Picture Perfect Challenge - Winter 2013 - Day 5 - YouLookFab Forum

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Picture Perfect Challenge - Winter 2013 - Day 5

bella

(website)

Veteran

Sorry for not starting this thread earlier. I barely had time to scratch my head.
Today is the final day of the challenge: Bruce Springsteen, Born in the USA

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40 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, I can't believe I'm first! Not even born in the USA, either.

Nothin' fancy here. Munro cranberry booties (with Smartwool red cable socks underneath...and these items really are born in the USA); BR slouchy distressed skinnies and GAP mesh sleeved sweater (quintessential American stores). Snake and leather belt born in Italy, silk scarf born in China, worn bandana style.

And I tried mussing the hair today. Maybe more in the spirit of Born to Run, but hey. A girl's gotta take her inspiration where she finds it.

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lyn67

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I am sure this will be easy peasy for most of you, esp those (not only) born in the USA!:-) Am I right, Suz? YLF in your perfect born to run outfit!

But dressing jeans for my office is trully challenging for me as I don't own per moment a dark wash, so I went with an ink(navy) jean skirt instead, check! Problems arrised only after.

Can you believe I don't own one single white tee/sweatter or top in my wardrobe? So, mine is grey, and has some sparkle, but still is of a "cool casual chic", see(nr. 2).

I needed a toper on this, but a cardi or blazer was out of question for the extra casual/rocker vibe. I scartched my head a lot till found this denim shirt, so it's denim on denim, ladies-for another pat on my back(as haven't done this but exclusively with white jeans in summer).

I also wear my DD's rocker glove on my right hand, yes is there holding the camera with:-). I made a close up for you(nr. 3), just to see I don't lie, and also have white mother of pearl buttons on my denim shirt, donning them for all those whites in the pictie. I'm not bad at marketing, see?:-))

I also wanted to do some stripes, end even if not obvious you can find them on my legs!

As for the red handkertchief in his pocket! OH, MY. I couldn't find a piece of red cloth in my household, for the life of me! But I have red leather gloves...so you can guess what happened. (see in nr. 4).

As for the pictie nr. 5 consider yourself warned, it's for adults only!:-)

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ManidipaM

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This was my easiest outfit this challenge. Oddly, felt least like me. I craved textures, patterns, or other details I did not have handy. At least a belt. My favourite studded brown won't fit the low waist on these jeans.

But blue jeans were a no-brainer. And a white t-shirt. And these Cons with the twin tongues I didn't have time to realign. But I think I actually prefer them just peeking like this. Red... well, this windcheater must do for a very casual day's kicking around.

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Suz

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Lyn, you are so cheeky!! Super cute and wow do you shine in the blues. Mani -- love the shoes! And I totally hear you - this is too minimal for your style and maybe too boyish, too?

Neel

Veteran

Suz your second pic is just stunning!

Lol @ Lyn's red prop

Mani perfect look! Love your cons!

ManidipaM

Veteran

And you, Suz, look like you feel far more comfy today! Stunning look actually.

Lyn, that rocks. Love your cheek! :o)

I actually feel awkward with the windcheater; rest is fine. The gear-ish parachute-y texture plus the genericness of the shape, plus red and I having an uneasy relationship. If it were warmer, I would've had a paisley silk scarf bandana fashion too! But I was forced to exchange it for the jacket. Too chilly today. I don't have a white longsleeve, which is a part of the problem.

Sara L.

Veteran

This one was easier for me than yesterday (although I had to bail on that outfit due to weather issues). I only have one pair of jeans that fit right now and they are dark wash so that's what I went with. I also don't like how any of my white sweaters/long sleeve tees look on me right now (combo of my boobs being much larger than I'm used to and a leftover baby tummy) so went with this grey sweater instead. The red comes from the plaid scarf. It's a super soft flannel that's perfect for an unusually cold morning here.

I like how everyone's outfits are already so different, even though I thought this album might end up with the most homogeneous group of outfits.

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carter

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I was so looking forward to this one. This was a frequent look for me when I lived in Texas...makes me miss going to the rodeo! Sadly, I won't get to wear it out today because it just won't work for the appointments I have.

Everyone's looking awesome today!

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Joy

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This is rather simple and pretty literal. I'm headed out for a long day of handing out toys, dashing through narrow aisles of stacked stuff to find the perfect thing.
I/2. Old Gap tee layer up underneath (it's cold here), Hudson jeans, Target studded belt, old Munro booties, and a glimpse of what DH doesn't know yet that he got me for Christmas...tomato Kate Spade bag. Actually I won't be taking a bag today except for a canvas tote.
3. I'll be adding this old puffer vest for warmth.
Please let me know if the KS bag is not a 10 for me. The tags are still on it. Does it overpower me? I got the small size.
I'll have to come back later to comment on everyone's great outfits.

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amiable

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This challenge seemed like it should be easy, but I actually find it a bit more difficult, since the inspiration is so literal - there's a PERSON, wearing an OUTFIT on the cover. It's so concrete - I think I'm better with more abstract inspiration.

So, obviously, I thought - Oh, I'll just wear jeans and a tee with an interesting belt. But it seemed too.... well, chilly, for one. I need lots more than one layer in this kind of weather.

Angie came to the rescue with today's blog post. So I used jeans and a tee as a base layer, and piled on the outer layers. It's a bit too much visible layering for me, but I'll go with it for the day

The red scarf is specifically for this challenge, btw.

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Jenava

(website)

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amiable, I really like your layers!
I don't have a photo yet, but I am wearing jeans and a white tee with layers, too (long sweater and a studded belt).

Diana

Veteran

Like many of you, I've interpreted this album cover quite literally, with a white tee, faded jeans, and tough belt. My jeans are 100% cotton, faded blue, which seems very American to me (although sadly I'm pretty sure Gap does not actually make its jeans in the USA). Since my belt does not have the hardware that Bruce's belt has, I added my big silver and crystal necklace. Perhaps surprisingly, I do not have a red scarf, so I brought in the red with my cherry Docs (and my red knit hat as a prop!).

I think the tee version is more true to the inspiration, but since I am also interested in not freezing to death, I popped my cream cashmere sweater on top.

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bella

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Today, my husband was available to take a picture with his phone, so for once I have a nice picture.
Mine is very literal as well, but nothing beats jeans and a white button top in my book.

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Firecracker (Sharan)

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Just scrolled through the photos and I really like the outfits!
I've gotta post and get to work. Will be back much, much later tonight to read and comment!
Thanks again, Bella, for this fun challenge!

When I told my husband this is my Born in the USA outfit, he said, "oh, is that shirt like fireworks?" He got it right away!
What I'm wearing: Black knit harem pants (Eileen Fisher); black, red and gray print tee (made by me); red and black tweedy stripe cardigan (made by me), black booties (Munro Grace), grayish big belt with black buckle (Antrhopologie), earrings with gray and white lines and little red star-shapes; piano-wire bracelet.

Everything I'm wearing--with the exception of belt, which I'm not sure about--is born (made) in the USA! (I'm unsure of the fabrics, though--they are probably from outside the USA.)

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Anonymous

I've been waiting for this one! RED, WHITE and BLUE JEANs and BUTTS!

Now this will officially be known as my "Bruce Springer-steen" Tee.

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peacechick

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Great looks everyone! Lyn, I love those rocker gloves, you have the total package. Firecracker, I am wowed by how you are interpreting it by choosing "made in USA" garments only. My take is wearing a white Gap shirt dress with a thrifted denim jacket. Sparkle comes from the BR ballet flats and my Austrian crystal brooch, and my crossbody completes the red, blue and white outfit.

Bella, a big thank you for running this challenge. I had lots of fun!

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Astrid

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I took my picture this morning, but Bella hadn't started the thread yet and I had to leave for work, so I'm only posting it now. The reason why I'm looking a bit unenthusiastic is because I didn't look forward to braving the elements (namely 'Xaver'). I went for comfort again, so I kept the outfit as simple as possible and layered up with a scarf, hat, gloves and my down coat for the day.

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Karie

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I am home sick today with a sinus infection, so I forced myself out of my sickbed and dressed up my sewing body double! Not sure which version I would have worn, and since my footwear includes the ever-gorgeous Frankenboot, this outfit would have included either nude or gray footless hose.

I was really looking forward to today's challenge because I knew I wasn't going to do red, white, and blue. Bruce hails from my home state of NJ and to me he's as American as apple pie. My outfit would have been my Gap apple shirt and JCP seamed pencil skirt. The color of the apples is an exact match (a purpley-blue-more-vibrant-than-periwinkle color) with the color of the skirt.

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Karie

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Tracina, I love it! That shirt! I want one!

Firecracker, your outfit is gorgeous.

Amiable, love the leather jacket.

Joy, that bag isn't a 10, it's 110! Fab, fab, fab.

Everyone else, you all look fantastic! I'd comment more, but I'm home sick today and it's Tylenol Time.

Bella, I wear sweaters like that often, and you look wonderful in yours. Thank you for running this challenge.

Jewell

Veteran

I was especially excited about today's album cover. I wanted to see if I could manage to wear red and blue together without looking like I was headed to a 4th of July picnic. I generally avoid this combination of colors because it reads so patriotic. I think I pulled it off... and I'm even wearing stars and stripes! I don't really wear baseball caps (they look goofy on my small head), but I couldn't resist posing with one. Blue jeans and baseball- I can't think of anything more often associated with American culture. You'll have to imagine that the sneakers are classic white Cons (another American classic, which would have been the icing on the cake). But since the pair I ordered haven't arrived yet, my white Keds are filling in today. The first pic is denim on denim, and the third is a close-up of the scarf I happened upon while at the mall shopping for a slip yesterday. It was a bonus buy, and with my coupon I nabbed it for five bucks. I think it will be a great accessory when putting together casual looks for patriotic holidays and regular days, too.

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MsMary

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These are all fantastic! Tracina, you crack me up!!

I planned all my outfits for the week last weekend and was really happy with my work-appropriate Born in the USA outfit. Then I realized I have the day off today so I am able to wear jeans after all! But I liked the work outfit so much I couldn't resist putting it on and sharing it with you all. I think I'll wear it to work on Tuesday (I have Monday off, too!).

I ended up really happy with the jeans outfit, too. I had planned to wear a red scarf, but hit on the statement necklace as my homage to The Boss's fab fancy belt. For some reason that really tickled me!

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Suz

(website)

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These are super outfits! Mary, I think I love #2 even more than #1.

Jewell, you did a brilliant job staying true to the idea without being overly patriotic.

Karie, LOVE yours - and hope you feel better soon.

Astrid -- it looks cold where you are but you look cozy.

Peacechick - great bag, and it's been so fun to have you along for this.

Tracina, you crack me up! But you also look fantastic.

Firecracker -- cool interpretation. The top is gorgeous.

Bella, you look sensational in red -- no two ways about it. And thank you so much, again, for hosting this challenge.

Diana, you look beautiful in both the white and the cream. Waving to my cream top - cranberry boots twin.

Amy - how cool are you? You managed Angie's blog formula?!? The outfit is great.

Joy, you make "born in the USA" look positively ladylike luxe.

Carter, you look so long and lean in those jeans!

Sara, I am waving to kitty in the background -- he brings in the white.

Diana

Veteran

Ha, Suz, I just realized that we are wearing the exact same Smartwool red cable socks too!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Love everyone's looks, especially Mary's two! I just checked my photos from this morning, and they turned out horrible, so I will save you all from them. My interpretation was pretty literal too - a white and navy breton stripe tee, a red cardigan, and made-in-the-usa jeans with sneakers.

MsMary

Veteran

Coming back to say Joy, I LOVE that bag! I think it's perfect for you!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ha! Diana - so funny!

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

I've had a long day and have spent 5 hours in the car, so I may sound quite erratic. Still, here we go.

I was looking forward to today's inspiration cover. I have many fond memories of this album, my cousin's crash on The Boss back in the mid 1980s, my own discovering of Levi's 501! What I didn't expect was getting very emotional along the way.

I have decided to actually focus on "Born in…", but as I was trying to figure out how to translate that to the outfit I was overwhelmed by the question of identity. I'm born in one country, but hold the citizenships of two others. I grew up in one surrounding, but actually became truly myself in completely different environments - and all are a huge part of who I am today, although I can't technically be from all of them. The older I am, the more I realise I can't give a simple answer to where I'm from, unless to read what's on my passports, which is not even half the answer. Not because I live in the fifth country since setting off to the world on my own, but because of the experiences of real, deep connections with the people I have met along the way, whether they were born in Uganda or Italy, Russia or Spain, India or South Africa all had one moment in common "How can we think so alike, yet come from such different worlds?"

Are our worlds really that different?

It's a lot of thinking behind creating an outfit, I am aware of it. But, that's what inspiration is about, isn't it? Becoming aware of something, capturing it and hopefully creating something new or being somehow better for it. Today's image had focused me on "Born in…" and this had led to selecting one motif which in a symbolic way represents all my places of living.

Which brings me to - About the outfit: I knew I had to use my necklace with the stars and the blue scarf and my yellow bag. What I didn't know was that there are exactly 12 stars on my necklace, same as on the flag of the European Union. I couldn't find the way of wearing easily both the necklace and the scarf... until I made the bag charm out of the necklace. Go figure! That IS one thing I'd have never thought of without today's inspiration.

…

Epilogue: My husband was choosing the music to play in the car this evening. He has no idea about this challenge, nor why I wore what I wore today, nor why I was so moved by the song which came up and which I've known for at least 20 years, but never before had I paid attention to the verse which says something along the lines "Your flag is the one from every place where someone's is happy to welcome you…".

...

Thank you bella for yet another great Picture Perfect Challenge. Each and every one leaves me with the unexpected findings, insights and beautiful memories.

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Suz

(website)

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Wow, Ornella -- not only do you look spectacular but your story is such a moving one. Thank you for sharing with us. You inspire us all.

peacechick

Veteran

Ornella, as someone who's lived in three countries and wondered about the definition of home, I found your post so moving. For me, home (and country) is where the people you love are. It's particularly thoughtful today thinking about Nelson Mandela and patriots like him and Aung San Su Kyi who sacrificed so much for their nation and their people. Mandela's kids grew up without their father. And as a new mother, I can only imagine what it took for Aung San Su Kyi to be separated from her kids, only to be able to take the occasional phone call, and yet standing firm and refusing the offer of exile from the Burmese junta.

Another reason why this challenge has been awesome.

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