For my fashion photography class at school, we were required to shoot a model in at least 3 outfits with an outcome of 5 photos. I am all about cohesiveness so I wanted the photos to flow and have a story. Although, this could have turned out way better if I had the right tools and more time, I am happy with the outcome. I was inspired by the lights of Tokyo, Japan and the neon trend happening now.
*styled and shot by me
*model : Brooke Richardson
Hi! I used to get really down about living in the Midwest and not having the most beautiful architecture to shoot with or have good locations to take blog photos but overall, that doesn’t really matter. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize that until I arrived in Florence, Italy- one of the most beautiful places in the world in my opinion. With the right eye, you can make just about anything cool.
I wanted to prove this thought with the photo below. I shot this sitting on my shower floor with a self timer on my iPhone. With the right eye and editing, I made this shower photo a lot cooler than it really was.
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to get weird and creative. You could produce some of the coolest photos in the ugliest places.
I purchased this skirt from a fellow student at school and am absolutely in love with it. It’s a wool blend so a bit too hot for summer but I wanted to make a summery outfit with it before I transition it into fall and winter. I pulled out the white tones from the plaid and paired it with all white counterparts. The white crop top and boots make it perfect for summer and give it a 60s vibe. Paired with a white Sandro jacket, this has become one of my favorite outfits yet.
I am really looking forward to wearing this statement skirt this fall and winter with all black pieces and tights.
I shot these photos with designer and fashion & lifestyle blogger, and friend, Audrey Lockwood. Check out her site here.
photographer : Audrey Lockwood
skirt : similar | boots : Target | top : Etiquette (similar) | jacket : Sandro (similar) | sunglasses : Sunglass LA
Happy Saturday! I am obsessed with these photos shot by photographer and fellow fashion blogger Abby Liudahl! I have a whole folder of drafted blog posts and this was the last in line but definitely one of my favorites so I sped up the process and posted it today!
This outfit is simple yet whimsical and can be worn all day long. It’s extremely comfortable and put together with a bohemian flare. The white blouse makes it sophisticated while the snakeskin heels and vintage gold coin earrings keep it fun and youthful.
Hope you enjoy these photos!
xx Bella
photographer : Abby Liudahl
blouse : Forever 21 (similar) | skirt : Etiquette Boutique (similar) | shoes : similar | earrings : Vintage (similar)
I saw this super tacky, rainbow, color block dress on Nasty Gal and fell in love with how weirdly loud it was so obviously, it was an instant purchase. I knew that this was made for some kind of “out there” shoot and had just the idea.
Channeling my inner McDonald’s play-place loving self, I did a photoshoot in a ball pit. I was inspired by the ugly location challenge and haven’t seen anything like this. I worked with the super talented Jordan Marc and he made my ball pit dreams a reality. Definitely give his work a look, it’s incredible! I am so glad I got to meet and work with such a down to earth creative person.
Hope you enjoy these childish, bright images below. I plan on creating more high quality, editorial-like content very soon.
xx Bella
dress : Nasty Gal | belt : Gucci | hat : Target (similar) | boots : Rebecca Minkoff (similar) | jacket : vintage (similar)
photographer : Jordan Marc
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
jacket : Marshalls (similar) | pants : Urban Outfitters (similar) | necklace : Topshop (similar) | shoes : Via Spiga (similar)
photographer : Anna Tripoltis
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
blouse : goodwill originally Bloomingdales (similar)
photographer : Amina Shaw
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
photographer : EAILY
photographer : Rachel Leigh
photographer : Kenzie Shea Photography
shirt : Topshop (similar) | pants : AFRM | earrings : Forever 21
shirt : Olivaceous | jeans : Free People (similar) | belt : Vintage (similar)
photographer : Brooklyn Boyer
I feel as if many of my outfits are quite simple but I love to also stand out. A statement jacket can bring just about any look from 0 to 100. I went from a tank and jeans outfit to a full on military inspired look, just by adding this jacket that I bought at Chopin in Italy around seven years ago. If you want to stand out, it is important to have some statement pieces or jackets incorporated into your outfits.
Thank you Jason Atherton for shooting these photos for me so last minute. We shot these in the mall and I love the people walking in the background. It makes these images so real and alive and shows that you don’t always need the most beautiful background to create good content.
xx Bella
jacket : Chopin Roma (similar) | top : Forever 21 (similar) | jeans : Free People | booties : Rebecca Minkoff (similar)
photographer : Jason Atherton
BELLA LIGHTNER 