This photo shoot is an example of trusting your photographer - especially when your photographer (Chris) is so talented. As we were running around on this day, I saw a bright blue wall, and said that's where we should take pictures, because I was wearing such muted colours, plus a small print, so I wanted a solid background to make the pieces pop. But, Chris said no, that there was a much better backdrop down the street. I was reluctant, but I'm so glad I didn't argue because I absolutely love how he incorporated this background into the pictures.
Here's the "Chained Up" part of today's post. I'm just a blogger trying to break free. :)
This dress is very special to me, I picked it up in a market in Jakarta, Indonesia. Much like India and Pakistan, different regions of Indonesia have different patterns and prints that are specific to that area and culture. This pale print isn't at all a typical floral in the conventional sense but it's true to so many beautiful fabrics I saw in Jakarta.

I'm back to work today, after a week long staycation. I'm excited to see my work peeps, and looking forward to a fun week at work (and at play)! Have a wonderful week guys, thanks for stopping by!
Outfit Details:
Dress from market in Jakarta, Indonesia
Denim Blazer from Winners
Payless Boots
Belt from Urban Behaviour
Earrings and Tights were gifts from Sabrina Naqvi
Wooden Bracelet bought at a nature preserve gift shop in northern Ontario
Wow that sun graffiti is absolutely gorgeous! You have so many pictures with beautiful graffiti in them. Do you take all of them in Toronto? I can't believe how many beautiful pieces there are!
ReplyDeleteAnd that dress is great! And so nice that you picked it up in Indonesia. I love wearing things that I bought on a holiday. It gives a vacation feeling.
Hi Sabine, thanks so much for your sweet comment. Yes, all the graffiti shots are here in Toronto. I love my city a lot, and it's abundance of "street art" is a big part of that, so why not celebrate it, right? :)
DeleteExactly! What a great idea. We do not have that much street art in Utrecht (NL) where I live, maybe four beautiful tags, but it is mostly "FC Utrecht kills Ajax".
DeleteThank you so much for your sweet comment!! Of course I follow you back!
ReplyDeleteIf you want we can follow also with bloglovin, google+, twitter and facebook?
Come back soon to visit my blog, I'll be waiting for you!!
Cosa mi metto???
Love these colorful shots, you look so pretty! :) Awesome print on that dress too!
ReplyDeletexo
Jen
http://belledecouture.com
lovely pics!nice the mood here..
ReplyDeletecheck out my
Patchwork à Porter
Very cute look! Werk girly!
ReplyDeleteCute! Love your pictures!
ReplyDeleteWoah Indonesia, that's beautiful. I'm hopefully going to India this November so good to know I can still go shopping crazy there haha. And I agree with Chris, that backdrop was awesome.
ReplyDeleteThat's so great Marlena. If you do go to India, make sure to go shopping at Fab India, they have incredible stuff for your wardrobe and for your home, and they make sure their employees and crafts people are treated well, not exploited. Have fun!
DeleteThanks for your comment!
you look awesome there. india, i always want to visit there. :D
ReplyDeleteCheck it out if you are interesting. I'm giving a giveaway for a design blog, the talented sisters from Truly Your blog, they will be drawing a blog something you want, with props, a draw picture that look likes you. Interesting? Go on and enter and hope to win...
http://www.sachasaucysnippets.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/first-giveaway_29.html
Good Luck
I love your dress, thats so cool that its from Jakarta! :) The pattern is amazing! PLUS, I'm so glad you listened to your photographer, the photos turned out great!
ReplyDeleteChris picked a great spot! The mural is beautiful and goes well with the print of your dress.
ReplyDeleteLove the print of this dress, it is awesome1
ReplyDeleteCreamy
hey Sweety, you looks amazing, you are sooo beautifulll... I follow YOU, i hope you follow me back. Kisses from Germany ;****
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous. Love the red lip on you and that print dress.
ReplyDeleteyou look amazing! love that dress and the wall!!
ReplyDeleteOh this is gorgeous. Love that dress on you! xo
ReplyDeleteLOVELY dress and i like the background.nice pics.
ReplyDeleteplease check out also my blog and what about following each other?
cheers,
xx ketty xx
love that your dress is from indonesia..i'm such a sucker for foreign fabrics :-)
ReplyDeletehttp://nuhasofiyan.blogspot.com
Love the image of you chained to the wall! SO cute.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog, check mine out and follow!
xo
ejc
www.stilettobeats.com
I´ve already followed you:-)
ReplyDeleteIt´s your turn now:-)
thank you
xx ketty xx
Following now! xo
ReplyDeleteyou´ve a great blog and style :) it is a pleasure for me :D I like :D
ReplyDeleteFeel free to visit me too :) If you like we can follow each other on bloglovin, lookbook, facebook and via GFC. it would be pleasure for me :D
denimtarian.blogspot.com
denimtarian.blogspot.com
denimtarian.blogspot.com
love the bright mural :) and the print on your dress is lovely!hope you can check out my blog for some +vibes and inspiration!XO
ReplyDeleteI agree, I love the background!! And the print on the dress is really pretty!!
ReplyDeleteGiveaway on my blog!
xo
www.stylegod7.blogspot.com
Amazing photos! love the prints on the wall <3<3<3
ReplyDeleteHope you'll visit me :)
Kisses, Elly
Gorgeous!:X
ReplyDeleteI'm totally in love with your outfit again... this dress from indonesia is absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeletehttp://wardrobexperience.blogspot.de
Lovely dress :) Great blog!
ReplyDeleteWould u like to follow each other?
M.<3
The fabric of the dress is fantastic and so is the location.
ReplyDeletewww.living-thesuite-life.blogspot.com
Following you now :)
ReplyDeleteM.<3
Wow--amazing backdrop. Well spotted by the photographer. The photos really tell a colorful story and I always love wearing items from travels. Thanks so much for sharing on Monday Mingle.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress..I can see why you cherish it..so unique!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
C
Pretty print on that dress...I really need a cute jean jacket like that!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful dress!
ReplyDeletexo Ashleigh
www.thedaileigh.com
Amazing outfit and photos! I love it :)
ReplyDeleteNatasha, this print is gorgeous!! Love the colorful background setting:D
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week!
x, Anna
Love this blue jean jacket over the dress. Its one of my favorite outfits to wear! So easy and effortless!
ReplyDeleteThat denim blazer is so fun!
ReplyDeleteloooove that dress
ReplyDeletePretty photos dear!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hsquaredfashion.blogspot.com
Fun photos! Love it!
ReplyDeleteLove the print of your dress. Your backdrop is perfect for this outfit, kudos to your photographer!
ReplyDeleteA lot of great ideas.
ReplyDelete@paquetevistasbi
Lovely blog and lovely posts! When you get a chance, please check out mine! I'm hosting a fabulous scarf and purse giveaway!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.goodbadandfab.com/2012/03/personal-style-outfit-and-giveaway.html
www.goodbadandfab.com
the personal style and fashion musings of a LA Asian fashion lawyer living life in the fab lan
Pretty Lovely Dress and Print
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely lovely! I think the backdrop really adds to this outfit, and that print really is incredible <3
ReplyDeleteI love the painting in the background!! So fun! We are having a spring time giveaway for a gift certificate in our boutique!! Check it out and enter! http://bit.ly/H6zWJ4
ReplyDeletexx Julie xx
www.celebrityowned.com
That dress is gorgeous, and I like it with the denim jacket. Really cool background also!
ReplyDeletexx Kara
Sprinkles in Springs
These photos are truly great! Especially the first one, it just put a smile on a face! Great outfits as well :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.themirroronthewall.com/
This dress is really beautiful on you. I think a lot of that has to do with you being so gorgeous. I love that the print on this dress is so... thoughtful. It's like wearing a story.
ReplyDeleteThese pics came out so nice ! I love the way the background wall art compliments your dress. I feel the same way about backgrounds in blog photos, it makes a huge difference and sets the tone of the outfit.
ReplyDeletexx
Iqra
So cute!!! I love the pic with the chain hahahaha thanks for being part of the challenge hun!
ReplyDeletewww.nanysklozet.com