Milwaukee Fashion + Lifestyle Blog
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be apart of a photoshoot for an online boutique that I recently came across.The photographer for the project was Amanda from Amanda Vick Creative, who reached out to invite me to participate. I’ve worked with Amanda on a number of photo shoots and collaborations in the past, so I instantly accepted the invitation to get involved. The photoshoot was for an online boutique called Flowers and Gray. They specialize in on-trend and fashion-forward apparel and accessories for women, but they also carry a variety of items for children, men’s apparel, skincare, home items, and stationary items as well. They really do have it all.
After browsing their website, I quickly became even more excited for the photoshoot. They have so many cute dresses, skirts and tops, and accessories for summer that my wishlist started filling up pretty quickly. I love the fact that they include a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes, as not all boutiques do. Obviously boutiques can choose the sizes they want to offer, but as a ‘curvy’ girl, there’s nothing more frustrating than consistently finding pieces that I love at boutiques only to find that the items are not offered in my sizes. So I love when I find a boutique that values inclusivity in sizing as much as they value curating high-quality and stylish pieces. I also loved what the name of the boutique Flowers and Gray stands for.
At Flowers and Gray, we believe that us ladies are just like flowers – we all come in different shapes, colors and sizes and we are all beautiful. Come be a part of our bouquet.
The fact that they acknowledge and appreciate that women come in all shapes, sizes, and colors as core belief of the business is something that I can get behind. Not all women look the same, and we shouldn’t expect or encourage that. I believe that I feel like my most authentic self when I am wearing something that looks and feels like me, and not something that I saw someone else wearing. Fashion is about expressing your personal style to meet your own standards, regardless of what others say you should or shouldn’t wear. As long as you feel beautiful and confident and like yourself, that’s all that matters.
The owner of Flowers and Gray boutique, Jessica, was a pleasure to work with. She took into account all of my sizing and styling requests to put together a few amazing looks for me for the photoshoot. I felt like every detail of each item she chose for me was absolutely on point – front the fabrics, colors, prints, and jewelry pieces. Looking at the styles that she choose for Terressa and Alyssa, she did an amazing job curating looks that matched our style and personality.
My first look included the Brenda Skirt, which was a gorgeous floral midi skirt, which was so comfortable and definitely something I could see hanging in my closet. The skirt was paired with a forest green lace trim tank top, and the Kendall Top, a loose weave and lightweight neutral sweater. I live in sweaters all winter long, so finding a perfect one to toss over a cute tank or tee on a cooler summer night is always a plus. With the creamy white Henderson Tote, the gold Everglades Earrings, and the Peach Murray Necklace that perfectly tied the look together, I felt so comfortable and stylish in this outfit.
My second look was the Stacy Dress, which was a gorgeous coral, faux-wrap dress with a ruffle hem. I normally shy away from wrap dresses because I have trouble with the sizing and fit, but I thought this piece was a flattering option. Besides just the color, I loved the tie detail on the side, as well as the a-line fit and ruffle hem for a flirty feel. Paired with simple gemstone studs and a saddle brown crossbody, I felt like this look would take me to brunch and beyond on a beautiful sunny day.
My third look was the ‘Stay Positive’ Graphic Tee paired with the fun gold & white wood Rockies Necklace. If you know me, a graphic tee about positivity paired with gold accessories, cropped jeans, and cute sandals is about the perfect summer look.
Besides getting to dress up in cute clothes, the company, the surroundings, and the weather made for a truly beautiful photoshoot and day. And it was just a bonus that the photos turned out as beautiful as they did. I’ve always had a great experience shooting with Amanda Vick Creative, and have been very pleased with the final photos, and in fact, most of the photos on my website are ones that she’s taken.
If you want to shop any of my looks from the photoshoot, or find other cute pieces from Flowers and Gray, use the code LIFESTYLEDBYLEENA to take 15% off of your entire purchase. To learn more about these companies and to show my fellow models some love, check out Flowers and Gray / Amanda Vick Creative and @terressanicole / @alyssakrawze on IG.
