Moroccan Boudoir in Dallas, Texas

There are a ton of great boudoir studios in Dallas that have the traditional beds, but how about making your boudoir session really stand out?  How about something a tad bit international?   Today we are going to bring Morocco right to Dallas!  Yes, we have a Moroccan Boudoir set!

Morocco is a beautiful country in North Africa.  If all goes well I will be visiting this colorful country in 2016. When I do I plan on bringing back more blankets, sheets, and other items to make this set look as authentic as possible.  

This set was inspired by my love for strong color.  Boudoir sessions have a tendency to look very black and white with a splash of red pinched in.  This set is for the colorful, dynamic, and non traditional woman. With the Moroccan set we want to provide a really relaxed atmosphere that can still to be really sexy.  We love effortless sexy and that’s what this set provides. If you’re looking to give your boudoir session a bit of flair the Moroccan set would be best for you!

In a previous post we really broke down Karla’s outfit, hair, and makeup to a science.  If you want to see all the details of Karla’s look please check out our How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  

Jill from #Glambition did the hair and makeup.  Alexis K Coats styled this amazing session with  clothes provided by Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Most of the furniture here came from Pier 1.  

Not only is the set relaxing so is Karla’s style. In her first looks she’s rocking a bikini top from Apricot Lane of Dallas.  Instead of the typical panty or bikini bottle Alexis opted to layer her in a series of scarves. This provided a sense of texture, fun pops of color, and overall more interesting photos.  Not only do the your boudoir  photos need to look sexy, but they have to really stand out.  

The hair added a dynamic point of interest to Karla’s Moroccan boudoir set.  While there is nothing wrong with with full voluptuous curly hair I have to say that I LOVE the short futuristic side bob that Jill designed for Karla.  Again, it brings interest and texture in such a unique setting.  

If you want to get more details on Karla’s set or any of the three other women we shot please make sure you check out your post on How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Session.  Also, Karla is in a competition of Dallas’s top models.  Please go vote for Karla HERE!  

Without Further Ado here are more photos!

I really hoped you enjoyed Karla’s photos!  Be sure to vote for her as one of the  top model’s in Dallas HERE!

I want to thank Jill form #Glambition for all your help and hard work on this series!  Special thank you to Alexis for blessing us with her skills and Apricot Lane of Dallas for allowing us to use the clothe for the shoot!

In the comments below please let me know which photo in this series you like the best and why!

It Cost Nothing to be Kind

“It cost nothing to be kind.” This isn’t the exact quote from my favorite Dallas makeup artist, Jazzy Baptiste, but I got the gist of it.  I forgot our exact conversation, but it did center around the fact if ever in a situation if you have a choice to be mean or kind, just be kind.

It really cost nothing to be kind to people.  To smile, go the extra mile, or just help some out in their time of need may mean more to that person than you will ever know.  When things don’t go our way sometimes our default it to get defensive and ugly, but we need to practice seeing it from the other person’s side. We don’t know what’s going on in that person’s life.  

For example, where I live the leasing office is supposed to be open extended hours on Thursdays.  The office will close at 7PM on Thursdays where as every other day the office closes at 6PM.  Being open extended hours allows people to come in an speak with the office staff about anything.

During the week it takes me about an hour to get home, and most of the time I can’t get home at 7PM.  Well, the last couple of Thursdays I rearranged my work schedule in order to leave in enough time to make it to the leasing office. Of course when I get there at 6:15PM the leasing office is closed.

That Friday I called the leasing office and asked why the office wasn’t open until 7PM.  I needed to get parking passes, but since the office wasn’t open I couldn’t pick any up for my guest.  The leasing agent understood and offered to write the passes and place them in my apartment.  I was nice about it.  She offered a solution that did not require me to do any extra work on my behalf.  When I arrived home that evening I had two parking passes for my guest.  

Turns out the office was closed at 6PM because they were running on a skeleton crew.  There was only the office manager and one leasing agent.  They were working 7 days a week for  9 hours a day.  That’s 63 hours a week.  Which means 23 hours of overtime a week.  To work 63 hours a week and go to school full time is  a lot of work.  She said there was so much drama behind it, but now they have one more person in the office and things could get back to normal again.  

As a person who went to school full time and worked two jobs while doing it  I could feel her pain. I understand how tiring a schedule like that can be on a person.  Yes, I was irritated about leaving work early twice a in two weeks, but how was I wronged? By getting home early and having time to play with my dog?  She was working 23 hours of overtime a week.  I couldn’t be mad at that.

Many times being kind grants you a ton more access than being rude and evil.  Last year when I went to visit my sick grandmother in Ohio I flew into Port Columbus International Airport.  From Columbus I still needed to drive to Dayton and Cincinnati to see family so renting a car was a must.  

As I checked in to pick up my car I saw the agent wasn’t having the best of days.  In fact he had a bit of an attitude at first.  Working customer service can wear on the best of people so I changed my attitude to be positive as well.  After he saw that I was super nice too him and even stayed and spoke to him a bit he upgraded me for free in a 2015 white Mustang Convertible!  Just because I was being kind to him.  Let me tell you.  Don’t expect things from people just for being kind.  You need to be genuinely kind from your heart.  A kindness that radiates the room when you walk in.  People should feel super comfortable around you.  When you are genuinely kind great things start to happen to you in your life.  When you are nice from the inside out you will notice that people will begin to treat you nicer.

Don’t be offended if someone does not treat you well.  Sometimes you can be so kind to people and they still don't get it.  Remember that we don’t know the whole story of that person’s day.  Yes, I do get it. You didn’t make this person mad and they shouldn’t take it out on you.  While you are 100% right you have to remember that people are humans and we are ruled by our emotional state.  While that person may be rude to you just think that we don't know exactly what happened to this person that day so return the meanness with kindness.  Don’t act condescending with it.  Be genuinely nice and happy in conversation.  You will see that people will begin to change their tone to you and towards you.  

Who knows… your kindness might change that person’s day and outlook.

Remember, it cost nothing to just be kind.  

Bohemian Inspired Boudoir Session

Today we are going to showcase a Bohemian inspired boudoir session!

Over the past month we have showed you stlyized boudoir sessions create by Alexis K Coats with wardrobe provided by Apricot Lane of Dallas.  The hair and makeup is by Jill of #Glambition.  Each session represented something different.  Ciara with Bridal Boudoir.  Jolesa with Strength, and now we have Jenna serving use that Bohemian realness.

For Jenna we wanted to give a more sultry sexy.  Jill opted for huge crimped hair and makeup that really made her blue eyes pop.  In her first outfit Alexis dressed Jenna is a 90’s esque  full length white lace dress.  On her shoulders drapes a beautiful black embroidered kimono.  

As far as accessories go the motto was, “Too much is never enough.”  Alexis had her rocking the stone bangles and dripped crystal pendants around her neck.

However if you really want the details of what she wore be sure to check out our post on How to Style a Bridal Boudoir Shoot.  I believe this will come in handy for you regardless if you're getting married or not.

Three Things You Can Learn from Jenna

1. It’s okay to be nervous.

Jenna was really nervous about her session because she doesn’t model and has never done boudoir.  However, she did place her trust in myself and Alexis, who also models.  Alexis gave Jenna very detailed instruction to help her out and ease her fears.  She even gave her some excercises to practice at home for her next photo shoot.

2. It’s Okay to Take Control.  

Believe it or not Jenna's eyelashes are 100% organic.  She takes such good care of them and doesn’t let anyone, but herself, touch her eyelashes.  Sometimes ladies are scared to speak up, but what I liked about Jenna is what she wasn’t and was able to verbalize what she does and does not want to do.  If you don't feel comfortable or have an idea that better suits you don't be scared to speak up because your photographer wants you to feel as comfortable as possible.  

3. Listen.  

Jenna may have been nervous but you would have never noticed because she took the time and listened to us and own her photos.  Like Jolesa, Jenna listened with intent so she was able to pull off some of the mose beautiful pictures.  When you take the time and listen to your photographer about posing and how to do the poses your photos will come out amazing.  

Without further ado here are Jenna’s photos.

I hope today’s post helped you understand how to prep for your session and gave your style ideas for your next boudoir session.   

If you’re in the Dallas Fort Worth area and want to have a boudoir session please check out our investment page and contact us to schedule a time to speak regarding your session!  

In the comments below please let use know which one the two looks was your favorite?

The Best Proof of Love is Trust

Lets be honest.  If you really loved him you wouldn’t be stalking his Instagram likes, Facebook feed, or DMs.  You wouldn’t be plotting how to break into his phone.  You wouldn’t be plotting drive by to his place at midnight.  You wouldn’t have a need to do any of that if you really loved him.

Why do I say you don’t love him? In order to love someone you have to be able to trust them.  If you are really concerned about this person hurting you then chances are he will.  If he has no intention of hurting you but you keep creeping through his DM then you need to let him go because you don't trust him. 

Life is ways too dayum short to be wasted on worrying about what the next persons is doing.  If you are that worried about him messing with your heart or playing mind games with you then talk to him.  Don’t stalk him.  If you are too scared to have a conversation like this with him then you need to let him go.  

COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL TO A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

What’s the point of being in a relationship with a person you feel you can’t communicate with?  Are you that scared of his reaction that it stops you from living your life?  Communication is key to a healthy relationship so if you don’t have that then you don’t have anything at all.  

To be able to communicate efficiently means you are able to trust the person with what you say and how you mean it.  This works two ways.  Not just you to him… how you react to him as well.  

KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

I know way too many women who go back to men who have lied and cheated with them.  They go in and out of this relationship with the person with the same gripes they had the first, second, and third time. This is after they finally sit down and have a conversation about their needs and the person still never changes and she still never walks away.  

That’s why things don’t ever change, because you are too scared to walk away.  I don’t mean physically walk way.  I mean walk away from the drama, the life, the broken promises, the faux “I-Love-You.”  Walking away from him and all the drama he brings to the table will bring you a sense of peace.

Many times men will keep coming back to you after a breakup because he knows you will take him back. You keep taking the bait because after a day, a week, a month because you are tired of being alone or frightened that you won’t find anyone else.

CONTROL YOUR INSECURITIES

Hello ladies. These are your own insecurities getting the best of you.

That’s what it all comes back down to.  Your insecurities.  Your need.  Your want.  Your desires.  YOU!

Yet, you will keep allowing yourself to stay in a web of lies, deceit, and fairytales just to have a warm body next to you for a limited amount of hours before the whole process happens over again.  

Yet, we as women have a tendency to not take accountability for our roll in these volatile relationships.  Yes, he shouldn’t be cheating or lying.  However, when you come back to him over and over and over again do you really think he cares about your feelings?  No.  He is now at this point where he knows you, and knows that you will always be the backup plan for him.  

Yet… you still go into his phone, stalk his social media, or even drive by his place to see he’s there or not.

Is this how you really want to live your life?

Girl, gas is expensive!

Ask yourself.  What are you getting out of a relationship like this?  Ah!  I know! You’re hoping he will change… for you.  Honey, let me be perfectly honest.  Humans can be very selfish creatures by nature.  The only reason he’s going to change is for himself.  

HAVE AN HONEST CONVERSATION WITH YOURSELF

You want him to take you seriously?  How about really walking away.  Not answering the phone. Blocking him on all social media.  Not giving into the calls and text messages.  During this time you really need to be honest with yourself. Why do you keep this person around?  Why do you feel like this?  Why can't you trust him?  

If you can’t trust him.  Then you don’t love him.  You really should let him go.  Find someone who doesn't make you question them in the least bit.  

Without trust there is no relationship.

Without  trust there is no love.  

How to Showoff Your Regal Beauty in a Boudoir Session

At Wonderland Boudoir located in Dallas, Texas we believe that each boudoir session has an underlying element that frames the theme of the shoot.  In Jolesa’s case you can clearly see that it’s power, success, and regal beauty.

Jolesa did an amazing job with her session.  This petite powerhouse really brought her A game to her boudoir session.  She tuned everything out and focused on me and the direction of her session.  I believe this is why this has been one of my best sessions to date.

One of my favorite things about Jolesa was her attention to detail and how she listened with intent to follow directions. This made her photos come out so amazing.  She gave me full creative control in order to obtain beautiful photos for her boudoir session. 

HAIR.

Having unique hair for your boudoir session that truly compliments your personality is always a good idea.  In Jolesa’s case she’s rocking a natural hair mohawk with Amber tips.  Let’s all be honest, not all women can get away with this.  Jolesa has an incredibly strong face that can handle such a short haircut.   

STYLE.

Styling for a boudoir session is incredibly important. While we don’t always have a professional stylist with us we do take the craft very serious.  In Jolesa’s case we had a light and dark look.  My favorite pieces from each of her sessions are the kimonos that you can find at Apricot Lane.  Her caramel complexion has the advantage of being very versatile in the fashion world.  Because of this it was easy to go from white to black with her. 

The white outfit is very laid back and casual with a pinch of seduction sprinkled in.  She was able to balance that power with sexy.  This is something we should all be doing in our everyday life anyway. 

In her second boudoir outfit she is wearing all black while rocking an intense statement necklace.  The statement necklace was the perfect idea because it presented the subject and the clothes very well.  It helped bring out the powerhouse element that Jolesa was channeling.

3 Tips for a Successful Boudoir Session:

1.) Listen to your boudoir photographer.

During your boudoir session it’s imperative to listen to your boudoir photographer.   The boudoir photographer’s job is to showcase and enhance your photos with direction, styling, and posing.  When you don’t commit to what your photographer has to say it could result in lackluster photos.  There are a ton of weird angles the photographer has you in.  Some points you may feel as though you’re a pretzel and feel ridiculous.  However, don’t fret.  Your photographer knows your angles and is only trying to make your photos worth loving. 

2.) Celebrate Your Authentic Self

Jolesa rocked amMohawk.  This mohawk was beautiful and it authentically represented who she is as a person, unique, fun, and outgoing.  However, celebrating your style does not just include hair... it can be tattoos, piercings, or fashion.  If you cover your tattoos up the session may not feel as special to you as they should.  Be true to yourself and you will be happy with your results.

3.) Style is Important

Boudoir fashion will make or break a session.  I also advise ladies to try on their lingerie before arriving at your boudoir session.  In order to have a functional style you have to try and figure what you want to represent. The outfit’s that you bring to the session must be something that compliments the studio or on locations scenery.     

Without further ado here are more photos!!!

I hope these three tips helped you for your next session.  If you are interested in booking a session with Wonderland Boudoir please check out our investment page and then head over to contact if you like to speak more about your impending boudoir session. 

I have to give an amazing thank you from Jill from #Glambition and Alexis at AlexisKCoats in Instagram for the styling.   Than you Apricot Lane for letting us showcase your beautiful clothes. 

In the comments below please let me know how you define regal beauty.

Have an amazing Friday y’all!!!

I Need You because I Love You

Love is an incredible power. 

When growing in love I feel as though there are two stages, immature love and mature love. 

My favorite love quote of all time is from Erich Fromm who states, “I’m immature loves say I love you because I need you.  Mature loves says I need you because I love you.”

Let that sink in for a moment. 

There will be people in your life that will come in for the simple fact that they need you.  However they mistake that need for love.  They love you because of what you can do for them.  Rather if it’s financial, emotional, or physical some people will just use you with the false idea that it’s love. 

No.  That’s not love. 

Love won’t use you. Love won’t take advantage of you.

Love won’t take you for granted.

Love isn’t a word that you throw around to get someone to do what you want.  Love is an emotion that someone should use when the thought of you not being there is too much of a pain to bear.  When you can’t fall asleep without that person touching you.  Or no matter how much you visit and talk to each other you still get that same excitement when you see that person every day. 

Love is about supporting each other, being each other’s cheerleader, and being that persons mirror when the rest of the world will lie to you.

Mature love is kisses on the forehead when your partner thinks you’re asleep.  Or random emails during the day letting them know how much you miss them. 

Mature love is being there when that person needs you the most and you never see it as an inconvenience to you. 

Immature love only sees what they get out of it with very little to no consideration for the other person.  Immature loves is selfish… and in fact I would dare to argue that I wouldn’t consider it love. 

Love is very selfless. 

Today, I challenge you to email, text, or better yet, write a handwritten note to the person you love and placing to somewhere they will see…. Laptop, steering wheel, or next to his kids and let him or her know how much you mean to him.

Have the Happiest of Monday’s Y’all!

4 Tips for a Successful Bridal Session & Bridal Boudoir Lookbook

Bridal boudoir in Dallas is a huge thing and it's important that you pick a photographer that will match your aesthetic and vision.  Here at Wonderland Boudoir in Dallas we love doing Bridal Boudoir!  Its fun, sexy, and a great gift for your husband to be.  

 Here we have Ciarra as our bride.  The wedding dress is from Simply Bridal.  Isn't this dress breathtaking?  Would you believe me if I told you that the purchase price of this dress is less than $500?!  That's without a discount!  The name of this dress is Lianne and can be found HERE!  To know more details about this dress and her full look I did a really detailed post last week about how to style a Boudoir Wedding Session. 

 Today I wanted to provide a full spread of Ciara's Bridal Boudoir session and 4 Tips for a Successful Bridal Boudoir Session

 Tips for a Successful Bridal Session

 1.) Include the Dress

 You spent a large sum of money on a dress that you may only wear once. This dress may end up living in your closet until it’s donated it or passes on to a daughter or a family friend.  I think taking as many pictures in your dress, even prior to your wedding is a good idea.  

 A boudoir session is an excellent place to get a lot of detailed shots of your dress.  A wedding dress has tons of detailing and it's important to get as much detailing as possible.  Also, having a boudoir session done in your gown allows you to show off you sensual and sexy time to your future husband in a way that expresses commitment to only him.  You have most likely dieted and worked out to get the perfect body for you dress.  It’s your time to shine and look amazing in your dress. 

 2.) Lingerie that Matches the Dress

 Styling and aesthetics are everything in photoshoots.  This isn't the first time I have stated this and it won't be the last.  For your boudoir session to be impactful it's important to have clothes complement each other, the decor of the room, and the reason for the session.  Most importantly, your lingerie should complement your dress.

 3.) Accessories Make your Boudoir Experience Unique

How you decide to pair your accessories to your dress is an individual decision that will be based off many factors. One of those factors being your personal style. However, I have to say that if your lingerie and dress are really detailed then it may be better to not go with too much bling. Yes, I know the Texan ideology is that there can never be too much bling… but in the case of your boudoir photos, it can. 

 On the other hand if your dress and lingerie are really plain then bring the bling on!

 4.) DO NOT TAN or GET A SPRAY TAN THE DAY OF OR BEFORE YOUR BOUDOIR SESSION

Getting a tan or a spray tan a day or two ahead of your boudoir session is a complete mistake!

 Spray tans have a tendency to leave residue.  If you are wearing white then the last thing you want to do before your big day is have orange marks over you dress or our sets.  If you must have a spray tan please schedule to have it done at least 5 days before your planned boudoir session.

 Tans are also not a good idea because they have a tendency to make you look orange in photos.  This causes a huge issue in post processing work for the photos and they may not be able to correct your skin complexion due to the unnatural skin darkening.

I hope these four tips helped you out before your boudoir session.  Including your wedding dress, accessorizing, wearing the right lingerie, and not tanning before your session will help lead to a successful bridal boudoir session.

I know... You want to see more photos of Ciarra so lets go!

 Didn't Ciarra nail it?!  . 

If you’re in the Dallas Fort  Worth area and in need of a boudoir photographer prior to your big day please check out our investment page and then contact us for more information!  We would love to be part of your big day!

 In the comments below let me know if you have any additional question a bout Bridal Boudoir.