It was 70 degrees when I took these photos. And I was in the park. Do you know what that means?…
THE STORY
…That means there were people. Lots of people. I mean, like everywhere. I’ve mentioned it before, but I have this weird issue…I get all awkward if there are people around when I’m taking blog photos. I can’t explain it. This blog is out there for all of the world to see, but I’m all strangely shy if anyone is in my vicinity when I’m trying to get the shots. I go from my confident stylish little self to feeling like I’m in that dream we’ve all had when you show up at work and realize you forgot to get dressed. What the hell is that all about?
And how’s this for feeling wildly awkwardly uncomfortable? Every once in a while, depending on the weather and/or how much daylight there will be when I get home from work, I’ll run over to the park during my lunch break to take my photos since the park is just a couple of blocks from work. A few weeks ago while I was getting my tripod out of the backseat, I hear “Heeyyyy…whatcha doin’?” Phrased just like that. I knew the voice. I took a deep breath, turned around and said, “Heeeyyy Dr. —-!” Yep. It was my superintendent and the district business manager. They roll up and stop beside me and when he sees all the equipment he gets this puzzled look on his face and says, “What are you doing?” I told him I was taking pictures for my blog. “Blog? Seriously? What kind of blog?” “Ummm…my fashion blog.” See, I told you. Awkward. He’s a super funny guy, and that got him going; so we went back and forth about it for a couple of minutes and then off they went to lunch. Ya, what are the odds my boss is cutting through the park while I’m taking outfit shots. Apparently pretty good since it happened.
THE OUTFIT
I so love this mixed print tunic dress. And so does everyone else; it’s always a favorite on Instagram. The last time I wore it, it was definitely colder so it was winterized with leggings and boots. 70 degrees called for nothing more than my blue ankle boots and some self-tanner and I was good to go. I haven’t done it yet, but it would also be super fab over a pair of cropped skinny jeans don’t you think?
THE TIP
Few things are easier to style than a dress. Especially when it already has some print mixing done for you. Just thrown on some jewelry and go. Because of the printed bodice, I accessorized with a couple of shorter delicate necklaces. A longer pendant would have gotten lost in the print and been pointless. Typically the busier (or blingier) my top is, the lighter I go on necklaces. In some cases, like a sequin top for example, it’s best to go with bigger earrings if you need jewelry so that it isn’t competing with the top.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: Riff Raff (Similar); Boots: Target (Similar)




Ahhh I can’t believe your boss saw you…to funny! Such a gorgeous dress

Tara recently posted…Weekend Sales: Kate Spade, Ann Taylor Friends + Family
Lol…right?!
Ha ha! I’m like you. Can’t stand it when people are around and I’m trying to take photos. I will hike through piles of dog poop, mosquitos and wild bush just to be alone for photos.
Love the boho.
bisous
Suzanne
Suzanne recently posted…Vintage Brooch DIY Jean Jacket
I would imagine that once it warms up and more people are out and about in the park, I’ll be slinking off to my backyard again…lol
I’ve only went out in public a couple of times to take pictures. I felt VERY uncomfortable! I like the safety of my house…
Love this look!
Darlene Fadem recently posted…Product Review : eShakti Custom Dress
Me too Darlene, but I’m trying to branch out and broaden my horizons…haha!
I’m the same way, exactly to same! But this did give me a laugh, I can only imagine what those two men thought afterwards ( they kind of don’t get the whole fashion blogging thing). With that being said, I’m way impressed you take your own photos (like Suzanne) that does take guts to set up a tripod in a park. You go girl! And, your photos always look fantastic and you appear so natural in front of the lens.
Yes, I still love this dress, actually think I like it even better this time around. Can’t wait to see you style it with those jeans. Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks so much Trina! It took a lot of practice and a pretty big learning curve to get the pictures where they are…
Ah, yes .. I understand completely .. which is why my photo’s are in the same spot in my back yard .. BORING!! I know, … someday I’ll get a bit braver and head out to a nice location. I’ve done it once before, but it was nerve wracking.
Cute outfit .. your dress looks so comfortable and is perfect for spring.
Monica.
MonicaP recently posted…Transition from winter to spring with cool and warm outfit colors
It does take some getting used to, that’s for sure. I’m not sure I’ll be so adventurous once the weather gets better and the park is swarming with people!
It is quite ironic, eh? You should have had your boss pose with you—now that’d been funny!!
Great springtime look!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Jodie filogomo recently posted…Lace Extenders 2 (Under a Blouse)
Lol…he told me there was no way I had a fashion blog because if I did he would’ve been on it!
Bettye Rainwater says
I’m super impressed that you’re tripod selfie-ing! I can never get the focus point right when I do it so I keep begging for people to photograph me…which gets old for me and I’m sure REALLY old for THEM…really fast! But you do a great job
Bettye
fashionschlub.com
I think the getting the focus right is probably the hardest part!
Bettye Rainwater says
Yup

Bettye Rainwater recently posted…My Week in Review: Week 1
That dress is beautiful and has some great spring colors in it. My favorite part of how you styled it is those blue boots! ahh, so perfect!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom recently posted…BUTTERFINGER® Candied Trifle {Easy Spring Dessert}
Thanks so much Carrie!
I totally get awkward if there are a lot of people around too! Loving this floral dress, especially with those great blue boots.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Isn’t it funny how that happens Amy Ann? We’re totally confident in whatever we’re wearing, but then get all weird if people see us taking photos…
Hahahaha I think you have the cooliest boss, Debbie
I can only imagine the bewildered expression on his face, even more so when you explained the type of blog you have. And how cool is it that we both wrote about confidence on the very same day???? It’s called twinning, I tell you.
Is it also called twinning because I adore your vest? And your cute pixie boots (yes, I went there)? I don’t personally wear short dresses because I hate my legs but you look really charming in yours. And by charming I mean lovely and pretty and all things nice.
Sheela Goh recently posted…Being Confident + A Link-Up
I’ll take charming…no need to explain…lol! I do have a super cool boss; he is insanely funny and believe me, he won’t let me live that down!
Hey, how about a dress with cropped leggings or skinny jeans under it? That way you’re wearing a dress, but still covering your legs…just a thought…
Yeah, that’s how I tend to wear the shorter lengths, as tunics
xoxo
Sheela Goh recently posted…Being Confident + A Link-Up
So true! I don’t mind the people in my neighborhood, but in unfamiliar territory, I like a lot less people. Ha! So no Trump.what are the odds ur boss!
Love the boho look but with those sweet blue boots and back detail.
Xxjess
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Lol! Isn’t that the best? Lucky for me he’s a super funny guy and thought it was hilarious.
If you think you feel awkward posing for blog pictures in a park…
Shybiker recently posted…The Adirondacks
Lol! You’re too cute my friend. And you should never feel awkward, not with that fabulous pair of legs you have!
Nice vest and dress!
http://fabuloustorture.blogspot.com
Thank you Andrea!
This is a odd one Debbie..I mean the person that would be most awkward would be my husband (my photographer) I would happily leap about like a ninny for all to see. He would rather die than anyone even glance in our direction. Strange isn’t it?
I would be ready with answers to the “What are you doing?” questions.
He would run for cover…or hike through dog muck and Midge to avoid them, like Suzanne!
A great story…and a beautiful look.
XXX
Samantha
P.S Your hair is always on point! Do you curl it with a flat iron?
I do my own shots with a tripod and remote so I probably look particularly strange standing there all by myself taking pictures! This particular day I had used a curling iron, but I do usually curl it with the flat iron. My hair has a mind of it’s own and kind of does it’s own thing. After I wash it and let it air dry (I do that at night because I have a lot of hair & only a couple of times a week) if it’s wavy/curly I tweak the curls with an iron. If it’s straight, I run over it with a flat iron to smooth it out.
Love this tunic dress! I know the feeling of taking blog photos in public! I am getting better, but when people walk by I always feel like they think I am obsessed with myself! Just taking photos for my blog….lol!
xo,
Jacqueline
Stylin In St. Louis
Jacqueline recently posted…Spotlight of the Week: Stripes….
I know, right?! I always feel like people are thinking, “Is she seriously standing alone in front of a tripod taking pictures of herself?” Lol!
I hate when people see my take pictures too! It’s totally awkward and weird! I’m ok if they just pass by but I’ve had people stop to watch and that’s when it get extra awkward. lol. But you look amazing in these pictures!
http://elementsofellis.com/
My connection is super poor so I cant read it all but you look takeaway girl!!! I love that floral dress, so perfect for summer and you killed the styling. Fabulous.
http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/
idu recently posted…Understated Elegance
I am laughing out loud Debbie! If it was me I would have said I’m taking nature shots. I too am exactly the same when taking photos, I have to try and wait till the coast is clear. Dress looks gorgeous x
So totally can relate but I don’t have a remote that works. I use a timer so I am constantly runnin back to the tripod. You do look so natural.
Linda Cassidy recently posted…It’s Wine O’Clock Somewhere
Super pretty and gorgeous pics!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.blogspot.com
Dawn Lucy recently posted…Blogger Meet Up at Trina Turk
Perfectly boho and ready for spring!
- Ana Luiza
Northwest Blonde
Ana Luiza recently posted…Easter Dresses Under $100
Oh my gosh! I can so relate! Debbie, the story cracks me up. Lately, me and Remota (yes, I’ve named my remote!) have been getting asked if I’d like the passerby to take the pics. I’m like, No, that’s ok!
Oh the measures we go to right?!
Lovely, lovely tunic dress. Seriously a girl after my own heart! Thanks for coming over and linking up Debbie!
Love, Ann from K de la K
This look is perfectly boho. I love the mix of patterns
http://michellespaige.com
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