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:

1. “In 2012, I’m going to [lose weight/start exercising/quit smoking/get organized/dye my hair pink]”
2. “New Year’s resolutions? Um, no. Not into that.”

Truthfully, I'm not the biggest fan of New Year's resolutions. When a new year comes I typically avoid making them. I hate feeling pressured by a date on the calendar to make momentous changes to my life. I'm not a fan of the suggestion that there's something wrong with me if I don't declare resolutions when New Year's arrives. But mostly I despise feeling as if I have failed when I do not manage to make my resolutions come true.

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!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Holiday quiz

It's hard to believe that are only nine days until Christmas. Because of my husband's busy travel schedule, we only just decorated our tree last night, and I have most of my Christmas shopping list left to plow through. This week for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, we're offering snippets of thoughts on holiday related topics.

No holiday party is complete without: Christmas cookies.

My favorite Christmas song/album: I vacillate between Handel's Messiah and Tori Amos' Midwinter Graces album.

My favorite seasonal recipe: Latkes. Oh so good.

The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Sequins, of course!

At the parties, I'll be drinking: I'm a whiskey girl, but during the holidays I like to indulge in a glass or two of champagne. It always makes me feel festive.

Eggnog, good or bad? Bad. Very bad.

Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? I was raised in a conservatively  Jewish household, so Santa, Christmas trees, and anything Christmas-related was a no-no.

Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Neither - hot caramel apple cider.

Worst gift I ever got: I can't remember getting a bad gift!

Best gift I ever received: One memorable year my husband bought me a Kitchenaid stand mixer that I'd been hinting for. That might seem weird, a mixer being my best gift. But that mixer has proved to be the most useful present I've ever received.

My family has this weird tradition: I'm not sure it's weird, but my family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas so we do an interesting, eclectic blend of traditions from both. We watch Christmas movies and decorate a Christmas tree and open presents on Christmas morning, but we also light a menorah and tell the Hanukkah story and make brisket and latkes and give our chocolate gelt.

My best bargain find for a gift this year: I bought nearly all my holiday decor from thrift stores this year. It was really fun and saved me a ton of money.

If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Target.

Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman: Definitely Rudolf.

My favorite holiday memory: My childhood Hanukkah dinners and gift exchange with my grandparents, cousins and aunt and uncle. There was always a lot of laughter, silliness and joy.

My favorite Christmas movie: Elf. Mostly because of this scene. And this one too. I also love watching A Nightmare Before Christmas because the music is so good.

The best part about holiday decorations is: Our collection of ornaments that we've accumulated over the years. I'm partial to the ones my kids made when they were in preschool. So sweet.

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Rip that crap off.

Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: Miracle on 34th Street, mostly because it reminds me of Christmas in New York City.

It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: I unearth our holiday decorations from the garage.

All I want for Christmas is: A relaxed, stress-free couple of days home with my family. Simple enough.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What's your favorite Christmas movie? What's the best present you've ever received? Any special traditions you share with your family?

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!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Rocking around the Christmas tree

This week, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday members are sharing their holiday wear! With busy calendars packed full of office parties, cookie exchanges, family gatherings and evenings with friends, the holidays are a fun time of year to dress up and break out special items we don't get the opportunity to wear frequently.

Every year, my husband gets invited to an office holiday party, and most years I dread it. I cringe at the thought of making small talk with people I haven't met before and probably won't see again until the next office Christmas party. It doesn't help that my husband works for an extremely conservative company, and my tattoos and bright red hair make me stick out like a whore in church.

However, this year's party will be different from the typical droll events of the past. This year, the theme is ugly Christmas sweaters. This is my chance to shine. I'm not sure when the ugly Christmas sweater party became popular, but it's become so mainstream that ABC ran a segment covering the trend this morning and ugly Christmas sweater inventory in thrift stores is getting wiped out.

I was lucky to thrift two ugly sweaters this year, for $4 each. I'm trying to decide which is worse. I'm leaning towards the navy version, with it's mock turtleneck, beading, sequins and 3D presents beneath the tree. But the 1950's green sweater is horrifyingly appealing as well. Which one would you wear? I'm planning to pair one of these sweaters with black leather skinny pants, my new Jeffrey Campbell splatter Lita booties and a black leather vintage clutch.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have you been invited to holiday parties this year? What are you planning to wear? How do you celebrate the holidays?

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!

 

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Holiday wish lists

This week, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is gearing up for the holidays by having members share items from their wish lists. This is bound to be one of the more fun topics FBFF has, and I'm looking forward to seeing what other members hope to find underneath their Christmas trees.
 
Here are a few things I'd love to see on Christmas morning:

iPhone 4S

I am not the type to get at all excited over electronics. But the new iPhone gave me a little thrill. I own the iPhone 3G, and the latest model, with its much improved camera, longer battery time, and faster processor will be quite an improvement from my now-outdated phone. And it's shiny.

Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV and Travel-Size Glide On Pencils

I swear by Urban Decay cosmetics. Their shadows are highly pigmented, easily blendable, and last all day. And the pencils are super creamy and so easy to use, even for an eyeliner dunce like myself.

Vogue: The Covers by Dodie Kazanijan

I started reading Vogue in high school. It kept me company during my long commute into New York City from Long Island and provided rich fantasy material for the glamorous, chic life I was sure I'd be living at this point. Alas, my life as a stay-at-home mom doesn't provide much room for glamour. But this book on my coffee table , with it's collection of more than 300 Vogue covers beginning in 1892, will satisfy both my love of vintage and Vogue.

 

 Madewell clog bootie in charcoal

This clog/short boot hybrid is everything I want in a winter shoe. The heel isn't too high; the suede is rich and luxurious; and the nailhead trim is quirky. These boots would pair well with short skirts and thick tights, and skinny jeans. 

Issey Miyake A Scent perfume

I started wearing this perfume a year ago, and I've been hooked ever since. It's feminine, soft and warm, with hints of rose and hyacinth. I hate heavy, obtrusive perfumes, and this one is noticable without being overpowering. 

Sequined 1960's black and silver cocktail dress

I discovered this dream vintage cocktail dress while browsing in my favorite Dallas vintage store, Vintage Martini, this week, and fell in love. Between the silver bows, tulle skirt, and black sequins, this dress is everything I could ever want for a New Year's Eve party, wedding, or trip to the supermarket.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What are some things on your holiday wish list? Anything special you'd love to see under your Christmas tree?

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!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Alter egos

With the idea that we all fill a lot of different shoes and work a lot of different roles in our everyday lives, Lili of Relatable Style thought it would be interesting to ask the members of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday to create an outfit about the person they would like to be if circumstances allowed, or the person they thought they would be now when they were little.

Here were Lili's instructions on her blog:

The outfit can be anything: Who you are deep inside, who you always thought you would be, or who you would be right now if circumstances allowed. Maybe you are a total diva, but your rural living environment does not exactly call for satin gloves up to the elbows and feather boas? Or you always thought you'd be a rockstar? A mom? Maybe you feel out of place in today's world sometimes and you could imagine yourself as a poet in the Victorian era? Or travelling the world with your camera, shooting for Vogue? Whatever it is, show us! You can also write a few (or many many) lines about the background of your Alter Ego, if you like.

For my fashion alter-ego, I chose a 1920's flapper.

Flappers were the epitomes of modernity. They were androgynous, working women who paradoxically had the sexual appeal of sirens. Defying convention, Flappers smoked and openly drank alcohol, particularly daring during 1920s' Prohibition. When darkness fell, jazz clubs were the haunts of Flappers, who danced provocatively wearing rouge on their knees.

Flappers’ decadence in behavior was matched by their daring style of dress, derived from moves such as the Charleston Dance that accompanied Jazz Age music. Dancing and increasing participation in outdoor sports brought about the end of corseted constraints from the Victorian/Edwardian periods. Bras became new commodities as they replaced corsets; pantaloons were discarded in favor of panties. Waistlines migrated to the hips on Flappers' dresses, which were unconstructed. Rising hemlines bared the leg; rayon stockings were worn with garter belts.

I'm drawn to the Flapper era because it signaled a new freedom for women. Dress was seen as a symbolic gesture of permission for flappers to adorn themselves and behave as they wished. Flappers were feminine, but also broke gender barriers as they participated in sports, voted, and worked outside the home. The short skirts and bobbed hair of the flapper were symbols of emancipation. I'm intrigued by the symbolism of their appearance and enjoy how they used fashion to signal a new change in women's rights.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What would your fashion alter-ego be? What would she wear?

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!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: I'm thankful for...

Today is the last Friday before Thanksgiving. With the craziness of the holidays right around the corner, Katy of Modly Chic thought it would be appropriate if we took a moment out of our busy schedules to talk about the things we are most thankful for.

While contemplating this post, I realized I don't take enough time to express gratitude for what I have. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the business of my day that I forget to take a minute and be appreciative of the things in my life that I most value. It's also hard to cultivate a sense of gratitude when I'm anxious, stressed, or otherwise unfocused. I think much of the problem is that I have trouble living in the moment - slowing down and focusing on things that are happening right now, as opposed to those from the past or in the future. Thinking about the past or future leaves me no choice but to make comparisons, which might result in the thinking that what I have right now isn't good enough.

So, in the spirit of slowing down and expressing gratitude, here are the things I am thankful for.

• My husband and children: I would not be who I am now without the love and support of my family. My husband is my sounding board and best friend, and has supported me throughout every challenge and dream. My children give me the gift of unconditional love, and reward me by allowing me to see life through their playful eyes. No matter what I've struggled with, my family has been there for me, and I do not have the words to express how thankful I am for their presence in my life.

• My recovery: I wrote a post this week about my struggle with and recovery from anorexia and bulimia. Recovery is a battle I fight every single day, but it's a battle worth fighting for. I am constantly reminded of what I could have lost if I'd stayed sick. In recovery I can experience joy, and not have my vision clouded by the effects of starvation. I can eat meals out with friends without feeling ashamed. I can fully live my life.

• The Dallas/Fort Worth area: I am a big city kind of girl, and living in Dallas suits me quite nicely. I love the uniquely Texan things that make Dallas what it is (hello, Tex-Mex.) I love that I can window shop at the Neiman Marcus flagship store; wear my cowboy boots to the rodeo; drink margaritas on any number of outdoor patios; and run on the Katy Trail. I even love the hot summers. The city of Dallas is the place I am meant to be.

• My collection of vintage sequined tops:  There's something about sliding on a sequined top or jacket that makes me happy. The sparkle takes an otherwise boring outfit and makes it extraordinary. And it doesn't hurt that I thrifted all of these tops for less than $10. Sometimes, when I'm feeling down, I wander into my closet and try to pick out my favorite. It never fails to put me in a better mood.

• Beaujolais Nouveau wine: I am no oeneologist. But this wine rocks my world. It only comes out the week before Thanksgiving, and people snap it up by the case. And by people, I mean myself.

Hello, lover.

• My passions: Who would we be without the things that inspire us? Writing, thrifting, music, and fashion brings me joy. They inspire me to create. They make me excited to wake up every day. They allow me to express who I am in a totally individual way.

• J Brand jeans: Call me shallow, but I love a great pair of jeans. Finding the perfect pair is a quest most women spend a lifetime on. They can't be too tight, too high or low cut. The knees shouldn't stretch out. And above all else, they should be comfortable. I discovered J Brand a few years ago and let me tell you, they are worth every single penny. The magical things they do for my butt are  impossible to explain. 

• The opportunities blogging has brought me: Blogging has brought me into a community of friends I am privileged to know. It has also introduced me to the Dallas fashion scene, and enabled me to make contacts with people in the industry I only dreamed of meeting.  Even more so, blogging has give me a place to explore the things that are important to me, and receive support for doing so from you, my amazing followers. I am so grateful you are here. Thank you for supporting me.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What are you thankful for this year?
 
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!

In case you missed it:

• Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a large Missoni for Target cosmetics case and $25 Starbucks gift card, just for being you.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: No makeup!

This is possibly the most terrifying thing I have ever done. But here goes:

Today, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday's theme is no makeup, and is hosted by Franca of Oranges and Apples. Participants are encouraged to post a photo of themselves without a smudge of cosmetics. So here I am, completely sans makeup. Feel free to gawk.

I don't have an extensive history of using cosmetics. In high school I wore nothing more than a quick brush of clear mascara (anyone remember that?) and Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers, preferably in a brownish shade that tasted like Dr. Pepper. I stuck to this routine until my wedding, when an hour with a makeup artist transformed me from ordinary, somewhat exhausted-looking twenty something into a person decidedly more grown-up and glamorous. I was stunned by the change. And I've been wearing makeup ever since. I am the woman who puts on a full face of makeup even when I know I will not being leaving the house. Even when I'm sick. And even when I have no desire to be around people at all.

I use makeup as a way of concealing my imperfections, those age spots and freckles and wrinkles and occasional pimple. With it, I don't necessarily feel more beautiful or prettier. I feel more acceptable. I feel more deserving of being out in public and exposing myself to others. I don't use makeup to accentuate my features. Rather, I use it to conceal those I despise.

My morning cosmetics routine consists of the following: MAC foundation; Urban Decay eye shadows, usually from the Naked Palette; Sephora or Urban Decay eyeliner; Dior's DiorShow mascara (which makes my lashes look long enough to ensnare small birds); and Dior blush. If I'm breaking out I usually layer  a light dusting of MAC's pressed power over my foundation. I almost always wear lipstick or gloss as well - I like MAC's New York Apple and Sephora's ultra vinyl lipstick crayons.

Going without makeup for these photos will probably be the only time I am seen in public without it. Frankly, I feel hideous. But I thought it'd be an important step in my quest to embrace my body as it is and develop a more positive body image. It's forced me to wonder why not wearing makeup is so scary for me, and has made me reconsider my need for it on those days I don't leave the house.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you wear makeup? What's your daily routine? When did you start wearing makeup?

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!

In case you missed it:

• Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a large Missoni for Target cosmetics case and $25 Starbucks gift card, just for being you.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Open a book

Image via We Heart It

November is National Book Writing Month. If you're a long-time reader of my blog, you're well-aware of my love for books. I spent my childhood in libraries and have a stack of books on my bedside table so towering it threatens to collapse and take me with it. I love to read. I love immersing myself in a big, thick novel. I love the feeling of reading a book so captivating that I can't put it down. Katy of Modly Chic feels the same way, and this week she's dedicated Fashion Beauty Friend Friday to books - what we're reading, our favorite past reads, and books we'd recommend to our own blog followers.

My Top 5 Favorite Books Of All Time:

1. The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls: This is not an easy read. The biographical telling of the author's childhood, through which she struggled with poverty and two parents who were highly unsuitable for parenting, is heartbreaking and captivating.
2. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Betty Smith: I first read this book in high school and have been in love with it ever since. It's a story of a girl from the slums of Willamsburg, Brooklyn, during the early 1900's. Francie is imaginative, alert, mature beyond her years - everything a heroine should be. I love the details of life in NYC during the pre-Depression years.
3. The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning: This book is on many Christians' must-read lists, and for good reason - it passionately explains how one's relationship with God is based around love. This book inspired me to become a born again Christian, and I read it at least once a year.
4. Wasted, Marya Hornbacher: Marya is a recovering anorexic and bulimic, and I can relate to her book on a deeply personal level. This book is an unflinching description of the indescribable hell of living with a chronic eating disorder. There are certain chapters I feel like I could have written myself.
5. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris: This book is just damm funny Like, laugh out loud funny. Sedaris has a wonderful way of weaving short essays about his oddball, endearing family with wit and snark. There are chapters that are more poignant than funny, and it's that combination that makes this book so successful.

My 5 Most Recent Reads

1. Anthropology of an American Girl, Hilary Thayer: This is an arresting and provocative story of a young woman growing up in the seventies, and her navigation in the world of womanhood. It's one of those books you just can't put down.
2. Room, Ema Donague: This is a book that's shocking, riveting and tragic, yet also manages to offer glimmers of hope and beauty. Room is the story of a kidnapped woman who lives with her son, the product of rape by her kidnapper, in a 11x11 foot space for five years. The child is the narrator, which injects an innocent and precocious perspective into a tale that is terrifying and  intense.
3. Shanghi Girls and its sequel, Dreams of Joy, Lisa See: Two beautiful, privileged sisters in the late 1930's from Shanghi have their lives turned upside down when they are sold to suitors. Their journey through China, escaping the Japanese bombings of WW2, and the sacrifices they overcome, kept me riveted
4. The Marriage Plot, Jeffrey Eugenides: I'm in the middle of reading this book about the lives of three college seniors during the early 1980's. There is Madeline, an incurable romantic fascinated by Victorian literature; Leonard, a brilliant manic-depressive; and Mitchell, a tortured religious studies major on an all-consuming quest for spirituality. All three are captivating.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What books are you reading right now? What are some of your favorite books?

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

In case you missed it:

• Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a large Missoni for Target cosmetics case and $25 Starbucks gift card, just for being you.

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Here comes Halloween!

Katy Rose of Modly Chic, founder of Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, is a little obsessed with Halloween. Inspired by the spirit of  getting ready for the event, this week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions are Halloween themed.

1. Do you have plans for Halloween? What will you dress up as this year?

Since becoming a mom and having to worry about things like finding my kids' treat bags and trying to force them to decide how they want to dress, my own Halloween aspirations have fallen by the wayside. It's a joy to costume my children, though. I love taking them to Party City and picking out fake spider web to drape over our front yard. I love carving pumpkins. I love eating all the chocolate and candy I can without throwing up. And I love taking my kids trick-or-treating and helping them sort through their loot when we get home.

My boys as Mario and Luigi, their heroes and doppelgangers.

I haven't dressed up for Halloween in years, which I'll admit is kind of sad. However, this year will be different. I've been invited to a couple of parties and have decided to dress as a famous fashion blogger dressed as Rachel Zoe. I'll wear a fur vest, wide leg jeans, a printed blouse, a floppy hat, platform shoes, giant sunglasses and masses of gold jewelry. Oh, and red lipstick. I'll hold a Starbucks cup and stomp around muttering "oh...my...God" and "Ba-NAN-nas" all night. If I had longer hair I'd part it in the middle and curl the ends, but that's just not possible.

Basically, this.

2. Where do you go for costume and makeup inspiration?

I like the concept of using fashion trends from the past to inspire costumes. I've dressed as a flapper, a hippie, a 1950's greaser, and a seventies disco girl. I'm at the point where I thrift for nearly all my clothes, and all of these costumes can be dug up at a Goodwill or Salvation Army. Pinterest has some really inspiring Halloween costume ideas too.

3. What was the best costume you've ever donned?

One year I dressed as a ballpark hot dog vendor. That was awesome. I was in seventh grade and won the most original Halloween costume contest. Which was probably the greatest moment I had in middle school.

4. What's the most creative costume you've ever seen?

Yesterday I saw a photo of a couple with the guy dressed as Terry Richardson, famous creepy photographer, and the girl dressed as an underage American Apparel model in a velvet unitard and thigh highs. That was pretty amazing.

5. No holds barred: if you could dress up as anything, what would it be? 

This is going to sound nuts, I have always harbored secret fantasies of dressing as Scarlet O'Hara from Gone With The Wind. I'd wear a historically accurate costume, complete with a hoop skirt to voluminous small children could hide beneath it.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! Are you dressing up for Halloween? Do you participate in the holiday or skip it? What's your favorite thing about Halloween?

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

 

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Jumping on the trend bandwagon

The wild popularity of the Missoni Target line got Katy of Modly Chic thinking about fads, trends, and our desire to be part of the 'in' crowd. This week's questions are based on that.

1. Do you ever see a fad hit the stores and immediately dislike it? Has that fad ever began to grow on you?

To be honest, most of what I see hit stores makes me question where the fashion industry is going. I feel as if each trend is a recycled one from years ago - such as this season's popularity of color-blocking (first took place in the 60's and 70's) high waist jeans (70's), capes and ponchos (60's), neon clothes (80's) and chunky necklaces and stacks of bracelets (80's). It makes it difficult for me to buy into a trend because I feel insulted by the fashion industry and their lack of creativity. Not to mention that some trends leave me scratching my head - such as spring's thigh-highs, socks with open-toe shoes, heavy eye shadow, and rompers (I am well known for my hatred of rompers.)

2. Has the popularity of a certain piece of clothing or line ever convinced you to try on something (or purchase something) you dislike?

Unfortunately, yes. This summer brought the return of crop tops, and I eagerly went out and bought three from a fast-fashion store. Looking back, I realize how ridiculous they looked on me. Frankly, I'm too old to pull of such a body-exposing trend. Not to mention that the tops were really unflattering.

3. Have you ever changed your mind about a trend after seeing it around for a while?

The only recent trend I can think of that grew on me the longer it was around was wooden-sole booties and pumps. When I first saw them, I thought they were clunky and unwieldy. But now I love them because of those qualities (as long as they aren't too extreme - I'm looking at you, Jeffrey Campbell.)

4. Do you feel a certain pressure to have specific items in your closet because 'everyone' else does?

Sometimes, but this happens much less frequently than it did when I was younger. I distinctively recall that feeling of "I must buy this because I need to wear this brand." I went through a passionate designer jeans phase about six years ago, during which I spent hundreds of dollars on high-end jeans. I convinced myself I was doing so because they fit better than less-expensive brands. But I was just kidding myself - I bought those jeans because I wanted to fit in with the women I was friends with at the time.

5. Be honest, what do you think of the Missoni line? Did you grab any items? Is it worth the eBay prices?

I did. I was there at 9 am when the store opened, though I wasn't one of those customers who sprinted down the aisles grabbing every single piece off the racks in a mad frenzy. I actually wrote a post about my Missoni for Target experience (with a Missoni giveaway that ends this morning at ten.) My trip to Target wasn't spurned out of a need to have something Missoni because everyone was talking about the collection. I've always loved Missoni, but could never dream of being able to afford any of their pieces. I ended up with cardigans, socks and storage boxes - all pieces I set out to purchase, and nothing more -  and I'm happy with their quality. Do I think any of the pieces are worth the astronomical prices they're going for on eBay? Absolutely not. As high as they are you could buy a piece from the high-end Missoni from Italy brand.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! What trends have you gotten into? Any that you just couldn't understand?  

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Words of wisdom

This week, for Fashion Beauty Friday, we're veering away from the typical five questions and focusing on just one. After Katy of Modly Chic attended the IFB conference, she walked away with many great little pearls of wisdom. That got her thinking that there's is always one piece of advice that sticks with you - whatever that happens to be.

This week, we're sharing the words of wisdom imparted on us that made a difference. We're talking about who gave us those words, what they meant to us, and how they're still relevant. Thought I've received a lot of solid advice over the years, I'm keeping this week's answer focused on blogging.

When I first began my blog nine months ago, I engaged in a lot of compare-and-despair thinking. I wanted to be successful, as successful as those big bloggers we all follow - the ones with thousands of followers, powerful brand relationships and considerable influence on fashion trends. I analyzed these blogs in a desperate quest to uncover the secret of their success. What made them so popular? What were they doing that I wasn't? What made them so special? I spent an embarrassing amount of time and energy thinking about these questions. I compared my blog to others. I considered changing my focus about 1629426 times. I was never going to reach super blogger status. What was I doing? My blog sucked, my writing sucked, my personal style sucked. I sucked.

Then I had a conversation with Erin of Work With What You've Got. I consider Erin a tremendous role model. Her blog is successful and I have enormous respect for her individuality and unique sense of style. One day over Tex-Mex, Erin advised me to stop trying to determine what made the "popular" bloggers successful. What was the point, she asked? I was wasting so much energy attempting to uncover a magical formula that probably didn't exist. Some bloggers were going to be big because of their writing, or their photos, or their quirky sense of style, or the way they styled their hair. But there was really no way of knowing what made someone more popular than someone else.

Instead, Erin advised me to keep doing what I was doing. Yes, I wrote more than most bloggers. I wasn't twenty years old. I wasn't twee about Modcloth and Lulu's, and I didn't have affiliate links. I was being myself, writing about topics that interested me, wearing clothes I liked and thrifting with abandon. Eventually, she said, readers would find me. It was my uniqueness that made me stand out. Doing the whole compare-and-despair thing was ridiculous.

And you know what? She was right. Instead of wasting my energy on analyzing what made so-and-so blogger successful, I did my own thing. I write about body image, and women's issues, and fashion, with an occasional daily outfit post every now and then. I've stopped obsessing about my "numbers." I quit comparing myself to anyone else. And my blog has reached success I never imagined it would.

Being myself on my blog extends into my daily life. As I've gotten older, I've let go of caring what people thought, and dressing as I'm expected to. I honestly don't compare myself to other women. Instead, I keep my attention on being the most "me" I can be. I'm not your typical stay-at-home mom, and I'm damm proud of that fact.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! What piece of advice have you received that made an impact on you? (This can be related to blogging or not!)  Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Five favorite wearable fall trends

This week Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is focused on fall trends. I have to admit that fall is my favorite season to shop for - and not just because we Texans are emerging from the hottest summer ever on record. Fall makes me think of my childhood spent in New York, of leaves crunching underfoot and a chill to the air and wood burning fires and apple cider and pumpkin EVERYTHING. Fall makes me think of the excitement of the first days of school, and new books and sharpened pencils. And fall brings to mind cozy cable knit sweaters and the welcome return of layering.

Every fall I race to my mailbox and lug all the September fashion magazine issues to my room, breath held in anticipation. And every fall I am disappointed. Not because the clothes let me down. Hardly because of that. No, I'm disappointed because the editorials seem geared towards slim, young, tall women. RICH women, who can afford things like sumptuous triple-ply cashmere sweaters from Pringle of Scotland and $32,000 crocodile backpacks from The Row, and I can not. Furthermore, these clothes seem altogether too elegant and luxurious for my daily life. They are clothes to be worn in some millionaire's winter estate in the Berkshires or Vermont or Aspen while sipping hot toddies or something.

So today I present to you my top five favorite wearable fall trends for 2011. These are clothes that were forecast to be big for fall, translated to your daily life and budget. (All images are from Pinterest - you can follow me there as well, by the way.)

Bright Pants

Bright pants wearable? Heck yes. In a sleek fit, and paired with a neutral top, these pants are an easy way to bring some color in your wardrobe. They're also a great way to bring a much-needed spark to fall's typically muted palette.

Maxi Skirts and Cozy Sweaters

This low-key and super-comfortable outfit idea just might replace my weekend jeans and a button-down combo. Even better, I love that I can thrift this entire look with extremely little effort.

Ponchos

Designers are offering many different varieties of ponchos this fall - from heavy, coat-like numbers in boiled wool and tweed, to cable-knit sweater versions, to evening styles in fur and silk. Ponchos are a great option in early fall, when the weather is too warm for a coat but too cool to go without outerwear.

Leather Skirts

Whether mini, tea or maxi length, leather skirts are sumptuous and versatile. This season, designers paired them with casual chic tops such as sweatshirt-like sweaters and button-downs. Forever 21 has a great faux version for just $22, and genuine leather versions can be found by the dozen in thrift stores.

Chunky Loafers

It's refreshing to see a heel that's not a stiletto or sandal, and the heft of chunky loafers pairs well with fall's highly textured clothes. Even better, these are shoes you can actually walk in - the stacked heel gives them balance. I just bought a pair in Marshalls for less than $50;
J Crew, Nine West and H&M all offer versions this fall.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! What are your favorite trends for this fall? Do you even pay attention to seasonal fashion trends? Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Visual Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: R.O.C.K in the USA (Favorite clothing)

This week, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is taking a visual turn and focusing on our favorite clothing item, as suggested by Ashley of Getting Dressed. I have to admit that I struggled with choosing a favorite piece. My thrifting and vintage addiction had led to a closet filled with unique, one-of-a-kind items that I spent hours digging out of racks and bins. So I'm highlighting one of my most recent thrifing scores. Warning: You might be blinded or offended by the amount of bling. And considerable 80's influence.

Okay. I understand that this vest is kind of ridiculous. I mean, it's bedazzled and studded. But I love it. It brings a flood of 80's teenage adolescence references to mind. I like to imagine that this lovely little piece of fashion iconography was created by a mother-daughter team back during the summer of 1986. They spent hours debating the type of studs and rhinestones they were going to use to decorate this vest, which they found in the Sears just off Main street. Eagerly they attacked their project, working into the night, their teased, permed hair casting a shadow over their work.

Eventually, the daughter grew bored of their endeavor. She was missing her favorite episode of Who's The Boss. The phone rang with calls from her friends, wondering why she wasn't hanging out at the Dairy Queen with them. So she abandoned the bedazzling, sneaking to her room, and turning on John Cougar Mellencamp to drown out the shrill nagging of her mom. When she drifted from her room the next morning, the vest was finished, her mother snoring softly on the couch. The girl wore it to school, generating envious looks from friends. And naturally, she took all the credit for its enticing sparkle.

So how did I style this piece? Very, very carefully.

$3 Thrifted vintage vest; Target layered tanks; Joe's Jeans (from Nordstrom Rack) White Mountain sandals; Charming Charlie and Forever 21 bracelets

As usual, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments! Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Runnin' down a dream

This month Katy of Modly Chic was inspired by two separate blog posts in which the blogger quit their day job and has started on the path to self-employment – doing what she loves to do. The first was Jenny Blake, who left Google after 5 years to be her own boss. Sally McGraw’s post about leaving her job to take Already Pretty full time was the second.

That got her thinking… we all have dreams, goals, aspirations. Putting them down on paper is often the first step to realizing those dreams. So for Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday we are looking at the dreams that we have – the ones we keep buried inside and daydream about when life throws a curve.

1. If you could do anything professionally, what would it be?

Frankly, it would be exactly what I'm doing now, with the addition of freelance magazine writing regarding fashion and body image. Blogging has fulfilled me in ways I never expected, and it's been the most wonderful outlet to improve my skill as a writer. I enjoy exploring subjects I'm deeply interested in, and I love that I can blog from home and still have time to be with my kids. Like many bloggers, my ultimate goal is to be able to monetize my blog. I have a few possible sponsor relationships in the works, so progress is being made on that point.

My longest dream has been to write a book, and mine is completed - just have to finish up my proposal and send it out to agents. I'm been stuck on those projects for weeks, probably because I'm scared of being rejected. I need to get over it.

2. What draws you to this?

I love to write. I love exploring subjects to write about. I love doing research. I love talking to friends about topics I'm thinking of writing about. I love the quest to find the perfect word to express my point. I love sitting at the computer, pounding out a blog post I know will be well-received. I even love the sound of my fingers click-clacking away on my keyboard. I am a much better writer than I am speaker. Writing allows me to express myself in a way that is comfortable to me.

3. When did you first start dreaming of this idea?

Back in high school I had a wonderful creative writing teacher who taught me that writing can be fun, that it was more than creating tedious papers and analyzing droning Russian literature (which my school seemed to have a fetish over.) In his class, assignments were introspective, often silly, and completely individual. Grades were nonexistent. Some of my most fond memories of high school were the hours I spent in that class. It was through them that I discovered my passion for writing.

4. What's holding you back from going all the way?

Fear of rejection. Fear of not being taken seriously. Fear of working my ass off for very little monetary reward. Fear of failure. The usual, I suppose. I hide behind these excuses and use them to avoid possibilities of success. I suppose I'm also afraid of success, in a way. Success implies a responsibility to stay successful. And that comes with considerable pressure.

In the past month I've made a lot of progress, though. I'm reaching out to potential sponsors and establishing relationships while making sure they are mutually beneficial. My book is completed. And, best of all, I'm allowing myself to dream. I am a finalist in the CBS DFW Most Valuable Blogger Awards, which is a huge achievement (PLEASE vote for me!) It's incredibly  fulfilling to see a dream realized.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Visual Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Hand, hand, fingers, thumb (manicures!)

This week, Fashion Beauty Friend Friday has taken a visual turn and is focusing on manicures. Nail art has exploded in popularity, so much so that the New York Times included a feature on the trend back in June (which is worth checking out.) Though I don't possess artfully decorated nails, I thought it would be fun to participate.

I am a dunce at polishing my nails. There, I said it. The act of applying polish makes me break out in hives because no matter how hard I concentrate, my polish always smudges and ends up on my clothes/bathroom sink and dripped on the floor. AND, on the extremely rare occasions I have the dexterity and patience to create a decent-looking manicure, inevitably it chips and I'm left with hands that look like they belong on a five year-old who applied her own polish in the dark.

So I have acrylics. My propensity for Jersey girl nails lies on the fact that they always look great, resist chipping, and make my hands look like they belong on a grown-up. I turned to acrylics largely because my nails are extremely weak and I could never grow them beyond a few centimeters without splitting and peeling. That, combined with my failures at home manicures, made acrylics appealing.

I realize that acrylic nails are cheesy and suburban and really, really bad for my nails. I get that. But truthfully, I love how they look, and I can worry about one thing less in my beauty routine. I keep them short and slightly square, and I can go up to three weeks before needing a fill. They might mark me as a resident of suburgatory, but I love 'em.

As usual, I’d love to hear your on this topic in the comments! Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Location, location, location

There is no doubt that regional influences play a role in determining how one chooses to get dressed. This week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions explore how much location influences personal style.

1. What part of the world do you blog from? (feel free to be as specific or as vague as you are comfortable with.)

I blog from McKinney, Texas, a northern suburb of Dallas. I've lived in McKinney for just over a year, having relocated...well, what feels like everywhere.  I've relocated eight times since getting married in 1999, and have lived in Queens, Albany, Long Island, and Brooklyn, New York; Alpharetta, Georgia (outside of Atlanta;) Des Moines, Iowa; and Plano, Texas. If ANYONE needs tips on packing and moving, I am your girl.

2. If you had to describe the overall mode of dress for where you live what would you say?

It's cliche to believe that Texas style is about cowboy boots, western wear and glitzy belt buckles. Here in McKinney, you see a lot of what I dub "Texas soccer mom chic:" Designer denim; logo bags; rhinestones on jeans, shirts and flip-flops; Nike workout gear in public; blonde hair; fake tans and polished make-up. Which is essentially the same as what you'd see in any upper middle-class suburb.

Closer to Dallas there's both a stronger high-end influence (pricey heels and classic, polished attire; bold color-blocking) as well as a hipster vibe in the form of tattoos, mixed prints, vintage clothes, and colored denim. Accessories in the form of bold, stacked jewelry and vintage and designer bags are evident. Western wear does exist, but mainly in Fort Worth and cities to the north, eat and west of the metroplex.

3. Do you fit in with the status quo around you or do you break the mold?

I definitely buck the status quo. While I'm a stay-at-home mom to three, there is no question that I stand out at the supermarket or while picking my kids up from school. I am the girl who wears sequins and heels to my kids' taekwando practice. Sartorially, I feel much more comfortable in Dallas, where individuality is prized and appreciated.

4. If you have lived or traveled to another part of the country/world did your clothing choices evolve?

When I lived in Iowa, it was evident that very little attention was paid to fashion and appearance. Women barely wear make-up and are unconcerned with being fashion-forward. People dress for function, especially in the winter, when temperatures hover in the teens for months. When I was an Iowan, I stuck to a uniform of jeans, crewneck sweaters, tee shirts, Uggs and ballet flats. Skirts and dresses were a rarity.

When I lived in NYC, streamlined, simple silhouettes were prized. Clothes are much more minimal than here in Texas, with statement jewelry playing a central role over embellished clothes. When I was a NYC resident, I wore much less color, but I was extremely fashion conscious.

5. If you had to describe your style by naming a specific city, what would you be?

This is a hard question to answer! Honestly, I'd say I was downtown Dallas, which is probably why I feel the most comfortable there. I love my vintage and thrifted clothes, and I love my higher-end designer things as well. My tattoos and bright hair are normative. I just fit.

As usual, I’d love to hear your answers to any and all of these questions in the comments! :)  Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!