Outfit: Who Wears Short Shorts?

February 23, 2016February 24, 201610 Comments

in the GOLDEN HOUR

I’ve owned these navy shorts for many years now and never been able to part ways with them – they always make the cut (kind of a pun?). They are lightweight, made of a super soft cotton, and have a dressy feel to them, similar to many of my high-waisted trousers. I love them as much as the day I got them, however, being put in the dryer one too many times over the years, they have become really short, we are talking bum cheek peeping out when bent over short. Until recently I had never considered pairing them with black tights, which would totally solve the bum problem…like maybe these could be cold weather shorts instead of summer shorts?! I guess the reason I had never considered it is I actually kind of dislike shorts with tights, or rather, light coloured (including denim) shorts with black tights (but only black tights, this does not include dark coloured tights…picky picky, I know); I do not like that specific contrast. Without thinking about it too much I had written off shorts with tights altogether without considering that a pair of dark shorts, navy perhaps, would actually look okay with black tights…it might even look kind of awesome.

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Aside from this revelation, it’s a bit funny how people react to wearing shorts in the winter. Last night Zach and I went out for dinner and when I got out of the car he was surprised to see I was wearing shorts. He said something along the lines of “shorts?! it’s cold!” He knows I wear dresses and skirts year round, and if you stop to think about it, shorts are absolutely no different, at in least in terms of warmth or lack there of it. It just goes to show how much people really consider shorts a warm weather garment. I am a shorts and tights convert, although I don’t think you’ll see the contrast-y pairing any time soon…I can’t see that disdain budging any time soon.

Outfit: Eye of The Beholder

February 16, 20168 Comments

SOME THOUGHTS TODAY…

Having a photographer boyfriend (who doesn’t take my pics, btw…I feel quite strongly about doing everything myself), I’ve become much more aware of the images I am shooting, how I am editing them and what ones I share. I am so far from being a skillful photographer and editor – I’m constantly working at that, trying to improve it, trying to give an honest depiction of myself and what I’m wearing, while also creating a striking image with bright, vibrant colours. It’s hard, to say the least. I have taught myself everything, all on my own up until this point. But now I have someone who can give me feedback and explain why something works and why it doesn’t, how to create the best possible image…if you are looking for a technically perfect image, that is. This is where I find photography to be so subjective. Because what I may think is a beautiful image may look absolutely flawed to someone else’s eye. Does a technically perfect image make the best picture? And if not, what does make the best picture? Do we feel cheated when an image is clearly over-saturated and over-exposed? Do we think the blogger is being dishonest and trying to deceive us? Or are they just working with what skill they have and what they think makes a good image? It’s hard to say. I like pictures that create a feeling more than something that looks absolutely perfect (if I’m being honest, I don’t know what is perfect in photography). But, I can absolutely feel moved by both. Anyways, I don’t have answers for any of these questions. As in all art (and beauty), it’s in the eye of the beholder, I believe. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a talented person at my disposal; I see myself improving day by day, gaining knowledge, while also becoming aware of what I think makes a good image. It’s important to always maintain your voice, even if others tend to disagree with it, but being open to change and growth is never a bad thing.

– WHAT I WORE –
Blouse, Cardigan, Coat, Shoes: thrifted | Skirt & Hat: Common Sort | Tights & Gloves: H&M | Bow tie: handmade
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Eye of The Beholder

Beauty: The Power of a Bold Lip

February 10, 20163 Comments

THAT’S IT, THAT’S ALL.

Ah! A bold red lip. We all know by now that is my go to lip colour. So, what if that was it? What if a red lip was all we needed to create a striking look? But, I’m looking at this from the perspective of a very pale, white-skinned female where punchy reds are generally striking against such a skin tone, I hear you cry. Yes, but I think this look would be just as breathtaking with a darker lip, something in a berry shade, perhaps, against any skin tone, really. You see, it’s not in the skin tone or whatever family you choose your red from, but rather the lack of any eye makeup and a bit of colour (by way of lip) brought to the face. It’s strange how a lack of eye makeup and a bold lip can actually make your eyes pop more than if they were painted in mascara and liner. I’m not going to try to figure out the how and why of it, it is what it is. Let. It. Be.
I first came across and fell in love with this look because of the endless inspiration that is Pinterest. I often look through my beauty board and try to find a common denominator to the images I have pinned (if there is one). Why do I like this look? And how is it similar to others I have pinned? I found many images I pinned featured an almost makeup-less female with a deep lip colour. So simple and yet so powerful. So I had to recreate it, of course, and share it with you. So what is on my face? Well, if I was completely blemish free I probably would have featured my naked skin, but these days have not been kind to my skin, so I’ve got a bit of foundation and powder, a swipe of blush, filled in my brows, the tiniest lick of a neutral eye shadow and of course, a red lip. The red lip.

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What do you think? Are you as enamored by this look as I am? Think you can’t pull it off? Give it a go before jumping to any conclusions, I think you may be surprised.

Outfit: Baby It’s Cold Outside

February 9, 2016February 9, 20164 Comments

BRRR!

I really wish I could have showcased this outfit better, but I think it was mean’t for a warmer day. I had planned to take off the coat for a few shots so you could actually see this vintage-inspired dress and get some detail shots of the vintage scarf, but the strong and bloody cold winds suggested maybe that wasn’t a wise idea. Whenever it seems like the weather is against me getting the photos I want it’s pretty frustrating, I have to say. I’m not one to admit defeat easily, but when your hands are so cold you can’t seem to adjust camera settings anymore, it’s probably time to call it quits. It’s not that I didn’t get enough photos, I clearly did, but they didn’t turn out the way I had envisioned – it’s damn near impossible to exact an image when your hands are telling you to just stop. Ah well, there are probably (definitely) worse things in life. However, before my hands did freeze, I snapchatted some of my shooting process (and potty mouth)…so this is my ~~seamless~~ way of plugging my snapchat (pushyspence) so ya’ll can follow along!

– WHAT I WORE –
Dress c/o Unique Vintage | Coat, Scarf, Tam: vintage | Shoes: Seychelles | Tights: UO
Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Baby It's Cold Outside

Outfit: Wearing The Pants

February 2, 20161 Comment

Larkspur Vintage | Outfit: Wearing The Pants Over the weekend I went through my closet, sorted and photographed the clothes I am willing to part ways with and list on my instagram shop, finally. To be honest, it was way easier than I thought it would be. There were a bunch of pieces I didn’t even think twice about, mostly because they hadn’t been worn in what felt like years or only once to twice ever – it was pretty clear they needed to go. However, it also made me face some clothes that had just been sitting around, unworn and ignored, but still felt relevant to my personal style right now, like these trousers. I own 3 pairs of similar trousers – these taupe guys (also, holy crap, AA still sells these exact ones! I am shocked. I got them like 6 yrs ago), a dark grey pair and dark green. I go through phases with trousers, which is why all 3 pairs have stayed with me for many years. Sometimes I will love trousers and the way they look on me, and other times I cannot stand them and feel very frumpy…the former, obviously, keeps me from getting rid of them. I’ve been going through my love phase, but had only been wearing my grey pair up until this weekend. Having too many clothes, you often forget what you have and under-appreciate a lot, doing this sorting forced me to look at everything and decide to actually wear it or send it packing…so that’s what I’m doing with these trousers…actually wearing them.