The last few months, since the birth of Styleandlatte, have been innovative. I do not mean the invention of greatness, but more along the line of creating, finding and reinventing myself. Experience is a flow rather than a certain entity, and we find it rather valuable to grab all the lessons and knowledge as we go.
In this vast array of learnings, 2 things really stuck to me and aided my development every single day.
- CHANGE:
We probably hear this everywhere, but nothing is truly believed unless it hits close to home. For me, I believed it when Obama said “Change We Need”, but realized my love for change through my own actions and decisions. It is the best way of expressing within a broader spectrum.
Change makes me happy. Style makes me happy. And of course coffee makes me happy. The combination of 3 makes a recipe for ultimate happiness! (So I say)
While my style revolves, my hair first hand experiences the effect of change-lust. Stressed, sad, motivated, happy or just plain bored – I love playing around with my hair. They say your hair can be a mind of its own – I completely agree! It can go from enticing, luscious and mysterious to serious, determined and up front in no time (see these two pictures, don’t you agree?)
2) CONFIDENCE:
Confidence is the best accessory anyone should be wearing, kind of like that staple watch or ring you never leave the house without. I learned it the long and hard way. Being short took longer for me to embrace. Being smarter in a non-traditional way took long for me to embrace. Standing out in the look department took me long to embrace.
If there’s something I can take away, it’s that when I know I can work it – I can work it. I look good in a crop top or flat shoes if I see myself looking good. It’s funny how age and perspective work in building positive out of initially negative or wobbly things. Do I love being petite and unique in my own ways? Of course!
Moving on, and tying these to fashion blogging, here’s a couple of things I learned when taking pictures:
a) Keeping a neutral face when posing lets the viewer decipher you expression.
b) Motion is key. I try to vamp up everyday movements like walking down or even sitting by adding subtle expressive movements. It shows comfort and ‘I’m a pro’ attitude!
c) Leg legs legs. In other words, leg movement elongates my frame and also adds character to the picture.
d) Sunglasses are my best friend. It makes me feel like a badass and oh so vogue!
e) Hands are key! The hands decide whether I look awkward or confident. I like to create movement so it, again, adds character to my pose. If all fails, hand on my waist or hair will surely do!
f) Don’t worry about hair and makeup. Like I mentioned earlier, my hair has a mind of its own. While many prefer to make it look clean and done, I realized it’s not crucial to me. And I stick with it, not spending time trying to make it perfect. Similarly, makeup is not a deciding factor in the pictures I present. Most of the time I showcase sunglasses, when I don’t I go with a winged eyeliner and mascara. The key makeup I pack on is a little contouring and subtle lip colors. To me, when taking pictures, its the overall look, movement and expressions that make the difference. Not how pretty my face looks.
Thanks for reading and letting me share my insight.
And as usual, be sure to enjoy a good cup of coffee after this!
