Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Weekend Wear: A Ruby Anniversary

One of my dearest friends parents (who are also very dear to me) are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next weekend. Congratualtions to them!! My friend, her brother, and sister-in-law are throwing them a party this weekend (to throw them off) and I was more than happy to attend and help out! In terms of what to wear and the gift I was at a loss. It was a casual affair but, still a special ocassion so... jeans? They're fancy and in italics so, that must be right. How about a shirt that "matches" the year's gift? Sounds good to me but, what is that? Plus, what do you get a couple of parents who seemingly have everything?

I'm sure everyone knows that for a 25th wedding anniversary you are supposed to buy the couple or your respective spouse silver, for the 50th anniversary it's gold and so on... but, what about the other anniversaries that are in no way less significant? Well, that's what the internet is for! The 40th wedding anniversary is the ruby anniversary so, I promptly headed out to the store to buy my friend's parents the biggest ruby I could find... then I snapped back to reality and realized I am quite cash poor and needed to find a little something that was significant without breaking the bank. Scroll down to see what I came up with... Happy Anniversary Anne and Rufus!

• Top: maroon sweater, ABStudio via Mom with a white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black and gray leopard print peep toe pumps, Hollywould for Target; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; gray balenciaga le-dix/motorocylce bag (not pictured)
• Gift: awesome ornament, Iris & BF... PRICELESS! 

Disclaimer: That is a heart to signify their love and anniversary-ness... I am not pregnant!
BF seemed to think this picture gave that message.

December 10, 2010: Broken Rules? Almost...

When I was day dreaming about what my Friday outfit would be on Thursday I had this great, totally unique idea... it looked something like this. Actually, it was exactly that with my trusty flyaway cardi belted over the tank with leopard print flats instead of sandals. I almost repeated an outfit, (gasp) for shame... Thankfully my groggy Friday morning self remembered wearing the zipper embellished tank top to work and put it all together before I made an egregious faux pas! (phew) I need to remember to check here so a potential disaster doesn't happen again...

Do you have any fun things planned for the weekend? I actually have quite a whirlwind ahead of me starting in about an hour and continuing into Monday but, that means potential fun weekend wear looks for you, wish me luck!

• Top: olive green rhinestone embellished tank top, New York and Company; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: leopard print flats, New York & Company; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach outlet 

Items from this outfits are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

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!

December 9, 2010: Don't You Step On My Blue Suede Shoes

Yesterday while I was sitting at my desk at work and persuing some of the 30 for 30 outfits and I came across one blogger wearing what looked like brown tights and blue shoes. I was immediately struck with regret! Why hadn't I thought of that with my outfit yesterday? It would have been a great combination and I have a brand spankin' new (to me) pair of blue suede shoes to wear. This all leads me to believe that it might be time for a forgotten shoes fall/winter edition but, I digress... I quickly bounced back from my sad place with an assurance to myself that I would put together a fantastic outfit today that showcased my blue suede shoes. Do you find yourself gravitating more twoards monochromatic or "matchy matchy" pairings or are you all about things that "go" but, don't necessarily "match"?

• Top: yellow ruffle front blouse, LOFT with a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray wool pencil skirt, Isaac Mizrahi for Target/hemmed by Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: blue suede shoes, Nine West via Unique Thrift Store (which look way brighter normal, thanks flash); brown tights, Merona for Target; cut steel necklace, V'ta Jewelry; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; brown suede purse with silver leaf embellishments, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, and here:

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