Fashion

Irish | Outfit

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I have always liked to emphasize the fact that I am a little bit Irish. It’s really a minuscule amount of my overall heritage — the majority of my ancestry being German — but it’s the part I always wanted to emulate the most. I’ve longed to go to Ireland for longer than I can remember; even my mom says as a little girl I chose to go there while my friends dreamt of vacations to Italy and France.

There’s something so moodily romantic about Ireland to me. I have spent hours on Google Maps in street view, wandering random pathways through the lush hills and quaint villages, wondering what it would really be like to walk past the colorful houses of Cork, or stand on the cliffs of Moher, or clamber over the Giant’s Causeway.

Irish | www.eccentricowl.com

This image actually inspired one of my favorite stories that I have written (that I have yet to finish.) Of all the places in Ireland, Allihies is where I want to go first. Just for that image. Just to live out the story a little, even if the village in my book is nothing like that place.

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And in fact, the summer before I met my husband I had decided that I was not going to get married for a few years, and I was going to travel to Ireland and have an adventure (and I noted it wouldn’t hurt to meet an Irishman of my own while I was there.) But of course, along came winter and love and changed all my plans.

Funny enough, though, his parents just discovered that they are both a bit Irish. So in a way, I did get my Irishman (who is probably mostly German too.)

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When we all went to the park yesterday, I thought this massive tree and all the green around it was a perfect backdrop for my St. Patrick’s day outfit. I think I have finally found my sweet spot of photography — I was trying to have my husband take my pictures for a while, but I have a hard time getting in rhythm with him. When he snaps, I’m talking or blinking or there’s hair in my face, and it just feels awkward. But if we go out and I shoot my own while he runs around with Asa (and Evie sleeps in her stroller), I feel a bit braver in a public place and I can get the shots I want.

So I have determined that on sunny days, we should go out and I’ll try location shooting more. It’s something my husband always wants to do anyway, because he’s a go-do-things person to my homebody spirit, and it’ll get me braver to take outfit photos in public. I always feel awkward when people can see me.

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But, the response of those who do see me taking pictures is always positive. People generally assume I am a photographer, and don’t think it’s weird at all that I’m taking pictures of myself alone.

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While we were at the park playing, a little girl who was probably about three saw me as her mom held her, and she gasped and reached out to touch my hair, exclaiming “Oh, pretty! She’s a princess!!!”

I think that might be one of the most rewarding things about having pink hair.

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Shirt (old) c/o Oasap | skirt, self-made | shoes, Modcloth | headscarf, grandma’s | earrings, thrifted | glasses, c/o Firmoo

And can we just talk about how amazing the lighting was for this shot? That sun flare. The photographer in me is dying over how good it is. Just for one moment, everything was perfect. Luck of the Irish? 😉

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

P.S. Wondering what happened to book reviews? Well. I lost my book. I’m so annoyed. But I at least have one review for next week!

ksig

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8 Comments

  • Justina Kenyon

    These shots are so beautiful. I’m excited to see the different places you shoot. Good luck with finding your book!
    I don’t think I am Irish at all, but Ireland has always appealed to me. I took a class in college where we studied Ireland through their different art forms (movies, music, etc.) and it was one of my very favorites. As a little girl, I loved listening to the stories my mom would tell me about flying into Ireland and the landscape looking like a patchwork quilt of green.

    • Eccentric Owl

      I am excited to try finding new places to shoot! Today, we’re headed to my parents’ for St. Patrick’s day, so if we have time I might run down to the water by their house and get some shots; it’s gorgeous down there!

      I am so jealous of anyone who goes to Ireland. I just… I’ve always, always loved it. It’s so fascinating, isn’t it? And so beautiful, and I love all the history and everything about it. I have to go there soon!

  • dani

    You look like the picture of an Irish Folk Tale. I loved visiting Ireland a few years ago! It’s exactly as you’re imagining it. Really hope you get to go soon!

    And I just found out that my hubby is 1/8 Irish today. Who knew! Lol. The bright orange hair should’ve been a clue, though.

    Dani
    Munchie Mummy

  • SaraLily

    That twirl shot! Kaching!! I love it! I’ve been caught by just about everyone when I take my own pics – the girl who lives upstairs, the mail lady, you name it. It’s like they all know I’m taking photos of myself and that is when they show up. Oh well. I just laugh and be honest with them – they’re always super sweet about it! It makes me laugh.

    saralilyphoto.blogspot.com

  • Kara

    I love the twirling shot! And am very impressed you go that taking pix yourself (I rely heavily on the Mr. for the action shots). Getting caught taking photos is always awkward for me too…but I’ve learned to just go with it. We had one woman nearly faint at the sight of Willie (literally hand on chest, looking as if she was going to jump out of her skin from fear) as we dared take him with us doing outfit photos. In all his 14-year old, 2 feet tall, one-eyed glory. Other than that, it’s been pretty smooth sailing. but love this shoot!
    -Kara
    http://www.thedressedaesthetic.com