French Quarter

This was a great day! The weather was nice, and we couldn't have picked a better spot to take these photos. We found a nice area of residential and commercial property that reminded me of an urban French Quarter. We started this shoot at around 9 am in order to beat the scorching sun and sweltering heat; we were very successful in that area. However, it didn't look so promising at first with all of the people passing by inquiring of who I was and what was the purpose of this photo shoot. I even had a few inquiries of my clothing and one lady who seemed to get upset when I couldn't guarantee her that she would be able to find my shoes in store! Sometimes I wish I knew where to find these items, so that I could pass the information along. However, since everything is either thrifted, gifted, or handmade by me, I have no way of doing that. Hopefully, I can inspire others to bargain shop - or better yet, create their own designs - as well.

If you know me, you know that I love mixed patterns and textures. I really don't subject myself to one style. I may have a mixture of everything to create a sense of coordinated chaos to express my own sense of style. For this particular outfit, I went with a mixture of styles and textures as well. I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to be gladiator, tribal, bohemian chic, or urban - so I accomplished all of these looks at once! I started off with some black leather shorts that were given to me in a bag of "hand-me-downs" from a friend. When I first got them, they were the perfect fit!!! Needless to say, I may have to retire them after this shoot, since they split on me. Better yet, I'll recreate something else out of them - you'll definitely see them again, just in a different form. Over the shorts, I layered a white crotcheted ankle length vest that was given to me by friend/former co-worker to bring out my bohemian flare. I used an adjustable belt from Express that I received as a birthday gift about 8 years ago from yet another close friend to create a closure for the vest and accentuate my high waist. I happened to stumble across my faux suede lace-up thigh high sandals last year while thrifting. I paid $16 for them. I know that's a little steep for thrift store prices, but I thought they were worth it! Plus, they gave me the gladiator look that I was going for. I accomplished my tribal look with my handpainted tribal print coconut purse that I purchased for five American dollars while celebrating my birthday in Mexico about 7 years ago. Of course, I layered bracelets on both arms - that's a given; but my black, white and red half-moon earrings with glitter and denim accents were handcrafted by me, which in my opinion, makes them priceless.

I wore my hair in a curly twist out 'fro and just let the wind have it's way with it - even frizz it! Soon, I let you all in on my hair care regime.

Anyway, I always look forward to these shoots. No two shoots are ever the same as you'll never get the same experience. Similar to the experiences gained from these photo shoots, I look at life like the patterns and textures in my outfit: it's a mixture but it's all about how you put it together. Life can really compliment you if you make it. I'm just grateful to be at this point in life that I can do these things!

Mixing patterns, textures, and life experiences: YcraM...because I can!!!

Photography by: Tangie Renee Photography