Boudoir Photoshoot

Let's give this a try again...

As some of you have seen and asked about, I posted some boudoir photos of myself on my latest Sunday Funday post, but subsequently took them down.  This is something that I had been considering for a while and finally took the plunge to do last week.  I always felt that I needed to work on this part or that part of my body, and I'd wait till I was "ready" to do it.  I secretly admired the women that could put themselves out there, looking so beautiful and confident while retaining their sexiness and sensuality.  Let's be honest, it was something that I NEVER thought I would do just a short couple years ago.  I'm sure you've all seen my "before" picture, on the Weight Loss Journey section of the blog up top.  If not, here is my "before" picture:

And that wasn't even that long ago.  I was actually just thinking the other day that it's been a while since I've had the feeling like I'm spilling over the top of my jeans.  I used to feel that way all the time.. I never felt like I looked good in anything I wore, and I was constantly trying to cover up my flaws with different clothing items.  When I would start dating a new guy, I'd cringe when being touched, fearing that he would get grossed out if he felt my "fat".  Even in an intimate situation, I couldn't help but wonder if a certain position I was in made me look fatter than usual.  It was really exhausting, and definitely a very negative and unhealthy mental state to be in.  

Working out really changed my life.  I have seen dramatic changes in my body ever since I started committing to working out and eating healthy, especially since I've been on a weight training program.  I've gained a lot more confidence since reshaping my body, but the thing that makes me feel the most confident is actually the feeling of being strong.  I don't even know how to describe it.  I feel more of a sureness within myself.  It's like a feeling of no matter what is thrown my way... I've got it.  I think some of my self-confidence also comes with simply being older.  I used to worry a lot about what random people thought, but now I give less and less crap.  

So, maybe that helps you understand where I came from and why it was such a big step for me to be in a boudoir photoshoot.  A couple weeks ago, I was once again looking at different boudoir photography when I realized that if I'm waiting for my body to be "perfect" before doing so, it will probably never happen.  We are all so critical with ourselves, and I am definitely not one to ever think I'm god's gift to the world.  So, instead of more waiting and wishing, I called up the photographer whose style I liked the best, and scheduled a session a couple days later.

I was pretty nervous leading up to it, not gonna lie.  I didn't even have "outfits" planned that well so I just bought some stuff from Victoria's Secret and brought an entire duffel bag with me to the studio.  I thought I'd be too shy to let my inner porn star out, and would probably just end up looking awkward.  But I was lucky to have found a great photographer who is not only extremely talented but very personable and encouraging.  He helped me pick out different looks, gave me just the right amount of directions to go on, but allowed me to take it where it felt natural and good to me.  As the shoot went on, he showed me some pictures right on his camera, and I was so surprised at the rawness of some of the photos!  I'd probably never seen that side of me myself.  At one point, I was feeling great and having fun, and he said to me: "let's just take as many pictures as you want, and I'll only charge you for the amount we agreed on."  So, it ended up being over 3 hours long, but felt like a breeze!  

I also didn't plan to be nude or anything, but I ended up being topless in some of the photos.  Though they were all somewhat concealed, so you'd see a little peekaboo from the side or my arm was covering my chest.  I thought his style was very fashionable and classy, so I didn't worry that they might be done in bad taste.  The most amazing thing is that he takes his photos exactly like they are shown here, so there is no touch-up work whatsoever.  I got back all the photos we took, which is almost 200!  I like a lot of them, but obviously cannot post them all here.  So this is a small sample that represents each look we did.  

It started out dressed, this was like the second picture we took:

Then we did the whole undressing sequence which I didn't realize till after I got the photos back that I still had such a prominent tan line from the summer:

A couple from the topless series we did:

Men's wear:

These are the most classic boudoir looks:

I really like the effect he used while taking these photos, and I am glad I don't have to pay for touch up work lol.  I am not going to say that this experience made me feel super empowered as a female, but it definitely made me feel sexy.  I know that this is not something that everyone is into, and some women might even be against it.  But my purpose for taking them as well as posting them here is not to further objectify the female gender.  It is more to project how one can look and feel confident even in a vulnerable state.  I am not one to ever talk feminism with you, so this is first and probably last:  To me, a strong woman is not one who is competitive with other women or one who blatantly flaunts her stuff in front of men.  But someone who exudes a level-headed confidence, who is classy and timeless, who has a calming presence and an inner beauty that somehow shines for the world to see.  I wanted to show my progress from a shy and chubby little girl to a 30 year old woman who happens to be in the best shape of her life.  And I wanted to show all of this to myself most of all, and to say: Yes, I am proud of my body.  I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far, and I will continue setting goals for myself and achieving them.

Thank you so much for reading!

Photos by:  Arlen J Photography

Hair & Makeup:  Yours Truly  :)

Earrings:  Swarovski Erin Crystal Drop Earrings

Clothing:  

     Dress:  Express Mesh Sleeve Sweater Dress

     Tank:  Splits59 Ashby Ribbed Tank

     Bra & Underwear:  Victoria's Secret

     Shorts:  Abercrombie Kirstie

     Shirt & Tie:  Hugo Boss & Calvin Klein

Lululemon Los Angeles Warehouse Sale Report!

I've had a looooong day!  I went to the Lululemon Los Angeles Warehouse sale this morning.  Since it was the first warehouse sale they've had in LA, I didn't know what to expect and did not know how many people were going to show up.  They opened the door at 8 am at the Convention Center, which happens to be right next to my work.  I took the day off though, but I got up at the usual time and parked at the work parking lot then walked over to the sale.  I probably got there around 7:45.  The line was already almost out the door!  I was with a friend, and we were still hopeful that it wouldn't take that long.  We had read that they were letting in 600 people inside at a time, so we figured that we'd be at least inside during the second wave.  But boy were we wrong!  It moved a lot at first when the door opened at 8 because all the people in front were let in.  Then it became super super slow!  After an hour into waiting, we figured it was probably another 30 min or hour.  It was hard to tell because the line wrapped around the building so you couldn't really see how long it was.  But we came to a complete stop almost.  So 2 hours in, we really wanted to turn around and go home.  But what are you going to do when you've already been standing in line for 2 hours???  That's right, wait longer!

This picture doesn't even capture a quarter of the line

Umm... why did someone think it was a good idea to bring their little dog to get trampled?

So then 3 hours went by... then 4...

Right outside the door!  Where they were letting in like 2 people at a time...

and alas, we were inside.

My iphone died at this point because of all the facebook and text messages I've been sending while in line for 4 hours

I was so tired from waiting!  My friend's friend went early and was done so she got us some food at least so we didn't die of hunger.  I also was able to get a bottle of water from the vending machine and filled it up once from the water fountain.  So that kept me alive.  But I'm serious, if I had thought waiting for 4 hours was a remote possibility, I would have got my ass up at an hour earlier to wait.  Or just not go at all.

Here is the price list:

So as you can see, not all deals were good.  I think the dresses, bras, shorts, skirts and jacket prices were good.  The accessories prices were good too.  But they didn't have any dresses, bras, and barely any shorts and skirts lol.  They continued to bring merchandise in, but you can tell it was just the same crap over and over again.  Most of the stuff I've seen on mark down online or in store before.  I think if you had gone earlier, you could have gotten some better things, but by the time I got there, a lot of things were gone.

I really wanted some shorts or skirts, but did not see a single pair of Speed shorts.  I also wanted socks but they only had men's socks.  I wanted some tanks, cool racerbacks, whatever, they didn't have any.  Most tanks they had were like the Track Attack tanks or others that have been on markdown.  I wanted some crops like wunder unders or luxtreme crops but they only had colors I didn't want.  A lot of pizzazz, love red, and some kind of blue.  They also had quite a few pairs of pinkalicious In the Flow crops.  They had a shit load of these white Power Flow crops that were marked down to $9.  I tried them on when they first came out in the store, and remember them being a pretty bad fit so I wasn't even tempted at $9.  Luminous tanks were $9 as well and they had tons of pink and blue colors but I didn't want any either.

So, what did I get?  lol... just one bag!  Walked out in under $200.  They were using left over bags from Seawheeze.  I asked for a small one as well.

Coastal Om & Sand Savasana swim wear, St Moritz Jacket, Glacier Vest, Full Stride Skirt, Runder Under LS and Shady Lady Run Visor

Foxy Lulu Thongs - 4 pairs

Right when I was about to go inside, they announced that swim wear was marked down to $9 a piece.  I thought that was a great deal because I actually really liked the swim wear when they first came out.  I didn't buy them because I just didn't feel like spending full price on them.  But for $9 a piece, I had to get more than 1 pair!

Coastal Om triangle bikini top and Sand Savasana bottom:

Here's the opposite combo in a different color:  Sand Savasana top and Coastal Om bottom.  I think these can be all mixed and matched which is awesome.

The top in the top picture is a size 6, everything else is a 4.  I didn't try anything on because I didn't want to be bothered at the sale, I got it in size 6 because the size 4 looked small.  I really like these!  I think these were by far the best deals.

Although the Shady Lady Run Visor is only $4 and will be perfect for tennis:

The Full Stride Skirt was $24 so it wasn't a bad deal, but I think it is a little loose on me in the back and side.  The back is longer than front and it is longer than other Lulu running skirts in regular length.  It's not too bad, but it's whatever in my opinion.  This is a size 4R as well.  I do like the very wide waistband.  It's a comfy fit for sure.  I can wear it for tennis too.

The Runder Under LS was $39 and I like it a lot as well.  It's so so comfy, and it reminds me a lot of my Turn Around LS.  I love the solid black down the arms and back though.  Also got size 4.

It's reversible too!  I like the reverse side a lot as well:

Logo is on top on this side vs lower right on the other side

Funny, I was just thinking I wanted a dark colored long sleeve shirt, and here it was!  This one I found in a bin I wasn't supposed to look in.  It was right outside of fitting rooms and someone had chucked it on the bottom of a box, obviously passed on it.  I grabbed it but right after that, some workers told me I wasn't supposed to be in that area.  

I don't know why I'd need this, but I thought the Glacier Vest in burning yellow was pretty cute.  Although I was torn between size 4 and 6.  There were no mirrors anywhere there so my friend was my mirror.  She said 4 was good but I kind of think 6 might have been better because it feels tight in the chest.  But since I live in such a warm climate, I won't layer anything under this.  I don't even know when/why I would ever wear it.  Maybe if I go on vacation to a cold place!  It was $39, but it retailed for like $150 so I think this was a great deal too.  I never pay attention to these heavy winter stuff because I don't need them, especially at their high retail prices.  But this price is definitely way more acceptable.  It's suuuuper soft and cozy inside.  Very very comfy.  I also liked the white one that I saw some people carrying in their hands but I couldn't find any on racks.

This is the softest thing

So the inner piece can be completely zipper off, which is this piece you see down in the pic below, which is attached to the hood.  I love that you can go with or without hood!

The outside has another zipper and magnetic flap closure:

So the thing that I am kind of regretting getting is the St Moritz jacket.  I have no need whatsoever for this.  But I also found this in (a different) bin outside of the fitting rooms, and it was the only St Moritz jacket left inside!  Another girl was eyeing it but she was a second too late grabbing it lol.  This was vicious I tell ya!  So she told me: if you don't want that, please give it to me.  Of course I said: I do want it.  But now that I'm home, I really think I don't need it at all!  Not to mention it is a size 2 and I think it's too tight and too short on me!  My friend told me it was ok and "super cute".  Ugh.  I wish I had a damn mirror.  This jacket was the most expensive item I got, at $49.

 

This jacket is also suuuuper soft inside.  It's fleece and divine.  I loved the feel as soon as I put it on.  Too bad!!!

Did you go to the sale today?  Did you see me??  This is what I was wearing!

If you did not go today and want to go tomorrow, my tip is to not wait in line for 4 hours lol.  If you live close enough and have a couple hours to kill then why not check it out.  It was an experience but the things inside were not worth the wait, especially if you have been following the brand the past couple years.  I don't think I got anything that I really needed.  The swim wear is really cute and great deal, but how often am I really going to wear them?  I might get the most use out of the visor and Runder Under LS.  Oh and I could always use some underwear I guess.  But if you don't have a lot of Lululemon items, it might be good to go to and get some stuff for cheap.  Just keep in mind these are things that were not as popular and have been marked down when they were in stores.

They didn't give out any shopping bags inside, and they don't allow big purses.  I'm really glad I went with my cross shoulder bag so I didn't have to worry about carrying a purse.  They had these canvas gym bags for sale, I didn't buy one, but I did grab one to use as a shopping tote and just left it at the cashier.  That worked out really well.  I padded myself in the back for that.  :)

So I got there at around 7:45 and left at about 1:15.  I was inside for maybe an hour total.  The girl at check out was supposed to cut off all my tags but she was really weird and possibly on something so she forgot to do that for half of my stuff.  She also gave me a 10% additional discount which my friend did not get with a different cashier.  Of course I'm not complaining about that part!  I also didn't remind her to cut off my tags.  I actually tried to get the other tags but she didn't budge on that one.

I might consider going back tomorrow or Sunday to see if they have last minute deals and if they've added new, more exciting stuff.  I doubt it, so I will leave immediately if the line is more than 30 minutes long.  I'm done waiting in line for a long time after today.  But I think they might have more heavy discounts later on so I'm a little tempted to go check it out.  Now I'm so tired!  I actually went to the gym after standing around for 5 hours and did a hard leg workout followed by cardio!  My body is very tired.  It's bed time!

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale Haul!

Victoria's Secret is having their semi-annual sale right now and they were offering free 2-day shipping with $25 purchase!  It's been a while since I shopped there last, so I decided to take a look.  Of course I perused over to the VSX Sport section and decided to give some sports bras a try!  I received my package last night, and I have to say that the two sports bras I got seem to be pretty awesome!

I ordered this Supermodel Cami Sport bra in "sweetest orange" and wore it tonight - I couldn't have been happier with it!  It's their seamless material which is a knit stretchy material that feels like the material they use in Lululemon's Ebb & Flow crops.  The straps are adjustable, and there is a very wide band on the bottom that is super comfy!  I seriously didn't even feel that I was wearing a bra!  It also comes with cup inserts - they are slightly thicker than Lululemon ones, but not as thick as the Lorna Jane ones.  So they won't make you look like you are wearing a push-up bra to the gym!  It's only $15 right now, and it comes in orange, green, navy and pink and white stripe.  I got it in size small and it fits  kind of like Lululemon's size 6.  They are not offered in size XS, but I have many bras in size 6 anyways because I don't like them too tight, so I'm fine with the size small.  Larger busted ladies might be happy to hear that the cup size seems to be more generous than Lulu's.  But it also works fine for my B cup - the band just sits slightly lower.  The color in person is a more vibrant orange than the photo shows below.  It's gorgeous!  My instructor kept commenting on how cute my bra is and even asked me in front of everyone in the class where it was from!

The style of this bra is kind of like Lululemon's Flow Y bra, but it has higher coverage on the front, and slightly different back.  But it doesn't dig in at all and fits way more comfortable than the Flow Y!

Here's the back - they didn't have the back shot of this bra in orange so this is a different color.  I like it a lot actually, but they seem to have been sold out already.  Mine is all solid orange.  This back fits perfectly under my cool racerback!  No straps showing at all.

The other bra I got actually goes by real bra size!!  I love that.  It is the Victoria's Secret Angel Sport Bra.  The color I got is so cool, it is called black/floral blossom mesh.  As the name implies, it is a floral pattern with black mesh overlay.  It looks so cool!  And the fit of this bra is amazing - I ordered my regular bra size.  It looks super flattering on, and gives great support.  Definitely more support than the orange bra above.  The front also sits lower so it is a sexier look.  I think it might be my most supportive sports bra yet!  It has actual structured cups!  And cup inserts.  It's also on sale for only $25. 

Again, they don't have a picture of the back of this bra online, so here it is in a different color, which is actually very cute too!  The back has a 3 clasp closure, like a regular bra.  

I haven't worn this yet, but it really makes your chest look good.  Dang... Victoria's Secret should have started making sports bras years ago!  I love their regular bras, it only makes sense that they should be in the sports bra market as well!  

I also got the No-Show Hip Hugger Sport Panty from VSX Sport line as well, and it feels great on too!  It's laser cut and it fits very nicely in size small.  I got it in color taupe plum, which is basically just a nude color.  They come in a bunch of other colors.

These are 3 for $33, but I didn't want to get 3 pairs without trying one on first.  They also come in thong style.  I will definitely be getting more of them later on!  But for now, I got 2 other pairs of regular underwear to get my discount.  They are super cute too:

Lace-Trim Cheeky Panty in sapphire (awesome color):

And the Dream Angels Lace-Trim V-String Panty in ivory /black.  This looks so cute, it reminds me of a tuxedo.

So it's safe to say that I'm pretty happy with everything at this point.  Then I put on these VS Siren Ankle-Zip leggings in winter green, and I was blown away!  They are sooooo cute!!  I must take a picture later.  They come in 2 lengths too, which is great - 28 inch inseam and 30 inch inseam.  I wanted them to be more like ankle jeans so I opted for the 28 inch inseam.  And they do go down to my ankles - perfect!!  30'' would have been way too long.  The color is a gorgeous mint green, and the fit is seriously amazing.  I think they slim you down instantly.  Though they are not that stretchy so you kind of have to shimmy into them.  I love that you can leave the ankle zippers half way zipped.  I got them in size 2, and it is definitely the correct size.  

They look fantastic with heels.  They are on sale for $40 - I want the other light pink color too but they are out of size 2s!!!

Lastly, I got this cute stretchy Wrap Mini skirt.  It's sooooo comfortable, and it has double layers and cute ruching.  I love it!  Though it does hug your butt and it is short so it may not be that appropriate to wear during the day.  Maybe only to the beach or something.  It can definitely be dressed up for a night out though!  It comes in a bunch of colors too and is now only $19.  I got it in navy and heathered gray stripe which they only show a color swatch off so I will have to take a picture of the actual skirt later on too.  But for now, here is what it looks like!  I got it in size small as well.

I'm so surprised that I like everything I ordered!  I totally thought I would return some of them, because I always end up having to return stuff to Victoria's Secret when I ordered from them before.  But happy to keep all my goodies!  For all these things I got, it only set me back $127!  In the future, I will definitely have to keep an eye on this VSX Sport line too.