Work in Progress // OOTD + a Ralph Lauren Giveaway (Closed)

Don't you love it when an outfit makes you feel confident, powerful, & beautiful? It's brilliant that a mixture of fabrics can alter your mood in such a positive way. That's how this look makes me feel. Like a badass. Like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to, crushing the competition. I'm sure there's some type of psychology behind the phenomenon.

I recently purchased a plethora of items online from Rue 21 & Urban Outfitters & literally couldn't wait to wear them. Seriously. Once I received my Rue 21 package, I basically got dolled up to go buy groceries because I was so psyched. "Oh yes I will buy these veggie chips," I said as I clomped around in my 3 inch boots. However, it's difficult purchasing items online because you never know if they're going fit or not. Some looked utterly fabulous whilst others made me look like Thanksgiving dinner. Stuffed. But what are you gonna do?

Anyhoo, I took a little trip to North Park with my boyfriend. North Park is a cool, trendy neighborhood in San Diego. They have a lot of funky places over there -- from gourmet ice cream to a music venue that functions as a church on Sundays. I had some brewery reviews to do so we made a day out of it. After getting a flight of tasters we stopped by to grab a bite to eat & found this gated area. Turned out it was the perfect location to snap some outfit photos. 

That's where the problem lies. I still get incredibly anxious while taking outfit photos in public. Like a bitter, frigid, icy winter, I freeze up. I'm no model. Anytime someone passes by I get really self-conscious, making my photos look extraordinarily awkward. The look of discomfort can be read so easily on my face. I think I need to create some sort of persona & just roll with it, pretending to be that confident, powerful, & beautiful person the outfit makes me feel like I am. But it's a work in progress.

I received these Ralph Lauren sunglasses from the Sunglasses Shop* to style however I wanted. I love the tortoise shell design & maybe you will too because they were kind enough to do a giveaway for my readers! Are you excited? I know I am. Now we can wear matching sunglasses. Oh yeah! 

Enter the giveaway:

What you'll win:

 A pair of Ralph Lauren sunglasses! Over $100 in value! You get to choose from this list.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
RULES: 

1. Please enter by choosing one, any or all of the options above. 

2. This giveaway is open worldwide!

3. No giveaway accounts!

4. This Ralph sunglasses giveaway closes 12 a.m. Monday November 9, 2015.

Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren* // Button Down: H&M (similar) // Top: Rue 21 (similar) // Shorts: LL Cool J (similar) // Boots: G by Guess (similar)

Perhaps with these fierce boots & righteous sunglasses I can feel as powerful as I wish to be. It's all in my head & it's time to change how I take photos. I've watched enough America's Next Top Model by now to get the gist of modeling. Thanks Tyra! If anything, at least I know how to smile with my eyes.

Do you get self-conscious when taking outfit photos? Have you ever watched America's Next Top Model? What do you think of this outfit? :]

* Disclaimer: The sunglasses were received complimentary from Sunglasses Shop in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% mine aka Carmen's. :]