Hand Baldachin & Amburgey is a sophisticated boutique law firm with savvy big-firm experience. With bi-coastal offices in California and New York City, they have an impressive roster of big-name fashion, sports, media, technology and finance clients.

I was hired to edit and revamp the copy for each landing page of HBA’s website, including their About Us, lawyer bios, areas of services, notable clients, and more.

HBA is all about getting incredible results with the personal attention only a boutique firm can offer. And they’re a cool bunch, too — not a stuffy, tie-tied-too-tight group. Since lawyer-speak can read like Chinese to the lay person, I massaged their copy to be much friendlier, more readable and more consistent to their brand.

Interested in Web copy, branding or landing page help? Email me at brettanb {at} gmail.com.

I was asked to write product descriptions with two goals in mind: 1) to keep consistent with the brand’s voice — hip, happy and laid-back, but serious about supporting breastfeeding and creating change, and 2) to convey that while this apparel is certainly witty and fun (I helped create the shirt concepts, as well), there is a larger social message when you or your baby wears MFT apparel. MFT apparel is more than just comfortable cotton! The shirts and onesies inspire conversation, spark questions, create awareness, and build support for breastfeeding parents.

Check em out — click each image to enlarge!

It’s tough to talk about jeans without being specific — what style or cut are you looking for? Skinny, bootcut, high-waisted, flare-leg, jeggings? Jeans for going on a first date, out to dinner with girlfriends, or for wearing to work on casual Fridays? Colored denim, distressed denim, dark-wash denim? Where, when, and why changes everything!

For inexpensive denim, or if you want to try out a style without committing to spending hundreds, I love Forever21. Before I was sure the dark skinny jeans trend would stick, I bought a $12 — yes, one dozen dollars — pair from F21 that are still some of my favorites four years later. They’ve helped up amazingly well considering the price point!

If you’re looking to spend less than $100, I also highly recommend Urban Outfitters, where you’ll find well-priced lines like BDG and classic Levi’s. I live in my black BDG skinny jeans as an alternative to standard blue denim. With boots or heels, a blazer or a flowy chiffon top, black skinnies are great for a laid-back dinner date or a casual office setting. BDG is also a perfect line for testing the waters of high-waisted or crayon-colored denim at $60 or less a pair.

J Brand are a favorite of my friends and fashionistas. Last season’s line of colored denim and cords were fabulous, and their Denim Leggings and Super Skinny jeans are wardrobe staples for throwing on with heels, a tank and a blazer and meeting friends for cocktails. Buy them at your local high-end department store (Bloomies, Nordstrom, Saks, etc.). You can always find big brands online, but I fully believe denim must be tried on in person.

Other denim in the $100-$200 price point that I can personally recommend are AG Jeans and Paige Premium.  AG makes a great style called The Stilt, which is a skinny, straight-leg cigarette pant that hits at the ankle, perfect for tucking into boots, wearing with flats, or dressing up with heels. Having a pair so versatile is fantastic; one of my favorite tips on wearing denim is don’t think you can wear both heels and flats with the same pair or the hems will be ruined (I’ve learned this the hard way, alas).  AG’s The Ballad is another style to love; the slim bootcut leg  is a classic silhouette.  Paige also makes great bootcut and skinny styles, they always have great stretch, and I will say that they compliment the rear-view quite well. Paige is a brand I see quite often when I’m perusing Nordstrom Rack, which means scoring them for about $80 instead of at least twice that much.

Another go-to pair of denim in my closet are my Joe’s Jeans Wide Leg Trousers. I bought mine at Anthropologie years ago but you can find them at Neiman Marcus or online. They’re the perfect jeans for work — a sophisticated dark wash, a bit of stretch, and a slightly higher rise so your button-down shirts don’t come untucked.

But the truth is, there’s no way for someone else to give you advice on the best denim for you. Different styles, washes and cuts flatter different people. For example, while 7 for All Mankind and their sister brand Citizens of Humanity have always been hot brands, they’ve never done anything for my bottom half.

With denim, I think the keys are spending some real time trying on many styles and brands in order to own a few great pairs, and sticking to what looks great on you personally, rather than what’s trendy. When you’re looking for the one, new, great pair, stick to classic styles that aren’t going away — bootcut, straight leg, or skinny — and pass on embellishments and extras, such as whiskering, coating, studding or zippers. (And remember, rhinestone jeans are for cougars.)

No matter how many pairs you own, one much-loved pair of jeans that are good quality can last for a decade or more and will only look and feel better with time.

Forever21 Distressed Skinnies

BDG Black Skinny Jeans

BDG High-Rise Red Skinnies

J Brand Denim Leggings

AG Stilt Cigarette

AG Ballad Slim Straight Leg

Paige Bootcut Stretch

Joe’s Jeans Denim Trousers

Great question!

I like bags that are a little big structured and a little bit slouchy. And I think she’s right on with the dual-strap bag — a short top handle means you can toss it in the crook of your arm for work, meetings, etc. and a long cross-body strap makes it more casual-cool for jeans and flip-flop days.

These are all under $100, so happy shopping! Tell your bank account I’m sorry!

Melie Bianco makes chic everyday bags that look a lot like other, pricier styles. I’m a big fan of this one …

… or this one with a vintage-esque fringe … Piperlime carries other good options, with free shipping and returns.

This is the Moto Satchel from Urban Outfitters … comes in several fun colors. I used to own a similar style in eggplant purple that I loved. The faux leather looks and feels very real.

Another Urban Outfitters bag I love … the Coorperative Chain Bowler. I feel like two-tone bags are a little everyday, a little special. Love the bowling-bag shape — it’s a favorite.

Asos.com is another favorite spot for well-priced bags, like this Luggage Tag Tote.  I adore the shape and the two-tone look, once again.

Also, this Premium Leather Satchel from Asos is such a great deal — it’s real leather, looks very polished, and the doctor’s bag style has a masculine appeal I find really sexy. You’ll feel sharp carrying this to work.

Who knew Mischa Barton designed handbags? I digress. The rich green color of the Marine Tote is fantastic — it’s unique and yet will go with everything.

Swell is a surf-swim company out of San Clemente, and they carry a great line of clothing, swimwear and laid-back, good-looking bags, like this Element Cecile bag in faux pebbled leather. You can’t go wrong with California-cool!

Can you believe November is here already? The vast majority of 2011 behind us? It’s certainly been a big year for me, from leaving my much-loved job with WS Publishing to move to Los Angeles with my fiance, to planning and blogging a successful grassroots campaign for Milk for Thought, to getting married, and more …

November is Native American Heritage Month, and I helped write a series of editorial pieces for a tribe in the San Bernardino Valley, focusing on Native peoples contributions and milestones, both modernly and historically, on both a local and national level. From celebrating the rich history of Native Americans in the military to the recent launch of the first and only Native American TV channel, based in the Inland Empire, this 4-piece series will appear every Sunday this month in the Press Enterprise.

Stay tuned and I’ll post clips. If you’re at all interested in Native American history, you’ll find this series fascinating!

Engagement shoots (also known as E shoots) are a new thing in the last few years, and photographers and clients are getting more creative by the minute, with some sessions turning into all-out productions, complete with wardrobe changes, multiple locations, and yes — props.

First, talk to your photographer about what he or she has in mind for the E shoot, and bring your own ideas about location to the table. E shoots should be outdoors; forget an antiquated studio portrait! Try a field, a coffee shop, an urban street setting, or even your home. He or she will scout the locations he or she wants to use before the shoot.

Next, consider what you’ll wear so you and your fiance will really pop off the backdrop. You’ll want to bring a few changes of clothes, about two or three outfits. Choose fashionable and fun outfits that are very “you,” but that photograph nicely. Of course, wear something you feel comfortable lying down, jumping, hugging, and moving around in (you’ll be doing all of these poses), but also consider the colors, shape, and patterns that will look the best on film. Light colors and tiny prints don’t photograph as well as dark colors or brights (which are also slimming).

Dresses are always a great choice! I love a girl in a wrap dress, which is universally flattering and drapes beautifully. Or, try accentuating the smallest part of your waist with a belt to look pretty and shapely. And as for your groom-to-be, don’t get too matchy-matchy. His outfits should complement yours (check out Stephanie & Jose below; she’s in a purple dress and he’s in a purple tie).

Many shots will be full-length, so make sure you wear great shoes. If you’re more comfortable in black or neutral clothing, try bright, colorful shoes! They really pop and catch the eye in photos.

When it comes to beauty, remember that bright makeup will make a bigger impact on film that a natural face and neutral shades, which can look washed out. If you’re feeling conservative, rosy cheeks, a bright lip stain and a soft brown eye are always in style. Of course, if you have a signature look, such as red lips or winged black eyeliner, show it off! And don’t forget your manicure! Your photog will be getting plenty of closeups, especially of your hands with your rings, and you don’t want scraggly cuticles to show up in the shots. Same for not-so-white teeth. If you love coffee and tea as much as I do, you’ll want to do a whitening treatment about 3 or 4 weeks prior to the shoot. I recommend Crest Whitestrips 3D White Professional Effects — they really work, with little to no tooth sensitivity.

Talk to your photographer about what props you might want to include. Stephanie & Stephen below incorporated awesome vintage cameras into their shot. Joanna & Cooper did part of their E shoot with a watering can and another part in Cooper’s kitchen, cooking breakfast. Talk to your photographer about what props you might want to include. Stephanie & Stephen below incorporated awesome vintage cameras into their shot. Joanna & Cooper did part of their E shoot with a watering can and another part in Cooper’s kitchen, cooking breakfast. Also, consider a bouquet of wildflowers, fruit, balloons, an old car, your dog, your kids — whatever embodies you and enlivens the shot.

Finally, just relax and let loose. Kiss, hug, climb a tree, give him a piggyback ride, eat cotton candy. I love how E shoots have evolved from a studio portrait or single bridal portrait to the carefree, colorful shoots of today!

Now check out some great examples of E shoot perfection!

One of my favorite E shoots of all time is a great example of what to wear. Bright polka dots are perfect! {Shot by Punam Bean}

See how Stephanie and Stephen used a prop to get playful in their shoot? Plus, you can’t go wrong with a sweet dress, wide waist belt and cowboy boots! {Shot by Jasmine Star}

Wear a bright shoe! Yellow, pink, red, blue … Plus, her black tights are slimming and stylish. {Shot by Sloan Photo}

Here, the props and styling make this shoot a standout! Vintage luggage and Mad Men-esque clothing and hair go perfectly with the old airfield backdrop. {Shot by Luna Photo}

Joanna’s dress has all the components of a perfect outfit for an E shoot: 1. Bright color, 2. Wrap dress that’s subtly sexy, and 3. Ruffles! (OK, I just like ruffles.) Here’s a great example of a couple who shot right in their own backyard, with the white chairs making great props. {Shot by Jasmine Star}

Consider if you’re going with a theme! This couple chose an old-school public swimming pool and fun vintage props and fashion to make their engagement shoot amazing. {Shot by Stone Crandall}

Be yourself, let loose! Brenna and Nate definitely let their personalities and laid-back-cool personal style shine through. Nothing fancy, just them having fun. {Shot by Radiant Photography}

In honor of Sephora’s 20 percent off friends and family discount until 11/2 — go get your code here! — I wanted to share a few wonderful Sephora products I used for my own wedding day.

I didn’t hire a professional makeup artist, I just asked a bridesmaid who is makeup-savvy. She came with me to Sephora where a salesperson helped me choose products I liked and did a makeup run-through. The nice thing about going this route was I saved money on a hiring a pro, plus I got to buy makeup I love and will use again after the wedding.

First and foremost, my skin was a big concern. The move and the stress of wedding planning had taken their toll and my skin wasn’t looking so clear. Airbrush foundation is perfect for your wedding day or other big event because it provides excellent but light coverage, and it lasts and lasts. I highly recommend using Dior Airflash Spray Foundation instead of hiring a professional to do airbrush makeup.  This product is seriously amazing and worth the $60 price tag.

Don’t spray it directly from the can onto the skin; you’ll get better coverage with a brush made just for applying this type of foundation. Spray onto the brush and lightly apply in a swirling motion.

The Sephora makeup artist reminded me of a great tip — go past your jawline and onto the neck for even coverage, and don’t forget your ears if you’re wearing your hair up!

Priming your skin means filling in fine lines, tightening large pores (that’s me!), and creating a smooth canvas for makeup to last all day and night, even when you’re dancing up a storm. Smashbox Photo Finish is one of those beauty products that’s been around for so long because it really works.

You won’t need much. If you aren’t sure you want to commit to entire tube, ask for a small sample and they’ll gladly obligue.

I wore Illamasqua fake eyelashes — a new brand for me — and they were fantastic. They come in different styles; I chose a set where the lashes are longer in the center to open up my eyes and look dramatic without being at all Halloween-ish. Peel them off carefully and wear them up to 10 times!

A tip: Whenever you buy fake eyelashes, have a salesperson hold them up to your eye and cut them to the right length before you leave the store. Everyone’s eye is a different length and shape!

Dior Addict Gloss was perfect for me, since I never wear lipstick but wanted a lip color that would stay. It’s thick like lacquer and super-shiny without being goopy. I wore a pinkish brown shade that I’ll definitely throw in my purse and use again for a night out.

I wanted a smoky eye but to keep it from being too harsh I asked for a brown-metallic version. This Stila Baked Eyeshadow Trio has Kitten, my favorite everyday pink-gold shadow, plus a matte chocolate and a brownish-bronze metallic, too.

My favorite tricks? Choose a small, flat brush, touch it to your tongue, then use the matte chocolate shadow as eyeliner. Also, dot the tip of your pinky finger in the light, shimmery shadow and press it into the inside corners of your eyes to brighten and open them instantly.

If you don’t know about Nars Orgasm blush, you’ve been living in a cave. It’s definitely one of those new classic beauty products that isn’t going away — maybe because it’s the perfect combo of peachy-pink that looks beautiful on everyone, no matter your skin tone. A myriad of celebs swear by it, and I’ve been using it since college.

On my wedding day, I used a big, fluffy brush to apply bronzer first, and then highlighted the apples of my cheeks with this blush. I got that happy, glowing look every bride wants.

{Have a favorite beauty product that is perfect for wedding-day makeup? Send me a message on my wedding blog, TheWedLife, and share!}

Other pieces to check out include the trifold brochure and pocket folder inserts.

I actually called the Phoenix Police Department and asked them if streethorsing was allowed in downtown Phoenix, with all my coworkers cracking up in the background. Ah, the memories.

However, what at the time was an up-and-coming label is now an international staple. We’ve got several stores right here in LA and Santa Monica. Check out the piece …