Friend Friday Guest Post - INKBLOTPHOTOGRAPHY

Happy Black Friday, everyone. I hope you all got some great deals! Since I can't shop for myself during the 30 for 30 Remix Challenge, it was too tough to go to the stores and see all the good deals I couldn't have...

This week's Friend Friday is a Guest Blogger Post Exchange. Cate of inkblot*photography and I exchanged posts today. Check mine out HERE.

"The Art of Fashion"

As an aspiring fashion photographer, I look at a lot of pictures, but as a fashion blogger, I look at TONS of pictures.

There are hundreds of fashion blogs about personal style, but not as many about the art of fashion photography. So for a more marginal Fashionista like me, it's hard to find guidance online when you're more interested in the lighting of the photographs and the positions of the models.

Obviously, fashion is about the actual fashion, but for me, it's about the art. When I'm looking through editorials, the things that catch my eye are things like angles, colours and intensity. I post the shots that make me want to take a second look. The ones that grab my attention and force me to examine every aspect of the picture and really think about what makes it great. For me it isn't just about the clothes; it's about the way the clothing is presented in the photographs, and the true art that's created in the process.

Photo Credits: Julia Stegner by Alexi Lubomirski

In the months since I've transitioned my blog to posting more editorials, one of the things that I've learned is that the models are especially important in making a photograph work. There's a reason that there are 'models' and 'supermodels'. 

A good model can evoke an emotion in a photograph with a flick of her wrist or the angle of her eye line. It matters if a girl can move or not. Tyra always says "she's model the noun not model the verb" and truer words have never been said. There is a difference between a face that makes you take a second look and pay attention, and a girl that can evoke emotion and style with her entire body. In the end, it's those girls that make the jump to supermodel.

As of right now, the models at the top of my list are Karlie Kloss and Freja Beha Erichsen. Between the two of them, I've found some of my favourite fashion shots, and they've inspired my own aesthetic.

Photo Credits: Karlie Kloss by Tim Walker

But how is this even relevant if you are a personal style blogger? The thing is, the internet is a visual medium and pictures make all the difference. If you're on lookbook, then you probably know that the looks that get hyped the most often are the ones that have the most interesting photographs.

When you're taking style shots for your blog, take notice of your surroundings and lighting. "Use your angles" as Tyra would say (I watch a lot of Tyra) and try to make your shots interesting. People come back to style blogs not just because of that bloggers personal style, but because they like the visuals that blogger creates in their shots. The best blogs have great photography.

We all love fashion. We wouldn't be here if we didn't. But sometimes it's fun to explore the different aspects of the fashion industry that we weren't as invested in before. 

Track my love of editorials at http://inkblotphotography.blogspot.com, follow me on twitter or bloglovin' or join me on facebook.

flaunt hard,

Cate

Featured Contributor - Liz on Chic Career Woman Commuter Fashion

Liz has always been someone that I've admired for her poise and fashion sense. She and I went to college together in Ohio and lived on the same floor of our freshman dorm. 

I distinctly remember 3 things about Liz:

1. In her pull out drawer underneath her bed were stuffed at least 70 pairs of shoes! We wore the same size, so I borrowed a few times.

2. I was sick one day during the winter and I get a knock at the door - it is Liz with a bottle of orange juice!  She put on her winter coat and walked down to the campus mart out of charity. I'll never forget that.

3. She always looked fabulous and the guys were always enamored with her! (Don't worry hubby, she picked you)

I picked Liz's brain about feminine fashion in the corporate world influenced by her Southern Charm. She's always represented a "southern bell" to me. I'm just a sarcastic yankee from Jersey and I envy her character!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Although I grew up as an Army brat and lived in a few places, I definitely claim Georgia to be my home state--I love The South! I went to a Catholic university in Ohio and moved to the Washington D.C. area after graduation. For a couple years I worked at a small non-profit start up organization and now I am a Development Specialist for a larger non-profit organization. Last but not least, I am a newlywed—I married an amazing man (and my best friend) this past spring. 
What is your normal morning routine?
I have tried for many years, but I am not a morning person. For me, the key to having a good morning is doing everything the night before… lunch packed, clothes picked out and ironed, coffee maker set, etc. If I go to bed being totally organized, I can ease out the door in under 30 minutes. Fabulous. If I’m not prepared… well I can throw on one of my go-to dresses, do my make-up at stoplights (there are 14 in my commute- PLENTY of time)  and drink the free coffee with the nasty powdered creamer at work. Not preferable, but it works in a pinch.  My commute is anywhere from 25-45 minutes.
What or who inspires your personal sense of style?
I am inspired by the classics--- Jackie O, Audrey Hepburn. I love any classic look. I also am inspired by a lot of my friends. Before I was married, I lived in a house full of beautiful fashionable ladies—it was fun to share clothes and accessories! Marriage is the best, but the hubby doesn’t really come through for me when I need the perfect clutch to complete the outfit.

How does your work wardrobe differ from your weekend attire?

My line of work is very conservative and often includes more formal events/meetings, so I definitely try to stick with the classic looks and dark colors for work. My weekend attire is a bit trendier, much more fun, and way more comfortable. Things I love to pull out on weekends: bangles, open-toed wedges, oversized purses, and sundresses.

How are you able to integrate your personal fashion style into a career professional wardrobe when it sometimes seems like work wear is drab?

I try to add a fun touch to every outfit—a dramatic piece of jewelry, a fun tank under a cardigan, a headband, or perhaps some great heels. I think one or two things make it fun and personal, whereas doing several things can start to look a bit unprofessional.

How do you integrate your femininity into a corporate wardrobe where male style dominates while still keeping it professional and chic?

I have a several work appropriate dresses. I actually prefer wearing a nice dress as opposed to a suit. If done right, I think it can look just as professional and really highlight femininity. I also have long hair, so I try to use a lot of bobby pins, clips, etc. to keep a feminine and corporate look without looking messy.

Finally, I love to wear pretty blouses or tanks with a basic skirt or trouser outfit—under a cardigan or blazer.  My favorites are blouses that can also stand alone with a pair of jeans for a Saturday night outfit-- Great investment if you ask me!

What is your favorite wear to work outfit?

This outfit is very comfortable and is great if I know I need to be walking around or on my feet a lot that day. Pants are from H & M, top is from TJ Maxx, cardigan is from Target, and I think the shoes were from either Payless or Target.

I don’t think the herringbone texture shows up, but the shirt has a great little textured pattern. The skirt is Target, the cardigan is Old Navy, and the shoes are Nine West.  It’s very classic.

What are three items that you could not live without?

Pearls (it’s the Southern in me)… a perfect little black dress… and a great pair of jeans.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Are we counting flip flops? Maybe 20?

Do you wear a lot of designer brands? Do you have a favorite designer?

I don’t think I wear a lot of designer brands, but I definitely believe in the power of designer jeans. Sevens or Citizens of Humanity are my favorite. I’d rather have one or two nice pairs rather than several mediocre pairs. I always pick quality over quantity when it comes to wardrobe staples like jeans. There is an amazing consignment shop near me that sells trendy designer items (www.currentboutique.com).  I consign and buy things there at least once a month. It’s a great way to stay fashionable within a budget without accumulating too much.

Describe your sense of style in 5 words or less.

Classic, feminine, dressy

Thanks for contributing, Liz. You have a lot of fashion wisdom!

Fashionably yours,