The holiday season presents opportunities galore for photo taking. And since we all want to look our best in the moment, I asked professional lifestyle photographer Tamara Lackey to share her tips on how to look picture-perfect during this festive time of year:

As a photographer, I’m used to throwing out hints to my subjects about how they can look better in front of the camera and teaching them simple tips and tricks to get picture-ready. Adopt these quick hints this holiday season and you’ll step up your look in front of the camera lens and get photos you’ll be happy to share!

• 1. Choose timeless over trendy when selecting an outfit. Avoid anything that is so “it this moment” that when the moment passes the photo will look dated. I love the Soma’s Sequined Stripe Tank and Garden Bloom Applique Dress for the simple lines, slimming look and timeless style.
• 2. Must-have’s in your clutch include something to brighten your eyes, cheeks and lips. A quick re-apply of lipstick or a stroke of blush will help brighten your face and help you look fresh in pictures.
• 3. For events that you know will have a lot of photo action, opt for matte finish. Shine is exaggerated by the small but super bright point-and-shoot camera flash and even a little bit of “glow” can end up looking oily.
• 4. Pre-photo, smooth – don’t scrunch – your hair. The instinct is to fluff up but this often makes hair look messy! Run a smooth hand over your hair for a put together look.
• 5. When standing, do some creative posing for the most flattering results. Here’s a few suggestions:

• 1. Always stand at an angle to the camera with one foot crossed in front of the other
• 2. A hand on the waistline can also help create definition
• 3. I always have my subjects stick their chin out and down just a hint. It might feel a bit awkward, but this will give you great facial definition for any photo taken from the front
• 4. Lean forward slightly at the waist also and definitely avoid leaning backwards! It will make a world of difference

For more tips and tricks to help you improve your skills behind the camera, check out Tamara’s new book and DVD, Tamara Lackey’s, Capturing Life through (Better) Photography.™

Happy Thanksgiving! My two daughters (ages 3 and 1) and I have a jam-packed schedule today that includes cooking Thanksgiving dinner, the annual “Turkey Bowl” flag football game with friends, cleaning the house and hosting the family for dinner. Because there’s so much to do to get ready for the holiday, I’ve already chosen my outfit – my wardrobe is the last thing I want to think about on this busy day! I need something that’s stylish and versatile enough to take me through the day. I want to look pulled together, but will be running around with the family and cooking all day, so I need comfort!

I love this Rose Applique Tank in black paired with my stretchy black jeggings. And since it may be cool outside, I chose this Textured Drape Cardi to wear over the tank. The look is versatile, pretty and super comfortable.

Happy Thanksgiving! xx

Dear Jessica,

I truly hate bras! Each time I’ve been fit at a department store, the size has been the same size: 38C and sometimes D depending on the style of bra. I always have a problem with the shoulder straps falling off my shoulders but when I adjust the straps, the band rides up and my breasts pop out the bottom! My husband tells me that if I add up the amount of money I spend in one year on bras we would be able to take the vacation we dream of!! Can you PLEASE help??? I’ve never tried Soma. Thanks so much for any help!

Karen

Dear Karen,

Sounds like you need to be properly fitted by a Soma Fit Expert and try on different bras to find your perfect style and fit. If you can’t visit a Soma boutique, I recommend using our bra fit guide on Soma.com. However, based on what you’ve told me, I can offer you a few tips:

- Your bra band should be snug, yet comfortable, and stay put when you lift up your arms. If your band is riding up, you may need a smaller band size. Many women make the mistake of choosing a band size that’s too big and a cup size that’s too small.

- If you’re falling out of the bottom of the cup, it may mean your cup size is too small. Check the center front, the part of the band that sits in-between your breasts. If it’s standing away more than a ½” (finger’s width), your cups are not deep enough to let you sink into it. When you raise your arms the wire and band should be anchored to hold you.

- To prevent your straps from slipping, try a racerback bra.

that has straps in the back that come together. This style will keep the straps from falling off your shoulders. Soma offers several racerback styles and the Pull It Together 3-Way Bra Strap Converter, which turns any bra into a racerback.

- I absolutely love our new Vanishing Back Nadia Underwire Bra. It’s incredibly comfortable and I recommend trying it or our best-selling Allura if you’ve never worn a Soma bra before.

XX,

Jessica

Dear Jessica,

What color bra and panties should I wear under white clothing? I’ve read that you should never wear white lingerie.  Is this true?

Thank you,

Jeanette H.

Dear Jeanette,

You’re correct, unless you’re walking down the aisle, wearing white lingerie under white clothing (for all skin tones) is a fashion no-no. Your bra and panties should disappear under your clothes, and white foundations often show through white or light-colored clothing. When wearing light clothing, choose bra and panty colors just like you choose the foundation you wear on your face – stick with shades that best match your skin tone. So if you’re fair-skinned, go for nude and if you’re darker-skinned, try dark nude, brown or black (just be careful about wearing black under very sheer clothing because it can show through the fabric).

Soma hosted our spring editor preview in NYC last week. It was a blast and the fashion magazine editors joined us to view our new spring 2011 bras, panties, sleepwear and clothing. At the event, several fashion editors asked me about the top I was wearing, which I recently purchased at Soma. It’s the Lace Love Edwardian Top, and I am obsessed with it! What I like about this super soft top is that it’s a way to embrace the visible lingerie look, without being inappropriate for work. I love the prettiness of the delicate lace detail on the sleeves and the slight puff at the shoulder. I paired the top with menswear-inspired tweed trousers to balance the look.