Featuring a Patchwork Lace Skirt

First off, Rhesa, I love these photos!  That bed of orange on the ground is the perfect picture of autumn and the detail shots are so full of interest and colour.  Although the outfit itself is quite simple overall, the little patches of detail are more than enough to complete the outfit.  Matching a plain white t-shirt with this full on skirt created the perfect look and thus this outfit really didn’t take much brain power to put together.  The addition of some cool arm candy and a chunky-ish beaded necklace also added extra interest.

This feature skirt was made by my older sister, Lydia, after she saw some similar patchwork skirts selling at a market.  They were extremely pricey, so she decided to make one of her own.  (Please note that she did not steal this idea to sell, just to try out herself).  It was a lengthy process, but after gathering chiffon and lace and sewing them together she achieved this awesome, feminine, patchwork skirt!

Enjoy the photos.  See how you can nicely feature one statement piece by keeping the rest of the outfit relatively simple?

It’s now turned from autumn to winter over here, but we still have a couple more outfits from this shoot to share.  Hope you enjoy the up and coming ones.  It’s been so long, I can’t even remember what they are!  Surprises all around… even for me!

Esther

Photographer – Rhesa

Stylist – Lydia & Esther

Model – Esther

What I Wore:

• Patchwork skirt – Handmade! by Lydia.
• White shirt – Kookai, $25 (good quality)
• Shoes – Number One Shoe Warehouse, $30
• Arm Candy – David Tasker Designer Jewellery, Warehouse and gifted.
• Necklace – Mum’s!

Autumn Styling and Horror Films

Finally I’ve found the time put up my next post, the first of a few cute outfits that I’ve been wearing recently.  Well, recently when we shot these pics, but since then the weather has turned bitterly cold.  Well, bitterly for the North Island of NZ anyway.

The weather really started to kick in on Tuesday when we had lightening and massive claps of thunder followed by a sudden and huge! downpouring of hail.  The driveway had drifts of it and the the ground was covered in it!  Closest to snow we get here I’m afraid, but needless to say, my bros and I took the opportunity to stop our work and school and run out to have a hail fight!  Perks of homeschooling, huh?  A ton of fun.

Right, so onto this outfit… loving this lace top that I bought on sale from Glassons – $18!  Just needed a few repare stitches and was good as new!  I really like wearing bright colours – and this turquoise cardigan, gifted from Mum, was the pefect thing to wear with the clean, white lace.  The matching pop of colour underneath the lace looks cool too!  I added some nice high wedges (you’ve seen them before), my favourite jeans from Just Jeans and a cool retro necklace that belonged to Mum.  I stoles it. 

These pictures where taken when the maple tree was just changing colour and the cosmos pink was still showing.  Things have changed since then… but the darkness all comes before the light.  Summer’s coming guys!  …in quite a few months…

Thinking of starting a Facebook page?  What do you all think?

I recently joined together with a group of guys to participate in the 48 hour film festival that is held annually in NZ.  We created an epic film with the genre we were given – horror.  That’s not my kinda thing, but I had such fun putting my acting hobby to use in this short film.  The guys I worked with were super talented – hats off to them!  Here’s the link if you’re interested – https://vimeo.com/67035550  Had a lot of fun creating this, and I’ll definitely share anymore films that we may make in the future.

Bless you all!  Lydia’s 21st party tomorrow… lots to do.

Esther

Photography – Rhesa

Model – Esther

Stylist – Esther

What I wore:

• Lace top – Glassons, $18
• Torquoise cardigan – Gifted
• Blue denims – Just Jeans, $50
• White wedges – Number One Shoe Warehouse, $38
• Retro necklace – Gifted/Taken…

Changing Hearts

I must admit, I wasn’t too enamoured with the short-at-the-front, long-at-the-back styled skirts and dresses that were in fashion for a decent part of last year.  These mullet-style pieces just didn’t seem to make much sense to me.  Don’t we try to avoid uneven hem-lines?  But you know… I’m kinda warming up to them.  Especially when they’re made from snake-skin patterned chiffon with frills.  So, my conclusion?  If tastefully done, I think it works.

Lydia wore this dress to a wedding last year in the summer.  A perfect choice.  It can sometimes be hard to decide what to wear to formal occasions such as weddings.  I usually opt for something fancy-ish, but still avoid full-length gowns and gems.  Let’s face it, none of us are rich enough for that.  Oh, and talking about full-length gowns and sparkles… I am now the proud owner of a lovely, pink/orange coloured, chiffon, gem-stone featuring, full-length ball gown!  Ok, a few too many adjectives, but I’m excited guys!  This dress is so pretty, and look, I just have to say (cause I’m always talking about economical shopping), that I bought this baby for $80 off Trademe!  A good deal I reckon.  This ball that I am attending, and consequently helping to organise, is set for a couple of months away… so you may have to wait a while for some pics, but I promise, they’ll be here.  Throwing all of the ‘wise shopping tips’ out the window for a moment, I want to buy some shoes… kinda like the elegant ones that Lydia is wearing in this photo shoot.

On that note, enjoy the next photos and my bit of soul-baring at the end.

Something I’ve been thinking about recently – If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

After asking that of myself, I realized, that it would be, my motives.  Why I do the things that I do.

We can do all these good things for other people, but with the wrong motives, they’re worthless.  I know that I help people, but sometimes it’s not to help them, but to impress others.  I give nice gifts, not always to please them, but to show others how talented I am.  It’s hard to admit, but sometimes I blog to feel good about myself.  I do these things for all the right reasons externally, but not internally.  Let’s face it, I’m not the sweet person I may appear to be.  Underneath it all, I’m just as selfish and prideful as the rest of the world.  But the worst news is, I can’t do anything to fix it.  Nothing. At. All.

So, if I could change one thing about myself, what would it be?  Nothing.  Because I can’t do it.

This would be a really depressing realization, if it weren’t for one thing.  Jesus.  He can do it.  I can’t, but he can.  He can change my motives, he can mold my heart and transform my mind, if only I’m willing.  And I’m willing.  So please Lord, change me.

~ Esther

Photographer – Rhesa

Model & Stylist – Lydia

What she wore:

• Mullet-style dress – Pagani, $50
• Nude-coloured shoes – Ezibuy, SALE, $39
• Heart necklace – David Tasker Designer Jewellery, $39

A Floral Garden Number

This pretty number was also bought by my sis on her Aussie trip.  Costing $35 AUD, this floral, garden dress was found being sold at a market in Brisbane city.  They have some good deals, aye?!  I think I need to go there…

There really isn’t much to say about this outfit – it’s simple, but pretty.  Lydia topped it off with the addition of some delicate pieces of jewellery.  By adding some cute heels and a light cardigan, your look would be ready to wear on an outing.  If you look closely at the fabric, there is a light criss-cross pattern woven in it.  I think that coupled with the lovely red and green floral design creates the ‘garden’ look I described.

In case you’re interested, this cool backlit photography effect was acheived quite simply.  Rhesa took these photos late afternoon as the sun was approaching the golden hour.  The light shone behind Lydia, lighting up her hair.  Usually you are told to shoot with the light behind you, otherwise shadows will obscure the model’s face.  Because the lighting was soft (due to the golden hour) and not harsh, this look was achieved brilliantly.  We also employed the use of a handy reflecter in the first outfit.  Thanks so much Rhesa!  I hope that was a helpful photography tip.  If you have any other questions, go and head on over to my photographer’s blog and present your questions to her.  http://mybuttonodyssey.wordpress.com/

Enjoy the photos of this cute model sporting this cute summer dress.

Isn’t the make-up done well too?  I’d like to quickly address an issue which I have become increasingly aware of over the last little while.  It could easily be the start of a long and in depth conversation, but I’ll just touch on the topic briefly.  I’ve seen a lot of controversy about the topic of make-up.  Should we, as Christians, wear it?  Does it mask/hide our natural, God-given beauty?  Does it stem from deeply insecure thoughts?  Is it an idol?  Are we using it to answer our needs rather than looking to God as the fulfillment of our insecurities?  All good questions.  While we do need to ask ourselves about the motives behind why we, individually, put on make-up, I don’t think the answer is as complicated as you may think.  Make-up put on well can actually enhance someone’s natural beauty in a good way.  I’m quite a believer in make-up to be honest.  However, I do think that we shouldn’t wear make-up to hide ourselves because we are unhappy with the way we look and who we are.  We need to be confident in ourselves as children of God because we are loved so deeply by Him.  Make-up is a tool, not a mask, and if used well, it can enhance the beautiful features that you already possess while taking the attention off a spot or crease that you (and all) of us may have.  I’m deciding to ask myself these questions and judge only my own motives.  And I hope that by writing this, I will encourage you to do the same.

God bless you as you start off another week.  I’m starting up my school again also… the busyness returns.

Until next time…

Esther

Pretty in Pleated Pink

This outfit gives an example of what I like to call – feminine vintage style.  It’s pink, yes, but the dusky tones coupled with the use of lace, tulle and pleats lend themselves to the vintage feel of the look that I’m talking about.  This skirt – amazing!  My sister, Lydia, went to Australia with my Mum at the beginning of this year for a short holiday.  They had limited spending money, but Lydia, being one to shop, found some great deals.  This skirt, only $13 AUD, was an amazing find.  Lydia chose not to wear a necklace but some statement earings instead.  The long maxi skirt really suits the tucked-in/belted look shown and is something I also do often .

For the last few days I’ve been going to an event related to my home schooling.  I tried to wear a new and interesting outfit every day – a bit of a challenge (esp. when you’re leaving early each morning and arriving home late).  However, I was rather happy with the results.  I used a tunic/blouse with a skirt by tucking it in and adding a belt.  I wore my LBD in a more casual style by throwing over a white tie-up blouse.  And I sported lace and aqua with jeans.  Sometimes I need to remind myself that instead of buying new pieces of clothing, I should look in my wardrobe and use my creative bent to put together some new and interesting outfits.  After trial and error, it usually works out.  I’d encourage you to do the same!

Enjoy the lovely photography.

There will be more outfits coming your way in the next week or so, so stay tuned.

Oh and go and watch Iron Man 3, I’ve heard it’s good…

Esther

Photograher – Rhesa

Model & Stylist – Lydia

Blogger – Esther (kinda sad when I have to state the obvious to even get on this list…)

Small Print & a Lace Crop Top

These are the first lot of photos from Lydia’s fashion photo shoot!  I’m very excited about these outfits because they are just a little bit different and classy.  I also have to say that the photography really is just too cool.  We took advantage of the backlit effect and used a reflector.  Yep, that was my job this time… holding the shiny thing.

Anyway, believe it or not, I (for once) had a stroke of genius in the creation of this outfit.  You heard right.  I put this outfit together!  At the moment, a group of us are having ballroom dancing lessons, and my goal has been to wear something different every week.  It’s been ten weeks…. and let’s just say that it’s starting to get a little difficult.  Recently, I’ve been given two new dresses (one of which will feature on here soon), so it’s been nice to wear a couple of new pieces.  I think I wore this dress on week 5 or 6?  We were given this strapless, fitted dress from a friend.  I’ve worn it a couple of times with a bolero, but I really wanted to try something different.  Thus the lace crop top.  I love it!  Lace, mint and vintage small print – who couldn’t like it, right?

This outfit is quite matchy matchy, but Lydia spiced it up with the addition of some arm candy and a cute necklace.  And doesn’t she look pretty stunning?  Enjoy the photos and I hope that this has again inspired you to mix and match your clothing.  You might be nicely surprised at the result, as I was.

Like my 4 inch wedges?!  They’re my only pair of really high shoes, but I’ve been wearing them a lot.  Ok, it does make me about 6 foot, but hey, life’s too short to be ashamed of your height.  And when you live in a family of tall people it’s really not that bad. 

I’m just a little bit happy ’cause it’s the end of term!!!  Evenings will finally mean something other than school work, so I can get back to posting on my blog.  Here’s to the next couple of weeks!  Enjoy

Esther

Photography – Rhesa

Model – Lydia

Stylist – Esther & Lydia

Hair curling – Me!

What she wore:

• Mint/aqua dress – Gifted!
• Lace crop top – Glassons, $20-30
• White wedges – Number One Shoe Warehouse, $35 SALE

Skirt to Dress Transformation

I always think it’s a little bit neat when people use one piece of clothing in several different ways.  I’ve worn this as a skirt a couple of times before transforming it into a dress, but I’m starting to think…. I kinda prefer it like this.  This isn’t really something that I do often, but when faced with brick walls and desperation, it’s nice to have a couple of pieces like this in your wardrobe.  It’s only elasticated along the top, so I chucked over a simple white tie-up blouse.  Surprised?  …hmmm, me neither.  I promise I’ll try and introduce some other styles in our next photo shoot   This post is hopefully another bit of inspiration to those of you who are interested in utilising your wardrobe in the best way possible.

Before I skip away, I would like to address a point that I hope I’ve made clear on this blog before, but if not… here goes.  Watching a movie recenting – My Big Fat Greek Wedding – I was reminded of this.  Any girl can make herself look nice.  Any girl!  Not just the slim, or those with long, flowing hair, but every girl.  With a change in style, perhaps some skin care, a touch of mascara, new hair style, any girl can look good.  I’m not saying that we should be obsessed with the way we look, ’cause, let’s face it, nobody finds that attractive, but we should care.  By caring for your self-image and perhaps making a few necessary changes in your style, you can feel good about how you look and present.  The main girl in the movie above transformed from this, to this.  Perhaps this is slightly unrealstic, but what I’m trying to do, is encourage you.  We’re all on a journey in our style, but keep on going, take care of yourself and you’ll receive the confidence that you need.  This only addresses the outward confidence, inward confidence comes from something far deeper than outward beauty.  Lasting inward confidence and beauty comes from God.

Enjoy these photos, and note the last one especially.  Nissi has shot photos for us a couple of times and I was very pleased to be able to feature her on the blog.  She’s Rhesa’s sister and I’m just so grateful for their help from the beginning.

Coming up on Creative Touch:  On Monday, Lydia (my older sister) asked Rhesa (my photographer) to do a photo shoot of her wearing several different outfits to send some to her boyfriend.  Kinda cute, aye?  Well, they turned out beautifully, so I’ll be putting them on the blog and talk a little bit about each outfit.  After all, I did put one of them together   Hmm… my orginial fashion sense is really coming out!  Probably because Lydia’s too busy to help me these days…

Have a lovely rest of the week!  I’m quite liking this mid-way change of seasons where I can still wear shorts and t-shirts and throw a cardigan or scarf on top without getting too hot.

Esther

What I wore:

• White blouse – K-mart, $15-10
• Skirt/dress – Originally gifted from Karen – another amazing source of inspiration in my crafting <3  (I’ll photograph some cards that she’s made for me and put them up here)
• Black sandals – Number One Shoe Warehouse, $15
• Black necklace – Diva, SALE $2

Interior Inspiration

I love interior design.  And I am really looking forward to creating a lovely space in my own home one day.  As a part of my creativity, I really enjoy looking at well put together rooms and homes with beautiful colour co-ordination and tasteful, arty spots about the place.  I don’t spend much time looking on Pinterest and many interior design blogs, but there is one that I often go to when I’m in need of a bit of inspiration.  It’s called – House of Turquoise.  This lady collects pictures of beautifully designed houses themed around the colour turquoise.  I’m very drawn to that colour myself and thus love her blog.  But whatever your taste, I’m sure it will be appeased by a quick glance at this spot on the web.  The houses are truly gorgeous and when it comes time for me to design my own house, I will definitely be coming back to this blog for inspiration.

Below are a few photos to urge you to go and have a peek yourself.  If you comment, don’t forget to say where you came from!  Enjoy!

They are all very lovely.  Hope you enjoy!  I just came back from ballroom dancing lessons, and I’d be keen to photograph the vintage outfit that I wore.  Might see me soon then.

Blessings,

Esther

Teal & Matching, Tie-up Blouses

This is a fun little shoot that Rhesa, my photographer and I did one lazy Saturday afternoon.  We both dressed in an LBD and a tie-up blouse – a combination that I rather like at the moment   I bought this blouse very recently for a cheap price.  I really should curb my tendency towards blouses… some day.  It works tie-up, open or closed.  The versatility is what keeps me coming back to this staple piece of clothing.  A new piece here and there and a bit of mixing and matching with the old and new, does wonders for your wardrobe.

I’d like to thank Rhesa for doing pretty much all of my photography since that first photo shoot so long ago!  Your photography just keeps getting better and better, Rhesa – I’m loving it.  If you guys could go and check out her blog – http://mybuttonodyssey.wordpress.com/, I would be very grateful.  You can continue to follow her photography journey as well as her hobbies and everyday doings.  Thanks Rhesa!

Enjoy these photos and the beautiful NZ scenery that accompanies them.  We had a good old time doing this together, as you’ll soon see.

I’m thinking of doing a bloopers post from the various shoots that we’ve done over the last year or so – just so that you guys realize I’m just as human as you… gosh, the stupid things I’ve done   Ok, I’ll just tell you one recent embarrassing story.  I was at my friends party last night and I was having a lovely time playing guitar with a friend, when one of the other guests came over with some cheesecake.  It looked good, very good.  She was offering it, and I suddenly decided that I really, really wanted it.  Jumping up from my seat, I ran over to claim my small piece of dessert.  Then, as I was on my way, I tripped, flew past her, snatching up the cheesecake in the process and proceeded to land upon the ground on my backside with a large, “thump!”  Classy, hey?  But I got it!  Honestly guys, I really wanted that piece of cheesecake and it was fully worth it!  Yep, one of the many things that keeps my life funny and interesting.

God bless you all this coming week.  Isn’t life beautiful?

Esther

Where do I go for Inspiration?

We all need inspiration, right?  Whether it be in craft, cooking, sewing, painting, or blogging.  My outfits would be dull without having something or someone that inspires me.  In my case, it’s many things.  So, where do I get my inspiration?

The usual places never cease to inspire me, whether it be creation, my sister, my friends, or some pretty pictures I see around the web.  However, I’m here to talk about fellow bloggers who inspire me.  I’ve been following a few blogs for a while now.  Ever since entering the blogosphere, I’ve been trying to find other girls out there, who, like me, have a passion for fashion.

Here are three blogs which have inspired me over the last little while.  I’ll give a brief little bit about each one as well as a picture of them in a cute outfit.

Totally Tessa

Totally Tessa is a blog that I have followed for a while now.  Like most things, I don’t dig all of her outfits, but I think that she’s brave in her style and I admire that.  It has in turn inspired me to be a bit more daring in my outfit choices.  Why, only today I wore a blouse over a dress!  Not tucked in peeps, just hanging, with a belt.  Gosh, weren’t expecting that were you?  Noooo.  So, I like how daring she is.  It doesn’t always work in my opinion, but she’s got a bit of respect out there in the e-fashion world, as I like to call it (well, just made that up right now actually).  Below is an outfit of her’s that I like.  It’s a bit daring in the colour choice, different, some may not like it, but I do.   Thanks Tessa, for inspiring me.

Bleubird

I love James’ blog, it’s real and she just shares the everyday happenings of a Blogger and mother of four.  She blogs about life, fashion, family, food and a whole lot more.  Her photography is really cool, and what’s more, she obsessed with vintage as much as I am!  It shows in her style and home decor.  Go check her out if you’re feeling in need of inspiration.  Here’s a quick pic of her beautiful wedding.

Delightfully Tacky

Delightfully Tacky.  Cool name, huh?  Now here’s a blog all about fashion, photography and food that I’m sure you’ll love.  I adore her pictures, that’s pretty much all I go to look at.  She takes most of her pictures on a tripod with a self-timer, and honestly, they’re far better than if anybody else took them.  Her locations are beautiful and what’s more, she gives tips about photography and poses.  As well as beauty and hair care routines, she takes the most mouth-watering pictures of the most delicious food on earth, which I might add, she bakes herself!  Definitely go check her out.  I haven’t turned back.  Fashion-wise she’s a little bit daring, which again inspires me likewise.  Here are two pictures of a multitude of outfits that I love.  P.S.  Another fan-girl moment – her hair is. amazing.

Love the Peter Pan colars!

I love that last skirt!  I’m kinda a sucker for 50′s styles

So…. you know what to do, right?  You got it!  Go check ‘em out!  I hope that you’ll be as inspired as I was and still continue to be.  I’d love it if you could go and comment on their blog saying how you heard of them.

Thanks guys!  <3

Esther