THERE ARE STILL BOOK SHOPS

Week before last I was traveling, and this past week was tech week for a theatre show that I’m producing, so didn’t get around to publishing anything here. At least I survived.  My apologies to anyone who has been searching for their photo and not finding anything.

It’s good to know that the Seattle metro area still has a few real bookshops, one of which I usually pass by on my way to and from my job at the university. I stopped by the book shop on a gorgeous October afternoon, the sort of early fall day when the sky is bright blue and the trees are just starting to take on yellows and reds.

This was my third time out taking photos, and it went a lot more smoothly than before. I had everything organized in advance, and was getting better at approaching people. I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly everyone in the bookstore was. They all seemed relaxed and happy, so there must be something magical in those books!

It was a perfect day to sit outside in shorts and sandals.

No fragrance reported.

A lot of people wear name tags at work. That doesn't keep them from looking great!

No fragrance reported.

Everyone in the bookstore looks casual, comfortable and happy.

No fragrance reported.

James E opted for shorts and sandals on this warm October day. 

No fragrance reported.

Simply dressed in black t-shirt and jeans, reading a recommended book, Pie School by Kate Lebo (@mizkatelebo on Twitter).  

No fragrance reported. 

A bright sweater-tunic to go with the fall colors. 

Wearing aromatherapy scent Doterra - Intune

Carolyn in basic black-brown accented with silver jewelry. 

Wearing scented lotion, unnamed.

A pink scarf balances all that blue. 

No fragrance reported.

Nicely accessorized jeans and leather combo.

Wearing Axe, unsure of scent. 

The blue bag goes perfectly with the gray combo. 

Wearing Chanel Gardenia.

Left: Anastasia (Annie) C wearing her cool beanie; Right: showing off what she calls her "baby monkey head", the result of radiation therapy 6 years ago for an intracranial tumor. The good news - she's cured!

And that's it, folks. Many thanks to everyone who agreed to be photographed for this post. The thing I'm starting to love about this blog is that I get to meet and talk to so many interesting people. 

TRANSITION TIME AT UNIVERSITY VILLAGE

There’s always a lot of talk about “transitional” clothing for spring and fall, but in Seattle, every day of every month calls for transitional wear. If you bundle up for a cold, overcast morning, you may be sweating when the sun comes out in the middle of the day and shivering again when it disappears in the evening. Rain can appear out of nowhere, and so can sun breaks.

The Friday before classes started at the University of Washington, on the first day of autumn, I visited University Village, an upscale strip mall a few blocks downhill from campus. There seemed to be quite a few beginning or returning students, some with their friends or parents. Interestingly, none of the men I approached would agree to be photographed. Maybe they didn’t want anyone to know that they were shopping on a weekday afternoon.

This second time out was a learning experience. I discovered that I really need to number my release forms ahead of time so that I can get the right ID with each photo. Doing it on the fly doesn’t work very well. It’s important to know who is who because I always send the full set of high-resolution photos to the person who was photographed. The second thing I learned was that I need to keep my camera out all the time instead of putting it back in its case between photo sessions. Having the camera ready makes the transitions between subjects much smoother.

This set of photos is a wonderful illustration of transitional clothing on one of those days when you’re never sure whether it’s warm or cold. In Seattle, the only way to go is layers. 

Question(s) of the week (leave a comment!)

Last week’s question: What fragrance would you wear with sunglasses?

This week’s question: What fragrance would you wear on the first day of class? 

A turquoise-colored jacket will brighten up all those gray days!

Fragrance: Scented deodorant

A sweatshirt and scarf work perfectly as layering items.

Fragrance: Scented deodorant

Aubrey knows that a sweater is a good idea, even with a summer dress.

Fragrance: none reported

And a football shirt works for Julie Siegfried! Does that say "Packers"? What about the Seahawks?

Fragrance: Scented deodorant Dove "Cucumber Melon"

A puffy vest is practically a necessity in Seattle, year-round. 

Fragrance: scented deodorant

So is a good, warm jacket. 

Fragrance: Scented deodorant

Boots work almost any time of year in Seattle. 

Fragrance: Donna Karan "Bliss"

Sunglasses, because you never know ... maybe the sun will make a guest appearance

Fragrance: "Juicy"

That zippered jacket is ready for any kind of weather!

Fragrance: Perfume, name not reported

The way to look summery while staying warm!

Fragrance: none reported