I love my Instagram.

Other than my Blog, it is probably the one platform that I post most on, yet if I am honest I do not post as prolifically as I probably should.

On a good week I possibly post 2 or 3 times. More like two if I am totally frank.

The main reason for this is that I tend to ‘batch shoot’ photographs for my blog.

Stunned by the figures!

What I mean by this is that I will shoot 3 or 4 different outfits/looks on one day and then use them in the blogs that will I post over the next couple of weeks.  This means I cannot use some of the photos straight away as the blog won’t go live at the same time.

So, I grab the odd selfie or picture that I put onto Instagram but I really am not good at making time to take photos and post immediately.

Instagram Fabulous

It was then really good timing that I came across the divine Leanda’s challenge post.

Seven days worth of posts based on a topic chosen by Leanda who posts under the Instagram name ‘Just_eat_the_doughnut’ all based around the hashtag #dressforyourself

The Lovely Leanda

I immediately popped a message to her asking to join in and looked forward to the first challenge.

Based on the fact that these were done during a week, it meant that I would be working from the office for most of the days and pictures would have to be taken after work.

Thankfully it was also taking place over the Easter Weekend, so certain days would be a lot easier.

So, how did it go?

The first challenge for Monday morning was ‘BLOCK PRINTS’

Beautiful Block Colours

Now as I have a lot of patterns and prints in my wardrobe. What I don’t have is a lot of plain colours.

Red & Blue

Thankfully I had actually grown quite fond of a blouse/trouser combination I had been wearing to work that I knew would be the perfect.

Completely Matching!

A red chiffon blouse and camisole, wide legged navy trousers, red shoes and matching handbag. I threw in a blue hair flower and I was ready.

Even the handbag matches

Instagram post completed, tagged and brief completed.

Tuesday was right up my street; ‘VINTAGE STYLING’

Purple Passion

I could have probably chosen any single item out of my dressing room and I would have hit the briefing. Where the heck did I start?

Vintage Vixen

Most people wouldn’t start with shoes.

Show Off your Shoos

However, I had my gorgeous purple Ruby Shoos with matching bag and I had yet to wear them. This seemed like an ideal opportunity.

Pretty in Purple

To match the shoes and bag, I chose my Eliza J purple dress and added purple flower earring. Unusually I didn’t wear a floral hairpiece to work, but I did add one afterwards when taking pictures out in the garden.

Pouting in Purple

Although it was getting to late evening, the sun was still out and quite low.

Perfect Lighting

I added a lilac parasol to stop me squinting but ended up with my back to the sun and the light shone right through it, illuminating it perfectly.

Showing off my Sunnies

Challenge Met.

Wednesday was another choice that whilst should have been easy, was tricky due to the fact that I had so much to chose from.

Hawaiian Hideaway Dress

‘PRINTS’

One of my Favourite Outfits

Now as I said about Monday’s challenge, I have *all* the prints and choosing just one was a difficult.  Literally walking into the dressing room meant I was assailed by colourful prints of every kind.

Vintage Posing

Popcorn boxes, cocktail glasses, flowers, mermaids, poodles, you name it, I probably have it.

Photobombing Chow

As it was a lovely Spring day, I chose to go with a blue tropical dress and bolero combo that has long been a favourite of mine.  Made by Pin Up Girl Clothing, it seems to be one of those outfits that couldn’t have sold very many as I never see it being worn on anyone!

Love the Colour Combination

I know the outfit came in two colours, a red and purple ensemble and the blue and green.

Hawaiian Honey

It is one of my favourites and I think it hit all the right spots when it came to ‘Prints’

Such a Sod

Thursdays Challenge was another one that I absolutely relished; ‘ACCESSORIES’

The Lion Tamer

Of course, my mind ran riot with this and I used as many accessories as I could possibly fit into the outfit.

Bangles, Wig, Hat, Brooches….

Starting from the bottom upwards, I put on my black multi-button boots which remind me of a ringmaster. Then I added my Unique Vintage Circus skirt, a white long sleeve t-shirt and white leather belt.

Curtains Down

Then came the real accessories; red and blue bangles, Lion Tamer and Lion Brooch and then I added an Elephant brooch for good measure.

Over-Accessorised?

The final touch was a white bob wig and an original vintage black silk top hat.

Circus, Circus

Full Circus Ring Master realness!

‘Lion’ Taming

Friday bought up another troublesome post for me. Back before I hit 40 and went towards Vintage styling, I used to hide away in big baggy black clothing.

Sultry

So when Leanda announced ‘BLACK is the NEW BLACK’, I have to admit that my heart sank. I really didn’t know what to think to start with as I really don’t choose to wear plain black as a rule.

Loving the silhouette and shape

Then it struck me. I had recently posted about a black dress which I had shown off with a range of three different kimonos. It was a tight fitting, short dress which was quite out of my comfort zone, but it really met the challenge.

Rocking It

I added some black high heels and tried to go for a smoky eyeshadow effect (not sure if I hit the brief on that one) and a long black/grey wig.

Black Beauty

Whilst I felt a little out of my element, with it being so short and form-fitting, and without sounding too big headed, I actually really loved how the photographs came out.

Feeling quite fabulous

In fact, I felt pretty special!

Floof Strikes again!

Saturday came around pretty quick and I was looking forward to having the whole day in which to be able to get ready and shoot photos.

Then came the kicker – Leanda’s choice was ‘BOLD LIP’.

Scarlet Rage

I had a huge hunt through one of my makeup boxes and came up with 22 different lipsticks. Taking them downstairs with my regular makeup bag, I decided to put on every single lipstick and take a photograph in each.

Vixen Violet

Well, this meant I wouldn’t even need to leave my armchair in order to do this challenge.

Pretty in Pink

Twenty two lipsticks (and many wet wipes) later and I had a whole plethora of pictures to choose from.

Peachy Keen, Jellybean

I chose my favourite nine and posted them as a collage. Job Done!

Pink Passion

The final choice of Leanda threw me even more; ‘OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE’

Well, it was Easter Sunday, I had my rollers in ready for a vintage brush-out and I just didn’t know quite what to do. I had been out of my comfort zone with the black dress, so what else could I do?

Chilling Out

IT was then that it hit me.

No Airs or Graces

I don’t tend to ever post pictures to Instagram that are au-naturel. By that, I mean no make-up, unstyled hair and certainly not in those ‘slobby’ clothes I wear for lounging around the house.

Attractive Look?

That meant it was absolutely perfect for this challenge.

SOOOO Far out of my Comfort Zone

I certainly didn’t think at the beginning of the week that I would be taking photographs of me in leggings, t-shirt (with no bra) rollers, clean face and slippers.

Really not sure what is going on with this look

Sharing this look with the rest of the World would never have crossed my mind.

Even the Cat is confused!

But it felt really liberating!

Taking the Rollers out

So, that was a week of challenges. I loved taking part and challenging not only the category but myself.  It wasn’t easy taking pictures every day in full regalia, but it was really good fun.

I am only sad that it has come to an end, although Leanda has promised more challenges to come.

I literally cannot wait.

Till next time,

SPSG xxx