Friday, April 11, 2014

Jeans










     Oh what a difference a week can make. With some afternoons near 70 degrees, I can wear sandals. This week I chose some basic jeans, silk wrap blouse, fun heels and my bright trench to wear for an evening meal. I'm wearing jeans from Macy's house brand Style & Co. These jeans are reasonably priced plus they are comfortable to wear. I've been seeing silk kimono tops on some of the blogs and this fitted version is old favorite.  I found these sandals at a consignment shop then added a contrasting bag and bright trench. 

     For those you that are fashion bloggers, we bought a flash with a diffusor for our camera. We have been using it on most of my posts lately.  On these pictures with the strong backlighting, a flash fills the shadow and adds a highlight to the eyes. Hope this is a helpful bit of info for some of the bloggers out there. The flash has helped us get brighter and sharper pictures in low light situations. 

jeans--style & co. petite jeans     blouse--dana buchman     sandals--preview (consignment purchase) same design, different color     trench--worthington-- cole haan     purse--b makowsky       

links--mingle monday--dc instyle--style sessions--the pleated poppy--get your pretty on--because shanna said so--what I wore wednesday--passion for fashion--not dead yet style







59 comments:

  1. What kind of camera do you have? And what exact flash did you buy? I'm really seriously considering an external flash since often I take my photos inside. The shadows here look very soft. Not at all "flash like".

    Good for you getting to wear some sandals. It may be a few days yet here before I'll be wearing those, although today it was lovely.

    That blouse is gorgeous. A grown-up version of the kimonos.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. We do our photos with a Canon EOS Rebel T3i and use a Cannon Zoom Lens EF-S 18-55mm. The flash we are using is Canon speedlite 430EXII. I just asked Dean and he said he watched a bunch of utube clips on how to use a fill flash. He reads manuals and directions and enjoys it! Hope this is helpful.

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    2. I forgot to mention the most important part--a diffuser cap to go over the flash. It's a plastic cap that cuts down the power of the light and creates a soft light. You can see it on the eyes of the close picture in this post.

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  2. Ann! You are radiant...must be the sun and warm temperatures! I always marvel at the temperature extremes that many parts of the continent experience. Things are much more moderate here on the west coast! Hudson's Bay carries the Style & Co label, and I have a pair of their jeans too! I think they're good value, and your dark wash jeans flatter you.

    And you WALL! What a fun backdrop for these photos! Thanks for the camera tips! Very helpful information. It's tricky...the golden hour is best for photos, but the risk of too low light is there also. I'll have to check out diffusers. My husband's camera has a flash that can be directed in a different direction, but no diffuser.

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    1. We have been using this flash since the first of January and it seems to really help make the pictures pop. I think wedding photographers use a flash in the same way as we are. The mural was in an alley with light coming from behind at sunset. Thank you Sue for the supportive comments!

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  3. Fabulous sandals! We had a warm spell earlier in the week but now we're back into boot weather.

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  4. I am in love with the wall on these photos and your happy energy, Ann! You always find such interesting artistic backdrops for your photos. I enjoy your blog for so many reasons, but that is one of the big ones - the artistic eye you have for photo shoots!

    You look so beautiful and playful here - hooray for your sunny weather!! The shoes and the purse are both great find. What a fun shot with you showing the shoe off! :)

    Justin (the photographer :) said he envies you guys, diffuser is a great thing to have (he used to have one). Your photos look wonderful - very natural and soft!

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    1. Thank you Natalia, I do try to have some fun taking the pictures. I think your pictures are great too and a diffuser might be interesting thing for you two to experiment with. I find murals to be the background I enjoy the most.

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  5. Perfect trousers but my attention was focused on your fabulous heels!
    www.bonjourchiara.com
    Bonjourchiara Facebook Page

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    1. I was looking at this shoe in the department store and thinking about waiting for a sale to buy them. A couple of days later I quickly stopped by my local consignment shop and there they were, nearly unworn and in my size, for $18!

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  6. You look lovely Ann. I love the sandals, bag and top. Your pose in that last photo is so beautiful.

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  7. The red coat is gorgeous, but I'll take your look without it. The blouse is cute and I love your shoes. I really like the design of this blouse, it's downright beautiful.

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  8. Such a classy outfit - the blouse really makes it. However, my favourite part is that fire-engine red trench coat - Wow! I try to avoid using flash whenever possible, but it's probably because I don't know how to use it well. I always admire the lighting in your photos; thanks for the tip. I should just get a diffuser.

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  9. You look fabulously beautiful in Red, the coat is awesome!!!
    FF

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  10. Oh you are simply lovely Anne! Those shoes....those will take you anywhere! Lovin' the colors of St. Paul here today! Anita

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    1. Anita thanks for commenting. Do you know this mural? It's at Foxy Falafel in the Midway neighbor just off University Ave.

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    2. Oh, no I don't know that location, but I'm definitely going to look for it! The light is so fabulous, one would say you were in Paris! Anita

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  11. Outstanding outfit, outstanding photos. We don't get to see you much in jeans. You are a dress girl as much as I am a skinnies girl (well, girl, girl... let's not go into that haha).
    I think this is a terrific combination. I envy you. It is very different (in a good way), it is mature, it is fun, the shoes are fabulous and go so well with the outfit and especially the bag. Great! You can get a lot of wear out of this.
    As for your helpful instructions with the flash and the diffusor... I am still too much of an amateur to use flash, let alone a diffusor. Besides, I got a remote thing on top of my camera ( and the click thing in my hand), so flashlight cannot come up anymore haha.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks Greetje, I decided I need to do a jeans post because I do wear them. Dresses and skirts are more comfortable for me but I wear jeans to the studio so I have a lot of them. I liked Annett's jeans post a while ago, so I thought I'd give it a try too. I think you look great in the skinnies! I have some too, maybe my next post?

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    2. looking forward to seeing you in skinnies.

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  12. Love love this coat! And hooray that there's finally warm weather for you! Love the background of these photos. And how awesome that you found these sandals on consignment.

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  13. Dear Ann, first of all, i love your dynamic pictures. I can feel that you had fun at the shooting.
    Your jeans as a great deep color, perfect for a chic styling like your. Today i find out, i need a red trench-coat, so powerful.
    Wish you a nice weekend an enjoy the great weather
    http://glamupyourlifestyle.blogspot.de/

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  14. I also get my jeans at Macy's...I love the INC brand. Your backgrounds are always so much fun...this is another great looking outfit! You always look fabulous!

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  15. You look absolutely gorgeous in that red coat Ann! Love it :))))
    Hugs Beata

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  16. Gorgeous jacket and you know I LOVE the metallic touch in this look. I enjoy to see pictures of you with movement!!!!! They show how beautiful your outfit look while you walk. You look AWESOME!
    xo
    MySmallWardrobe.com

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  17. It's so strange that you are heading into sandal weather and we are getting out our boots :) Lovely outfit Ann. Lovely leg line on the jeans and the silk wrap top is a very classic piece. The whole outfit is stunning. Thanks for the photography tips.... Im soaking up everything and anything anyone cares to share.

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  18. Your pictures are amazing and your look is fabulous. Super amazing, the bright coat is such a stand out. So beautiful.

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  19. That bright red coat is beautiful! :) Really like the silk top too, what a lovely print :)


    Away From Blue

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  20. I am so happy for your spring weather, Anne, well deserved!
    And your sandals are awesome, perfectly matching your silk blouse. I love everything wrapped...

    Thanks for the photography advice - I will definitely look into that!

    Annette | Lady of Style

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  21. Glad to hear you're getting nice weather finally! I've been able to wear sandals a couple of times, also, and had already painted my toenails in anticipation. Yay, sunshine!

    You always look so polished, even in jeans. I've been coveting kimono tops lately, too (thanks to Maricel at My Closet Catalogue), and yours is really lovely. That orangey coat is fabulous!

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  22. Dear Ann, really good news, that spring has finally arrived. I can see at your pictures. And of course at your sandals. Really a great pair of shoes - very special with this zipper-detail. This kimonotop has beautiful colors, who works perfectly together with the shoes. But most of all I love your red trenchcoat. This color is so intensive. And thank you for this tip about using a diffuser. We also use a speedlite (I don't know which one) but I have never heard something about a diffuser - and I think this thing has now a place on my wishlist. :-)
    Greetings from Bavaria, enjoy your sunday Conny

    ps: Also I want to say thank you, that you had asked Annette what happened about me. Thats so nice. I'm lost for words, to express what I think about your doing. I hope I have written this correctly.

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    1. Thank you Conny for your kind words. I think you express yourself beautifully in English, I'm impressed! You might like using a diffuser with your flash. The one we have is a plastic cap that fits over the point where the flash happens. It's white and just cuts down the intensity of the light so it fills the shadow a bit rather than blasting the whole picture with light. Here in the US a diffuser costs around $20.

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  23. Spring temperatures always make me feel happy, so I am glad that nice weather is , at last, arrived there!
    I like very much the blouse and the sandals, and find they are perfect together! Very cute bag too...
    Red is a beautiful bright colour and it really suits you! I should wear it more often!!

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  24. Stunning. I like to see jeans on the blogs too. I may be headed there a bit next week. So many things to comment on. Adore the shoes! Oh, how I wish I could wear heels like that again. I love the bronze snake skiin. THe top looks great with it too, as the tones and colors are in the shoe, as well as I am a fan of the wrap top, . Then your collection o coats, pretty orange adds that pop with a bright color.
    So nice! Jess xx

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  25. Oh Ann! Great post. Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement. I have a wig in the wings but not sure about it. It is longer than my hair; sort of like the way my hair was in June or July last year = a-line. I have a chance to get another one, if my insurance pays for it. I can't see myself being the 'bald' gal, but I'll cross that bridge like I said. I sure enjoyed you as our Co-Host! These shoes look great and very comfortable and congrats on getting them on consignment! wow.

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  26. What a beautiful trench coat! I absolutely love the color on you!! I'm glad the weather has warmed up.

    xo,
    Angela

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  27. I love that you're all smiles in these pics! We had some warm weather here this past weekend as well and it lifted my mood to the extremes. A little bit of sunshine and the world is full of hope. It's amazing how it works that way. I think that trench might have a similar mood altering effect though. It's so bright and cheery, almost as good as the sunshine.

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  28. You look chic & Classy in your outfits!

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  29. Thanks so much for the tip about the flash! I do enjoy learning how other bloggers are taking their pictures and since I truly enjoy your pictures, it's nice of you to share your tips! Love those shoes! I am so envious of others who can score a find at a thrift store. To date, I have exactly one thrift shop find... in my life. I have absolutely no luck. My daughter has much better luck, but I think it has more to do with patience than luck :) Happy weather, great post!
    xo ~kim & chloe @ popcosmo.com

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  30. What beautiful photographs, Ann! Love the textured artistic backgrounds and your happy smile! You look stunning in this bright trench, I adore its colour! The sandals and the bag look like belonging to the same collection, perfect match.

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  31. You are an elegant lady and I remember your reluctance towards jeans but with the right wash and cut they too can look elegant. You've proof it right, here :) I love your take on jeans, you made it your own!

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  32. You look like the 'beginnings of spring' in these radiant photos. I love the last pic, as though you're dancing off the screen. And the mischief in your eyes in the first photo. It's always a pleasure to visit your site with your artful presence and your stylish ways.

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  33. What a beautiful red trench coat, I just love the color and you look always fabulous, Ann. Thank you for the camera tips.

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  34. Found you from the link up and just followed you on GFC. Love that fun background! And your short hair! I'm always considering cutting mine...

    xx, Amy Ann
    The Real Arnolds

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  35. You are indeed so chic & looking so sharp Ann!

    Rebecca
    www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

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  36. Perfection, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
    You make me dream and inspire me to create.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  37. you trench coat is so chic and I love your heels

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  38. Those sandals are awesome! I wish it was warm enough for me to wear sandals already :( The whole outfit is so classy and put-together. I love that trench coat!

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  39. I need to buy a whole new camera, but I'll tuck that good info away for later. Great outfit to go to dinner, I love the coat and shoes. Are your jeans coated? Cute! Looks like some pretty snazzy dance moves in that last pic! ~Ann
    Tarnished Royalty

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  40. Just found your blog. What a gorgeous coat - and you look amazing in it. Your pictures are so beautiful and fun. I just started blogging and I'm having such a hard time taking good pictures of myself. You inspire me! Looking forward to coming back to read more.

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    1. Yes Lana is hard to get good pictures. Can you believe we take around 90 to 145 pictures to get 5 to 6 good ones. It sounds like so many but it does help to have many to choose from.

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  41. I just started following your blog and love it. I wish you posted more often but understand the commitment required. You are one of the few mature women style bloggers that really have a unique point of view.

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    1. Thank you Darlene for commenting. I wish I could post more often but I just can't do more with my artwork. I make a living as an artist and blogging is my hobby. I do it because I love fashion and one of my goals is to keep changing my style as I get older. Experiment really with the balance of what looks good and is age appropriate then add a bit of an edge. Thanks for saying you enjoy what I do!

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  42. Good info on your camera/ flash. I usually take my pics outside so I don't have to deal with a flash, but that diffusor sounds really good. I bought some lights for indoor use, but haven't taken the time to figure out how to use them yet :). I love your coat...the color looks fabulous on you!

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  43. Love the heels and love the coat. YOu have such amazing spots for a photo shoot.
    Daphne.

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  44. Great walking action shot! You wear these jeans so well I probably wouldn't not have guessed they were jeans unless you told me. I can feel the spring taking hold there, especially with the sandals.

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  45. Great outfit! Stopping by from Visible Monday ... loving the twist on the red color of the classic trench! xo C. (HHL)

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  46. I'm dying for that blouse. Sigh. Better on you than on me anyway. Glorious ... of course you're doing a little dance! Ann ... you're the inspiration completely for the hair chop I did ( Thank You!) and did I tell you I nominated you for a Wonderful Team Member Readership Award. You might like it ... but I get how busy you are.
    I wonder if I could do a hand made filter for our digital point and shoot flash ... it's so harsh. I've wanted to take some photos at the restaurant, but it's always dark and the photos look like pooh. Interesting thought.

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Thanks for visiting my blog. I enjoy hearing comments and input.