Red Silk Top

February 13, 2018February 12, 2018 ~ 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

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

blouse : goodwill originally Bloomingdales (similar)

photographer : Amina Shaw

The KC Creatives Meetup 2/3/18

February 12, 2018 ~ 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

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

photographer : EAILY

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

photographer : Rachel Leigh

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

photographer : Kenzie Shea Photography

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

Tweed and Leather : Como Collabs Meetup 2

January 25, 2018January 24, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ 1 Comment

This was such a fun and easy look to put together. I love the chic, European feel of the tweed and fur jacket mixed with the edgy rocker leggings and heeled booties; it’s almost Parisian inspired. I think it makes for something different and unique. Of course I am wearing my favorite black newsboy hat to tie everything together.

These shots are from the second Columbia Collaboratives meet up shot by Anna Tripolitis. Be sure to follow Anna on Instagram and like on Facebook. I also have part two from the meet up coming soon. I shot two outfits and wanted to keep them separated.

xx Bella

Como Collabs meet-up 1 – PART 1 & PART 2

jacket : Dixie Firenzi (similar) | pants : Nordstrom Rack (similar) | hat : Target | boots : Rebecca Minkoff (similar)

photographer : Anna Tripolitis – Instagram and Facebook

Vinyl Vibes : Como Collabs Meetup 1

January 23, 2018January 22, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ 1 Comment

This is a follow up post from yesterday with the rest of the photos from the Columbia Collaboratives’ first meet up. I wanted to keep these photos separate from the others because they have such a different aesthetic. Rachel Leigh took these shots at Hitt Records in Columbia, MO. This record store is one of my favorites to shop at and made a great, moody place to shoot.

Be sure to follow the official Instagram account for Como Collabs and if you live in Columbia come to a meet up or use the hashtag #comocollabs to be featured.

Part one photos of the meet up here.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

pants : Zara (similar) | top : H&M (similar) | belt : Vintage (similar) | earrings : Forever 21 (similar)

photographer : Rachel Leigh

Blue Faux Fur Jacket : Como Collabs Meetup 1

January 22, 2018 ~ bellalightner ~ 2 Comments

Sometimes it is hard to find the creative people in such a big-small town. Columbia, Missouri is small yes, but full of college students. It is easy to get lost in the crowd and difficult to find your way out.

Two Sundays ago, I met up with a couple other people who all have a similar interest; creating art in some kind of form. Together we collaborated on small photoshoots and after made the group official. The CoMo Collaboratives is “a community of creatives living in Columbia, MO”. Be sure to follow the official Instagram account and if you live in COMO come to a meet up or use the hashtag #comocollabs to be featured.

I ended up loving these outfits especially after seeing these shots. I matched the navy from my velvet striped pants to my faux fur leather jacket from Missguided. I feel like I was giving off a retro vibe with the flares. It was absolutely freezing so I won’t be breaking this outfit again until it warms up here pretty soon!

Photos are split up by Photographer. First is Rachel Leigh then Kassidy Jones and last Lexi Churchill. **There will be a part 2 post from this same meet up tomorrow

xx Bella

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

photographer : Rachel Leigh

model feature : Brooke Richardson

photographer : Kassidy Jones

model feature : Brooke Richardson & Eliott Shearhart

photographer : Lexi Churchill

#KCFW Cruise 2017 – Day 3 : KEY WEST

December 2, 2017December 4, 2017 ~ bellalightner ~ 1 Comment

Day three is here and today we docked in Key West, Florida. I have never been to the Keys and this place was absolutely gorgeous. We shot a couple of looks right as we got off the boat. I modeled today and wore a top by Maria Behnen. We also shot some Kansas City Chiefs shirts because they are one of Kansas City Fashion Week’s official sponsors.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset

wearing : Maria Benhen | photo : Layne Haley Whitehouse | Hair/MUA : Ashley Hazelwood

photo : Layne Haley Whitehouse | H/MUA : Ashley Hazelwood | models (left to right) : Bella Lightner (self), Jazlynne Dawson, Audrey White, Aezia Jardin

After we were finished shooting we all could go explore the city. Key West is beautiful! As much as I love black and more edgy city environments, it’s so refreshing to change the scenery.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset