This past week was one of my favorite weeks: new cuteheads collection photoshoot week! I’m excited to share some photoshoot behind the scenes details to give you a glimpse into what it’s like to shoot something like this. Make no mistake: it is HARD. It takes a lot of people, a lot of time and a lot of work. But I almost feel like the photoshoot that happens once the collection is completely designed, sewn, and uploaded is kind of like the cherry on top of a delicious sundae. It’s my reward for months of hard work and challenges. So even though these shoots take work, they are SO MUCH FUN.

Throughout many years of doing this, I’ve come to a few conclusions. One important one: it’s not a good idea to use my own kids. I do think my kids are pretty cute, but in the end, it’s too difficult for me to manage my kids and run a shoot at the same time. So this time, I reached out to a few moms whose kids are either brand reps, actual child models, or used to getting her picture taken. And it made a world of difference. It made a big difference that the parents were on board and playing an active role in making the shoot a success.

I also enlisted the help of a few other shops, both local and around the country, to style the outfits and make them come to life. Subsidy Shades sent the most adorable heart-shaped sunglasses, Duchess and Fox sent the perfect t-strap shoes and boots, and local jewelry company Golden Thread provided gorgeous, dainty necklaces and bracelets for the little ladies to wear. I absolutely loved how the looks turned out, and I can’t wait to reveal everything to you on Wednesday.

We shot at The West Studios, a beautiful new studio owned by my friends Melissa and Joe West, where I actually shot the Sisterhood of the Traveling Skirt project. It was the perfect space to shoot a more editorial look, because the light was amazing and the all-white walls really made the soft colors pop. In the past, I’ve shot outside, and I think the backgrounds sometimes take away from being able to see the clothing. Though I’ve loved those shoots too! It was fun to go in a different direction this time.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without my fabulous friend Ailee, who shot this collection (and every collection of mine). She is so intuitive, and so talented. There’s really no one else I’d trust with a project this important; she nails it every time.

I’m so excited for the launch of the ‘Fair & Wild’ Collection, dropping THIS Wednesday at 8 pm CST. Follow along on Instagram for more previews of the collection throughout the week, and to see exactly when the new collection launches. And if you sign up for emails at cuteheads.com, you’ll get 10% off your first order. Just sayin’.

Happy Monday!