Falling for You

Artist Blouse, Frock Stock. Bullhead super skinny jeans, PacSun. Plaid vest, leather belt, and suede booties, thrifted. 

     There are so many elements of this outfit that exemplify my perfect fall. I've grown to love jeans and pants despite being an ardent skirt/dress wearer for the past few years. Then, there's that perfect plaid on the vest that I snagged at Goodwill. It actually came with a matching skirt, but I'll abstain from wearing them together. Not only that, but I've had good company for so many of these outfit photo sessions lately that I really can't believe my luck. 

     With the chill in the air and the scent of campfires tickling the senses, I think that autumn is the perfect season to well...fall for someone. 

After School Special

Neon pink skinnies, Target. Sheer polka dot button down, Mine via TJ Maxx. Oversized striped sweater, Design History via Marshall's. Studded flats, Go Fish. Sunglasses, Ray Ban. 

     A lazy breeze tickles your cheek as you try your hardest to focus on what the professor is saying. Although the ease of summer has long passed, the hint of crisp, fall air that sneaks in through the open window in your class room is an even bigger tease. You can't wait until you can kick up leaves on the way to your classes, grinning recklessly at anyone who passes by. Your heart pitter patters at the thought of layering up for an evening football game and drinking hot chocolate afterwards at your favorite coffee house. If only the hands on the analog clock above your professor's head would tick just a little bit faster, you could get to your after school activities.

     If you are a lover of fall like I am, this sounds like a daily occurrence. What better way to exemplify the dropping temperatures and "back to school" mentality than by playing around in a school bus resting place? All of these busses are perhaps mechanically challenged if the man who left the garage near by and asked me if I liked taking pictures of school buses is any indication (I replied with a wholehearted "Oh, yes!"). Although my main squeeze (heh heh- introductions to come?) offered to drive me to a more quintessentially picturesque location, I thought that my florescent pants would look perfect against the overly saturated background of rows of unused school buses. 

     In case you couldn't tell, autumn is my favorite season.

The Old City

Sailor dress, won in a giveaway from Miss Pouty. Blue cardigan and round sunglasses, Target. Cargo backpack, Nollie (very old). Tan ankle boots, thrifted. 

     Although I don't actually live in downtown Knoxville, it is one of my favorite places to explore and take pictures. I know we aren't exactly a fashion capitol. But my style wouldn't be what it is if I had grown up anywhere else. What other place in the world is this much orange acceptable on any given Saturday? Viewing my usual haunts through someone else's eyes (read: taking a "photo walk" or just having photo sessions as dates is so creatively fulfilling) has given me such an appreciation for where I live. 

     I'm definitely making it a point this year to go on adventures more often. To me, even just going on a drive over to my favorite coffee place downtown (Old City Java, holla!) and doing homework for hours is an adventure. Or at least a memory.

      And now I'll leave you with me walking away and some very nice graffiti. 

Everlasting Light

Dress, Tommy Hilfiger. Sunglasses and Timex watch, Target. Floral bandana used as headband, Wal Mart. Tan ankle boots, leather belt, thrifted. 

     I feel as though my picture taking has gotten so much more satisfying in the past few weeks. Perhaps it is all the help I've had from the "mystery feet" or perhaps it is a symbolic representation of how great I've been feeling for the past few weeks. Although I can't take pictures as regularly as I'd like to be able to, I feel so energized and refreshed after a successful photo session. Although I think that making sure everything is a real representation of my day to day life is so important in blogging, these pictures are just as good as my daily experiences have been lately.

     That being said, I know not everyone can always spout out one positive statement after another in order to truly reflect what is going on in their lives. When I get in these euphoric moods of appreciation for how much I've been blessed, I know that it is my mission to make sure that everyone in my life can have the same feeling at least once in their lives. Hopefully, reading my blog is a positive contribution to your day or week or however often you have time to sit down and browse. Making people smile with fun (often silly) pictures or kind words? That's all I can really ask for. 

     Oh, and spending time with this pair of feet. I can ask for that too :).

Attitude Adjustment

Sheer polka dot blouse, TJ Maxx. Black bralette underneath, Pac Sun. Black cardigan, sidewalk sale. Black skinny jeans, American Eagle. Black leather boots, Lucky Brand. Red satchel, Steve Madden. Wayfarer sunglasses, Ray-Ban. Silver spike bracelet, Forever 21. Timex watch.

     I seem to have found myself without looking too hard. I've been told that my most intimidating quality is how comfortable and sure I am when it comes to my identity. Honestly, that seems like a compliment. One thing that I will never do is pretend to be any less confident to please others. I've had my fair share of crippling doubt and an insecurity or two will creep in during my lower moments. But I feel as though this outfit embodies the confident personality that people know me for. 

     These pictures were actually taken on a day where I pushed the limits of how people react to my open communication policy. It's hard to commit to always being honest and not sugar coating a situation, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences. Sometimes being so blunt is a high risk situation, but when the reward is bringing you closer to those around you, it is worth the chance. 

      This past week was a high amount of fun in a little amount of time. Each and every day on campus seems to match up to how great the last one was. I can't wait to share more of my experiences in the upcoming posts!

Lost in Lace

Lace cardigan, Issi. Patent red satchel, Steve Madden. Full black circle skirt, thrifted. Pearl earrings, via my Mamaw. Spike bracelet, F21. Black ballet flats, American Eagle. 

     Being back in school gives me the opportunity to dress up every day. While bigger universities definitely have their perks, I go to a small enough college that I am actually known for the way I dress. That is such a ridiculous confidence booster that I am thrilled to put together nice outfits despite having an eight AM class every day. It's the little things that put me in the right academic mindset (like a clean room and having a killer outfit). 

     Even for a pretty self assured person like myself, a compliment from a friend or a stranger goes such a long way. I never take anything that people tell me for granted and will probably remember it for years. If it takes such a small act of kindness to really make me beam from the inside out, I definitely want to start doing that for others as well!

     Also, special thanks to this pair of mystery feet who helped me out on this set of pictures. You might be able to spot them in this post as well. If you keep visiting the blog, the owner of said feet just might be revealed ;).

Impromptu

Emma is wearing vintage sunglasses and shorts with a Missoni for Target bra and the Artist Blouse from Frock Stock. 

     Instead of just "getting by" in my photography class and taking whatever random snapshots that I can to finish assignments, I much prefer having a better planned concept. Although I didn't spend too much time thinking of exactly what I wanted in this photo shoot with Emma, I love the 70's babe vibe that we put together. I'm constantly amazed at the (inner and outer) beauty of all of my friends. I can't wait to delve into more fashion photography this year and to share the results!

Rivers and Roads

Blue cardigan and white lace dress, Target. Patent red belt, F21. Red hair bow, Goody. Suede oxfords, Gap. Silk scarf, thrifted. 

     Wearing a scarf jauntily tied around your neck is bound to lead to picturesque adventures. Slipping this particular number as a last minute addition to an outfit essentially guarantees that I will feel like a heroine from a classic film all day. I'm not quite sure what the plot for my movie is yet (quirky, independent romance film, anyone?), but the story can only be helped by my silk scarf blowing behind me from a soft breeze.