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

Somewhere along the years in my fashion blogging, successful types of posting went from shoes on sale and humorous commentary to "look at how fabulous she is in her style". Of course it seems the truly popular blogs have bloggers both flawless and who possess their own professional photographer who does nothing but stalk this apparent model who just happens to run her own website. Well I am not flawless, and when one is not perfect and one lacks a photographer and necessary professional accessories, it's daunting to run photo sessions. And when my flaw is weight, in the fashion world it's hard to show my body. And when I used to be model-thin, it's really hard to even show my face on Facebook. Le Sigh. But I need any shot I can take at getting some more success, and it's just plain good sense to show you my style ... if I can't yet show my sewn designs, at least I can show my sense of dressing along with all my, so many, posts that critique. It's fair, it's right, and it should be helpful in a way. So here are a few shots back when I was first really trying. It's been a while! This ensemble was for a Between-Thanksgiving-&-Christmas potluck party, hence the kitchen theme.

"Why am I so lazy with my hair? LOL. Something I need to work on but I'm growing it out so I can sport a side braid."

More curvalicious than the F word, yay!

Yeah it's been that long. Thing is at first I thought these photos stank, but it turns out I'm just too picky for my own good. So yeah, I'm still working on improving my session sets & such, and I'm not at the level of those bloggers who get all the attention, but maybe I'll get there, and maybe just this will get me by. And you know what, I don't look that big. No photo-shopping my waist necessary ... oh wait, let me check! ;-)

"Also yay, what looks big is something ... good to look that way. ;-)"

I clearly need to work on where my crazy eyes are pointed! Haha.

"OUTTAKE: Setting up the shoot before getting dressed. (This is some ugly old thing barely worthy of PJs, sorry.)

]

And if nothing in the photos impresses, I at least want my own coming-out to set an example for all the non-sample sizes!

Credits:

Flocked Sweater: Express
Boot-Cut Dark Blue Uniform-Color Jeans:
Calvin Klein (hemmed by myself, btw)
Ribbon as belt: Online craft supply store (I think M&J Trimming)
Ribbon in hair: Another craft supply, possibly JoAnn.
Black Ruffle Flat Shoes: Self Esteem - One of my finds at Ross (I love these, just added inserts)
Purse: Merona for Target (Targé)