I’ve been a fan of another online site, eBay, since high school, but as the online marketplace became overcrowded with fakes and unauthentic items, I’ve became more inclined to focus my attention on Etsy (this doesn’t mean that I don’t visit eBay, because I do).

 When I initially discovered Etsy nearly three years ago, I was overwhelmed and my search ended after 5 minutes. Since that time, however, I’ve basically become more familiar with the site and have fallen in love with the products I’ve found and purchased on Etsy. I’ve also come to grips with how, why, and when I will use Etsy and eBay.

 Use Etsy for:

• Handmade clothing and accessories
• Vintage clothing
• Home décor
• Unique wedding decorations
• Art

I’m often astonished with the handmade artisans that I find on Etsy. The scarves, purses, stationery, and clothing are all not only wonderful, but most are unique. Very rarely will you run into someone wearing the exact same item that you found on Etsy. Etsy gives you the chance to add items and sellers to your favorites; one of the best features about Etsy is how wonderful the sellers are. Because these sellers are attempting to build a following, most are eager to please their customers and make sure one’s user Etsy experience is top notch. If you run across an item that is no longer available in an Etsy store, simply send the seller a message asking if the item can be remade.

Use eBay when

• You’re looking for a bargain
• You’re looking for a specific item and have the name and model number
• You’re looking for collectibles

When shopping in store I tend to second guess my purchases. Very rarely do I spend without thinking. I blame this on eBay. eBay has allowed me to search for products at cheaper prices. Before diving into the world of contact lenses, I was often asked about my eyeglasses. My trick was this: I’d find and try on frames at my optometrist’s office, write down the model number and brand name, and search for the frames on eBay. I’ve purchased eyeglasses by Gucci, Byblos, BeBe, and other well known brands for under $20. The same goes for shoes and clothing.

I know there are many more features that I have yet to experience on both Etsy and eBay, so I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for these sites.

As a seller, do you prefer Etsy or eBay? As a buyer, do you frequent both sites? Do you have a favorite?

Items featured are from the following Etsy sellers

Mojospastyle

Norakaren

Nattyboho

Anitoes

Alis

I’m a sucker for print, and I love leopard print. Some will suggest that leopard can make a girl look “trashy” or “over the top”—anything can look trashy or over the top if that’s your motive when getting dressed. Leopard print tends to pop up every fall, but don’t fall into the ploy that leopard is a "trend". Trend schmend. Leopard is timeless; the print has been around for decades, and it isn’t going anywhere. However, when you happen across some leopard print this fall, don’t be afraid to embrace the print.

 Avoid:

• Head to toe animal print. The runway makes it look like it is possible to leave the house in a fur leopard hat, a leopard trenchcoat, leopard gloves, leopard tights, and leopard shoes, but let’s be honest—you’d be a walking eye sore if you left the house in that manner.
• Pairing leopard print with extremely bright shoes (red, hot pink, yellow).
• Being too matchy-matchy. Seek balance with your leopard print.

Embrace:

• Leopard print accessories. A pair of gloves, a wrist watch, shoes, belt, or a purse may be the perfect complement to a purple dress or a ruffled blouse and black skirt.
• Sleek hair. A wild mane will put you in the same category of the leopard's cousin, the lion. Play up the leopard print by decreasing the amount of attention drawn to your head/hair.
• Layering up in leopard. A silk leopard blouse can be worn under a cropped moto jacket, a soft merino wool vest, or underneath a blazer.

I have two vintage leopard dresses, and several leopard accessories and skirts that I've collected over the years, and I always like to wear these items in the fall. I've found that basic black tights and a black blouse is an easy way to break up "over the top" leopard print.

Do you own leopard print clothing? How do you wear it?

1. Suede animal print gloves $43

2. Faux leopard neck wrap $30

3. Leopard Cardigan $20

4. Nine West Leopard Purse

5. Mossimo for Target Leopard Pumps $30

The cares of this life are innumerable and all of us have lists of things to do and accomplish within certain time frames. If we’re not careful, however, we can end up feeling emotionally destitute and lonely and end up in a bitter state. I don’t believe that we are to feel happy and exuberant at all times, but I do believe that we should always take time out to reflect on our own lives and implement changes in order to become better individuals.

 I know that the majority of my alleged woes would end if I simply learn to say, “No.” I cannot do everything and be apart of every group or committee. This year one of my New Year’s resolutions was to say, “No” more often, and I’ve only said it three times!

 In order to say no I need to learn to

a) Be firm and not defensive for my choice.

b) Be honest about my schedule and time limits.

c) Be willing to negotiate.

 The benefits

a) Stress levels are reduced

b) Boundaries are set

c) Assert power of choice

 Thankfully, when I am overwhelmed, scriptures like the one below allow me to place everything in perspective.

 When I called, You answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted. (Psalm 138:3)

 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)

Is it easy for you to say no, or is it something you tend to struggle with?

Over the years I’ve learned to take the advice offered in these magazines with a grain of salt. I refuse to wear a certain item of clothing because a magazine promotes it. Thanks to Nina, I’ve had time to think about what I do best. Here are four of my best practices:

Best Practice #1: Playful Prints

Whether it’s a floral print clutch or a psychedelic print vintage shift dress, I love to have fun with color and print. The more vibrant the print—the better!

 Best Practice #2: I Embrace My Shape and My Height

I’ve never been a small girl. I stood at a solid five foot three inches in fourth grade, and reached five feet seven and a half inches by the time I was a freshman in high school and I’m the same height at 25 years old. I wore a bra in third grade and cried when I realized I was the only girl in sixth grade with hips, breasts, and a butt. I’ve finally come to realize that I’m a thick soul sista and that’s that. I know that broomstick skirts won’t sit well on my hips, and white shoes would make my feet look like cruise ships. I date a guy that’s five feet seven inches and I like sky high heels. I wear them.

 Best Practice #3: Best in a Dress

Dresses work best for my body frame; wrap dresses are even better. I have a full bust, a smaller waist, and wider hips, so I tend to wear dresses in an effort to accentuate my silhouette instead of drowning it.

 Best Practice #4: High End and Low End Pieces

I’m not afraid to spend money on designer pieces, and I don’t turn my nose up at Goodwill or yard sales. I can easily wear a vintage dress and current age shoes, or a mixture of high end and low end pieces to complete an entire outfit.

 Nina’s blog post made Links a la mode; be sure to visit her blog to read her post and read about her best practices.

 Nina has guest blogged for MoMoMod and is also apart of the Modest Q&A panel.

 What are some of your best practices when it comes to style?

1. Do you think fashion blogs are often just conspicuous consumption? Are some? I think there is a difference between a fashion blog and a style blog. A fashion displays the latest trends, while a style blogger attempts to showcase how he/she wears certain “trends”. I honestly believe that there are many style bloggers that fall under the “conspicuous consumption” (aka “keeping up with the Joneses”) category. They have the right to flaunt their goods and display their wealth; however, I also have the right not to read or add that blog to my feed.

2. As bloggers do we have the obligation to explain our personal financial status, how we pay for the things we showcase, if we have debt, etc... Bloggers do not have any obligation to explain anything about their personal finances to readers, but it’s always nice when bloggers are honest about how they pay for their items. I think the problem is that too many people are not confident with themselves and attempt to fill the hole in their life with things they do not need. They began to lust after and crave a life they do not have or a life they desire to have. Most of my readers know that I am a teacher, and prior to this career I was a social worker. Let’s be honest—teachers and social workers are pretty low on the pay scale (I do okay, because I have no children and I’m not married), so it would be very odd if all of the things discussed on my blog were designer and way out of my price range. Bloggers Gala Darling and Jeanne of The Coveted have admitted that they were over their head in debt at one point in their lives due to their intrinsic desire to have the latest and greatest in fashion. Elaine of ClothedMuch states point blank in her bio that she’s “married and poor. I like clothes, but don't have much as you can see from my closet. This blog is here to help me be more creative with what I already have”. How can you not love a blogger with a bio like this? I’d say the vast majority of us are simply trying to work with what we have, and it’s always nice to find a blogger that you can actually identify with and not be envious of what you think they’ve already paid for.

3. Critics often say that fashion bloggers should use their money to support more worthwhile causes than clothing themselves in a different outfit daily. What's your reaction to this? Should writers of print media (newspapers and magazines) be forced to support worthwhile causes when they discuss fashion and style? No. I support worthwhile causes by donating to and purchasing from Goodwill and Salvation Army. I give tithes and offerings to my church, and quite frankly, my financial giving relationship is between me and God—not “critics”.

 4. Since you started blogging, do you spend more money on fashion and beauty products? No. Blogging has allowed me to see that I have entirely too many clothes, shoes, accessories. I am actually attempting to condense my closet and refrain from purchasing items I do not need.  As a Christian I have to remind myself that material possessions mean nothing in the eyes of God. God probably looks at MoMoMod and sighs. I can have thousands of comments and hits on this blog, but if I lack a solid relationship with God I am nothing.

5. Life is about more than what money can buy. What are the things that top your list of what life is all about?

 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

Tea length dresses, circle skirts, and other 50s style separates are making a comeback and you don’t even have to wait until the first leaves fall off the tree to participate in this “trend”. Visit your local thrift and vintage store to find dresses, skirts, and 50s accessories to add to your style repertoire today.

Other fall favorites:

Velvet

Graphic Dresses with Sheer Sleeves

Elbow length gloves

What has made your fall favorites list? Or are you still basking in the wonder that is summer, and haven't even thought about fall?

Photos retrived from:

NBC Runway Trend Report

Elle Trends Report

This mustard colored ruffled eShakti skirt is one of my favorites. I purchased another one in cobalt blue. I'm a sucker for ruffled tops, but have to be careful with ruffle skirts. Ruffles on bottom would make me look like a birthday cake, and my already wide bottom would take on the form of a semi-truck. As you can see, these ruffles are asymmetrical and very loose. I paired the skirt with a ruffled Limited blouse, my gold Betsey Johnson boyfriend watch, patent leather pointed toe flats from Goodwill, and vintage Lucite shoeclips I scored on eBay.

I had some qualms about the skirt's length; I still have my 2^nd graders sit on the floor for various lessons, and there’s nothing worse than pulling down a skirt to cover the knees while trying to teach. The length is ok; I prefer a little longer. eShakti is amazing because they allow you to customize your clothing to your own preferences. If you’d like the skirt to be longer you can pay a small fee for a longer skirt. The fabric is perfect: 100% cotton. The only drawback is that the skirt is easily wrinkled.

The mustard yellow and cobalt blue colors are no longer in stock, but basic black is available for $49.95. I remember paying $20 each for these skirts when they were on sale.

 Don’t forget: signing up for eShakti newsletters gives you access to preferred discounts and you immediately get a coupon emailed to you for your first purchase.

Asymmetric Ruffle Layers Skirt

 Follow eShakti on Twitter

I’m a little late to the party, but I figured I’d blog about it anyway. I love when fabulous designers make their way to the Target and Payless scene. I initially thought that the designers were sell outs (and very rarely do I purchase shoes from Payless), but after getting my hands on several cute items over the years, my heart has softened. Isaac Mizrahi, Erin Featherston, Cynthia Vincent, Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, and now Eugenia Kim are all apart of my wardrobe, and I have Target and Payless to thank.

 My Eugenia Kim for Target fedora has become my travel staple. It has covered my atrocious hair at the beach, the park, out to dinner, and more recently for a day with my best friend and her daughter.

 My other recent love? Nordstrom Rack. I used to dislike the store because it was always disorganized and I rarely ever found anything. Over the past 6 months, however, I’ve found some great deals. This leopard skirt was a mere $15 and it was knocked down from $65. For my recent weekend getaway I packed this skirt because I knew I could simply wear sandals for a casual look, or pair my nice ruffled blazer and black heels with it when I went to church. I ended up wearing it for a more casual look. My other trusty travel staple? My black belt. I keep this war torn thing in the trunk of my car for quick accessorizing.

 What are your wardrobe staples?

Other ladies that wear the "Parrot" Eugenia Kim for Target Fedora

Caroline of Daily Runway

Nina of Alltumbledown

I found Ally of Modestly Fashioned by way of Nina of A Modest Attempt at Style. Unlike a certain blogger that forgets that she’s wearing sunglasses, or is too goofy to look the camera head on (ME!), Ally has a great smile and is mucho photogenic. The absence of fake props and excessive Photoshop are always a bonus in my book. As soon as I browsed Ally’s blog I knew we had something in common: SKIRTS! The internet reminds me that views on modesty vary, so when I come across bloggers that only wear skirts and dresses (Modesty is Pretty A Modest Attempt at Style) I feel giddy. I don’t wear pants, shorts, capris, skorts, skinny jeans, etc. (read about me here); I always feel a little bit closer to the ladies that wear knee length and longer skirts.

Listed below are a few questions Ally agreed to answer about her blog and her modest dressing journey:

Name: Ally S.

Location: New Jersey

MoMoMod: Why do you dress modestly?

Ally: I began to dress modestly 3 years ago. I was undergoing a personal transformation in terms of becoming a more Torah observant Jew. Dressing modestly, before then, seemed very antiquated and oppressive to me. I felt personally offended that a religious document thousands of years old (and then later interpreted by rabbis who outlined codes of law) could dictate how I should dress. I felt that it hindered my self expression and that the laws were set in place to subjugate women. However, after sifting through the various texts dealing with women and modesty, and with help and support from friends who followed the laws and seemed to live happy daily lives while covering up, I realized that it actually opened doors for me as a woman. I started wearing skirts exclusively (women are supposed to wear skirts past their knees, as to not show the outline of the upper leg). I then progressed to wearing shirts that covered my elbows (another guideline of modest dress as outlined by Jewish codes of law). The final (and most personally difficult) stage was to wear shirts that cover my collarbone (another guideline of modest dress outlined by Jewish law.)

One of the important goals of Jewish modesty laws is to "be attractive, not attracting". Modestly laws are not out there to make me feel bad about myself, or ugly or to take away any part of my self expression. Judaism wants me to look nice and feel good about myself! These laws are to safeguard my dignity; to make sure that I am not attracting negative attention, or any attention that I may otherwise not want. These laws were established to help me meet people and for them to see me - a whole person, not a set of individual body parts highlighted by certain pieces of barely there clothing. People meet my personality and my sense of humor and my smile, not my arms or my legs or my cleavage! People take me more seriously as the intelligent woman that I am and forgo the preconceived notions based on what I am wearing. 

MoMoMod: How has your transformation affected your marriage?

Ally: Dressing modestly has a strong impact on my marriage as well. The goal of "being attractive, not attracting" means that I can dress in a way that makes my husband proud and in a style that I love and he loves to see me in. However, I don't have to worry that I am soliciting attention from other men inappropriately. I know that I am not showcasing anything that is inappropriate for anyone else to see. I still feel good and confident about the way I look. Dressing modestly has become very personal for me. I love that I am covered up; it's like there is a bit of mystery about the way I dress. I love that it allows my personality to shine through more vividly! And lastly, I love that I can still have a sense of style that is all my own and still maintain my own personal and religious integrity.

MoMoMod: Who takes your pictures and what inspired you to start a blog?

Ally: My husband, D. I never would have considered starting a blog—mostly because I didn't know what I would talk about and if anyone would want to listen (read). However a few of my good friends have blogs, and I love them. One of my friends linked to a personal style blog that she follows and it was as if a light bulb went off in my head - I thought "I could do that!" I started looking at a few other personal style blogs and getting inspiration from them, began designing my own and I haven't looked back!

MoMoMod: Who are your favorite bloggers:

Ally: What I Wore, A Modest Attempt at Style, Just Call me Chaviva

MoMoMod: Where do you like to shop: J.CREW, Banana Republic, Gap, Marshall’s, Ally: Anthropologie, Loehmann’s

MoMoMod: When you’re not blogging or visiting your favorite blogs, what websites do you enjoy visiting?  

Ally: Facebook, YouTube, Hulu

MoMoMod: What are your hobbies?

Ally: Cooking, Going to the gym, walking our puppy, reading, traveling with D.

MoMoMod: You're going on a trip and can only take 3 items (toiletries/undies don't count!): What MUST you bring?

Ally: A Headscarf, Jean skirt, and a fabulous pair of comfortable shoes!

Visit Ally’s blog here.

Nominate another blogger with your comment.

How often do you purge your closet of unwanted or unnecessary items?

Picture 1: Taken last Sunday for evening service:

Pink Halogen Shirt Nordstrom Rack $4 (Can you believe this super basic shirt was actualy $59? When I got to it it had already been marked down 5 times. I got an extra 75% off.)

Belt: Old

Skirt: Marshall's two years ago

Button Clutch Purse: eBay circa 2003; I've tried to get rid of this purse, but I can't. This was my first eBay purchase.

Caged Snakeskin shoes: Vince Camuto

Other Pictures: Taken today before morning service:

Coral Cardigan: Nordstrom Rack $12

Black Pencil Skirt: $7 Marshall's

Skinny Belt: Taken from another dress

Ruffled Blouse: $8 TJ Maxx

Yellow Clutch Purse: Forever 21 $5

Shoes: Guess $17 TJ Maxx

I must admit that attempting to dress modestly in the heat can be a tad bit annoying. Still, seasons come and go and it’s definitely possible to maintain a modest appearance when the mercury seems to burst through the roof.

My air conditioner in my classroom was broken for the FIRST THREE DAYS OF SCHOOL. My room was 95 degrees and I was sweating like a warthog. It didn’t help that I was posted up in front of a super hot overhead projector and that 20 other little bodies were complaining about the heat. Thank GOD that the maintenance department came and fixed my air conditioner yesterday and I was able to teach in peace. During the summer I try to limit the amount of layering by simply wearing dresses—one piece equals less hassle and more comfort. So far I’ve worn dresses every day this week. Today, however, involved layering (shirt under dress).

Side note: I recently made the transition from eyeglasses to contacts and it was not a pleasant transition. The contacts hurt my eyes and I was unable to put them in. My optometrist heard my woes and complaints, gave me a new pair, and I wore them today. However, I felt naked so I slipped on a pair of black non-prescription frames. Yes, dear readers, I wore contacts and eyeglasses today.

Today’s teaching outfit:

Target Dress that I bought last night for $7—The rack was littered with these dresses; sizes 2 to 32 and I was surprised that I even found my size. The high neckline and ruffle front won me over, and the price wasn’t too shabby, either.

Blue shirt from Gap—When wearing black/white I like to wear a contrasting color.

Red watch from Pier 1 Imports $5—My students really liked this watch; the face is large and the numbers are huge.

Banana Republic Sandals

Fake eyeglasses (!!) from eBay

Black patent leather belt from another dress

How do you brave the heat in the summer?

Ps. You'll have to excuse my Quasimodo stance (middle); that's just me being goofy.

Stay tuned for another giveaway! The previous $25 Macy’s gift card Winsday was a Facebook only giveaway, so make sure you’re a fan! DWJ of The Art of Accessories won that giveaway. She wrote a blog entry about what she purchased with her gift card here.

Do you have any ideas for Winsdays? Let me know!

Well, we get some help! It’s So You! written by personal fashion consultant, Mary Sheehan Warren, is an informative guide to fashion and a practical application of style techniques that can be applied to any lifestyle.

Warren guides the reader through a series of exercises that force you to come face to face with the wardrobe that stares back at you from your bedroom closet. In one exercise, she has you take out three things that you don’t feel comfortable wearing and ask yourself, “Why? What was going through your mind when you made the purchase?” Other exercises ask what you currently communicate with your style and what you wish to communicate. My favorite exercise was called “I’ve Got Personality.”  This is a quiz to determine which of the four fashion personalities you are; relaxed, classic, romantic, or expressive. I turned out to be dominantly expressive with a touch of classic. That explains my dependence on my pearl earrings, but the overabundance of statement shoes in my shoe rack! The idea is that by combining these exercises with the three “elements of style”, body type, fashion personality, and color palette, that you will have purged your closet of the bad and the ugly and be left with the good – a perfectly streamlined wardrobe that is uniquely you, as well as updated and fresh.

Not only does the book consist of practical exercises, it also teaches about the substance and content of fashion – what the difference between a hobo bag and a tote is or even the “anatomy” of a shoe! This book applies to women of all ages and professions – stay at home moms, professional career women, college students, grandmothers, and yes – even teenagers! Every woman is meant to look and feel her best and many times the mainstream media leads us astray. What is walking down a runway in Paris doesn’t work for 90% of women walking down the street – but this book is set up to get your style to work for you in a way that is modest, complimentary and supportive of your lifestyle, and current.

Mary’s wisdom in this is abundant. She says, “Demand what you need from fashion. Approach the market with you in mind by picking and choosing pieces that are acceptable to you…Modesty isn’t retro. It isn’t weird or even self-denying…It blends. It’s real and works for real women and promotes our material well being as well as our dignity. It can be fashion-forward and will work in anyone’s personal style – even the trendiest.”

This book has been invaluable to me as a fashion consultant in serving my clients and in serving myself as a woman. Inevitably, when I get out of bed in the morning I need to put something on. Armed with this book in hand and the fundamentals of fashion that it has taught me, I’m guaranteed to greet the day with a fresh look all my own.

About the Guest Blogger: Gina is currently a teacher in Chicago, IL and is originally from New Jersey. Gina blogs about budget friendly fashion on her personal blog, and reminds her readers to take pride in their personal appearance. Gina is also a fashion consultant and is excited to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself. Read Gina's blog here: www.ginajosephineaggie.blogspot.com

Happy First Day of School! Yes, I started school today. Twenty second grade students were waiting for me. Two criers, one lost boy (who found his way to my room), 17 talkers, and a day without A/C in 95+ degree weather later—I survived!

I’m channeling Ms. Frizzle (of the Magic School Bus book series) today, and wore a crazy multicolored vintage dress that I bought for $5 several months back. You’ll find that I love vintage dresses most of all, and after I scope out the shoes at thrift/vintage stores I always head toward the dresses. My sandals were a Marshall’s find, and my students called them “Jingle Bell Shoes”. Only God knows where I bought this belt. I tend to wear belts as often as I can. This one was a little loose; I tightened it after the picture.

I was pressed for time this morning and didn’t have enough time to take as many pictures as I would have liked, but look! No sunglasses! Yes, I am four eyes and my eyeglasses are red in these pictures. The cat you see in this photo is a stray cat that somehow made her way to our house and eventually gave birth to four kittens. We’re pretty positive that she was a house cat in her former life. This morning she kept LICKING my legs (?!) and apparently loved the Bath and Body Works lotion I put on this morning--ick! To be honest I’m not one for animals (!), but this cat is alright. I wasn’t amused that she jumped in my photo, though, and you can tell by the progression of the pics and my awful sneering face in the third photo that she caught me off guard. HA!

Despite the wretched heat, the best part of my day was talking with my old second graders from last year. It’s amazing how much they’ve changed in almost two months; lost teeth, new teeth, long hair, tan, and taller. One student peeked his head in my door, ran over to me, and literally hugged me for one minute! Aw. I miss those kids, but I know they’ll have a great time as third graders. I’m enjoying my new students, too, and I can’t wait to teach. Today was a mass of pre-tests, rules, procedures, and a brief campus tour.

Tomorrow’s post will feature a book review by Gina, a fellow blogger and teacher. You won’t want to miss it. Plus, tomorrow is the last day to get your entry in for the DSW $25 Giftcard Giveaway!

Happy Monday!

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. As far as being jealous in life you'll have to WANT to get rid of the feelings of jealousy. If you're content with being jealous you will gravitate towards those with similar feelings so as not to feel left out--misery loves company. When the jealous monster rears its head in my own life and I begin to compare and contrast myself with others, I simply acknowledge that I'm jealous, think about WHY, and how I'm going to change things in my life to make me a better person. We can look at individuals for inspiration, but we should definitely stick to being true to ourselves and enjoy being who we are.

Bloggers, join Friend Friday!