One of the things that I decided to change a few months ago after much introspection was…
THE STORY
…The where and how of taking my photos for the blog. Over the years I had fallen into a rut; I was firmly entrenched in my comfort zone in regard to where I took my photos. It was always either the park, the lake, the cemetery and occasionally the covered bridge; all beautiful spots sure, but there are about a thousand others in my area that I never used.
Why? I’d say laziness and comfort. At my usual places I know all of the angles, where to place the camera and where to position myself. I don’t have to put too much thought into it. A new place is simply more work. As far as comfort is concerned, the places I normally frequent are fairly low traffic areas. The bloggers in the group know what I’m talking about…people stare. And that makes me feel self-conscious.
In any case, I decided that was absurd and one of the things I was going to make a legit effort to change this year was photo locations. I still use my old faithfuls because they are good spots, but I’ve been branching out and throwing in some different areas like today’s photos.
These shots were taken at a little old-timey railroad museum near where I live. It offers plenty of cool backdrops for pictures. The main street through town is right there with cars driving by and I did it anyway. I simply tuned them out and went about my business. And guess what? Everything was fine and I got some nice shots. Now this whole where I take my photos thing might not seem like that big of a deal, but it’s actually a smaller piece of a bigger issue.
My entire existence had become a comfort zone and I came to realize that it had to change. Life is quite simply too short to miss out on even the little things; actually the little things are what life is all about. By forcing myself to take my photos in places that are new, that is one small step in the right direction. It’s one small action that is helping to change my overall mindset in regard to getting my ass out of the house and actually doing things.
It’s the small steps that cumulatively bring about big change. Sometimes changes that need to be made are so big that looking at them in one chunk makes them overwhelming. When we’re overwhelmed we oftentimes give up. But, if a big change is made in small incremental steps the joy felt in the accomplishment of that one small task motivates us to move forward and continue on the path to change. It really is the little things that matter…
THE OUTFIT
I’m always so excited when Caite And Kyla contacts me to work together. When they do, I know that I’m going to receive a goody box full of gorgeous pieces. Two of my favorite pieces from past collaborations are this embroidered top that I styled with denim shorts and this burgundy lace tunic that was perfect with black skinnies. The first thing that I thought when I opened my most recent package was how perfect all of it would all be for my Key West vacation this Summer. Everything is lightweight, flowy, and colorful with that bohemian vibe that is definitely my jam.
This boho handkerchief hem dress (Daphne Dress) is the first piece I decided to wear from their Spring/Summer collection…the colors, the mixed prints, I love everything about it! Of course since it’s a sundress and it’s well, February in Pennsylvania, I had to style it with layers. I didn’t want to cover up the beauty of the dress, so I layered it on top of a sweater instead of the other way around. I also threw on a pair of leggings and my over the knee boots to stay warm.
I’m excited to wear this on it’s own once warmer weather makes a comeback. It will be Summer boho perfection paired with strappy sandals, hoop earrings and delicate layered necklaces. I can just picture myself in this dress strolling down the streets of Key West with a warm tropical breeze blowing threw my hair…perfection.
THE TIP
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times…don’t pack your warm weather pieces away in the Winter. So many Summer dresses, skirts, tops and even shorts can be styled in the Winter with some basic layering and a good pair of boots.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Dress: c/o Caite & Kyla; Boots: Amazon; Jacket: H&M (Similar)
