Last Spring, we were invited as special guests to a Free People photo shoot in Newport. Let's be serious, the fact that neither of us have ever been to a 'real' shoot, nevermind it was Free People - we were FREAKIN' EXCITED! #understatement

Sooo, here are the Top 5 Insights & Secrets (and 2017 Updates!) from that adventure:

1. The shoot was at The Chanler, a real gem in the Ocean State and named one of the most romantic spots to stay by Conde Nast Traveler. If you want the perfect overnight stay or date night with your hubby, wifey, girlfriend, boyfriend or hookup buddy - go there! ;) 

2017 Update: After recommending to several couples we knew, we found out it's not an easy feat booking a stay these days, what with that most romantic distinction and all. 

2. Free People actually uses employees as models, who were all pretty jazzed to get to wear the Spring/Summer 2016 styles. (The Bianca Jacket, the sparkly multi color number in two of the photos, was one of our favs.)

Update: We're not models and since we weren't going to have to be snapped wearing short shorts and platforms any time soon, we celebrated immediately following with nachos and drinks at Diego's on the wharf. (Everyone goes there. It's a scene.)

3. FP brought in a makeup artist from By Terry, a luxe French line from the woman who created cult fav Touche Eclat for YSL. The line is only available in a handful of high-end stores (ex: Barneys) in the US. 

Update: Touche Eclat or the By Terry version really is one of the most effective ways to cover dark circles (or slim a broad nose) without ending up with reverse racoon eyes (or a contouring disaster of epic proportions).

4. As for the photographer, she wasn't the stereotypical, in-your-face photog, barking out editorial comments like 'Beautiful!', 'Gorgeous!!!', 'More of that!' She was a class act with an understated yet totally effective approach. Her photos are def lovely. 

Update: Regardless of what apps you may have on your phone currently, professional photogs still win! (PS - We are also big time fans of  Stacey Doyle and the pics she's done for PattyJ in the past year.)

5. We also met an undergrad from RISD who's already been featured in VOGUE. Cool beans, right?

Update: We were invited to be part of the Vogue VIP thing, does that count for anything?

The Patty J Team 

*The original version of this post appeared on the blog in the Spring of last year. #BestOf2016

Photo Credits: All pics courtesy of PattyJ.com