Fashion blogger and mother of four Kimberly Gioioso describes her recent photo shoot with JCPenney as a “pinch me” moment.

Gioioso, an Easton native who moved to Mattapoisett in 2006, was one of five women chosen to be a JCPenney Muse. The fashion bloggers got an all expenses paid trip to New York City to be styled and photographed for the company's spring lookbook.

The company put out a call for muses through social media, but had also been watching Gioioso’s blog, Three Haute Mamas, and her corresponding Instagram where she often features her outfit of the day (photographed by one of her kids).

“For someone out there to recognize a style they like and to put you out there nationally to represent their brand is huge,” she said. “You post pictures everyday. Is anyone even paying attention? And then something like that happens.”

Gioiosi, who works as the community relations manager for Chiron Physical Therapy, had only a week’s notice that she would be part of a three-day photo shoot in New York City, but she jumped at the opportunity.

“It’s the chance of a lifetime,” she said.

One of two blogging moms chosen as a muse, Gioioso was proud to represent her self-described “classic, structured and feminine” East Coast style.

Stylists handpicked designs for each woman based on the outfits featured on their Instagram accounts, but they were allowed to tweak the selections before being photographed.

Gioioso said she was hesitant to change the designs but the final ensemble selected for her wasn’t exactly something she would pick out.

“I wanted it to be my style. They were very agreeable,” she said.

The black dress she chose for the look, accompanied by a colorful wrap, ended up as Gioioso’s “muse” shot.

Knowing what she likes is part of what has shaped her fashion persona. The blog, which recently underwent a name change to The Haute Mamas, began in 2010 and featured three fashionable mothers. One focused on high-end clothes, one on budget finds, and Gioioso was “the boutique girl.”

While the other two eventually left the blog, Gioioso, who studied fashion in college, stayed with it. It can be time consuming, she admitted, but has also served as a kind of therapy, especially after the sudden death of her ex-husband last year.

“It’s given me that outlet for what I love,” Gioioso said. “It’s allowed me to get out there and meet so many wonderful people.”

In addition to helping out backstage at Boston Fashion Week, she has connected with fashionable types throughout the Boston area.

Now pairing up with Jessica Hennessy, a fashionable mama of two based in Ashland, she is expanding the blog beyond it’s once singular fashion and beauty focus.

Hennessy, whose husband passed away a few years ago, and Gioioso have a Widow’s Column on the site where they discuss dealing with grief and moving forward. They are also opening up their platform to guest writers, including WBZ-TV’s Kate Merrill.

The blog still stays true to its roots though.

“The base of it always goes back to the fun of fashion. Fashion that’s accessible,” she said.

On-trend items, such as a collection of studded accessories, will always be part of The Haute Mamas, but the hot (or should we say haute) look of the moment isn’t everything.

“If you love it, wear it as much as you want forever. Don’t worry about if it’s on trend or not. It’s your look,” she said.

Ultimately, Gioioso’s message to busy moms is twofold.

“Wear what makes you feel good and don’t be afraid of fashion,” she said.

Spoken like a true muse.

Gioioso's JCPenney Muse photos are online at jcplookbook.com.