Trial and Error : Pattern and Fabric Mixing / Choices / Update

If I can photograph an outfit from all sides, and it still looks good, I know it works. My mirrors lie to me, but my camera never lies!  The old girl has values ;)  This outfit seemed like it would look great ( in theory) and I was excited to wear it, but the proportions were a bit off for my body type. ( I have a wide top and a narrow bottom.) I like the top, and even kept the original belt attached. I liked the mix of colors It was the style of each piece that could have been better. The satin was a bit shiny for the look I was going for,though it drapes beautifully. The skirt was too narrow, but I still like the pattern mix. I paired the pieces with some hard, chunky wood accessories and tough gladiator flats for a more ethnic feel, but next time, I'll skip the satin!

I actually rolled my hair with rollers! This used to be my usual. A curly up-do with a clippy! ( W/O the scarf )

See what I mean? Oh well, live and learn ;)

This photo was the most flattering, but I'm all about the honesty ;)

CHOICES

This blogging thingy has certainly been making me take a look at my choices (fashion or otherwise), and has brought me to some conclusions that I may or may not be comfy with.

1. What works for one person may not work for everybody. Example: Toddler attire is not flattering on me.
2. My body isn't as fit, nor as photogenic as it used to be. (though when I'm 70, I'll look back at this and smile) Most of you guys can't even imagine being in your 40's! Tee, Hee! It will happen.
3. I tend to look best in age-appropriate ( I cringe as I say this ) outfits. Now, before you smack me, hear me out! I will ALWAYS be willing to try out new trends, but I may save my chunky clogs for a simple look, instead of pairing them with a tutu, like the younguns do so well.
4. I have big boobs and a small, flat butt. So, to look my best, I need to create balance between the top and bottom. I am a D cup. I deal with it. Oh, to have small, perky boobies....
5. I can take what I need and leave the rest. Example: Just because I like the Forever 21 mannequin's look, it may look like a Halloween costume on me.
6. Stay true to your inner voice! Example: When I put on an outfit, it's O.K. to leave off say, 2 or 3 accessories and still look like I make an effort. Or, on the flip side, it's O.K. to drown myself in them!
7. It's O.K. to be my age and to be a crazy cat lady! ( Cringe )
8. Risk taking is a good thing. I always learn something.
9. Age is all a mind-set,( Cringing again ) and with age comes wisdom, nothing more. I am wising up and realizing what I look good in and what I don't.
10. Being a saged chick means that I can still be me, without the need to try too hard. As a matter of fact, the harder I try, the more insecure I end up looking ;)

Disclaimer: These opinions are subject to change at any minute ;)

Have a great weekend !!!

*Reva*

IMPORTANT UPDATE !!!
Is it O.K. to let other's know when a blogger is sending out malware and spam ???
I just went to a blog which I used to visit all the time and my wonderful computer warned me that
this site contains MALWARE ! No wonder I have been getting so much spam lately ! That sucks !

Silk Skirt as Dress / Tips / Ramblings

YES I CAN !

The words " Baby doll " or " Umpire Waist " have always made me shiver. "Skirt-as-a-dress" can even be a tricky monster , but I've learned a bit about how to make this look work, without people asking me when I'm Due. Thanks alot people! It's not polite to ask someone that anyway!

I have found that for someone like me, who sports a D cup and belly, I avoid pleats or elastic directly beneath the girls. Any high waisted look seems to work better if the fullness is kept to a minimum. A bigger belt will soften the fullness and hold down the fabric. Also, using electrical tape to hold down the dress also eliminates Pregger belly! Just tape some strips lengthwise close to the bottom of the dress ! It weighs it down !

My newest discovery is to wear thick elastic waist skirts instead of traditional babydolls. I wear them LOWER than my underarms. Wearing the elastic across the largest part of the breast actually makes the "dress" look better! I pin it in place with safety pins. The fabric needs to be silk or rayon to avoid the puffiness of cotton. Jersey is a great choice, too. I pull the skirt about an inch or two lower than my arm pit.

My girls seem to actually look small ! Yah! ( One of my body-image issues )

This skirt is silk and thrifted for 3 bucks. I like the tribal print and the boho vibe .

Paired with my new fav. locket from targei' , a long chain and groovy gold-toned earrings, my go-to black T, and fav. boots with no socks for a change!

I pinned a flower in my hair, and wore my big turquoise ring.

( Note the Big vein ? From wearing high heels on concrete for work ! Beware ! )

 Also, beware of hair color that says Ash or Cool. Now I gotta go get it re-done !

Nothing ventured , Nothing gained !

A vest is another way to keep the Pregger Look away!

Hope these tips are helpful !

Balls To The Wall !

Ramblings I am proud of :  I finally did it ! I did alot of reading commentaries , checking out other cool blogs and discovering new blogs over the past few days. I saw Another blogger calling it quits, another blogger who actually has a real photographer and stylist for Christ sakes ! I read about blogger envy and jealousy. You name it !  Well, suddenly I got the balls ( or steel ovaries) to write an e-mail to a large group site. I voiced my opinion , hopefully in a respectful way. I am getting so uninspired by all the sites who appear to be in it only for Money. For Fame and Notoriety. What has happened to the creative inspiration that was always available to the "regular" gal ? The inventive looks of so many talented people who are getting lost by the way-side because their photos aren't Magazine quality ? The looks I miss because they didn't get enough popularity "votes" or "points" ?  Because the look wasn't something that could be bought through an Ad link ?

My opinion is just that , an opinion. Is Fashion blogging a competition or an Inspirational community ?

I'd love to hear what you think . I don't "trash talk" others and to each his own , but I was and still am ticked.

I love to be inspired. I love great photos. I love trend-setters. I also can look past the "Glossy" and see the Creativity .  So, as in the card game "Euchre" , I just went Balls to the Wall !