I mentioned before that I bought a bag from Heleen van der Meer in Holland. Well, today I can show it to you! Since I decided that you must all be getting bored with the photos on my balcony, I decided to find another location in Singapore where I could take pictures. Not such an easy task, as I, myself, was the photographer and I did not feel like having any onlookers. So, after my appointment in the city, I decided that I would try out the roof of the parking garage.

It turned out I had some onlookers anyway as there were some cars parked there as well, with some people resting in the car. But all that did not deter me and I scouted for the perfect location. Which turned out be a wall as well. Very creative, I must say.

It aslo quickly emerged that photographing ‘on location’ comes with its own challenges as well. There is always something you forget. So here are some commandments for aspiring self  portrait photographers:

Thou shan’t stand in the wind  & shall hide bra straps

Yes, this hair was just blow dried nicely into place.  What a waste as it was defenseless against the breeze. Also, there is noone there to remind you that your bra straps are showing, so make the effort to check it yourself.

red version of bag

Thou shall make sure your bag looks the way it is supposed to

Notice how the bag handle is hanging down at the right photo. I took many photos like that, when it’s actually very easy to put it upright (as it should be)

Thou shall paint your toe nails and look after your feet before you go

Yes, if you are going to make close-up shots of your shoes, you better make sure that your feet look the part too. There is a lot to be improved here. At least these new shoes from Ester van Eeghen look smashing.

Hester van Eeghen shoes

Thou shall take all your props and variations to the shoot

If you are going to show off your new versatile bag that has many colour combinations, you may as well show all of them. Put them in the bag will you! I forgot the green version and my green shoes, so photographed those at home.

Green version of bag

And a few more commandments

These mainly apply to me, but perhaps to you too:

  • Thou shall stand straight and maintain good posture
  • Thou shall put on more makeup
  • Though shall make sure that there aren’t hanging any hanger straps out of your clothes (quite a few pictures ruined because of this)
  • Though shall check your images for sharpness before packing in.

About the bag

multiple colours

I love versatile bags (and watches) that you can wear several ways. This bag is very versatile indeed. You can wear it as a plain black bag. Suits almost every outfit and very handy to take in evening, with or without the strap. If you like to add a bit more colour to the outfit, you can put an extra pocket onto the bag with the handy push buttons. You can easily fit in 2 extra pockets and create any colour combinations you like. Handy also if you like to take more stuff with you!  I bought 3 extra pockets which give me lots of interesting colour combinations.

Heleen van der meer designer bag

About the outfit

heleen van der meer bag

This is a very comfortable cotton skirt from Kora Kemperman that has everything I love. It’s asymetric and has a few drapes. This makes the skirt interesting and not clingy. The silk top is from Zara. It’s soft and flowy and a perfect fit for the skirt. I have tucked it in the skirt here, but it also looks good worn over it as it’s quite short. For all of you in colder weather now, you could easily add a cardigan to keep you warm. I also love my new patent leather mid heel shoes.

 The location

black profile

If you look carefully, you can see that I’m not so far from one of Singapore’s highlight buildings, Marina Bay Sands Hotel & Resort. I’s amazing how you can actually photograph it through the raster and get a reasonably decent picture out of it.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Skirt: Cora Kemperman
Top: Zara
Shoes: Ester van Eeghen
Bag: Heleen van der Meer
Watch: Bruno Nimaber
Bracelet: Somewhere in Holland

So if you ever thought that taking (flattering) pictures of yourself was easy, think again! Hope they will at least entertain or inspire you for your own outfits!

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!