Self Portrait Challenge ~ What I Wear

little black dress ~ canon digital rebel xt

Yes, I realize I have been preaching color lately and this is not only a b&w photo but also a black dress. However,  I got to thinking about little black dresses for this month's self portrait challenge and how every girl should have at least one in her closet.

The little black dress is a staple. Timeless. Dependable. Classic. It's the one fallback item a girl can always count on to throw on when nothing else will do, and can be dressed up or down.

We have Coco Chanel to thank for bringing the little black dress to life,
and, of course, Holly Go Lightly put little black dresses on the map,
in fact, famous French singer Edith Piaf based her entire stage look on the little black dress

My own little black dresses have changed pretty drastically over the years.

Four score and twenty (thirty?) pounds ago, my little black dresses were tight, short and strappy.  And one was made out of latex... ahem.

Tight, short and strappy are no longer words in my fashion vocabulary, thank goodness, and these days I am overjoyed to say that what I wear is dictated by what fits over my Buddha belly, the little black dress being no exception.

The particular black dress in this photo is my current favorite. I purchased it at the exclusive boutique known as Target. It bears no resemblance to a cocktail dress, but since there are no cocktails in my foreseeable future the little black dress has taken on new meaning for me. It's amazingly comfortable, fits like a dream, can be worn to work, or anywhere, and was under $30. I highly recommend it.

I also love it because it can be dressed up or down. Today I am wearing it with striped socks and distressed motorcycle boots, but most days my empire waist dresses, of which I am building quite the collection, are worn mostly over jeans for a fun, casual look.

*****

I almost didn't post this particular photo as I took it very early this morning before work. I was still getting ready, the lighting and exposure were just terrible, but I didn't have time to futz too much. We all want those perfect self portraits I know, and this certainly isn't one of those...

However, the more I looked at it I realized I should post it for a couple reasons:

1) This is me in the morning... not quite together, hair everywhere and focusing on everything besides actually working.

2) My face looks so serious. I tend to look very serious, even when I don't mean to. I think this can be off-putting to people at times or viewed at as I am unapproachable. The truth is I don't realize I am doing it. If I am focusing on something or concentrating, I can get this very serious look on my face and sometimes need to be reminded to smile.

3) I really hope my Aunt Doodie is reading this post. If nothing else so she can see that when I look at certain photos of myself I think I look exactly like her. It's almost eerie to me.

4) Oh, and for those who know me who might be noticing that I have become... more... um... endowed let's say, in a certain area of my body, let me just say ~ I KNOW.  My pregnancy boobs rock. {wink}

*****

I heart my (not-so-little-anymore) black dress.

see more spc photos here

 

Comments

[Athena714]

What a beautiful picture of you.

[kristen]

i think you look stunning. i love how timeless this photo is, the soft focus morning light, your hair and may i just say, you've got the best pregnancy boobs ever. seriously, glad you did post this photo - i think this will turn out to be a framed favorite.

[PixieDust]

This is a perfect picture -

the hair,
the dress,
the belly,
the boobs,
Yup, you've got it all!!!

hee,hee
;-)

(((HUGS))),
Love,
Me

[Robbie]

I'm vaguely certain my mother reads you, but so do I, and you're right about point (3), at least in this picture. That's kind of creepy.

Also, four score = 80. So 80+20 (or 30)? That's 100 pounds!

[Tina]

I love it! What a beautiful picture of you!!

And dang, you are right about the pregnancy boobs!!! LOL!!

[Doodie]

I ALWAYS read your blog. I had it opened the other day when a friend was here, who remarked after seeing the picture of you sipping from a straw, "I didn't know you had your own blog!" Wow. Really weird. You are a beautiful woman, and even more so pregnant, and I am not saying that because you look like me.

[Kirsten Michelle]

I'm speechless...honestly this photo, it took my breath away.
I can't believe you weren't going to post it.
It's gorgeous...YOU are GORGEOUS!!!
I just love your blossoming Buddha belly...
you wear pregnancy so beautifully, sweetie ;-)
xo

[daisies]

you .... are .... so .... incredibly .... beautiful. :) lovely little black dress honey, wow i am awed at your beauty, your gorgeous belly ~ this photo is amazing!! tons of love xox squishy snuggles :)

[AndreaD]

Hooray for Pregnancy boobs!!! I was just going to say that you look absolutely beautiful in this shot. I love black & white photos. I'm so happy for you!

[colorsonmymind]

Can I come over and love on you? I want to rub your belly and give you snuggles. All I thought when i saw this was oh my goodness she is such a beauty. And pregnancy really becomes her.

You are gorgeous.

I imagine our boho beauty will also carry pregnancy well. I couldn't help but see ahead to her posting a pic similar in the future.

Thank you for your tips on the photos. I so LOVE your style that I sent the first 3 you recommended and it got me in. So thank you from the bottom of my soul-for getting me-and supporting me. It is fabvulously delightful to be loved by you:)

XOXOXO

[ceanandjen]

I have to agree with everyone above and say...this picture and you are simply gorgeous. I love the b/w; I love the softness; I love the light. You glow....

Love to you this Friday.xoxoxo

[sueberry]

What a gorgeous photo, Stacie!! I think you look wonderful....and I love the dress! I might just have to go to my local Target & find one for myself. :) I must confess, I did not notice the "upper endowments" because I was too busy checking out baby "D" in the belly. ha ha! You look great & there is nothing wrong with your hair, either, so shut up. Oh, and despite what you may think, other than the baby belly, you look very slender in this photo!! A total "watermelon smuggler". XOXOX

[Aunt Denise]

Wow, Stacie, you DO look alot like MY SISTER!!! (Doodie)That is rather eerie.

But...you are SO beautiful pregnant (as you are when you're not!), but there is a special glow or aura or something about you. You seem to be really loving this time in your life and your little butterbean's life...just enjoy this time and relish in what a miracle this all is! I love you!

[Kirsten Michelle]

i know that i already left you a comment & sent you an email...
but i just couldn't stay away ;-)
you are SO, SO beauty*full!!!

love to you,
xoxo

[boho girly]

oh my...you are so stunningly beautiful.

what are you talking about? this portrait of you is absolutely dreamy, ethereal, romantic, vintage...

the look on your face says peace to me.

i just want to kiss that perfect belly of yours...oh and your preggie boobs too. ; )

i love you, my friend.
xo

[Jessica]

keep rockin out those tatas little mama!
you look incredible!

[amanda]

sooo adorable.
what a beautiful dress and body!

[Blog Envy Awards]

Congratulations! You are a winner of a 2007 Blog Envy Award. To see your award, please go here:http://graceeaseplease.blogspot.com/2007/11/blog-gods-are-in-auditorium.html

You can download the image here:http://maternalalchemy.com/images/blog_images/bloggod.gif
We hope you put it on your blog. .

[Lin]

You look absolutely gorgeous!

[d.]

Your breasts are AWESOME!! And your body looks fantastic!! Love the photo and love the dress!!

[Nikole]

You are absolutely gorgeous!

I have the very same dress. :-) Love it!

[mccabe]

oh my goodness!
this photo of you ROCKS!!!!!
you definitely have that sexy mama thing going on.
da-hammmmmm.
i love your loose curls.
yummy you.

:)

love
mccabe x

[jenplendy]

Whatever is not nailed down is mine. Whatever I can pry up is not nailed down.
-- Collis P. Huntingdon, railroad tycoon

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