughts?

And next we have:

dress1

It’s hard to tell with this picture, but I’m wearing the same cream-colored tube top from the above pic with this dress. I’m thinking I may break down and rub on some sunless tanning lotion before the picture. I mean. That is a particularly pale shade of Caspar I’m working.

And speaking of “ghostly”…

dress3

This one is definitely going to take a bit (or a bucket) of self-tanner to pull off. I also think it could use a belt, but again, hastily snapped pictures do not equal perfectly accessorized dresses.

Oh, and sorry to be cryptic, but the girls and I will be sporting matching accessories that should provide a bit of wow to all of our looks, if I manage to pull them off (AKA: get them made in time). You’ll just have to wait until I show you the completed shots to find out what they are. 🙂

So, let’s do a side-by-side comparison really quick, shall we, and then let the voting begin!

dresscollage

So, what do you think? 1, 2, or 3?

I welcome any suggestions for accessories you might have as well.

0 Comments

  1. You look pretty in them all. I think 1 coordinates with other outfits the best. 2 looks the best on you and with your coloring. 3 is a hard color to photograph and one misplaced shoe could leave you covered in footprints. Excited to see the final product.

  2. Id go with 1 or 3. I just don’t love the tube top with it…
    I think 2 makes u look larger than u are.

  3. #1….I think also it would look stunning with your eyes!
    Second ….would be #3 but need some accessories to add some life to it…your too FuN of a person to not Jazz it up with some fun colors !

  4. At first I thought 1, but then I remembered you said Theo was wearing something plaid…so I’m thinking 3 with color pop accessories.

  5. Number 3 please! It will not clash with any of the other outfits. A pretty co ordinating ribbon at the waist is all the color pop you need.

  6. I agree that #2 may be too dark and “busy”. My choices are #3 and #1 … in that order. Can’t wait to see pictures! You’re brave!

  7. #1 definitely, with a pink ribbon sash!!!! I think 2 is my least favorite because it’s too dark for the spring time look the girls will have.

  8. 1 looks great on you and goes best with your skin and I think it would look great with pink belt…it coordinates best with your kids clothes and it is softer on the eyes for pics

  9. Another vote for #1, definitely the best choice for pictures. Love the idea of a pink belt or ribbon, plus a gold necklace.

  10. All pretty dresses!! #3 might be fun with colorful accessories! Like a big pink belt or big turquoise earrings or sandals. If you aren’t crazy about that, I would go with #1 to match the kids outfits.

  11. 1. They all look good, but 1 goes the best with your natural skin tone and if you decided to do a self tanner it would still look nice. I think the pink ribbon/belt would be an nice touch to tie in the warmer colors on your 2 littles. Also, perhaps dresses 2 & 3 would look different with a belt, but 1 accentuates your natural lines best without being “whoa” or mumu style.

  12. #1 followed by #2. You look great in those blues! Good luck with the pictures, we are doing family pictures in a few weeks too and although I only have have 3 little ones (3 three years old and under) to get to all look at the camera I am still nervous about it!

  13. I vote for #2. I also looked at your face in each pic and you seem the most at ease in #2. And photo shoots can be a bit stressful…even just sitting there. I would say a navy belt would add a little bit.

  14. #1 looks best I think with all the other colors. We are hoping to do family pics this fall after baby girl #4 arrives and just picked up some fabric in same color but all different patterns (chevron, striped, quatrefoil, and solid) to make dresses with. I am to scared to try and do multiple colors with all 6 of us, maybe next time around I’ll be more brave.

  15. Option #1. In a picture, you really want see folks faces and not have their clothing be first thing you see. Can’t wait to see special accessories.

  16. I really like #2. It seems really flowy and the darker color complements your dark hair and features. Your family is so darling, it’s fun to see all of the family photos.

  17. 1. Definitely with the other outfits it’s going g to coordinate the best imo. I grew up around a portrait studio and love to coordinate outfits!

  18. Number one is my first choice but that may be cause the belt is on… The color is beautiful on you! BUT, I would consider #3 also, if I saw it with accessories and a belt

I love hearing from you guys!