Gray + Bright Polka Dots (and how my camera was almost stolen!)

Sweater: Macy's //  Pants: Forever 21 // Flats: Target // Bag: H&M // Watch: Luck Brand // Necklace: J. Crew // Earrings: Francesca's Collections // Sunglasses: & Apparel

SHOP SIMILAR:Well, this is embarrassing. I believe this is my first real work outfit since last spring, when I was running the Work Style Wednesday linkup with Martha of Sun Fun Fashion. I was unable to keep it up because it's pretty much impossible to take blog photos during the week. I'd love to start it again, though. If I'm able to post work outfits more consistently I'll reinstate it. Because I really, really loved doing it! 

Also, this was the scariest self-photography experience I've had thus far. I take many of my blog pictures myself, and while I've had some interesting experiences (like here or here), I've never had a lady try to steal my camera before! There I was, minding my own business in the middle of Coral Gables, just pressing my remote control as I posed and smiled into my tripod-sustained camera. When all of the sudden, a lady who looked like a student (wearing headphones and books) kept walking in my direction. This was in a pretty isolated place-- a private parking lot that was mostly empty. Looking back it was a mistake to set up here. I value privacy when I do this, for obvious reasons, but this was a little too deserted. Anyway, the lady came right into the parking lot and kept nonchalantly getting closer and closer to my tripod. She walked in a straight line, wasting no time. I instinctively started walking to my tripod and grabbed it, just pretending that I was gonna check on the pictures. I imagined all the ways I'd defend myself if she came any closer. And then she walked right past me, literally a foot or two away from me, and turned 180 degrees right next to me. She just did a semi-circle with me in the middle. Remember, this is a completely deserted parking lot of an empty building. There's no one there but me, just two cars way in the back away from me. There's absolutely no reason for her to walk in there, let alone straight in my direction. What astounded me the most was how normal she looked with her little books and earphones and sunglasses, and how nonchalant she was (not a word was uttered, not a glance was given) when she did that 180 right around me. So bizarre. And then she walked into the building across, which other seemingly-normal individuals were also going into. It was just so odd, I was stunned.

For sure I will be taking blog pictures in more public places from now on. I always try to aim for the perfect balance of public and secluded when I take my own pictures, but this day was different for some reason. Thankfully nothing happened to me or my camera. You better believe I ran straight into my car after that, camera still hooked on my tripod and everything!

So yeah, stay safe my fellow independent style bloggers! Always watch out, look around, be suspicious, and be prepared!

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