Taking Pictures

So, I've learned in the past year that what I see and what you see are two very different images! There are times I think I have picked a great outfit and then see it in a picture and wish I hadn't walked out of the house wearing it. I've started taking pictures of outfits I am unsure of to see what you see in order to make my decision.

The same goes for shopping. Have you ever bought something at the store thinking it was fabulous and put it on at home only to realize it must've been a skinny mirror in the fitting room? Or maybe even a completely different garment? What happens between the store and home? When you are in the fitting room, take a picture. Walk away. Look at the picture while you're shopping. If you love how it looks in the picture then you'll probably still love it when you put it on at home. It cuts down on impulse buying and you'll appreciate it more.

Easter Dress

Here is my Easter dress. I had planned on wearing it with the papaya cardigan (which had I worn, I would've had my army green watch strap) and then remembered I had the sea mist one. I would've loved my 5 year old's hot pink cardigan but that was a no-go.

I know the lighting makes it kind of hard to see but which one do you like best?

Now the shoes. I wore light brown snakeskin sling backs to church. But now that its warmer and I'm going to my parents' house for a more casual dinner, I'm going to wear a bronze/brown slightly gladiator sandal.

Either way, I'm so glad its sunny and warm!

Happy Easter!

Brights

This is an outfit I put together the other day for work. It had been a long day and while I was trying to get ready the kids were following me, whining and very clingy. Its very hard to get ready when they are like that. I didn't pay too much attention to what I threw together. I liked the colors. The lighting is not so good in this shot but hopefully you can tell they are all bright colors. No where in the cardigan is there teal. But my teal shirt seemed to compliment the warmer colors, hence the combo.

I felt fine when walking out the door. When I got to work everyone had some sort of striped outfit. They all seemed to get some memo that I missed. Everyone seemed to have outfits that flowed. I felt a little left out and "last year". I told a girl at work that I wanted to run to the dressing room and change and she said, "Really? I was just about to compliment you...I love what you're wearing."

Another friend confessed, "Why does it always have to be one or the other? If she looks good, I can't. You know that feeling of always having to be the one that looks good? Why can't we both look good?"

I loved that thought. Yeah, why can't we share that? So, just because I thought the other girls looked better didn't mean I looked bad...just not the same.

In the end, this outfit works. It was a nice pop of color during such a cold and rainy week.

Spring!

So here are a few accessories I've found for spring. I love the simple elegant look right now. I love how clean and crisp these all look. I also love having the delicate looks mixed with some heavier earthy pieces. I had gone very bold with jewelry this past year but I'm looking to go very fine this year. The simple chains with small pendants. And of course my favorite thing for spring this year are the Aviator sunglasses. They are easy glam. Whatever outfit I imagine with these accessories, put on any of those shoes to change the look depending on the occasion. Flats for day, espadrille to spice it up when going somewhere and the heels for a spring/summer date. The belt goes with everything from pants and shorts, to skirts and dresses. I love it! It adds just enough earth to any delicate, girly outfit! I can't wait for spring to finally warm things up!

Shoes- Piperlime.com

Watch and sunglasses- Michael Kors

Ring- Juicy Couture

Scarves, necklace and belt- J. Crew

Before and After

These area few shots of my client. Her before and afters. The tank and jeans are her going out, modern woman look. The library picture is how she dresses as Mom. They both represent her personality. I was amazed at her transformation. How much younger and thinner she looked! She stands taller, smiles more, and has a seemingly new energy about her. I can tell how its changed how she sees herself. I love that she takes time for herself now and she's being a great example to other moms and her daughters.

The next set of pictures are about a shirt she had that she didn't really know what to do with and I showed her how it would look good. The first picture is

about how she thought to do it. Its not bad...but I liked it with darker pieces.

There's nothing cooler to me than transforming how a woman feels through clothes. The power it can have to change your stance and attitude is simply amazing!

All photos by ejr-photography.

Check out ejr-photograhy.com!

the one that touched my heart

"I didn't think I dressed that bad"

"I've actually gotten written up for how I dress at work"

"Its hard for me to like other people because I don't like myself"

"I've just never thought about it"

"Now I understand why I can't get a good job or a good man"

I was watching an episode of What Not To Wear and I'm usually emotional over them because its amazing to see the change in a person when they go through this transformation. But this particular time really struck me.

It was a single mom who was dressing tough and lazy. She looked cheap. Above are the things she said at the beginning of the episode. I'm amazed at how many women settle with their appearance. Most people like to say others aren't even looking at them. Or, they hide. Or, they don't want to be judged. Stacy and Clinton are quick to remind them that its natural to be judged on appearance...we just are. You can't hide from it.

By the end of the transformation, this woman had really thought about everything and changed her ways. Now, I know its not "just" the new wardrobe that she had, but its the way those clothes made her feel. Wearing the right clothes can completely change how you feel, act, and how you are treated.

So, after the show here is what she said:

"I know my friends will be impressed with how I look now"

"I'm gonna have to pick a different type of guy to go out on a date like this with...I'm too good for those little punks anymore"

"I'm going to take the things I've learned and apply it to everyday life"

"Before the makeover I wasn't very confident, but now I am"

"I have respect for myself now where before I didn't have any. I used to fear that my son was going to leave me just like every other man has ever done. But now I know he's gonna love me forever. I have respect for myself now and he sees that and he's not going to leave me"

And my favorite thing she says, the one that really touched my heart:

"Im not going to put up with the booty calls and any of that. I'm going to demand what I'm worth."

Isn't that amazing? A new found strength. She is worth something. We all are. We all deserve respect and shouldn't settle for less. We were all meant to be somebody- not to just blend in and hope not to be noticed. I just think that was such a huge step and I got really excited for her. What a life changing experience for this woman! Not only for herself but the people around her. Especially, her son. He will respect her and other females now since his mom respects herself and expects respect from other men. She is improving their lives.

Yes, true beauty is on the inside...so make the outside match!

Jeans for EveryBody

So, as you can see there are plenty different jean styles. Starting with wide, then flare, bootcut, straight, and lastly, skinny. Skinny was "in" for a long time...longer than I really cared for. I remember going into a store and they only had skinny. Great! If you don't have hips. I do though. And I know a lot of moms do...kind of comes with the job. If you take a look at all these pictures you will see the shape of their body. That's what you want to focus on. You want the jean to fit the widest part of your hips and then go down from there. Can you see that with the skinny jean it emphasizes the hips? So, for those who don't have much in the hip area, this is a great jean for you. I have big hips, I'd say thats the biggest part of my body. But then I remember that I have even broader shoulders! So, regardless, the top half of my body will be bigger. I like wide leg and bootcut. I do wear skinny ankle jeans which can work depending on my top. I don't know why, since it goes against all the rules, but I do it! With flare, it can be tricky. Its very in style right now, but the fact that it inverts by the knees...not always flattering. So, regardless of the style that is current...find what fits your body type. You'll look current just by looking good. Trends come and go. Your body however, that's a different story.