Fashion Blog Photography - In Or Out?

I started blogging in 2009 as a way to share my more fashionable thoughts with a wider audience. The words have always come easily to me, but capturing images for a highly visual medium like a blog has proven more difficult. My earlier posts feature dark, dingy photos and although they've improved dramatically since then, I'm still no match for Carrie. Any photography skill I possess is instantly lost when there's no natural light.

I've always operated under the assumption that outdoor photography on blogs is better than indoor. It's definitely easier - there's so much light, brick walls make great backgrounds and I don't have to move two tables and an armchair to get a good spot. So I was surprised by the commenter on this post who said they much preferred my indoor shots.

The commenter mentioned that they liked the lifestyle/home decor element of indoor blog photography, which is an angle I've never considered. By far, my favourite posts on fashion blogs are those that give the reader an insight into the blogger's life - I am terribly nosy and love seeing other people's bedrooms/kitchens/closets. So do photographs that combine outfits with a more personal touch work better than generic outdoor scenes?



One thing's for sure - it is much, MUCH less embarrassing to take photos indoors. I don't have anyone to take my photos so it's just me and the tripod trotting down the street and setting up among postmen, passersby and and once, a curious policeman. And maybe if I could master the ISO setting on my camera, my indoor shots could be light and airy. It's definitely something I'll be thinking about, and I'm really glad the commenter provided an alternative point of view to consider.

What about you - do you take indoor or outdoor shots? Which do you prefer, and why? Do you enjoy taking photos for your blog or do you, like me, find it a bit of a struggle? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

90s Style - It's Totally Rufus!

"Do you know what time it is?"
"A watch doesn't really go with this outfit, daddy."
Clueless






Topshop leather trousers, Uniqlo cashmere jumper, H&M blouse, wedge heels c/o Sarenza, Lauren Elan necklace, Miss Selfridge necklace

I loved the 90s. The 90s was my TIME. My most important teenage years took place between 1997 and 1999 - I experimented with hair mascara (and boys), wore a Slipknot hoody, swapped Bliss for Elle Girl and watched many, many rom coms. Back then, fashion blogging was still a twinkle in Susie Bubble's eye and magazine editorials were far too serious, so all my style inspiration came from music and movies.

I went through phases - in 1997 I was obsessed with The Spice Girls and wore stacked Buffalo platform trainers with embellished jeans and slogan tees. After watching Clueless for the first time I took up pleated skirts and knee high socks. Then came my The Craft inspired goth phase, complete with heavy eyeliner and swathes of black lace. The 90s was the decade of the fad and my friends and I always participated - from Cleopatra's goggles to All Saints and their baggy cargo pants.

I think today's outfit has a distinct 90s vibe. Maybe it's the preppy shirt-and-jumper (so Cruel Intentions) or the pointy court shoes (very Posh Spice). All I know is I've spent all day looking up my favourite 90s film quotes and reciting Shaznay's rap from Never Ever. Can we have the 90s back, please?

Do you remember the 90s? Which trends sum up the decade for you? And can you name the film that's inspired today's post title? 10 points to the first correct answer!

What Jen Did - Very SS12 Preview

Last week I popped down to London for a few meetings, a spot of shopping and the Very SS12 preview event. I'm always thrilled to be invited to press events - there's always lots of food, a steady stream of alcohol and plenty of other bloggers. What's not to love?



Admittedly, Spring/Summer is not my favourite season, and January is hardly the month to inspire thoughts of bare arms and beachy hair. But after three glasses of Prosecco and a mint green manicure, I was feeling decidedly sunny! The bright, bold colours and contrasting prints soon pushed all thoughts of a Slanket from my mind.



I'm looking forward to wearing all the romantic, floaty styles coming for Spring 2012, so I was particularly pleased to spot an abundance of chiffon and pastels. This gorgeous beaded dress has a 40s feel about it too - perfect for fans of the vintage-inspired look.


Hi Kim!

I wore my vintage leather pencil skirt, a mint green jumper from Forever 21, grey flats c/o Sarenza and my faithful ASOS necklace. In hindsight, the leather skirt was probably not the best thing to wear on a 2.5 hour train ride. Luckily I regained my circulation when I got off!



The lovely people at Very were kind enough to provide us all with a generous goody bag - mine included a beautiful red lipstick from Daniel Sandler and these amazing leopard print brogues. J'adore!

It was great to see some of my old favourites - Kristabel, Becca, Kavita, Lily, Tor, Reena and Sophie - as well as meet some new bloggers I've been following for a while - Claire, Susie and Kim. Thanks Very!

What Do You Wear At The Weekend?

I've always considered the weekend a bit of a fashion No Man's Land. After a week of shoehorning myself into leather pencil skirts and never wearing enough layers, I start my Saturdays in yoga pants, a 5-year-old uni hoody and Ugg boots. Admittedly, it does get better after my Pilates class but for me, weekends are usually about casual comfort.


Zara jeans and faux fur gilet, Uniqlo cashmere jumper, Zign brogues c/o Zalando, 'take charge' necklace c/o astrid & miyu

This is what I wore today. Not a bad outfit, but nothing to write home about. Neither stylish nor heinous. And very typical of what I wear at the weekend.

I very rarely snap my weekend outfits because I like the break from blogging. Documenting what you wear every day is brilliant motivation for being more creative with your style, trying new things and moving away from your comfort zone (hello jeans!), but it's also nice to just throw on the first thing you think of (hello again, jeans!). And honestly, it's a bit of a relief to put on an outfit without wondering if it'll make a popular post.

What do you wear at the weekend?

How To Wear Coloured Jeans (Take Two)

If you've been reading Little Bird for a little while you might remember this post from last summer, where I explored ways to wear coloured jeans without looking like a 5 year old (tackling the tough issues, as always). Those peachy keen Diesel denims were my first foray into coloured jeans, and since then I've amassed quite the collection of eye-popping leg coverers. But these are perhaps my favourites...












Next coloured jeans, American Apparel tee, vintage wool boucle jacket via charity shop, Ara flats c/o Sarenza, Etui London clutch, F21 necklace, 'adore me' necklace c/o astrid & miyu, ring via charity shop

Next do the BEST coloured skinny jeans. Ever. They're the perfect fit with just the right amount of stretch, they come in loads of stylish shades AND they're only £24. The range comes highly recommended by me if you're looking to buy in to the trend without spending a fortune/leaving the changing room aghast when a pair of size 12s won't go over your bum *ahem Topshop ahem*.

But how to wear them? My earlier post saw me team them with crisp whites - great for summer, not so much for mid-January. So this time around, I chose dark grey marl and a heavy jacket in complementary but contrasting colours, along with a colour pop clutch and a bit o' bling. The jacket was a particularly good charity shop find, while the beautiful antique necklace was kindly sent to me by the lovely ladies at astrid & miyu.

And that's it - my winter-friendly way to wear coloured jeans. What do you think - are you sold?

PS - My cute flats were sent to me by Sarenza as part of their blogger ambassador programme. They're currently running a competition to find a new member of the gang - if you'd like to enter you can find all the details here. Good luck!