Welcome to this week's edition of Friend Fridays, sponsored by ModlyChic.
1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?
If a blogger actually wears the outfits they post. If a blogger is honest with their readers about where the pieces of the outfit came from, how much they spent, if they were gifts/courtesy of a company. If a blogger shares aspects of their day to let you know why they wore certain parts of their outfit (ie, high heels because you sit at a desk all day.) All of these are pieces of the whole picture. Each individual blogger doesn't have to share every last piece, but the more complete a picture the readers see, the more authentic the blog/blogger is.
2. When it comes to your blog how to you infuse it with that true/
authentic feeling?
The pictures I post are always of an outfit I have worn, usually to work, since I don't often post weekend outfits. When something is different from my norm (a weekend or evening look) I mention that. If I wore something differently than how it is pictured on the blog (sometimes I forget to change from my commuting shoes to the shoes I wore all day, for example), I make a note of that on the blog. I often talk about an aspect of my day that relates to the outfit -- I think that ties my clothing into my personality and who I am a little more.
I also try to write pretty much the way I speak in real life. I've found that the blogs I enjoy reading the most are the ones where I feel like I'm sitting down with a cuppa tea, chatting with a friend. It just happens to be a friend I've never met who lives hundreds of miles away. I don't know if I'm quite there yet with my own blog, but it's something I strive for.
3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?
I probably have, though I haven't really kept track too well. Everyone's style adapts over time, and sometimes I find that some bloggers whose style I used to adore just don't work for me anymore. It's not a judgment on them at all, but it just doesn't pique my curiosity anymore. Personally, the vast majority of blogs I follow are ones where I can draw inspiration, learn for myself, or relate to in some way. While there is something to be said for fantasy-outfit blogs, for me, if I can't translate your looks into something I could/would wear, I'm not likely to keep reading your blog.
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?
I live my life for me, not for my readers. While I do sometimes catch myself wondering if an outfit is "blog-worthy," I don't dress myself for the blog. I take pictures of what I wear, and I post them. Now, that's not to say that I don't use my blog as motivation for holding myself accountable for actually making an effort to look nice. (Maybe that's the same thing as dressing for the blog, but I don't think it is...)
5. Give a shout-out... Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?
Hillary from byhillary
Kimberly from Fab Finds Under $50
Suze from Miss Vinyl Ahoy
Tina from T Minus, T Plus
Andie from What Andie Wears
Erin from Work With What You've Got
Truly, my list could go on and on. but these gals are ones whose blogs seem to speak to me the most. They write about real things that happen in their lives, and they write with a voice that comes across as their own. I can get a sense of who they are from their blogs. They just happen to also post photos of what they wear. I think that's the key -- I love the clothes, but it's the people that make the blog authentic.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friend Friday...
I'm sure most of you have seen various other bloggers taking part in Friend Fridays, sponsored by ModlyChic.
Since I have been remiss in updating the blog lately (I swear I keep meaning to take and upload photos for you, but I can't find anywhere inside to pose, and it's just TOO DARNED COLD outside!) I have decided to start taking part in these little Q&Asessions to at least keep the blog semi-conscious.
After all, I'm still here, and I'm still reading and commenting!
1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
For work, I usually set my outfit out the night before -- this allows me to sleepwalk through my morning as much as possible. The most important thing I keep in mind is the weather. If it is cold, rainy, or snowy outside, I take that into account when selecting something to wear, adding extra layers or avoiding something that wont hold up well in the rain. It is always a little cool in my office also, so when it's hot outside, I always try to remember an extra layer for inside.
Other than the weather, I keep in mind other things like comfort, pieces I haven't worn in a while, clothing items or accessories that are new to me, or things I've seen that have inspired me. If I see a trend in the outfits I've been putting together (for example, I seem to have a natural tendancy to wear darker colors in the winter), I try to be aware of it and break the cycle.
2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend?
As I said earlier, on work nights, I lay out my outfit the night before. I have done this since high school. Since I'm not an early riser, I like to sleep in as much as possible and just sleepwalk through my morning. I have, a few times, been inspired and put together outfits for a few days, and I have noticed how much more smoothly those days/nights go when I don't have to stop to pull an outfit together before bed. I might try to start planning a weeks worth of outfits on Sunday night, just to see if that's a habit I can maintain.
I have also seen a few bloggers who put together some "emergency" outfits -- for those days when you've overslept and forgotten to pull something the night before, for those times you just don't feel like wearing what you put together, for those spontaneous moments when you need to look cute or pulled together but don't have the time or energy to put into it. Voila, the work is already done! I think this is an intriguing idea, and I may try to put one or two ensembles together on a day when I'm feeling creatively inspired.
3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?
I don't worry about repeats -- I've never claimed every outfit I put together is unique, and frankly, if I like something I've whipped up, I can pretty much guarantee that I WILL repeat it, either verbatim or at least in a different iteration. I understand the idea that repeating an outfit might lack creativity, but sometimes you just gotta know that something works. And if it works for me, I'm gonna do it again!
4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
I have my clothes hung in my closet by color (and sorta-kinda by function) so I really don't like to move things around too much. Sometimes when I have a certain piece in my hand, I will hold it up near other pieces to try to get ideas. Sometimes I do try things on -- I have definitely been stuck in the morning with an outfit I put together in my mind and thought would work, only to realize it doesn't, and with no time to grab anything else! (This would be one of those occasions where an "emergency" outfit would come in handy!) There have been times when, even holding pieces beside one another, I didn't think they would work together, but just fot fun I put them on together and end up loving the way they look.
Basically, I just keep looking back within my closet and saying to myself "What else can I pair this with? How else can I wear this?"
5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?
Like I said earlier, I think I am going to test out the week-long outfit selecting process and see how that goes. I've noticed that most mornings I seem to be getting ready faster than I used to, so maybe I can try to start wearing makeup on a more regular basis (most days, I wear NONE, which I'm pretty sure would garner a few gasps from the fashion crowd!). I also want to throw together a few "emergency" outfits.
I'm really interested in seeing how other bloggers answer this question, since I'm always looking for ways to cut down on the amount of time it takes me to do anything...
Since I have been remiss in updating the blog lately (I swear I keep meaning to take and upload photos for you, but I can't find anywhere inside to pose, and it's just TOO DARNED COLD outside!) I have decided to start taking part in these little Q&Asessions to at least keep the blog semi-conscious.
After all, I'm still here, and I'm still reading and commenting!
1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
For work, I usually set my outfit out the night before -- this allows me to sleepwalk through my morning as much as possible. The most important thing I keep in mind is the weather. If it is cold, rainy, or snowy outside, I take that into account when selecting something to wear, adding extra layers or avoiding something that wont hold up well in the rain. It is always a little cool in my office also, so when it's hot outside, I always try to remember an extra layer for inside.
Other than the weather, I keep in mind other things like comfort, pieces I haven't worn in a while, clothing items or accessories that are new to me, or things I've seen that have inspired me. If I see a trend in the outfits I've been putting together (for example, I seem to have a natural tendancy to wear darker colors in the winter), I try to be aware of it and break the cycle.
2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend?
As I said earlier, on work nights, I lay out my outfit the night before. I have done this since high school. Since I'm not an early riser, I like to sleep in as much as possible and just sleepwalk through my morning. I have, a few times, been inspired and put together outfits for a few days, and I have noticed how much more smoothly those days/nights go when I don't have to stop to pull an outfit together before bed. I might try to start planning a weeks worth of outfits on Sunday night, just to see if that's a habit I can maintain.
I have also seen a few bloggers who put together some "emergency" outfits -- for those days when you've overslept and forgotten to pull something the night before, for those times you just don't feel like wearing what you put together, for those spontaneous moments when you need to look cute or pulled together but don't have the time or energy to put into it. Voila, the work is already done! I think this is an intriguing idea, and I may try to put one or two ensembles together on a day when I'm feeling creatively inspired.
3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?
I don't worry about repeats -- I've never claimed every outfit I put together is unique, and frankly, if I like something I've whipped up, I can pretty much guarantee that I WILL repeat it, either verbatim or at least in a different iteration. I understand the idea that repeating an outfit might lack creativity, but sometimes you just gotta know that something works. And if it works for me, I'm gonna do it again!
4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
I have my clothes hung in my closet by color (and sorta-kinda by function) so I really don't like to move things around too much. Sometimes when I have a certain piece in my hand, I will hold it up near other pieces to try to get ideas. Sometimes I do try things on -- I have definitely been stuck in the morning with an outfit I put together in my mind and thought would work, only to realize it doesn't, and with no time to grab anything else! (This would be one of those occasions where an "emergency" outfit would come in handy!) There have been times when, even holding pieces beside one another, I didn't think they would work together, but just fot fun I put them on together and end up loving the way they look.
Basically, I just keep looking back within my closet and saying to myself "What else can I pair this with? How else can I wear this?"
5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?
Like I said earlier, I think I am going to test out the week-long outfit selecting process and see how that goes. I've noticed that most mornings I seem to be getting ready faster than I used to, so maybe I can try to start wearing makeup on a more regular basis (most days, I wear NONE, which I'm pretty sure would garner a few gasps from the fashion crowd!). I also want to throw together a few "emergency" outfits.
I'm really interested in seeing how other bloggers answer this question, since I'm always looking for ways to cut down on the amount of time it takes me to do anything...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Giveaway...
Liddiegal over at Chic on the Cheap is hosting a giveaway!
CSN Stores offer all kinds of products from housewares to clothing, and they are giving her $65 to give away to one of her readers!
Being a newly married gal who has seriously cut back her spending for the past 6+ months, I could definitely use this one if I win!
If you are interested in a chance to win, check out her post here.
CSN Stores offer all kinds of products from housewares to clothing, and they are giving her $65 to give away to one of her readers!
Being a newly married gal who has seriously cut back her spending for the past 6+ months, I could definitely use this one if I win!
If you are interested in a chance to win, check out her post here.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What I've Been Up To...
Remember me?
I used to post here many-a-moon ago?
Apologies for my absence, but I've been busy, y'all.
Busy gettin married!
I'm eagerly awaiting the "real" pictures, but in the meantime a few family members and friends have shares some of the photos they snapped of our big day.
We were lucky enough to have a warm, GORGEOUS day and were able to have our ceremony outside. (In Maryland, nearing the end of October, you never know whether you are going to have snow or a heat wave, so we were truly blessed!)
I will spare you all of the details, but here is one of my favorite pictures I've seen so far, of my daddy and I walking down the steps/aisle to the ceremony site:
Now that the stress of wedding-planning is behind me, I'm hoping to get back into the groove here. I need to re-train myself how to take pictures, and I also need to find my camera cord... I know it's around here somewhere.
Anywho, know that I haven't fallen off the planet. I'm still here!
I used to post here many-a-moon ago?
Apologies for my absence, but I've been busy, y'all.
Busy gettin married!
I'm eagerly awaiting the "real" pictures, but in the meantime a few family members and friends have shares some of the photos they snapped of our big day.
We were lucky enough to have a warm, GORGEOUS day and were able to have our ceremony outside. (In Maryland, nearing the end of October, you never know whether you are going to have snow or a heat wave, so we were truly blessed!)
I will spare you all of the details, but here is one of my favorite pictures I've seen so far, of my daddy and I walking down the steps/aisle to the ceremony site:
Now that the stress of wedding-planning is behind me, I'm hoping to get back into the groove here. I need to re-train myself how to take pictures, and I also need to find my camera cord... I know it's around here somewhere.
Anywho, know that I haven't fallen off the planet. I'm still here!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Giveaway...
Hillary is hosting a giveaway of a FABULOUS Marc Jacobs owl bangle.
I normally am not a gold metal wearer, but I *AM* a fan of all things owl (I am wearing my little shrinky-dink owl pin and my tiny little owl stud earrings today!). I am feeling a NEED for this adorable owl bangle in my jewelry wardrobe, so I am crossing my fingers, toes, eyes, end everything else that I snag this baby!
If you'd like a chance to win the bracelet, fill out Hillary's entry form here.
Good Luck to all of us!
I normally am not a gold metal wearer, but I *AM* a fan of all things owl (I am wearing my little shrinky-dink owl pin and my tiny little owl stud earrings today!). I am feeling a NEED for this adorable owl bangle in my jewelry wardrobe, so I am crossing my fingers, toes, eyes, end everything else that I snag this baby!
If you'd like a chance to win the bracelet, fill out Hillary's entry form here.
Good Luck to all of us!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Vote for My Friend...
My friend Gabrielle Howell is an amazing designer (of both fab outfits as well as graphic elements).
She is currently competing to design a costume/outfit that, if she wins, will be worn by Florence + the Machine!
Needless to say this is an amazing opportunity.
Please help her out and vote for her -- and feel free to pass the link along to all of your friends and fellow fashionistas!
http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a55debc25185bbc242dba8540e43b7e5/120
She is currently competing to design a costume/outfit that, if she wins, will be worn by Florence + the Machine!
Needless to say this is an amazing opportunity.
Please help her out and vote for her -- and feel free to pass the link along to all of your friends and fellow fashionistas!
http://www.talenthouse.com/creativeinvites/preview/a55debc25185bbc242dba8540e43b7e5/120
Happy Birthday Hillary...
Hi All! I promise, I'm still here. I'm still reading all of your blogs and commenting when I have something to say. I haven't been posting much, but I'm just 2 1/2 weeks away from my wedding, and frankly, outfit photos just aren't at the top of my priority list at the moment. I am definitely planning on picking up the camera post-honeymoon, though!
Now, onto bigger and more important news, today is Hillary's birthday!
Happy Birthday lady!
For her birthday, Hillary asked her readers to take photos of the insides of their purses and show them to her. She claims to be nosy, but really, I think we are all curious about what others carry around on a daily basis, and especially how different people keep their stuff organized!
I used to swap out my purses on a daily basis, so I like to keep things fairly streamlined inside my purse. These days, I have pretty much been carrying the same purse for weeks. (Maybe I will just have a seasonal purse, kinda like Kameel.) The side-affect of carrying the same purse for an extended period of time is that I have started to accumulate more items in said purse.
Hillary, these pictures are for you!
(apologies in advance for the blurry phone pics!)
This is my purse:
And here are all of the contents of my purse:
Nothing earth-shattering going on in there, but those are my essentials.
One thing I'd like to point out is the pile of perfume sticks -- those are from The Morbid The Merrier, an Etsy seller that Hillary reviewed several times. Based on her review I picked up some for myself, and I LOVE them!! So kudos to you, Hillary, for the awesome recommendation!
Now, onto bigger and more important news, today is Hillary's birthday!
Happy Birthday lady!
For her birthday, Hillary asked her readers to take photos of the insides of their purses and show them to her. She claims to be nosy, but really, I think we are all curious about what others carry around on a daily basis, and especially how different people keep their stuff organized!
I used to swap out my purses on a daily basis, so I like to keep things fairly streamlined inside my purse. These days, I have pretty much been carrying the same purse for weeks. (Maybe I will just have a seasonal purse, kinda like Kameel.) The side-affect of carrying the same purse for an extended period of time is that I have started to accumulate more items in said purse.
Hillary, these pictures are for you!
(apologies in advance for the blurry phone pics!)
This is my purse:
And here are all of the contents of my purse:
Nothing earth-shattering going on in there, but those are my essentials.
One thing I'd like to point out is the pile of perfume sticks -- those are from The Morbid The Merrier, an Etsy seller that Hillary reviewed several times. Based on her review I picked up some for myself, and I LOVE them!! So kudos to you, Hillary, for the awesome recommendation!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)