Emotion and Perception: Austin Outfit Photos+Some Positive Thinking
You know what I love? Well, okay, many things, but for this post, what I love is the way that emotion changes perception. In these photos I know that I look pale, puffy, and exhausted. When Merl took these outfit shots I had slept about 48 hours in two weeks (not an exaggeration), thanks to multiple finals that were written and/or studied for before and during the conference. Between school, work, road trips, and TxSCC, who has time for sleep? Add in an unnecessary amount of winter weight and super pasty skin (thanks, Chicago), plus major wind and general lack of familiarity with others taking my photos and…well, not my finest hour. All the stress shows on my face and in my body.
And yet, that’s not really what I see when I look at these pictures. Instead, I remember the hilarity of trying to avoid bikers and runners and windstorms just to get a decent shot. I remember Merl’s generosity in spending her time snapping photos of us all, when she could’ve been bonding with other people. I remember the overall surprise and pleasure at meeting so many genuinely wonderful people. I might not look my best, but I felt spectacular. Isn’t it fantastic when that happens? Note to self: positive association over criticism=good.
PS: I promise, this is my last post about TxSCC. Really, no more.
Austin Style: blazer (vintage, New Bohemia in SoCo area, $20), black maxi dress (H&M, $15), tank (thrifted, $1), belt (thrifted, $3), boots (Target, $15), ring (H&M, $3), necklace (gift).
w my ladies Merl, Amanda, and Lisa
Austin Style: floral dress (Anthropologie, $20), boots (Target, $15), belt (thrifted, $3), necklace (inherited from grandmother), under eye circles (final paper, 35 pages).
No idea why I'm making this face.
Your blazer in the first photo belongs in my closet. Now. Blazers are one of my favorite accessories because of how well they pull an outfit together.
Great photos. Looks like you had a blast in Texas!
Agreed. I love a good blazer more than almost anything else…ever.
Absolutely love the blazer in the first outfit and the flowery print in the second. Both are AWESOME!!!
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You get the best prices on things from Anthropologie- I have serious envy of skills. And that blazer? I’m not really a blazer lady myself, but that blazer is magic. I love what you said about how perceptions can be different from what you’re feeling, and seriously- ya’ll look amazing.
I for one think you look gorgeous! Maybe your happiness overrides the exhaustion you were experiencing.
I was at H&M today and I wish I found that Maxi-dress! It’s perfect. Love your short dress in the second set, too– Holy legs, Batman!
Merl’s photos are kinda magic. You’re looking way too awesome in those prints. And I like the TxStotheCC (or whatever the hell the acronym is) posts. I mean if I couldn’t be there to
judgemeet you all in person then the next best thing is hearing fave bloggers talk about other fave bloggers.P.S. You knocked out 35 pgs in a quarter?! AND blogged/socialized? Send some of those skillz over my way please, my under eye circles are twice as big with half to show for it.
Don’t lie; just say it: JUDGE.
And the 35 pages was only for one class. I nearly died.
Ya beautiful lady, I love these pictures. Despite your massive lack of sleep, your body rebelling against you, and near breakdowns around every corner, you look happy, rested (seriously!), and among people you love. Which is just perfect. I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time in the Texas.
p.s. That picture of the four of you? TOO cute.
i love that first outfit so much! and aside from the fact that the blazer looks AMAZING on you, i think you feel comfortable. and that shows. sure you had ZERO sleep, but you you look great because it was easy and ‘you.’ and because we found some totally rad pieces on the sale rack. holla!!!!!
You know what’s funny? I felt the same way. I was sooo tired causing eye problems and skin problems, you know how it goes… my hair was a greasy mess and yet in the pics Smerl took I am laughing with big gums. Big gums equal fun not glamour.
And the blazer is blazing… not like roll it and blazing but more like you is hot blazing…
Am I making sense anymore…?
You look great in that colorful dress! I can’t believe that’s all the sleep you got! I hope you’ve been able to catch up since your return Texas. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Whhhhaaaatttt??? LADY! You lived in Namibia for 2 and a half years??! this is so exciting! most people are like….namibia….libia….hu?
I grew up in Otjiwarongo. My mom and step dad live in Windhoek now.
What were you doing there? Where did you stay?
And Scotland? AH!
So many questions!
p.s. I lovvvee that first outfit, major blazer envy!!!! you look great not exhausted at all.
I will be e-mailing you…stat.
You know what? Your happiness doesn’t just influence your perception of these photos – it absolutely radiates from you in every shot, and so despite all the emotional, intellectual, and physical stresses you’d been carrying for weeks, honestly you still look freakin’ gorgeous. You are having a great time with new friends and it shows.
(Of course, your impeccable style choices don’t exactly hurt here either… and to the previous commenters, I will fight all y’all for that maxi/blazer combo.)
Well, I’ll fight anyone else who gets your awesome comments…if they’re ever in short supply
Thank you so much for them. I appreciate every one of them, and especially this one!!
pretty, pretty pics. i love that one of the four of you!
and i still have like 4 more TxSCC posts…people might hate me soon!
You look gorgeous to me, all I see is the happy girl I was hanging with.
That blazer is basically my dream blazer. I love it SO HARD.
Oh, Erin. The idea of anyone loving anything “so hard” is very creepy.
I love your jewelry! Seems that’s how we met…what else should I expect then.
You really do look gorgeous, as everyone said already. I love that such happiness and sustenance came from blogging!!
Thanks, Jess! And I love it, too. See, hobbies really ARE rejuvenating! Whoa, I sounded like a tv infomercial girl. Creeepy.
Maybe my vision is clouded with too much emotion (because I love you that hard), but I think you look just as beautiful as you always. Also, I’m super jealous of that jacket. Why did I have to be in such a snot haze in TX?! I got no good shopping in! Grr…
I love when people love me hard. It’s just the best feeling ever.
Pale winter skin aside (which is healthy!), I love these outfits on you, and these photos! I love how you’re incorporating brights and patterns into your winter wardrobe, sorry as I am that you’ve been so stressed. Here’s to a smoother spring?