Friend Friday - After The Wearing

I'm joining up with Katy over at Modly Chic for another FBFF linkup!  Today's questions are all about cleaning/purging your closet and what happens to the clothes, etc. after you do so.  I must say that this topic is so up my alley, I have a crazy obsession with keeping my closet tidy and under control.  Let's get started:

Source: brooklynlimestone.com via Jenny on Pinterest

*Not my closet, I can only wish I had that space right now ;o)


1. How often do you go through your closet to purge the things you no longer wear?

Well, I try and do this every season.  When I shift the current season's clothes back into rotation I try and take stock of what I have, what I need and what just doesn't work anymore.  It's so important to make sure your closet's precious space isn't being occupied by things that you don't use anymore.

2.  What do you do with the things that you are through with?

If they are in like new/gently worn condition and are not luxury or upper end brands I usually take those to resale shops (like Plato's Closet or Uptown Cheapskate).  You don't get a bunch of cash for them but I usually use any money I get as store credit to buy other things when I need them.  If they are more luxury/upscale brands I try to sell them on ebay or do a consignment shop.  For all the rest that aren't as pristine (but still wearable - no stains/holes/etc) I take them to Goodwill.  For the ripped/unrepairable items I toss those (or make them into pillows - ha!).

3.  Have you ever sold on consignment or through online boutiques?  What has your experience been like?

Sure!  I have a consignment store near my Mom that I use a lot and I have always had good experiences.  I haven't done any of the online consigning, but I have thought about it.  I have a Prada skirt and LAMB cashmere sweater that I need to unload.  I'm sort of over selling on ebay, there are too many trolls on their now and I'm nervous using Paypal after my account was hacked about 2 years ago.  That was super scary.

4.  More and more people are concerned about the fast rotation of fashion and how that is filling our landfills.  What are you doing to decrease your clothing trash pile?

A subject near and dear to my heart.  I love finding new homes for my unused clothing, I love the idea that someone else can get some use out of it.  That being said, I generally wear my clothes until they fall apart.  My rule of thumb is that most of your clothing (not the trendy pieces, but the basics) should be the best quality that you can buy.  Especially your bags and shoes.  With a little TLC, good quality bags and shoes will last years.

5.  What's been your favorite/best score from a thrift store or consignment shop? 

Ha!  I've found so many gems!  I got some great Prada items on a resale site years ago.  Most recently I scored a fabulous short sleeved Lily Pulitzer sweater with a lion's face on the front for $10 (picture on my Instagram - @spryonthewall).  The best thing I scored though would have to be these Prada heels that I consider art:

I blogged about them here.

To check out what everyone else had to say go here!

Have a great weekend!

Friend Friday - Blogging Community

I'm joining up with Katy over at Modly Chic for another FBFF linkup.  Today's questions are all about Blogging Communities, so let's get going!

Source: theglamourai.com via Jenny on Pinterest

1.  What blogging communities do you belong to?

Let's see I'm a member of Bloglovin', IFB, the FBFF group (duh) and I'm a Rosebud.  I think those are considered "blogging communities".  I'm interested to see what everyone else says.  I'm sure I'm missing some.

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

I think it's there for information, support, sharing and interaction.  This blogging thing can make you feel like a lone wolf in the woods sometimes (or is that just me?).  It's not like everyone you meet knows and can chat about blogging.  It's nice to have places you can go and get advice and ask questions.

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

I'm not sure what the cause of this is.  Maybe it's Pinterest?  Maybe it's just too much information/too many blogs?  I know I've been struggling with information overload and just wanting to unplug more.  I also get tired of the endless stream of seemingly perfect images and lives that bloggers put out there (myself included).  I really loved the "Things I'm Afraid To Tell You" movement that popped up a few weeks ago from Jess  then Ez really got the ball rolling.  That was refreshing (but I didn't do my own, maybe I should?)

4.  How do you cultivate community around your blog?

I'm not sure I do.  Maybe I need to work on that.  I always wanted to do a series with guest bloggers, maybe that should be on my "to do" list.  I do know that I'm endlessly grateful for all my regular readers/commenters.  They really make my day.  I'm a small blog, but I have a great bunch of followers!  You know who you are xoxo

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

To interact more.  To ask questions, visit more blogs, comment more. 


Make sure you pop over to Modly Chic and see what everyone else has to say!

Have a great weekend!

Friend Friday - Outfit Planning

Linking up again with Katy over at Modly Chic for another set of FBFF questions.  This week is all about outfit planning, away we go:

1. How do you go about picking your outfit for the day?
True story - when I was little I used to have the worst time picking out what I was going to wear each morning, I just could not make a decision in the mornings under that time crunch.  The process always made me run late, drove my Mother nuts and usually ended in tears.  Every. Single. Morning.  Until my Mother put her foot down.  Each night if I didn't lay out what I was going to wear the next day my Mom would charge me 25 cents (hey, it was the 80's, that was a lot of cheddar for moi).  I think I forgot to lay out my outfit like 3 times before I decided I would like to keep my money (and sanity).  Therefore laying out my clothes the night before became a habit, one I didn't break until I became a stay-at-home Mom (that's because days with a newborn with acid reflux are quite organic - and messy - lol!).  Since I work from home I'm not as good about planning outfits as I once was when I had to be in an office 9-to-5, but I still plan my outfits the night before if I have to travel or be in meetings the next day.  It's a good habit to have especially if you aren't a morning person - two thumbs pointing at this gal!

2. Do you try stuff on and then take pics to see how it looks, like Cher in Clueless?
Nope, though when I used to do more outfit posts, I would see what outfits look like and make note to not wear that combo again after seeing the pictures.

3. And are you consistent in your planning or lack thereof, or is your planning limited to special events?
See the last part of question #1

4. Do you have a way of keeping track of which outfits you wore when?
Nope, but hats off to those who do!

5. How do you come up with new clothing combinations?
Usually I just dive in the closet and start pulling combos to see what works.  I like to refer to my actual inspiration board both in my closet and on Pinterest to help my brain think outside of my usual box if I feel uninspired.

Don't forget to head over to Modly Chic and see how everyone else handles outfit planning!

Have a great weekend!

Friend Friday - Blogging Tools

I'm joining up with Katy over at Modly Chic for this month's FBFF.  This month's questions have to do with what tools we use for blogging. 

Source: flickr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

1.  What are the tools you use to blog?

I swear I'm the most low tech blogger out there (see that's me above, ha!).  I used to use our old Dell laptop - painfully slow, but we just got a pretty sweet Samsung desktop that I'm using now.  The main tool is Blogger, it's so easy to use.  I read and comment on blogs on my iPad.  I don't have an iPhone and my Blackberry is ancient so no on-the-go blogging/posting.  I have a Sony point and shoot digital camera that is a pain to use (that's why my outfit posts are few and far between).  Pinterest is a great tool as is Picnik - though since it's shutting down, I'm investigating the photo editing alternatives.

2.  What technology item is on your wish list?

#1 - iPhone and #2 - a better camera.  I also would like to have Photoshop.  I wish I could figure out how to post on my iPad - I just can't get it to work from there at all.  Anyone figure out how to do it that uses Blogger?

3. Through the barrage of posts, tweets, pics, poses, messages, etc...how do you avoid becoming a slave to the constant infiltration of information?

This is tough, it can become consuming if you let it.  Getting the iPad has helped tremendously, I literally could not keep up without that gadget (I'm sure an iPhone or any smartphone is the same way).  It has eased all my social media stress.  I also have my posts automatically posted on my personal and blog's Facebook pages, haven't figured out how to do that with Twitter though.  I focus on just a few of the social media tools and I use them regularly - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  I would rather do just a few well so I don't spread myself too thin.

Make sure you head over to Modly Chic to check out what everyone else's answers are!

Friend Friday - Christmas Wish List

I'm joining together with Katy over at Modly Chic again for FBFF!  Today's FBFF's topic is what's on our Christmas Lists.  Well, I always have "want" lists a mile long for any/every holiday/occasion, however this year is a little different.  I've already gotten my Christmas present. It actually was a combo Birthday/Christmas/Anniversary present from my sweet hubby - an iPad!  Now this was huge for me, since my husband and I haven't exchanged any present for any occasion for a couple of years now.

Source: bestbuy.com via Jenny on Pinterest

I'm in love with this sweet little gadget (that has made commenting, reading and creating so much easier)!  I got the white one and bought Apple's smart cover in orange:

Source: store.apple.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Along with a clear Belkin back shield compatible with the smart cover.

Source: belkin.com via Jenny on Pinterest

There are a lot of cute iPad covers out there - but I didn't want one that zipped open, that I had to pull the gadget in and out of (too much trouble and there's the added threat of dropping and zipper scratching), and I didn't want some generic ugly case.  I wanted something that stayed as true to how you would use it as possible, with little to no added bulk/weight.  So I highly recommend this combination.  The smart cover turns it on and off (hibernates it) upon opening and closing and the back cover protects it from scratching and impact.  The only issue now is that I'm now wanting an iPhone to match- lol!


Anyway, sorry for my lack of a proper list, but that's how things go right now.  I hope you all have a lovely weekend!  I've got to get our Christmas cards ready to mail out and I checked this book out of the library today to peruse for new recipes!  I'll let you know if I find any good (easy) ones.

Source: goop.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Make sure you pop over to Modly Chic and check out everyone else's proper wish lists :o)  See you Monday!

Friend Friday - Books O' Plenty!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've participated in Katy of Modly Chic's Friend Friday posts.  This week's topic is all about books and since I love to read and also love to hear what everyone else is reading, I thought I'd add my two cents.

The book I'm currently reading/perusing is actually a giveaway win from Elle Sees (pop over and check out her fab blog chock full of good stuff)!  It's Design*Sponge at Home, by Grace Bonney.  So far so good, it's got a ton of information.

Thanks again, Elle!

Since I usually blog about what I'm reading after I finish a book, regular readers already know what I've read recently.  Instead I'll touch on some books that I adore and would recommend:

Geek Love, by Katherine Dunn a novel about a family of carnival "freaks".  It's disturbing, upsetting, at times repulsive and heartbreaking.  Yet you absolutely can't put the book down because the characters are so vivid and amazing.  My husband actually lent the book to me when we were dating, otherwise I might never have read it.  Totally worth your time, it's hard to forget.

Any of Louise Rennison's Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series (I think there are 8 or 10 books in all).  These are for young adults (aka - teen girls) but I enjoyed them immensely. Georgia is a 14 year old English girl who has a 3 year old sister, crazy cat and wacky parents.  The books are written like a diary (sort of a teen Bridget Jones, but I think funnier).  These books are a zip to read and laugh out loud funny between her antics and lingo.  I have every one and each one is perfection.



The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant is a novel voiced by Jacob's daughter Dinah (from the Book of Genesis in the Bible).  It's a fascinating glimpse of how life was for women in ancient times.  Love this book!

Bombshell:  The Life and Death of Jean Harlow, by David Stenn.  Pretty much the biography to read if you want to know all about the life and untimely death of Jean Harlow.  It's fascinating.  To think she died at 26 is mind boggling.

Let me know if you decide to read any of these (or if you have read any of them and what you thought about them).  Don't forget to head over to Modly Chic and check out what everyone else is reading! 

Have a great weekend!!

Friend Friday - Blogging and Fashion

I'm joining up with Katy of Modly Chic again for FBFF!  This week is all about how being a fashion blogger has or hasn't changed and/or influenced us. 

Source: luxeislife.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

1. Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?
Totally, I'm more about accessories now and mixing patterns and colors.  It's nice to see different clothing combinations/options on real people and not models in magazines.  It makes a difference in what I can picture myself wearing.

2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?
Not really, I've never been that cutting edge, the only thing that people generally comment on, in regards to what I'm wearing, are my shoes.  I love unique and colorful shoes!

3. What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?
I really like people who go totally theatrical with their clothing (like Daphne Guinness and Anna Della Russo) but I just don't think I have the personality to pull it off.

4. Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?
Well, it's not super current but I would love to wear some short shorts with high heels.  And I would love to try some mega-tall platforms but am so afraid that I would fall flat on my face (I'm not the most coordinated person on Earth - lol)

5. Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?
This one is hard and it's a tie.  I adore Shannan from Merci Blah Blah's vintage finds and accessorizing and I love Oomph's mixing, matching and manicures. 

Source: merciblahblah.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Source: rockoomph.blogspot.com via Jenny on Pinterest

See what I mean?  They both rock some seriously awesome shoes and they make it look so easy. Either one of them can come and style me up anytime :o)

Check out what everyone else had to say here.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Friend Friday - Summer Recipe

I'm joining up with Katy at Modly Chic for FBFF again!  Today everyone is going to share a recipe for their favorite Summer dish.  Yay!

This is a recipe I got from Real Simple magazine - I've gotten so many wonderful (and easy) recipes from that magazine, it's totally changed my cooking life you could say!  We make this at least once a week this time of year, I usually don't add the salami because the hubby isn't a fan, but sometimes I'll add it to just my portion.  It's great with or without the salami.  I generally double the recipe.  Here it is:
Pasta Salad with Salami and Mozzarella (via Real Simple)
Ingredients

2 cups gemelli (or other short pasta) - I usually use bowtie
2 cups chopped spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into pieces
2 ounces salami, cut into pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1.Cook pasta according to the package directions; drain and rinse under cold water. Toss in a large bowl with the spinach, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, and salami.

2.Whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette before serving.

It's so easy and so yummy!  Check out what everyone else is making here!
 
Image photographed by Charles Masters via Real Simple

Friend Friday - Vacation

Linking up with Katy at Modly Chic again this week for FBFF.  Today's topic is packing for a vacation.  Sadly, I'm not taking a vacation this Summer (boo hoo) but for the questions today I'll pretend I am ;o)

Source: ohjoy.blogs.com via Jenny on Pinterest

1. When it comes to packing for vacation what’s your mantra?
Less is more!  I try to pack the most versatile items I have so I can get more bang for my packing buck.  This is especially important when you fly now because of all the checked bag charges.  I struggle with packing lightly, I tend to want to take more than needed (especially if it's a car trip), however the older I get, the less crap I want to haul around.

2. What are your must packs?
My large black pashmina that I use as a wrap and a blanket, comfortable shoes, a large, chic handbag that can be used for hauling things as well as a purse, and last but not least I always pack at least 2 more pair of underwear than I think I will need.

3. What are you happy to leave behind?
Cooking and cleaning!

4. Any packing secrets that help you get everything into one suitcase?
Pack super versatile items in neutral colors that you can mix and match!  Also, keep shoes to the minimum, I try to pack a max of 4 pair depending on the travel situation.  Oh and rolling clothes does help fit more into a suitcase.

5. Beach reading… what are you taking with you to read in the sand?
I'm super behind in reading books.  Right now, I'm smack in the middle of Bringing Home The Birkin by Michael Tonello and I love it!  Next up is either The Help and Water For Elephants (those are the last unread downloads on my old Sony eReader) - I'm so not up to speed on current literature.

Don't forget to check out everyone else's answers here!
Book image via Amazon.com

Friend Friday - Hair Care

Oh, heck yeah, I'm behind (again), but I have a good excuse - second week on the job and two business trips, one of which involved an unplanned stay at the Atlanta airport Thursday night.  Thank you weather.  I slept a grand total of 1 1/2 hours between Thursday and Friday and those 1 1/2 hours were spent on a bench in Terminal A (don't be jealous).  Worst part was I decided to not take my laptop because it was supposed to be a quick trip.  Joke was on moi.  And no, there weren't any rental cars to be had and I have a dumbphone so I was internet-less and I don't recommend that at all.  In the meantime here are my answers better late than never.  Thanks again to Katy and check out what everyone else had to say here!

Source: beauty.about.com via Jenny on Pinterest

1. How often do you get your hair cut?
Not as often as I would like.  I used to do it every 6-8 weeks, now I'm lucky to get it cut every 4 months.

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 try to stick with the same person.  I had the BEST stylist when I lived in Westchester, NY - gosh, she rocked.  I've yet to find one I like here so I'm still shopping around.

Source: beauty.about.com via Jenny on Pinterest

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?
Yeah, totally color my hair.  Again, I used to do it every 6-8 weeks when I got my hair cut (the good ol' days as I refer to them).  I color my hair myself now to save some coin and I aim for every 8 weeks.  As for my natural color, I haven't seen it since I was 18, but I think it's a mousy brown/dark blonde - I have noticed some *gulp* grey hairs as of late.  Not happy.

Source: fashionison.com via Jenny on Pinterest

4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:
Well, I have to say keeping on top of cutting and coloring, that always made my hair look amazing.  My hair hasn't looked really good since I got pregnant (hormones), so I'm still trying to figure out what will make my hair look like it used to.

5. What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?
Anything stick straight.  Never can pull that off, my thick hair will not cooperate at all for that sort of thing.

Friend Friday - Outside Influences

Source: vogue.it via Jenny on Pinterest

A quick update, we are knee deep in moving and I started my new job so needless to say things are crazy.  CRAY-ZEE!  I thought I was so on top of my game last week with some posts ready to be written and then the whole Blogger insanity happened so those never materialized.  I finally was able to recover the draft of this post that was supposed to go up last Friday.  Oh well, welcome to my life right now.  Hopefully by June things will have calmed down and blogging will be a bit more regular.  In the meantime...

I'm joining (a bit late) Katy at Modly Chic for Friend Friday!  Today's topic is outside influences.  Don't forget to head over and check out everyone's answers here!

1. What magazines do you subscribe to?
I'm a magazine-a-holic, I just love them.  I get:
Vogue
Harper's Bazaar
Lucky
Self
Real Simple
InStyle
Health
Conde Nast Traveler
Marie Claire
Coastal Living
I think I'm forgetting some.  Luckily I get a bunch of these for free with airline miles so I'm not totally blowing the budget.

2. Do you watch any fashion TV shows?
I used to watch more than I do now.  I make sure to catch "The Rachel Zoe Project" when it's on and that's about it. 

3. Beyond blogs, what websites do you frequent for fashion inspiration?
Style.com, Vogue.com, Pinterest, various retailers sites.

4. Advertisements play a huge role in forming public opinion about a product or brand… what ads do you like and why?
Hmmm, one ad campaign that always stood out for me was the early 90's Donna Karan one with the model being sworn in as President.  (I've snapped some photos of these ads from my inspiration books since I couldn't find them online - will post later).  For ads out now, I always love a good Target ad and Bottega Veneta's ads.  Hermes print ads are nice, but I adore the fun illustrations they use on their emails and website - so cute!

5. Do you own any fashion books?
Um, yeah, lots - so many.  I blame this on my job because I do use these books a lot for inspiration, color, etc.  My favorites are Haute Couture, The Vogue History of 20th-Century Fashion (published in the late 1980's, this is where I saw my first Birkin - which was then referred to as a "large Kelly-bag". So basically a Birkin before it was a Birkin.), The Fashion Book, Fashion in Colors, Diana Vreeland.

Friend Friday - Shoes!

I'm joining up with Katy over at Modly Chic for my very first Friend Friday!  I always loved reading everyone else's answers to the weekly questions so I thought I would join in! 

1. What is your go-to pair of shoes?
Right now, my silver Birkenstocks - it's just the way it is right now.
2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?
Taking inventory of what I have and what I need.  I try not to have a ton of shoes around, it's too easy to forget what you have.  I also would rather have quality over quantity.

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?
There really isn't a dominant color - I try to have a good mix.  I don't want 20 pair of black shoes, don't see the point.

4. When it comes to design shoes what are your favorite brands and why?
Hands down, dollar for dollar, Prada.  They are so comfortable, well made (they should be right?), and last forever.  I LOVE that the heel part of the shoes have rubber soles so they wear well and cushion the step.  I was over the moon when Prada Sport was introduced, I had a few pair of the leather loafers that were the best shoes I have ever owned (I say "were" because again, wore them out). 

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?
Oh, I've professed my love of the YSL tribtoo pump many, many times here on the ol' blog. 
I also wouldn't mind a pair of the Brian Atwood Rose Gold Metallic Maniac pumps.

Head on over and check out what other people have to say about...shoes!