Okay...this is more difficult than it looks.  I used a different camera and cannot seem to get it right.  I completely envy those ladies with the SLR cameras and/or friends to take their outfits of the day next to these amazing backgrounds and lovely scenery.  Whereas, there's me with a point and shoot in the loo, hoping no one catches me.  Last thing I need is "She's so obsessed with herself she can't just look at herself in the mirror, she needs to take a picture too!"  Yes, I do work with cows ladies like that.  Hence, my reason for blogging.  No one else to talk to but the stratosphere, so a year on I can laugh at me self and think, "Girl, look how far you have come."

Face of the Day:  Hot Mess!

Foundation: None it's 90

Lips: Chap stick

Eyes: Urban Decay's Baked Palette sans the teal & Fiber wig

Outfit of the Day:  Keeping Cool!

Dress: Marshall's Nicole Miller: $24.99 + tax

Shoes: Ross CL $14.99

Making it through a hot day in the Capital:  Priceless ♥

I have to admit I feel a bit of a git posting this.  I don't have an editing software here so, I'm stuck posting raw images.  In addition, I don't know how to use editing stuff, it intimidates me when the vernaculars like layers, brushes, contrast, etc. get involved.  What's more, I don't have the best camera, nor do I have someone to take photos of me. 

In my defense: I'm living somewhere I have no friends, no family, nothing but work and my dog.  If anyone wants to offer suggestions on how to take great photos of myself aside from a tripod and an SLR I would ♥
that a lot.  To be honest, other than a few changes, I'm sort of glad I don't have all that fancy stuff.  I'd probably morph myself into someone who doesn't exist.  I've noticed that a lot on blogs.  No pores, no character, no flaws and they are magazine cover worthy.  *shrugs* Oh well. To the explanation.

Sad face~>

So I'm wearing and Umpire Waist cotton dress I purchased at Ross for about $9.99 and $15.99 shoes also Ross.  I'm not keen on the dress, but I'm bloated, very hot and not sleeping well.  I have a pear shape, so I wasn't sure how this would suit me.  I realize they aren't every one's taste; however, I like the fact they can be dressed up with accessories.  I wore a simple pashmina wrap, a necklace I made myself, with matching earrings and my AK watch and bangles.  I realize it's not Oscar worthy, but this is an option for those of us who have hips/bum and want to wear something in the summer during the extreme heat days. 

Thanks for reading!

It feels so good to be back on track with my little blog.  I never knew how good it felt to get things from one's head  to the cosmos.  I don't know why I didn't keep up with this when I first started a year back.  I noticed when I do keep up with posting, I become more creative.  This particular outfit was inspired by my a video I had watched from Juicy Tuesday.  I  don't know why I keep getting sucked in to YouTube.  I have a love/hate/love/hate relationship.  It's a huge way to waste my time.  I learn some tricks, but I think it's me just being nosey.  Regardless, I seem to feel something whenever I watch them albeit anger at myself, the "guru", or the comments.  At times just the idea of watching people so absorbed with themselves leaves me feeling filthy.  I mean, I'm watching someone get ready to go out, I swear I'm not a peeping Tom.  Maybe a Billy NoMates, but I am blown away by how much time and effort it takes to make videos.  Shane Dawson is really epic.  I am guaranteed to get the laugh when his character Shanaynay makes an appearance.  I digress.  I was watching Juicy Tuesday and she had mentioned people had slagged her weight for posting her outfit of the days.  I love those tutorials the best!  I think I've sorted out how to (insert icon, celebrity, cat eye, smokey eye, red lips, flawless face) looks for several lifetimes.  But, my wardrobe could use a bit of help and I am not short on clothes, but short on ideas, so these how to nails, hair, shoes, purse, videos are really the business for me.  Teresa *aka Juicy Tuesday* has a womanly figure.  She has that hourglass and whilst I'm no where near as lovely or gifted, I quite like having curves and seeing other women who have arses as well. 

I got this skirt from F21 for $14.80 USD!  It was on clearance and I initially thought it was a blouse.  I liked the corset in the front and thought it would look great with a pair of jeans to go to a sporting event that has still yet to happen :/  Well, I was looking for something one day and this was in a pile with the tag on it so, I was curious to see if it would fit or go with the "recycle" stack.  I noticed the tag read skirt and got quite nervous.  I know my hips have grown, but ah well...I put it on with the corset design in the front and it had a tag (medium) so, I turned it and fell in love.  Sort of...the corset is the cutest detailing; however, it does scream "look at me" in the lower region.  The place where I carry my weight most.  So this was the look

I paired it with my trusty Mary Janes, black opaque ribbed tights, and a shirt I bought at the Crossroads.  It's less than $20, total, but I neglected to accessorize appropriately.  Odds are my jewels are in my coat but I was too lazy to put them on. 

xoxo

I never thought the color red would work for me.  I believe 90% of my clothes are black, and I'm challenging myself to incorporate color.  Color is something that gets you noticed, it says, "I'm here!  Look at me!"  Although the demure black is quite sophisticated, I'm tired of the remarks if I'm honest.  So, here is day one and rather than sport the black camisole with a blazer, I scored a $12.00 long sleeved blouse with french cuffs (my fave for my long arms) at Ross to go with a pencil skirt I got at F21 last season.  I did wear black opaque tights with my Mary Janes (also Ross) because it's cold in the morning when I'm catching the train to work. 

The jacket was a great deal at Buffalo Exchange, it's by BeBe and is a petite so the french cuffs make a good detailing for it. I think it was 1/2 price on $15.00 so for $8.00 it has been a great piece I can wear with jeans or pair with skirts for work!

The last bit are these cool fake nails I bought at Walgreens on sale!

I don't know why I have b*tch face in this pic, other than a) I'm at work, b) I'm in the loo cam whoring, c) I am hoping no one will walk in, d) bad lighting, bad hair day, or e) all of the above?    If you picked (e) ding! ding! ding! You are RIGHT! I have said I'm not a photographer, I have a new camera and I'm painfully uncomfortable taking photos of myself.  I have never thought I was soooo damn interesting that I should create anything centered around me.  It's not been my personality.  As a makeupartist, the goal was always to make others look and feel there best or create an illusion with colors, textures, props and the like.  I hated looking at myself in the mirror when I was heavy and primping my hair until recently was not fun.  I had to learn so much about me I didn't know what my best features, angles, colors, etc. were but I could do it in a New York minute (fast) for others.  So, now I have found blogging to be an outlet where I can keep a journal all about me, and maybe, share with others, whilst learning from others. Well, I was telling a co-worker she

didn't have to spend a lot of money for new fall clothes.  If one gets creative enough there are loads of options with what you already have.  The above is a summer dress, as you can see it's quite short. :)  I paired it with a blazer, tights and Mary Janes and voìla! 

Blazer:  BeBe from thriftstore $ 8.00

Tights:  George @ Walmart    $ 5.00

Dress:  Ross  $11.00

Shoes:  Steve Madden @ TJ Maxx  $24.99

Always remember to add accessories for that personal touch and for a bit of character!

xoxo