Meet my little MUSE

Photo: Arlene Chambers Photography

My little girl, Ava, has always been full of spunk and personality.  She is my bestie (but I'm her mother first, of course) and also my little doll.

I grew up in a very testosterone-heavy environment.  I have 2 younger brothers and have mostly male cousins.  A lot of my friends were boys and I have two sons.  Heck I have a bunch of brother-in-laws.  Thank goodness for hubby's sister and SILs!!!  BOYS...BOYS...BOYS.

So along came Ava in June '09 and my world changed.  Ever since she was born, I'd dress her in these cute, coordinated outfits (that weren't your typical pink) and would accessorize her little head with headbands or bows.  She didn't have much hair and I wanted to make sure people knew she was actually female.  If I had a quarter for every "what a cute little boy" comment...
 
Over the years, I noticed she loved taking photos...posing with her mouth open (a la Jessica Simpson-style) with one hand on her hip, popped to the side.

Dressing her became a fun "mommy and me" moment...we'd come up with these outfits that we thought were stylish and she'd do an OOTD ("outfit of the day" if you didn't know).  She'd say, "Mommy, picture??"  Who am I to refuse?  

Here are some old posts - some outfits put together by her - excuse the background as well as the not-so-great quality photos of her back in the day...    

"Girlfriend, STOP!"

B&W w/ a pop of Jade

Feeling the pink & brown

B&W w/ a pop of Fuchsia

Ariel Jr. (Makeup by Mommy)

Hello Kitty love

Our stylized "photos" seemed to get better over time and she was better about the posing and the quality of my camera started to improve.  Seriously, who teaches her all these moves??  But you know the old adage, "PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT"?  So TRUE. 
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Stripes

Sugar Lips & Stylin'

Fashion shot

Spring Romper & Wedge Heels

Here our more for you to peruse - as if there weren't enough but I'm almost done - I promise.  You'll notice we've taken some of her OOTD shots outdoors.  We've both learned that we can pretty much make any place a backdrop provided it goes well with the outfit.  

And, FINALLY.... my fave past outfits that I've styled Ava in...or actually, EVER.

I buy most of Ava's clothing at Old Navy, GAP kids, Children's Place, and Gymboree.  Now that she's 8 years old, we are starting to shop at stores for older girls (Justice and Crew Kids have been added to the handful of places we visit).  

When I shop for pieces, I try to get mostly basics (i.e. neutral tops, leggings, etc.) with a few trendy items (see her faux fur vests, black beanie, and knee-high boots).  I usually buy items that can be mixed and matched.

We've made this an ongoing thing for us and will continue OOTD posts on my social medias.  It's been so much fun - the bonding time we get is priceless and I hope to continue this as she grows older.  Stay tuned for more of this little one's OOTDs!  

~XOXO, Mari