Happy Friend Friday! My blogger buddy, Gina, invited me to join Katy Rose of Modly Chic's weekly Friday questionnaire group, and obliged. Per Katy Rose, Friend Friday is a way for bloggers to get acquainted with one another through a series of questions. If you're a blogger and would like to be apart of Friend Friday, click here to contact Katy Rose.
This week's topic is Blogger Envy & Jealousy. Listed below are my answers:
1. How do you define jealousy? Jealousy comes from bitter and angry emotions toward another person. Jealous people are characterized by fear and a lack of self-confidence. 2. When do you find you experience a bit of blogger jealousy? I've been blogging since 2003 (personal, education, and now MoMoMod), and per my definition of jealousy I don't think I've had any blogger jealousy. I've never been angry, bitter, or fearful of anyone or their blogs. Do I feel like there are some bloggers that have better content than mine? Yes. I don't lose sleep over this or stay up all night thinking of ways to plot their demise or one up them. 3. What types of blogs or which bloggers are you a little jealous of. Blogs I "admire": Modesty is Pretty, The Art of Accessories, The Art of Dancing in the Rain, and Clothed Much. I admire Shey of Modesty is Pretty because she sews and refashions all kinds of clothing to fit her own style! DWJ of The A of A embodies the perfect blogger and woman: collegiate degrees, happily married, successful, great blogger, excellent communicator, and a good sense of style. Bekki of The Art of Dancing in the Rain is a friend of mine that I met many years ago at a church camp. Bekki's blog doesn't focus on fashion or clothing, but on her Bible reading and walk with God. Bekki is always honest and this is what I love about her. She's been blogging before it was cool to blog. She knows what she likes and is unafraid to stand up for what she believes in. Elaine of Clothed Much has is a modest fashion blogger with tongue and cheek humor and a great sense of comfortable shabby chic fashion sense. 4. From the time we're little we are taught that jealousy is a bad thing, but it can also inspire us to be better. Have you changed the way you do things, the content of your blog, etc... as a result of what someone else is doing: I've recently started including pictures of myself, I promote MoMoMod on Facebook, and encourage readers to follow via Google Connect. I've also noticed that fans on MoMoMod's Facebook fan page respond when I ask questions rather than just posting tons of content. I look at blogs I like and decide what I like and how I can incorporate it into my own blog. Similarly blogs that I overlook or bypass I try to figure out why they do not appeal to me and if my blog has those similar characteristics I decide how I can change my blog to benefit the reader while staying true to my blog's mission. 5. What is the best way to overcome jealousy in the blogosphere and in life? Overcome jealousy by reaching out to bloggers. If I see a blogger that I like I send them an email and invite them to guest blog for my site. When blogger friend Nikia of Chitown Fashionista used a cool photo collage of shoes, I simply asked her how she got the collage and she told me the program she used. Rachel of a La Modest is always helpful, and before MoMoMod even launched she was a big help and offered her assistance to me.
Cholos, drunkards, teachers and preachers. When it comes to speeding tickets the law sees no social classification. I was the recipient of a speeding ticket over a month ago and it made me sick to my stomach. I always try to drive the speed limit and I am known to drive 65 mph on the freeway. However, on the morning of June 18th, 2010 I was in a rush to get home in order to start packing for my month long getaway and was clocked going 45 in a 35 mph zone. FAIL.
I tried the whole, “Why me, God?” and “If I just would have taken a different route”. While I was sitting in court today I was reminded that “all have sinned” and in the judge’s eyes I was in violation of the vehicular code just like the homeboy next to me that was driving without a license and speeding and the girl that had no insurance and presented false identification. In other words, no one is righteous and can violate the law at some point during their lifetime.
Let’s move on to the dress code. From raggedy ripped jeans to leggings and see through blouses—this court house had it all. The judge had very minimal rules, with the biggest rule being tucked in shirts for men. Is it just me, or do men look so much better when they are groomed? Men in skinny jeans, cropped capris, and flimsy attire is something I just cannot get on board with!
The worst clothing offenders of all were the ladies women. Bellies were shown, lower back tattoos could be seen, and breasts were visible. It’s amusing at times because people consider me to bound to religious rules in regards to modest apparel and scoff at the idea of being “told” what to do. No one tells me what to wear, but I also think that choosing to dress modestly also means that I tend to show respect for myself and in return others respect me.
My observations:
*Men held the door open for me
*A man stood up and waited as I tried to sit down
*A man apologized for his cursing
I did not ask these people to do this. The most amusing thing of all is the man that was cursing was in the presence of a woman companion, but did not apologize to her for his language. He apologized to ME!
What did I wear?
Vintage dress circa 1970s found on the $5 dollar rack at a consignment store
Vintage belt worn to define waist
Thrifted patent leather shoes from Goodwill
Arcadia purse gift from boyfriend
Let’s discuss: Have any of you had people of the opposite sex treat you differently because of the way you were dressed?
Last week's 5 post series on Shoes Every Woman Should Own was a big hit. I love shoes and I love DSW. This Winsday features a $25 gift card redeemable at any DSW retailer nationwide! Why do you want to win? Here are 5 good reasons as to why DSW rocks:
1. The D S W acronym say it all: Designer Shoe Warehouse. Each DSW store is filled from ceiling to floor with shoes! One of my favorite retail locations is in San Francisco, Ca and I get so excited traipsing down to the discount basement.
2. DSW Rewards. When you sign up for DSW rewards you gain points for the shoes you buy and those points are redeemable for coupons! My most recent coupon was $25 off, and just because I was a member I received a birthday coupon for the entire month of January.
3. Excellent customer service. Whether in store or online, DSW's customer service is on point. Should I need a bag for my shoes a store employee is always on hand to help me balance my shoes as I stuff them in the shopping bags. When I've had a question about merchandise online I've been able to speak to DSW reps via Twitter!
4. FSF. DSW's other acronym stands for Free Shoes Friday. From now until December 31, 2010 Twitter users have the chance to score free shoes by answer the trivia question and emailing their answer to the email listed in DSW's tweet.
5. The discounts. Michael Kors platform pumps for $15? Check. Marc Jacobs for $40? Check. My eyes always seem to spy the yellow stickers. Yellow means 80% off the ticketed price. Yellow means score!
*Forgive my sorry excuse for photos. I have NO idea what's going on here and primped, primed, played, and pouted over these photos. I give up!
Here's how you win:
1. Leave a comment stating that you want to win. Phrase it anyway you'd like to (keep it clean, please)! Remember to leave a VALID email address with your comment.
Remember: the only thing you HAVE to do is leave a comment stating that you'd like to win. The maximum entry per individual is 6. If you're already a follower on Twitter, a fan on FB, or connected via Google Connect, simply state this in a NEW comment.
Contest disclaimers: This contest ends on Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 at 11:59 pm PST. This contest is open to US residents only. ONE winner will be selected. The winner must respond via email within 24 hours or a new winner will be selected. Winners will chosen using Random.org. The winner must provide a valid mailing address so that the gift card can be mailed to the specific location. This giveaway is not hosted by DSW. All opinions expressed for this giveaway are my own.
My summer vacation is coming to a close. Second grade starts August 2nd and I'm nervous! I recently had two nightmares: in one dream my students were monsters and in the other dream my classroom was moved and all of the stuff I bought was stolen! EEK!
I've spent a month in Northern California and I've enjoyed myself way too much. I don't want to go back home! My current hometown is sweltering in 100+ degree weather, and here in the Bay Area the highest temperature has been around 90! I've spent my days sleeping, eating way too much, and...shopping. I told myself that I wouldn't shop, but I did. I've been on a vintage/thrifting extravaganza. I meant to take pictures of all of my goodies, but I've already shipped most of them home. I've come across vintage Armani blazers for $5, a Diane Von Furstenberg dress for $6, L.A.M.B. shoes for $35, and Kate Spade heels for $15, and a few other thrift finds.
My boyfriend is a web developer and his office is in San Francisco. Today I tagged along and hit up a few stores while I waited for him (Goodwill, Buffalo Exchange, H&M, and few other stores specific to San Francisco). I was really good today, and only bought one thing: a striped H&M shirt with ruffle embellishment on the sleeves. To be honest I was a little iffy about it, because I'm POSITIVE that the stripes will make me look WAY larger than I actually am (is it just me, or does the picture make you dizzy?). My goal, though, is to pair this blouse over a basic black sheath dress and pair it with red flats for the days I teach, and maybe some heels when I wear it to church.
I've found so many good deals while I've been here, and if you follow my personal account on Twitter you've probably seen my plethora of shoe Twitpics.
After B got off of work this afternoon he took the picture above of me outside of his office. I really tried to smile. Promise. He actually got a few pictures of me with goofy grins, but I look WAY too goofy. Two ladies stopped and watched while he took pics, and that was pretty embarrassing!
Once school starts I won't get too shop too much and I'm putting myself on a budget.
How are you spending your summer and have you found any wonderful items?
Wearing: Orange Calvin Klein Dress ($10 Nordstrom Rack)
Leather jacket with bronze studs ($12 Nordstrom Rack)
Patent leather/gold Mossimo for Target Belt ($2 Goodwill)
Patent leather shoes? Check. Comfortable shoes? Check. Flat boots? Check. Black pumps? Check. Now, what other type of shoe belongs in your closet? You just knew that I couldn’t end this series without out statement shoes, right?
Statement shoes are the exact opposite of plain Jane shoes. These babies are made to, well, make a statement. While your basic black pumps serve to save your life and make it easier to get dressed, statement shoes are the shoes you pull out when you need a burst of pizzazz or you’ve got some place special to go.
To be quite honest, my shoe wardrobe contains more statement shoes than any other type of shoe. It’s not that I always have some place special to go; it’s just that I like shoes that are eye catching, vibrant, and whimsical.
The Myth: Statement shoes are only of the 6 inch platform spike heel bejeweled assortment.
The Truth: While most statement shoes generally have at least a 3 ½ inch heel, more and more designers are adding an array of bedazzlement to flats and shoes with lower heels. Statement can me a pretty flower attached to the toe of a shoe or a floral print pattern print with a complementary heel.
Tips:
When looking for statement shoes you can always count on Betsey Johnson’s namesake line to deliver the utmost in over the top shoes. Her less expensive line, Betseyville, doesn’t disappoint either. Other statement brands include Poetic License and Irregular Choice.
I’m clumsy. I literally have think about each step I take so as not to fall in a manhole on the street or trip and stumble over raised sidewalk. So when I stumbled (and fell) as I walked through the door in my 4 ½ inch heels one late Thursday evening, it was just another normal night—until I realized my right black snakeskin pump had gained puncture wounds. I was alarmed, mortified, and upset. Nevermind the fact that three large bruises immediately appeared on my shins, and that I had a bloody scrape on my knee: MY FAVORITE BLACK PUMPS WERE RUINED.
Finding the perfect black pumps is like attempting to find the Holy Grail and I groaned at the thought of trying to replace my perfect shoes. I love colorful shoes, but more often than not I rely on my black pumps to complete my outfit. In the fall those pumps were worn with patterned tights and until their demise three weeks ago, those pumps were worn barelegged on a date night in San Francisco (Rest In Peace, sacred black pumps). Admission: Even though I own at least 15 pairs of black shoes, I am attempting to cover the holes of my favorite black pumps with shoe clips.
The Myth: With so many shoe options available these days it seems lame to rely on a pair of black shoes as a closet staple.
The Truth: Year after year someone claims <insert color here> as the new black, and women rush out to purchase the color of the year in the pump style. But honestly, these colors aren't reliable as a pair of plain' ol' black pumps. Because there are so many types of shoe options, you don’t have to purchase a run in the mill type of black shoes. Pumps come in a variety of styles: slingback, peeptoe, close toe, round toe, and so on. Black pumps are a closet staple because they can be worn to work, church, a job interview, or on a date. Just like your favorite black skirt or dress, black pumps offer a sense of comfort, stability, and reliability. When all else fails you know you can rely on a black dress and black heels to help you make it through another day.
Tip:
Write down the style number and name of your favorite black pumps. If you ever suffer a sad loss like I did, your shoes will be easier to replace.
While you’re attempting to beat the heat and enjoy your summer, the furthest thing from your mind is fall or winter. Before you know it the mercury will fall and we’ll be basking in the wonder that is fall: crisp air, structured peacoats, adorable hats, and funky scarves (have you figured out what my favorite time of the year is?). At the first inkling of fall you’ll want to pull out a pair of boots. And while many women might participate in the over-the-knee-boot trend this fall, I’ll find comfort in a basic pair of flat boots.
The Myth: Until my trek to NYC two years ago, and a more recent trip last fall, I gave no space to the idea that black and brown could mesh. My NYC sistas proved me wrong and I came home embracing black tights, brown boots, and a gray ensemble. In fact, I’m not really sure how I would have made it through last winter without a pair of brown Ellen Tracy boots I found at Marshall’s for $30 and a pair of black opaque tights.
The Truth: Every woman needs flat black AND brown boots. These two colors are basic and can be paired with virtually any outfit in your wardrobe. If you play your cards right and make an investment in a sturdy pair of boots, they can last several years.
Tips:
If you don’t have much to spend on the latest boot styles, go vintage. Boots can be resoled and refurbished with the skill of a fine cobbler.
Buy off season. I stand firmly behind this method. I can’t even remember (if ever) buying boots right at the peak of fall season. Due to a tight collegiate level budget I didn’t have much money to spend on $200 plus pair of boots. Instead, I’d buy boots during the Spring and Summer months. The sad thing is that you’ll have to wait a few months to wear the boots, but when you open up your new boots in October it will feel like Christmas!
Maintain the cleanliness of your boots. Protect leather and suede boots with spray solution. Wipe your boots off after each use, and keep them polished. One of my biggest pet peeves is dusty, crusty shoes—of any kind!
We take at least 6,000 steps a day (and many reports state that 10,000 steps are required for weight loss), so it’s safe to say that our feet are a very important part of our body. At times my feet have wanted to stone or crucify me for the torment I’ve placed upon them for the sake of over-the-top-fabulous shoes. From heels to flat sandals I’ve had shoes that have hurt my feet, and the pain wasn’t worth it. Every woman needs a reliable pair of comfortable shoes. One woman’s comfort shoe may be flat, while another’s might be a wedge heel.
The Myth: Comfortable is synonymous with unattractive, elderly, unfashionable, orthopedic and laughable. My mother has been reminding me since I was a teen that I’d better invest in comfortable shoes, or I’d have bunions and other unsightly foot disfigurements by the time I was 23. I’d gripe and complain that comfortable shoes were for “old people” and there were no “cute comfortable shoes”. I did not heed my mother’s advice, but fortunately God had mercy on me and feet aren’t hideous. However, I’ve decided that I like my feet and I’d like to walk without a hunchedback for the next 30+ years (make no mistake: I still love heels!).
The Truth: Comfortable shoes have evolved and continue to evolve. These aren’t your Grandma Mabel’s shoes. Well known comfort brands such as Naturalizer, Clarks, and Aerosoles have finally realized that there are more colors than brown, black, and tan and that every woman deserves comfort without sacrificing style.
How: When looking for comfortable shoes it’s always best to try on the shoes. I’m a fan on online shopping, but when I began my search for the ultimate comfort shoes I had to go to a brick and mortar store. It’s always best to decide where you will wear your comfortable shoes. Even within the category of “comfortable shoes” there are more categories to choose from: work comfort, outdoor comfort, walking comfort, church comfort, and the lists can go on. Once you decide where you will wear your shoes, the search becomes slightly easier.
Tips:
If you’re on a budget you can try the shoes on instore, write down the brand and style number, and then search for the shoes online for a cheaper price.
Use Foot Petals, Dr. Scholls, or other foot inserts to maximize your comfort levels.
Wedge heels are more comfortable than stiletto shoes because the weight is evenly distributed across the foot.
When making the decision to purchase online, do your research. Read up on the reviews on website and visit the manufacturer's website for more brand information.
Clothing, shoes, purses, accessories. We all have our picks when it comes to our favorite things. Personally, I’m a shoes type of girl. My love affair with shoes began when I was 12 years old. Against my mom’s better judgment (and my dad’s horror), my mother purchased and let me wear 2 inch Calvin Klein shoes she found on sale at Robinson’s May Company department store.
Since that time I’ve gone through good and bad shoes, but I’m a firm believer that shoes can make or break any outfit. Only you can be the judge of what works best for your own personal style, feet, budget, and comfort level, but there are five types of shoes every woman should have in their shoe closet.
What: Go-to-Patent-Leather-Shoes
The Myth: Don’t let images of little girls in frilly socks and patent leather Mary Jane shoes fool you into thinking that patent leather is for kids. Patent leather shoes are in surplus as they are fashionable and very popular.
The Truth: The average Jane can wear patent leather shoes without wearing a formal gown. The average Jane can wear patent leather shoes without feeling the need to have a tuxedo wearing date by her side.
How: There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when trying to figure out what outfits to wear with your patent leather shoes. Whether you’re going to church, work, school, or out with friends you can choose a variety of patent leather shoes that evoke a sense of your own personal style. Patent leather adds a touch of old school glamour and new age cool to turn any outfit from lackluster to luminous.
The Independent Fashion Bloggers network seeks to bind fashion bloggers together in an effort to establish a community. On a weekly basis, IFB encourages members to submit links of their most popular blog posts for the Links à la Mode segment. Links à la Mode features 20 blog posts, featured blogs are to repost the Links à la Mode write up to their own blog.
A popular post on MoMoMod was the article featuring Miriam of Spellbound. I submitted this article to be selected for this week's Links à la Mode, and it was chosen. MoMoMod's goal is to remind others that there is beauty in dressing modestly, and there are still women that are unashamed to dress in modest apparel. This interview with Miriam portrays the mission behind MoMoMod, and I was happy that this article was chosen. If you missed the article on Miriam, you can read it here. Featured below is the content from the Independent Fashion Bloggers network. I encourage you to support these bloggers, and I thank you very, very much for supporting 4 month old MoMoMod!
Couture: clothes painstakingly custom-made from the finest materials; alternatively, something Juicy – or even Filthy. It’s hard not to chafe at the degradation of the term, which is technically reserved for members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (houses that create made-to-order pieces for private clients, amongst other criteria). Looking at creations recently sent down the runways, it’s sad to think artisanal techniques like hand beading may not survive in a world of rhinestoned terry sweatsuits.
But in fact, the handmade movement is ever gaining steam with the support of many bloggers. “Couture” may be associated with impossibly high prices, but in your own hands it’s an affordable way to obtain one-of-a-kind style. This week, review Couture Week round ups from The Well-Appointed Catwalk, La Chanelfile and more – then become your own private client, with tips from Fashion Butter, The Fashion Planner, and Twitch Vintage.
Links à la Mode: July 15th
Blackdog Finds: A complete thrifted outfit for under $10
@Shey, thanks! I’m wondering why your comments keep messing up?? That must be aggravating! I totally agree: whether you dress modestly or not, there are…
Happy Friend Friday! My blogger buddy, Gina, invited me to join Katy Rose of Modly Chic's weekly Friday questionnaire group, and obliged. Per Katy Rose, Friend Friday is a way for bloggers to get acquainted with one another through a series of questions. If you're a blogger and would like to be apart of Friend Friday, click here to contact Katy Rose.
I’m clumsy. I literally have think about each step I take so as not to fall in a manhole on the street or trip and stumble over raised sidewalk. So when I stumbled (and fell) as I walked through the door in my 4 ½ inch heels one late Thursday evening, it was just another normal night—until I realized my right black snakeskin pump had gained puncture wounds. I was alarmed, mortified, and upset. Nevermind the fact that three large bruises immediately appeared on my shins, and that I had a bloody scrape on my knee: MY FAVORITE BLACK PUMPS WERE RUINED.
The Independent Fashion Bloggers network seeks to bind fashion bloggers together in an effort to establish a community. On a weekly basis, IFB encourages members to submit links of their most popular blog posts for the Links à la Mode segment. Links à la Mode features 20 blog posts, featured blogs are to repost the Links à la Mode write up to their own blog.
