Friend Friday: A Hair-y Issue

I haven't really been keeping up with the Friend Friday's as of lately, but I do always enjoy reading everyone else's answers. My posts will be sporadic in this genre... but when they're quick and simple, I'll usually partake. Thanks, as usual, Katy!

1. How often do you get your hair cut?
Not as often as I should, I’m sure. Probably once every 3 months? Sometimes I go longer…

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?
Since I moved back to Ottawa a year ago I’ve had my hair cut 3 times, each at a different salon. Currently my good friend Sarah has been doing my hair. She works at Scissors in Stittsville, but has a cute little salon set up right in her house where I’ll get mine done. She’s responsible for the sexy bangs I’ve been rocking since March. I’m probably in need of a trim too… *ahem*

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color?
I currently have some chunky peek-a-boo highlights, but this brown is all natural. I used to dye my hair darker all the time until I was told it makes me look washed out.

4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:
I don’t love my hair, but I have received compliments… I’d say it’s because I never blow dry it – not because I’m concerned about keeping it healthy, but just because I’m far too lazy.

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

I would LOVE to go platinum blonde like Gwen Stefani, 80s Madonna, or Gaga, but I know the amount of upkeep with my dark roots and brows would just be ridiculous. Refer to my lazy comment in #4.

photo credit: Google Images Search

Friend Friday: I Can Dress Myself

This week's topic is all about getting dressed so I was excited to fill it out!
Thanks Katy! A Great set of Questions!

1. How do you determine what you will wear that day?
I attempt to have some sort of plan, but usually it just happens to be whatever's clean and office appropriate. I also use my new stylit (see #2).

2. Do you plan outfits out in advance for a whole week, month,
weekend?
I bought myself a Stylit (love!) for the new year as a planner so I try to plan out my outfits for work the weekbefore... unfortunately though, I don't always take into account the weather or what's actually clean, so it usually deviates from the original plan. That being said, I like having a vague idea of what I'll be putting on, even if it is just one item I end up using, or using an idea from later in the week.

the famed "stylit"

3. Do you have any specific way of tracking outfits and items already
worn so you don't repeat?
Not anything special really. just what I've already mentioned. And I don't so much mind repeats. Some outfits are just tried, tested and true.... but I won't bore you with the outfit photos from those days!

4. How do you discover new combinations of items in your closet?
(Trial try-ons? Hanging items together?)
This is something I actually have trouble doing. My closet hangs by "category" (tops together, bottoms together, dresses together, etc.) so new combinations don't just pop out at me... I have SO MUCH in there that I often forget what's hidden in the abyss. I've actually started a spreadsheet with the different categories & colors so I can come up with combinations that way (i'm neurotic, i know) but so far it's a work in progress.

5. To streamline the process for 2011 what is one new thing you can do
to cut down your dressing time?
Try things on on the weekend I guess? But now that I only have one day off a week I don't see that happening. As much as I'd love to cut down on time, I'm a realist, and that just ain't gonna happen!

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)

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?

2/3 of the way done, and a Friend Friday... er.. Saturday.

Before I start this week's Friend Friday (erm... Saturday), I just want to take a moment to say a sincere thank you to all my readers. This week has been particularly tough on me, but you all know just how to bring a smile to my face! It was all your wonderful comments that kept me going and made me feel good about myself when I was not in a good place. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Coincidentally, making connections is also this week's topic.
(thank you ModlyChic!)

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success your blog?
Obviously very. I believe its the connections we make with others that makes blogging such a worthwhile experience. That being said, I don't believe it's the only driver of success. If it was all about how nice we are we'd all have hundreds of followers. Content is also super important. Variety, a sense of newness, and engagement are also equally important. You have to have something that makes readers want to come back over and over. I'm still working on it...

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?
This is still something I struggle with, I think. I do participate actively in the blogging community, and I think that helps, but I also feel as if I should be more creative in the ways that I do so. Obviously Friend Fridays help with that.

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?
I think I should make more of an effort to get REAL feedback. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love hearing that I look great and that the outfits I put together are pretty, but I want to make more of an effort to have everyone engage in constructive criticisms. I know there are many things I can work on still as I am fairly new to this. More polls, opinion seeking, and maybe a few little contests (based around outfit creation), would really help other feel engaged in my blogging process.

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?
There are SO MANY of you who are complete and total sweethearts! You're all pretty wonderful! Marilou of Twenty York Street is the first name that jumps out at me for going above and beyond though. She always leaves super sweet, heartfelt comments, and even makes special little posts every so often to let us know how important we all are.

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?
I'm such a blog stalker. I'm regularly on the look out for new writers/photographers/stylistas that catch my eye. Recently Kendi's 30 for 30 blogroll has been a great source for this. I believe that engaging with others on their blog helps to draw them to my own blog. IF anyone has any other idea on how to generate traffic though, I'm always open to suggestions!

Now, since I'm so far behind:

14. dress - Charlotte Russe (2009)
18. jeans - Smart Set (2010)
29. wedges - Aldo (2010)

Friend Friday: Look at ME! LOOK AT ME!

This week's Friend Friday is about self-promotion, and attention seekers in the blogging world. As always, thank you ModlyChic for putting this together! I'll be back later with the continuation of my 30x30!


1. How do you promote your blog?
Hmmmm, good question. I do a few things, but judging by the responses of others I should be doing more...
What I currently do:

• I like to think I leave nice, thoughtful comments and questions on the blogs of others.
• I take part in weekly posts supported by other bloggers such a Friend Friday and Weekly Money Check-Up.
• I have a link on my facebook page for anyone who actually knows me that might be interested.
• Post outfits I'm particularly proud of to weardrobe (even though I've criticized it before, I still find many new blogs this way, so I still do the occasional post. But no more free ads! Notice my lack of banner...)
  

What I should do:

• Network! Tell anyone who cares to listen.
• Be more active on IFB
• Broaden my post spectrum... Ottawa is an amazing City, I should showcase it more.
  

2. In your experience what has been the most effective form of self promotion?
I would say just being friendly and taking an interest in the blogs of others. Most of my followers are people I regularly comment on and chat to.

3. Do you think there is a wrong way to promote yourself and your blog?
There is no "wrong way," per se... I mean the more people hear about you, the more well known you will become. But I don't particularly like the one word comments and the "come enter my giveaway!" only comments. (By all means, advertize your blog/giveaway! But make me feel like my comments section is more than just a bulletin board in a university hallway!) I'm not really about that, and neither is my blog. I'd like to think I have some form of connection with most of you :)

4. When is comes to others pushing their product what annoys you?
When I see someone that has made the same comment on 10 different blogs... in the same day. We all like to feel special, so please take the time to read what I have to say, or the 5 seconds to come up with a comment that isn't solely, "nice skirt!" But then again, any kind of comments make me feel warm and fuzzy!

5. In Dressful's post on this topic earlier in the week she said, "It's impossible to respect someone who wants all the attention, but adds nothing worthwhile to the conversation." Do you agree?
Oh yes. Unless of course she means she doesn't like bloggers who only post a look and a few sentences. I think those are more than okay if that's your blogging style! It's my perogative of whether I want to follow you or not.
What I DON'T like (and won't follow) are the few bloggers I've seen who wear the same pieces over and over again because they're "brand name" and then do nothing but go on and on about this or that event they went to. No review, no original thought... just a regurgitation of text, and style. that bothers me.
I visit you because you're ORIGINAL and CREATIVE and i LOVE what you've had to say. And I admit, I visit a blog a few times before I "follow" it. I like blogs that I have been drawn to more than once and have entertained me on a variety of occasions.


Photo via AdWeek

Friend Friday: Blogging & You

from my first actual outfit post!

1. How has your blog changed over the months/years you've been blogging?

Hmmm... has it? I think features have been added... things have been attempted, but not uch on the actual blog has changed. I on the other hand have been more engaged with the blogs of others, which I think helps my own in return.

2. What was one thing you did wrong in the beginning and how have you changed that?

I haven't changed much quite honestly, maybe my layout quite a bit, but the way I blog has basically stayed the same. I still ramble about whatever's going on that day, and my outfit photos don't vary in their location much... if there's one thing I'd like to improve on, the quality and variation in location/poses is what I'd like to attempt to change.
I've also added a couple of somewhat regular weekly features (money check-up, in my shoes, and of course friend friday) which i think are fun to write, and hopefully to read too!

3. When you visit a blog what's the greatest turn off?

• Too many ads... and not people who sponsor the blog... random google ads. They just get in the way!
• Just a picture... no voice, not even clothing credits!
• Wearing basically the same thing every day...
  
• Really expensive/high end clothing... but nothing interesting to say. Yes.. I may be jealous of what you have on your back... but that almost seems like your intention.
  

4. How did you find your voice?

Honestly? I basically just ramble. I don't think I've quite found my voice yet, or what works for me... even though I'm coming up on my 1 year blogging anniversary soon, I really feel like there's so much more for me to learn and attempt!

5. If you had three pieces of advice to give to a new blogger what would those be?

1. Keep an eye out for what you love about other blogs and recreate it in your own way.
2. Let the reader get to know YOU, your style, your voice, what you like to do... it makes you seem more real, and people get attached to that.
3. Join communities, and show the love to others that you'd like to receive.. all while being genuine.

Friend Friday is a Weekly Feature courtesy of the wonderful Katy of ModlyChic!

Friend Friday: Commentators of All Kinds

1. Do you allow comments on your blog? Why or why not?
Heck Yes! I think comments are what makes the blogging community so much fun! It's how you get to know each other a little bit! And they still make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :)

2. Do you think people at times leave comments that are insincere or not well-thought out? What's the point?
I really dislike people that comment on 10 million blogs a day in order to get their own blog out there. I'll admit, I too have left my URL at the bottom of a comment once or twice, but it's usually if I feel a commonality between myself and the blogger and would like to be friends :) haha.

3. Would you ever leave a comment that could be considered negative?
Not negative... maybe thought provoking? I don't think I've ever been negative, and if I have I'm SORRY! It was unintentional. These people are putting themselves out there for the world to see, and that takes a certain level of bravery. I applaud those that let us glimpse into their lives and would never do anything to make them not want to be open anymore.

4. Most people claim to like constructive criticism. Do you really and how do you offer that kind of criticism to others?
I do! If I look off... I'd like to know! But more in a "you should try this next time..." and less in a "that ___ looks AWFUL on you!" No one likes getting their feelings hurt!
And yes, I give advice, or "constructive criticism", but I usually wait until it is solicited. I like when people like to hear my opinion!

5. Some bloggers don't allow comments in order to cut down on negativity. Do you think that is the way to go or are there other ways to deal with the negative vibes?
I kind of think it's ridiculous... I mean, you can always screen your comments before posting, right? Or mark someone as a spammer. I think it defeats the purpose of the community and becomes more of a "look what I have!" And if that's the case, I don't think those people should be allowed to comment on others' blogs either... kind of hypocritical, no?
Maybe it's because I've never encountered the negativity (hey, I'm not THAT popular!) but I definitely feel I could handle a negative comment or two and brush it off... I think all the positive ones would negate that!

Friend Friday is a Weekly Feature courtesy of the wonderful ModlyChic!
Image via orkut-scrapping.com

I'm up to the Challenge!

So the weather channel predicted 27C and sunny today... yeah.. not gonna happen. Way to get my hopes up Mr. Weather Man!
Either way I'm thankful it's Friday. While I'm glad I've been busy, I could definitely use a break and a sleep-in.
Also! I've taken your advice, and next week will be my "Loved & Forgotten Challenge!" I'll be styling outfits around pieces that I fell in love with when I bought, but have been sitting in the back of the closet unworn, and despite my many purges, couldn't bear to part with them (I hope I have enough pieces!). So this weekend I'll catch up with the rest of my outfits from this week and start fresh Monday.
I have to say, I'm pretty excited! Would anyone care to join me in this challenge?

tank - Dynamite (summer 2010)
cardigan - Suzy Shier (2008)
skinnies - Gap (summer 2010)
heels - Spring (summer 2010)

It's also Friend Friday courtesy of ModlyChic!

1. What do you think are some of the top fashion don’ts? Birkenstocks and socks! It took me a while, and I have come to admire the socks/strappy sandals combo and those brave enough to wear it, but please not with your birks.
Also, leggings/tights with tight shirts or tops that don't cover your hips/butt.... it's about proportion.. and honestly, I don't want to see your wedgies & camel toes.

2. What previous fashion don’t do you now wear with pride? Similar to ModlyChic, I love rocking the black and brown! White after labour day, and that whole "blue & green should never be seen"... blue and green look GREAT together!

3. Do you think there is a universal fashion do? Yes, universally flattering is playing with proportion: a fuller skirt, a slimmer top; skinny jeans, somethign with more volume/longer on top. Not everyone looks good in all baggy or all super fitted... unless of course you're a size 0. Then you can wear whatever you want.

4. What items lately, either recently in style or coming in now, do you think should never make it off the retail shelves? I'm actually partial to a lot of the fall trends. But you can see my above comment for my hate of people wearing tights as pants. NOT PANTS!

5. In your opinion, is there any blogger, fashion icon, celebrity who some how manages to pull off some fashion don’ts and still look good? Julia @ SongoftheExile can wear ANYTHING and look good. I swear, if you handed her an old tablecloth she'd find a way to rock it.

Friend Friday: Work vs. Blog Wear

Friend Friday from ModlyChic is always an enjoyable read, so I thought I would participate from now on...

1. When it comes to outfit posts on your own blog, be honest are they what you actually wore that day?
Oh yes. Well... usually a day or two earlier as I'm always behind, but definitely worn. That's why they're always so conservative! haha.

2. For a fashion blogger, working in a corporate environment can be tricky. How do you mesh your day job with your personal style choices?
Good question. I love the more artsy-boho-adventurous fashion blogs, but really, it's not me. This corporate classic I wear on an almost daily basis is what feels most "me," so I don't have much of a problem with it. I DO always make sure I'm wearing fabulous heels though. It's the one area I can be somewhat adventurous :)

3. When you get dressed in the morning, do you think what should I wear to work or what should I wear for the blog?
Both. I always have to ask myself, "is this really office appropriate?," but also, "is this interesting enough to post?" Somedays I slack and put somethign very basic together, but most days I like to make sure I cover all my bases, shoes, hair, make up, accessories, so that it remains interesting to the reader.

4. Do professionals you interact with ever make comments about your clothing choices?
Yes, but mostly good things. I work in an office with a lot of older (than me, but not OLD! I love 'em!) ladies and they like to tell me how wonderful my choices are and how it reminds them of things they used to own. Quite a few of them are pretty stylish themselves, and great shoppers, so we're always comparing notes!

5. Some bloggers openly admit to wearing outfits only for the blog post. What's your opinion on that?
Kind of a cheat... I mean, I feel your clothing choices reveal a lot about who you are (call me shallow if you must!) and if you're portraying one person online and another to the public, I feel like you're lying to people who have grown attached to you.
On the other hand, if you reveal you're playing dress up, or you're doing it for a purpose (i.e. a vintage shop or what not, or experimenting bc you're trying to branch out your own style), it's totally justified.