Pops of Color in the Darkness

It has been SO DARK lately. I know that sounds like an excuse (and it is) for not taking quality outfit photos… But it really has been very, very dark.

So how do other bloggers get such bright and cheery pictures this time of year? Anybody know? (Seriously – this isn’t a rhetorical question.)

I think everyone in Oregon experiences a little bit of Seasonal Affectedness Disorder this time of year, what with all the rain and darkness. (Um, did I mention it’s dark? Oh, I did? Okay, I’ll shut up now.)

At any rate, Boyfriend’s brother’s birthday was the other night so I had an excuse to put on this skirt that I’ve been meaning to wear for sometime now. Usually pencil skirts are anything but flattering on my boyish hips, but this leather one happens to have some real shaping qualities that make it more attractive than most.

And I love the pop of beaded color in the shoulder of this top. It makes it more special than just another boat-neck. I was lucky enough to have this shirt gifted to me at a Nordstrom Rack blogger event a few months ago, and I’ve been wearing it with all sorts of bottoms ever since. On the evening when these photos were taken, I decided on this neutral black clothing base and let the pops of color in the shirt and the shoes speak for themselves.