The Breton Stripes agreement

 Black sweater: Target, gift from Rachel;
Geometric tie blouse (underneath): NY&Co.;

Pleated dress (as skirt): Elie Tahari, salvaged from Aunt P.; 

Bracelet: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI; Belt: LOFT; Moccasins: Minnetonka.

I decided to participate in Everybody, Everywear's Breton stripes day and don my favorite black sweater. The weather was so nice on Monday that I didn't need tights or a coat, and so I played up the nautical theme by wearing my pleated Elie Tahari dress, which was recently salvaged from Jeremiah's Aunt P. I feel like such a teaser, not showing you the rest of the dress, but I promise I will when it's warmer to go out without sleeves. It's very second season Betty Draper on "Mad Men" with a little bit of Reese Witherspoon in "Cruel Intentions."

Here are a few ways I've worn this black sweater before:

What are your favorite ways to remix your stripes? And be sure to check out some more striped looks at Everybody, Everywear here!

Safety in self-photography: 6 things to consider

We style bloggers are an adventurous lot, in that many of us will go to extreme lengths to take photos. We'll go to isolated fields, alleys, railroad tracks, or climb trees and stairwells for interesting ways to document our outfits and our lives. 

Safety has always been important to me in style blogging, and it's a topic I've been thinking about since my Hello, Monkeyface! feature on self-photography. After almost a year of my own photo-snapping, I believe there are always risks involved in taking outdoor photos in isolated areas, and I think precautions should always be taken, whether it's to avoid injuries or sketchy run-ins with strangers. None of my tips are meant to scare you away from being adventurous in your photography, but here are some things to consider when you're out taking your own photos:

- Don't forget the essentials: Before you trek out to your next perfect photo spot, it's important to pack a bag of essentials that include a cell phone, water, sensible shoes, and a first aid kit. The cell phone's pretty obvious for any kind of emergency you might have, but the water and sensible shoes are to prevent dehydration and any walking injuries. Keep a first aid kit in your car for any minor scrapes you might get.

- Always let someone know where you're going: This is always a just-in-case issue, but it's something you should consider when you're going to an isolated environment, and it's as easy as telling a family member or friend before you head out the door.

- Keep the expensive stuff at home: I'd like to believe that we live in a safer, more trustworthy society, but unfortunately, being dressed up and taking photos in an isolated area can send off the wrong (re: vulnerable) messages to people who might come across you. It's best to keep any nice jewelry at home, and have your wallet hidden and locked in your car. I usually leave my purse at home, and carry around a beat-up messenger bag around when I'm out at a site.

- Check out the area first, perhaps with another person. If you're unsure about taking photos at a new place, it's best to check it out first before you start taking photos there. I usually go with my husband for a little walk in the area to get a feel for how busy the area gets and how easy it is to navigate the terrain. That way, when I go back to take my own photos, I have a better idea of what to expect.

- Stick close to trails and roads:  If you're unaware of a new environment, it's safe to stay near trails and roads, especially in woodsy areas. If you get injured, the last thing you need is to be lost. I usually take my photos in the woodsy areas of parks, but I try not to venture too far away from the trails.

-  Use your judgment: A lot of interesting photo spots (railroad tracks, abandoned homes, etc.) can often be close to crime-ridden areas. For example, Jeremiah and I took photos once near a dilapidated home that has since been razed; shortly after we were done taking photos, we realized the area was a haven for dumpster diving. Nothing bad happened, but it made us think twice about going near condemned areas and being disruptive with our photography. Consider doing research on those areas first to determine the risk and use your own judgment about going to those places.

 Outdoor photography can be challenging and a lot of fun, but there are always scenarios to consider when you're in isolated areas. Not every stranger whose path you cross will be dangerous, or even interested in what you're up to, and not every venture to a new photo spot will be cause for paranoia or alarm. But being prepared and keeping risks in mind can help minimize injuries or incidents.

What kinds of precautions do you keep in mind when you take outdoor photos? Is there anything I've missed that you consider? What kinds of risks would prevent you from going to a certain spot for photos? Or, what have been some photography risks that you have taken before?

 Earlier:
[Self-Caught with Hello, Monkeyface!]
[6 perfect photo locations that are right in front of you]
[How to take outfit photos when you're uninspired]

In a fortnight

Dress: Hannah Hardy, vintage, thrifted;

Sweater: Faded Glory;

Belt: LOFT;

Carpet saddle bag: vintage, thrifted;

Bracelet: Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, HI;

Shoes: Minnetonka, gift.

 This outfit is from last Sunday afternoon -- just something simple to wear to grab some pizza with Jeremiah. I've been wanting to dress down this lacy body-con dress for awhile, so I countered it with a drapey sweater and some earthy accessories.

I've had so much busyness in the last couple of weeks that this holiday will be a much-needed bit of relaxation.

I'm over visiting with family for the rest of the week. For my American readers, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I'm feeling pretty grateful for a lot of things in my life right now, including this incredible and supportive blogging community.

What are you feeling thankful for these days?

Pass the mashed potatoes,

Cozy, casual cool (or #12)

Shirt: Leslie Fay, thrifted, vintage;

Vest: Brittany, thrifted, vintage;

Jeans: LOFT;

Moccasins: Minnetonka, gift;

Belt: BR, from Marilou.

Wanted to go with something pretty comfortable on Saturday morning, so I styled up this outfit pretty quickly to run some errands. I might do a similar repeat of this for Thanksgiving because I think it was pulled together, yet cozy and approachable. I included this top for the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge as a way of  trying to get myself to style it. It's a tricky shirt reminiscent of the 1980s -- the only way I can describe it is that it wants to be ladylike with the florals, but then it wants to be a pirate on the high seas with its ruffly sleeves. I tempered its personality confusion by wearing a vest over it.

I'm still taking submissions for my Reader Showcase until 5:00pm est. So totally impressed with the submissions so far -- everyone's got a wonderful story to share about their favorite photo. If you're interested, holla at me!

Snap-happy people

Dress: Donna Ricco, thrifted, vintage;

Belt: Ann Taylor Loft;

Sweater: thrifted;

Carpet saddle bag: thrifted;

Shoes: Zigi Soho.

Photos of me by my sister.

I went home Sunday to visit my family and to help my younger sister Nikki with her senior portraits. I cannot believe she's old enough to be getting these done already! I remember being really anxious about what photos to put in my senior ad collage in my yearbook, and so I'm glad that I was able to help my sister out. I even got to help her pick out her outfit! It was so strange though to be behind the camera for once. I'm used to taking my own outfit photos and just knowing how to direct myself, but it was quite a different story to telling someone else how to pose and do this and that.

As for my outfit, I thought I'd try out my new sweater vest that I thrifted last week. It's very slouchy and comfortable, and somehow fit my vibe of artsy-photographer-person for the day. The vest also was very practical as well -- its deep pockets became essential for holding memory cards and candy.

Since we were taking senior portraits, it seemed natural to go to a place where I'd be familiar with the lighting, so we went back to my beloved farm park. It was actually quite a scene because a lot of people seemed to have the same idea on that beautiful gorgeous afternoon because we saw about a dozen people doing photography stuff as well. We saw a couple of engagement sessions and some girls getting senior portraits done. It is a beautiful place for it, so it makes sense, but usually the park is a very quiet place.

What was really cool about going with my sister to the farm park is that I discovered a new photo place. I thought I had that place all figured out, too, after months of going there. But we actually went under the long bridge and got some good photos there. Here are some of my favorites that I took:

How was your weekend?

I'm a poser, baby: 7 steps for posing naturally in photos

One of the hardest things for me to figure out when I first started taking outfit photos was how to stand and look great. I couldn't figure out where to put my feet or hands, and the whole process seemed so artificial. But after almost a whole year of snapping daily outfit photos, I think I've got a few things figured out. Here are my tips for posing and looking natural in photos. And, bonus: none of these include the word "smize":

1. De-mystify your camera. 

I hate it when someone takes a photo and makes me say "cheese." It's like a sneak attack that forces me to quickly assume a pose and create a fake smile, which often can give off a "deer in the headlights" effect. I think this is why it's sometimes difficult to be in outfit photos -- because most of our experiences in front of the camera are in groups and in unnatural poses. So, it's time to get more comfortable with your camera. Spend an afternoon with your camera, a tripod or a willing photographer. Do any sort of pose you can think of -- stand, sit, lean and take pictures from different angles. And don't be self-conscious -- emulate Vogue models, pretend to be a ballerina, be a clown, whatever! The point is to find the poses that make you feel natural and look your best.

2. Find inspiration.  

Look at your favorite magazines, photos and blogs. How is the subject standing? How is their posture? Where are they standing? If you like these elements, how might this translate to your own photos? The pose above was inspired by an old magazine shoot. After some practice and setting up my camera, I got the shot I wanted.

3. Lean on something.

Okay, this sounds like something a cool cat like James Dean would have done. But the reason why I often gravitate toward fences, walls or docks is because they are a natural place to rest, and they often give you something to do with your hands. The leading lines that these structures have also add a geometric, visual interest to the photos as well.

4. Use a prop.

Holding something in a photo doesn't have to look staged or artificial. Having something tangible in your hands puts you at ease, gives you something to do with your hands, and often implies an action. So go ahead -- grab a purse, hold your bike handles, hug a puppy. Experiment!

 5. Put one foot in front of the other. 

Look at any red carpet and you will see this particular pose in play. By putting one leg in front of the other, it shifts your weight, elongates your torso and makes your legs look longer.

6. Posture, posture.

I'm not trying to sound like your mom, but this advice does have some good use. It straightens your body, and creates a smooth line from your back to your legs. In addition, I think it can also elevate your own mood: you stand taller, and probably feel more confident and elegant. 

7. Lead by doing. 

Our eyes are drawn toward action. Moving around is probably the most natural thing you can do because it makes your camera a mere background observer, rather than the instigator of the action. When my sister Nik used to take outfit photos, she would just move around naturally in front of the camera until she got the shots she wanted. So go ahead -- walk away, jump around, dance, or whatever your heart desires! Some of my favorite outfit photos imply some movement on my part.

How do you pose in your photos? What's your best tip for looking easygoing and flattering? What doesn't work for you?

Earlier:
[How to take outfit photos when you're uninspired]