Stylish with Substance

The thing that's pretty new for me with this ensemble is the scarf around my neck. I mean, even though I've wanted to wear something like that for a while, I really never have. I love the look but I have long had this thing with my neck; a choking feeling. It's worse when I'm stressed, and I guess I'm just more mentally stable lately. Sounds weird, but I'm happy with my style progression. This kind of thing will come back.

I loved the outfit's overall French feel. By late afternoon, though, I realized these shoes were just not doing it for me with the ensemble, so I changed into my new-ish Payless wedges.

Seen here:

Their vintage quality (seen from the front view) really pulled everything together better.

As you can see I still feel weird about a giant zoom of my face, so the earring detail is cropped like you can see. I have no problem with keeping myself at this distance, heh, it's my right.

By the way, I want to add that my hair is pulled back. I didn't want it covering the outfit, heh!

Takeaway Photography Tip:

Don't forget to shut off flash in daylight and I'm better off with a new (standard) tripod to more easily deal with my new favorite photo area and my camera's particular settings. I bought one for $9 (super bargain, and it's amazing) and it's arrived!!! More on that later.

Credits!

• Allover Lace Top: Charlotte Russe - available now, 2 for $20.
• Blackish Tank: Express - old
• Beige/White Seersucker Pleated Skirt: "In Moda" @ Bealls Outlet Spring '10. Locate a store.
• Scarf-print belt as scarf: Aeropostale (free with capris) - oldoldold
• Bag: Louis Vuitton "Alma" - available now, LouisVuitton.com Alma page.
• Leather black/tan Sandals: Maripé @ Rack Room Shoes - available still - locate a store.
• Bag/Shoe Bracelet: Gift, unknown
• Rhinestone/Pearl Earrings: Unknown, old
• My signature sunglasses: Kate Spade, old

It rained Saturday at "photo time" and then we had an opportunity to take photos before dinner, but I left my camera "in my other purse". I got compliments on my top, at least, and I should re-wear the ensemble. Apparently it's not available online, sorry.

Labor Day, in South Florida, was raining or storming all day, so I just snuck a photo inside a Ross store. It's literally the best I could do.

Note; my posture was very bad for hiding my stomach. Live and learn.

I realized too late that I mixed metals in a not-in-purpose way, which I hate. To mix metals, I feel it's required to have a necklace with two metals, or bracelets in different metals, etc. I so wanted to go back and switch bags, ha ha. I am usually careful.

This outfit was perfect for Labor Day. Bright with happy shoes for the gloom. I'd been waiting to wear this outfit; allover bright is not me (for clothing).

You can't see my earrings and it's still a bit dark to get a good photo of them. I wear them sometimes so they'll be back.

Credits:

Skirt: GAP
T-Shirt: Bella
Tank: Old Navy
Shoes: Madeline (Spring @ DSW)
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Belt: Delia's
Earrings: Ijeomaoj (used to be on Etsy)

Laced with Confidence...

Today's conditions weren't always perfect. I had to run inside out of the rain. Then I realized I forgot jewelry. Then a wasp scared me away from my usual safety spot of our terrace (I mean I hate people walking around while I photo, but whatevs!).

And then the photo that came after all that was so much better than ever before! I found this great spot, with this lamp post nearby around which I can wrap my cool wrappable tripod.

The one problem with this area (which obviously is not the light in the afternoon!) is the grass. Where be my shoes? Le Sigh.

I can always take separate shoe shots, but this really must be fixed, I say. Shoes make the outfit, after all; they shouldn't be separate.

Here they are:

Or even better:

*Insert Update Mid-Post* I forgot that this corset is totally still available online. Complete brain meltdown. Not only that, but I should have grabbed this better photo for you! D'oh. Here she is:

Vintage Lace Corset $24.00 at Charlotte Russe

(Ooh and I believe that's my new beige rosette bolero but in black!)

Oh, she so does not have the curves to pull off a corset like I!!! ;-)

See how my confidence has grown?!??!

*/endupdate*

So thanks, wasp! Never thought I'd  say that. I think I'm going to love continuing to do these shoots and posts. I feel like I might get over coming out of my big closet ;-) and can turn into a regular wearrier! Haha. Go me.

And now for the best part:

Credits:

• Lace Top: Charlotte Rusee (available now:) Short Sleeve All-Over Lace Top $15.00 at Charlotte Russe
• Corset under-top: Charlotte Russe (might still be in some stores *update*: duh me! Look above $24)
• Skirt: Dots (unsure of availability) (locate a store)
• Belt: Fendi B belt (ELuxury R.I.P.)
• Shoes: Payless/American Eagle (might still be in some stores)
• Bag: Dior Saddle bag (regular size)
• Necklace: Local crafter
• Earrings: Triple Drop Pearl Earrings, Made by Me