I usually prefer fitted coats but since I've seen oversized styles on many of the blogs I thought I'd give it a try. I found this Ann Taylor coat at a consignment shop and the clutch on clearance. When I go to work at my studio I often wear colored jeans and a sweater. By adding booties, a nice coat and interesting bag I'm ready to do something social after work. I've been thinking about being more open to trying what comes along in life. Pairing an unusual bag and different style of coat is a small way to try something new. I think this can be one function of fashion, searching for that creative tingle, that bit of excitement which makes you feel like a slightly new and different version of yourself. coat--ann taylor (consignment purchase) (similar) clutch--bcbg (like this one too)(same) sweater--inc jeans--inc booties--bandolino (here) location--loading dock at the studio, pictures by dean and bag picture by ann links style elixer the pleated poppy transatlantic blonde working girl with style three-fer thursday look what I got lulu's love list
In today's post I decided to tone down the color and mood of my outfit. Back in the 90's I wore so much black. It was hard to see the clothes in my closet because mostly dark clothing hung on the rod. Last year I was at a birthday party of a friend and I noticed the room was divided into two groups. Younger women wearing colors and older women wearing black. I do love black, but when I saw this division of color by age I knew I wanted to add some brighter hues and patterns to my wardrobe. It is with this outfit of darks, I wear as an old friend, that lends me the ability to look at the lens. Some of you have been asking me why I look away from the camera. For a somewhat shy person looking at the lens leaves me feeling vulnerable. I promised myself I'd try look straight into the lens for some pictures to say hello with my eyes. Blogging is much more than just clothes for me. I've have become fond of many of you and I truly enjoy sharing these weekly posts. coat--jessica simpson (here) skirt--bcbg (here) purse--bcbgeneration (similar)(similar) pumps--nine west (same style, many colors) earrings--kenneth cole tights--hanes location--state fair grounds, pictures by dean
I'm feeling bold and visible this week. We are part of an art show at the University opening next week so I've been thinking about what to wear. This isn't a black tie event but rather a casual evening where we stand by our art meeting artists and students. I need to look creative, approachable and comfortable. My art is detailed and colorful so this dress with a zig zag pattern caught my eye and at a reduced price even better. I also plan to wear it with cream tights and silver pumps for a more glamorous effect. If you didn't see the post by Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb on blogging after 40, take a look. She writes clearly about the many advantages of being part of the 40+ blogging community and states the many reasons personal styling gets better with age. I'm so excited to meet other women who know life is still going strong after 40! dress--bcbg (here) jacket--kors (leather jackets on sale at Nordstroms) tights--dkny purse dkny (selection of dkny bags) cowl--steve madden (here) booties--bandolino (selection of banolino boots) location--state fair grounds, pictures by dean links mingle monday the pleated poppy shoe shine fashion informant working girl with style three-fer thursday lulu's love list the mrs. & the momma not dead yet style
I'm going to start this post by thanking each and everyone of you that took your time this year to look at Blue Hue Wonderland. After blogging one year, I have come to know so many of you through your comments and your blogs. You all have been so kind and welcoming plus your encouragement has meant a lot to me. Blogging teaches you so much. I've learned much about using the computer and exploring my interest in photography. I love being part of this community of stylish women who bravely take pictures and publish them for the world to see. It does take courage to get out there with a camera, look the best you can and post the results.
I make many of my pictures using colors that are opposites on the color wheel. After looking at my posts, I realized I favor a green and red contrast. I want my pictures to jump off the screen color wise. I've also found when I photograph a black outfit a colorful background can make it pop. I keep a record in my mind of vibrant places I see while driving around town to keep pictures interesting. I really enjoy attempting to make a weekly post that delights the eye.
My particular love is accessories and I've learned from the blogging community about mixing them in so many ways. I enjoy photographing accessories, much easier than the pictures of myself. I would like to thank Dean, my husband, for taking most of these pictures. You have put up with so many of my ideas for "just one more shot" and listened to my stories about the different interesting people I'm meeting through blogging. You are a gem and one stylish man yourself. Someday ladies I'm going to convince him to hop in front the camera with me!
Happy New Year! I'm starting the year with a sunny post featuring accessories. One of the things I've learned from taking weekly pictures is accessories do have the power to change an outfit. The scarf is from Alpha Gypsy. This company creates a beautiful collection of creative and artistic designs one of which is called Gypsy Queendom. Many great pieces are also available on Etsy. I have a passion for shoes especially in tones of red. Retro styled pumps are one of my favorite shoe styles at the moment. Summer sandals are starting to appear in the stores here in Minneapolis even though we are many months away from warm weather. I just loved these Carlos Santana sandals and couldn't pass them by. scarf--alpha gypsy (gifted) jacket--pink envelope (here) pants--averly pumps--nine west (same style, different colors) sandle--carlos by carlos santana (here) location--duvet cover hung on the wall at my art studio--pictures by dean, product pictures by ann
