Mission #69, Day 5

 Here's an edgier way to wear head to toe black which, for me, is kind of the M.O. of dressing in all black.  The first thing that I always think of when I think of all black looks is the goth kids in high school that I used to hang out with--everything was black from their nail polish (boys and girls) to the lipstick to their clothes.  And I was fine with it.

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Halloween already.  After Halloween I get all antsy about the holidays.  Yes, I am one of those annoying Christmas loves that starts counting down to Christmas as soon as Halloween is over.  Thanksgiving--yeah great, but for me Christmas is where it's at.  I do, however, abstain from decorating until after Thanksgiving.  #selfcontrol

This year and last year we do not have Conner and Brielle for trick or treating.  At first, last year, I was sad.  I'd had the kids for trick or treating for five years in a row prior.  But it turned out that sitting around handing out candy is just as great--relaxing.

The problem with last year, however, was that Reilly was really little.  And Patrick had disconnected the doorbell so it wouldn't wake him if he was sleeping.  About 8:00 we wondered why we hadn't had any trick or treaters--we do live in a very kid friendly neighborhood.  Wonder how many kids came by and thought we were jerks just ignoring their doorbell ringing.  Whooopsie.

Black Pencil Skirt-Old Navy (maternity)

Black Tank Top-Old Navy (maternity)

Cropped Moto Jacket-Miley Cyrus

Belt-Kohl's

Bag-Prada, thrifted and gifted

Necklace and Earrings-Charming Charlies's

Mission #69, Day 4

Here's a more casual look for head to toe black Mission Week--black skinny jeans, a black top and, to add interest, a hot pink cardigan.  If I were a fashiony girl, I would call the cardigan a "pop of color" but that phrase makes me want to gag.  So I will let someone else call it that.

I wore this to my last day of work at my old job (yeah, these photos are that old).  As it turned out, Danielle and I both showed up in black shirts, black jeans and a neon colored cardigan for me and blazer for her.  I loved when we would accidentally show up in coordinating outfits and it really happened more than you would think.  And whenever it did happen, we would have a little mini photo shoot out in front of the office.  Jump to the bottom for those fun photos.  Miss her terribly.

The below shot is the "YAYIHAVEANEWJOB!!!" pose.

 Black Skinny Jeans-really old, probably Target or Kohls

Shirt-Kohls

Hot Pink Cardigan-thrifted

Tweed Flats-Target

Bag-Bebe, gifted

Earrings-DIY and gifted

Sister Necklace-gifted 

Below: our too cool for school pose.

Below: our nonchalant hanging out at the picnic table pose.

Below: the peekaboo pose.

Below: the "let me ponder that" pose

And if you follow me on Instagram, you've already seen the below Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion pose.

Mission #69, Day 3

Another way to do a head to toe black look correctly?  Layers.  Add a bunch of fun black pieces of different textures--here a leather coat, a soft sweater, a pleated mini skirt.  Nothing boring about that!

Similar to yesterday, something else that I miss is picking my kids up from school.  A couple of weeks ago, I got to pick them up from school when I left work early to take Reilly to a doctor appointment.  I was so excited.  I got to the school early, parked a bit away and walked up to the school to greet them!  They got out of school, saw me and (instead of running to me to hug me like I envisioned in my mind), promptly asked "Where's Gramma?"

Patrick's mom has been helping to pick the kids up from school and take them to their various activities for us.  So I was a little bummed that my kids weren't more excited to see me, but when I got home I found out why.  I let my kids have an afternoon snack, as I'm sure many of you moms do.  On this day, they went to the pantry and pulled out . . . cookies for snack.  That's a no go and they know that.

Well apparently now that Gramma picks them up--they get cookies for snack.  Or ice cream.  Or milkshakes.  Or some other variation of sweet and sugary snack.  And this is part of the reason (although obviously not the only reason) that my kids are really stoked that Gramma picks them up from school.

Sigh.  Grandparents.  It's their job to spoil the kids.  I love it because it makes me miss my grandmothers so very much.  I get it.   Snack on kids, snack on.

Black Pleated Mini Skirt-Ross

Black Sweater-Kohls

Black Leather Coat-thrifted

Black Booties-Old Navy

Black Tights-Kohls

Tote-Del Conte, thrifted and gifted

Earrings-DIY and gifted

Mission #69, Day 2

Here is a head to toe black work look for you--professional trousers, shirt and blazer.   With some sky high Mary Jane heels and a fun red bag thrown in for good measure.

One of the biggest drawbacks to my new job is not being able to take my kids to school anymore.  I have taken them to school everyday of their school lives!  Now Patrick drops all of the kids off--Kaden to high school, Conner and Brielle to elementary school and Reilly to day care.  While this sounded freeing at first, it has been kind of hard to get used to.  Often times I don't even see my kids for the first time until after I get home from work--about 6:30 at night.

Patrick was talking to someone else about how he drops the kids off now and he used the words "I get to drop the kids off."  He truly views it as a privilege to spend some morning time with them and drop them off at school.  And that really makes me feel better because I know that he means it.

And it's legit.  Conner and Brielle love Patrick, don't get me wrong, but they haven't had as much time with him as Kaden and Reilly have.  And I have definitely noticed a vast improvement in their relationships with Patrick.  For example, Brielle now pretty much has Patrick wrapped around her finger.

It is kind of a loss to me that I can't drop my kids off at school anymore.  But I have to remember that I got to for several years.  Now it's Patrick's turn.  And I am ok with that because it makes my kids and Patrick very happy.

Black Harem Pants-H&M

Black Peplum Shirt-Amazon

Black Blazer-thrifted

Black Heeled Mary Janes-Forever 21

Necklace-vintage from Grandma

Red Bag-thrifted

Earrings-Charming Charlie's

Mission #69, Day 1--HEAD TO TOE BLACK

Because Halloween is this weekend (whaaaaaaaat?), I felt it was the perfect time for a head to toe black Mission Week and here is the first look.  This is an elegant way to wear all black--a semiformal jumpsuit, a classy hat, pearls, heeled booties and a classic black bag.  PS--every time that I hear the term "head to toe black" I think of this interview with Anna Wintour:

 

Black Jumpsuit-thrifted

Bag-vintage Coach, thrifted and gifted

Booties-Nine West, thrifted

Necklace-Kohls

Floppy Hat-Kohls

Earrings-DIY and gifted

Dear Frannie Friday--Blog Photo Tips

I by no means consider myself an expert blogger or photographer, but I have been blogging by taking my own photos for almost five years now, so I like to think that I have somewhat of an idea on how this thing is done.  ;-)   Here are some tips that I have from what I've learned over the past five-ish years:

Tip #1: Have the proper equipment

Here's the essentials you need for taking your own photos--a camera (doesn't need to be a DSLR, but you seriously will get better photos with one), a remote for your camera (I've done the self-timer thing too but the remote is way better--if for nothing else than the focusing issue), a tripod (invest in a good one, I've gone through about three of them and they get their wear after a while trust me) and a camera bag with all of the "in case of" extras (batteries, SD cards, lenses, an extra remote--I've pocketed mine a couple of times, etc.). 

Tip #2: Time of Day

I know.  I didn't always get to chose the time of day I took my photos either and that was challenging.  But the best time of day to go is about an hour or two before sunset.  In the photogrpahy/blogging world this is called "the golden hour".  That is because the natural light is so perfect at that time it is hard to get bad pictures.  The WORST time to take your photos is probably between 11 and 2--which is when I almost always had to take my photos.  The sun is highest point in the sky and the lighting is horrible. 

Tip #3: Lighting

And speaking of lighting, you sometimes have to make it work for you.  The three below photos were taken at the same location, at the same time in the day.  You will see that they vary greatly.  The far left was taken with the sun shining on my face, the second was backed into the shadows just a bit and the third was in the shadows with my back facing the sun--which is the best way to stand for your photos usually.  Shadows can be tricky but they can also be your friend depending on the time of day you take your photos. 

Tip #4: Be adventurous and creative

I know for sure how annoying and intimidating it can be to take your photos by yourself out in public.  It is really awkward.  But trust me--outdoor photos with a really cool and pretty background far exceed any that you will take in other settings.  Mix it up!  Keep your eyes open for cool backdrops.  I know I've talked a lot on here about weird people I encounter but honestly it's not the norm.  Most people will just be on their own way and not mess with you.  Try different places and also try different poses!  Have fun with it!  It will show in your photos. 

Tip #5: Learn your camera

I shot in AV mode for most of my blogging because I could not figure out shutter speed.  This alone taught me a lot about how my camera functioned.  Over the past year or so I've ventured into manual mode only.  Self-teaching and experimentation is the best way to learn your camera and you will be much more apt to get better photos because of it!  Learn what each function does (there are so many tutorials on this on the web I'm not going to link any because I trust you are able enough to find one that works best for you yourself) and when to use them.  And then, most important of all--try them out! 

Tip #6: Take your time

My worst photos are the ones where I'm rushed.  Eventually I promise that you will be good enough to get them done lickety split but if you have the time, take it.  Try new places or poses and give yourself enough time to fidget with your camera.   

High Waisted Suspender Skinny Jeans-Forever 21, thrifted

White Crop Top-Amazon

Animal Print Wedge Sandals-Target

Hat-vintage

Earrings-Kohls