Love: Fabulous in February, Take Two

The wonderful Melissa of A Working Mom’s Closet has posted a challenge… to say three positive things about yourself every Monday in Feburary. The goal is to hold off winter blues and get a little positivity and self love happening around the blogosphere. At first this may not sound like a challenge at all, but most of us grew up in a culture where it’s not nice to say nice things about yourself. So, at the risk of sounding like an egomaniac, and defying culture norms, here are my next three things (I forgot last week like an idiot, but you can read week one here):

I love my style

I’ve had people call it different things from “retro chic” to “dirty librarian” but my style is all my own. I wear what makes me feel happy, confident, and sexy even when it breaks the traditional fashion “rules” (white after Labor Day, red lipstick for daytime).

I love that I’m blonde

It took a long time and a lot of bleach to get here, but I’m so happy with the dewy white-blonde color my hair has come out. It fits my personality, my coloring, my 1940s vibe and well, let’s face it, my blonde moments make a lot more sense now.

I love my resume

While my college buddies were out partying, I was working on homework, working multiple part-time jobs and building a future I could be proud of. I’m graduating with my master’s this spring, have a job I love, no debt and I’m truly proud of everything I’ve accomplished.

—

That’s that, folks. Happy  Monday and be sure to post your own Fabulous in February!

Love: A Patterened Interview with Melissa

As you all know by now, my interpreter day job means I spend most of my life in various shades of black, gray, and white so I don’t have much experience in the mixing and matching department. When I ran across Melissa from A Working Mom’s Closet, I was so fascinated by her use of prints and bright colors that I spent my lunch hour pouring over her blog. When I asked her to share some of her knowledge with all of you, she very kindly agreed to be interviewed and the following is the result. 🙂

Do you have any ‘rules’ for mixing prints?

I haven’t done a whole lot of pattern mixing but the times that I have, my thoughts are to keep the patterns within the same color family, or keep one of them black and white and only add in one other color. It also helps to use accessories as one or both of the patterns. A belt or leopard print shoes or scarf can go a long way to adding some pizazz with an extra pattern!

What do you look for when buying printed pieces?

Mostly just prints that appeal to me. I don’t have a standard print that I really like, as some others do. Some people really like stripes or polka dots or florals or abstracts…I like them all. It depends on what catches my eye and if the color scheme is suited for my coloring. I will intentionally look for certain things that seem to be trending, like the stripes and polka dots, but generally it’s just whatever is pretty. 🙂

What does your closet look like? Do you put all your prints together or keep outfits together?

I organize my closet according to type of clothing. Dresses, arranged by sleeve length, then skirts, then cardigans/jackets, then long-sleeved shirts and sweaters, then short-sleeved tops and then tanks and camis. I don’t keep outfits together because I don’t usually pick them out until I wake up in the morning!

You’re also an expert at layering, how do you build complete outfits?

Ooooh…I’ve never been called an expert at anything! Thanks! 🙂 It depends, really. Sometimes I’ll start with a basic piece like a dress or skirt and go from there, deciding which top would look best with it, if I need another layer underneath for warmth or if I want to throw another color in there for fun. I wear a LOT of cardigans, plus there’s the fact that my boss has issues with anyone showing too much in the chestal region (not just cleavage, but anything in the chest area at all!) so I have lots of camis and tanks to layer underneath.

I try very hard not to wear the same outfit twice, unless it’s one that made me feel really good, so I consider it a challenge to come up with new ways to wear the same piece (which for me only happens with layers or accessories). I have one piece that I’ve worn as a skirt the way it was made, but also as a tunic and as a tube top to work – with a blazer! Blazers and cardigans can make almost anything work-appropriate.

What are the go to pieces in your wardrobe?

My purple dress (that I desperately wish I could buy in every single color but so far haven’t found any more like it!), my black dress, my black rosebud boots and pretty much any of my belts and cardigans. I wear belts and cardigans ALL the time. It’s almost absurd how often I wear belts. I think I might have a problem.

What inspires your unique style?

Belts and cardigans. 🙂 Honestly, reading blogs has been incredibly inspiring to me. Before I ever knew style blogs existed, I never wore skirts or dresses and thought belts were ridiculous. Now you can’t get me to wear pants much and I have LOTS of belts! It’s through all of these friends I’ve met through blogging that I’ve been inspired to push my boundaries, try new things and thus figure out what *my* style is. I’m a belter, a layerer and a cardigan/jacket/dress girl. I love wearing at least one color, usually more and would like to venture more into pattern mixing territory. I haven’t done that enough or at least not bravely enough.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you for interviewing me! I’m incredibly flattered that anyone would be interested in my answers to these questions. I hope I’ve been able to help someone push their own boundaries to find their personal style, too!

Love: Fabulous in February

The wonderful lady behind A Working Mom’s Closet has posted a challenge… to say three positive things about yourself every Monday in Feburary. The goal is to hold off winter blues and get a little positivity and self love happening around the blogosphere. At first this may not sound like a challenge at all, but most of us grew up in a culture where it’s not nice to say nice things about yourself. So, at the risk of sounding like an egomaniac, and defying culture norms, here are my first three things:

1. I love that I’m tall

I can see over people and things, my students never complain that they can’t see me when I interpret, and I can reach the top shelf of stores all by myself. I get comments pretty much every week about why tall girls shouldn’t wear heels (“aren’t you tall enough??”) but heels make me feel sexy and while my height might be a problem for other people, it’s never been for me.

2. I love my hair

I’ve put my hair through the wringer (and the bleacher, the flat ironer, and the hairdryer) and it still loves me back and behaves well. It’s been every color of the rainbow and changes nearly as often as my moods, but in a world where plain black clothes are the norm, hair is my little indulgence in self-expression.

3. I love my eyes

My eyes look just like my dad’s, the same dark brown and the same long lashes (and those lashes got me a modeling gig with Sebastian Trucco when I was younger!). For years, Brown Eyed Girl has been my favorite song, and while I played around with colored contacts for a bit, I just don’t feel right when brown eyes aren’t looking back at me in the mirror.

—–

So that’s it, there are my three positive things put out into the universe. Post your own at A Working Mom’s Closet!

Friend Friday: Blogging Events and Trends

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which
ones to participate in and which ones to avoid? 
There are so many awesome events out there that don’t work for my lifestyle for one reason or another (mostly because I have to wear plain, dark colored clothes to interpret) and I don’t want to sign up for something and half-ass so I try to content myself looking at other people’s posts. The events that work best for me are the ones that are related to blogging itself (FBFF, IFB, Build a Better Blog). I think it’s about learning to be selective and honest with yourself and what you can and can’t do.
2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging
movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?
When I first started blogging I felt this dire need to build a following, so I did all the “follow me, I’ll follow back!” games so many new bloggers get caught up in. I ended up with an RSS feed full of blogs that weren’t even in English! Now I stick to following people I’m interested in, comment often, and trust that those who find my blog interesting will do the same for me. Karma is alive and well in the blogosphere!
3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still
maintaining the general mission and purpose?
I think I have a pretty unique, conversational writing style so that’s how I put my personal touch on everything I blog. I also use Polyvore to add extra details to images and make posts visually appealing (not the greatest option but it works until I can afford some image editing software for my Mac).
4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do
you keep in mind?
When I first started the blog, I had a very specific vision in mind. Lust, Love, Lose has grown and expanded since then but whenever I question if something is a good match, I go back and look at the vision statement I wrote back then.
5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and
support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something
worthwhile but not your style?
I try to do blogger interviews with people who are participating in events that are worthwhile: not only does it (hopefully!) bring them some traffic and attention, but it might introduce the event to someone who would like to join. I also keep my blog roll up to date with great sites for my followers to read, and post about interesting events in the blogging community.

Want to join a blog event that doesn’t take much time and only one post? Check out 100 Words on Life!

Read the rest of the FBFFers responses at ModlyChic.

Friend Friday: Blogger Mechanics

technology by jennaw on Polyvore.com

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

Macbook Air, Macbook, Sony digital camera, Droid phone (for snapping quick pictures). I need to buy a tripod so I can take better pictures (balancing my camera on the edge of the counter is just not cutting it :P).
2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

I use wordpress.com but I’m thinking about switching to .org this summer. Picasa to store my photos online and Twitter to communicate with other bloggers and the fashion community. Probably the most amazing online tool is Google (no seriously, how did people live before it?) I need to get some photo editing software for my Mac since the programs I have are only PC compatible from back before I saw the light.
3. What is your process for taking pictures?

It’s so bad right now! I balance my camera on the edge of my counter, put on the 10-second time delay and run over to the corner before the time runs out. Wow, I just admitted that. Seriously though, I don’t do a lot of outfit posts and I think part of the reason may be the lack of good places to take photos and the equipment necessary to do it right. I’d like to get a corner set up with a tripod and then I could just run over and snap a photo in the morning.
4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

Right now I shoot in the same spot when I do outfit posts, but there’s about a foot of snow outside, so that has something to do with it. When it gets warmer out, I think it would be nice to shoot on the porch but I don’t see myself scouting locations or getting way into outfit posting. I love looking at other people’s, but it’s just not how my blog is progressing and I think that’s okay too 🙂
5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

Some really decent photo editing software! Unfortunately it’s so crazy expensive I don’t see it happening anytime in the near future. Or a Louis Vuitton graffiti bag, that counts as equipment for a fashion blog, right? Right?

—–

Want to see how other bloggers responded? Check out all the answers at ModlyChic!

Love: 100 Words on Life

I’ve lived a very, very long time. At least it feels like it, though those with more than a quarter century under their belts might not agree with me. Be that as it may, I still feel as though I have something to contribute to the greater knowledge of fashion, confidence and life lessons. Here, my manifesto in exactly 100 words. Feel inspired? Write your own 100 words and I’ll link it here!

When you feel like shit, put on mascara – at least it will look dramatic if you cry

Pencil skirts will forever be sexy…

…so will red lipstick

Men and women can’t ever be just friends, unless the man is gay

Garter belts are more comfortable than pantyhose, and a whole lot sexier

If you can laugh at yourself, no one can have power over you

Confidence is enticing, so are high heels

Blondes really do have more fun

It’s better to like who you are than to care if anyone else does

Cutting your hair will change your life

Want to read more? Check out these fabulous bloggers who have written their own 100 words on life:

• Dear Winnie
• I’m Freestyling
• The Vintalogist
• Emily’s Fashion Finds
• Blah Blah Becky
• Rosco Valentine
• Butterfly Dreamer
• WobiSobi
• Let Them Eat Kate
• So What if I Like Pretty Things
• Le Mahogany Fashionista
• Sugar and Spice

Friend Friday: Authentic Blogging

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?

I think when someone is being genuinely themself it shows through every part of their life, including their writing (and by extension their blog). It’s in the photos too, someone trying to be sexy who’s just naturally goofy and fun, or vice versa, is pretty easy to spot in their outfit posts. I think part of it is staying within your means too. We’ve all heard stories of bloggers maxing out their cards to keep up with outfit a day posts. I refuse to deal with fake people in real life, and nothing turns me off of a blog faster than an inauthentic feel.
2. When it comes to your blog how to you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?

I try to write the same way I speak and I try to infuse my personal weirdness into my blog. Plus, with my awards show posts, I don’t go crazy over something just because it’s at the top of every ‘best dressed’ list, I’m not afraid to say I just don’t get it! I also thinking posting photos is a way to be authentic. When I do the how-to’s the middle steps are usually NOT the greatest photos of me, but they’re important for understanding the concept.
3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?

I hate ‘spam’ blogs, where every post is an advertisement for a sponsor or a reminder to enter a contest. Don’t get me wrong, those can both be very effective kinds of posts, but not when it’s the only thing that goes up. I also tend to stay away from blogs that only post celebrity fashion or ad campaigns, eye candy is great, but I feel like the meat and potatoes of fashion blogs are original content you can’t find anywhere else. If that’s not there, I’m out.
4. We can’t communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don’t live in real life… what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?

There’s this song that says “if you love me than thank you, if you hate me than **** you”, that pretty much describes my life. If you like me, great, if you don’t, that’s fine too, but I’ve never changed my life to fit someone else’s idea of what it should be, and never will.
5. Give a shout-out… Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?

Emily Ann, one of my first blogging friends, everything she posts just radiates her personality and sense of style.

Adored Austin, she’s the nicest lady and gets back to you with a personal email response right away

What Would a Nerd Wear, I swear she shows up in every one of my shout outs! But her mix of Twitter, blogging, and general niceness makes her accessible and authentic

—–

Want to see what other bloggers had to say about authenticity? Check out more responses to the Friend Friday questions at Modly Chic.

Fashionably Ill

If you haven’t noticed, my posts have been a little content-free lately. True confessions time: I’ve been so ridiculously sick and it seems like so has everyone else in Rochester. It’s going around and around and probably won’t ease up until the weather thaws. Until then, I’ll keep doing the best I can, stick with me!

How to be fashionably ill:

fashionably ill by jennaw featuring a bamford

Where to buy after the break…

Friend Friday: Blog Comparison

1. Have you ever looked at someone’s blog and thought yours will never measure up?
All the time, especially since I’m really just getting started! I see all the months and years of content and the amazing outfit of the day posts and all the connections people have in the industry and feel like I’m playing out of my league.
2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?
I did at first, but then I realized that the bloggers I love best are the ones who do their own thing.
3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?
I don’t think you have to, but it does help. I’m a daily blogger, so if I didn’t have how-tos and lots of different interests to fill my posts, they would get repetitive pretty quickly! But successful writers come in all different shapes and sizes and I don’t think you can specify certain skills (aside from writing skills) as must haves.
4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice – how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?
I’m new to blogging for others but I’ve been writing for a long time and had a lot of creative writing opportunities that encouraged me to find my voice. When I write, I usually put down the facts I want to say first (like an outline) and then start typing as if I was speaking to someone about the topic; I read my drafts out loud to make sure they sound natural and conversational. It takes two or three times, but I’m usually pretty happy with the end result 🙂
5. Toot your own horn… what’s one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?
My most successful posts have been my how-tos. It’s funny because that was a type of post I was so afraid to do at first (how could I think I was an expert in anything?), but now I’m gaining confidence. I love that my posts actually help people and it’s even better when they leave comments with their results!

—–

Want to see what the other Fashion Friday bloggers have to say? Check out ModlyChic for a complete list 🙂

Friend Friday New Year’s Resolutions

1. What’s the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?

Start and complete 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, I’ve already bought it, so no excuses!
2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?

Since I just started blogging for others this year, pretty much everything! I’ve started learning about SEO, widgets, intelligent commenting on other blogs,
3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?

I’ve been considering moving to a wordpress.org account so I can do some advertising and run some plug-ins I can’t on the more restrictive wordpress.com, but I have so much I need to learn before I do that!

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with, and what would you like to collaborate on?

Without a doubt, the brains behind What Would a Nerd Wear! Since I’m a grad student as well, I love the niche she’s found for her blog and I’m constantly going over to see what she’s wearing for inspiration. Since we’re both grad students, maybe we could work on a how-to guide for surviving grad school in style?
5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?

I try to get in touch with great bloggers and interview them, or mention them in posts to help share the traffic. Next year, I want to do some more intensive blogger support, maybe a blogger awards piece or something similar.

—–

Want to see more blogger’s resolutions? Check out Friend Friday at ModlyChic!