fashion blogger

A Dark Valentine’s

~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Happy Valentine’s Day 2018, I guess… Everyone who knows me knows that I do hate this holiday; not because I’m single (that part is awesome for now) but because I think that we should love one another this much every single day and not just only on February 14th.

I shot this photos with the super talented Anna Tripoltis at our local Target! I was inspired by the “ugly places pretty photos” Lowe’s challenge and used the Valentine’s Day sections here. Since I’m not a fan of V-day, I went for an all black, gothic look; lipstick included. Something to edge up all the girly-ness.

I looked at my Valentine’s Day post from a year ago and it is so crazy to see how much I’ve changed in just 365 days! If interested, feel free to check that out here.

xx Bella

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jacket : Marshalls (similar) | pants : Urban Outfitters (similar) | necklace : Topshop (similar) | shoes : Via Spiga (similar)

photographer :  Anna Tripoltis

Red Silk Top

~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

Here are some more shots from the KC Creatives meet-up on February 3. These are from the amazing Amina Shaw. She is such a light and I can’t wait to work with her more in the future!

I put these photos in a separate blog post mainly because I wanted to quickly talk about how important thrifting is! I purchased this red blouse from a Goodwill in Columbia, Missouri for 99 cents. It was so bold and the first thing I saw in the store. It’s 100% silk, from Bloomingdales, and in PERFECT condition. For 99 cents? Not bad.

Especially as a college student on a budget, it is not easy to buy all new clothing for Instagram content and blog posts. Thrift stores and vintage shops are the way to go to not only save money, but make a statement.

xx Bella

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blouse : goodwill originally Bloomingdales (similar)

photographer : Amina Shaw

The KC Creatives Meetup 2/3/18

~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

I feel as if I have been going to meet-ups left and right and I absolutely love it. It’s so refreshing to work with tons of creative people who all have their own individual mindset. I will keep updating this post as more shots roll in!

The theme of this meet-up hosted by the KC Creatives was Valentine’s Day. Molly Balloons (queen balloon artist of Kansas City) was there to create some fun things too. I decided to stick with the theme and wear the color red by throwing on my favorite red striped flare pants from AFRM. I wear these things so often I think I should buy a second pair for when these completely give out.

I have a short part 2 from this meet up coming soon! Stay tuned!

xx Bella

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photographer : EAILY

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photographer : Rachel Leigh

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photographer : Kenzie Shea Photography

shirt : Topshop (similar) | pants : AFRM | earrings : Forever 21

Hub Day – H Collective – Kansas City

~ bellalightner ~ Leave a comment

I am so glad that H Collective was having a Hub Day meet-up in Kansas City! I ended up going and met tons of amazing creatives. I got to shoot with about ten different photographers. It is so cool to see how each one has a different view and inspiration for the same outfit/pose. I only have images back from 2 photographers so far but as more come my way I will update this post!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @bellalightner to keep up with everything else with my life!

xx Bella

*photos are separated by photographer

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photographer : Brooklyn Boyer

photographer : josephhjr

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photographer : Eric Loethen

jacket : Marshalls (similar) | shirt : Arizona Trading Company – vintage | jeans : Current/Elliott (similar) | shoes : Target (similar)