New Year, New You!

12/31/10 FBFF Questions New Year, new blog, new you... resolutions, goals for 2011

As the year drawls to an end, most of us begin to think about what we would like next year to bring and how we can make that happen.  I am very happy (and grateful) with all the changes and opportunities this year has brought by I do have a few goals for next year.  Along with working off the 10 lbs. I gained over the holiday season, I’d like to continue to find ways to improve the format of my blog and post more often.

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog? I need (I will) learn to better format my pictures before posting them.

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?  Since this is my first year with a regular blog I’ve learned a lot of basics this year.  I’ve learned out to set up my blog, played with the format a bit (which I will need to continue to do next year,) found my voice as a blogger and a ton of other little things that would take forever to list!

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?  The purpose of my blog is definitely not to make money off of it.  It’s to share something I love and believe that I am really good at – which is finding outfits and specific pieces online in a variety of prices.  I would love to bring in more readers in the new year and get more feedback from them – that would be fantastic!  I definitely will continue to work on the template and possibly buy my domain name but I do enjoy the blog-like feel of it right now.

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on? Hmmmmm.  I can’t pick anyone specifically actually.  There are a few bloggers that I like to read their blogs but all these blogs have a different style from mine.  If anything, I’d love to put together one of my “Favorite Outfits Under $100” and have it featured on their blog.

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?  I will continue to read and comment on various blogs and check out new blogs as well as offer any advice or input that I can!

What are your resolutions/goals for next year?

XXoo

Interested in seeing how other fashion bloggers responded?  Check out Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

Gray Skies

“Gray skies are gonna clear up

Put on a happy face

Wipe off the clouds and cheer up

Put on a happy face”

In the midst of winter it’s easy to feel depressed by the constant gray skies and lack of sun.   Thanks to NET-A-PORTER.com, excessive gray doesn’t have to be such a fun thing.  NET-A-PORTER offers the perfect cure to the winter gray blahs by selling some fabulously fun gray pieces that will have you feeling better in no time.

Military Flare

(MAJE Billie Wool and Cashmere-blend Cardigan available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $150.00)

 Skulls

(Alexander McQueen Skull Print Laptop Case available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $395.00)

Silver and Spikes

(Pamela Love Tribal Spiked Sterling Silver Cuff available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $645.00)

Cashmere

(Michael Kors Twisted Cashmere Dress available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $1935.00)

Patterns

(Alexander McQueen Printed Stretch Wool Leggings available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $417.00)

Glitter

I feel like these shoes are a grown up version of Dorothy’s ruby red ones.  Click your heels together three times are these sparkly silver flats will take you anywhere fun.

(MIU MIU Glitter and Crystal Embellished Brogues available @NET-A-PORTER.com, $585.00)



With so many amazing things to choose from it'll never leave you without a happy face!

XXoo

In Good Fashion

Ever interested in what different fashion bloggers wear during the holidays?  Katy from Modly Chic did too.  Once again, Katy has come up with great questions to help you know your favorite fashion bloggers better.

1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this
year? Out of all the holiday parties this year, I’m actually looking forward to the one thrown by my husband’s side of the family the most.  He has a ton of relatives that still live in the same area so every year they throw a Christmas Eve party at someone else’s house.  This year, there are so many of us it will be held at a private hall.  Let’s just say it involves a ton of great Italian food, copious amounts of drinking and great people.
2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit? I actually don’t have a go to holiday party outfit.  I’m a firm believer in every party is different so every outfit should be as well.  If I have to pick one item that I know I will wear to more than one party it will be my new faux fur coat.
3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year? This is a tough one!  I’m going to go with maybe.  I try to only spend money on pieces that I love and would wear to many different places, things that are true to myself and are what I like to wear year round.  That being said, I did buy this black lace tutu-like skirt this year that would be perfect for a holiday party but I personally might not wear it any other time of year.  (I think other people would be able to wear the skirt year round, it’s just not something I usually wear so it might be impractical for me.)
4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess? I’m a huge fan of picking out nice bottles of wine for people.  This is hands down what I always bring.  (I did bring a nice bottle of champagne once and it went over very well.)
5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?  I want velvet leggings.  I don’t know why I haven’t gotten any yet since I’ve seen them for under $10 plus shipping but I think they are really fabulous.

Interested in seeing how other fashion bloggers responded?  Check out Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

Dear Reader –

I know I’ve been slacking on my posts for a few days now, not posting nearly as frequently as you or I would like.  This is mainly in part to a rather hectic work schedule (the advertising world is full of demands and deadlines and it seems as if extra needy clients are my holiday gift this year...I must've been naughty.)  I’ll also blame all the online shopping I’ve been doing for other people this year – I ordered everyone’s gifts online.  While ordering online was a much better option than braving the craziness in the stores and malls, it probably consumes just as much time.  (I just didn’t have anyone elbowing me to get by or have anyone honking at me as I slowly drive around stalking parking spots.)

While I’d like to share all of the fabulous things I found for other people this year, there would be way too much to post.  I found great sales everywhere and was able to get everyone way more bang for my buck!

Instead, I’d like to get back to my roots and do one of my favorite post challenges – My Favorite Outfits for Under $100.  New Year’s Eve inspired of course.



Forty-five plus

(Paprika Sequin Sweetheart Prom Dress available @ Rarefashion.co.uk, $45.00)

Seventeen sixty plus

 

(Foxy Originals Inca Earrings available @ Ebags.com, $17.60)

Seven eighty plus

(Pyramid Textured Wallet available @ Forever21, $7.80)

Four ninety-nine plus

(Women’s Opaque Black Tights available @ Zoogstercostumes.com, $4.99)

Twenty-two eighty equals

(Suedette Bow Pumps available @ Forever21, $22.80)

Total New Year’s Eve outfit cost: $98.19

Now it’s up to you to figure out where to celebrate!

XXoo

A Day Late But Not A Dollar Short

So it may not be Friday anymore but I don't mind.  Here are this week's questions and answers to Fashion Beauty Friend Friday.

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success
of your blog?  I think reader connectedness is the key ingredient for blog success.  If you connect with your readers (which everyone should strive to do, unless they are keeping the blog for their own personal reasons,) you will keep you readers coming back for more.
2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond? I started this blog as a site for my friends to check my latest online shopping finds and trend cravings without me having to email them 20 times a day; so I write the same way I would speak to my friends.  I think this helps to create a writer-reader bond.  Some of the things I say are more intimate and my style of writing is pretty informal.  I think this helps make the readers feel like they are my friends even if we have never met. 
3. What is one way you could improve this connection?  I would like more of my readers to engage so I could get their thoughts and suggestions.  This would help to improve the connections between myself and my readers.
4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?  I think Melissa Blake from http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com does a fantastic job creating a writer-reader bond.  Her posts are so honest.  I feel like we are sitting in the same room together just hanging out.  She does a great job of letting the reader get to know who she is while keeping us going back for more each day.

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?  I’m still working on this one.  I started off by sending the link to my blog to all of my friends.  Since I don’t have Facebook, several of my friends have posted the link on their pages.  (However, I’m sure if I had Facebook, this would be a great way to extend my reach.)  I currently Tweet the link to new posts and last time I checked my Google Analytics, I was extremely surprised by the number of views.  Some of my followers retweet the post which is extremely helpful in reaching some people I wouldn’t have with just my post.  I still don’t feel as though this is enough to cultivate new readers.  I’ve tried StumbleUpon (but don’t really know how this has worked.)  I also recently signed up for BlogLovin’ and I hope this helps me get some more readers as well!

Interested in joining in the conversation? Learn more about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday and then join the Google Group. This will get you access to the Friday questions a couple days early as well as the off-blog conversations we have on any number of topics.

XXoo

A Case of the Tweeds

After a rather lackluster and exhausting week (who am I kidding? Month,) I found myself without inspiration, motivation. My eyes hurt. I can't focus on anything and I wonder how I'm going to get dressed let alone put together a fashionable outfit. I'm also more indecisive than usual. Hell, it took me all night to figure out what color to paint my nails. (In case you're wondering I settled on an opaque nude like I usually do.)

For the first time in ages, a fashion magazine was mailed to my house. I haven't subscribed and my husband swears he doesn't know where it came from but either way I was happy it came.  I picked up the copy of Lucky magazine and began to read. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure if it’s changed or if I have - but I really enjoyed the content. (I didn’t use to.) In some ways it reminds me of my blog - a guide to shopping and fashion.

The post is an ode to Lucky magazine and the great editorial I saw on tweeds. Since I don't copy content, I went on a quest to find my very own favorite tweed pieces.   This is what I came up with.

I found hats!

Hats are making a HUGE comeback!  (And I don’t mean baseball caps!)  Thanks to fantastic milliners like Philip Treacy catching the eye of celebrities such as Lady Gaga, stores have begun to take notice and have started carrying a great variety of hats.  My personal favorite this winter are cloche hats.

(Vintage Loves Tweed Women’s Hat available @ FreePeople.com, $148.00)

I found jackets!

(Boucle Tweed Jacket available @ Maxstudio.com, $228.00)

Purses by Burch(es)!

(Tory Burch Reva Tweed Clutch available @ Bergdorf Goodman, $210.00)

And sweaters for lounging!

This wrap is perfect for snuggling up on a chilly day.(Setting, cabin in the woods, light snow fall outside, glass of red wine in hand, fireplace warming the room.)

(Boucle Wrap Jacket available @ Gap, $89.50)

Skirts that won't hurt (your budget) !

Rachel Roy is great because she makes quality products in all price points.  This skirt is perfect to wear to the office with a blazer or out with friends paired with heels and a tee shirt. 

(Rachel Roy Lurex Tweed High-Waisted Mini Skirt available @ RachelRoy.com, $53.40)

Plus wowser great trousers!

(In doing this post I realized the people behind the Alexander McQueen brand must love tweed as much as I do!  As I looked for fabulous tweed items to share, I noticed many of them were available at AlexanderMcQueen.com.)

(Alexander McQueen Chevron Tweed Cigarette Trousers available @ AlexanderMcQueen.com, $449.00)

And booties for cuties!

I love these booties!  Imagine wearing these with an eggshell colored lightweight mid-calf length sock and a black suede mini skirt.  (And a shirt.  If you want.)

(Alexander McQueen Tweed Faithful Boot available @ AlexanderMcQueen.com, $719.00)

In the end, I’m glad I finally got “Lucky.”  Turns out it was just the cure I needed.

XXoo

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."

Fashion Friend Friday # 2

 Many times in life it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, over worked and simply exhausted.  Dreams change and so does what is important to each and every one of us.  While no one can predict exactly where our lives may take us, it’s up to the individual to help guide it along and mold it into something we can look back on with a smile.

 Like Confucius says in the above quote, I believe it doesn’t matter how long it takes you to get to where you want to be in life.  The most important thing is to never give up on your dreams.

 Once again, Katy from ModlyChic has come up with some great questions for us bloggers regarding when dreams change and one chapter ends for another to begin.

1.       How many hours a week do you spend blogging? Has that number
changed since you started blogging?  Unfortunately, I don’t spend nearly enough hours blogging as I would like.  My work schedule is extremely busy and I have to blog sporadically when I have the chance (during lunch breaks, downtime, etc.)  I’d like to blog more from home but most of that time is spent, cleaning, relaxing or spending time with family.  
2. There is always more you can do, write, read, comment on... how do
you limit your time spent on these tasks?  My life limits my time on these tasks!
3. Have you experienced Blogger burnout yet? How have you dealt with
that?  Some days, I’m not inspired by anything.  I try to keep a document on my computer and phone to store ideas for posts when I have them so that I will have things to post when I have the chance.  Sometimes, it is a challenge to think of relative fresh new posts since I like to keep my blog strictly about shopping and fashion.
4. This time of the year is always a lot busier than any other time.
Will your blogging change as a result?  Probably.  I will continue to try to post as frequently as possible.  Thanksgiving was especially hard to post anything new.  I noticed a lot of bloggers re-tweeted some of their old posts, which I thought was a good idea.
5. Could you foresee a moment in which you are not blogging anymore?
How would you identify that it’s time to walk away?  Unfortunately, there will probably be a moment in all blogger’s lives where they will have to walk away.  The reasons could be different – health, family, work, etc.  I personally would like to continue to develop my blog (and buy the domain name soon) and see where it goes!  As one of the newer bloggers, I still have so much to learn.  This is just the beginning for my blog and I cannot think about stopping when I’ve barely started.
 

Like I handle everything else in my life, I do the best that I can without over stressing.  There are so many options and things we can do with this life if we only dream big.  It might not look like much now but who knows where a little blog could take you one day?

XXoo

Learn more about Friend Friday and view the previous discussion topics here. Interested in joining the group? Just submit your email address to the Google Group to become a member.

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I Hope Everyone Notices, I Showed Up Nude Today

I still regret deciding to buy grey peep toe Christian Louboutins over nude ones two years ago.  There have been so many occasions that I've longed for that addition of a great flesh colored shoe in my closet and alas, there aren't any in there.

The popularity of camel is helping earth tones come back in a big way.  Along with olive green, nude tones are sure to be a big hot for spring and next summer.

In my constant struggle to add color (nude is a color right?) to my wardrobe, I've begun to look for great pieces in this lighter shade of tan.

Here are some of my favorite things I've found thus far.

I love a great nude top.  This top would look great with jeans and heels for a date night or with a pencil skirt to work.  The combinations are endless!  Great investment shirt!

(Petite Nude Crop Tab Sleeve Collarless Shirt available @ TopShop, $70.00)

Three words. Marc. Jacobs. Clutch.



(Marc Jacobs Fold Over Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $512.69)

Jumpsuits are on the rise and its easy to see why!  (You don't have to find a shirt to match your pants or vice versa.)  This one is sure to be uber cozy and sheek.  Thakoon makes GREAT clothing.  Pair it with a patterned scarf or a great pair of earrings.

(Thakoon Metallic Stripe Silk-Blend Jumpsuit available @ THEOUTNET.com, $540.00)

I love Stella McCartney for a few reasons. 1.) She follows me on Twitter. (True story.) 2.) She is vegan and makes all of her garments accordingly. 3.)You can wear her designs over and over again - they are timeless!

(Stella McCartney Python Print Cashmere and Silk Scarf available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $472.50)

I'm SO excited for the return of Halston.  As a HUGE Billy Joel fan and fashion lover, I began to search for great vintage Halston pieces the first time I heard the song, "Big Shot."

 (Halston Heritage Pleated Flower Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $523.21)

It may be pricey for a necklace but it'll go with anything.  Imagine Cameron Diaz when she wore a necklace similar to this one (but turquoise) with a fabulous white gown.
 

(Balos Necklace available @ Anthropologie, $180.00)

The elusive Christian Louboutin pumps I still regret not getting.  I'll get them one day!

(Christian Louboutin Very Prive 120 Patent Peep Toe Pump available @ Footcandyshoes.com, $795.00)



Many people have reoccurring nightmares about showing up to school or work completely nude.  For me, it’s something I look forward to.

XXoo



Friday I'm In Love

…with feminine touches.

Even though I love to dress up, I wouldn’t classify myself as someone who dresses particularly feminine.  (My favorite color is black.)  I’ve never been a huge fan of excessive pink or bows but lately I’ve been wishing I had some girlier pieces in my wardrobe.  I recently ordered a giant bow head band from Urban Outfitters and figured this would be a great way to start adding some of these pieces to my closet.

(Halter Ruffle Front Top, available @ Wet Seal, $21)

 XOXO

(Premium ruffle chiffon pelmet skirt available @ Topshop.com, $80)

Kisses

(Marchesa Notte Lace Detail Cocktail Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,089.030)

 XOXO

(Marc Jacobs, Ruffled Detailed Skirt available @ MyTheresa.com, $307.06)

Kisses

(Christian Louboutin Fortitia 100mm sandals available @ NETAPORTER.com, $875)

Love

(Club Monaco metallic Naomi Clutch available @Shopbop.com, $88)

XOXO

(Moon Terrace Creme Dress available @ Lulus.com $59.00)

Kisses 

(Valentino Peep-Toe Lace Couture d'Orsay Pumps available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $885)

XOXO

(Betsey Johnson Bow & Satin Tie Necklace available @ Nordstrom, $98)

So I still couldn't manage to stay away from the color black.  What do you expect?  I'm only human.

XXoo

My First Friend Friday

Through one of my favorite Twitter friends and bloggers, @OhMyTy(visit her at www.heybellablog.com,) I came across a great interactive group for bloggers.  Katy, at www.ModlyChic.blogspot.com, has created a weekly questionnaire for a community of (mainly) fashion bloggers to answer 5 questions that pertain to the world of blogging.  Each week the questions change.  Links to all of the group members’ answers can be found on her blog.

As a slightly less seasoned blogger, I thought this would be a great way to communicate with other bloggers and show my support for their sites as well.

Here are this week’s questions and answers.

1. What are the 'unwritten rules' about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?  I don’t think bloggers should copy content from other bloggers and try to pull it off as their own.  Other blogs should only be used to inspire.

2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when it a
post imitation and when is it copying?  They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but too much imitation can be very irritating.  Most people want to stand out as an individual and while it’s nice to have people look up to you and emulate you, most people do not want a carbon copy of themselves.  Imitation and copying is the same thing to me.

3. Taking another blogger's idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY
tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is
necessary to credit the original source?  If you are copying another blogger’s work you 100% should cite your references!  If not, it should be classified as plagiarism.

4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other bloggers?  I use other blogs for structuring ideas for my own blog.  I don’t want my blog to look or be like anyone else’s but I make notice of different things bloggers are able to do (like toolbars, photo collages, etc) on the same blog format as me and then I try to figure out how to make my own blog more professional and less amateur. 

Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing? Only for the above listed reasons.

5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?  Since I have not been blogging long, I have not had anyone (that I have noticed) copy any of my posts.  I try extremely hard to make my blog different from most of the ones I read.  However, if this were to happen, I would be okay with it as long as my readers knew my content was original.

Interested in joining in the conversation? Learn more about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday and then join the Google Group. This will get you access to the Friday questions a couple days early as well as the off-blog conversations we have on any number of topics.

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

I know it seems like A LOT of my under $100 posts come from Forever21(.com) but that is mainly because they are on fire right now!  I never have as much luck when I actually go into the store (malls = generic redundancy to me) but it seems like each week Forever21.com is adding new items at great prices.  How can a girl resist?

I figured I’d post an outfit appropriate for the upcoming holidays – something fun and flirty, yet still affordable.

1. Pleated Satin Blouse, $27.80

2. Glimmer Duo Ring Set $4.80

3. Daisy Jewel Earrings, $3.80

4. Plain Knit Tights, $6.80

5. Ruched Coin Purse, $4.80

6. Polka Dot Taffeta Skirt, $13.80

7. Lace Platform Heels, $28.80

Total Outfit Cost: $90.60

All items available at Forever21.com.

One of the great things about all of these items is their versatility!  Mix and match each piece for various outfits this winter.  You can't go wrong with a classic Mary Jane style heel and it's never a bad idea to buy several pairs of plain black tights.  Black tights are easy to spice up by adding sparkles and rhinestones for a personal touch.  (I recently did a pair using multi-sized gemstones and super glue!)

What does everyone have planned this holiday season?

XXoo

Latest Fix: Jeffrey Campbell Shoes

I admit it.  I’m addicted to shoes.  While I don’t yet see this as a problem, some people around me might beg to differ.  My love of shoes has evolved much like my taste in clothes, music and food.  When I was younger, it was mainly tennis shoes – I always had to have the newest pair of sneakers that Nike, Adidas and Reebok made.  Entire paychecks were blown on pair after pair.  I was careful not to walk through grass, mud or puddles and when it was unavoidable; I had methods for restoring their look. (Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush works wonders.)

As I’ve grown older, so has my taste in shoes.  Gone are the days of spending tons of money on the latest sneaker.  Now heels, platforms, wedges and boots are my new drug of choice.  I carefully plot out my new buy; searching high and low for the perfect product – one that will keep me high for years, an investment. In my mind I’m just another collector, not an addict.  Some people collect stamps, I collect shoes.

I usually find myself at a loss for things to wear with all my perfect shoes.  (I’m trying to work on this but in the process of searching for actual outfits, I well, keep finding more shoes I love.)

Brands like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and Ralph Lauren have been staples in my shoe closet (yes, my shoes have their very own closet)for years and I’m always looking for other great designers to add to the collection.

I recent months I stumbled across a name I hadn’t heard in quite some time – Jeffrey Campbell.  While looking for my latest fix - a pair of black suede platform wedges - I came across a pair of Jeffrey Campbell’s Ninteynines.  They were extremely similar to a pair of Dolce & Gabbana ones I had been eying but for half the cost.  I had to have them.  And so a new addiction began. 

(It doesn’t help that Jeffrey Campbell shoes are EXTREMELY comfortable as well as fashionable.  I.E. EXTREMELY addicting.  Don’t let some of the platforms full you.)

While Jeffrey Campbell shoes are quickly gaining notoriety for some of their sky-high platforms such as the Litas, Jeffrey Campbell also makes a ton of other great shoes, in all different heights.

  

Jeffrey Campbell offers a drug for every user.

Need, need, need, need, need.

 

(Jeffrey Campbell Rally in Taupe Suede available @ Lorisshoes.com, $152.00)

 

I HAVE to have it!

 

(Jeffrey Campbell Sweat Lace Up Booties with Knit Cuff available @ Shopbop.com, $162.00)

Need, need, need, need, need

(Jeffrey Campbell Two Time Lace-U Wedge in Taupe available @ Needsupply.com, $175)

I HAVE to have it!

(Jeffrey Campbell Cast in Tan Leather available @ Jildorshoes.com, $100)

 Need, need, need, need, need

(Jeffrey Campbell Emma Sandal available @ Nordstrom, $124.95)

I HAVE to have it!

Who needs rehab anyways?

XXoo