Hair Care, Menswear, & A Paper Doll

Sorry for the extreme lack of posts lately. I am still trying to recover from being out of town and several family events. I think I will finally get a chance to breathe this week. Hooray for getting back into routines!

I just realized which FBFF post I missed 2 weeks ago! It was all about hair care!! And you know what, I want to post it anyway, so here goes...hey, it's only 10 days late!!!!

April 2007. My favorite haircut EVER.

1. How often do you get your hair cut?

I get my hair cut probably once ever 4 to 6 months. I'm trying to force myself to get a hair cut more often because I know my hair wants to feel and look healthy, so I'm trying to make that every 3-4 months. My problem is that I used to always want something drastic done in order to get a bang (haha) for my buck. But now I realize that if I like my current hairstyle, then why not just get a trim and a few more layers instead.

The best (hair) day of my life.

2. Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the
cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?

I used to go to Master Cuts a lot when I was in college. And I liked the services there; my hair cuts and color always looked good. I have tried them a couple times since I moved back to Houston and I haven't been too happy. I last went on the day of our engagement photos (Feb 2010) and told the guy I wanted sweeping bangs. He then proceeding to chop them at a very sharp angle and then blow my hair out to give me big Texas hair, ugh! I went home, straightened my hair, and pinned my bangs to the side. That's a good lesson for why you shouldn't get your hair cut on picture day!

I've decided that with so few hair cuts I get a year, that it's definitely worth it for me to spend a little more and end up looking great every time. I now go to an Aveda salon (Josephine's Day Spa and Salon for those in Houston) where the service is impeccable and you aren't allowed to tip. This makes it a lot easier when you are getting both your nails and hair did...it's always confusing to know which of the 5 people that helped you should get a tip and how much they should get. I try to go to the same girl but I've been to 3 different ladies there and have had a wonderful experience each time. I also love that they have Aveda products there and I always buy some during my visit.

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?

I used to get highlights all the time. But I haven't done that in about 4 years now. I was tired of getting them redone or redying my hair to my natural color and my husband liked my hair better in its natural state of color anyway, so I just stopped getting them and saved myself some money. I've never dyed my entire head one color (except when going back to a natural look) and I'm thinking of trying a lighter brown shade for a different look. (Plus I am getting a few gray hairs at the crown.) My natural hair color is what you see now...dark dark dark brown.

August 2006. Short wavy hair with highlights

December 2006. Shoulder length hair with highlights.

December 2006. Hair dyed back to dark brown after lots of highlights.

4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:

Not washing it. That sounds gross when you put it in writing, but my hair dries out if I wash it every day. When I had shorter hair, I washed it more often but I guess I just don't touch it as much when it's longer so it doesn't get greasy.

I also let it air dry most of the time so that I'm not over stressing it with a hair dryer and straightener too many days of the week.

I also use hair products sparingly. I don't use hair spray but my favorite products are Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother to prevent frizz and Aveda Phomollient Styling Foam for a little body.

2005. Shortest haircut as an adult...donated that chunk to Locks of Love.

5. What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?

I used to want to sport a really short layered do, and rock it for a few months. And when I was younger, of course I wanted to be blonde...every brunette thinks they want that at some point. But now I'm pretty happy with my hair. I like that I don't have a new, cutting edge, trendy hair style. I'd rather have hair that I can look back at in 20 years and not know for sure which decade I was living in because it looks timeless and flattering to my face. That's more important to me now.

Now that we've covered hair, let's get into a little fashion again. I haven't posted an outfit in a while, but here's one I wore last week.

My pants were a little baggy so I paired them with a fitted blazer, which I think creates a more feminine look for the menswear.

I'm really liking the menswear trend lately. And blazers are definitely one of my favorite accessories to jazz up an outfit a little.
I go through phases...one week, I'm all about cardigans, the next week it's blazers. Either way, I have to make sure I stay warm in my cold office.

No close up pics as I wasn't wearing any makeup yet!

I bet you're wondering where the Paper Doll part of this post is coming in and it's right here.

Have you met Elisa? (read as though Barney is saying that on How I Met Your Mother)

Well Elisa is letting the blogosphere choose her outfits for her. In other words, a real live paper doll for you to dress up, YAY!

See the outfit I chose for her here.

So what have YOU been doing the last couple weeks that I might've missed? Point me in your direction so I can catch up on all your doings.

FBFF: Blog Pet Peeves

A little fashion first.

I've tried to incorporate more white from my closet into my outfits.

I am going to overwear this blazer this summer. It is so clean and crisp and the perfect summery piece for work.

Wearing: Ann Taylor blazer, Target checkered button down (on sale!), NY & Co. pants, Steve Madden snakeskin pumps

Francesca's necklace (yes, again, ok!), White House Black Market earrings


I like the look of the cropped blazer over the long button down shirt.
Layers are one of my favorite ways to remix my wardrobe.

Now on to the FBFF questions for this week.

From Katy at Modly Chic: "Blog pet peeves – This was inspired by a post by Beautifully
Invisible from a couple weeks ago entitled ‘The 10 things that drive
me crazy about your blog.’

Before you read it, list the 5 things
that drive you crazy about blogs you visit."

Pet peeves are funny. They are so specific to each person. I'm just betting there's something on my blog that is someone else's pet peeve. I'm going to read everyone's answers until I figure out what it is that may be bothering someone! :)

Before I continue this post, I must quote one of my favorite sitcoms.

Ross: What is Monica's biggest pet peeve?

Joey: Animals dressed as humans!!

Ross: That is correct!

Most of my pet peeves for bloggers will be from a reader's perspective since I haven't quite figured out how I want my own blog to look yet.

1. Misspellings. I hate seeing misspelled words in online articles, e-mails, and even blogs. I can't stand poor grammar either, but I get that spell check won't catch those mistakes on a blog. And as someone who studied French for years, I hate it when I see the word Voilà! spelled as Viola, which is a stringed instrument.

2. Links that don't work. What's worse than clicking on a link that doesn't take you anywhere?! You're thinking "Ooh, that's cute!" or "That sounds like an interesting article" and you start to click with your mouse and the URL is wrong or missing or extinct and then you're super disappointed. You're a little sad and a lot frustrated. I hate that.

3. REALLY blurry pictures. I know that sometimes you get desperate and want to use your phone's camera, but at least get someone else to take the picture if it's always blurry when you do it. I'd rather read an outfit description than see a super blurry picture. And I don't mean a little fuzzy, but super blurry. I'm sure I've violated this pet peeve of mine at some point and believe me, when I did, it really bothered me!

4. Blogs that are too busy. I have seen a few blogs where I have to highlight the words in the post just so I can read them. Or the design is just overwhelming that I don't even want to read the post. It makes me wonder if the blogger has even viewed their own blog. Sometimes I wonder if my blog background is a little too busy. Please tell me if it is!

5. No pictures. I am a very visual being and need to see pictures in a post! For fashion bloggers, that's not a problem. We often have too many pictures, haha. But i like to read other blogs as well and sometimes I want the insightful blogs or funny blogs to have a few pictures too. Just change it up a little so I don't get bored while reading.

Speaking of, here's a few more pictures for you.

I know I look cheesy but I'm attempting to model some of my clutches for my Etsy shop. What do you think?

Check out my Etsy shop. I'd love to hear some suggestions for a new bag.

Check out Modly Chic to read what other FBFFers' biggest pet peeves are.

And don't forget to have a beautiful weekend!

FBFF: Shoes

FBFF topic this week is a favorite of mine....SHOES!!!!!

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

My fall back shoe is the BC Footwear Women's Afterglow Pump in Teal. I bought them last fall, right before the fall 30 for 30, and they are so comfortable and super cute!! They jazz up any outfit with the round toe, visible stitching, chunky heel, and bright color. I'm thinking of getting another pair in a new color!

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

Cuteness

I have no desire to own 5 pairs of black flats. I own a couple pairs of black flats, but they are easily distinguishable with either a peep toe or slight wedge or bow at the toe. I only have one pair of black flats that is a simple round toe ballet flat...and it's from Target so it was super cheap, Yay!

So I usually look for shoes that are different. I want bright colors or a pattern or something fun that doesn't bore me when I look down at my feet.

Comfort

I have noticed that if I buy shoes that are truly comfortable to wear, then I'll actually wear them, imagine that! What's the point of just "collecting" shoes that sit on your shelf in your closet and are never worn because they are painful? Because I want comfort, I don't always just get cheap shoes just because they are cheap. I used to shop at Payless a lot, but then the shoes would either hurt my feet or fall apart.

Comfort is especially important for me when I'm looking at heels. If I want to wear heels to work, then they definitely have to be comfortable enough for my feet for an entire day. Wedges in the summer are great because they are super cute and easily comfortable with the wide wedge heel!

Durability

This goes with what I was saying about Payless shoes. I want shoes to last longer than 2 months. If they are comfortable and cute and a good brand, then I will spend $50 or more if I know they will last me a while. If they are made cheaply, but are still comfortable and cute, I may buy them and hope that they last a year. I will often get bright colored flats at Target for around $10 that I wear for about a year and then retire. I've even found some cute and comfy flats at Walmart, but they lasted me less than 6 months. For longer lasting flats, I often buy Blowfish or Rocket Dog brands at DSW.

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

I wouldn't say that the majority of my shoes are a certain color. I probably own more black shoes than anything else, but they are definitely not the majority of the shoes. Some of my black shoes are from the days when I would only buy heels in either black or brown. I was so boring back then...or maybe just practical.

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

Poetic Licence - It's funky and fun and always colorful!

Seychelles - Same deal, they are always colorful and unique.

Blowfish - Super comfy and unique-looking flats

Steve Madden and Madden Girl- For cute and (usually) comfy (enough) heels

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

A pair of Jimmy Choos. A friend of mine got some as a Christmas gift from her husband and they are these ADORABLE 5 inch platform heels in a cheetah print and she told me she can wear them to work all day and be comfortable! I want some Jimmy Choos some day (maybe not in cheetah print)...but I know I won't be willing to part with $700 for a pair of shoes any time soon.

Here's a few favorites I found on Polyvore. I think this paycheck weekend will find me with some new shoes very soon.

I heart shoes by lemondrop_linz featuring kitten heels

Forever21 oxford heels, $23
Kurt Geiger high heels, 29 GBP
High heels, $50
Iron Fist stiletto high heels, $50
Calvin Klein high heels, $30
UNIONBAY kitten heels, $40
Wanted Shoes Women's Splendor Thong Sandal, $35

What are some of your favorite pairs of shoes and where have you worn them recently?

Stop by tomorrow for a special wedding anniversary post. :)

FBFF: Fitness & Fashion

FBFF time. I like this week's questions. I have been thinking of incorporating some fitness into my blog, but wasn't sure how to go about it.

1. Do you keep some kind of fitness routine? Why?

Most definitely! I have had lots of different fitness routines throughout the years but what has finally worked for me and kept me dedicated is the Boot Camp Challenge I participate in. I started doing the sessions last year, before my wedding, and I have continued since then. I have found that I always work out more vigorously and more regularly when I am participating in a group workout. I will show up more when I'm being held accountable by my workout buddies and I push myself harder when I have more fit people to compare myself to.

And why do I have a fitness routine...first because I don't want to be overweight or unhealthy. I was overweight for a majority of my adult life (75 pounds lost!) and I don't ever want to be that unhealthy again. For me, it was not only the lack of exercise, but also a major lack of knowlege regarding portion control and how unhealthy the foods were that I was eating. I really had no clue how bad many of my favorite foods were until I did food journaling when I started Weight Watchers in 2003. But now I also exercise because I like it. Plus it gives me energy during the day when I've already worked out at 5:30 in the morning and I seem to sleep better at night as well. Plus it's nice when you work hard, lose some inches, and fit into smaller pants, YAY!

2. Has working out, maybe training for a marathon or something of that nature, helped with your own perception of body image?

Even after being at a healthy weight the last few years, I still struggle with having a good body image. Sometimes I see myself feeling guilty over a 40 calorie thing of candy. Those are the times I try to reassess and look at the big picture. I remind myself of all my progress into becoming a healthier person. And being at a healthy weight has definitely increased my self confidence. I still feel vulnerable when I try something on that be a little tighter-fitting, but if it is flattering (and not slutty), then I can take pride in being able to fit into that style.

3. When you are hitting the gym or just going out for a long walk what do you wear? Is it about functionality or fashion?

Workout Attire by lemondrop_linz featuring a longsleeve tee

Roxy longsleeve tee, $12
Nike yoga activewear, $25
Aerie cropped pants, $30
Nike sports bra, 28 GBP
Anne Klein nylon socks, $7.95
Wooden ship, $19
New balance athletic shoes, $50

It's definitely more about functionality for me. I want to be comfortable when I'm working out. That being said, I still try to be a little fashionable. If I'm wearing pants, I don't want them to look like they are high waters when I'm running outside or on the treadmill.

During the summer (which has already begun here in Texas), I usually wear knee-length pants. I don't usually feel comfortable wearing shorts because they ride up too much while I'm working out and I don't want to worry about flashing anyone. I often wear a tank top or racerback tank on top. If it's for boot camp and a little chilly, I'll wear a long sleeve tee for a layer until I'm warmed up.

A good sports bra is key when working out...you don't wanna be flopping around and distracting people at the gym! And this may be TMI, but you also have to consider whether your underclothes will give you a wedgie...there's just no right way to pick a wedgie in public.

4. Do you feel there is a cultural perception of what you "should" be doing for your own physical fitness?

I always hated how everyone and their mom were "runners." I say "runners" because I used to think that anyone who would run for exercise was a runner. But once I got over my hatred for running and stopped labeling people who ran, I realized that it wasn't so bad. I only hated it because it was hard for me to do it. But after using it as a supplimental cardio to my boot camp workouts, I started enjoying it. Plus I take my dogs with me a lot too so they get some exercise. That's what Cesar Milan says to do!

5. Dream big...what would be your ultimate fitness goal.

I think I'd want to do a triathlon. I'm sure most people would say run a marathon, but I actually have no desire to do that. For some reason, it just looks crazy to me! That probably has to do with my weird perception of "runners" again, haha.

But I think I could handle a triathlon...with training, of course. I have done (half) of an MS150, and I like to swim and now like to run, so why not?

And maybe I would do a half marathon. That doesn't seem quite as nutty to me as a full one does.

In honor of fitness day at FBFF, I've combined my outfit pics with some exercise!!

If you haven't jumped on a trampoline in a long time, you'd be surprised on how much work it is!

It burns a lot of calories and it's easy on the joints.

I LOVE my new top and skirt!!

Thanks for letting me jump on your trampoline and also for taking pics of me on it, Tami!

top: Dillard's, gray (looks blue) pencil skirt: Target, red kitten heels: had forever?

So what's involved in your typical fitness routine? I always love hearing more fitness tips that I can incorporate, so please share!

And have a lovely weekend!

FBFF: Inspiration...a little late

Dude, this is embarrassing...I forgot to schedule this post so it would post automatically. And here it is, Monday, not Friday. Oh well, I'm posting it anyway.

So I guess you'll just have to deal with it.

FBFF time again. Which means it's also Good Friday AND Earth Day!

(or at least it was!!)

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

I really don't have a certain celebrity that I look to for fashion inspiration. I will flip through magazines and like some celebrity styles I see, but I am not following them and copying their every move or anything.

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

I'm inspired by many other fashion bloggers out there. When I'm looking in my closet, I will remember something I saw another blogger try and it will encourage me to try my own version of that.

I'm also inspired by new trends that look like they will stick around. I don't want to try every trend that is out there, but if I think it will stand the test of time or I just think it's super cute, then I'll take a stab at it myself. But I can also accept that not every trend will work for my body type and I'm perfectly fine with that!

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers?

With regards to fashion, I hope that I inspire my readers to have fun with colors and think outside of the normal outfits they create.

I also hope that I make people laugh a little when they come to my blog.

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

I guess it depends on what we're talking about here. This could really be anything.

If we're talking about crafts and sewing, I'm inspired by other crafty bloggers, as well as beautiful fabrics I see online and in stores.

If we're talking about life in general, then we could get really corny here...my husband, my family, and my friends.

5. Since Idol is ending...which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol. Sorry peeps if I disappointed you.

But I love music and many songs inspire me. Right now, I'm listening to the new Foo Fighters album. And I just went to an amazing concert recently of one of my new fave bands - Fitz & The Tantrums. LOVE them!

yeah, these are super boring answers. so now you're wondering why I even bothered posting them late...I don't really know.

but hey, here's a little outfit pic for you...

I'm trying to experiment with mixing patterns more often. I like how the repetitive subtle print of this navy tank works well with the colorful floral print on the cardigan.

Oh and I totally had 4 layers on above the waist...and they were not needed for warmth.

Cardigan: Old Navy. Navy print tank: garage sale. Black tank: Downeast Basics. Light gray tank, orange belt: Target. Jeans: GAP.

I don't remember what shoes I was wearing but you can't see them anyway.

I also find that after looking at these pics, I could really use a necklace.

So what inspires YOU?

FBFF: Gratitude

Lucy's been invading my blog pics a lot lately so I figured I'd just give in and feature her on her own. Satisfied, puppy?

Hey peeps. It's the official one-year anniversary of FBFF. Katy at Modly Chic wanted to do some questions about gratitude for this week.

From Katy: "We each have so many people in our lives and in the blogging community who have helped us along the way. It's time to shine the spotlight on them and give credit where credit is due."

Because I am still pretty new to blogging, a lot of my answers will probably be centered more about my gratitude in my personal life than just concerning my blog.

1. When it comes to me personally - I owe a lot of who I am to:

My parents and my husband.

2. When it comes to me professionally - I owe a lot of who I am to:

Is it lame to say ditto?

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

I'd like to thank someone here, but I don't feel like I've hit a rough spot...yet.

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

Honestly, just blogging at all is often a challenge.

5. To my readers, I'd like to say...

Well, first, I can't even believe you're still here, reading this. Thanks y'all!

Seriously, sometimes I reread my post and just shake my head at myself. I write how I talk, which is also how I think. I just let it flow out.

So all that was to say THANK YOU for giving me the time of day, for stopping by and leaving sweet comments, and for just caring enough to be here. You rock!!

See what other FBFFers are saying here.

So what do y'all have planned for this weekend?

My husband and I are going to the Houston Zoo tomorrow, YAY!

But first, we're going to see the Toadies tonight!!

FBFF: Spring Trends

FBFF Topic this week is Spring Trends!

What are the top 5 Spring Trends that you are looking forward to seeing/sporting this season?

Of course I chose clothing & shoes trends to feature!!

Spring Trend #1: Wedge Sandals!!

Well apparently they only show images of the right shoe. All images from DSW.

Does this not make you wanna go shoe shopping? With so many adorable wedges out there, I know I'll be buying some soon. This is sad, but I have some amazing royal blue ruffle wedge sandals sitting in my closet that have never been worn. I'm making a resolution now to wear them in the next month.

Spring Trend #2 is Florals

Spring Trend 2011: Florals by lemondrop_linz featuring a striped hat

Dorothy Perkins white day dress, 24 GBP Rue21 floral cocktail dress, $30 River Island purple floral dress, 25 GBP Floral top, $57 TopShop floral top, $45 TopShop skirt, $60 French Connection floral skirt, 47 GBP J Crew floral swimwear, 35 GBP J crew bathing suit, 35 GBP Floral print pumps, $99 Floral print bag, 60 GBP Fat Face floral handbag, 35 GBP Juicy Couture polka dot hat, $58 H by Henry holland, 15 GBP Forever21 striped hat, $12

I'm seeing both bright big floral prints and small vintage florals and I'm loving it all! I definitely think some florals can pair together, but you just have to be careful if you don't want to come across as eclectic. By the way, all the picks above are less than $100!

Spring Trend # 3 is Wide Leg Pants

Spring Trend 2011: wide leg pants by lemondrop_linz featuring high waisted pants

TopShop linen pants, $80 ASOS pleated pants, $81 Adam wide leg pants, $84 Black pants, $180 Akira Black Label high waisted pants, $45 Topshop, $76 ASOS wide leg pants, $54 Stoneware Hearts, ABC Carpet & Home, $50 MERCI GUSTAVE Eiffel Tower, 49 EUR

Pants are really going retro this spring and channeling the 70s. What I like about wide leg pants now is that they have more of a classic look these days. And also, they're SO flattering for almost every body shape!

I don't think I'm really feeling the red floral pants, but all the other ones I would totally buy.

I included the Eiffel Tower because it's wearing wide leg pants too!

Spring Trend # 4 are this season's color trends: Orange & Chartreuse!!

Spring Trend 2011: Color Trends by lemondrop_linz featuring cotton dresses

Dorothy Perkins cotton dress, 40 GBP Lemlem tunic, 59 GBP Calypso crochet tunic, $68 Betty Jackson Black ribbed cardigan, 38 GBP Principles by Ben de Lisi top, 32 GBP Kate Frankfurt jacket TopShop cotton skirt, $70 Cork wedge, $140 Windsmoor, 25 GBP CB2 - chartreuse floor pillow, $60 Set of 4 Porcelain Chartreuse Measuring Spoons, $2.50 Chartreuse Green Glass Candle, $2.75

I adore these bright colors!! I own some orange in my closet but I'm thinking I need to fill in some of the gaps with a few lovely chartreuse pieces.

And maybe it's just me, but as I'm looking at this Polyvore set, I'm really loving these 2 colors paired together...challenge accepted! I'm going to find some chartreuse to style with the orange I own and feature it on the blog.

Spring Trend #5 is Neutrals

Spring Trend 2011: Neutrals by lemondrop_linz featuring an envelope clutch

Oasis shift dress, 25 GBP Vanessa Bruno scoop neck tank, 28 GBP John Lewis top, 35 GBP Dorothy Perkins short sleeve top, 28 GBP Twill blazer, 30 GBP Dorothy Perkins crochet dress, 28 GBP Dorothy Perkins wide leg pants, 26 GBP Dorothy Perkins linen skirt, 23 GBP Rue21 crochet skirt, $22 Calvin Klein high heel shoes, $30 Dorothy Perkins brogue shoes, 25 GBP Dorothy Perkins envelope clutch, 10 GBP BCBG Max Azria fringe scarve, $98 Cream belt, $32 Straw hat, $18 Linea Linea Neutral checked short, 28 GBP windows to the soul eye shadow palette philosophy, $38

SO maybe this choice threw you off a little. Neutrals...on ME? But seeing them over and over in magazines and online is just making me love them even more.

Layering neutrals is really big for the spring, but just make sure you don't get all matchy matchy with it. You want to stay monochromatic.

What are your favorite spring trends you are seeing and wanting to show off?

Any pieces above you are craving?

Or how bout any ideas for styling some of these trends?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Check out other fave spring trends within the FBFF group over at Modly Chic.

FBFF: Rules of Engagement

FBFF topic this week is the Rules of Engagement.

Wait, isn't that a movie title or something?

Thank you, IMDB. It's also a sitcom we occasionally watch. Apparently people have told my husband that he looks like Patrick Warburton. I slightly see it. But it's more his sarcastic personality on the Rules of Engagement show that makes them so similar.

what do you think?

I think there's a little bit resemblance. But my man is definitely hotter. :)

Before moving on to our FBFF topic, here's a fun outfit I wanted to share.

Most of these pieces came pretty cheap at the outlet near me. Score!

shoes: naturalizer outlet /jeans; banana outlet / cardigan: old navy outlet /white tank: GAP outlet / scarf: LOFT / purple tee: Target

Well I'm not sure how qualified I am to answer the FBFF questions this week, but I'll do my best.

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?

Well since I haven't actually secured a guest spot on another blog or even tried, um...I'm not sure. That's the answer you wanted to hear, wasn't it? Even though I haven't done it, I think the best way would be to approach a fellow blogger that either comments frequently on your blog or is a follower. To me, that would indicate that they already like you (*fingers crossed*) and will be more open to having you on their blog. I think that would be how I would approach it. And I'm sure there are other (better) ideas out there that I can try once I've done this a few times. Ooh, just had another idea...maybe it would be good to offer to have that blogger do a guest post on your blog as well, kind of like a blog swap.

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

Whenever I leave comments, I don't do so with the intention of gaining a follower. Maybe my partial intention is that the blogger will check out my blog as well, but even that isn't a given. I just like putting nice comments out there in the blogosphere and I know that keeping mine positive is also putting good karma out there for me. If that comes back and gains me a follower, then that's awesome. But if it doesn't, I am not going to start leaving malicious or catty comments instead.

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?

Um, yeah...about that...I've never sent out a mass e-mail requesting blog exposure. I am still kind of new to blogging and I guess I just haven't done that because I didn't wanna come across as needy or whatever. But hey, if it's not considered needy, maybe I'll start doing it, haha!

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

I can't really speak to this at this time because I haven't experienced this.

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

Not trying to be conceited here, but I don't think I have made one yet. I love to have new followers on my blog, but blogging is just a fun outlet for me. I don't have an inherent need to gain tons of exposure at this time. Maybe this will change in the future, but for now, that's the kind of blogger I am.

Check out answers from other FBFFers on modlychic!

FBFF: Feminism & Fashion

It's FBFF time again!

I haven't posted for FBFF in a few weeks. So when I read that it was around feminism, I wasn't sure how I felt. Is it just me or does the word feminism conjure up images of men-hating women burning their bras? And yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds.

Out of curiosity, I decided to give Google Images a try and see what came up for images of Feminism. Here are a few of my favorites...

classic feminism poster

one very intense feminist Ashley Judd

ha!

FBFF Q&A

1. Do you think there is an incompatibility between feminism and a love for fashion?

Not for me. I wouldn't call myself a feminist but I do believe in equal rights for women. And I also love fashion. So I guess it just depends on each person.

2. There is more to each of us than a love for fashion, how do you incorporate every aspect of yourself into your blog?

I think my personality comes through in my writing and blog topics. I incorporate stuff about my family and other hobbies I enjoy.

Not all of my posts revolve around fashion but I do love wearing pretty clothes and thinking I look cute in them. There's nothing wrong with that.

3. With the fashion industry still being a male-dominated profession, how do you think it would differ if women played a larger role?

Maybe women wouldn't get as frustrated when shopping for flattering clothes. I often see clothing on the rack that I know would only flatter about 2% of women out there.

4. How is your self-image and the way you carry yourself informed by your beliefs?

Most of the time these are completely separate for me.

The only instance I see any of my beliefs influencing my self-image is that I believe we were created in God's image and should treat our bodies with respect. And even though modesty can be defined differently by each individual, I try to dress modestly for me.

5. Do you think clothing/makeup/hair helps communicate the truth about yourself or are those things superfluous add-ons?

Superfluous to one person can be fun or insightful to another person. If I dressed in ill-fitting clothing that I didn't like, does that make me a more genuine person? I don't think so.

People will judge you by what they see no matter what you do.

I think that my look communicates that a woman can both dress professional and fun at the same time. I'd like to think that the colors I incorporate also present me as an open person.

What are your thoughts? I'd love to hear them!

Visit modlychic to read what other FBFF bloggers have to say on this subject!

FBFF: Beauty Products

My first post as a member of the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday...YAY! :)

Also my first post on beauty products. That's a little strange considering I LOVE makeup and fun beauty products! I try not to walk into Sephora often for that very reason. I made the mistake of going in there on a payday for my favorite foundation...I only got a few things and spent $100. Eek!!

Talking about Sephora reminds me of the first FBFF question this week.

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and favorite higher-end product?

Drug store makeup: I LOVE my Revlon Colorstay eyeliner in black! My dark & beautiful brown eyes (conceited much?) need a dark pencil that's easy to apply and Revlons works bestest for me! Woah, I just browsed Revlon's website and found the eyeliner for $6.79 online, what a deal!

Higher-end product: d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX mascara!!! Before I met and married this product, I had clumpy, smearing lashes, but those lashes are no more with Fiberwig!! Easiest mascara EVER to take off...maybe I don't even take it off sometimes...and my face isn't (as) scary the next morning! Retails for $24...and totally worth every penny!!!

I also have to give a close runner up to Smashbox's Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation. It's so smooth (like buttah) and keeps my complexion looking even. The only complaint I have is that the brush it comes with leaves brush lines on my face. And of course it is tres expensive for not much product! Retails for $38.

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

Definitely my foundation. Can't leave home without it! Ok, sometimes I do, but it's on before I arrive at my destination. And maybe applying my makeup while driving isn't the best idea!

But I also love my Mary Kay Timewise Age-Fighting Moisturizer!! I put it on every morning and most nights. It is just so refreshing on my skin.

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

Hmmm...I don't fuss with my hair as much when it's at a longer length. I don't like to put a lot of product in it or style it too much during the week so it stays healthy. I know this is a weird thing to say but I do love the shampoo I use. Organix Shampoo - my favorite "flavor" is the Pomegranate Green Tea. It's sulfate free and leaves my scalp feeling refreshed and not dried out! Retails for $6.99 on Drugstore.com

I also love Aveda products, especially the Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother - perfect for the humid Houston climate! Retails for $24 but I've had it about a year now since I don't use it every day.

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?

Um...does a "trendy" haircut count? If so, I shall hang my head in shame as I admit to once having "The Rachel" cut as my do in high school.

Remember how the 90s were really no better than the 80s with regards to style?

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?

My eye shadow. I usually use Urban Decay's Deluxe Shadow Box set. I bought it for my wedding because the pink color was perfect for a sweet day like that, and I thought the bright colors would be fun to wear on my honeymoon in Costa Rica!

Retails for $38. SO worth the money. Dude, I bought this last April and still have a few months left in it!

I like to think I have a colorful personality...plus I love to wear bright colors in my clothing! So, why not wear bright eye shadow as well?! High school girls totally compliment me all the time on my eye shadow now, haha!

Colors I wear most:

The pink in the bottom middle is gone.

The purple on the top left is nearly gone.

The green has a hole in the middle.

And the dark purple and bright blue are also wearing down.

I literally wear THE brightest colors in the mix!

Here's my typical work day makeup.

And now I'm thinking that maybe my foundation is a little on the yellow side. I have to wear 2 different colors of foundation from winter to summer.

Does everyone else run into that issue as well?

What are some of your favorite beauty products? Please share!