FBFF: Vacation

I thought the best way to explain what vacation meant to me might be with some pictures via word association but, now I realize I might need to clarify things....

1. Sleep - This is definitely the first thing I think about when vacation comes to mind. My favorite vacations always include lots of rejuvenating sleep. Just being able to wake and go as I please makes a huge difference in my day to day functionality. 
2. Relaxation - This sort of goes along with sleep but, I also like to do things that are relaxing in general like going to the pool of the beach, etc. How do you like to relax on vacation? 
3. Tropical - I dream of going somewhere with beautiful teal waters and soft clean sand. BF and I went to the Bahamas years ago and I would love to go back but, then again who wouldn't?
4. Foreign - While heading to an island somewhere and lounging on the beach would be great there are lots of other places far far away that I would love to go to. I think my top choice now is another trip to London! 
5. Travel - In reality the idea of an island or European vacation is fantastic but, highly unrealistic right now. That being said, there are lots of places to go that are a (fairly) quick car ride away and make great long weekend destinations.
6. Memories - When on vacation with friends, family, or a significant other those are times to cherish and remember fondly. Also, take lots of pictures!
7. No Contact - When I am away I don't really pay attention to my phone, email, etc. I already feel like there is alot of immediacy in the way people interact with each other and I don't need that stress while I'm on vacation!
8. Taking Care of Business - At some point during whatever time I have off I try to take care of things that I haven't had time for in my every day life so that I can get ahead of things before I have to go back to normal life. Do you do the same thing? 
9. Souvenirs - The most touristy places in every city are riddled with small shops where you can buy pens, postcards, shot glasses, spoons, key chains, t shirts, etc. Personally, I collect magnets from the places that I've been because I don't want dust collectors!
10. New - Whether traveling abroad or just in your local area there is always something new going on. Perhaps a new band playing a local restaurant or an exhibit at a museum for an artist that you've never seen... there are so many possibilities. What do you want to see on your next vacation?

FBFF: Blogging Community

1. What blogging communities do you belong to? 

Image courtesy of insidepages.com

I think the better question is what blogging communities don't I belong to. I think the ones that I participate most in are FBFF (obvi) and The Blogger Collective which is comprised of a group of lovely fashion/beauty bloggers. I like reading the tips and tricks from IFB but, I wouldn't say that I participate heavily in anything they have going on. I recently just joined Lyst and have now started paying attention to Klout. There are so many!

2. What do you think the roll of community is in blogging? 

I think community is a great way to interact with other blogger but, it manifest in different ways depending on who is involved. It could be something as simple as a theme week or as complex as planning live events like Bloggers Night Out.

3. Blog comments, twitter interactions and meaningful Facebook threads have decreased in the last several months. What are your thoughts on why that is? 

Phew, it's not just me. Personally, I have been running low on free time to sit down and comment on every blog post from my favorite bloggers. I also run out of interesting things to say. I may totally LOVE your shoes but, how many times can I say that before it drives us both crazy? I know for me personally part of the reason I am seeing a decrease in blogger comments is because my timing is all off. I used to post once a day if not more. Now, that is a majorly difficult thing to maintain. I'm working on it and hoping that I will see a boost again soon! Positive thinking does wonders, right?

4. How do you cultivate community around your blog? 

I ask questions and I have done theme weeks with other participants. I'm not sure if that is the best way to cultivate a grouping around my blog but, I'm not 100% sure that I have the energy to dedicate to anything more intense than that. Any recommendations?

Image courtesy of skyje.com

5. If you could make one resolution to be a better community member what would it be? 

Participation, plain and simple! Especially when questions are asked or there are projects to take part in. I used to have a system and check in on the blogs in my blogroll regularly to see what was going on and just haven't had the time, I need to get back into that! I also used to check out at least one blog in others blogrolls to see if there was something new that I might like. I want to get that started again, comments are coming your way fellow bloggers!

FBFF: Fitness?

I’ll be honest I was hesitant to post about this FBFF topic. As you might have guessed fitness is not a focus in my daily life. Frankly, there are days it doesn’t get a moment’s consideration. While I would love to be fitter and dedicated to exercising more at all I don’t know where to start.

Image courtesy of Little Things of My Little Heart

I am not the person who wants to go to the gym; I am ridiculously self conscious even though I know no one is really paying attention to me. I don’t have friends who would make practical fitness buddies, many of them are in shape and all of them live far enough away that it isn’t convenient. I used to be really great at working out at home (woo hoo Tae Bo) but, as you might have noticed from the dated reference that was some time ago… Another major challenge is the fact that I barely have time to do my laundry/groceries/blog so when am I going to find time to exercise? 

All the excuses legit reasons aside fitness is something that I need to be more consistent about. I honestly want to go out and be active. There are plenty of ways to be get and stay in shape that do not require a gym. I really need to work it out because it would be good for my health, my energy levels, and myself overall self!

What are some tips and tricks do you have to work fitness into your busy schedule?

FBFF: Christmas Quiz

No holiday party is complete without:  Coquito an eggnog like drink with rum, very traditional for a Puerto Rican family like mine.


My favorite Christmas song/album: I love the Carol of the Bells among many other traditional songs but, my favorite iteration of it was the way that Saks Fifth Avenue used it in their snowflake show a few years ago.






 I wish they were still doing that instead of the bubble thing they have now... 


The perfect New Year's Eve outfit includes: Sequins, without a doubt!

Eggnog, good or bad? Yuck, it needs to be Coquito or not at all... 


Did you ever take pictures on Santa's lap at the mall? I don't know. I don't think so or at least I don't remember it...  we should ask my Mom.


Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha: Creme Brulée Latte!

My best bargain find for a gift this year: Well, I can't really answer that question yet. People still haven't gotten their gifts! 


If I could only buy all my gifts from one place, I'd shop at: Target, you could probably find a gift for everyone on your list there. It might not be the best gift but, it will be something they like. 


My favorite holiday memory: My mom's reaction to the gift my brother and I gave her last year


My favorite Christmas movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas... or is that a Halloween movie? 


The best part about holiday decorations is: The ornaments since I was a little kid...

Rip off the wrapping paper or neatly pull off the tape: Rip It!


Miracle on 34th Street or It's a Wonderful Life: I honestly can't remember either, I have that bad habit with tons of movies


It doesn't feel like the holiday season until: BF and I go buy our ornament.


All I want for Christmas is: For it to be here already!!! 




Don't forget to enter to win the Spanish Steps dress from Shabby Apple!

FBFF: The Quintessential Fall Outfit

Fall is afoot! The air is crisper and the leaves are changing at least here in the northeast. When Katy was talking about potential visual FBFF topic's I started to think about what you all might be wearing for the fall. 

For me it is all about the layering! Waking up in the morning and coming home at night brings two different temperatures not to mention everything else that comes throughout the day... Since I am normally in an air conditioned office all day it's fine to wear one outfit without need for change, if I was going to go out for the day I would need something that can transition throughout the day like the following: 

• Top: red long sleeved t-shirt, Van Heusen; brown houndstooth jacket, LOFT 
• Bottom: really skinny jeans, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories: teal leather flats, ALDO via Re/Dress NYC; silver and gold teardrop earrings, V'ta Jewelry

FBFF: The Unsung Hero

This week we are supposed to be examining a favorite item from our wardrobe. That was such a difficult thing for me because in this personal style challenge I am trying to give the things in my wardrobe seemingly equal amounts of attention. I know there are going to be somethings that get worn more than other but, still...

With all that in mind today I am celebrating my watch! I wouldn't call it a favorite per say but, I would say that  this is a long overdue mention. Whether you noticed or not I wear my watch almost every day, look below.

See I told you! My watch doesn't always end up in the pictures because on picture taking Sundays all I am doing is hanging around the house but, it still deserves mention! I got this watch when I lost my old one which was a replacement for the graduation gift my parents got me a while back which I lost at a sleepover during a roadshow weekend. Still keeping up with me?

I wanted watch number three to be a whole new watch and it is! Here are some close ups so you and my watch can get acquainted. 

The only thing that all my watches have had in common since I was a freshman in high school is that they are Fossil watches. I don't know what it is about them exactly but, I am really attracted to that style and have been a dedicated customer ever since. So much so, that I have turned friends and even BF onto the magic that is Fossil. The best part is they have an awesome outlet that is not too far from my house so, it's an (even more) economical thing if I need to invest in a new timepiece. WIN all around!

FFBF: When I Grow Up I Want To Be...

1. Fess up - if you could do anything professionally what would it be?

If I could do anything I would want to be a professional personal organizer! Houses, offices, apartments, closets, desks, cabinets, purses; you name it, I could do it...

2. What draws you to this?

I like things to be orderly and when things are it makes life so much easier. Honestly, not everyone is capable of doing that in every aspect of their life all the time but, I have always been able to be impartial and practical when faced with these situations and come up with economical solutions if necessary. It just seems so natural and I'm sure I could be a help to lots of people who don't have these traits!

Photo Credit: www.sharonmross.com

3. When did you first start dreaming about this ideal?

It probably started when I was a personal assistant for a local doctor. She was smart and practical person who kept a beautiful home but, a train wreck of an office. I helped her put it all in order and worked with her every week to keep it that way for years! Did I mention this is when I was in high school? Yeah...

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

It seems unrealistic to me now. Who is going to pay me the hourly rate I would want to go through their mess/junk and potentially tell them they needed to buy more stuff to organize it. We are in just got out of a recession! I'm sure there are more important things for most people to spend their money on.

That being said being organized helps your save money in the end...

Photo credit: http://www.organizingsolutions.info/

5. Sometimes the first step is the hardest... what's one step you can take now on the way to realizing your dream?

I guess I could try to network with more people about my "talent" but, it might be more convincing if I didn't use quotes around the word like it's a fake thing or a foreign concept.

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: Blogging Pet Peeves

I don't have alot of blog pet peeves but, here's what irks me just a little...  

1. Music - I might be listening to my own music. I might be at work checking out your blog on the DL. There are a million different reasons why I don't want to hear your music. I know I listen to some (what some might perceive as) really obnoxious music; I won't subject you to that just because you want to visit my blog and in turn would appreciate the same courtesy. If you need a ride well... that's another story. 
2. Over Crowding -  When the extra content gets out of control I can't focus on your wonderful words. By extra content I mean ads, sidebars nonsense, pop-ups (the worst) and all that other jazz... I get distracted easily so give me a break!
3. Dropping Off - Not saying good bye is the worst! I am very sad when I come across a great blog and then all of a sudden everything just stops without a word of warning. I know, I know... but, this isn't the pot calling the kettle black, I come back!

FBFF: A Girl Can Never Have Too Many Of 'Em... Shoes

1.What is your go-to pair of shoes?

I think I wear my black pumps to death! Actually I know I do because that was BF's congratulations new job gift to me new black pumps to replace the pair that I had worn into the ground. I already had to have this new pair repaired (new heel tip, front sole) I expected more from you Nine West... But, when I'm not at work and the weather is warm enough I am in flip flops and sandals as often as I can be.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

Comfort is a big one. Nice shoes don't really look that nice if you can't walk in them... I learned that the hard way. Price of course factors in there to versus how often I will wear the shoe. If it's something I am going to wear all the time then I might invest a little more in "quality" AKA "pricetag" but, I have some basic shoes that I wear all the time that were $10/$12 and totally exceed my expectations.

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?


The majority of the things in my closet are neutral, with a few pops of color here and there. I would have to say overall the most dominant color is black. As a style blogger I feel the need to say that purple or red or something  "shocking" like that but, I'll be honest... I like black shoes and they go best with the majority of my wardrobe.

4. When it comes to design shoes what are your favorite brands and why?

I like Born sandals. They are some of the most comfortable things in the world. That doesn't seem design-y enough...

5. If price wasn't an issue, you’d own which shoe?

For me if I want a pair of shoes I will buy them but, most of the things I like are within my means. If not then I'm sure there is a similar pair (that is probably better quality) out there somewhere for me. Maybe it's the way I walk or the shape of my foot but, I have found that things from Target last just as long if not longer and are more comfortable that your average pair of Manolo's. I am saying that straight from experience... Sorry to burst any bubbles.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a pair of Tiffany style silver earrings like mine!

FBFF: I Am Grateful For...

1. When it comes to be personally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

My family, specifically my mother. I know you probably had those moment when you were younger, much like myself, where you didn't think you were anything like your parents and they didn't understand ANYTHING about you. But, I realize as I get older while there are things about my personality that are unique to me there is so much of it that resembles my mother. I'm ok with that, she's a pretty snazzy lady!

2. When it comes to be professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to:

I think at this point I owe a lot to my old boss. While I have been working in some capacity since I was 12, those 2.5 years I spent there were such an amazing learning experience for me and he taught me so much! As much as his knowledge, as well as, other tidbits I've picked up throughout the years have guided me towards a career where I actually really enjoy what I do I wouldn't be anything without the work ethic that I have which 100% comes from how I was raised and they example my parents set for me when I was growing up.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots:

I wouldn't say that this is "art" for me but, that's besides the point. I am very grateful to all the bloggers who stepped in and wrote guest posts for me while I was on vaca:

• Lyddie from Cheap on the Cheap
• Nina from alltumbledown
• Grace from Money Smart Fashion
• Melanie from Unravelled Threads
• Marie from Joy of Fashion
• Frances Joy from Mad Dress Game

They are all fantastic ladies!!

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was…


This schedule thing has really thrown me for a loop but, all I know it that my resolve hasn't wavered. I still want to keep going with another 260 Days, No Repeats!


5. To my readers, I’d like to say…

YOU'RE AWESOME, thanks for coming back and checking me out day after day or whenever it is you get a chance. I would not have been so consistent with either part of this challenge (no repeats/limited shopping) if it wasn't for you! You're comments always put a smile on my face and I can't wait to hear what you have to say next!! We should all go grab dinner sometime...

FBFF: Rules Of Engagement

1. Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?

I've only ever done guest posts when other bloggers have reached out to me. I have never gone looking for the opportunity. I suppose there are some bloggers that I have emailed with on a more social basis that I would be very comfortable reaching out to in terms of "strangers" I would just send them a friendly email.

2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’?

Those comments totally turn me off! I am honestly appalled when people leave them for me or email me with the same sentiment. I try to talk about what the person is wearing or what they were talking about in their post.

3. We’ve all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc… But the mass emails don’t work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?

When I do email people it is not with a cookie cutter "link exchange" type of email. It is one that it personal and individualized to whatever I like about their blog or what I would like to collaborate with them on!

4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?

I don't think I have ever asked anyone for exposure that seems to similar to, "Follow my blog, I'll follow yours." The only time that I can think of asking for support was when I went on vacation and asked some of my favorite bloggers to guest post while I was gone. While it was more beneficial for me (and all of you awesome readers) it was beneficial on some level for them as well.

5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?


I think I could be more social with other bloggers in terms of emailing with them. I haven't really remedied it but, I'm working on it!

FBFF: Better Late Than Never/Finding Balance

1. When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does blogging fall?

Blogging used to fall much higher on my list of priorities but, right now I feel like there are other things I need to focus on besides getting every post up in a timely fashion. I'm still snapping pictures everyday but, I constantly feel like I'm trying to catch up with everything.

2. We all wish we had more free time to dedicate to blogging and all it entails. What are your tricks for taking advantage of the time you do have to be as productive as possible?


Well, I thought picture taking Sundays with BF would be a good way to speed up the process but, that's if we can actually manage to get it done and other (more important) things like errands, groceries, and seeing friends and family don't get in the way.

3. Have you discovered any short-cuts that makes blogging easier or more time efficient?


Honestly, this question seems a bit redundant to me...

4. Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead?


No, I have a regular calendar and some post it's that I use if I have special posts that I want to do but, I have been thinking of getting something a little more streamlined.

5. If time wasn’t an issue what you would be doing on your blog/for your blog that you aren’t doing now?


I think the better question is what wouldn't I be doing. I would learn more about ways to customize my blog. I would post more. I would host and participate in more blog events. I would take more time to take better pictures. I would try and form more partnerships with companies related to my blog content. The list goes on and on...

FBFF: Body Image

1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed? 

Yes, I would be shocked if it didn't. I would say overall it has been a positive thing but, seeing pictures of myself everyday (some better than others) has at times been difficult. It's when you picking the least terrible shot that it becomes no fun at all.

2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do you go out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?

I am definitely self conscious about things. I just try to make sure that I look put together in all the photos for the most part that things that I don't like seem to be less prominent. The one thing that I did talk about was the fact that I have gained weight. It is something that has been an everyday struggle for me especially when I don't fit in the clothes I am supposed to be wearing in this personal style challenge but, one needs to get dressed and I committed to doing this so the world keeps turning...

3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future holds in the evolution of your body image?

Personally, I am not sure all that much will change. I know what I like about my body and I know what I don't. I know that it really isn't as bad in reality as it is in my head. There are bad days and good days and it will always be that way for everyone. In terms of people in general, I hope that everyone will become more accepting of the "average" woman, not everyone is a 6ft. size 2 model.

4. Do you photograph yourself for your blog? If so, how do you feel about the experience when you’re having your picture taken? If you choose not to post pictures of yourself, what prompted that decision?

For the most part I don't photograph myself, BF does. I will say I am super self conscious! I don't want to smile (he has to coax it out of me) and I fidget like whoa... it can be fun but, recently it has felt like more of a chore. I suspect that is because of all the changes in my schedule and the weather has been totally lame. Hopefully when it warms up things will be better!

5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to take to heart?

Not to make this into more of a therapy session that it feels like but, I would tell them to check out the blogosphere and take in what normal everyday woman have put out there. If we can do it than anyone can!

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

Don't forget to enter the Shopbop Giveaway!

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: Surf It, Scroll It, Pose It, Click It... Technologic

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

Well I have some pretty decent cameras: SONY DSC-H3 and Canon Rebel DSLR. The Sony is a point an shoot but, the pictures are amazing quality even though it is "only" 8.1 MP. It also has 10x Optical Zoom! I didn't know what that meant in the beginning either but, it comes in handy. That camera is the one that is used more when BF takes my pictures because I like the way they come out better. The Canon is also amazing but, I like it better when I use it. I'll take a photographer over a tripod anyday but, I have one of the latter as well. I had a computer until is was left behind, found, and apparently stolen last weekend... now I am using my old school laptop.

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

I had a HP, and can't remember the specifics. I use blogger and I'm pretty satisfied with it. With that all of my pictures are stored in Picasa but, I also keep kept them on the hard drive of my computer. I edit the shots with Microsoft Picture Editor for basic stuff and Picnik when I need to add text  but, that is rare.

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

The process is definitely evolving. In the beginning it was me and a stack of shoe boxes situated precariously on top of a chair in my hallway plus the timer. Then BF got me a tripod which helped. Then I decided I wanted to take outdoor pictures and I am too much of a chicken to haul my tripod out there like some other awesome bloggers so I asked BF to start taking the pictures. Originally that meant everyday before or after work heading downstairs to take pictures. He was not a fan and it was really not that efficient so, now we have been trying out picture taking Sunday. So far so good except I need to check the weather for the week before I decide what I'm wearing.

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

I don't scout locations but, I try to change it up a little. There are alot of nice places around the building where I live. Maybe I should go further but, it's cold now and I don't want to go outside at all... In the spring/summer I plan on trying to be more adventurous.

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

I would get some awesome software like Adobe Photoshop, that wouldn't really help the picture taking persay but, it would make editing or creating graphics alot more fun!

Check out everyone else's answers at ModlyChic!

Featured: Smashion Interview

When I was asked to answer a few questions by the people over at Smashion I was super excited! Check out my interview here.

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.