Get A Leg Up!

We all have that one less-than-flattering photo.  You know, the one that looks like you're about to birth a food baby or three?  

I get why women find it intimidating to come in for a session and get undressed, or at least partially undressed in front of a stranger.  Just know that I won't stare blankly at you while you figure out how to emote sexy.  I will guide you into poses that make you look like the drop-dead gorgeous woman that you are.

One of the things we'll discuss when you come in for your session is any perceived problem areas. I always hear that women want to lose a few pounds first, but I have you covered in the posing department.     Let's look at some examples, shall we?

Titling your head slightly down can be flattering for most face shapes but tilt too far down and you create a double chin.  Tyra Banks has a trick that she calls the "turtle".  Push your chin out a bit and hold your tongue against the roof of your mouth to avoid a double chin. 

Letting arms hang limply at your side flattens the muscle and makes it look larger.  Bending your elbows and creating a triangle creates a much more flattering silhouette.

I'm all about creating or enhancing curves.  Having her bend the leg that is closest to the camera and place her hands behind her to create negative space gives her a much more dynamic shape.  

You can see that the photo on the left does nothing for her shape.  Her arms are hanging limply at her side.  Again, I have her bend the leg that is closest to the camera and bend her elbow slightly to create negative space.

 
 

Create the illusion of a smaller waist.  No Photoshop required.  Simply placing your hands around your middle and bringing them in closely gives the appearance of a teeny, tiny waist.  

I can also help to create a rounder derriere.  Lifting the hips creates a booty-ful booty to behold and has the added benefit of smoothing out any cellulite one may have.

I promise that I will never take a photo of your bum straight on; that's always a sure fire way to make you look as wide as possible.  We avoid this by having your shift your weight onto one hip and bending the leg that's furthest away from the camera.  

"Pop" the booty in a standing position and you've got a butt worthy of the song "Baby Got Back"! 

 
 

It's all about that hourglass shape! Tummy in, chest out! Shift your weight onto one hip, and create a diamond with your hands on your hips. 

See?  I promise I can make you look as gorgeous as the ladies on my website.  What are you waiting for?

Is Happily Ever After Even a Possibility?

 
 

I spoke with Gwen Washington, one of the founders of LuvTalk, a relationship forum for women to improve their relationships and when I found out she is hosting a few mixers in Tampa for ladies, I just knew I needed to feature her on my blog.

1) What is LuvTalk? And Where Can People find LuvTalk online?

Luv talk is a dating advice platform with monthly content on all things love and a dating advice app that allows users to connect with a personalized dating coach or matchmaker. We are on web and IOS apple store for the app.

2) How long has LuvTalk been improving relationships?

Luv talk started over a year ago and we have made great improvements to our site and finished our first app two months ago. We have coaches and matchmakers from Chicago, Tampa, and California soon to be NYC as well.

3). What's your biggest tip for women seeking to improve their romantic relationship?

Learn how to Communicate with your partner. The biggest tip I can give is understanding communication is the most important tool in a relationship. If you can't say what you want and what you don't want, you won't get it. Learn to communicate in a nonjudgmental way and you will have less confusion and less anxiety.

4) What advice do you have for the single ladies out there?

Stay positive and feminine. We can beat ourselves up over our looks, career, and family life. It is important to treat yourself and make sure you are doing little things that you enjoy and make you feel feminine. The right guy will come along and sense that positive and empowered feminine energy. Love comes in when you truly love yourself and value you.

5) How often do you feature Ladies Nights in the Tampa area?

We are starting to increase our ladies night with monthly at various bars. We have done Wine Exchange, Flemings, and have the upcoming Cask Social Kitchen in February and American Social Club coming in March.

How to Feel Sexy When You Just Don't

Women come to me usually for two reasons:  either they feel really beautiful and sexy and want me to capture that for them, or they don’t feel sexy at all and need that confident boost.  Of course there are other reasons women get boudoir done, but those are the top two.  You may be the in the latter camp. 

Although I do find that a boudoir session carries lasting results for clients including a sense of newfound confidence and a reassurance that they are indeed beautiful, sometimes we just have those days when we feel about as sexy as a pissing toad.

I mean, Mama June went and got herself a beach body and I’m still over here eating cookies for breakfast.  That’s ok.  My boobs match my butt.  I put my big girl panties on, which may or may not include a leopard print, look in the mirror, and pull my confidence secrets out of my hat.  Let me share a few:

Whether I’m wearing make-up or not, I fill in my brows. It’s the first step to looking more put-together, and well, younger.  Most of us want to look as young as possible.  Plus, it frames my face.  A microblading appointment with Lauren Haley is definitely next up on the beauty list.

Next, I might throw on an off-the-shoulder or cold-shoulder top to show off my neckline.   It’s super feminine, and if I’m feeling really extra, I’ll put some highlighter along my collarbone.

Sometimes all we need is lipstick and mascara.  Of course, I’m partial to Limelight by Alcone’s Perfect Lipstick which is super pigmented, but no so matte that it makes my lips feel dry, and my lash-lengthening Perfect Mascara that has fibers already in the formula, but no matter which brand you use, there’s just something about lipstick and mascara that serves as a quick mood booster.  Give me lashes.  Give me lips.  Give me the world. 

 
 

Do something outside your comfort zone.  When we’re feeling too comfortable, we develop limitations.  We suddenly convince ourselves that there are certain things we can’t do.  Getting a little uncomfortable helps you reinforce positive attributes about yourself.  Doing a boudoir session is one way to get out of your comfort zone, but it could be as something as simple trying a new machine at the gym. 

Gym…did someone say exercise?  Yep.  I do it at least four times a week.  It’s a mood booster that gets the endorphins going, and keeps the doctor at bay. 

Then, after you’ve done your session with me, get comfortable accepting compliments and accolades.  See below. 

 
 

Are You Ready to Make Your Confidence Soar?