Lookbook: Stars and Hearts

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What I’m Wearing
*Blazer: Forever 21 (old) – similar contrast trim blazer
*Top: Forever 21 Starry Blouse – similar in black at ASOS (on sale)
*Skirt: J Crew (old) – similar sateen skirt
*Tights: DKNY no waistband tights – my favorite!
*Shoes: Miu Miu Platform Pumps – The ones I’m wearing are suede. Similar in suede and not as high.
*Bag: Foley & Corinna Disco City in Rose Nubuck – available in lots of colors and a few colors are on sale.  It comes with a shoulder strap too so you can wear it cross body.  I love this little mini bag, it’s so cute!
*Jewelry: t+j Designs Love and Heart Necklace and Rose Gold Turquoise Cushion Ring – Free shipping on all orders!
*Nail Polish: Julep Anne which came in my latest Julep Maven box and I’ve been wearing it since I got it!  I love the lavender color and don’t have anything else like it.  Remember to enter IAMSTYLEISH to get your first Julep Maven box for $9.99!

I haven’t shot many lookbooks lately.  In between the weather, how dark the day gets and my husband’s schedule, it just hasn’t been happening.  But last week, I was inspired to take a lookbook (mostly because our new collection came in) and I actually took these photos myself using the tripod and remote (major props to all you style bloggers that do this all the time). 

If you are wondering, I am not embarrassed easily so I totally didn’t care who saw me.  (I was in an industrial area and I had guys in hard hats walking by and being
funny asking if they could be in the picture :), men siting in their
pickup trucks watching me and construction going on right behind the
wall that my tripod was standing.)  I’ve done self lookbooks outside a few times already and to be honest, I actually think it’s fun.  I wouldn’t do it in a super crowded area but the area I was in was only semi-busy so if you are inspired to shoot self portraits outside but are embarrassed to, just be confident and smile at the people that are looking at you.  You have nothing to be embarrassed about, all you are doing is taking pictures.  I’ve seen much crazier things done in public 🙂  Everyone was super nice to me, some even crossed the street so they wouldn’t be in my picture and I chatted with a few people.   The only factor that has me concerned about doing this often is someone running up and stealing all my camera equipment since I have to be away from the tripod.  (my husband worries about this so he got me worried.)  So that’s why I don’t do it very often but it’s always fun to see the pictures that I shot when I’m done, it’s kind of like a surprise roll of film where you know what’s in the pictures, you just have no idea how they turned out!  It’s definitely not easy and I’m not just randomly shooting as I do have a few tricks that I do to create the kind of pictures that I want, but it’s fun to see if they turn out right.  As long as you have the kind of shot that you want in your head, it’s a lot easier to set up the photos.  Oh and of course, make sure your settings are right.  I shoot on manual 100% of the time even on self portraits and the first thing is I adjust the settings, find my focus point and then base my composition from that.  Anyway, I won’t get into it unless you guys have questions which I’d be happy to answer in the comments, but I’ve heard so many people say that they don’t want to bug their boyfriend/girlfriend/brother/sister/roommate about taking photos for their blog so I’m here to say, go out and do it yourself!  It’s totally possible.  🙂

Check out my latest smarter.com blog post on how I wear plaid all year round!

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  • Katie
    January 17, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    Loving the new jewelry collection!

  • Chelsea
    January 17, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    I am in love with the star print and this is a super fun way to execute it! Fantastic!!!

    Chelsea (www.hautechildinthecity.com)

  • Pauline
    January 17, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Cannot believe you shot these by yourself! AMAZING! Loved how you brought up the embarrassment thing. I've always thought about taking my tripod out and just shooting my pictures myself but I always think "What will people think?!" I need to take your advice & my own new years resolution and not care! I'm still getting used to my camera though…Need to play around on it more because I'm useless with all the settings!

    • tiffanystylish
      January 17, 2012 at 6:13 pm

      I can totally understand about feeling self conscious and if I had a crowd watching me, I'd totally feel awkward but usually it's just one to two people walking by so I just figured, if they want to watch, let them watch 🙂 Anyway, I hope you try it out, I'd love to see your pics!

  • Diane
    January 17, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    love these photos! your outfit is great…especially your blouse and necklaces 🙂

    yeah i totally couldn't do that. i get embarrassed WAY TOO EASILY! i hate when all the eyes are on me…ahhhhhhhh

  • simplyvonne
    January 17, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    These pix are awesome for taking it yourself! I did it once and havent done it since. I am easily embarrassed so most of my pix are taken by my friend at work and some by the hubs. Even when my friend is taking it for me, if I see someone walking by, i would immediately stop posing lol. Definitely props bloggers who take them daily!!!

    • tiffanystylish
      January 17, 2012 at 6:16 pm

      when I see people taking pictures in public, I totally don't even look their way anymore. I don't want them to feel self conscious since I know most people do! I think it does help that I've been a photographer and am used to photographing people in such public areas. I know that no matter if there is a person behind the camera or not and no matter what the subject is, people will look anyway.

  • rolala
    January 17, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Self pics can be a little tricky but you've obviously mastered it. Love the outfit esp. the blazer and blouse!

  • socorosis
    January 17, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Hi Tiffany

    What camera, tripod do you use? Do you do self timer or have a clicker? Thanks for bringing this up I always wondered how bloggers take pictures.

    • tiffanystylish
      January 17, 2012 at 6:21 pm

      For these shots, I used the Canon 5d Mark II with a 85 f/1.2L lens and a Manfrotto tripod. It's quite an expensive set up but it's only because I used to be a professional photographer. I don't recommend having to buy such expensive equipment for a hobbyist. I recommend getting a dSLR that you are comfortable with, a 50mm 1.4 lens (if you are on Canon) and a nice sturdy tripod (You don't have to get super expensive but don't go cheap either because you don't want your camera tipping over and breaking your camera while it's on it!). I use a remote (clicker). I don't love mine and don't recommend it (it's old anyway so I don't think you can get it anymore.) I'd recommend if you want a good one to go to a camera store and ask which ones they recommend for your camera. Hope that helps!

  • JJ
    January 17, 2012 at 3:23 pm

    So amazed you shot these yourself! I get nervous even getting my friend to photograph my OOTDs in public – I can't imagine doing self pictures. And that skirt is so pretty – love the color.

  • Ashley J
    January 17, 2012 at 3:30 pm

    I am obsessed with everything about this look! I love that Forever 21 shirt and how your cute little fingernails match your kirt but most importantly…the necklaces! Heading over to check out your jewelry line NOW!

  • Schnelle
    January 17, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Fun outfit! Love that skirt! Great job shooting these yourself; I wouldn't have the courage to do it with all of those people looking at me.

  • Nancy
    January 17, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    fab pictures and outfit! =) ive taken self-portraits as well and the "intimidation" factor of having people stare can be embarrassing at times for a shy gal like me but at the end of the day – i still commit! of course, the better part of the formula is that i choose a "location" where i won't feel overwhelmingly awkward… =)

    • tiffanystylish
      January 17, 2012 at 6:23 pm

      OH yes, location is the key! I definitely don't want to shoot in an area where there is tons of foot traffic but I also think that if you like the area, don't let a few people walking by deter you from shooting there. I'm glad you've tried it out, I think once you've done it a few times, it gets easier every time!

  • House of Hemingway
    January 17, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    Woo hoo! Way to go Tiffany! I'm so amazed at the mad camera skills you got 😉

    http://www.houseofhemingway.blogspot.com

  • DiamondsandTulle
    January 17, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    LOVE this outfit Tiff the jacket and top are so fun! And I love your pointers about self shooting. I feel even embarrassed in my own backyard if my neighbors saw me. 🙂 Hope you're doing well!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

  • lifeandfoodseattle
    January 17, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    Hey Tiff – I love these shots and so impressed that you shot them yourself. If you hadn't told us, I wouldn't have know! I find self-photography very challenging. I usually shot in manual, so the challenge is focus (am I where the focus point is?) and the exposure (so sometimes I just use aperture priority). Any other tips? Also, what tripod do you use so you can get both portrait and landscape?

    • tiffanystylish
      January 17, 2012 at 6:35 pm

      When I focus my camera, I'll try to find a mark so I know exactly where I need to stand. Also, try not to shoot too wide open (aperture wise, don't go below 3.0 or so and you'll have a wider focus, try to hit about 5.0 I'd say unless you want really good bokeh which then you'll have to be good at making sure you know where your focus point is)

      For exposure, sometimes I'll shoot at the spot (w/o me in it) and overexpose it a bit and then get in the shot and see how I like it. That usually does the trick of where I need my exposure. Aperture priority is a great setting for self shots although I'm usually not happy with the exposure. What you can do, is shoot it on the Av mode and see what exposure it sets it to, and then manually adjust it from there to your liking. I use a Manfrotto tripod (sorry I don't know the model) but they make really good and sturdy (albeit, expensive) tripods. Our lenses can get really heavy so we wanted to invest in a nice tripod that would sustain the weight and not have to worry about it tipping over. It's really easy to maneuver it to shoot portrait style, just swivel it. We got ours at B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=manfrotto+tripod&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

    • lifeandfoodseattle
      January 17, 2012 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks Tiffany!

  • jo
    January 17, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    You nailed it again, Tiffany! Ditto to the "not easily embarrassed when taking pictures", I'm just like you! Actually, when you have time, can you do a post on how to take pics in manual mode? XO

  • katattack2000
    January 17, 2012 at 7:41 pm

    Wow I was surprised that you self took these photos! I have tried in the past to take them but it's hard. I don't have a clicker and have to leave it on self timer. But I guess practice makes perfect 🙂 So I shall soldier on! Loving the Blazer 🙂

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

  • Beautygirl24
    January 17, 2012 at 9:09 pm

    You look amazing! I know I need to get into photography eventually, because I want my pictures to look even remotely as beautiful as yours!

  • TaraMixandMatch
    January 17, 2012 at 11:03 pm

    What's not to love about this outfit? Stars, hearts, and purple? Perfection!

  • Natasha Fatah
    January 17, 2012 at 11:51 pm

    There is so much that I love in this outfit. Purple – my favourite colour! Stars – my favourite symbol! Long sleeves under short sleeves! Feminine and polished! Looking great Tiffany!

    xoxo
    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

  • Delectable Duo
    January 18, 2012 at 12:06 am

    These are a bunch amazing pix! Way to go, Tiffany! Great outfit as always:)

    I'm lucky to have a partner in crime for our fashion blog, we take turns being the model and photographer:) Both of us are not easily embarrassed as well, we even shoot by the highway. Not the best idea though, because the drivers not only stared at us, but they honk! LOL!!

    Shin
    http://delectableduo.tumblr.com

  • CocoMeChanel
    January 18, 2012 at 1:29 am

    Can't believe you took these yourself! I need to invest in a new tripod – my old one broke on me.
    I usually wait until someone else takes pictures for me
    I love that blazer. Sometimes F21 has some nice stuff…
    That and I'm in love with those shoes. I have a weakness when it comes to black tights and black pumps.
    beautiful.

    xo, Chanel
    http://www.cocomechanel.blogspot.com

  • JustPatience
    January 18, 2012 at 4:20 am

    Love the outfit! You did so great with the pictures. I gotta try to learn to take more picture in semi public places. Always get so self conscious around people. I have an 85mm f/1.8 lenses and have been thinking of getting the 50mm f/1.2. I can't take indoor pictures with the 85mm.

    http://www.justpatience.com

  • bevy
    January 18, 2012 at 6:01 am

    great outfit. i still really like that blazer!

    and great job taking the photos yourself! probably way better than my idea of setting the self timer and running into the shot all the while trying to act natural.

  • Uniquely Chic
    January 18, 2012 at 6:01 am

    LOVE the blouse! I've been following your blog on the DL and think I even spotted you on a Virgin flight one time. Didn't get a chance to say hello though 🙂

    http://affordablychic.wordpress.com/

  • alison*elle
    January 18, 2012 at 6:40 am

    I'm so horrible at taking tripod photos… I should really practice. Yours turned out so great, Tiffany!

    xo, alison*elle

  • Erica
    January 18, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    That's definitely inspiring Tiffany – I haven't done many outfit posts because I hate bugging my husband to take my pics. Plus I need a camera with a tripod so I can do it myself – I actually think I would be less embarassed to do it solo 🙂 I'd love to hear your camera/tripod recommendations!

    http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com

  • LeeAnne, Style N Season
    January 18, 2012 at 4:52 pm

    Lovely color combination! Unusual, but very pretty!

    Visit me:
    LeeAnne, Style N Season
    http://stylenseason.blogspot.com

  • Savvy Gal
    January 18, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    I really like the heart necklaces. they are adorable.

  • LLJY
    January 19, 2012 at 3:47 pm

    I just simply love your hair. The black is so rich, it totally brings out your features. And the outfit is way cool. I like it.

  • Life's a shoe
    January 20, 2012 at 4:47 am

    that blazer is awesome! love it!

  • tiffyama
    January 22, 2012 at 7:42 am

    The star blouse and the purple skirt! I love the combination!!
    Ah, I was just reading another blog post about self taken photos. The shots look great!! I'm getting more and more inspired to invest in my own tripod now…^^. Plus, I need something to test my confidence.. heh.

  • Lisa
    January 23, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    umm can i "like" this post a billion times?? the stars, purple skirt and the blue blazer LOVE LOVE LOVE!! you look so gorgeous in this post tiff!! your hair is so pretty wavy like that!