Help: virtual photography lessons, please

I have four hours to go to the bank, go to the gas station, get my cell phone fixed, find and buy new Tweezermans (I lost mine in Indiana), get costumes for Hubs and me for Halloween and my Golden Girls themed birthday party (this Friday!), order my birthday cake, buy extra silverware, and pick up some new foundation. My shopping prowess is going to be put to the test today!

Because of these ridiculous time constraints, I do not have time to do a do-over of today's style photos. Jessica from WhatiWore recently mentioned that for every 10 photos she takes, she only uses one. Wow! That must be nice! Because I am absolutely clueless when it comes to my camera and Photoshop, and because I'm usually taking my photos myself via a tripod and a 10 second timer (one photo at a time!), I would say that I only use one photo of every 25 or even 30!

For instance, today I had trouble with framing:

And lighting:

And focusing:

I did not, however, have any trouble using a chain belt as a necklace:

date: 27 October 2009
occasion: running errands at the speed of light
jacket: vintage (Goodwill)
shirt: INC
skirt: American Apparel
belt (as necklace, per usual): Target
sheer black tights: Macys
shoes: Isaac Mizrahi for Target

I shoot on an Olympus Evolt e300, with the stock lens with both a UV filter and a polarized filter. Confession: I usually just shoot in macro mode (hahaha!) because I like the shallow depth of field. That's why my accessories photos usually rock while my outfit photos are so-so. Some of you have amazing photography on your blogs, so any photography hints you have for me would be greatly appreciated!

Comment of the Day: Ummmmm...GOLDEN GIRLS THEMED BIRTHDAY PARTY?? That's the best thing I've heard all day! - Erin