Thursday, October 27, 2011

Chicks With Guns

A friend just sent me this article, and I just have to share it.  Photographer Lindsay McCrum recently released a photo book called Chicks With Guns.

At first glance, that title made me all kinds of nervous.  I’ve seen way too many gun magazines featuring busty, scantily-clad women posing with whatever new gun they’re apparently trying to sell.

And so, the photos in this gallery are surprisingly refreshing.




I love that the photographer says she’s not trying to make a political statement.  She’s not trying to “glorify” or “vilify” anyone.  She simply wanted to learn more about the community of women gun owners, and share that with the world.

These portraits are gorgeous.  It is so positive to see women who could be your neighbors and friends displaying their love of firearms in a positive way.  I may need to buy the book just so I can see more of these!


Enjoy!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Cardigans and Cupcakes!

Why hello there, October!  Can you believe we are so far into fall already?  I can't, mainly because the temperatures keep jumping between the fifties and the eighties.  But, regardless of how the thermometer feels, I've decided it's definitely time for fall.

I made Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes, oh yes!  Recipe
Autumn is without a doubt my favorite season.  Beautiful colors, warm baked goods, cozy clothing, and a general feeling of comfort.  Today I pulled out my fall boots, even though the high was eighty.  But the best part, if you ask me, is the sweaters.  In particular, and especially in these early weeks of indecisive weather, cardigans.

Cardigans are great!  Usually light weight, they can be worn on warmer days or layered for colder ones.  They are classic.  Audrey Hepburn rocked them, and they are still wildly popular today.  They can be dressed up or dressed down.  Versatility!

My own collection of cardigans has grown quite a bit recently!  Clearly I am into embellished cardigans.


Clearly I am *very* into cardigans.
And of course, they conceal!  Cardigans conceal spectacularly.  Typically they're a bit looser around the middle, so they can easily hide a bulge whether you wear them buttoned up or open.

A lot of concealment is about the art of distraction.  Layers, different types of fabric, textures, all distract nicely from any shapes that might otherwise be noticed as not quite natural.

And a lot of the reasons that cardigans are so great also apply to clothing in general when looking for things that will conceal well:
  • The fabric has some structure to it 
  • It's not too clingy, even if it’s tight-fitting 
  • Not too thin 
  • The garment allows some space between you and it 
  • Texture hides bumps

Encouragingly, cardigans can be worn well by anyone.  So find what inspires you, whether it’s color, texture, embellishments, or accessories, and get ready to conceal fashionably for fall!