Learn how to make your own studded leg garter here
All images and video courtesy of the talented and creative Ivan Mrsic. Check out his Tumblr and Flickr for more from IM Productions. He was a delight to work with.
Jacket-originally from Ross
Bustier-originally from Forever 21
Fishnets- from Target (holes not included)
Shorts- These were originally jeans. I added all holes, bleach spots, etc.
The inspiration for this shoot was menswear.
Women have the ultimate power of fashion. We can wear anything we please, or nothing at all, and still find a way to be sexy.
For these looks I dressed in menswear, or masculine womenswear to show that confidence is the sexiest thing a woman can wear.
As with any artistic project, it took on a life of its own, and luckily I'm happy with what this shoot became.
Now I'll let you be the judge.
All photos courtesy of Shuttereye Images and Harold Mayo
I've said it before, I'll say it again. My hair is naturally straight. It's also thin. And it doesn't like to hold a curl very well.
But just to be difficult, I wanted to get as close as I could to an afro for a look at a recent shoot.
I modified the recipe for no-heat curls known as "cocoon curls" and this is what happened.
What You'll Need:
Dirty, unwashed hair
A spraybottle full of water
Some spraygel (optional)
A bandanna or headwrap
What to Do:
Take a small section of hair and spray it lightly with water. It should be damp, not wet. You can also spray a small amount of spray gel. Twist it until it is tight.
Place two fingers at the top of the twist and bring the hair up and behind, wrapping it around itself.
Wrap the hair around itself, with your fingers in place as many times as you can, while keeping it twisted.
When you can't wrap the twisted hair around anymore, grab the tip with the two fingers inside the loop of hair, but don't pull it all the way through.
Slide the top of the knot down so that the loop tightens and holds the hair in place. The little tail should hang out so you can easily untie it the next day.
After I did this to all the hair on my head, using small, 2-3" sections, I wrapped it up in a bandanna and went to sleep. Luckily when I took out all the knots, it was exactly how I wanted it. HUGE.
I think next time I'll combine the faux hawk and these crazy curls for a whole new look!
It happens. We all have those days. Maybe something bad happened. Maybe you have so much to do that you can't find the motivation to move at all. Or maybe it's just Monday.
I'll be honest: it happens to me a lot. Sometimes I wallow in it, and lay in my sweats all day eating candy and feeling sorry for myself. Other times I follow these steps to have a better day. It may be a weird system, but if I follow through, I always feel better. Even when it is raining!
1. Turn the Music UP!
Pick something upbeat and turn the beat up. It's ok to dance a little. If you are stuck in an unfortunate situation where this behavior is frowned on, just get out your headphones. Eardrums aren't supposed to last forever, right? Just be sure you don't accidentally make yourself feel worse by playing sad, slow music.
For instance Justin Timberlake's new album has some seriously amazing songs, including this one called "Let the Groove Get In". You can't not dance to this:
2. Wash Your Hands and Feet. Yes, Seriously.
Ok, I know that sounds a little strange. But wait! I have a logical explanation! Hands and feet get the worst of it. Unless you're sleeping, you're probably using your hands, feet, or both.Your poor little fingers and toes have to do everything all day long. So maybe you don't feel like taking a whole, long, relaxing bath. Just perch yourself on the side of the tub and grab a loofah. Show your feet some love. There's something so relaxing about it, and it is so easy. This is why women pay $25 and up for a manicure or pedicure! It's not because we can't paint our own nails. Trust me. Afterward you have nice, comfy, clean hands and feet. It's even better if you apply a generous amount of lotion and let your skin get super soft. Just be sure to take your time with it. Besides, it's sandal season, and cute toes don't look good with dry, sad, tired feet.
So fresh and so clean.
Sandals from Ross $14
3. Put on Something that Makes You Feel Amazing.
They say the better you look, the better you feel. This isn't always true. What matters is if you feel like you look good. That's it. So put on something that makes you feel like you look amazing. Old prom dress? Muscle tee to show off the guns? Tiara? Go for it. Even if you're butt naked. Maybe it's just perfume. Maybe it's lipstick, even if you know you aren't leaving the house. Maybe it's those heels you bought and just can't find an occasion for. Whatever it is, put it on. Try to avoid putting on something just because it's comfortable. This will encourage you to lay around and indulge in your sad state. Besides, most of us don't look in the mirror in baggy sweats and say "Damn, I look hot. Now I feel like accomplishing things!"
Pink lipstick with glitter and my boyfriend's T-shirt. I feel amazing.
I doubt I'd leave the house in this, but I feel great wearing it!
Leggings and crop top from Forever21. Homemade tutu :)
4. Create Something!
Whoa, hold on. You said this was easy? It is. Now that you have clean comfy hands and feet, and you're jamming out to 80's music wearing nothing but underpants and a tiara, you get to be creative. This doesn't mean you have to draw a picture, but that's certainly an option.
Here are some ideas:
Decorate a wall or small area of your house
Cook something delicious
Write a poem-no one has to ever see it!
Write a plan to do something (like make a new product or take a trip)
Paint- it doesn't have to be great. It will make you feel good though.
Put together an outfit
Do your makeup totally crazy
Make a collage
Make up a new song
Start a blog!
There are about a million different ways to be creative, but the point is that the process of creating something is rewarding. If I watch a movie, or look at stuff on pinterest all evening I come away with a sense of loss wondering "where did my time go?" But if you create something you can look at it and know that you accomplished something. Even if you aren't 100% happy with the end result, the process is inspiring, and will push you forward to cross the things off your list that seemed insurmountable before. You may be surprised what you can do. Often times my mini projects turn out better than expected!
Some fabric I hung on the wall. Just happens to look a lot like a heart!
A drawing I made for my boyfriend's birthday. I felt so accomplished afterwards.
I had a brochure for an art show which I cut up and framed. Recently I added some editorials around it.
Inspiration!
So there you have it. Those are the 4 steps I take when I have a bad day. They can be done in a very fashionable way, or the not at all. I hope they work for you too!
Thanks for reading.
XOXO
The only thing more fun than styling a photoshoot is styling a friend too. Steph made the perfect Barbie doll to play dress up with. She let me do her hair, makeup, and select all her clothes and accessories. It helps that she's beautiful.
I was also lucky to work with a photographer who lets me have a lot of creative freedom when selecting a theme, location, and wardrobe.
Look 1: Casual Glam
About the look: Steph and I have very contrasting looks. I decided to play on this by using complimentary colors. I chose gold accessories for both of us, but gave her big earrings and me a big necklace. For Steph's makeup I contoured her cheekbones using powder, filled her eyebrows, and gave her a heavy liner and false lashes. The lip color for both of us was added to complete the contrasting look. Unfortunately we didn't get any full body shots of this look, but I assure you we had cute shoes ;)
Look 2: Sequin Seduction
My Favorite.
About the look: As you can tell, the photographer was a little more excited about the second ensemble. I chose sequins because it was very sunny that day and I was hoping to achieve a sort of angelic/demonic feel with a lot of reflected light. But we shot in the shade. I once again played on the contrast between Steph and I by dressing her in dark and me in light. I chose thigh highs because I think they are a great way to add mystery and make an outfit sexy while actually covering up. As someone who is always cold, I can get away with a lot more on the bottom half when I have thigh highs to keep me warmer too.
Wardrobe:
Look 1
On Steph: blouse - Ross, earrings - Burlington Coat Factory, Ring - Forever 21
On me: leopard tank - Ross, blouse-TJ Maxx, necklace- Burlington Coat Factory
