FBFF: What's Trending

After what seems like a month, Fashion Beauty Friend Fridays are back and I couldn’t be more excited.  This time of year is always a great one to talk about fashion; after all NYFW is less than a month away.

We are about to see a lot of trends during fashion week so it seems only fitting that this week’s FBFF questions focus on new trends.

1. With Fashion week just around the corner, we are all beginning to focus on the upcoming trends for fall. But what about the trends hitting stores now? What are you coveting? Haha well, I always get super itchy when I think of something that I know is going to be a HUGE trend in the future.  I hate waiting for everyone else to be wearing the trend and usually like to jump into it as soon as I can get my hands on it. This isn’t always easy since stores don’t always carry next season’s IT items.  BUT…if we are focusing on RIGHT now I’ll say I’m most exciting to start wearing the color blocking trend.  Like I mentioned in my last post, I started buying items to do this but it hasn’t been warm enough to wear most of it yet.  I’m also going to throw in and say that instead of bright neon color blocking (which is so right now) that we will be seeing a lot of jewel toned color blocking for fall and a lot of floral and bustier top lines.

2. How do you incorporate new trends into your wardrobe? I go shopping. 

3. What trend are you seeing and not loving? Hmmm, this one is kind of tough.  I kind of have a love hate relationship with the colored jeans thing happening right now.  I really want bright yellow pants but I am just not a jeans person.

4. Do you feel the pressure to constantly update your closet with the latest trends? Not at all.  I buy what I like and what I must have.  This always includes some classic pieces and some trendier pieces.  If it’s a trendier item I tend to not spend as much on the item – I save that for the classic pieces I will love forever.

5. Where do you find inspiration that takes the trend and makes it accessible to you and your personal taste? Well as far as inspiration goes, I follow my gut then I shop accordingly. This usually involves a serious amount of online shopping so I can just Google whatever I am thinking of.

What are some of your favorite trends right now?

XXoo

For more Fashion Bloggers' answers hop on over to Modly Chic.

FBFF: Feeling Festive? So Am I.

Happy December my loves! Just in time for the holidays, I'm bring you an early gift - a new post! (Just what you've always wanted right?

Inspired once again by the mind of Katy over at ModlyChic.com we have a great set of #FBFF questions.

Take a peek into my holiday pyschy.

No holiday party is complete without: Good food, good drinks, good friends/family.


My favorite Christmas song/album: I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas (Bing Crosby version only.)My favorite seasonal recipe: Eggnog with rum.


The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Something that makes you stand out from the crowd.At the parties, I'll be drinking: LOTS of champagne.


Eggnog, good or bad? Good, only when spiked.Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? Yes!


Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha:Neither, I'd go white chocolate something.

Worst gift I ever got:I must've blocked it from my memory because I definitely don't remember!

Best gift I ever received: Everyday is a gift.

My family has this weird tradition:I wish I could say we had one...but we don't.

My best bargain find for a gift this year: I found my brother-in-law this amazing button-down Calvin Klein from Nordstrom rack marked down from $90 to $40!

If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at:The internet...and I do.

Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman:Why make me choose!!??

My favorite holiday memory:Waking up early and seeing what seemed like a massive pile of gifts under the tree with my brother.

My favorite Christmas movie:White Christmas.

The best part about holiday decorations is:Getting caught up in the spirit.

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Depends on how nicely the gift was wrapped.

Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life:Ahh um both? or can I chose A Christmas Story and White Christmas?

It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: I watch White Christmas.

All I want for Christmas is: You dear reader!

Happy Holidays to all! 

XXoo

P.S.  If you have a blog or a FB page, try to repost these questions - I'd love to see your answers!

FBFF: (Fashion) Victim of A Contagious Epidemic

It happens to everyone. You might pay it no mind at first but after weeks of hearing or seeing something repeatedly it seeps into your mind and after awhile it's all you can think about.  You begin to get the "I have to have it RIGHT NOW" thoughts that seep in during meetings, every day conversations and as you lay in bed at night. You don't want to be left out of what everyone else has, do you? No.  So you with everyone else (who has also had these thoughts) hits the stores at the same time (and also periodically) vying for the same items that you HAVE to have. Voila, a craze has been created.

Since almost no one is safe from this epidemic and when exposed it is extremely contagious, this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions divulge into how it affects even the savviest shoppers.

1. Do you ever see a fad hit the stores and immediately dislike it? Has that fad ever began to grow on you? I can't think of anything off the top of my head but I know I've been victim to this before.

2. Has the popularity of a certain piece of clothing or line ever
convinced you to try on something (or purchase something) you dislike? This I can answer. Yes. I am not much of a Juicy Couture or Tiffany's person but I do own quite a few items from each brand.  Not that there's anything wrong with either, I'm just not one of those girls.

3. Have you ever changed your mind about a trend after seeing it
around for a while? Like the answer to number one - I know I have, I just can't tell you when or what.

4. Do you feel a certain pressure to have specific items in your
closet because 'everyone' else does?  I certainly don't feel pressure to have specific items in my closet because other people do at this point in my life but I definitely have before.  (See answer number two.)

5. Be honest, what do you think of the Missoni line? Did you grab any items? Is it worth the eBay prices? I'm actually going to answer this question first since I have strong feelings about it.  I cannot stand when high-end brands do lines for places like Target or H & M.  I like Target and I like H & M and I like Missoni and all the other brands that have designed for these stores but I like them separately.  I don't see a sense in paying a lot of money for something at one of these stores just because they label says a certain name.  You are still buying a piece of clothing from one of these stores not specifically the designer.  I think it's better to save your money towards a new garment from the line or buy vintage piece.  I feel the quality is much better.

What about you?  Have you ever fallen victim to a craze?

XXoo

FBFF: You May Say I'm A Dreamer

I'm a dreamer.  I always have been.  I don't remember it starting at any specific time but I do know I've always had my head in the clouds with my feet dragging on the ground.  I believe that those who do not dream, do not live and what's the point of it all if you have nothing to aspire to so obviously when I saw this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions, I got a little excited. 

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be? Only my best friends and family know this but I'll share with you. (Secrets out now!) If I could be anything in the entire world, I'd be a model.  I'm talking high-fashion, runway walking, editorial photo taking model.
 2. What draws you to this? A few things draw my to this - I love to travel and meet new people and I'd get to do that all the time.  I love being photographed.  I love the way editorials dress models as a form of art and quite frankly I'd love the paycheck (and the clothes and shoes.)


3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal? A long long time ago.  I started talking about it in high school though.

4. What's holding you back from going all in?  Well mainly I'm only 5'7" so while I have been asked to model for a few agencies, it's only to be told I'd be great for catalog and soaps. (Disclaimer - this would still be awesome but at the time I was balancing college and work and did not think I could graduate and be out of town all the time.)

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?  So, now that you know I've already pretty much pursed that dream (and I'm definitely done growing so I'm at peace with it) I will let you know that I believe you can have many dreams (which I do) and they can always change and grow as you do.  I currently have a few (and you can check out my Tumbler page for postings I call "Bucket.List" for some other smaller ones.)Some of my bigger ones have been buying a house (done) buying a BMW (done) and one I am currently working on is being one of the best and most sought after media planner/buyer in the country. 

So dear reader, I leave you with this.  Don't ever let anyone tell you no (not even yourself.)  It doesn't matter where you came from or where you are now.  If you can dream it, you can do it.

XXoo

What to Where

Every location has its own sense of style (or lack there of.) As fashion, beauty, and style bloggers this is something we are all too aware of.  Today's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions focuses on whether or not style is always location dependent.

1. What part of the world do you blog from? East Coast, United States.  I am based in Baltimore but spend a lot of time working in D.C. and N.Y. as well.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say? Well I'd say Baltimore has some style.  It's not N.Y. and D.C. style is completely different but Baltimore style is a mix of artsy or preppy or what I will call teen trendy.  No one is really doing anything super ground breaking with their ensembles.  My favorite area to check out people's style is Hampden where I work.  People here are sometimes labeled hipsters but really they do their own thing.  It works.

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold? I don't really know if there is a way to answer this question modestly...but I'm just gonna say it and go with I think I break the mold.  I feel like a lot of people around dress a certain way and I don't want to look like them...or anyone else for that matter.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve? I wouldn't say that traveling has made my clothing choices evolve more so as I've grown my clothing choices have too.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be? I've been told my style is very Parisian - classic simple garments, minimal makeup and statement jewelry.

Do you feel pressure to change your style to blend wherever you travel or live?

XXoo

FBFF: Labeling

Whether we want to or not, it's easy to get caught up in labels.  Whether it's the label on the clothes you are wearing (or not wearing) or the label society sticks on a group of people, everyone has been concerned with labeling at some point in their lives (whether you want to admit it or not.)

1. As a someone who writes/blogs about fashion, have you placed yourself into some sort of blogging category? I didn't know there were categories?

2. What keeps you from or encourages you to label yourself as a
certain kind of blogger? Hmmm well, I don't think I label myself as a certain "type" of blogger really.

3. When picking blogs to read and follow are you drawn to ones that indicate a certain group or way of thinking/being? Totally. I mean who wouldn't?  Blog reading should be fun and for me fun entails enjoying what I am reading and I enjoy reading blogs that have similar style and writing to my own.  A blog is like a friend.  Most of my friends have something in common with myself and the blogs I enjoy the most do as well.

4. Do you think there are benefits in labeling yourself or others? I think labeling is okay if you do it in a positive way and don't label other's in a negative way.  For example, I'd like to label myself as a hard worker, good wife, and someone with a good sense of fashion.  However, it's not up to me to label other people.  That's something you should do for yourself.  If you want.

5. Agree or Disagree - We're all just people; we don't need all the labels. Well I agree.  People shouldn't be labeled but people do label people and even if it is subconsciously.  Society makes us this way - we see it in magazines "What's Hot, What's Not." We see it as we grow up - clubs and groups have names as this separates people from each other by giving them a label.  That's just how it is.

What about you?  Do you find yourself caring about labels? Or do you embrace everyone's differences?

Have a great weekend everyone!

XXoo

P.S.  If you want to find out more about me check out my Tumblr page.

FBFF

I couldn't think of a good title for this post.  It might be because it's Friday and it might be because I haven't had enough caffeine yet.  All I could think of while I was trying to make word play of the word "wear" was "Wear is my coffee" and frankly that just doesn't make much sense.  (Although it is a good question.)

1. Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping? No.  I started blogging because of my style choices - not the other way around.  I wanted to share with others all the different things I found and loved while shopping that I would buy (or that I wished that I could depending on budget.)

2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?  Well I certainly dress different from a lot of people especially when I am at home in Baltimore.  My best friends are fashionable as well but I wouldn't consider them to be fashion risk takers.  I've always dressed a little different from everyone.  (Remember I was the kid that asked for a beret when she was 12.)  There are days when I feel like dressing like everyone else or wish that I'd be satisfied being simple but for me getting dressed is a way of expressing myself and if I don't let it out I am only hurting myself.

3. What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?  This has me stumped. Good question...

4. Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?  Well I'd say there isn't much that I wouldn't try if I liked it.  I do have a giant sunhat in my closet I am dying to wear but haven't come across the right occasion yet so I guess that kinda counts.  But I will wear it.

5. Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?  I could really go on a long tangent and list a bunch of people (bloggers) here but I will have to say that I enjoy reading My Style Pill and looking Christine's style pics.  I love NY.

Happy Friday everyone!

XXoo

FBFF: Pack Rat

This time of year most people are thinking (dreaming) about their vacations or are already begining to go on them.  That being said, packing makes for a perfect Fashion Beauty Friend Friday topic this week.

Well I'll throw this out there first - as much as I love vacations and traveling, I haven't been on a real in a little over two years. I do have a MUCH needed one coming up in the fall and I cannot wait.

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra? The more the merrier.  I have to bring everything because I never know what I may need!

2. What are your must packs? See question number 1.

3. What are you happy to leave behind? The bills.

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase? Haha don't try to get everything in just one suitcase or they will charge you an extra $95.00 if it goes 5 pounds over the limit.  I repeat, do NOT try fitting everything in one suitcase. Try carrying a large purse onto the plan as well as putting the most valuable items (for me it's shoes) into a carry-on.

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand? Ah, I love to read. However, I don't know when I'll get to the beach this summer.

FBFF: Do You Care About Your Hair?

For me, the not so simple answer to this question is kinda. While I understand that good hair is quintessential to helping you look your best, maintaining mine usually takes a back seat to everything else.

This week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions look deeper into this issue.

1. How often do you get your hair cut? Not as often as I should.  I am actually terrible at getting it cut on a regular basis. I hate taking time out of my routine to do it.  I know I should though.

2. Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon? If I'm getting my hair professionally colored (which I don't do often since I'm a brunette) I will go to the same girl at a very nice salon.  Since I have fairly straight hair and usually get it dry cut I'll just run into a random Hair Cuttery for a trim.  I don't want to spend anymore than $20.00 if I'm just getting rid of split ends.

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color? Yes, I do color my hair. I've actually been coloring my hair since high school because my hair gets brassy which REALLY bothers me.  I don't have to do it too often, just when it starts to look bland, brassy and dull.  Then I usually just grab a box kit from somewhere and touch it up myself.

4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is: Use Frederick Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner. It's amazing.

5. What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock? I can't say that there is just one hair trend I'd like to rock other than the one I'm rocking now (which is long hair that I can wear straight, wavy or curly and do various different styles with.) However, it would be fun to be a celebrity and have the ability to cut your hair shorter and then get extensions whenever you wanted longer hair again.  That would be awesome.

What about you? Do you take time to care for your hair? Or does it take a backseat to other things like my poor hair?

XXoo

FBFF: Outside Influences

Today's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions once again focus on where our fashion inspiration comes from.  In a world where fashion is everywhere and everything (or so it seems) and is constantly in your face, how do you choose to let it inspire you and where do you turn for inspiration by choice?

1. What magazines do you subscribe to? I don’t subscribe to any.  I enjoy reading Lucky, Vogue and Elle though.

2. Do you watch any fashion TV shows? Does The City count as a fashion TV show? Probably not but when it was on I loved to watch it for the fashion so I’ll count that.  I think Whitney Port and Olivia Palmero have great style.  (I’ll probably get some slack for this answer.)

3. Beyond blogs, what websites do you frequent for fashion
inspiration? Honestly, I can’t say that I frequent any public (online or in print) on a regular basis but when I am looking for inspiration I’ll read TheDailyFrontRow.com, CocoPerez.com and InStyle.com.  I’m a huge fan of blogs though.

4. Advertisements play a huge role in forming public opinion about a product or brand… what ads do you like and why? As someone who works in advertising, I LOVE this question.  I’m always analyzing ads and ad locations and campaigns to see which ones really get me.  I think Guess has always done a fantastic job of creating visually appealing ads and keeping a consistent brand image.  Michael Kors print ads do a great job of selling a luxury lifestyle brand and Tommy Hilfiger runs great TV spots by playing on American stereo types.  Every time I see those commercials it makes me think of the Tommy Hilfiger bikini I had to have in high-school and then I think, “I like what they are selling here; maybe I should buy another one.”

5. Do you own any fashion books? No but I do keep a binder of pages that I rip out of magazines and use for inspiration.

Just curious, what are some of the most effective ads you have seen?

XXoo

What Inspires YOU?

In a world where it's easy to have none, this week's (well technically last Friday's) Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions focus on inspiration. 

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration? I wouldn't say that I look towards any celebs in particular for fashion inspiration.  I try not to copy other peoples looks and just do me.  However, I really like Whitney Port's style.  I think she always looks great no matter what.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? So many things inspire me.  Most of the time I'm inspired by my mood or the weather.  I'm more apt to put myself together when the weather is warm and sunny.  I get lazy in the winter and dress more for warmth than anything else.  Winter clothes bore me. Sometimes I'm inspired by editorials in magazines, other times by a color I see somewhere and think, "I HAVE to find something in that color!"

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? I hope to inspire my readers by giving them ideas on what to wear when they are feeling uninspired.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? Knowing that success is possible. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you? First of all - is Idol ending? Not forever right? And who is winning?  In all seriousness though different types of music inspire me in different ways.  Trance music inspires me to keep running at the gym, hardcore rap also does the same thing as well as inspire me to keep pursuing monetary dreams, classic rock helps inspire many of my laid back casual outfits and top 40 hits inspire me when I'm getting dressed to go out.  I can't say there is just one song that really inspires me in every aspect of my life. It's always different.

What inspires you? How do you incorporate music and fashion into your life? Are there any celebs that mold your fashion choices?

XXoo

FBFF: A Birthday Reflection

Too often in our lives we get caught up in ourselves and forget how we got to where we are and who got us there.  While these things often get taken for granted, it's good to stop and give thanks once in a while.

In lieu of FBFF's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Katy has come up with questions that allow all of us to stop, reflect and give credit where credit is due.

1.  When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: My parents for installing values and morals and common knowledge into me as I grew and to my husband for continually making me the happiest I have ever been and for making me whole. (Disclaimer: Sorry to anyone who may have gagged reading this response.)

2. When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: All the people that have ever doubted me.  Thanks for being the thorn in my ass that drives my success everyday.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots: Since I'm a newer blogger I don't think I've had any rough spots in my blogging life per say but throughout the past 9 months I have had some personal obstacles and I have to give shoutouts to a few of my bloggersistas for being so awesome and keeping me smiling during those roadblocks.

Krystle from FIERCEFABFIT http://www.krystlesstyle.blogspot.com/
Ty from Gorgeous in Grey http://www.gorgeousingrey.com/
Taliah from Fashion Was Here http://www.fashionwashere.wordpress.com/
Melody from One Day in April http://www.onedayinapril.wordpress.com/

These ladies are all amazing! Check out their blogs, comment if you like.  You won't be disapointed.

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was… Hmmmmmm....I'll come back to this one!

5. To my readers, I’d like to say… THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! I am continously amazed people are actually reading my blog.  I cannot say it enough, THANK YOU!!
THANK YOU!!!

XXoo

FBFF: Does Engagement Lead To A Happy Marriage?

Many of us bloggers are often torn between how to attract new followers, how to hang on to old followers and how to keep our loyal readers and followers happy and around forever.

Today's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions deal with how to handle this sometimes dicey relationship. 

Blogging is like a physical relationship - sometimes you just have to date around and try new things before you figure out what really works for you.

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?  Start by offering to guest post when a friend needs someone to on their blog.  It's a great way to show that you are really capable while helping out a buddy.

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? Make sure you really read the content of the blog and then leave a genuine comment.  If you are having a hard time finding the words to write, then don't - what until they put up a new post and write something then.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd? Once again, make sure it's genuine.  Don't just send out an email saying follow me.  It's obnoxious.  When bloggers truly need help with something (like promoting a good cause or launching a great idea) mass emails are great.  People are much more likely to respond when the request is from the heart.
4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line
between seeking support and begging for exposure? My bloggersistas (I should trade mark that.  You heard that phrase here first kids) are THE BEST! I don't have to force feelings to give them support.  I truly love their blogs and love reading and leaving comments on them and I hope they feel the same way towards mine.
5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you
remedied that?  Please let me know!

XXoo

FBFF: How Do You Define Feminism?

"Feminism is a collection of movements aimed at defining, establishing and defending equal political, economic, and social rights and equal opportunities for women.^[1][2][3] Its concepts overlap with those of women's rights. Feminism is mainly focused on women's issues, but because feminism seeks gender equality, some feminists argue that men's liberation is therefore a necessary part of feminism, and that men are also harmed by sexism and gender roles. Feminists—that is, persons practicing feminism—can be persons of either sex" - Wikipedia.com

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume most of you needed that definition as much as I did.  I thought I knew the basic idea of being a "feminist" but never thought too far into it. 

This week's questions centered around fashion and feminism drove me to look further into what the word means and past my preconceived notions about what being a feminist is.


1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion? Not in my mind.  Being fashionable doesn't always equate to being "pretty" or dolling yourself up which is where some people may equate the two as incompatible.  Being fashionable means being well-dressed or putting yourself together in a certain way that is an expression of yourself.

2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog? I write from my heart.  Personal tid-bits sneak into my blog and I may reference things that are going on in my life.  I always blog about what I like and what I'm into.  I guess my entire blog is an aspect of myself.

3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession,how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role? I don't think it would differ.  Women dominate very important roles in fashion right now - they are Editors In Chiefs of many HUGE magazines, powerhouse PR reps, Hollywood stylists, etc.  I stand by the phrase, "behind every powerful man is an even more powerful woman" (even if you don't see her.)

4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs? Yes.  I think this is true for everyone.  Not many what your self-image may be, it is formed by past experiences, how you were raised and your beliefs.  Various aspects of my self-image came together from different places.  I think a lot of it comes from my mother.  She is a go-getter and has a great work ethic.  She also has some other traits that I also had (that weren't as positive) that I've had to figure out ways to solve on my own.  She installed a good foundation (of examples, morals, beliefs)I've built on basically.

5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons? For some women things like make-up and hair and the way they dress are 100% percent superfluous add-ons.  For me, the way I dress is an expression of myself and who I am.  Sometimes I wish I came off a little "sexier" or more feminine but trying to do so wouldn't be true to myself.

What are your thoughts on feminism?  How would you define feminism in your life?

XXoo

FBFF: Makeup To Breakup

Hello Dear Reader,

I'm sorry I've been absent lately and have left you hanging.  This is not something I have done intentionally but due to unexpected family issues, I have been out of town and away from my computer. 

I've missed you and missed posting, so today kicks off getting back on track, back to normalcy.

As you know, I love my Fashion Beauty Friend Friday group and weekly questions so I figured this would be a great way to get back to the grind.  Every girl (even the Tomboys) have gone through love hate relationships with their beauty products, makeup routine and quite possibly, their entire look.

This week's questions focus on what works and what doesn't in your personal realm of beauty and fashion.

FBFF: Beauty products

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?  This is a tough one.  I am constantly buying and trying new makeup.  I definitely don't buy one product based on brand.  Currently my favorite drugstore product is Wet-N-Wild mascara in black. (Highly recommend.) My favorite mid-range product is MAC lipstick and my favorite higher-end product is Chanel lipstick.  (Clearly, I have a lipstick issue.)

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without? LIPSTICK.  I don't wear it much during the day but if I'm going out, its a MUST-have.  During the day I can't survive without mascara.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?  This one is easy. Fredrick Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner.  It's worth every cent.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that? (If you could see the cringe face I just made while reading this question...)There are probably a lot.  I've always tried some trends other people might have been to afraid to (for good reasons.) Let's just say that I've worn some netted shirts (which might be making a come back but I think I'll pass,) tied leather string around my neck like a choker, worn some seriously bizarre hats....you get the picture.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality? I am not afraid to rock a bold lip color.

If you're like me, you've more than likely experimented and had some fashion moments you'd like to forget ever happened (or burn proof that they did at least.) 

Care to share?

XXoo

FBFF: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Body Image


As I've said before, sometimes we can be our own worst critics.  We look in the mirror and see a totally distorted vision of what others see.  We nitpick all the small things and soon enough, we're completely unhappy with ourselves.


No one is immune to this.  Not even fashion bloggers.  This week Katy from ModlyChic came up with some great questions to address body image and self perception.


1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed? Not really.  2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?  I don't really post much about myself.  Sometimes, if relevant, personal details will slip into my writing but it's pretty rare.  However, I wouldn't really hold back anything if it felt natural to write it.  I will say that I am self conscious about different things at different times. (Like right now I'm self conscious about my weight since I gained a few pounds over the winter even though no one else can probably notice.)

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?  Based on the past and how I've evolved through adolense into adulthood, I'd say the future looks pretty good for my body image.  Throughout the years I've learned to really love who I am and what makes me different and to not make excuses if people don't like me.  I also try to take really good care of my body and give it what it needs to feel good but I'm not hard on myself if I want to take a day off and sit around eating everything in sight.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you're having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?  I don't photograph myself for my blog but I absolutely love having my picture taken.  (Not so secret dream is to have my picture taken for a living.)  If I had someone around that could take really great photographs of me, I'd be bothering them to do it all the time but I don't so my blog is based around shopping and styling.

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?  I would want to tell them to start by accepting who they are and that it's good enough.  Once you love yourself, everyone else can see that and if they don't feel the same way and try to put you down, cut those negative people out of your life, you'll feel much better.


Have you ever struggled with body image?  How did you get over those feelings?


XXoo

FBFF: Black Will Always Be My New Black

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday

In lieu of a recent FBFF sponsorship from a place that sells colored tights, this week's FBFF questions are based around (you guessed it) color!

1. What color dominates your closet? For those of you who regularly read my blog (or looked at the title to this post) you already know how I'm going to answer this question.  Black dominates my closet.  Then white, then gray.  (To prove my point, today I am wearing black and gray.)

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet? Money really isn't an issue that determines what color the clothes are in my closet.  I understand that it might sway some people towards what is a safe and practical color for them so the garment would be worth whatever you are spending on it.  For me, I wear a lot of black because it is simple and classic and really just my favorite color.  Sometimes I will throw a bright item into the mix on those days where I think, "I really need to add some color to my wardrobe," but then I don't end up wearing it because that's not me.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors? Ahh mixing colors.  Some people pull this off great.  I still remember an editorial in Cosmopolitan last summer that did this fabulously (if you count different shades of the same color as mixing colors.)  In each picture the model was wearing garments in various shades of the same color.  It looked amazing, I've just never tried to do it.

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits? I don't really. If I happen to be wearing color it would either be from a bright sweater thrown over an all black ensemble or from a scarf or from jewelry and accessories.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe? I really think Tiffany from A Reason To Be Fabulous does such a great job at this!  It seems she is always wearing nice bright colors and ties everything together really nicely.  I also love how Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere incorporates color into her wardrobe.  Most of the time it is subtle, which is similar to my own color choices.

Interested in seeing what color everyone else prefers to wear?  Check out the FBFF Group at ModlyChic.

XXoo

Go Red For Women

Today, Friday, February 4, is National Go Red Day. 

In 2004 the American Heart Association created Go Red Day in order to create awareness in regards to Heart Disease Being the NUMBER ONE KILLER OF WOMEN. 

Each year, National Go Red Day, is a day where women (and men) wear the color red to show their support of this deadly disease.

This year, one of our great members suggested that our Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Group help raise even more awareness by going red THE ENTIRE MONTH!!  She suggested that group members wear red all throughout February while blogging about it and posting pictures of how they did it.

While I do don’t post daily outfit pictures, I can contribute by offering some fantastic red pieces to make participating in this awareness challenge MUCH easier! 

Here are some of my favorite fabulous red pieces to wear this month.

Tops

  1. Anne Klein New York Georgette Blouse available @ AnneKlein.com, $195.00

2. Women’s AE Thin Sleeve Cardigan $39.50

3. LNA Women’s Tee available @ Yoox.com, $49.00

Bottoms

1. McQ Houndstooth Leggings available @ Theoutnet.com, $117.00

2. Waterfall Drape Short available @ Topshop, $70.00

3. Costume National Casual Pants available @ Yoox.com, $295

Dresses

1. Mossimo Women’s Ponte Dolman Sleeve Dress available @ Target, $24.99

2.Moschino Cheap and Chic Belted Printed Silk Blend Dress available @ Theoutnet.com, $166.25

3.Pepe Jeans Floral Batwing Dress available @ Asos.com, $103.00

Jumpers

1. Steven Alan Lou Lou Woven Playsuit available @ Theoutnet.com, $75.00

2. Sparkle & Fade One Shoulder Ruffle Romper available @ Urban Outfitters, $24.99

Accessories

1. Oversized Jewel Statement Necklace available @ Arden B., $29.00

2. Butter LONDON 3 Free in Chancer available @ Drugstore.com, $14.00

3. Urban Expressions Glitter Heart Case available @ Ebags.com, $44.00 

Shoes

1. Michael Antonio Faux Suede Wedge Pump available @ Arden B.,  $59.00

2. Jessica Simpson Tamana Heel available @ JessicaSimpsonCollection.com, $59.99

3. Valentino Patent Leather Slingback Pumps available @ Theoutnet.com, $297.50

To donate or learn more about the American Heart Association and National Go Red Day, visit https://donate.americanheart.org/ 

or feel free to email me for more information!

XXoo