Style Tips from Debbie-Take A Picture

A New Series

Hey Everyone! I'm excited to be bringing you the first in a new series I am doing called, "Style Tips from Debbie." In this series I hope to share some helpful style tips that I have learned in my 3 1/2 years of blogging and my 60 years of living and getting dressed! Now, I'll be the first to tell you that I am no expert at styling, but I am interested in doing my best to look good. I'll bet you feel that way too. And ladies always like to share "tips" with one another. Sometimes the tip is a recipe, sometimes it's a great place to shop or a great book to read. Tips can be taken with a grain of salt. You can choose to take the tip and use it right away or you can choose to file it away to use someday. Maybe. That's why I feel more comfortable doing a style series that offers "tips" on how to style and be your best self. Take these tips with a grain of salt and decide for yourself if the tip is useful for you. That's what the blog Debbie Styles Life is all about! Learning to style our best life. So, here's my first style tip: Take A Picture!

(Canva.com)

A Picture Truly Is Worth A Thousand Words!

I was looking back through photos on the computer today and I was suddenly struck by the volume of photos I have on hand since beginning the blog. I've done a lot of style posts over the years! It's a bit amazing, especially since I didn't start the blog intending to focus on fashion that much. It was fun to browse through the pics and I began to notice that certain photos stood out, at least to me. 

Like this one....

And this one....

And this one.....

What stands out in these photos are parts of my style that I especially like, such as pretty bold colors, a little extra "zing" added with fringe on the shirt bottom and the red/white/black plaid of the poncho added as an accessory to the pants and shirt. These pictures tell me that these are styles I will want to repeat, because in my opinion, I look pretty good wearing these outfits! Now, you may be thinking, why take a picture? Just look in the mirror. It's all the same, right? Well, not really. While looking in the mirror to check your outfit is an important last step in styling, it is usually done in a hurry. You're checking to see if your skirt hangs straight or if your shoes match or if you need to add or remove a piece of jewelry. Mirror checks are usually done pretty quickly and as a last step before you grab your purse and keys and head out the door. Pictures, however, can be revisited over time and given more time to actually study and reflect on your particular style. Case in point, let's look at the outfit I wore to church today. 

I like this outfit combo for the most part. I literally threw this on quickly this morning without too much thinking. Moving the clocks ahead last night made me really tired this morning and I had a hard time getting out of bed. No time to wash my hair so I wore it pulled up with a clip-on hair piece. Quick makeup. Grabbed these easy to pull on black skinny pants and the Magic it Fits pleated blouse that I love because it hides figure flaws like lumps and bumps in the tummy area. Black socks and pink/black flats and a quick check in the mirror and I was out the door. 

When I study the picture of this outfit I confirm that I like most aspects of this outfit. I love the pattern and colors of the blouse and the fact that it gives full derriere coverage. I like the cut of the black pants and black is always slimming. But, do you know what I don't like about this outfit? 

The shoes. I don't think these shoes are the best choice for this outfit combo. Now, notice I said they aren't the "best" choice. Nobody gasped when I walked into church because of my shoes. I actually love these shoes and enjoy wearing them. I actually received a compliment on them today from someone. But, in studying the pictures I feel like the pink of the shoe cuts off the continuing line I created by wearing black slacks and black socks. Had I chosen solid black shoes or boots the line of elongation would have continued making my legs look a bit longer. This is nothing major, but something I can think about the next time I wear this outfit. This is what I mean by taking a picture of your outfits. You can study the whole outfit and decide if the combination is the "best" fit together. And then, if you like the result, you can repeat the outfit again and again. Or, you can change something up to make it a better combination. You are also working with what you already have in your closet. Shopping your closet to find your best combinations of outfits, colors and accessories. The opinion that counts when you study your pictures is yours and nobody else's. That's why I love sharing this tip with you!

So, what do you think? Would you take photos of your outfits? Have you done this before or is it something you would like to try? You don't have to be a blogger to take photos of your style! Hope you'll leave a comment with your thoughts. I love hearing from you!

Bonus Tip: 

Colossians 3:14-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Until Next Time,

Debbie