FBFF: Inspiration

Hello there, loves.  It is Friday! (yay) You know what that means.  It is time for FBFF questions.

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion
inspiration? 

 Honestly, these days, I am finding so much inspiration in my fellow beautiful style bloggers.  It is more realistic and closer to my itty bitty budget than checking out a celeb in a magazine in those zillion dollar threads.  But, if push came to shove (i do not condone violence)... 

I would choose Alison Sudol (of A Fine Frenzy) ... 

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She is the epitome of all things girly and ruffly that I want to be.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? 

 As I mentioned, I am inspired by all of my new and old blog buddies and their daily lives and style.  I have to dress for my body and my budget... Sometimes it hinders me.  I love finding a new blogger who is not a size 2 and has some of the same items I do. It is great to see another person style the same items and you can see them in an entire different light.  But even if I don't have the items seen in mags or blogs, I just use my little noggin and often recreate other outfits that are similar.. like here:

Thanks, Linley for not caring that I ripped off your Malibu Barbie outfit... errr Maxi Barbie.. either way.

That's Linley of Dwelling & Telling. She's awesome, and once I get some coral heels, I will continue to aspire to be her :)
3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?

That's a good one too, Mr. FBFF...

I hope to show them a real person with real issues.  Yes, I have issues.  About 12 of them :)  But seriously, I am about to graduate college, my wardrobe budget is minimal and I am super tall with huge feet.  That is the motherload of probs when trying to buy clothes and look good presentable in them.  Every time I get a new reader/follower/comment about how I inspire someone because I am a REAL woman makes me smile HUGE.  If I can make one person feel better about themselves then ALL of this is worth it.  I love blogging and the amazing people I have met in the last 5 months,

 I hope some of them feel the same way.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? 

I am super inspired by my sisters.  They are the most beautiful and fashionable people I know.  Just check out some of the pictures below.  Besides their outside gorgeousness, they are the nicest, most genuine people in this world.  I can tell them anything, and I know that they will always have my best interest in mind.  They are honest, caring, and loving people on the earth.  Open hearts and open minds, inspiring me to be a better person.  

Love ya big/little sistahs!

BIG SIS:

 (sometimes too shy for a photo sesh... here are some recent ones):

November, at a wedding

June, at the casinos

LITTLE SIS:

Oh and she's too cute:

Valentine's Day

WINTER 2010

Spring Break 2011

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you? 

Pre-note: I love Idol, please send all of your votes to HAYLEY!!!!
okay, thank you.


I love this question--
  I definitely find strength in these songs, they are both new and old to me and regardless of artists or radio play, I let the lyrics speak to me.  They are my go-to songs for when I need some clarification and realization. Please take a listen, if you have the time, and thanks for reading...

Sara Bareilles - Let The Rain

Mumford & Sons - White Blank Page

Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek

Kate Nash - The Nicest Thing***

*** This song is the most played song on my iTunes, I can prove it.

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY to ALL of my LITTLE CHICKENS!

You're the best.

Check out all of the other FBFF posts at the hotness lady's blog.. Katy at ModlyChic.

FBFF: Spring Trends

This week for FBFF, hosted by ModlyChic,

I was asked: What are the top five spring trends that you are looking 
forward to seeing/sporting this season?

Boy, it was a tough job narrowing it down to five.
On with the show...

ONE: CHIFFON PLEATS:
 I mentioned my love for chiffon pleats here and here. I still feel the same way!
I love the look and I hope it sticks around
TWO: CUTOUT PLATFORM WEDGES:
They are in almost every store.  Some of my favorites this season are hailing from Nine West.
I need to get my hands on some, pronto (pup).
THREE: WHITE SKINNY JEANS:
I already found the peeeeerrrrfect pair in my price range- HERE
just have not quite allocated that money yet... 
(hint hint birthday/graduation gifts wink wink nudge...)
FOUR: ORANGE ORANGE ORANGE:
It's all about orange this spring, and don't just take my word for it.
Wow, that really sounded like a salesperson... HELLO!
Even though I despise the orange that is worn around my part of town, I like the corals and burnt orange.
Throw in some ruffles, like above, and I might not ever take it off.
FIVE: GYPSY JEWELRY:
I already have my gypsy necklace, but the piles and piles of bangles on the scene are making me smile.
I love the eclecticism and beauty of the groups together.
Get it, Esmerelda. 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPRING TRENDS?
TELL ME ABOUT IT!
AND RUN OVER TO MODLY-CHIC AND SEE WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS LOVIN' ON.

stop. collaborate. listen.

There's an FBFF post down there at the bottom.  Promise.but first...Your daily dose of sparkles:

I had a test today, and if you've been paying attention, I have strict rules about days like this.

SPARKLES!

That is one sequined top, my chickens.  I hope you love it as much as I do.

Two weeks ago, I won the lipstick challenge giveaway at Feminine Bravery! (YAY!)

Charlotta sent me and three other bloggers a tube of the best lipstick ever.

(one of the four of us will be picked and featured on her blog... stay tuned)

My color was Lingerie Pink and it fulfilled all my of my bright pink dreams.

I LOVE IT!

(thanks, girl)

Lipstick adds a dash of color to any outfit, and I think ANYONE can pull of this look.

No excuses.

(bonus points for neon green sparkle shirts)

striped sweater: gap

sparkle shirt: LB

necklace: gifted

gray jeans: ross

flower flats: payless

Today's Friend Friday questions answered by yours truly.

Read other fabulous answers written by my fellow blogger friends at Ms. Katy Rose's blog ModlyChic.

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 think that just networking with new bloggers and getting close to current blog friends is a really good way.  When a blogger needs one, she generally will ask one of her favorite blogs or blogs most like hers.I have never personally needed one, but I know if I did, I would ask the bloggers that I speak the most with, and the ones that have similar content.  Likewise, if I'm asked to be a guest poster, I am completely willing to sprinkle some humor & sparkles, as directed.2. Leaving comments is essential to growing your blog. But how can you
leave a comment without coming across as ‘Follow Me. Follow Me!’? I have never said, Follow Me, to another blogger.  I think that is so disrespectful.I leave my link at the bottom of my comments on their blogs, so that they can easily come to my page.(sometimes it is hard to get back to a commenter's page directly, so I love when people leave links)If someone says COME FOLLOW ME with some generic comment, I generally don't respond, much less follow. But thankfully that really doesn't happen.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? I wanted to get my name out there by networking through comments, twitter, and FBFF.  I also work on generating new content so that people want to keep coming back.I have been blogging for a whoppin' 3.5 months now, so I am not one to give a bunch of advice on this :)4. In interacting with other bloggers where do you draw the line
between seeking support and begging for exposure? I follow blogs and bloggers that I like for one reason or another. It is the most amazing when they want to connect back with me through commenting, following, or tweeting.  Recently, a few of my favorite bloggers have followed my blog and it made me jump for joy.No, really, I did.It's kind of like Lady Gaga complimenting you on your leotard.Huge. 5. What’s one rule of engagement error you made and how have you
remedied that? I did so much blog research beforehand, and I have been reading them for longer- so I think I played it pretty safe.  Unless I have been screwing up this whole time and no one told me.Thanks, you guys.

FBFF: Finding The Balance

Sister #1 told me that she was loving reading my blog lately (what a wonderful sister!)she said i'm the prettiest girl alive.. okay, not in so many words.
BUTshe told me she was bored with my repetitive backgrounds.it got me thinking: maybe i should be more adventurous.i mean... okay- the porch is safe and dry. UNLIKE the driveway.My first extracurricular photo shoot turned in to a torrential rain pour.I am not one to just give up. The photo shoot MUST go on!  I was a prepared gal, equipped with a umbrella in my car, so nothing was ruined. Seriously, in the time I got in my car, drove to the street, it turned from not raining to raining pretty steadily.  I am going to aim to have more exciting background for my little chickens in the coming weeks.STAY TUNED.
It's the last day of the week again, which means it's my favorite because it's the weekend and it is Fashion Beauty Friend Friday!Today's topic for FBFF is Finding the Balance.

1. When it comes to prioritizing your life, in what place does blogging fall?My blog is something that I have really grow to love.  A creative outlet unlike any other, I make time for it.  (although-family, friends, class, work all come first.) I am lucky enough to be able to make time for it.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?I try to schedule a post the night before.  That means editing pictures of me, sharing some of my favorite things from various sources, and writing the post- all before I go to bed.  I can set the blog to go live at a certain time and it really cuts down on my list of things to do in the morning.  I don't know how people do it ALL before work.  Seriously, you guys are awesome.

3. Have you discovered any short-cuts that makes blogging easier or more time efficient? Posting the night before means that sometimes I am using yesterday's photos for today's post.This isn't always the case, but yes, sometimes I have a lazy day off with frizzy curly hair in a ponytail and yoga pants where I'm in bed cleaning house all day- and no one wants to see that.Trust me.4.  Do you have an editorial calendar or something similar that helps you plan ahead?A who what? Huh? Haha.  I do have a blog folder and an inspiration folder on my laptop desktop that I look through and add stuff to all the time.  My "to-blog" list is always in full rotation.5.  If time wasn't an issue what would you be doing on your blog.for your blog that you aren't doing now? If time wasn't an issue- I would use more time to perfect my pictures.  I think that's an area I would want to improve.  My camera is silly and I do very little editing to my pics, so just having a better quality image would make me happy.  I would also love to eventually gain sponsors and host giveaways, but I am not savvy enough- yet.
To see everyone else's responses to this week's questions, visit ModlyChic.

it really was raining- this isn't product placement.jeans: ROSS, sparkly tunic: LB, cardi: LB, necklace: DOTS, umbrella: TARGET
ANYTHING YOU WOULD LOVE TO BE DOING WITH YOUR BLOG, IF TIME WASN'T AN ISSUE?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -My brother and sister-in-law leave tomorrow for their honeymoon.  They got married January 8th.They're going to (Dublin) Ireland.  I hate them.

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Are you following me on Twitter and Bloglovin'?You should.Cause I'm mad cool-- Or at least my mom thinks so.right, mom?Have the most merry weekend.cheers,

freaky friday

FBFF:

Today's topic:

BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We use 'em, we love 'em, and here is a little bit about mine:

drum roll, puh-lease...

I love makeup.  I always have. 

(it's not a secret)

(my secret santa at work got me a sephora gift card)

 I started wearing makeup in the fifth grade.

However, my mother will be proud that I can finally admit that: I didn't always apply correctly or choose the right shades.  But, just like my style, that is ever evolving, my makeup drawer is always in full rotation.

Below are some of my current faves and this week's FBFF questions.

1. What's your favorite drug store beauty product and what is your favorite higher-end beauty product? 

My favorite drug store product fluctuates, depending on my budget.  I used to live and breathe Covergirl products.  I love Physician's Formula Bronzer and I use Rimmel Glam eyes mascara- love it.

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When it comes to higher end products- I love my NARS blushes and all over stick.  I use shades Orgasm (I know... right?) and Super Orgasm (which has shimmer- for an evening out)

2. If there one product that is your go-to, that you cannot live without?

THAT'S EASY PEASY!

When it comes to makeup- I made a significant investment around Christmas time and bought this Sephora Blockbuster Palette.  It has everything I could ever need and more!

(and it closes up in to a cute box that looks like the Sephora bag)

Seriously- I died when I opened it.

3. What is the best hair product you've ever used?

My favorite hair product when I had a short, inverted bob was the Big Sexy Hair line.

NOW- It is Moroccan Oil.  It's Fabulous!

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4. Fess up- What's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

In middle school, everyone wore WHITE eyeliner.  Everyday.  And I jumped right on that bandwagon.

White eyeliner coupled with blue mascara-- instant disaster.

Thanks to everyone who loved me through that stage.

and the glitter phase- but there isn't enough time for that debacle.  

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5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products.  What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

I think I have always been drawn to colored eyeshadows.  I think they can really express your style, when done in a subtle way, or more dramatic.  I like to highlight my eyes and make them pop! And I will never be one to shy away from a bright, red lip :)

So clue me in- what are your favorite products?  And what is your item you just cannot live without?

Sadly, the FBFF awards that I wrote about last week were cancelled.  You can read about it here.

I'm bummed- but I am glad I got to showcase some of my favorites for y'all to check out.

If you haven't yet, click here, and read up on some of my fellow bloggers.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you ever had weeks where you've gotten so little done, yet it takes SO much out of you?Well- that is my week in a nutshell.I'm so exhausted.But looking forward to some time to fully maximize my weekend.(i.e. enjoy my adult beverages and relax on our new patio furniture)Cheers,

friend friday smorgasbord

It's Friday- which means it's time for my second round of FBFF, if you don't have a clue what I be talkin' bout: check out last week's post.But first, since I have acquired a gaggle of new readers chickens, I wanted to re-introduce myself just a bit.I'm Bekah, in Memphis, Tennessee. I am new to blogging, and i, um, love it.I love clothes, fashion, style, and interior decorating. OH! and shameless online shopping- that's where you put a ton of stuff in your online shopping cart + then exit the browser before you go in to significant debt because you're a college student with a part time job, so stop dreaming... sigh.and i love scary movies, but that's a whole 'notha story.

Moving on:This week for Friend Fridaywe are doing Blog Award nominations.  Now, I haven't been blogging for all too long- but I've been reading for some time.  And here are my noms:
1. Creative Juices- Most Creative: Sydney from The DaybookI would put this chick in every single blog award category, but I don't want a restraining order filed against me, so I will just stick with this one.  She has the best style, great personality, and she is so creative with her blog, everyday.
2. The Real Deal- Most Authentic: Ashley from The Shine ProjectAshley has not only reached out to view my blog, and follow me on Twitter, she focuses her entire blog on inspiring people to get the most out of life. To SHINE!  I love every post. Oh, and she's drop-dead gorgeous!
3. Spark Notes- Most Helpful: Melissa from Write It In LipstickI haven't sought much help from other bloggers (yet) BUT I know when I need help, this woman will definitely come to the rescue.  She was the first person to offer me a link up, and it was so much fun!  Extra points: She is one hot momma.
4. Newbie- Best Blogger Under A Year: Linley from Dwelling & TellingI'm sure this girl will dominate the noms in this category because she is supremely impressive.  I love her blog, her entire wardrobe (THE SHOES!), and her DIY are pretty great too.
5.  Can You Hear Me Now?- Most Connected: Kendi from Kendi EverydayEveryone has her in their blogroll.  She's straight-up the best.  Every outfit she posts is unique.  Plus, she is funny.  But seriously, she is everywhere and no one could ever get sick of her.  Ever.
6.  If I Had A Hammer?- Best DIY: Kelly from Fabulous KIt might be cheating, because she is not solely a DIY blogger.  But her blog is always bright and shiny with lovely items she has found/refurbished, etc. (check out her bright blue entertainment center she re-painted, it's fresh).  She is my shiny inspiration.
7. Tribe Leader- Blogger Who Leads/Brings Bloggers Together: Katy from Modly ChicShe is the founder of the FBFF group and she has made it such an awesome place for bloggers to meet and bond.  And she strives to help every single individual (like emailing me back when i was oh-so-confused about how it worked)!
8. Practically Perfect:  Most Fashionable: Monkeyface from Hello, MonkeyfaceShe runs an anonymous blog, keeping her super secret identity intact.  And she has the best quality pictures I have ever seen, it's like reading a magazine (a monkey magazine).  Her ensembles would definitely sit at the cool kids table at Blogspot High.  
9.  Paint By Numbers: Best Beauty Blogger: Cora from Vintage or TackyI don't read many beauty blogs- for no particular reason.  But I wanted to nom someone for this award, so I did some research and I dig her style.  It's different than basic tips and tutorials.  I will definitely be referring back to her soon!
10.  Renaissance Woman/Man- Best All Around Blogger (Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle):Emily from Cupcakes and CashmereWow, here we go I envy her hair, wardrobe, and culinary talents- She has it all!Also, she shares pictures of her home and her decorating talents are spectacular.She is the epitome of the Renaissance blogger.
NOW- more about ME:

 I love this bag. love love love. I got it at Goodwill for $4.

We will have many more adventures together, me + mister tote.

I was so disappointed with the lack of lighting in my full body pics that I took some fun ones (first and last) in the good lighting.  So, just consider those little nuggets of love. Love nuggets.You're welcome.

Everyone has their one look that they love on themselves & that they gravitate towards when shopping or getting dressed.  And I definitely think I luuuuurve me some tunics.  With belts + tights ot jeans.

I could wear that ensemble for the rest of my life.

(although the wind makes my shirt look like a tutu in the pic above. ha)

This is the first day I sauntered around in my new rainboots.

Now, go ahead and ask me if it rained.

Ha.

Around seven pm, we had some serious tornado watch action.

(but don't worry, i gathered my cocktail + lipstick and promptly got in the closet, puppy + laptop in tow.)

But, no, I experienced ZERO rain on my first day with my boots.

HAPPY glorious, amazing, sweet, beautiful FRIDAY, my friends!It could not have come at a better time!Do you guys have any amazing plans?I will be working and of course finding some time for a little merriment.Obvi.

Cheers, 

FBFF:Body Image

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...OR GO HOME!  Okay, you can stay but only if you read this long post. K, thanks.It's the weekend, time to dress for some fun + soak up the sun. Woohoo!I did not have any time to take pics today- but I did capture take this one last night.What can I say- I'm a sucker for christmas lights.

I have recently joined an online blogger community:Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, or FBFF.  For all of my non-blogging family + friends, it is an outlet for all fashion and personal style bloggers to get to know one another, and also expand their own horizons.  Answering questions and/or posting outfit of the day (OOTD) pics are also a part of it.  I'm so excited for my first contribution, so here we go.
1. Since you started blogging has your image of yourself changed?Wow- well it has only been two months (trivia: exactly, precisely to this day..ha) but I definitely would say that my self image has severely improved.  Everyone loves compliments, its true, but the positive feedback I have received has been wonderful.  Even more recently, with the outfit of the day pics, I know that it has helped see myself in a different way.  I think I take myself more seriously because people are actually listening + taking my words to heart.2. Are you self-conscious about any aspect of yourself? If so, do yougo out of your way to avoid it or do you post it/talk about it anyway?  Oh, definitely.  I think that as a woman, we all have aspects that evoke self-conscious feelings.  I have not come across any issues when it comes to "to post or not to post" about the issues, however.  I have huge feet, (size 12, sheesh).  I am 6'0 tall, it kind of comes with the territory.  It hinders me when it comes to shoe shopping, but 22 years of life have taught me that this clumsy girl needs the big feet to balance on or I would fall over more than normal.
3. Based on how you are feeling now, what do you think the future

My first OOTD picture.

holds in the evolution of your body image?I think that blogging and connecting with other bloggers (especially my plus size + proud girls out there) will only inspire me in the evolution of my positive body image.  We all have things that we wish we could change about ourselves.  As my new year's resolution, I chose blogging as a hobby for myself to express myself creatively, but it really has done so much more.  This experience so far has opened my eyes to things that I can change, to better myself. 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?  I feel poor.  Ha, because I'm using a digital camera on a tripod with a timer.  I wish I had a fancy schmancy camera + hot husband to take my pics. I have to push it, position myself, + wait ten seconds, and try not to blink (or laugh creepily).  Rinse and repeat.  But, out of the 20ish pics I take a day, I get three or four good ones and I love that.  I actually did not plan on doing the whole "outfit of the day" thing originally, but I am glad I am gearing more towards that now.  And I think I am improving my technique :)
5. What would you want every person who struggles with body image to
take to heart? Geez, that is a hard one.  It doesn't matter what size pants (or shoes) you wear- what really matters if finding something that works, then work it. (insert hair flip here) 
Hopefully that wasn't too boring snoring for you.Have the best weekend ever.  NO, really, you should.I'm going to go buy this lipstick + sit on the porch with a glass of wine. Ciao!  

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