A Long Island kids fashion stylist can help you get the perfect family photo
Christina Miller's family styling service is a go-to for Tiffany Frigenti, of West Islip, shown with her husband, Pete De Vita, and sons, P.J. and Finn, in coordinating outfits for Finn's first birthday. Credit: Tiffany Frigenti
Those treasured family photographs where everybody has their eyes open and are smiling are a hard get (just ask any parent). And around Mother’s Day, many seek that winning shot to commemorate the moment. But while she can’t guarantee how folks’ faces will look in pictures, Christina Miller, 40, of Bellmore, has a talent for helping families turn out fashionable, cohesive photos that will be keepers through her kid-centric digital style service.
"I have no kids, but I love kids clothes. That’s something I’m passionate about," she says. Her business, informally called, "Styled by Auntie," started in 2023, when as an auntie, she began outfitting her sister’s young children.
"I noticed specifically around the holidays dressing the whole family was a stressful thing, particularly when people book professional photos. They’re always wondering how they’re going to style everybody."
Say cheese, but don’t look cheesy
On her Instagram page, @yourmostexpensivefriend, Miller regularly posts "style boards" illustrating how a family can complement one another without taking the knee jerk matchy-matchy approach.
"A lot of people resort to putting everybody in the same outfit or print. I work in the same color families and mix in textures," she says.
Miller tries to add a dose of practicality. Working within budgetary requirements, she says, "I look for things they will rewear and I try to recommend things people will get use out of."
A custom style board for Miller's client Tiffany Frigenti, of West Islip, for Easter. Credit: #styledbyauntie/@yourmostexpensi
A stress buster
One client, Elizabeth Pette, of Massapequa Park, and her kids, Charlie, 8, and Francesca, 5, are repeat customers.
"She just has a knack for knowing what will look good on people," Pette says. "I work full-time, and between the kids’ sports, dinner and life, it’s one less thing to think about. It tremendously alleviates stress," she says adding, "I like the look of everybody looking pulled together."
In planning for her son’s upcoming Communion, Pette found an Alice & Olivia frock that she loved for herself, but went to Miller for the rest of her gang.
"She always seeks out the best deal. She found the Ferragamo shoes she recommended for my husband on sale," Pette says. The final product is a chic study in blues.
Elizabeth Pette, of Massapequq Park, tapped Miller to incorporate the color pink into her holiday photos of her kids, Charlie and Francesca, last season. Credit: Picture Perfect Fun/Denise Nunez
Miller is the fashion go-to for Tiffany Frigenti, 39, of West Islip, who has two boys — Finn, 2, and P.J., 7. "She styles for us on all our holidays for photo shoots. I try to do as many as I can to capture the boys at these ages because I know I’ll want to look back on these times," Frigenti says. Time and convenience play a role for her.
"I’m a working mom and a managing partner for a law practice. I don’t have time to go to stores to spend hours shopping," she says. "Christina has a great eye and she’s great at finding coordinating outfits. She makes it so easy and seamless, and she’s a great sales seeker. It’s one less thing to worry about."
Get in touch
To reach Miller, direct message her on her Instagram page (@yourmostexpensivefriend). At Christmas and Hanukkah she offers her services for free with the donation of a toy to a local hospital. For the rest of the year, the charge for a full-fledged style board (and three edits for clients who want changes) is $95 for kids (it doesn’t matter how many) and $125 for adults. Before she creates a custom style board for her clients, each job starts with a consultation.
Amanda Nelson, 37, is an out-of-state client who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, with her husband and children, Cameron and Lilliana. Credit: Jennifer Ubinas Photography
"I’ll ask questions to learn specifics. We talk about budgets." She’s recommended everything from Old Navy to Christian Louboutin depending on the client.
"I want to know if there are any restrictions, like some kids don’t like buttons or zippers or certain colors," she says.
Miller typically delivers a style board within 48 hours. All include links to purchase the clothing and accessories.
"If someone doesn’t want to pay the styling fee, I do post a lot of looks on my Instagram. And I’m always open to giving feedback," she says.
"I love talking and chatting with people, so you won’t incur a fee to ask my opinion."
