PHOTOSHOOT IDEAS: WAYS TO TAKE YOUR PHOTOS TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

Hello everyone,

Do you know that feeling when you see a photo on Instagram and are immediately inspired by it? So inspired that you wish it was your creation? This happens to me all the time! Thanks to all these amazing photographers and models, I'm able to to learn and even improve my own skills. It's really something indescribable because we creatives thrive on seeing our ideas come to live. It's ELECTRIC!

Since I have been blogging for 5 years now (will be 6 in April), I've always wanted to progress, grow and hopefully inspire YOU! To me, one photo can tell a story and evoke a feeling just by observing it. A single glance and it's as if you're there. 

In my photos, I strive to tell stories of passion, strength, youth and the power of beauty. That's why before each photoshoot there is a thought process, which I like to chase until the end (yep, I'm super stubborn)🤣. Once I share this idea with my photographer we get to work and make it happen. 

So today I want to share with you a few ways you can take your own photos to the next level. Next time, you're doing a photoshoot try these tips. I think you will most definitely like the results!😉 

A really cool and fun way to make your photos pop is of course with a catchy-fun neon sign! They're so instagrammable and make any plain white wall extra exciting. Neon Mama has super awesome pink neon signs with messages like " it was all a dream" or " a little party never killed nobody".      

Now let you shutter button start dancing!📸 

1. Add a Mirror

To give your photos a different dimension, add a mirror. Any mirror you own is fine. It doesn't have to be fancy. You just have to know how to use it. If it's small enough you can be holding it in your hands. If it's big enough, you can place it on the ground and play with various angles. What I love about a mirror shot is not only the double reflection, but also the way it captures the surroundings. It's so perfect to use in the desert since there you have the open space to try lots of creative poses. 

Last year during our road trip to the Valley of Fire, I decided to load up my mirror in the car and give this idea a try. It was so fun and something that I haven't done before. At first it's kind of difficult as you're trying to adjust and check-out to see if your photographer and their camera are in the shot. As time passes, it becomes like second nature... your mirror becomes your best friend! 

Also, you don't have to limit yourself to just a mirror. Whenever I see a cool reflection, I'm so inspired to basically get in it and later see what comes out of it. For example, when parking many times I see the reflection of palm leaves on the window of the car and you just know that's a winning photo. Or I see cool buildings with tinted windows that create such photogenic opportunities. Don't miss these opportunities and always keep your eyes open! You never know what treasure you might stumble upon!!!

2. Get Crafty with Clothes

Another unique way to add dimension and that "WOW" effect is through your clothing. This one is just as fun especially if you're wearing a flowy dress and there is wind. Let the train of your dress flow into the camera as you pose. This will give your photo a super dreamy effect! 

You can really play with different fabrics to improve the creativity of your photos. For example, use the lace of any type of clothing you own to cover the lens. Can it get more passionate than that? haha

As a desert lover some of my favorite photos I have done are with palm leaves. I love having them in the foreground as a close-up while I'm in the back pretending to be in a desert paradise. It turns out beautiful and these photos are ones that always remind me of some kind of magazine campaign. 

The props and options are endless. Clothes are meant to be worn, but ohhh yeah, they can be more than that, when it comes to creating a story within a single photo. Your Insta-photos will be skyrocketing that's for sure!!! 💯

3. Add a Silhouette

This third and last photo idea is one I want to experiment more with because it can absolutely leave you speechless in the best sense of the word. 

Create a silhouette figure with a lit background. Definitely play with different lighting and focus on the one subject you want to be the center of attention. It can be a silhouette of a dancer on stage with colorful lights shinning in from every side. Just imagine how stunning of a shot that would be!

This creative image idea can be a bit of a challenge and I feel the more experience you have with the camera, the better. However, that's how we creatives learn. We keep on trying and wanting to improve our imagination, imagery and composition. So fear no more! Add a silhouette figure next time you want to create something captivating. I'm sure you'll inspire a lot of people with an exposure like that!

Also, many silhouettes can happen on the beach during sunset as the sun is setting behind you. It's one of these moments when it's so good to have your camera at hand. You'll completely fall in love with the idea and want every sunset to be a silhouette dream. 

Now tell me...what inspires you to take creative photographs? What do you want to improve on when it comes to your photography? 

~ Photography: @dani.ela.photography

~ SHOP

~ Follow Me: IG: @fashionradi  Twitter: @fashionradi

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                                                                                                                         Love, Radi 

4 WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR DESK AREA!

Hello everyone,

Once the new year comes, I have a tendency to want to change/rearrange everything around me...to begin fresh! This includes cleaning the closet, spicing-up my desk area, so I feel more inspired, revamping the living room and redecorating things that feel old or out of place. Who else loves doing this? 

Since spring is fast approaching and I spend most of my time at my desk, I thought now is the perfect time to give it a stylish" NEW look. This doesn't involve going all out - Home Improvement edition. I'm just simply adding tiny details that make a BIG difference. You know, the kind of details that also matter when it comes to fashion, like the choice of shoes you wear or the color of your nails.  

This type of project can instantly make you feel better. I know it works for me every time I even glance at my desk! In many scenarios change is good! So, if you've got the time, grab one area of your home and turn it into something that you enjoy. There is so much inspiration to be found online that in the end you'll feel like a professional interior designer. That's how I feel...this stuff can easily rub-off on you! 😆 

Now let's get into it! 

Here are the changes I made to bring a brand new feel to my desk area:

This offer is valid for a MONTH! ☝

1. Add Unique Wallart

First thing's first, change the art on your wall. It completely transforms any room. That's something I like to do annually. Currently, I've got the gorgeous skyline of Las Vegas on full view from Photowall. Loving the silhouette paint splashes of the Strip and waking up to this sight is just like a Spanish serenade to my eyes! 

You can get endless inspiration from Photowall since there's everything from tropical vibes, to city magic to your favorite animals. The best part is that you have total control of your print...the size, the material! You can even cover the whole wall of your home with an easy to apply wallpaper. Also, there's the option of a canvas print (the one I went for), a framed print or even your own personalized art. How cool is that? 

I must add I'm completely impressed with the quality of the canvas and how easy it was to hang up. It comes with instructions and even a video to help you out.

I personally wanted my wallart to be big enough to cover most of the space above my desk area. So, I did some measuring and decided to go for a 43.31 X 31.5 inches in size. I LOVE IT! 😍 

One thing is for sure...the art on your wall has a huge impact on your space, mood and environment. Good thing a lovely piece of art can be such a big inspirational force especially when the art brings a happy sentiment into your life. 

Here's your chance to set new, fresh vibes into your home with unique art from Photowall. Apply code fashionradi25 for 25% OFF at checkout. This offer is valid for one month. Enjoy and let me know what you picked!

2. Add an Air Diffuser

I like to bring Zen into my working space, so this year I am extra Zen and happy with having aromatherapy at the corner of my desk. The natural oils tend to calm me and make my work flow more easily. Plus, it's a great unwinding tool if you've had a bad day. 

Now that I have an air diffuser, I really can't believe I haven't had one before. It's such a positive addition to any room. I'm definitely planning to add one in each room! 😊 Do you have an essential oils diffuser and have you seen a positive change since having one? 

I like the fact that each time you can change the scent of the oils and enjoy exactly what suits your mood that day. My favorite smell is the rose oil... I add extra drops every time! 😉

3. Add Plants 

I think we can agree on one thing...any space blossoms with the presence of flowers or plants! 🌿💐 The more the merrier! This is why I don't mind, overflowing my desk area with greens. hahaha 

The kind of greens that make me feel like I'm in a tropical jungle, not sitting at a desk. 😂

You can make it even more magical by adding sparkly lights on the bigger plants, the way I have done. It really feels close to being in an enchanted forest! I can't contain my happiness!!!

One thing I will say is try to add real plants/flowers. They're a better choice for a more harmonizing feng shui. Lively plants bring a more positive energy to the whole space. In the end, that's exactly what we want for our home!

4. Add Books/Magazines

Whatever your passion is, I think it's good to surround yourself with it as much as you can. Get things like magazines and books or even stationary objects that remind you of it. For example, if you love music and want to be a musician get a bookshelf of your favorite CDs or collect and read the biographies of your favorite artists. This way you're constantly learning and being inspired!

I like reading fashion magazines and having a few of my favorite books on display that I have read and have made a positive impact on my life. Looking at them makes me happy! Plus, they add a cute decorative touch to my desk.

 

Have you made any home "renovations" recently? How do you like to refresh your desk area?   

~ This post is a collaboration with Photowall. All opinions are my own. 

~ Photography: @artisticspring

~ SHOP

~ Follow Me: IG: @fashionradi  Twitter: @fashionradi

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                                                                                                                        Love, Radi  

HOW TO STYLE A SWEATER VEST!

Hello everyone,

Grab your sweater vest from your closet because today we're styling one of the IT trends happening this season. If you don't own one yet, cut the sleeves of your favorite winter sweater and there you go! hahaha Just kidding! Don't do that, especially if it's your most favorite item. There are plenty of stores that offer really cute sweater vests, at reasonable prices. So, while you find YOURS, I'll leave you with some ideas on ways to wear it.  

What I really love about this trend is that a sweater vest can literally be worn during any season. In winter, as a cozy layering piece, and in the summer over a tee or even a dress. So many excuses to wear it over and over! And each time you can create a very unique look. That's the reason why in today's post I wanted to create NOT ONE but TWO looks.✌ 

Also, for me, sweater vests take me wayyyy back to my childhood. I used to wear one during the cold winters in Bulgaria. I clearly remember having a beige wool sweater vest that I even wore on top of my pajamas to keep me extra warm. Yep, I had style from the very beginning!!! 😂 Do you have any similar memories or am I the only one?

So how would you style a sweater vest? Don't forget, if you aren't a fan of the knit vest itself, there is the option of a puffer vest which is a cool, outerwear choice to add instead of a heavy jacket. 

As you can see in the photos, I tried to go for two different styles. One on the more casual side and one that deserves a cocktail in hand. hahaha! Cast your vote...which one do you love more? The casual or dressy!

I identify with the dressy option more because 1. I love going-out (dressing-up) and 2. I love a sexy pair of over the knee boots (even if walking/dancing in them for hours can get tricky). And 3. I find that a knit sweater over a shirt dress looks most definitely STYLISH. 

If you have an oversized sweater vest, it would look awesome as a layering piece over your button-down dress. This outfit wouldn't be the same without the vest. I like the extra touch of detail. How about you? It's the kind of pairing I would wear again and again. In fact, now that I think about it...I have a green short sleeved dress shirt that I can wear next. Everything else can stay the same.

  

There's also nothing wrong with being a casual, comfy freak. If you love sneakers, jeans and tees, you can still add a sweater vest to the equation. In fact this second outfit is especially for you! 

Whether you choose jeans, skirt or shorts as your bottom, if your sweater vest is bigger, I would suggest tucking it in in the front. This will give you more shape and give you a street style kind of vibe. The way I have done with the second look above! 

Here I decided to wear the sweater vest bare without anything else underneath. It just looks good to me with a nice pair of jeans. However, you can always layer it with a turtleneck top or a fun tee. Go with whatever your heart desires on this particular day. Also, be mindful of the weather in your city. That way you'll know if you can wear it as it is or  if it's better to layer.    

Whenever I think of casual I'm always up for adding a cap or a beanie because that's an accessory I'm very fond of. Even more so during the fall and winter. So, I went for a cap and really wanted to add an additional pop of color. But not just any color...yellow (one of the pantone shades of 2021). Have you started wearing the pantone colors of the year? I will make a special post on them, soon!😉

 

Do you like the sweater vest trend? Will you be wearing it this season? If yes, what's your go-to way of styling it? I can't wait to read your comments. As always see you again next Tuesday! 💋 

~ affiliate links may apply.

~ Photography: @artisticspring

~ SHOP

~ Follow Me: IG: @fashionradi  Twitter: @fashionradi

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                                                                                                                                   Love, Radi            

STYLE TIPS: HOW TO HIDE YOUR TUMMY!

Hello everyone,

One of the things we LOVE to indulge in around the holidays is food!😋 Especially Santa's cookies and everything filled with chocolate. That's when "unknowingly" after the holidays we realize we might have put on a few pounds. For women the most common place where things start showing is around our mid-waist. Our abs tend to get shy and disappear, but no worries, there are tips and tricks to hide it all with the help of style. Wanna know how to hide your tummy? 

These style tricks work if you feel like you've gained a few pounds or have recently given birth and want to minimize that area as much as possible. Of course, getting back in shape requires a regular schedule of working-out and a healthy meal plan, but with the right clothing you can also create the illusion of a smaller waist.    

In cases like these, I love seeing the way fashion can help improve your confidence. It isn't only about wearing the trendiest pieces. It's so much more than that! It's about knowing your own body, having the knowledge of what pieces work best together (for your body shape), and finally seeing/appreciating the outcome. 

So, if you had a few too many Raffaelo chocolates (I know, I did!), let's get into this post. Here are the simple tips you can apply right away and start the year feeling great!

1. Choose High-Waisted Bottoms

When shopping for bottoms whether that's denim jeans or linen trousers, always go for the high-waisted style. They make the mid-section look flatter and definitely make your legs seem a lot longer. It's a win-win situation when you want to add proportion to your body. Also, this style keeps the eyes away from the tummy area, which is exactly what we want.

I remember a few years ago the minute I learned this trick, I started transforming my wardrobe. I began buying high-waisted skirts and jeans. Now, this is easily a staple for me... I don't even have to think about it. Probably, you can recall so many of my previous looks are high-waisted.

Give it a try and see the outcome in the mirror. I think you would be surprised how something so small can make such a BIG difference. It really works!!!

2. Shift Dresses

Without a doubt, wearing a shift dress will help hide your wider mid-section because these type of dresses fall straight from the shoulders creating a straight line silhouette. They're very flattering...would look good on any woman. Also, with this style worrying about your thighs and hips will be the least of your worries. No one will ever see them! Why? Because shift dresses don't cling to your body the way many other type of dresses do. So next time you're on the hunt for a new dress, keep this in mind.   

Creating vertical lines with your choice of clothing, helps a lot with hiding belly fat. This includes long jackets, cardigans, blazers, or ponchos. They are something I like to call a "miracle worker" on days I feel bloated.

 

3. Monochromatic Looks

Honestly, I can't even believe that before I started blogging about fashion, I had no idea what this word even meant. Now, I'm constantly trying to wear full on red, white or black looks. Monochromatic looks have plenty of power! They're the definition of BOLD!

Monochromatic color scheme is wearing one color from head to toe in various shades. For example, different tones of green in your top, bottom and shoes. This has a slimming effect to your figure. Are you starting to see how simple it is becoming to hide this one least favorite area of your body with the right clothing?

Here are a few monochromatic looks I have done a while back. Click here! Can't wait to see you rocking this style!

4. Play with Layers

A significant part in style is knowing how to highlight what parts of your body you want to be seen and the parts that you would rather keep off the radar. Here playing with layers comes into play. If you "play your pieces right, you'll feel great". If not, you would end up wishing you wore something different and feel uncomfortable in your outfit choice. We all know that easily translates into your mood. 

To prevent the visibility of your waist as much as possible, stay away from adding belts or any kind of accessories around the mid-section. They would only draw attention to that area. That's the opposite of what we want happening, right? 

However, you can add a nice bright colored top with a longer duster, cardigan or coat. The bright shade at the top completely distracts us from focusing on any other area as does the long outerwear. Or do the opposite, combine a longer dress shirt with a short jacket. This is layering done wisely!

     

5. Go for Oversized Shirts 

Like my look here, I went for an oversized tee over my second-skin print top. You can even wear a button down shirt and tuck half of it in the front. This will show just a tiny bit of shape and cover the rest. I love the way it looks...gives it a really cool casual spin. 

How many of you live in oversized styles? Let's not forget, this was a very popular trend last year and it's always here for us whenever we feel like we want to hide excess weight around the waist. 

When I decide to sport something oversized I still like keeping a balance. As an example from this outfit above, at the bottom I went for a mini patent skirt. This way I'm not completely hidden by my oversized t-shirt.

 

What are some of your style tricks for hiding the tummy area?  

~ affiliate links may apply.

~ Photography: @artisticspring

~ SHOP

~ Follow Me: IG: @fashionradi  Twitter: @fashionradi

Pinterest: FashionRadi   Facebook: FashionRadi 

                                                                                                                               Love, Radi