Guest Post: Modly Chic - Packing for the Weekend

While I am away visting my cous for her birthday I asked Katy from Modly Chic if she would write guest post on packing for short trips. I feel like she is always away from home. These tips were so great I definitely needed the while I was packing! I will be back to regular blogging on October 17th, 'till then... 
Greetings! I'm Katy from ModlyChic and I'm guest posting here for the day on how to pack for a weekend trip. Apparently, according to Iris, I'm the consummate weekend traveler, which is true now that I think about the amount of times I've packed my bags up for a three-day trip. When I went away for three weeks at the beginning of the summer I wrote about packing lightly for a long trip, but some of the rules are different for a short one.

How to pack lightly for a weekend away:

• Go with two basics. A pair of jeans and a dress perhaps. Both items should be able to be mixed and matched with multiple other things.
• Add a couple layer-able pieces. The shirts, vests or sweaters you pack should be able to coordinate with both the starting basics, allowing you to create multiple outfits from the same items remixed.
• Accent your look. Pack a couple pairs of earrings, a necklace, a couple bracelets, a ring and be done with your accessories.
• Go easy on the shoes. I think we ladies tend to over-pack shoes. A pair of comfortable day shoes and a pair of killer heels is all you need. Save your back and don't take a bunch of pairs you can't possibly wear.
• Take only the makeup essentials. A foundation, blush, mascara, lipgloss and a small eye-shadow palette is all you need.

FBFF: In the "in-crowd"

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

I feel like all of these questions are going to inevitably lead back to skinny jeans or (shudder) jeggings so I'll just put that out there right now. I cannot think of an item of clothing that was super trendy but, I was more against when it hit stores than the skinny jean. I thought they were unflattering, sort of immodest, and all around not for me. I mean, not all trends are for everyone so how would these wierd legging like denim things work for me? I resolved that they wouldn't and they should be relegated to super skinny model like frames...

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

I always try things on if I am the least bit interested (rompers, those wierd ankle sandal shoes, etc.) and they don't always work (rompers, those wierd ankle sandal shoes, etc.)  and that's ok because I know for sure! Since I have been curbing my shopping I have gotten alot better at recognizing what is flattering/fits and what doesn't. It is a waste of money to buy something that is trendy and maybe kinda sorta works for you but, you don't love/it fits strangely becuase it just sits in your closet and you will wear rarely if at all. It's happened to me plenty of times before and I've learned from those mistakes. If you don't love it don't buy it even if it is the height of fashion!

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

Now we head back to skinny jeans... Last summer I went shopping with my mother for my birthday and decided if I could find a pair in my size that were a good color I would try them on and see what all the fuss was about. When I slipped into them I completely fell in love. The color was great, the fit was perfect, and they were BEYOND comfy. I am a believer fan now, you won skinny jeans.

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

Not really, maybe when I was younger because I wanted to be super cool. Now that I am a bit older I think I have super cool style without overloading it with trends and things that everyone else wears.

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

Honestly, I think it is SO frustrating. I will start this out by saying that generally I love Target but, they did a horrible job with the Missoni launch.

Photo courtesy of fashioninaction.blogspot.com

The line was really lovely and well designed. For the first time in a long time I was actually excited to shop and potentially spend the still over-priced $30-$50+ on something (shoes possibly a dress even though they always end up being short) They might not have been the best quality but, I thought whatever piece I selected would be a nice addition to my fall wardrobe and it was worth heading to the store and taking a look at/trying on the actual items.

Unfortunatley, because I waited a hot second to scope it out everything was gone and Target's site was down before I even had a chance to change my mind about going. Then, I was reading people's reactions and experiences about the whole thing and I was even more disgusted that Target hadn't planned it out better. One woman actually had to fighr people to get her items, got stuck in line for 45+ minutes, and then had to leave in tears without purchasing anything because of a child related obligation. Overreacting? Maybe but, my heart went out to her anyway.

Photo courtesy of webguild.com

Maybe the Target by you is nice and friendly, maybe they still have some Missoni pieces left over (where do you live?) but, that does not describe the majority of the Targets by me. My experience would have been like that woman's (minus the child) or worse. If I come across Missoni in the sales racks or at a Target far away from home I will take a look, maybe even try the items on if they are in my size but, I am so beyond the sensationalized overraction that I never even got to really have in the first place.

Check out everyone else's answers over at Modly Chic!

FBFF: Summer Lovin'

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?

I am (admittedly) one of the worst packers ever! I have a serious tendency to over pack because I so nervous about needing wanting something from my expansive closet that I try to bring it all with me. I should follow my own advice: "Don't stress, there is probably a Target nearby!"

2. What are your must packs?

Do undies count? Seriously... The things I am most concerned with having besides that are my unique toiletries like my face stuff and my hair stuff. That isn't something I'm going to want to have to pick up on the fly or be able to buy at Target.

3. What are you happy to leave behind?

There isn't really anything that I am happy to leave behind but, I am more than happy to ignore my cell phone and leave it at the hotel or friend's/family's house where I am staying.

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?

If there is anything that comes close to helping me with this is making a list prior to packing at least so I get a visual idea of how many days I'll be gone and how much stuff I need to bring with me. Whether I follow the list or not is another story...

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?


I normally bring a bunch of glossies that I wouldn't normally spend money on and get in tune with what's coming up on the fashion horizon. If I'm reading a book that is too good to put down (most recently: The Hunger Games Trilogy) I will subject it to the sand as well.

Check out everyone else's answers over at ModlyChic!

FBFF: Being Part Of The Main Event

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?

I honestly haven't come across anything that I wouldn't be or haven't been a part of except for the 30 for 30. The idea of limiting myself that much actually freaks me out. It might be weird considering how I limited myself to shopping only in my closet for one year but, I never said I was absolutely not going to shop for anything new and I have a ton of clothes! It seems like it could be fun but, I don't think it's for me right now.

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?

I don't think so. I have a few things in the works now though so we will see if any of them pan out in a less than ideal way... I like the "events" because they give even more structure to what I am doing. Sometimes I look at my closet jam packed full of clothes and think, "What am I going to wear?" but, if I need to focus on a certain color or pattern it makes it easier. It's like a mini vaca for my fashion brain!

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?

Well first of all I don't think pick things that are unrelated. Everything I partake in is in some way linked to what I am doing ex: a pattern or clothing style I like, a cause I support. I didn't do the pink for breast cancer awareness month because I wasn't sure how I was going to pull it of (kind of like the 30 for 30) and I like to see things through to the end but, I am doing the red on Fridays in February to support heart disease awareness to test the waters. Maybe next October you will see me in head to toe pink all month long!

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?

I think about what I would want to read and how this new thing is related to what I have already done. I also try to assess if it's feasible for me to complete the task at hand because like I said before I like to see things through to the end.

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 comment, comment, comment... I have been going crazy trying to keep up and support the 30 for 30 peeps, there are so many of you!

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

FBFF: Planning Ahead

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?

I organize my closet by color of clothing (it's just easier for me) and I go by that ex: "I am going to wear something red today!" The rest of it builds from that one piece I pick. Also, theme weeks/challenges help because they limit what I have to work with.

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month, weekend?

I didn't used to plan my outfits in advance but, recently I have been looking at things a week at a time. This is mostly because my photographer AKA BF didn't really appreciate having to traipse downstairs after a long day everyday just to take my picture but, we discussed this already... It has kind of backfired on me though because thing happen (ahem, snow) and it hijacks me into altering the plan. I don't cry about it or anything but, I like to be authentic!

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already worn so you don't repeat?

This was the first question I was asked by a reader, here is my answer. Long story short: I am a nerd. To be honest though, I haven't really been great at keeping up with it but, if I think I might be repeating an outfit I just search a piece of it on 260 Days, No Repeats and cross reference what I want to wear with what comes up. It's worked out so far...

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet? (Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)

I'm sure there are a bunch of different ways for this but, not being able to wear the same combination of things definitely helps. I can't rely on the same outfits over and over so I'm forced to be creative. Normally, I start by throwing things together on the bed and if I like the way that looks I'll try them on then search for accessories, it's a process.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do to cut down your dressing time?

I think the pre-planning of outfits will help tremendously and I have a few more theme weeks in the works so I am forced to focus on specific things in my closet but, I am open to suggestions!

Check out everyone elses answers over at Modly Chic!

FBFF: Weighed, Measured, and Found Lacking? Blog Envy.

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?

I think the better question is, "Have I ever looked at someone's blog and not negatively judged my blog" and if I am brutally honest with myself the answer is generally, "No." I'm not sure why that is per say, maybe it's the culture we live it where we seem to be conditioned to compare ourselves and our things to other peers and their things. I suppose it's only natural...

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?

In terms of my personal style I really don't feel much pressure at all. I think I have a decent sense of fashion, what looks good on me, and what doesn't. If anything I am honestly inspired by, all of the people whose blogs I come across to try new things with what I already have!

There might have been more pressure in terms of what you see when you first arrive at any blog, that "home page" per say... people make quick judgements and I'm not sure 260 Days, No Repeats will always make the cut. I think my blog has experienced somewhat of a genesis since it's inception and that is continuing to improve the but, the layout and graphics are where I get the most critical and compare-crazy. I am not a graphic designer and I am not super savvy with HTML and such. If I had more money I could pay someone to create a header for me, design some buttons, change the font... In terms of layout I could probably manage that myself. We'll see what happens.

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?

It definitely doesn't hurt to share your creativity with everyone else, I think the reason that increases your level of success is because not everyone is going to be able to do what you do! It might be negative for me that I can "do it myself" bake, and be crafty but, that's not necessarily what I want to write about.

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 think I'm coming into the voice I want to share with people; It's the more loquacious version of my everyday self. I am sarcastic and silly but, generally more reserved. What? I work in HR. I find that it is similar to some other fashion bloggers and think we all must have been destined to be friends from the start!

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?

This is a hard question to answer! I thought one year of not repeating outfits to work would set me apart. That was what my intention was from the start but, there are people who have done this for a full year. Maybe I should have done that from the get go or maybe I should not wear the same outfit to work for 2 years or 5 years! Now, I'm getting ahead of myself... but, with so many other creative blogger out there how does one set themselves apart? The short of it is: I'm not sure but, I'll go with that no repeats thing. O, and maybe the handful of challenges that I have tried to get of the ground.

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

Friend Friday: Blogger Resolutions 2011

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

I really want to learn how to how to change things about my template. My number one focus now is custom fonts. I know a bit of HTML but, this CSS stuff is throwing me for a loop. I found some good online guides so now I just have to start implementation. More tabs would be cool too but, I need to develop content for them. Also, I would like to create a new banner/background... so many ideas, so little time!

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?

I think the most important lesson I learned was about keeping your content fresh and positive. No one wants to listen to you complain or hear the same old thing over and over again. I want to tell more stories and make more jokes.

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 would love to monetize but, I don't think that is realistic. I don't think I have a large enough audience to get sponsorships or anything like that. I would really love to host more giveaways or do more sponsored product reviews consistently but, again I need to develop a larger following before that happens. Either way, this is a fun hobby not my money making profession so if it doesn't take off in that manner that's ok but, it would be great for the readers!

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?

I would love to collaborate with other bloggers! Some of the ways that I have already done so (and would love to continue doing) is through guest posting or challenges they, I or someone else develops. I would be open to other prospects!

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?

• I will comment, comment, comment as much as I possibly can.
• I will check out new blogs as much as I can as well and add them to my blogroll if I think they would be a good fit. The links in my blogroll are changing as I add more that I like and take away the ones that have gone dormant.  
• I will answer questions and try to participate more in the FBFF community as much as possible.

Friend Friday: Reader Connectedness

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?

Highly, if people are not engaged enough to read what you write then what is the point of blogging it in the first place?

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?

I try to not to be too serious and am striving to remain consistent. Last week I mentioned that things took a dive in terms of content because I was feeling stressed. Well, that wasn't the only thing, my readership definitely did too. As a reader of blogs I understand, I am more engaged when those two things are present so now it's just a matter of getting back to and perhaps surpassing where I was previously in terms of readership/engagement. It's nice to know that people are listening to what I have to say... see #1

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?

I think keeping up with ones blog is important because you might draw in new people as your writing evolves but, there is no ace up my sleeve. Other than that, I'm not really sure but, if I come up with with something you will be the first to know!

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?

Kendi from Kendi Everyday was the first person that comes to mind when reading this question. She makes me laugh so, I  want to come back and read more!

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?

One of the biggest things that attracts new readers is Facebook so, I try to be consistent about linking my posts there to other pages. This has been the most successful "tactic" by far. Taking part in challenges is another one. It's fun for me and it has the added benefit of drawing other participants in. Giveaways are the last thing big thing in my experience but, I am not going to go out on the regular and buy things so I can give them away on my blog... I barely buy things for myself! But, giveaway and readership are tied. You need to have an engaging blog that attracts people before a company is going to give you anything for free. Plus the readers that you might attract through challenges and giveaway might not stick around past the completion of the event that attracted them in the first place.

Check out everyone else's answers over at ModlyChic!

Friend Friday: Blogger Copying

1. What are the 'unwritten rules' about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?

I think people need to link back. If the written content isn't original or the picture isn't yours then you should definitely give credit where credit is due. In terms of wearing a similar outfit or posing in a similar location I think it's best practice to make note that you were inspired by whatever blog or other publication. I try to do that if I am aware.

2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when is a post imitation and when is it copying?

I think when a post is practically lifted ver batim from that is without a doubt copying. This includes changing a few words to similar synonyms in an attempt change the content. I think imitation comes when you are inspired by what someone does and you try it out for yourself developing your own related content. I think in OOTD blogs it is harder (maybe I'm an idealist) to flat out copy the pictures or the content of your daily outfit post because it is you in the pictures not the supposed culprit. Unfortunately, I have seen it more often if you are putting up an advice section about what to wear to a certain type of event, organize your closet, cook something, make something, etc. it is easier to copy.

3. Taking another blogger's idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is necessary to credit the original source?

As I said before, I think it is very necessary to give credit where credit is due. Alot of work goes into blogging, from the written word to the design to the page content, and there is little to no compensation for most of us.

4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other blogs? Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing?

If I had to pinpoint one thing I think the photography has changed on my blog tremendously. I noticed that I like viewing outfits on other blogs that had larger pictures in outdoor spaces and figured I have a tripod/BF why not give that a try? I like the way it has turned out so far! Unfortunately the nights are coming earlier and it is getting so cold outside... Way to kill my new system seasons!

5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?
 
Actually no, I haven't. At least that I know of anyway. I kind of wish I had! If they gave me some credit, that is...

What are your best practices when it comes to inspiration from other sources? Check out everyone elses answers on ModlyChic!

Friend Friday: Self Promotion

1. How do you promote your blog?

I belong to Chictopia, Weardrobe, Chicisimo, and such but, honestly have trouble keeping up with posting pictures there and on the blog. Maybe if this was my full time gig... I also belong to IFB but, don't generally submit my posts there. Not alot of my content (i.e outfit of the day) seems relevant. I've placed my blog with alot of aggregators but, that doesn't seem to have an impact like I would have hoped. I love to do blog exchanges/guest posts, even if I have people posting on 260 Days, No Repeats (like while I was on vacation) it drives different traffic to me for sure and it's alot of fun for everyone. I also love taking part in challenges that can bring a whole different group of people to my (or their) blog which is nice. Giveaways are a great way also, if you can find someone to sponsor them. And of course there is the now standard Facebook/Twitter route. I should network more... I also try to post comments on the blogs I enjoy reading but, that list is getting longer and longer. I also think taking better/bigger/clearer pictures helps draw people to your site and want to stay. It shows a certain degree of effort and care on your part as the author. I try to leave witty and interesting comments but, that doesn't happen all the time. Sometimes, I do say things akin to "nice shoes" but, it's because I really like their shoes/bag/skirt/whatever and that is what I am moved to comment on. It's not meant to be comment spam.

2. In your experience what has been the most effective form of self promotion?

Facebook for sure! I don't have alot of fans but, some of them do take part in the conversation that I try to have which I really enjoy. Plus, the ability to link to other pages drives alot of traffic to me. I love the idea of reaching more people and hearing what they have to say!

3. Do you think there is a wrong way to promote yourself and your blog?

I think you need to put out a good product. Whether it is the pictures, discussions you try to start, or commentary on yours or other people's style choices. When your content starts to become stale it definitely impacts readership. I can totally respect those bloggers who take breaks to refresh themselves.

4. When is comes to others pushing their product what annoys you?

I don't like when people make irrelevant comments. It is one thing to say "nice shoes" if what you really like about the outfit is solely the shoes but, it is another thing to say something about the weather or a contest/giveaway that you are having on your blog.

5. In Dressful's post on this topic earlier in the week she said, "It's impossible to respect someone who wants all the attention, but adds nothing worthwhile to the conversation." Do you agree?

I think that's a little harsh generally speaking. I would respect their opinion and them as a person. I don't view people who make short, to the point, yet comments as just someone who wants all the attention. I mean maybe they do but, dont' we all? Either way, they are someone who took the time out to view your blog/site and say something even if they didn't have alot to say.

Check out everyone else's answers on ModlyChic

Friend Friday: All Natural

1. The move to do away with soap, shampoo and deodorant has been growing in popularity in the last year. What are your thoughts on this trend?

People are entitled to do what they want to do but, as we can see from my product addiction I like to smell nice. As I went over in my original post on that topic I definitely want to cut down on my excessive product consumption but, I will always use deodorant, soap, etc. It seems a little

2. Be honest how often do you wash your own hair?

Every other day if I wear it curly, every three or four days when it's straight. I only ever have my hair washed by someone else when I go to the salon for a cut or a blow out. Are there really people who go to the salon just to have their hair washed? I want to have the money for that, then still do it myself or maybe I misunderstood the question...

3. Have you tried to go the more natural route by forgoing shampoo? What happened? Or would you be tempted to try it?

No that prospect scares me, it would be horrible for my hair and my face. I can't just see the greasy hair and breakouts now...

4. What products do you use and have you ever gone with more organic alternatives?

Well for my hair I use whatever shampoo/conditioner is on sale and is moisturizing. Generally Suave or Herbal Essences. I actually don't use too many products other than that. When I wear my hair straight I use Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, a more natural thing to add some shine and control the flyaways after I blow it out. When I wear it curly I use Got2B Spiking Glue. It sounds extreme but, haven't found the hold I like in a gel yet and when this worked I stopped looking for other products.

5. What about that daily shower? Would you forgo that opting to shower three times a week instead?

No, just no. I like feeling (and being) clean! There are some rare occasions where I don't shower one day and by the next day I feel gross even though I wash my face, brush my teeth, and everything else other than a shower.

Friend Friday: Product Placement

1. As we watched the Chilean Miners being rescued last week, there were many things to take note of - the amazing faith of these people, the joy of life, love and family, and - interestingly enough - product placement. As you watched the rescue efforts did you notice the products? What were your thoughts?

Honestly, the only brand I remember from all the news is Oakley. They made those snazzy sunglasses that the miners wore to protect their eyes from UV rays as they acclimated back to normal life. I thought it was a little taboo when they started talking about where you could buy a pair for yourself if you wanted. I guess either way they succeeded promoting themselves...

2. Product placement is all around us today, what do you think makes it such a marketing gold mine?

I think people like to buy what they are familiar and comfortable with. If they see someone using something, even if it isn't in person, they are more inclined to try it. It's like when a friend tells you about a wonderful experience they had with a certain thing, you would probably lean more towards that if you needed to based on the good review and prior exposure to the brand.

3. On your blog, either now or in the future, what is/will be your stance on highlighting specific products?

I wouldn't mind highlighting specific things if they are a product, or company for that matter, that works with 260 Days, No Repeats. I would assume that I or the readers would in some way be compensated but, that doesn't matter if it is a product that stinks or doesn't really have anything to do with what we are all interested in i.e: ratchet set.

4. If the opportunity arose would you give a bad review of a product?

I suppose if it wasn't a good one then I would.

5. Do you view your blog as a product? Where have you or do you hope to place it?

I don't view it as a product but, I like the to think of it as an outlet. I have tried to put it out there in as places as I can (so many so that sometimes I wonder if I have spread myself too thin) so that I can introduce it to more people!

Friend Friday: Blogging Baby Steps

I know, I know I'm on vacation but, I love sharing these answers with you guys! Plus, my 200th post had to belong to me. I'll be back to regular blogging on the 19th, 'till then I hope your having fun with all these fantastic guest bloggers.

1. How has your blog changed over the months/years you've been blogging?

I think I have started to add a little more to 260 Days, No Repeats by supplementing daily outfit posts with some weekend or night out wear. I also have a few posts where I answer questions or give advice. I definitely think about mentioning sales or deals but, it doesn't really seem consistent with the original idea behind this blog or the direction that it's going... It is very different from previous blogs I had.

2. What was one thing you did wrong in the beginning and how have you changed that?

My photography has gotten way better. At first I didn't think it was a big deal to have my pictures taken in a hallway of my apartment but, now I see that the outdoor scenery adds so much! Much thanks to BF for taking my picture outside, hopefully I can work up the courage to traipse out there with my tripod and do it myself so I can stop bugging him.

3. When you visit a blog what's the greatest turn off? The thing that makes you close the tab?

If there is music, that is an immediate exit. I had often thought about adding music to my blog but, I realized quickly just like I don't want to hear you favorite tunes you probably don't want to hear mine... I also don't appreciate when there is so much going on on the page that I can't find what you wrote, I'm not there to learn about whatever products your hawking, I want to hear what you have to say! also, if the blog isn't updated regularly, there are some times when I'm hoping a blogger will come back and I had been reading them for a while before they departed but, if I am just stumbling across your blog now and you have been absent for the past 6 months why would I ever come back?

4. How did you find your voice?

I think in previous blogging excursions I was too busy trying to sound engaging and happy that I probably ended up sounding like an infomercial host or used car salesman. Now, I just type what I'm feeling or what I would be saying if you and I were sitting in a Starbucks grabbing a cup of coffee. I think this works alot better for people, they want to know about the real you.

5. If you had three pieces of advice to give to a new blogger what would those be?

Talk about what you like, not what you think other people want to hear about. There will be a noticeable difference in quality.

Update regularly! We miss you when you're gone... I try to have at least one post a day during the week and maybe one on the weekends. If you can manage more than that, I think no more than three posts a day would be ideal.

Make friends and reach out to other bloggers, they can offer you a world of advice and feedback that could be really useful to someone who is just starting out.

Friend Friday: Criticism and Comments

1. Do you allow comments on your blog? Why or why not?

I definitely allow comments on my blog. I love the feedback, support, constructive criticism (which is rare but, it happens,) and hearing from all my lovely blogging friends in general! It brightens my day a little when my phone beeps with an email and it's a comment. I don't understand people who don't allow comments, they are so much fun!

2. Do you think at times people leave comments that are insincere or not well thought out? What's the point?

I think people definitely leave comments that are not well thought out or are extremely calculated in an irrelevant way, for example: love your outfit, follow my blog! or enter my giveaway! I don't delete them but, they aren't my favorites.

3. Would you ever leave a comment that could be considered negative?

I wouldn't ever leave a flat out negative comment because things said in type can be grossly misconstrued since the nuances of tone and such are lost. People might take it more seriously than you mean it for example: "I don't think that shirt it the most flattering on you..." becomes "That shirt is horrible why would you wear it at all?!" It's like those wierd fights you used to have in high school on AIM that were all because one person didn't understand the sarcasm or context of what you were saying. If I want to leave a comment I focus on the things that I really do like about the outfit or topic of discussion.

4. Most people claim to like constructive criticism. Do you really and how do you offer that kind of criticism to others?

I genuinely do appreciate constructive criticism but, it really depends on how it is offered. See above answer... I offer constructive criticism to people but, only those who ask for it or who I am closest to. That being said, if it's a person I don't know I might fluff it up with extra niceness since (according to some people) I am a bit intimidating...

5. Some bloggers don't allow comments in order to cut down on negativity. Do you think that is the way to go or are there other ways to deal with the negative vibes?

I think it's crazy when bloggers don't allow comments! What is the purpose for putting yourself out there if you can't get any feedback or support? I don't think that there is so much negativity in the blogosphere to justify that and if authors feel that way there are probably better ways to deal with it. You can approve all comments or just ask that people don't leave those types of comments. It sounds so simple but, if a person is really supportive and respectful they will listen to what you are asking. There are always going to be some negative people and that can't be helped but, for the most part blogger friends are awesome!

Friend Friday: Highlighting The Negative

1. Do you post pictures on your blog, or would you if the opportunity came along, of people with poor fashion//beauty sense?

I don't post pictures of anyone else on my blog except for myself. I tend not to post the outtakes but, I am still toying with the idea... Even if I did post pictures of other people I wouldn't do so to highlight people's poor fashion sense, it seems a bit cruel.

2. Do you read any blogs that highlight the bad? Why?

To be honest, I didn't even know that these blogs existed. Perhaps in the celebrity worst dressed sense but, not criticizing everyday fashion bloggers. Generally speaking, occasionaly I will glance at Fail Blog or something like that but, mostly when prompted to do so by someone else (i.e posted on my FB wall)

3. Should these bloggers get permission to post the pictures from the subject in the same way the street-style blogs do?

I think so, people should be able to choose how they are presented to the world. The put themselves out into the great wide internet but, they do so on their terms. When someone else takes their pictures without permission or disclosure it's wrong. I hope no one does that to me...

4. As human beings we are fascinated with disasters - of all sorts - why do you think that is? How to the blogs/websites that highlight the negative thrive?

I think that the first statement answers the second. Some people seem to be drawn to "disaster" like a moth to flame. It's like reality TV! I'm not sure why it is but, people seem to be amused by watching the mayhem that is these other people's lives...

5. For many, fashion is subjective. Do you think, there can be anything that is objectively bad in the fashion world?

I feel like a broken record, although I'm not sure I've said it here, but, things that don't fit and are unflattering are bad period.

Friend Friday: Fashion Dos and Don'ts

1. What do you think are some of the top fashion don’ts? Anything that doesn't fit or is unflattering (too tight, too big, too short, too long) regardless of the trends.

2. What previous fashion don’t do you now wear with pride? I never used to mix patterns, which is obviously not the case anymore... I do it on the regular and LOVE it. I was so silly to think that it would be unacceptable.

3. Do you think there is a universal fashion do? I think universally speaking everyone needs to dress for themselves. By that I mean what they are comfortbale in and what is flattering on them whether it is colors, shapes, or styles!

4. What items lately, either recently in style or coming in now, do you think should never make it off the retail shelves? Rompers, they were so unflattering on 90% of the population in my opinion... sorry if you disagree but, I was one of those people.

5. In your opinion, is there any blogger, fashion icon, celebrity who some how manages to pull off some fashion don’ts and still look good? I think most of the style bloggers that I have come across each have their own unique ways of dressing some of which I don't think I would ever consider personal fasion do's but, they make it work and look gorgeous doing it!

Friend Friday: Work vs. Blog Wear

I stumbled across this cool new (to me) thing called Friend Friday over at Modly Chic and I am excited to participate!

1. When it comes to outfit posts on your own blog, be honest are they what you actually wore that day? Definately, that's why sometimes I don't update until 11 at night. If it's not I will let you know but, it hasn't happened yet!

2. For a fashion blogger, working in a corporate environment can be tricky. How do you mesh your day job with your personal style choices? Almost everything in my closet works double duty. While my office is techincally business casual I think it is more twoards the latter of the classification.

3. When you get dressed in the morning, do you think what should I wear to work or what should I wear for the blog? It's definately a combination. The vast majority of the time I dress for me and my life, whatever that entatils ex: work, errands, etc. But, sometimes (especially when I am taking part in a theme week or something like that) I think about how to make what I have in my wardrobe work for that. Although, I still need to be work appropriate (and comfortable) either way.

4. Do professionals you interact with ever make comments about your clothing choices? For sure! It doesn't happen everyday but, when it does it puts a smile on my face because it is always positive. Although, I doubt that anyone I work with on a daily basis would say something negative about what I was wearing. If you don't have something nice to say...

5. Some bloggers openly admit to wearing outfits only for the blog post. What's your opinion on that? If that's what works for them then YAY but, personally I wouldn't bother unless I was trying to illustrate something specific not, I actually spent all day wearing PJ's but, I put this on for a picture.