This trend in bottoms is comin’ in HOT. I love it because styling crop tops has never been easier. Thank you to the person who brought high waisted pants back in style. Anyway, this versatility makes it easy to dress paperbag jeans for daytime or evening wear. Last night I wore ’em with a rainbow sweater for a casual meeting. Add some sequins to the mix and just like that I am ready for date night, or maybe jut some cacio e pepe! Tune in to IG to see where I am headed in this exact outfit.

About the Fit

Cropped jeans > full length jeans. Of course they hit me right at the ankle, but I am ok with that! It will save me a trip to the tailor. Being 100% cotton, I suggest sizing up if you have a curvy figure. I ordered a 0 and a 2 and sent back the size 0. With that being said, they are surprisingly comfortable. I typically stay away from bottoms without stretch because #bootyproblems, but the fit is relaxed enough that the lack of stretch is not an issue. If you are looking for a flattering alternative to your high waist skinny jeans, this is it. Happy shopping!

Shop the Post:

Top | Paperbag Jeans | Sandals c/o | Earrings c/o

The post Paperbag Jeans and Sequin Top appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

Shoot During the “Golden Hour”

Lighting plays a HUGE role in fashion photography. The lens of the camera is sensitive to sunlight the way our eyeballs are sensitive to it. The only difference is, our eyes automatically adjust to the elements. Rather than struggling with ISO, saturation, shadows, and light reflector screens, shoot with your amateur photographer during the “Golden Hour.” During this hour before sunset, the sun is higher in the sky and the light is juuuuust right for photos. Download the Rizon app and track the Golden Hour from anywhere in the world in the palm of your hand.

Shoot in Auto Focus

If you shoot with a DSLR camera, then you’re probably shooting in manual mode. When you shoot in manual mode, you have the ability to adjust how much light enters the lens (ISO), how fast the lens closes (shutter speed), and how much you want to be in focus (aperture or f/stop). I am definitely not an expert, but after three years of blogging I am finally comfortable with the different settings on the camera. Avoid blurry photos and set your camera to auto-focus (not automatic mode) when your Instagram friend is behind the camera. I shoot in manual mode with a Nikon D610. Not only do I set it to auto-focus, but I turn on the focus indicator beep. My mom wears reading glasses – it’s difficult for her to see the “focus squares” through the viewfinder. Instead of relying on those, she pushes the shutter halfway down and waits for the beep. The beep is her cue to push the shutter all the way down and snap the pic! Voila!

More Tips and Tricks

It’s hard to play stage manager, camera setter-upper, and fashion model at the same time. Reduce stress and practice your poses ahead of time! Take mirror selfies or jot down a few notes so that you remember what looked good and more importantly what didn’t. Finally, if you’re still struggling with blurry photos, consider shooting on a tripod to avoid “camera shake.” Tripods are inexpensive, collapsable, lightweight, and may just solve your photography blues.

Shop the Post:

Top | Shorts | Sandals (sale alert!) | Earrings

Thanks to my Instagram Mom for taking these photos.

The post Photography Tips for your Instagram Person appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.

I have thing for wide leg pants aka operation make myself appear as tall as possible! Luckily these beauts from River Island do just that and so much more. The color is delicious. No really though, it reminds me of a milk chocolate fountain. I am wearing a size 2 and surprisingly they do not need a hem job. For your reference, I am 5 feet and wearing four inch heels – my norm. I chose this one-shoulder sequin top because I like pairing unexpected textures together. It is just the right length. There is no excess bulk when tucked into the pants. In all seriousness, how did we dress for so many years without bodysuits?!

Ok, I’ll admit it. I am allergic to being casual. I do not know what jeans and a top looks like. But, I wanted my Thanksgiving outfit to be versatile and appealing to all tastes. That is where this darling pink sweater comes in. Ta-da! Just like that this outfit is way less glam and way more cas. Well, casual in my book! If you are not short like me, you could style this look with a comfortable ankle boot and you’d still be the best dressed at the feast. Speaking of, whether you are hosting or attending, consider bringing a harvest bowl floral arrangement to the table!

DIY Harvest Bowl Floral Arrangement

A floral arrangement makes a thoughtful hostess gift or a stunning center piece. And believe it or not, they are very simple to make. This is coming from a girl with a black thumb. No really, throw some clothes at me and I can coordinate an outfit in no time. But flowers…they make me sweat! Hah! Moral of the story, if I can do it, you can too and here is what you’ll need:

Materials:

• 1 round dish
• 2 chopsticks
• 1/3 block oasis
• 1 mini corn
• 1 small round pumpkin
• 2 mini pumpkins -white and orange
• 1 gourd
• 1 handful of straw or nesting material

Flowers:

• 2 Stem Mum
• 2 Alstroemeria (orange)
• 3 Roses (peach)
• 2 Juniper
• 2 Rosemary

Instructions: 

Begin by covering bottom of dish with hay. Place oasis on top. Using wire cutters or gardening shears, cut chopsticks in half. Poke hole in pumpkins and gourd (a screwdriver works great) and stick with chopstick. Place pumpkins and gourd in all four corners of oasis – leaving gaps for flowers. Fill in delicately with foliage reserving heavier greenery for base, rosemary for top, and varying textures throughout. Tip: keep design low. You do not want your guests to remove the arrangement from the table because it is obstructing the view! Shoutout to J. Miller Flowers for teaching me their way!

Shop My Thanksgiving Outfit:

Sequin Top | Sweater | Pants | Bracelet c/o | Flowers c/o J. Miller Flowers

Photos by Jonathan, aka my Instagram Husband.

The post Thanksgiving Outfit + DIY Harvest Bowl Floral Arrangement appeared first on Kelsey Kaplan Fashion.