Soirée Styling

A new design, the photo shoot, holiday style, a new podcast and more

Soirée Bag Photo Shoot Styling

I think I say this every time I do a photo shoot, but it's worth repeating. Photo shoots are one of my favorite parts of my job. I absolutely love making the product come to life, imagining where you’re going and what you’re wearing. And the Soirée Bag shoot was up there with one of my favorites ever. 

I'm often the model for our shoots because frankly it's just easier. I don't have to coordinate schedules with a model. I don't have to worry about wardrobe and fit - I know what fits me. But this time I had a very specific vision that I knew would be so much better with a professional. I also worked with a new photographer, Bekah Wriedt, who I’ve admired for ages. A photo shoot is such a team effort and I felt like bringing her creative energy to this shoot would really enhance my own vision. And wow - I'm so thrilled with how the images turned out - both Bekah and Sara nailed it. I hope these images serve as inspo for how you might wear your Soirée Bag!

We’re launching this bag right as the holiday season really starts to kick off. And this time of year tends to be a time when we have lots of evening events: Christmas parties with friends, office holiday parties, family gatherings, friendsgivings, reunions, weddings, going to the Nutcracker, etc. When putting together the looks for the shoot, I was thinking about all of these events and how I’d want to look/feel. Below each image, I’ll link the looks and a few other ideas.

I’m really so excited for this launch and for this bag. I designed it as a solution to a hole in my closet and I hope it answers that “but what bag should I bring to (fill in the blank) event?” question.

Look 1: Classic black dress with or without a blazer over the shoulders

Events: cocktail party, wedding/ rehearsal dinner, night out at the opera or ballet etc.

I styled Sara in this Vincent James slip dress. There's nothing better than a black dress that never fails. It looked stunning on her! My love for Vincent James runs deep and even though I absolutely love this dress and think it looks spectacular on lots of women, I've tried this dress on in my size and it doesn't fit me quite right - the hip to waist ratio just doesn't work for me. My black slip dress from Beatrice Valenzuela isn't being made anymore in the length I have, but this one is the same - just a little longer. Mine is very lightweight so I wouldn’t wear it in the winter/chillier temps. This one shoulder dress is one I’d try if I had an event to go to this season!¹

Look 2: Black denim, black turtleneck, black boots

Events: date night, dinner with the gals, Thanksgiving/friendsgiving

For this look I chose straight leg black denim and my favorite cashmere turtleneck from my own closet. We added my Everlane blazer and a belt to complete the look. Sara is wearing her own black booties, but these are great for a low heel and minimalist look and these are my favorite of the season. I also love the Odin and Hudson boots by A.Emery for a very subtle western vibe.

Look 3: Ivory sweater dress (love this dress paired with boots)

Events: holiday party, luncheon, date night, dinner party, Thanksgiving

I love this Vincent James sweater dress. It’s reversible and a really beautiful weight. A sweater dress is a great way to dress up while still feeling really comfortable and cozy. I love ivory for the winter - so chic! And with a black bag and black boots and maybe a black wool coat - so good!

I also love this one from Mirth for a slightly more forgiving fit.

Look 4: Winter “gown”

Events: fall/winter wedding, holiday party, fundraiser gala, etc.

I saw this dress from Heidi Merrick and fell in love. I think it can be hard to dress up in the winter because you want to look really chic, but that’s hard to come by in a long-sleeved dress. It’s the worst when you’re cold, so I really love this as an option. And I love silks and satin around the holidays.

The Soirée Bag launches 11/4. I think it will be the perfect companion for all your holiday events!

Recent Recommendations

I’ve been listening to two podcasts a lot lately: A new podcast by a my friend, Katy Rexing called Within and a tried and true favorite in Gretchen Rubin’s Happier podcast. I always walk away with a useful tidbit from Happier.

Love this Italian glassware. Especially the tumblers and pitcher!

A pumpkin cookie recipe to try.

Harris/Walz merch. I ordered the Madam Preisdent sweatshirt - really hope I get to wear it! The “I voted for her” one is a cute idea too!

I watched season 3 of Lincoln Lawyer this week. Have you watched it yet? It’s not the best acting or writing, but somehow I love it. I guess I’m a sucker for a legal drama.

I read The 6 Types of Working Genius in two days. It’s so good. I honestly think anyone in any work environment should read it! The premise is there are 6 stages/types of work and we are naturally gifted at roughly 2 of them. Identifying these can be really useful when looking for a new job, hiring, or just understanding yourself and others you work with.

I just received this cozy cotton sweater and it’s perfect. I actually had nothing like it - literally no cotton pullover sweaters - just wool, cashmere, alpaca (typical for Chicago). But I think this will be really nice to have for cooler Florida evenings. I got an XS and I like the fit. A S would have probably also been fine - just a little more oversized.

That’s all for now! I know everyone is probably feeling the tension of the election - I know I am. Wishing you a relaxing weekend (as much as is possible)!

xo,

Abby

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