Blog Stalker: Color Me Katie

If you haven't already discovered Katie Sokoler, you MUST!
The fire behind the blog Color Me Katie, this girl is AMAZING.
This is one blog that does NOT need the extra advertising, but I can't help but make her my first Blog Stalker feature.

She's a 23 year old freelance photographer and street artist based in New York, and her work ALWAYS brings a smile to my face. It's one of those blogs that after a particularly long, stressful day, its just a perfect light, and always joyful, read.

You can literally spend hours creeping her blog archives and not feel an ounce of boredom. From her Pac Man street art, to her thought bubble art, and her creative use of shadows, it's always original and entertaining.
She's also a regular for Improv Everywhere, an improv comedy troupe that can be found causing havoc around the world.

Oh, and she kind of has the most amazing cat ever.

For all these reasons and more, check out Katie.

Friend Friday: That Blogging "Edge"

This week has just been crazy busy, yesterday in particular... thank god it's over. So that's my excuse for never having this up on time. I suppose I could write it Thursday night and schedule the post... but that would require much more organization, and while that's usually my strong point, I have SO MUCH going on right now that its probably not going to happen.
So once again, thank you Katy for this week's Friend Friday questions!

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never
measure up?
ohmigoodness, yes. there are some insanely good blogs out there with thousands of followers, and i used to think, what would it take to be like them? but i feel like it reminds me of high school. Some people were just the social butterflies with these exuberant personalities that attracted everyone, and some are more quiet and reserved, and it takes time to get to know them, but once you do, you realize that they're pretty amazing... i consider myself the latter.

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined
standard for fashion bloggers?
yes, but mostly from myself. I'm my worst critic. I always think I could have styled my hair better, or found a better location for a shot, or put on some make up... but then i realize it's about the outfit and the voice, and that calms those demons... at least for a while!

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers,
bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of
these things to be successful at blogging?
Definitely not. there are some super popular blogs that contain none of those aspects. And anyways, if you're posting about something you aren't passionate about, it seems forced and fake.

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal
voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?
Hmmmm, well I'm attempting to start a few new features, so I hope that helps with my "development". We'll see... it's all trial and error, right?

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you
and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?
Uhm, clearly my awesomeness.
Haha, no really, I don't think I have an answer yet... my pretty shoes? I do have quite the collection. My openness? again, we'll see. I'm not good at this whole "horn tooting" thing.

And you know, I should probably show some outfits seeing as how I have tons that haven't been posted yet....
So I love my new cut, but I hate the bangs. Any advice for us greasy-haired gals?

sheer blouse - Jacob (2010)
knit vest - YDE (2009)
skinnies - Gap (2010)
wedges - Aldo (2010)

New Year, New Projects

Since the New Year is a time for Resolutions, and of course, all things new, I was considering starting a few new features.

First, I'm going to change my "Weekly Money Check-Up" (which I haven't been very good about posting lately) into a Monthly feature instead. Here I'll give you the run-down on my monthly shopping budget, clothing purchases, and any other interesting things I've done with my money.

Second, I would like to be more accountable to my exercise-oriented goals. On a weekly basis (or bi-weekly) I'm going to try to record my weight loss/weight lifting goals, and maybe a few numbers... kind of similar to Kayla at Blue Collar Catwalk's "Sweaty Wednesdays."

And lastly, I would like to do a blog spotlight (super original, I know). Instead of restricting it to only fashion bloggers though, I'm going to profile whichever blog has me constantly coming back as of lately... artists, ramblers, make-up vixens, money mavens... whoever!

So keep a look out for all of these goodies in the near future!

And now of course, an outfit:

cardigan - Smart Set (2010)
blouse - Smart Set (2010)
skirt - Zara (2010)

heels - Aldo "Urquisa" Pumps (on sale!)
watch - Guess (2010)

A 2010 Retrospective: July to December

I thought the wrap up to 2010 was long overdue, so lets proceed!

July was all about finding my groove in retail. While it didn't quite work out, I got to experiment in the field of clothing, which I think helped me settle on some long term goals, as well as embrace some very feminine patterns. Prior to this experience I didn't really like clothes that had a lot of color or craziness, I think it taught me how to mix my classic pieces with a bit of flair.

August saw me full swing into a desk job in the accounting department for a real estate management company. With the new job, I definitely tried to play the part in terms of my wardrobe. Hey, the whole reason I got into business was for the power suits and stilettos, right?

Ah, my love of the pencil skirt. It shall live on forever.

Once I became a little more comfortable with my corporate environment, I started mixing it up a bit, hence the hiking boots and chunky knits. While I love the professional look, it's good to know I can be a little more relaxed in the office environment and still get respect from clients and peers.

November birthed my new baby. NO I didn't adopt a random child, just a DSLR, which I'm still trying to figure out how to use properly... I also started looking for a lot more vintage pieces. I fell in love with the Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton Runways for S/S 11 and wanted to try out the midi-skirt.

December was just plain crazy. I took on a lot of new responsibilities at work, and it was the first Christmas I went all out for everyone.. having a full time job does that! So needless to say blogging took a bit of a back burner. I will however be back in full swing for 2011!
I can't wait to see what this new year brings! New courses, new hobbies, and of course, a new house.

Here's to a New Year!

Blogger Resolutions!

Happy New Year All!!

While we're all making some New Year's Resolutions, this has held true for the FFBF community in terms of our blogs. Here are this week's questions & answers:

1. What's the one thing you vow to learn or do in 2011 to improve your blog?
Two things actually! I want to take a photography course at the School of Photographic Arts here in Ottawa. Unfortunatly the January-March classes are full so I can't start til May :(
Secondly, I hope to *finally* learn a little xhtml. I have some pretty creative layout ideas and what not but NO IDEA how to put it into action.

2. What did you learn about blogging in 2010 that you plan to put into practice next year?
Be Original & True to Yourself. I'm never going to be one of those picture perfect, artsy, modelesque bloggers who seem to have professional photogs on hand, but I can still be interesting!

3. Do you have any high-level goals for your blog in the coming year? Monetization? More comments? More connections with other bloggers? A new template?
I'd love to have more local traffic. Not that I don't LOVE YOU ALL (you make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!), but I'd like to celebrate my city a little more, and maybe turn on some locals to some unique experiences that Ottawa has to offer.... and who knows? Could be useful tips should you all ever decide to play tourist up here!

4. If you could collaborate with one other blogger within your sphere of influence in 2011, who would you like to collaborate with and what would you like to collaborate on?
Hmmmm... never really thought about it. There are a LOT of amazing bloggers out there, but I don't know if I'm at the level yet where I could consider collaborations... lets start with a few guest posts first, hmm?

5. What do you plan to do to support other bloggers next year?
I know many blogs already have a "blogger spotlight" of some sort, but I'd like to try that out too I think... I'm just not sure which perspective I'm going to take yet. We'll see how that one develops!

ALSO! Unrelated, but excited to get it out there: I was considering having an Ottawa Clothing Swap... would anyone be interested?