Why Dress Up?
I am a mother of four. Getting three boys to leave the slashed jeans, blue hair and oil stained boots out of a family picture is a completely familiar struggle for me. We are born and bred in Idaho and love our casual clothing, outdoor lifestyle, and the fact that little in life out here requires dressy attire! Many families here enjoy this culture and we often hear parents tell us they consider themselves “a casual family.” Of course! That’s what every family should be: a place where we can be ourselves, wear what we want, and let down our guard!
However, when it comes to having a classic portrait created, this IS the time to dress up, as we would for a wedding or any other very special occasion because this is a moment to celebrate! Your entire family is coming together to have something created that will showcase in their home for generations.
It’s something different: the portraits that we are known for, that our customers are attracted to and love is intentionally created as heirloom art, and part of the look, feel and style includes dressy, if not formal clothing. Once your family arrives at our luxurious studio, they will catch on, and be excited about the elegant, formal portrait we will be creating for you!!
We have never heard any parents that visit our studio say that they wish they’d gone with more casual clothing, but I can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard them regretfully admit that they wish they would’ve chosen to upgrade the clothing, just for this one moment!
It’s worth taking a little more time to get prepared. Start as soon as you have your appointment scheduled. If you don’t know where to look, here are some ideas:
· If you prefer to shop online, all of your favorite stores have online shopping options—just be sure you KNOW your family’s sizes (each website will have a size chart you can use, so get out that tape measure)!
· In Boise: my favorite stores for general dress clothing are Dillards and Macys. If you’d like something more custom and unique try Piece Unique on 10th St., or Rooney Mae on 8th St. for some gorgeous dresses.
· Formal doesn’t mean sparkles, huge fluffy skirts (although a little girl in a flouncy skirt is pretty adorable), so a classy, silky dress or even a black pant suit with some great jewelry will work well, especially if the men in the family come in their dress clothes and ties!
· Trying to save a little money so you have more to put towards your portraits? We have some fantastic consignment stores here in town. For a great selection of dresses, try Again Consignment in Eagle.
· Rent the Runway online is another resource for dress clothing for kids and adults. They have a huge selection and will send two sizes so you’re sure to have the right fit--then just send it back when you’re finished and they do all the cleaning!
