FBFF: Take Your Best Shot

FBFF

This week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions came as a bit of a challenge for me to answer.  I love photography but do not have a blog where I take and post pictures of myself.  I tried to answer them anyways and plan on posting more pictures later from my home PC (if I can find them, see question #2.*UPDATE - went home, searched around, memory card still missing.)

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...) I don't take pictures for my blog.  If I want to share a photo of something, I do so on my Twitter account or will send friends the links. I enjoy photography and have a very old (film) SLR, A Sony digital camera, A Cannon Digital and a tripod for personal use.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system,photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)For the last two years, I've used Picasa Web Albums.  This is great because I can stick my memory card into my laptop, they upload right into my Picasa and will sync with the Picasa Web Album.  I do have a Flickr account but don't update it often.  I've also used Photobucket, SnapFish, Digg, and a few others (that I wish I could remember right now.)  The past use of multiple sites has caused some of my favorite pictures to be lost in cyberspace. 

3. What is your process for taking pictures? I really love taking pictures.  I find that ones that I set up or don't come naturally, don't turn out well.  I've done alot of photojournalism in the past and enjoy taking pictures in the moment.  These feel the most authentic to me.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily? Well I definitely don't scout locations, especially since I don't take and blog pictures of myself but in regards to taking pictures for general use inspiration for taking a great shot comes while driving in the car, visiting a new place, seeing things from a new angle, the weather, or light hitting something in a particular way.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying? A digital SLR.  There's really no other way to get a quality picture without being able to adjust your lense.

Interested in a behind the lense point of view from other FBFF members?  Check out ModlyChic.

XXoo

Feeling Groovy Baby

There's definitely a retro vibe in the air lately and I really like it. 

Vintage styles have become increasingly more popular thanks to era inspired shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire.  What started as a revival of 1940's fashion has stretched through several more decades and this spring we will be seeing A LOT of late 60s and early 70s inspired pieces.

I've always been a HUGE fan of hippie inspired garments and cannot wait for warmer weather to start incorporating these pieces into my wardrobe. 

This is one of my favorite looks for spring.

GIANT FELT HATS

(Black Felt Floppy Hat available @ OakNYC.com, $58.00)

WITH A LOOSE FITTING TANK

 

(Tribal Silky Top available @ Forever21, $19.99)

BARELY THERE SKIRTS

(Cheetah Print Maxi Skirt available @ Forever21, $19.80)

WITH OVER THE SHOULDER BAGS

(Orange Leather Lock Cross Body Bag available @ Topshop, $65.00)

SKY HIGH PLATFORMS

(Giuseppe Zanotti Wood Clog Platform Sandal available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $750.00)

AND DECADE INSPIRED JEWERLY...

 

(Carved Flower Detail Ring available @ Asos.com, $10.34)

(Jordan Scott Open Flower Ring available @ MaxandChloe.com, $594.00)

This post is sure to be the first of a few on my favorite trends popping up from the 60s and 70s. 

What is your favorite fashion era?

XXoo

 

It’s Not Old, It’s Vintage

I’ve always had a hard time getting rid of clothes and jewelry (why lie, handbags and silk scarves too) due to the mindset, “You never know what may come back in style!”  Granted, you can’t keep everything forever or you’ll be considered a hoarder but it’s always good to hang on a few pieces that you love.  However, I love it when other people get rid of their old clothes, jewelry, handbags and scarves so that I can turn their trash (I’m using the term trash loosely) into my treasures!

Don’t worry if you don’t have a closet full of fabulous vintage clothing or don’t live by any consignment shops – the internet has made acquiring vintage clothing super easy!. While it may be nearly impossible to stumble across a vintage Chanel scarf for $25 online, you can find a ton of other great things in these online vintage boutiques.  (If you want to find a Chanel scarf for a steal you’ll more than likely have to vintage shop the old fashioned way – hitting antique stores and thrift shops.) (However, if you stalk sites like Ebay and Etsy enough you might also find some great things other people missed.  Just this week I bought a vintage Dior suit in perfect condition for $30.  YES, I SAID THIRTY AMERICAN DOLLARS PEOPLE.)

Turning an outfit into a unique look is easy when you invest in a few fabulous vintage pieces.  Here are my favorite essentials.

BlazerS (noun.) a fun way to spruce up a lackluster outfit while staying warm. Comes in a variety of styles, colors and fabrics.

(Vintage Christian Dior Blazer available @ Thrifted.net, $52.00+)

Statement Bags (noun.) a great investment.  Will never go out of style. An heirloom to be passed from generation to generation.

 

(Vintage GUCCI Rare Black Monogram GG Satin Clutch w/Enamel GG Emblem, $275.00)

Jewelry(noun.) something fabulous that adds a unique aspect to your outfit.

(Vintage YSL Snake Brooch available @ Etsy.com, $49.00)

Silk Scarves (noun.) not just for your grandma.  Wear around your neck, on your head, around your waist, or on a bag.

(Vintage Chanel Silk Scarf available @ Rubylane.com, $200.00)

Sunglasses (noun.) yes, I’m mysterious and elusive.  Might be a movie star or someone important or might have just left the eye doctor and cannot be exposed to sunlight.

(Vintage Carney 200s available @ http://neldasvintageclothingcom.storesecured.com, $45.00)

More Jewelry(noun. Plural.) better than having just some jewelry.

(Vintage Napier Earrings available @ Michellesvintagejewelry.com, $29.00)

Do you own any vintage pieces?  Would you?

XXoo

FBFF Finding Uniqueness In A Cookie Cutter World

In a world of competition and comparisons, it becomes increasingly hard to find someone truly authentic.  The same goes for blogs.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

1.) Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read.  How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?  I think it is really hard to find blog authenticity.  I would describe it as a page that contains content set up in its' own unique fashion with fresh material -something you wouldn't read or see elsewhere.

2.) When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?  My blog is a little rugged.  It doesn't look like a website and sometimes the editing and format is extremely basic.  While I want to continue working on little things to make it better, I really like the raw, basic, old school blog-like feel to it.  You don't see many of those those these days.

3.)  Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months?  What made you lose interest?  I wouldn't say that I have lost interest in any blogs recently.  There are so many I enjoy reading, sometimes I just don't have time to get to them all each day or week.

4.)  We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life...what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?  Well, I write a fashion blog about shopping, mainly online shopping, and I do a hell of a lot of online shopping.  The trends that I am writing about and the pieces that I am sharing with my readers are things I am following or buying a version of for myself.

5.) Give a shout-out...Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?  I have to give shout outs to my other Three T Mafia (inside) girls, Taliah and Ty.  Check out www.fashionwashere.wordpress.com and www.heybellablog.com for some great genuine blogs.  Fashion Was Here covers Taliah's personal style, street style, shopping, and beauty tips.  Ty writes about high fashion, runway shows, new designers, vlogs her personal thoughts, and features so much else on Hey Bella Blog.  They are both refreshing and unique everyday reads.  Plus, they are both awesome and unique people too.

What are some of your favorite authentic blogs?  Have you ever stopped reading a certain blog?  Why?

Wanna read about more great blogs?  Learn more about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday and then join the Google Group.

XXoo

Yearning Desires

By this time of year, I find myself yearning for open toe shoes, short dresses and bright colors.  Even though the weather still has a few months to catch up with these feelings, retailers are right on target (with my feelings) and begin selling the perfect garments for spring.

Right now, MyTheresa.com has some fabulous pieces to satisfy all of my cravings.  I’m particularly fond of this site because we share the same name and of course because they carry all the fabulous designer things I drool over.

The name implies sweater but this cardigan would look super cute belted and worn as a dress or with leggings.

(Missoni Saraphina Cardigan, $649.00)

It's no secret that orange is one of my favorite colors for this spring and summer.  Pair with navy accessories and you'll be right on trend! (Orange you just I posted this super cute dress?)

(Carven Detailed Mini Dress, $298.00)

I love Mulberry bags for their classic nature.  They are made of quality material and craftsmanship.  This coral/red shade is the perfect upgrade for a lackluster wardrobe.

(Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag, $1,100.00)

There is something about this top that makes me HAVE TO HAVE IT!  It might be the neon, it might be the single strap or it might be the fact that this top would look great with skinny jeans, tucked into high-waited shorts, a mini skirt, or a pencil skirt.  Basically, with anything.

(Kimberly Taylor Silk Top With Contrast Strap, $118.00)

                                                                        

Emerald green is another huge trend right now (think Mila Kunis, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones.) This dress would be great to wear to a wedding, out with your girlfriends or to a cocktail party.

(Miu Miu Silk Bustier Cocktail Dress, $1,390.00)

Such a fun skirt.  Wear it now with leggings or tights and bare-legged all spring and summer.

(Etoile Isabel Marant Mini Skit With Fold, $210.00)

I need these shoes in my closet immediately (and so do you.)  They are the perfect vacation sandal.  (Imagine wearing them with your favorite cover-ups.)  These would also look great with the up and coming wide-leg pants (or anything else really.)

(Balenciaga Two-Toned Suede Sandals, $495.00)

What do you yearn for this time of year?  New clothes? A vacation?  Reading by the fireplace?

XXoo

Crazy About Coral

*WARNING! This post may be contagious!

I have an itch.  It may have started while reading Makeup and Jeans Girl’s post on coral lipstick (check it out here http://gangsterpixiestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/im-dying-here/) but it’s getting out of control. 

I immediately ran out (during my lunch break) and found a great shade of coral lipstick by Wet and Wild at my closest Rite Aid.  (Sidenote. I’ve been on a serious lipstick binge lately.  I’d compare it to crack addiction honestly. Not like I know what that feels like but my stash of lipstick in various shades is growing daily.  I NEED MORE!)

I still haven’t had a chance to wear my new shade yet, (I’m searching for the perfect navy trouser and possibly slightly warmer weather first)but I certainly enjoy pulling it out of my purse every so often and looking at it.

Now back to my itch.  I don’t think I’m the only one that will have this extreme need to go out and buy a ton of things coral and wear coral lipstick. (Note. Saw Heidi Klum rocking a great shade on her lips last night on the Golden Globes.) ANYWAYS.  This itch is super contagious and the only cure is more coral. As my itch grows stronger, I’ve begun to think of other great things I can wear in coral.

Obviously, lipstick is a great start.

(Revlon Moondrops Frost Lipstick in Hot Coral available @ Your Local Drugstore, $7.98)

(Mood Lipstick in Orange available @ Forever21, $2.80)

And for me, shoes are a no brainer.  (I think I need a second job just to support my shoe habit.)

(LILA Coral Bow Platform Sandals available @TopShop, $185.00)

(Scarlett Coral Suede Peep Toe Shoe available @ TopShop, $135.00)

(Lanvin Espadrille Wedges available @ Barneys NY, $550.00)

Fun flirty dresses

(Milk Mason One Shoulder Silk Dress available @ ShopatMilk.com, $207.00)

(BCBGMaxazria Beaded Teared Silk Dress available @ Lord & Taylor, $80.40)

And of course, great accessories!

(Tuleste Market Rose Gold and Coral Resin Circle Pendant Chain Necklace available @ Bluefly.com, $79.99)

(Circle Gypsy Earrings available @ Forever21, $3.80)

Don't say I didn't warn you!

XXoo

FBFF “Dresstiny”

“How much of it is just random selection and how much of what we see is pre-determined?” – Katy from ModlyChic.com

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day? In a rare occasion, I think of what I am going to wear for work the night before.  Most of the time, I dress according to my mood (and the weather) each day.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend? I rarely plan outfits for work unless I have an event, meeting or presentation.  I will admit that I OBSESS over planning super far in advance (far enough that my friends might consider me crazy,) for big events and night outs.  (This could be anything from someone’s birthday to New Year’s Eve.)  (Example. I started looking for the perfect dress to wear for my bachelorette party almost a year in advance.)(Disclaimer. This anal retentive craziness is sometimes a double edged sword.  Sometimes I find the perfect outfit and by the time the event comes I’m over it and have to find something else to wear.)

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already
worn so you don't repeat?  I have an almost photographic memory of what I wore (and what other people wore) and when.  In high-school my friends used to call my house around 6a.m. to ask me the last time they wore something so they wouldn’t wear it again too soon.

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)  I don’t really play around with outfit combinations.  Every now and again I see something that inspires me and I think, “Oh, I have something like that and it would look great with this.”

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do
to cut down your dressing time?  Shop more.

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

XXoo

Snow Days

Even after last winter’s treacherous snow nightmare, I’ve been finding myself craving a snow day sooner than I originally thought.  (Original thought, “I don’t want to see another damn snowflake for ten years.”)  It might be in part to our new house, which is located in a great part of the city.  We can walk to a ton of bars, convenience stores and restaurants if we are snowed in.  Last year, we could still walk to places but our options were limited.  Now that I am mentally prepared for more snow, I want to be physically prepared as well.  No, this doesn’t mean I’m running hills preparing my legs for what it will feel like to walk in snow, it means I need to start getting some things to wear.

Snow is no excuse to look like you could be confused with a street person.

Here are my favorite winter snow essentials for looking more snow bunny than abdominal snow monster.

*A Hat*

(KAOS Women’s Hat available @ Yoox.com, $59.00)



*A Parka*

(Moncler Nim Parka available @ Barneys New York, $1,250.00)

*A Snood*

(ASOS White Cable and Chain Salt Pepper Knit Snood available @ ASOS.com, $27.58)

*Wool Leggings*

(Ralph Lauren Wool Ribbed Leggings available @ Ralph Lauren, $74.00)

*Mittens*

(Lacoste Women’s Cable Knit Mitten available @ Lacoste, $45.00)

*A Great Pair of Boots*

(Pajar Boots Luv Black Nylon available @ Jildorshoes.com, $175.00)

  

How do you dress for the snow? Do you even bother getting outside?

XXoo

How Big Is Your Measuring Cup?

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

Sometimes we can be our own worst critics.  We judge ourselves harder than others would judge us.  This is especially true when we put ourselves out there, literally, with something like a blog for the world to see.  Having a blog opens up a world of readers (judgers?) and could leave us second guessing ourselves.  With accessibility to so many other blogs, sometimes we might find ourselves setting unreasonable standards based on what we view on other blogs and if you aren’t sure of what your voice is you might begin to worry about never measuring up.

As most of us bloggers know, no matter what topic you’re writing about, it is extremely easy to get lost in the “is my blog (am I) good enough?

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?  Never.  My blog’s “success” isn’t defined by other people’s blogs.  My blog is an extension of my thoughts, my style and if people didn’t think it was as good as another’s, they shouldn’t read it.

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?  I’m not really sure what this standard would be.  I think I feel pressure to post more often, to make my blog more credible but that’s about it.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?  You definitely do not need to combine all these things to be successful at blogging.  I actually prefer when a blog has just one focus and the writer puts all of their energy into just that topic.  I prefer to read fashion blogs and when they include things like baking and "look how I organized my closet today," I don’t tend to read those posts.  (Just my personal preference.)  If I wanted baking inspiration, I’d be more apt to find a blog strictly about baking.

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?  While I’m still working on technical aspects of my blog, such as photo editing, I know what my voice is.  I’ve been writing since I was very young and my style has always been the same.  I stay true to myself and write from the heart.  If something doesn’t inspire me, I don’t write about it.  Don’t force your voice to be like someone else’s, write from your soul.  That’s my advice.

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge? I don’t do outfit posts.  I love looking at them on other people’s blogs (it's is probably my favorite thing to view actually) but my blog is strictly for putting together outfits and online shopping.  Finding anything and everything online is one of my talents and I really look forward to sharing this with everyone!

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

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits Under $100

I figured this would be a great way to start off the new year, with another reoccurring ‘My Favorite Outfits Under $100’ post.  While this post sometimes proves to be a challenge, it’s one I always enjoy.  I love mixing high-end with lower price-pointed items.  The people that name brand discriminate don’t know what they are missing.  As much as I’m a heels girl, there is something about the cold weather that makes me crave flats and comfortable outfits.  (I’m sure you ladies feel the same way!)  I’m always looking for ways to achieve this level of lazy comfortableness while staying cute.  The flirty yet grungy mix of this outfit does just that for me!  I hope it inspires you as well.

Can’t go wrong with a cute hat.  Good fashion accessory and it keeps your head warm.  Nuff said.

(Swirl Knit Winter Ski Beret Knit Tam Hat available @ Amazon.com, $14.95)

This cardigan is another item that will slowly become one of the favorite things in your closet because of its versatility.  Plus, it’s cheap!

(Rubbish® Boyfriend Cardigan available @ Nordstrom, $25.90)

This dress is such a great deal because it can be worn so many ways! (Belted, with flats, heels, boots, leggings, tights, bare legged, with a sweater, no sweater, etc.)

(Ann Marie Floral Print Dress available @ RuedeChic.com, $22.00)

I’d highly recommend giving these tights a few small rips (and coating them with clear nail polish so they don’t run) to top off the perfect grunge part of this look.  Plain opaque black tights have been around for a while now, it's time to give them a remix.  Plus, if you already have a pair at home you ripped by accident, voila! Now you saved yourself some money.

(Opaque Tights by Guess available @ Guess.com, $6.38)

Does it get anymore comfortable than these boots?  Seriously.

(Women’s Riding Ankle-High BLACK Combat Boots available @ Stores.channeladvisor.com, $22.50)

Total Outfit: $91.73

What are some of your favorite ways to stay cute and comfy during the winter?

XXoo