Wednesday, November 17

second time's the charm

If running this blog has shown me one thing, it's that taking outfit pictures each morning can save you from going out in public looking like you're criminally insane and that bathroom mirrors are FULL OF LIES.

For example, this outfit, which I put together and thought looked splendid...

top, f21
field scout skirt, anthro
herringbone tights, j.crew
ringsend/rita heels, seychelles
skinny brown belt, urban outfitters

...until an examination of the pictures that came out of this shoot told me otherwise. This is all wrong -- too poofy, too puffy, and too "why yes, the hills are alive with the sound of music!" No thanks. So instead, I remedied the puffy with a more fitted bottom to balance out the floofy top:

top, f21
double-serge pencil skirt, j.crew [x]
herringbone tights, j.crew
ringsend/rita heels, seychelles
skinny brown belt, urban outfitters

This is an improvement. In retrospect, I should have also swapped the shoes for a black or brown heel, or something that camouflaged less with my herringbone tights in general, but eh. Can't win them all.

But, I did get some awesome detail shots of the top I'm wearing from the first outfit. Sometimes, F21 can churn out some truly awesome items!

rope tie front!

crochet back!

Have any of you ever put something together only to find out from your camera that it looks like a disaster?

24 comments:

  1. I do that pretty often. I am actually glad that I usually take my pics in the morning so that I still have time to remedy the situation!

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  2. Is that top recent? I love it! I love both outfits, and would wear them both, but the second is really playful and polished, and that's the look that appealing to me right now. I'm off to see if I can score the blouse for myself.

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  3. Ady - I know, right?? I don't even want to think about how many times I would've left the house looking crazy if it weren't for the morning pictures, haha!

    Tien - Yes, the top IS recent! I got it last week, so there should be some at your store! I tried looking for it online, but that didn't pan out.

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  4. Boo. I can't find it. I'll just keep checking until it pops up. I may have to head down to the F21 store at some point this weekend. I absolutely love it. I'm praying it will look half as nice on me as it does on you!

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  5. That's from F21? Awesome! Great revision on your outfit. LOL at the "hills are alive". Now I can't get Julie Andrew's voice out of my head. Thanks! :)

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  6. Oh yes, you are so right, many things I have not posted after seeing the picture! They tell no lies! It's actually been good for me to see what works. I love that pretty top with the pencil skirt!

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  7. I actually really like the first outfit. The 2nd one is more classic, but the first looks lovely.

    ;) At least you publish what you don't like on you. I only do it every so often and only when my nerves are up for the onslaught of public criticism I will get over the most niddling aspects of my outfit (i.e. that color of that belt looks really wrong with necklace--how can you have a fashion blog???). LOL. The nay-sayers are not afraid to nay and nay loudly over at my blog. One day I am going to put up me in the most ridiculous outfit ever, be all serious about my love for it, and just wait for it all the negativity to come out. And then I will laugh and say "tricked you!" Heehee. So what say you--should I go the pseudo-hippie route or the clown collar and striped skirt route?

    Hope you have had a great day so far!!! :)

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  8. I've full-on completely changed my outfit before bc what I had in my head and what was reality completely didn't pan out - but like you said, can't win 'em all, right? ;o)

    I love the top on you! And to pair with the skinny skirt is a genius combo. I know all I do is whine about and then not do anything, but I REALLY need to invest in more pencil skirts!

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  9. I agree with the above comment...I thought the first outfot was super cute! You look a little more chic with the pencil skirt though...a great look! I can totally relate to what you went through with taking your picture and realizing the tragedy that is your outfit (although, I wouldn't calls yours atragedy--I'm referring to a few of mine)...it has saved me from embaressment on more than one occasion! =)

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  10. That's why I should take my pictures before I leave for work and not in the middle of the day or after work. I do love the 2nd outfit..probably because I love pencil skirts.
    That top is super cute!

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  11. Oh that's happened to me many, many times! Unfortunately, though, I don't look at my pictures until I'm already at work so I'm stuck with it.

    I think the first outfit is adorable regardless, but I do like the second one as well!

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  12. Both outfits get an A+++ in my book. I love the red skirt and top top is just way too cute.

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  13. That top is so lovely!!! They got the detailing so right on that.

    Unfortunately, I take my pictures in the evening, so I don't get the chance to fix things. However, sometimes outfit ideas pop into my head and then when I try it on in real life, it is a total flop.

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  14. I agree Amy, the second outfit looks much better! I really love the detail on your top, the back is adorable! I have definitley taken pictures of an outfit only to realize it didn't look that good and I shouldn't have worn it...haha! Its weird how sometimes things look good in the mirror but not on camera!

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  15. To be honest, I really like both outfits! It's fun to experiment though with color sometimes. That top is really pretty.

    - JoAnn

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  16. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who's mirror lies. Yes, on many occasions I have done a do over with my outfit after seeing the pictures. Thank goodness for blogging. And although I like both outfits, I know that it has to pass the Kelinda test. The blouse is beautiful.

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  17. LURVE that top!! I change outfits all the time after closer inspection... except I'm not diligent on retaking pics after that! Also, I frequently change something when I go home for lunch if something feels not "quite right", like swapping out belts or necklaces. My coworkers are used to me changing it up. I feel like I have fashion ADD :)

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  18. hehhehe I love that even though you werent a fan you still posted the first outfit. And you always look great so I wouldn't worry too much :)

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  19. The worst is when you wear an outfit that you think is cute all day, get home, take pictures of it, and then realize that it was not cute all! Then I always wonder what people at work were thinking all day about my outfit.

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  20. I like the first look! The second one is cute, too. it looks like you have another look for that super cute top! I know what you mean about finding a real gem in the mess that is F21. It's the best feeling though.

    I've often thought something would look so good together and then once it's on think to myself, "what the hell was I thinking? I look like a (fill in the blank)".

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  21. F21 *is* awesome. This year they've been a barometer of sorts when I'm out shopping trendier items. That'll be a great spring top, too.

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  22. F21 is killing it lately with their wares. I'm actually digging the first look. It's very "sound of music" but in a good way!

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  23. Love, love, love the blouse! I hope it was a recent purchase so that I can score one too :)
    And I couldn't agree with you more on what you've just written. Happens to me so often. I think and feel something looks great until it appears on camera :)
    I definitely like the look with the black skirt better too. I do however see the bright flowy skirt working well with other pieces too, perhaps for a different occasion.

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  24. wow that top is lovely! great outfit.

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