think pink

So, something kind of amazing happened when I took these photos.

In one last burst of Houston humidity, the air outside was literally wet. I'm used to this by now: I feel my hair starting to frizz, my skin starting to "glow" -- it's a familiar drill.

But this time, my camera lens got in on the action. And when I took a look at one of the photos, I found that they all looked like this:

Do you know what those remind me of?

Glamour Shots.

Kind of amazing, right?

Truthfully, my logical mind knows that Glamour Shots were totally absurd and ridiculous, but can I confess something?

I know I shouldn't admit this...

But as a kid...

I wanted them.

Oh my gosh, I wanted them so badly.

And I know Glamour Shot were more than just the super-blur filter (there were also the props! and poses! and perms!) -- but to me, that super-blurry filter was just the epitome of cool.

(Or something like that. Man, though. I wish I'd gotten some as a kid, just to look back on them now and laugh myself to tears.)

So these photos are my consolation prize. Frizzy hair, check. Blurry filter, check.

The outfit, on the other hand. Very current, very subdued, very chic (if I do say so myself).

And -- best of all -- it's full of pieces that look expensive but aren't. The dress is from Macy's and under $100. Brahmin bags are decidedly affordable and insanely beautiful -- I get compliments every time I wear one. The necklace? Forever 21. Boom.

And the bracelet, I have to say a special word about -- it's from a website called Soko, that connects women artisans in sub-Saharan Africa with a global market for their beautiful creations, using principles of fair trade and sustainable design. This bracelet was made in partnership with an organization called Sasa Designs by the Deaf, and each bracelet is made by a deaf woman in Kenya (you can read more about it on their blog here).

Projects like this are a great reminder that fashion and technology can change people's lives and offer opportunities to support communities that we couldn't otherwise reach. It's a beautiful piece and I love how it looks -- but more than that, it's a reminder to be grateful, to give back when you can, and to think about the small ways that you can make a difference for others.

Macy's dress, Brahmin Cecelia Shoulder bag, Soko bracelet, Forever 21 necklace, SHOEMINT heels.

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