Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Blogger Mechanics

Another week, and other provocative set of questions for Fashion Beauty Friend Friday! 

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video
camera, tripod, etc...)

I use an ancient Cannon Powershot I bought approximately five years ago. It's embarrassing, and I'm really unhappy with how my photos come out. I would love to upgrade  - either to a point and shoot or an SLR when some money comes in. And I definitely need a tripod. Badly. I use a new Dell laptop to upload pics and blog through. Photobucket for editing. And Ping to automatically send out blasts of new posts to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google, and Yahoo. Ping is awesome.

2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system,
photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I'm a Blogger devotee, though I'm becoming increasingly curious about Wordpress.  Blogger is simple to use, and perfect for those of us who aren't the most computer-literate. But Wordpress blogs look so much more professional. Blogger is also a pain when it comes to editing backgrounds and fonts. I am trying to teach myself more about HTML, but I need a lot of help.

3. What is your process for taking pictures? 

My husband takes my photos when he arrives home from work at 5:30. I usually go through a bit of a mental breakdown before he begins...I'm not as young or pretty or stylish as some other bloggers, I'm probably going to hate how I look, why am I doing this, etc. But I get myself together, plaster on a smile, and let him click away. Some days are easier, some are downright crushing. But I'm getting better.

4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do
you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

There's a nice spot out on my patio where we take my pics, in a corner against the brick of my house. I like a textural background. I've never scouted locations, though I might when the weather warms up.

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would
you be buying?

A new camera and a tripod. Preferably a Cannon EOS Digital rebel XSI with various lenses (money is no object, right?)

The Friend Friday group by Modly Chic is a way for fashion bloggers to share more about themselves and join a friendly community of bloggers.  Join the fun by checking out the  Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group.

What flower are you?

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Hello beauties, how are you today?! I had so many things to do this week, and i couldn't make any outfit post, but i hope that you will like this one too! I simply adore flowers, love to wear them on headband, necklace, belt, in the lapel, on a shirt, scarf, there are so many ways to combine them!And this is my collection! :)
Da li ja to danas vidim Sunce?! :) Jeee....
Ovih dana sam bila baš zauzeta, i verujem da ste primetili po mojim postovima i komentarima koje (ne)ostavljam,  ali se nadam da će ovo biti odlična zamena za neki outfit post. Da li sam vam nekada rekla koliko volim cvetove?! Obožavam ih!!!Moram priznati da sam se zaustavila na ovom broju, kada je ceo grad bio preplavljen njima, ali ću početi ponovo da ih nosim jer ne mogu bez njih! :) U kosi, na reveru, na marami, ogrlici, kaišu, postoji toliko načina za njihovo nošenje....A ovo je moja kolekcija! :) Hvala mojim najdivnijim drugaricima koje su sa svakog putovanja donosile po neki cvetić na poklon!Uglavnom su svi iz Accessorize-a, H&M-a, i jedan je Forever21! Da li možete da izdvojite jedan?Ja ne! :*

Rue is here

click here to view 265 pages of inspiration..

Beautiful Desolation

The photographic works of Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre go beyond exceptional. The Parisian duo have captured something that only time and desolation could have produced. They’ve captured the process of ruination. Of places, once beautiful and ordinary, now surreal and poignant.

This particular photograph stopped me in my tracks. It seems to come straight out of a Salvador Dali painting:

This statement from Marchand and Meffre says it all:

Ruins are the visible symbols and landmarks of our societies
and their changes, small pieces of history in suspension.
The state of ruin is essentially a temporary situation that happens at
some point, the volatile result of change of era and the fall of empires.
This fragility, the time elapsed but even so running fast, lead us to watch them one very last time :
being dismayed, or admire, making us wondering about the permanence of things.
Photography appeared to us as a modest way
to keep a little bit of this ephemeral state.

http://www.marchandmeffre.com/index.html

seen via Graphic-Exchange

My feature in this week's Independent Fashion Blogger's Links A La Mode!

This is just incredible.

I've just learned that I have once again been featured in Independent Fashion Blogger's Links A La Mode! IFB is a website for style, fashion and beauty bloggers containing articles, forums, polls and promotional tools. Home to thousands of members, it is an incredible resource for those interested in promoting their blogs, networking with fellow bloggers, and improving their posts. For a beginner blogger such as myself, it's like heroin. Not that I know what heroin is like, it's what I understand it's like on 20/20. 

I am so humbled and thankful to be featured in Links A La Mode again, and be included with such talented, stylish, informative bloggers. Here's the feature with my link:

It’s Getting Hot In Here

Edited by Ann of Holier than Now

Though you may be living in a snow globe (sure feels like it here on the East Coast), you’re never out in the cold – assuming the snow hasn’t knocked out your internet … This week’s links will warm you up with hot topics that, ideally, bring out the best in a thoughtful, vibrant blogging community. Take your gloves off (the wool kind, not the boxing kind) and join the conversation!

P.S. If you’d like your voice heard here in Links a La Mode, take a look at this helpful guide by Grit & Glamour.

Links à la Mode: January 27th

• Alternations Needed Petite Body Tips Are Usually Bunk: Find Out Your Real Body Shape
• Styling You Jeggings: For or Against?
• Ruby-Eyed Okapi How The Media Tells Us How to Look Through the Lies of Photoshop
• Melina Bee 8 Tips on How to Leave Great Comments
• Love Brown Sugar The Great Debate: Do Skinny Girls Have More Fun?
• Fashionwrites On the Controversial Debate on Fashion and Ethnicity
• Peachy Keen A Week with No Pants
• Full Time Fabulous The 10 Commandments of Building a Loyal Blog Readership
• FOTW A Controversial Take on Burberry’s SS/11 Campaign
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Proezna Schouler speaks at IFB Evolving Influence
• The Haute Hoosier One Man Admits His (Sartorial) Man Crush
• A Perfect Midnight What’s In a (Blog) Name
• The New Professional Walking the Halls, Not the Streets: Can Tall Boots & Skirts Work for the Office?
• The Demoiselles What Does it Mean to Be Labeled – And Does it Matter?
• Brunette Blogging Privacy and Blogging
• 260 Days No Repeats Can the Stripe Trend Work for Any Body Type?
• Makeup and Jeans Girl Orange Lipstick for All? 5 Tips to Make It Work
• Holier than Now Crossing the Line: The Cross Jewelry Trend – Offensive or Innocent?
• Dress with Courage Androgyny, Prada, and Taylor Swift: My Relationship with Perfume
• Analogue Chic No More Mugshots: How to Look Better in Profile Pics
• Over 50 Feeling 40 Is Fashion Over 50 More Fun?

Thrifting 101: Tips for newbies, and dealing with the squick facor

When I was a little girl, one of favorite activities was making mud pies in my front yard. My mother would send me out in my oldest, grungiest clothes with a wooden spoon and some warped Tupperware containers, and I'd go to town creating elaborate concoctions made out of dirt, leaves and basically whatever detritus I could find on our property. Getting nice and dirty never bothered me, and it took a lot to gross me out. Most little girls my own age were repelled by worms, and bugs, and blood, but I was fascinated. Sure, I loved my frilly dresses and hair ribbons. But they were always accompanied by dirt under my fingernails.

I suppose this is why I am unafraid of thrift stores. Thrift store excursions put one face-to-face with musty odors, dust, and dirt. There's a guaranteed ewww factor. Some consider the idea of rummaging through racks of use clothing distasteful, and I've received more than a few raised brows and scrunched noses after confessing my love for thrifting (you can see evidence of this passion here, and here, and here.) But I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon.

Jentine of My Edit recently discussed this very topic in her Thrift Friday series. I was impressed by her tips for those who find thrifting intriguing, yet struggle with getting past what she calls the ick factor. However, I think there's another group of potential thrifters who could use some advice: those who have never, ever been thrifting, and are simply intimidated to enter the store in the first place. I thought I'd add my own tips to both groups. 

• First of all, ask yourself if you are the type of person who can physically handle thrifting. If you have allergies, asthma, a super strong aversion to germs, or are unable to spend much time on your feet, thrifting is probably not for you. Also, you won't always find an item in your size. You won't always find something you like, either. If you are someone who loves to rummage, would sacrifice a half day in pursuit of a bargain, can thrift without triggering allergies, and enjoys the thrill of the hunt, then thrift store shopping is for you.
   
• Decide what time to shop is best for you. You'll need at least a spare hour. Since rummaging requires energy, choose the time of day when you feel most energetic. Some stores are open at night or weekends, and I've found that fewer people visit thrift stores at night. Weekends are likely to be busier, and sales days are by far the busiest. Most thrift stores post hours and information regarding sales on their website; definitely take the time to check before planning an outing.
   
• Leave your purse in the trunk of the car (or at home.) Carrying cash in your pocket frees up your hands for sorting/digging/browsing. And avoid wearing your coat into the store for the same reason.
   
• Understand that the types of people who visit thrift stores are not necessarily the same as in your neighborhood or at church. Thrift stores attract all walks of life. This means that you may be chatted up by lonely souls seeking comfort, confronted by people with intellectual disabilities, or brush shoulders with those down on their luck. All of them have their reasons for being there; just be polite and move on to the next rack.

• If the idea of the Goodwill or the Salvation Army squicks you out, try consignment stores instead. Consignment stores hand-select their items, and some even clean clothing before making it available to customers. They usually sell higher-label merchandise too. They're a nice steps towards becoming comfortable with the idea of wearing previously worn clothing.
   
• Be honest with yourself even before trying on the item (if that's possible - many thrift stores don't include dressing rooms.) Do you really like the style overall - the arms shape, the leg flare, the neck plunge etc? Is it really your color? Don't buy clothes that you don't absolutely love, or don't quite fit, or are otherwise substandard - even if they are a bargain. It's tempting to purchase something because it's so inexpensive, but it's a waste of time, money, and space to buy something that's not quite right.
   
• Check closely for stains, tears, mended parts, stretched stitching (often hard to repair) and marks. Do pants have a shiny seat, are beads or buttons missing, is stitching coming loose? If you see these, ask yourself if they're reparable or so damaged that they're better left behind. Only get items in good condition or capable of an easy repair. Buttons, zippers, and small holes can be replaced or mended by a tailor. Perspiration stains, fade marks, and large moth holes are beyond repair.
   
• And finally, my most-important piece of advice (and I can't state this emphatically enough): Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to be shopping second-hand. It's practical, smart, and financially sensible. And thrifting makes it possible to find some really unique, vintage pieces that no one else has. Anyone who would put you down for doing it only makes themselves look bad (and shallow.)

Now I ask you: Does any part of thrifting squick you out? Do you avoid thrift stores entirely because of the squick factor? And please share your tips for newbie thrifters!

Thrifted Kimchi Blue cardigan; thrifted Michael Stars henley; thrifted Seven For All Mankind bootcut jeans; thrifted Frye boots; thrifted vintage Whiting and Davis clutch; Betsey Johnson gold watch

 

(Thanks for the positive responses, everyone! I think I'm going to start a Thrifting Thursday series now. It's nice to see that so many people share my passion for thrift stores!)

Pierre Premier

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                                                                           Marina , me, Anja and Branislava                                               
                                                                                                 boots: zara,

                                                                                                 jeans: miss 60,

                                                                                                 belt: diesel,

                                                                                                 shirt: koton,

                                                                                                 ring: h&m,

                                                                                                 watch: michel kors,

                                                                                                 bag: benetton,

                                                                                                 Photos made by  Anja, Brana and me

                                                                                                 store: Pierre Premier

Pierre Premier is a concept woman apparel , shoes and accessories store located in fashion heart of Belgrade, opened on February last year. The interior of the shop made in black and white and representing a girl's apartment in Paris at the Avenue Pierre Premier de Serbie fascinated the guests. Brands in Pierre P.shop are:
Roi et Moi, by Zoe, Pablo Gerard Darel, Et Vous...accessories by Ambre  Babzoe, Miss Sugar Cane...And they will have new brands for this season Antik Batik,  Belle Sigerson Morisson and Naelie swimwear. We really enjoyed last night! Thank you Pierre Premier!  :)
Pre par dana nam je stigao poziv za druženje u Pierre Premier radnji, koje smo sve naravno rado prihvatile! Pile smo sokiće, jele divne kolačiće, isprobavale odeću, smejale se, slikale...ima li lepšeg provoda za devojke koje obožavaju modu?! :) Pierre Premier  je otvoren još prošle godine u februaru a predstavlja koncept radnju koja je donela  glamur i trendove iz Pariza! Brendovi koje možete naći su: by Zoe, Iro, Roi et Moi...kao i fantastičan nakit Angie Gooderham, Anton Heunis, Maison Fabre asesoari i ručno rađeni broševi Ann-Marie Herckes. Od danas možete kupiti odeću iz zimske kolekcije na popustu od 50%, što je dovoljno da ih posetite , a nalaze se u samom centru grada u ulici Kralja Petra br.10! Novosti iz Pierre-a, su da stižu i  kolekcije za proleće koju uključuju nove brendove Antik Batik, Belle Sigerson Morisson kao i Naelie kupaće kostime. Radujemo seee!!! :)
Ko je sve dobio plus za dolazak :)
Jelena K. ( Ko ne voli cipele, ne voli ni ljude) - koja je inače i organizovala ovo naše druženje, kao njihov PR menadžer,
Marina A. ( Frashion by Marina), Aleksandra S. (  http://lookbook.nu/ANJANJA),  Ivanka R. ( Sladak život) ,  Branislava A. ( Divine World of Fashion), Vesna ( Fashionela)  i jaaaa! Nedostajala nam je samo Jelena G. ( Love Leyla) koja je iz opravdanih razloga propustila sve ovo!
I pored hladnoće devojke su uspele da budu stylish, osim mene koja sam došla kao mali lumberjack! :) Nemojte mi zameriti! :*
p.s. pročitajte i na ostalim blogovima kako nam je bilo! :) i da , umalo da zaboravim, imam novu torbu i vec je obozavam!