Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Blogiversary giveaway winner is...
The winner of my one-year blog anniversary giveaway, featuring a $25 Marshalls/ TJ Maxx gift card and Urban Decay products is:
Gracie-Lou!
- Hi, I'm following you on GFC. Great giveaway!! Can I just say, I'm so happy you made the decision to start blogging! Your posts are always so insightful, and I always look forward to reading what you've written. http://lexi-and-button.blogspot.com
Thanks to everyone for entering!
Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Resolutions
This week, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday participants were asked to share their New Year's resolutions, whether they be blog or personal goals.
If you’re like a gazillion other people across the globe (or, maybe just America – not sure whether this kind of torment affects other countries), chances are you’ve said or thought at least one of the following statements at some point in the last few days:
- “In 2012, I’m going to [lose weight/start exercising/quit smoking/get organized/dye my hair pink]”
- “New Year’s resolutions? Um, no. Not into that.”
So this year is different. This year I decided to make a list of things I am looking forward to in the upcoming year and goals that are realistic and achievable.
- Elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary: This includes things such as wearing sequins to run errands, going to more concerts, drinking champagne during the week, eating dinner by candlelight, and treating myself to the occasional massage.
- Spend more time outdoors: Yesterday I took my kids for a hike at a nearby nature preserve, and it opened my eyes to my love for being outdoors. I'd like to go for more hikes and picnics, brush the dust of my bicycle, and buy myself a pair of vintage or used roller skates.
- Take more road trips: I went thrifting with a blogger friend recently and she mentioned how she and her husband take weekend road trips to visit estate sales, flea markets and thrift stores. I would love to start doing the same. I don't mind driving, and it'd be fun to explore other parts of the country.
- Publish my book: Writing and publishing a book is a much longer process than I was prepared for. My book is currently being professionally edited. Within the next month, a cover will be designed; the book will be formatted; copies will be printed and an e-book edition made available. I'd love to host a book launch party in March to celebrate getting it finished.
- Participate in the Texas Style Council Conference in March: I was recently hired as the community outreach manager and social media coordinator for the Texas Style Council Conference, and I could not be more thrilled to be involved. I had an amazing time at the conference last March and I'm so honored to be involved.
- Write more for other blogs: Guest posting is a great way to become more involved in the blogging community and reach out to potential readers. It also helps me develop my writing voice even further. In January I'll be working as a featured contributor for the Blind Hem, an online magazine focused on intelligent writing about fashion, and I'm hopeful that it will open more doors for writing opportunities.
- Avoid shopping new: At this point, my wardrobe is 85% thrifted. Ideally, I'll like it to be 100% composed of thrifted pieces, though I'm unsure if that's realistic, what with my reignited passion for shoes (though I'm considering purchasing vintage shoes from eBay and Etsy from now forward.)
- Add more fun into my diet: My diet is healthy, but boring. I tend to eat the same things all the time. It doesn't help that I'm not the most comfortable cook. I'd like to add more variety into my diet and become more comfortable in the kitchen.
As alway, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Are you making New Year's resolutions this year? Do you avoid making resolutions?
Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member of the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!
Layering ...
pants: pull&bear,
t-shirt: primark,
cardigan: non branded,
coat: zara,
cap: primark,
scarf: pashmina,
gloves: terranova,
bag: parfois,
ph. Jovana (BonjourJR)
Cozy place, great friend next to you and probably the best cheese cake in the whole world , perfect match for a cold day at the end of December....
Now is a right time to thank you for making this year even better, for following my blog, for leaving such a nice comments, that i enjoy reading, for being a great support, for loving all the things i do! This place wouldn't be the same without you, once again, thank you!
I'm wishing you all the best in new year, hope you will have one super night, see you in 2012! :)
Kisses
♥
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Vogue Magazine promotion: Jane By Design sneak preview!
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm working with Vogue Magazine to share special promotions geared towards my readers!
Vogue Magazine is pairing with "Jane By Design" a brand new show set to air on ABC Family Channel.
Vogue Magazine is pairing with "Jane By Design" a brand new show set to air on ABC Family Channel.
“Jane By Design” will make its world premiere on Tuesday, January 3, 9:00PM– 10:00PM ET/PT. “Jane By Design” follows Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher), a quirky teen with an eclectic chic fashion sense, who lands a job at a hip fashion house when they mistake her for an adult. Torn between her love of fashion and the need to finish high school, Jane conceals her true age to assist the demanding, but talented Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell), who travels the world in search of the next big style trend.
Jane quickly learns that working for a successful executive in the cutthroat world of fashion is not as glamorous as she once thought. But with help from her best friend Billy Nutter (Nicholas Roux), Jane tries to keep up appearances as she toggles between two lives and guard her secret. Even with Billy’s support, will Jane’s ruse be a passing fad, or will she be able to fashion a career in the design business?
A special two minute sneak preview of the show can be found here!
Thrifting 101: An introductory guide to deadstock vintage
It happened to me last weekend.
It was Sunday night. I was browsing through the racks of one of my favorite thrift stores. It was getting late, and my mind kept wandering. I wondered what I would make for dinner that night. I considered whether I needed to do a load of laundry, or whether I could put it off until the next day. I thought about my New Year's Eve outfit, debating between a sequined blouse or mini dress. And what about my editorial calendar?
Just as I was about to give up on thrifting, my fingers brushed against something unmistakable - a rectangular merchandise tag dangling from a suede shirt. This was not just any shirt. No, this was a 1960's fringed and beaded black suede shirt, with a little packet of spare beads stapled to the tag.
I had stumbled upon deadstock.
What is deadstock?
Deadstock is a piece of vintage clothing at least twenty years old with its original tag still attached. Whether it was surplus inventory never put on display, overstock from a retail establishment or fashion brand that went out of business, obsolete inventory deemed unsuitable for sale, or an item from someone's estate, this piece has never been worn and it still, for all intents and purposes, new.
Traditionally, deadstock is defined as any stock that sits on a distributor's warehouse shelves, usually collecting dust, for a year or more. Retailers refer to deadstock as merchandise that cannot be sold. This type of product has never been worn, used or sold and has been in inventory for an extended period of time.
Deadstock earns its name from the fact that the design is "dead" from its original source. It might also be referred as NOS, short for "New Old Stock" or "Never Off The Shelf" by vintage dealers.
Why is deadstock so desirable?
As deadstock items are unworn, they serve as excellent specimens of fashion trends throughout time. Whether the deadstock is a 1930's feathered cloche, complete with original tissue paper, tag and hat box, or a southwestern print 1980's sweater with original tags attached, the item is just as it appeared when it originally went on sale.
Where can you find deadstock?
If you're lucky, you might find a piece of deadstock at a thrift store or estate sale. Deadstock vintage can also be found through dealers on eBay and Etsy, using the search terms 'deadstock' or 'NOS vintage'.
It was Sunday night. I was browsing through the racks of one of my favorite thrift stores. It was getting late, and my mind kept wandering. I wondered what I would make for dinner that night. I considered whether I needed to do a load of laundry, or whether I could put it off until the next day. I thought about my New Year's Eve outfit, debating between a sequined blouse or mini dress. And what about my editorial calendar?
Just as I was about to give up on thrifting, my fingers brushed against something unmistakable - a rectangular merchandise tag dangling from a suede shirt. This was not just any shirt. No, this was a 1960's fringed and beaded black suede shirt, with a little packet of spare beads stapled to the tag.
I had stumbled upon deadstock.
What is deadstock?
Deadstock is a piece of vintage clothing at least twenty years old with its original tag still attached. Whether it was surplus inventory never put on display, overstock from a retail establishment or fashion brand that went out of business, obsolete inventory deemed unsuitable for sale, or an item from someone's estate, this piece has never been worn and it still, for all intents and purposes, new.
Traditionally, deadstock is defined as any stock that sits on a distributor's warehouse shelves, usually collecting dust, for a year or more. Retailers refer to deadstock as merchandise that cannot be sold. This type of product has never been worn, used or sold and has been in inventory for an extended period of time.
Deadstock earns its name from the fact that the design is "dead" from its original source. It might also be referred as NOS, short for "New Old Stock" or "Never Off The Shelf" by vintage dealers.
Why is deadstock so desirable?
As deadstock items are unworn, they serve as excellent specimens of fashion trends throughout time. Whether the deadstock is a 1930's feathered cloche, complete with original tissue paper, tag and hat box, or a southwestern print 1980's sweater with original tags attached, the item is just as it appeared when it originally went on sale.
Where can you find deadstock?
If you're lucky, you might find a piece of deadstock at a thrift store or estate sale. Deadstock vintage can also be found through dealers on eBay and Etsy, using the search terms 'deadstock' or 'NOS vintage'.
What should you do with your deadstock?
Whether you wear it, sell it, or save it, the choice of what to do with your deadstock is up to you! Depending on the piece, deadstock vintage can be much more valuable than the same item without tags. It makes sense to do your research before deciding whether to archive the item, market it to a vintage dealer or sell on Etsy or Ebay, or wear it.
Bring the beat in ...
jeans: zara,
turtleneck: non branded,
cape: p..s...fashion,
gloves: accessorize,
earrings: dve smizle,
clutch: thanks to Tašnarija,
ph. Maja
In my previous post, i showed you a new clutch, and today, im fighting against the fog with sequins, wish me a good luck! ;)
New Year is almost here, do you have any plans?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Favorite make up products ....
Lately you have been asking me about my make up, and which products im using on a daily basis, so here they are :
1. Artdeco camouflage cream - 06
2. Artdeco Long-lasting foundation oil free spf 20 - 15
3. Deborah compact powder with mineral oligoelements - 08
4. Bourjouis blush - 34
5. Bourjouis powder brush
6. Artdeco lip brilliance - 25
7. Dior mascara Diorshow Black out - 99
The most difficult thing for me was to find a perfect foundation, i needed to cover my blemishes and some red spots, but at the same time, i was looking for some light texture. After some "googling" i found this oil free foundation from Artdeco and i tried it. Im using it now, probably for three years or even more, and im pretty satisfied. At the same time, i started with camouflage concelear, and it turns out as a perfect match for me. With Deborah compact powder, Bourjouis Rose D'or color on my cheeks and nude lips i am ready in three minutes with this every day make up routine. Dior mascara as a cherry on top (the best one in the whole world) and im already waiting for the elevator to come! ;)
What are your favorites?
p.s. thanks to Tašnarija, now i have one gorgeous sequin clutch, can't wait to wear it!Once again, thank you for this lovely gift!
Almost daily outfit of the day: Luck be a lady 12.28.11
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| Vintage Jordache blazer from Hunt. Gather. Style; thrifted silk blouse; Gap Outlet trousers; Stuart Weitzman velvet flats; Bloom clutch |
I tend to get stuck in a style rut this time of the year. This centers around the wearing of jeans five or more times a week, paired with either a cardigan, crewneck, or button-down with blazer. My sartorial laziness is most likely based on the following: Residual post-Christmas depression; burrowing as to avoid colder temperatures; and sheer laziness. So today I chose to challenge my winter inertia and dress like a lady. A lady would never wear jeans. Oh no. Ladies prefer tailored trousers, and perfectly applied red lipstick, and blazers with shoulder pads, and impractical clutches that hold little beyond a slim wallet and aformentioned red lipstick. I must admit that I felt prettier, and more pulled-together, in this outfit. My jeans might be calling to me from my closet, but a lady never yields.
In case you missed it:
- Don't forget to enter my blog anniversary giveaway featuring Urban Decay cosmetics and a TJ Maxx/Marshalls gift card!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Five things I always wanted for Hanukkah but never got (and still kind of want)
I had a pretty decent childhood, as childhoods go. I can't recall being particularly in need of anything. But you remember that feeling of anticipation on Christmas morning (or in my case, Hanukkah eve) when you excitedly clawed the wrapping paper off a gift just to discover, with crushing disappointment, that said gift wasn't exactly what you were hoping for? Yeah, I was plenty familiar with that. To this day, there remains a list of things I desperately, passionately wanted for Hanukkah that I just never got, despite what I am sure was persistent and obnoxious begging.
So today, as I lounge around the house in a post-holiday haze, I'm sharing that list with you.
So today, as I lounge around the house in a post-holiday haze, I'm sharing that list with you.
- A Barbie Dream House: I loved Barbie. Frankly, I wanted to be Barbie, what with her endless wardrobe of shiny satin dresses that velcroed up the back and and permanent blue eyeshadow that swept to her eyebrows and perpetually perky smile. I wanted to zip around in Barbie's pink Corvette, and get escorted to parties by Ken. But mostly I wanted Barbie's Dream House. It had an elevator, and balconies, and a vanilla-scented kitchen where Barbie could prepare things like plastic cupcakes.
- A pony: I wasn't a particularly athletic child. I was asthmatic, and chubby, and spent hours in my room reading Anne of Green Gables rather than playing soccer or softball or gymnastics or any of the myriad of sports my friends did. But I nursed deep, deep dreams of being an equestrian. I wanted my own horse more than anything in the world. I would name it Buttercup and feed it sugar cubes and essentially be exactly like Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet.
- A pool: As a kid, I wasn't friends with wealthy people. But I did watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, which featured fabulously wealthy and gorgeous people and their overdecorated California mansions, complete with swimming pools. My logic for wanting a swimming pool went like this: If I had a pool, I too would be fabulously wealthy and gorgeous. There. Logic. It makes sense.
- Long shiny blonde hair: Basically, think Christy Brinkley, but without the serial marriages.
- Roller skates: These days, children have birthday parties in places like private art studios and the club room at Rangers ballpark and indoor mountain climbing gyms. In my day, there was the roller rink. The roller rink smelled like sweat socks and played disco music on an endless loop. It was where you hung out with your friends and got your first kiss and ate soggy french fries. Those in the know brought their own roller skates with them. They were crafted from white leather with giant glittery rubber wheels. I, however, was a renter. To this day I long for those fancy roller skates, except mine would be pink. Or leopard.
Now I ask you: What are some things you wanted for Christmas (or Hanukkah) as a kid but never got and still kind of want?
Monday, December 26, 2011
Almost daily outfit of the day: When in doubt, wear sequins 12.26.11
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| Thrifted vintage sequined jacket; thrifted Citizen of Humanity jeans; thrifted vintage 1940's Victorian blouse; Bruno Magli peep-toe wedges (TJ Maxx) |
When I thrifted this 1960's red and gold sequined jacket back in the spring, I had no idea what occasion would call for it. One does not exactly wear red and gold sequins in normal, everyday life, unless you're someone theatrical and grandiose like Rachel Zoe and have a penchant for dramatic dressing during everyday occasions. Despite a lack of celebrity-infused fashion events and affected Californian accent, I too lean towards the dramatic, so I wore this jacket during my Christmas festivities yesterday, which included glamorous things like watching Elf and eating pie and sweeping errant shards of wrapping paper off the floor. Because if you're going to do Christmas right, it should include sequins. That's just a rule.
{Guest Post} Twelve goals for 2012
Today I'm guest posting for the fantastic Kyla over at Blue Collar Catwalk, and sharing my twelve goals for 2012. I met Kyla at the Texas Style Council Conference back in March and was immediately struck by how friendly and approachable she was. She shares my love of thrifting and vintage and is a truly unique voice in the blogosphere.
Be sure to drop by Blue Collar Catwalk and share your goals for 2012!
Be sure to drop by Blue Collar Catwalk and share your goals for 2012!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
On Sundays I Smile {Holiday edition} - Week in review 12.25.11
On Sundays I review the past week and I Smile. I share these moments with you.
Hanukkah is extra-special this year because it coincides with Christmas. This means that our Christmas Eve dinner included latkes and brisket and jelly donuts and we were able to avoid the meal most Jews engage in on Christmas Eve - takeout Chinese food. Don't ask me why this is a thing...I have no idea.
I'm certain that this little gingerbread playhouse in Half Price Books was meant for children. But I couldn't help myself from going inside, pulling up a chair, and reading with my kids. And it was awesome.
With all of our family living in New York City, we rarely get to spend Christmas or Hanukkah with any of them, and we've grown accustomed to creating our own holiday traditions. However, I can't deny that I feel a little envious of friends that get to spend the holidays with their extended families. It doesn't hurt that our postman surprises us with deliveries in the days leading up to Christmas. Seeing those packages stacked under the tree definitely makes me smile.
Vintage sequins for last-minute shopping. Because there's no good reason why I shouldn't feel fancy while trying to decide whether my husband would prefer a gift card or bacon bouquet for a present (I went with bacon.)
Now it's your turn: What are some things that made you smile this week? Grab my button (created by Kate of Kate The Geek - HUGE THANKS to Kate!) and blog about your Sunday smiles; share your weekly smiles in the comments; or smile just because it makes you feel good.
While I'm picking up tiny shards of wrapping paper and helping my kids assemble their Christmas presents, catch up on everyhitng from Dress With Courage this week:
- I shared a product review for Happy Scarf and wore a cute polka dot style;
- Celebrated my one-year blog anniversary and shared a giveaway with you (there's still time to enter!);
- Wore a new pair of thrifted J Brand jeans and took a break form holiday hysteria;
- Introduced you to Jessica of Monster Cakes with her guest post about beating the winter blues;
- and gave some advice for beating bloggers writer's block.
If you're visiting my blog for the first time, please think about following me through Google Friend Connect, and tweeting with me on Twitter (@dresscourage). You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram under Dresscourage and on Facebook.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Blogging through writer's block
There comes a point in every blogger's life where she (or he) is left unexpectedly agape, staring at the computer screen, with absolutely nothing to say. A landscape that once overflowed with bright reflections on an outfit or quirky statements regarding fashion had now become as dry and bleak as a desert landscape.
I love to write. I love brainstorming topics for blog posts. I love doing research and highlighting important points I want to explore. I love the click click click sound of my fingers excitedly running over my keyboard, typing furiously on a post I am hopeful will spurn interesting comments and conversation. I even enjoy those stressful moments when I'm not entirely sure how a post will come together. I accidentally discovered my love of writing as a high school freshman, when my unconventional English teacher encouraged us to free write in between assignments. Those ungraded essays introduced me to the satisfaction of finding the perfect word and exploring a writing style that was outlandishly descriptive. I loved those essays. I could write about anything, and I did.
Whether they jot down a couple of sentences or compose lengthy 1000 word posts, bloggers are writers. As such, many have trouble with writer's block at one point or another. There are a myriad of reasons behind this problem: Anxiety, the pressure to produce a "perfect" post, lack of inspiration, a life change. However, 99% of the time writer’s block is nothing more than fear. You’re afraid you’re out of ideas. You’re afraid your best work is behind you. You’re afraid that you’re a phony. You’re afraid of failure. You’re afraid you’re not the genius you wanted to be when you started.
Writer's block strikes me once every few months. During those moments, I feel hopelessly frustrated and confused. What happened? Where did my words go? My brain feels cramped and about as useful as a paper weight. The blinking cursor on my laptop seems to mock me with every flash. I feel ruined.
During the past year, I've developed a couple of techniques for dealing with writer's block. Each one has helped me at one point or another, and I thought it would be useful to share them with you.
- Implement a writing schedule: Every day, between eight and ten in the morning, I get on my laptop and I write. I ignore my writer's block and just jot down whatever is in my head - whether it's about fashion, or body image, or what I'm wearing. Bringing my fingers to the keyboard at the same time every day never fails to encourage me to post.
- Carry around a notebook: The best way to stay inspired is to consistently jot down ideas for posts as they come. Whether you use a notes app on your phone or an actual notepad, recording post ideas creates an archive of topics to draw from.
- Take some time off: Writer's block is frequently your body's way of telling you that you need a break to gather material and take the pressure of of posting. Time off from blogging might be all you need to become inspired to post again. Have you ever struggled with writer's block? How do you stay inspired to post? Do you have any tricks for beating writer's block?
Ines Jankovic at Pierre Premier store ...
My blogger girls and I were invited on Wednesday to join the Pierre Premier party, where Ines Jankovic, our young and talented designer, presented her catalog from "Amazon Attitude" collection and where she showed us her new dresses made especially for this occasion. Cake pops, macarons, cupcakes with brand tag, fruity cocktails , good music and lot of laughter were enough to characterized this evening as super fun! Hope you can see it from our photos! If you wanna know something more about Ines, you can check her website, FB page or follow on twitter!
Enjoy, its Friday!
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