This year for Father’s Day, Kade and I decided to treat Spencer to a fun family picnic.  Of course, I also saw it as a perfect opportunity for family photos! So when I thought about pulling together the outfits for our Father’s Day summer picnic style, I knew The Mall in Columbia was the perfect shopping destination that I could get everything I needed!  Kade also loves going there, which is a win-win for me!  And, as luck would have it, my mom was able to join us, so we made a day of it!

STYLING FAMILY PHOTOS

When wardrobe styling family photos, I prefer to start with either the location, theme or a particular piece of clothing. For our Father’s Day summer picnic style, I was originally thinking a similar style to last year’s Father’s Day photos. But with a twist, like matching vans or converse. Spencer was my wild card here as I hadn’t really chatted with him about my vision, other than the date and picnic theme. It was kind of comical, actually. I was in Zumiez sending him pictures of possible matching/coordinating Vans for our photos when he sends me a ‘hard no’ text back. He’s really not into the whole matching thing.  A little frustrated at first, I decided to take it as a challenge for later in the year and move on. But, not without grabbing a matching pair for Kade and I to be styled at a later date. 

OUR FATHER’S DAY SUMMER PICNIC STYLE

Redirecting my Father’s Day summer picnic style strategy, I decided to choose my look and then style the boys to coordinate. After a quick trip to the Disney store where Kade picked out the largest truck he possibly could, we were back on track to finding me an outfit. Anthropologie was the first, and only, stop I needed. As soon as my mom and I saw this dress we knew it was the one. It was completely my style and screamed summer picnic. The cute silhouette, large bow ties on the shoulders and the roses had me saying yes to the dress! Honestly, I was loving so many dresses at Anthro that any one of them would have worked. But it was the yellow roses on this one that really sealed the deal. My Mom has always called me her Yellow Rose of Texas. She calls me that because I was born there, and the state flower is a yellow rose. 

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Perfectly positioned across the Outdoor Plaza was Athleta. Owning mostly Under Armour workout clothes I haven’t shopped there much, but my friends have been raving about their seamless under garments. I figured then was as good a time as any to give them a try. I went with the mocha brown incognita thong hoping they would work under a variety of dresses and skirts. And let me tell you, they are so comfortable!

IN-DEMAND SUMMER TREND

Floating around from store to store super giddy about my new dress, I noticed a lot of floral prints. Being an in-demand summer trend, it didn’t surprise me. I knew there was no way I would get Spencer to wear florals. But if I styled florals in a subtle way, they could be incorporated into Kade’s outfit. That’s when I recalled seeing a few floral bowties pop up on my Instagram feed. I quickly went scrolling to find one that would coordinate well with my dress.  Since Kade would be wearing a floral inspired bowtie I wanted to keep his look simple. The Children’s Place carries a year-round uniform collection where I was able to select a white short-sleeve dress shirt and khaki shorts for Kade.

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It’s funny how particular Kade was that day. I offered to get him a few other shirts, but he said he didn’t like them and proceed to pick out a pair of shark pajamas. This is about the time when Kade started to get a little whiny and informed me he was ready for lunch. 

SURPRISE GIFT FOR DAD

We asked Kade what he wanted for lunch and he said, “Taco Tuesday”. My Mom and I had a good chuckle at that one and found Uncle Julio’s for lunch.  It is located outside near The Main Event and Barnes & Noble. Walking there we passed House of Hoops by Footlocker. I had never seen one of those stores before and Spencer has been talking about needing new basketball shoes for months now. A little impromptu stop and I promised Kade and my Mom it would be the last stop between us and tacos. Thank goodness for a knowledgeable staff because I know zilch about basketball shoes.  We went with the Kyrie 5 basketball shoes to surprise Spencer for Father’s Day. 

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If you’re still reading this, you might be thinking dang that’s a lot of shopping! And it was! I’d like to say I could have shopped all day, but after 4 hours, and bellies full of yummy Mexican food, we headed home. Only to get home and realize I forgot to pick out something for Spencer to wear. Doh! Thankfully, shopping in his closet for our Father’s Day summer picnic style went well with a green polo and khaki shorts. 

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FATHER’S DAY SUMMER PICNIC STYLE SUCCESS

Our summer picnic style was a combination between cute picnic meets afternoon summer wedding. In order to tone down the fancy of the dress and Kade’s bowtie, the two of us decided not to wear shoes for most of the photos. As for the picnic, all you need is a blanket, food, drinks, games/entertainment and a basket or something to carry all of your items. Depending on the food you pack, you might need plates and utensils. We typically like to pack all finger foods when picnicking with Kade.  

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The cuteness overload in these Father’s Day Family Photos is enough to bring tears to my eyes. I love that we are able to create so many memories. Of course the picnic was fun, but the shopping day I had at The Mall in Columbia with my Mom and Kade was something I will cherish as well. Life is about memories and spending time with those who you love the most! I hope you and your families have a wonderful Father’s Day creating new memories together.

THANK YOU

Thank you to The Mall in Columbia for sponsoring this post. And to Maewood Photography for always being in our corner and bringing our family fun to life in ways we will remember for always!

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