sponsor love: dahlialynn lane

This week's sponsor love goes out to Jessica from DahliaLynn Lane. Jessica blogs about her unique sense of fashion in the workplace, her life with her husband and cute pets, and her jewelry line DahliaLynn (seriously, how amazing is this piece?!). Her outfits always have a fun spin to them - ripped jeans and a baseball cap with a crisp white blazer or a giant red necklace with an animal print shift dress. Her style is affordable and attainable without being like everyone else. Please go pay Jessica a visit - she's definitely worth the click over! You can also find her here:

bloglovin | shop | twitter | facebook

Are you interested in sponsoring Franish? You can find out more here!

March Budget

1. Target Floral Ankle Pants (seen here) originally $30, on clearance for $13: As I mentioned on Tuesday, I saw these pants on AJ and felt the urge to make them mine immediately. I was even willing to pay full price for them because I really like the shape and print, but I got lucky by finding them on the clearance rack! The fabric and cut will be perfect for this spring.
2. Gap Boatneck Tee (seen here) originally $25, on sale for $14: Although I love striped shirts, I don't really have many in my closet. While this isn't on my "holes in my closet" definition of striped shirts I want, I really like it (even if it reminds me of the Hamburglar sometimes haha).
3. Target Scarf (seen here) $13: I mentioned here that I was looking for a bright floral scarf this month, and although I wasn't able to find this at any of my local Targets, Audrey found it at hers and became my personal shopper by picking it up for me and sending it my way. See how she wore hers here (obviously I will be recreating this outfit ASAP). I think the colors make it pretty versatile for both this early spring, and actually any time of the year.
4. Target Cardigan, thrifted for $4: I mentioned in my med school wardrobe dress code post that I would like a few solid colored cardigans. This one looked brand new, and the color seems pretty versatile. 
5. Kenneth Cole dress, thrifted for $7: a fun black/white printed wrap dress for $7? Sold.
6. J.Crew Cardigan, thrifted for $4: I left my favorite grey cardigan in the back of someone's car and never got it back (it might actually be the oldest piece of clothing I owned...if I still owned it). This cardigan is a bit thicker, but so soft. It's missing a button at the bottom but that's nothing a trip to the fabric store can't fix.
7. Coach Willis purse (seen here) via Etsy for $50: My favorite purchase of the month! After the little bit of restoring, she looks pretty much brand new. It's the purse I now grab every time I don't need to lug my work tote around with me, and I'm truly excited every time.
8. J.Crew Factory Chambray Popover (seen here) originally $70, on sale for $30: After several different options were tried on, I'm happy I choose this version. I've already worn it a few times since I received it last week so I'm feeling confident about this purchase.
9. Gap Pure Cowlneck Sweater (seen here) on sale for $20: This wasn't a planned purchase or something I was looking for at all. I probably won't get much more wear out of it this season but I'm sure with its neutral color and thick comfy fabric that it'll be in heavy rotation next fall/winter.
10. The Limited Ankle Pant (seen here) on sale for $20: While I'm not 100% sure if these will be on the "not allowed" list for school, I think I'll still get plenty of wear out of them at work. Once it gets in the 80s+ here, it gets really tiresome putting jeans on and driving around in the humidity with denim clinging to you. 
11. Tahari Striped Tee via TJMaxx (seen here) for $20: I went to visit Chris at his away rotation site last weekend and that boy loves a deal more than I do so we spent some time at the local Goodwills and TJ Maxx. He found a sweatshirt, I found this soft striped tee.
12. Galisfly above the knuckel rings (seen here) for $16: Even though I purchased these with paypal credit I'm including it in my budget post because...it's still money spent. I wear these rings quite a bit - they're small enough to not be obnoxious but make enough of a statement. 
13. Gap Cat Blouse (seen here) originally $55, on sale for $33: This may be a shirt where in 2 years I ask myself why I bought this, but ya know, I really like it right now. The quirky print on a classic style of shirt means I can probably get away with a lot more than if it was a more casual style shirt. Plus I think it's just really dang cute. So there.
14. Cold Water Creek Cardigan (seen here) thrifted for $4: I wasn't really sure about getting this cardigan as I wasn't sure of a lot of ways of wearing it, but now that I have it I'm excited to mix it up a bit. Maybe a thin striped tee? but definitely with a dress of some sort. and a skirt! So there's 3 possible outfits already, bringing the cost/wear down to $1 in just 4 wears. 

= $248 - $120 sold on eBay = $128

Ok so "technically" I'm under budget this month. I sold 3 jackets and a sweater on eBay this month, and as a part of my budget terms I allow that money to go back towards my clothing allowance. All three jackets were from my college days and hadn't been used in years so I didn't feel like I was really missing anything by selling them. I felt I made pretty good choices this month - nothing really too trendy besides maybe (ok definitely) the cat blouse, the floral pants, and the rings, but even then I know I'll wear those pieces a lot. I really tried to take my time with finding the right chambray popover for me, and I found the purse on Etsy and then did a bit fixing on my own, so I feel really content with those purchases.

I did do a bit more shopping than I intended to this month. Chris was gone on his rotation for the whole month, and with the colder weather, I was pretty bored. Shopping shouldn't be a time filler, but what can I say, I was vulnerable! With the now warmer weather and longer days I'm able to spend more time outside. I'm also borrowing my mom's sewing machine for a few weeks so I hope to alter a few pieces and possibly even make a piece or two! 

I do have a few goals for the shopping I do do in April:

+ Find the perfect white (and possibly black) t-shirt. I only own one plain white tee, and I kind of hate it. It's really clingy and I avoid wearing it. I want a few tees I can just throw on and feel comfortable in. I want a full short sleeve (no little slanted sleeves for these arms please), v-neck, not completely see through, and not clingy. I'm going to look at all price options - from Target to Old Navy to Gap to J.Crew to Everlane. I'll of course blog about it because it didn't happen if I don't tell you about it, right?

+ A thick dark brown belt like this one or this "perfect belt". I've wanted a sleek thicker brown belt for a while now. I look at the thrift stores every time I go because they always have a lot of belts, but most are cheapo ones, or they are in size small and these hips do not do a small. I'll of course continue to look at Goodwill / Savers / St.Vincents but I'll also start looking at stores. Do you have a favorite store for belts?

+ I'll still be searching eBay / Poshmark for another pair of Joe's Jeans. Mine are really starting to wear in the thighs - enough that I'm scared every time I crouch down that I'll tear them.

+ Pointy toed flats, possibly with a bow such as this pair or this pair. I always love them on others but am not sure if I would like them on myself. I want to at least try a few pairs on to see how I feel about it.

How did you do this month? I would love for you to join budgetting bloggers! Just link to your budget post below. Please link back to this post so that your readers can discover other bloggers who at least try to stick to their budgets!

Linking up with Thrifters Anon.

5D5W: Casual Friday

I think this may be one of my most favorite outfits I've ever worn. I was trying to figure out why that is exactly. Some theories:

+ I just feel best in these jeans. I think bootcut really just looks best on me. I haven't had any luck finding a second pair on eBay yet, but I continue to be hopeful that a pair will come my way eventually. I still will not pay full price for them because once school starts I won't be wearing jeans much, but some days I'm tempted. Some one hold me back.

+ This blazer rivals my schoolboy blazer for most worn top. I love the neutral color, the fit, and the elbow patches. The blazer is from H&M which has always been kinder to me than Forever 21. I may have to see if they have anything similar currently...in April (side note: budgeting bloggers goes up tomorrow! eek.)

+ My new soft striped tee. This outfit was inspired by Chioma - I don't think I would have paired stripes and plaid like this on my own, but it works. right? yes. stripes + plaid = win

+ Cognac on cognac - my closet neutral color. 

Okay so I may not have a concrete answer...but I really did like wearing this.

Blazer: H&M  [similar]

Tee: Tahari via TJ Maxx

Jeans: Joe's Jeans [same style]

Belt: H&M Mens

Shoes: Crown Vintage [similar]

Watch: Kate Spade [exact]

Bracelet: "J.Crew" via eBay [similar for less than $20]

Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue

Today is the last day for the 5 Day 5 Way link up I put together with my good friend Whitney. It brought such a smile to my face going to all of your blog posts and see you guys commenting, encouraging each other, offering advice, and just connecting in general. I love blogging because of my new found group of friends - you guys honestly bring so much joy into my life with every comment, email, and tweet. I hope this little challenge brought new readers, followers, and friends into your lives. Can we do this again soon? Maybe a end of spring 5 Day 5 Way Challenge? Please say yes.

Now onto the challenge - Casual Friday. Every day of the week is "Casual" for me - I could wear jeans and sweatshirts every single day. I make the effort to look just a little bit more pulled together than that (mostly so I can blog about it, amiright?). Here are 5 of my favorite "casual" looks from the past couple months. Jeans, flats, layers - doesn't get a lot more "work appropriate" casual than that! Go check out everyone else's definition of Casual Friday over on Along the Lines of Style....and thank you again for reading / participating / bringing joy into my life. You are all great :)

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Linking up with Plane Pretty.

behind the blog: fizz & frosting

This week's Behind the Blog features Lauren from Fizz and Frosting. Lauren has a style that I find really aspirational but attainable - she's just so darn cute and always pulled together. Plus her legs were made for skirts and heels - look how long they are! 

Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?
I actually started blogging purely to document my wedding on Weddingbee, but once the wedding was over, I didn’t want to quit writing. Shortly thereafter I started Fizz and Frosting without ever following a personal style or fashion blog! It’s been a learning process, but I love it.

 Which blogs do you read every day? 

There are so, so many it is hard to keep up, but a few of my favorites are The Glossy Life, Respect the Shoes, Life Unsweetened, Always Maylee, The Other Side of Gray, Still Being Molly, Because Shanna Said So, Glossy Blonde… I could really go on and on!

Who takes your pictures? What camera and lens do you use? Have you ever been caught in the act of taking these?

I use a D5100 with the kit lens for all of my photos and take my own outfit pictures with a tripod and remote. You can actually see the remote in my hand in some of my photos, but I quit caring about that pretty early on! Since I take most of my photos in front of my house, I’ve definitely caught my neighbors watching me before. Now that I’ve been doing it for a while, they pay me little mind. I guess the crazy girl taking selfies in the front yard is old news. ;)

Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their reactions when they found out about your blog?

My close friends and family know about my blog, but I really don’t talk about it all that much. I think my husband mentions it to more people than I do! When they do find out, mostly people are really just curious as to what I write about and where they can read it.

Your style is very much “The All American Girl”. What are some of your closet staples?

Classic pieces are very much the staples of my wardrobe. Pencil skirts, button downs, and great-fitting jeans are the starter pieces for the majority of my outfits. To make things more modern I try to sprinkle in fun pieces like bright colors or prints.

 Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do you manage to stay on trend without breaking the bank and just blindly following each trend?

I’ve never considered myself “trendy” probably because I’m naturally drawn to classic, timeless pieces. In fact I typically feel like I’m the last one to jump on the bandwagon of a new trend. In some ways, I’m probably missing out on something I might end of loving, but at the same time I’ve never found myself with a closet full of dated pieces!

Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?

I’ve actually been very lucky in that I’ve never received a truly hateful comment on something that I’ve written; however, I know I won’t always be so lucky. Criticism is an unfortunate part of putting myself out there, but it’s not something that I can really prepare for. I can only hope that I will take it in stride and handle it with grace!

What has been the best thing to come out of blogging? 

Besides “meeting” so many great women who share similar interests, I’d say that blogging has allowed me to truly define my personal style. I’m more confident about trying new things I wouldn’t typically wear. Even shopping has become easier now that I have a better understanding of what works in my wardrobe.

When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks, doing link ups?

I’m relatively new to promoting my blog. Previously my only promotion was from commenting on others’ blog and from social media.  More recently I started participating in a couple link-ups a week and I have noticed a little bit of increased traffic. I’m still kind of at the trial and error phase, trying to figure out what methods produce the best results for me.

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow bloggers? 

Blogging is such a personal experience, and I don’t really think there is a magic formula to being successful. I’m just trying to enjoy myself and stay true to who I am. I would just encourage fellow bloggers to do the same. 

Thank you so much Lauren. I really appreciate your casual and organic process of blogging. Please go visit Fizz & Frosting and then come back next week to learn about Sue from A Colorful Canvas!

5D5W: Dresses!

 

I don't really own a lot of dresses that I really like. In fact, I'm taking a bunch to be consigned soon because I feel guilty about them hanging in my closet. I've actively been working on getting rid of any clothes I don't wear in my closet, but what tricks me is the other closet that we don't use that holds all of my dresses. Every single dress since my senior year of high school hangs in there, and I don't wear a single one. Most don't fit correctly (please, like you fit into the clothes from when you were 17), are too short for a 25 year old lady to wear, or just have no place in my life. Anything that hasn't been worn in 2+ years is getting consigned in the coming weeks.

But not this dress. This dress is like wearing pajamas but without having to be embarrassed about wearing them in public. She's soft, surprisingly flattering for a striped tee shirt material, and best of all, didn't cost me more than $20. The cost per wear is lower on this dress than I think any dress I've owned before, and I've only worn it 4 times (twice not blogged - I know, I'm shocked too). I wish Fran from 3 years ago would have made smarter shopping decisions.

Dress: Old Navy  [save | spend | splurge]

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Tights: Target

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Belt: Gap

Watch: Fossil [exact]

Necklace: gift from Whitney

via instagram

How have you worn the dresses in your closet? Are you a remixing master when it comes to dresses, or are you a shameful neglecter like I am? Link up with Whitney for the second to last day of 5 Days 5 Ways. Tomorrow is Casual Friday...which means you can just show us 5 ways you've worn a more casual outfit, or how you've worn jeans 5 ways, or a comfy skirt, or...whatever you feel defines a casual Friday for your life! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve :)

 1 | 2 | 3

5D5W: Accessories

I kind of stumbled upon this groundbreaking outfit while I was trying to figure out what accessory to wear for 5D5W, but also for Bloggers Do It Better. My boatneck tee is so soft, so it was perfect for a more casual day. Mixed with my favorite scarf, it's a little bit of pattern mixing, a little bit of Little French Girl, and a little bit of Hamburglar. 

Shirt: Gap [exact]

Scarf: gift from my friend Alexa

Pants: Urban Outfitters [exact]

Shoes: Old Navy

Watch: Fossil [similar]

Bracelets: Forever 21

And for 4 other ways I have worn my favorite scarf:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

Linking up with Whitney for our 5 Day 5 Way Challenge, for Kristina's Bloggers Do It Better Challenge, and WIWW.

5D5W: Pants

For today's 5 Days, 5 Ways challenge we have pants (or if you want, skirts!). I obviously do not struggle with wearing pants since it is what I wear ~95% of the time (but not always by choice). I originally was going to show ways I've worn my favorite pair of jeans, but after Kimmie pointed out that wearing a black cardigan is just about the easiest thing out there to do (so true) yesterday, I felt I needed to step up my game for this blogging challenge.

A few weeks ago AJ posted the cutest outfit - I needed those pants in my closet immediately. I have always wanted to wear floral pants, but almost all of them out there are printed denim, and as I've learned the hard way, I just don't like printed/colored denim on myself. But these were dress pants - much more flattering for my thighs. I went to Target in hopes that I could find a pair for myself - and I did find them on the mythical clearance rack that everyone always has so much luck at, but I never find anything on. Except these pants. I found these pants for $12 and change. TARGET DOES IT AGAIN.

But because they require a little bit of alterations at the waist, I haven't worn them yet in the "real" world. Instead I played dress up in my bedroom. I came up with the following six (overachiever status) outfits. Which one is your favorite?

Outfit 1:

Blazer: Overstock.com  [similar]

Blouse: Banana Republic

Necklace: Souvenir from Australia

Shoes: Old Navy  [similar]

Outfit 2:

Sweater: Gap  [similar]

Button-up: J.Crew Factory  [exact]

Necklace: Forever 21  [save | splurge]

Shoes: Tory Burch  [exact]

Outfit 3:

Tee: Target

Necklace: Forever 21

Bag: Coach  [current version]

Bracelets: Forever 21

Sandals: Target [very similar]

Outfit 4:

Jacket: Souvenir from Germany [similar]

Shirt: Forever 21

Necklace: Gift from my mom/sister

Watch: Target

Shoes: Crown Vintage [really cute option]

Outfit 5:

Blazer: Old Navy [similar]

Tee: Gap

Necklace: Wal-Mart [very similar]

Watch: Fossil

Shoes: Tory Burch [exact]

Outfit 6:

Chambray: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Scarf: H&M

Shoes: Aldo [similar]

And all together now:

Looking to add neutral colored floral pants to your closet? Try this Tilly pair for $14, this pair F21 pair for $23, or this Ann Taylor pair for $60!

Your turn! How have you worn different bottoms? Please link up below. Tomorrow's challenge is accessories - the link up will be on Whitney's blog! I'll give you one guess what my accessory will be.

<div align="center"><a href="http://businesscloth.blogspot.com/2013/03/5d5w-pants.html" title="Franish" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/GYAUGRG.jpg" alt="Franish" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

5D5W: Tops

Today is the first day of 5 Days, 5 Ways (#5D5W) and I'm so excited to see all the different ways you have worn tops in your closet. I initially wanted to have my item be my J.Crew leopard button up. I don't wear it a lot because I think it's kind of loud, and I wasn't sure really how to not look like Peg Bundy wearing it. I think by also adding interest to the bottom half of this outfit with these green pants that it somewhat balances out the loudness of the shirt. But because I haven't worn the leopard shirt a lot, I figured my black cardigan was a great 5 Days, 5 Ways item to showcase instead. 

Blouse: J.Crew  [save | extreme splurge]

Cardigan: Old Navy  [similar]

Pants: The Limited  [exact]

Shoes: Tory Burch  [exact]

Belt: J.Crew  [similar]

Watch: Target

Bracelet: Forever 21

Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue

After these pictures were taken, I re-tied the belt so it didn't look so...phallic. 

And for the 5 ways I've worn this black cardigan:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

<div align="center"><a href="http://businesscloth.blogspot.com/2013/03/5d5w-tops.html" title="Franish" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/wOxqLIp.jpg" alt="Franish" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Your turn! Add your link below - please either grab our button or link back so that your readers can find other bloggers participating. Thank you!

restoring a leather purse

As I mentioned Monday, I purchased a Coach Willis purse off of Etsy after being inspired by Extra Petite's post on purchasing current Legacy collection styles as the originals off of the used purse market. Buying a used purse comes with the expectation that it is going to have a bit of wear to it, and this purse was no exception. I did a bit of leather restoring research before purchasing it to see how easy it would be to touch up the worn parts. From what I read, all you have to do is use a leather pen and easy peasy, new purse!

After I made the purse purchase, I went to three local crafting stores in hopes of finding these leather restoring pens but apparently they don't sell those in stores, or online any where as I had no luck finding them. I ended up purchasing this leather touch-up recolor kit. As a disclaimer, I am a complete leather working novice so these are just my experiences with this process. Here are the close-ups of the bag before, and then what I did to fix them:

step 1: clean the purse

I have the Coach leather cleaner on hand, so that's what I used to clean my purse. I put a bit of the cleaner on a clean cloth and rubbed all over the purse, focusing especially on the parts that were  bit dirtier. I then let it dry for an hour or so.

step 2: apply the color

The kit comes with 7 paint pots so that you can mix the colors so it will match the color of your leather. Since my purse is black, I didn't have to mix any colors together. I put a scoop of the paint into the mixing pot, added a few drops of water as directed, and brushed the paint onto the leather.

step 3: distribute the color

Next I used the sponge supplied to distribute the color all of the areas that needed it. If I had one piece of advice here it would be to wear gloves which I don't have at home, so I ended up getting some of the color on my fingers. It came off fairly easily but gloves would have been preferred. I then let the bag sit for 24 hours. The directions say that you can do several coats of color, but I decided to only use one coat as the worn areas were pretty well covered.

step 4: apply the clear finish

After 24 hours, I applied the clear finish with a paper towel. Some of the color does transfer onto the paper towel, but I didn't see that any of the worn areas were any less colored, so it must just be the residue paint. I then let it sit for another 24 hours.

step 5: moisturize

I also have the Coach moisturizer, so I used that to moisturize the entire purse with a clean cloth. I noticed hardly any color transfer during this step so the clear finish seems to really work in locking in the color.

step 6: polish the hardware

I used a dual sided jewelry cloth that I've had for about 10 years now. The cleaning side was used to remove any of the paint that accidentally got on the metal, and then the polishing side was used for polishing. The hardware on my purse also had a bit of wear on it so you can't really polish that off, but that is to be expected.

step 7: admire your work

I'm really happy how this little restoration project worked out. I think the purse looks almost brand new, and for 1/6 of the current price.

Do you have any experience in restoring leather goods? I'd love to hear about it!

no springing, just jumping

What, you expected that I wasn't going to wear my new shirt right away? We all know better.

While it was only 6 degrees on the first official day of spring, I felt it would only be appropriate to wear my new floral scarf that Audrey tracked down for me (what a gem that girl is), and my favorite belt. I got this Madewell belt last summer on clearance (worn here), but it looks like they brought it back again this year - smart move, Madewell. 

Don't forget! Monday starts the 5 Days, 5 Ways link up - first up is tops! I can't wait to see all the ways you've worn a shirt / jacket / vest / something that covers the top part of your body.

Looking for a way to make a collage? I use iPiccy for every collage I make - it's super easy to use.

Chambray: J.Crew Factory  [exact]
Jeans: Urban Outfitters  [exact]
Scarf: Target
Belt: Madewell   [exact]
Shoes: Nine West  [save | splurge]
Watch: Target [LOVE this similar white style]
Bracelet: Forever 21
Nails: Essie Fifth Avenue







P.S. Kimmie said she was going to ban me from the internet if I didn't post this picture. I was trying to spring forward. It is truly embarrassing and awful but also hilarious. Hilariously awful.

P.P.S. One day left to enter the above the knuckle ring giveaway!

behind the blog: chioma's evolution of style

I'm so happy to have Chioma here this week for Behind the Blog. I'm always excited to see what Chioma is going to wear next - her outfits are always so cheerful and bright, yet put together. She's definitely a style inspiration for me.

Tell us what motivated you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?

 I have always loved fashion and hoarded fashion magazines since I was a teen, so when personal style/fashion blogs started popping up on my radar, I stalked those too! Some of the main ones were Style Pantry, Zarna’s Runway, Atlantic Pacific(seriously, who doesn’t follow her? She’s fabulous!), and HRH Collection’s blog! My boyfriend (now Fiancé) at the time got tired of me always reading fashion blogs and recreating looks to wear and suggested I start one and share my own personal style in the fashion community and add my own voice. After much prodding, here we are, almost two years later, I’m still loving sharing my personal style, and making friends in this blogging community. I’m glad he gave me that gentle push, and he has continued to encourage me the whole way, even when I doubted myself. I’m so glad I started, because style blogging has forced me out of my box to experiment with different trends and to develop my own niche in personal style.

Which blogs do you read every day? 

I follow way more blogs through my Google reader and Bloglovin than I care to admit (I plan to delete a ton and focus on blogs I truly love), and I always try to read the blogs of lovely readers that comment on my posts! But I love to read Zarna’s Runway, Suburbanfaux-pas, The Serena Saga, In The City with Crystalin, Lilly’s Styleand of course your blog daily!

Who takes your pictures? What camera and lens do you use? Have you ever been caught in the act of taking these?

My lovely sister takes my pictures for me! She has been so patient with me and I’m so thankful for her! My fiancé has taken a few too! I am actually planning on investing in a tripod and remote for days when they are busy and I’m inspired to share a look! We use a Canon Rebel T3i; my fiancé got me for Christmas, and the lens that came in the kit. I’m really enjoying learning about photography, and while there have been a few bumps in the road, some shown on the blog, it’s been exciting!

I have been caught in the act!  A couple of my friends who live in the neighborhood have come out to say hi while we were taking shots and they were really sweet about it but I was still a little embarrassed. Once, the maintenance guys were walking around collecting dog poop and we had to move out of the way, so yea, that was awesome! Lol! I’ve actually gotten braver though, I used to be paranoid that my neighbors were all secretly peeking at me out of their windows but now I just push that thought away and pretend to give ‘em a good show if they are! ;) 

Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their reactions when they found out about your blog?

My immediate family and friends definitely know about it! I was shy at first, but I’m really proud of my blog and wanted to share it with them. My girlfriends know how much I love fashion and shopping and are always asking me to help them style looks, so it was kind of expected and they support me. Very few coworkers know and I like it that way. I have shared a few looks on my Facebook page but I really don’t think people understand why I’m posting so many pictures of myself so I don’t stopped. I now solely share posts/looks on my Facebook “fan” page so that those that are interested in fashion can check them out.

Your outfits are always so bright and cheerful – what is your advice for those just starting to experiment with color (ahem…like me)?

Thanks Fran! Well growing up, I gravitated towards darker colors because I didn’t want to stand out or be noticed. But as I got older and started developing my own style and confidence I disliked wearing black and brown more and more. I felt the two colors washed me out while looking great on others lol. I strongly believe bright colors can affect one’s mood. It can be gloomy outside or you could be having a bad day and if you see/wear a bright color it instantly brightens your mood/day!

My advice on experimenting with color is to  just get your toes wet and start off gradually incorporating one pop of color into each look. Whether it is in the form of an accessory until you’re comfortable with whole articles of clothing, soon you will begin feeling more comfortable wearing color. And I don’t mean regular colors, I mean vibrant colors. After doing that for a while and getting comfortable and gaining confidence, try adding 2 pieces of color, and then 3! Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

I have been asked this question a lot lately, so I am going to work on a more in depth post to answer this question soon on the blog.

Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do you manage to stay on trend without breaking the bank and just blindly following each trend?

I think I learned in college the hardway about gravitating to every trend and style because it’s popular at the moment. I would have saved so much money had I known what I know now. Don’t get me wrong, some new trends do excite me and if it’s a risky piece that I’m not sure I will love and wear for a long time, that’s what the thrift store, forever 21, target, and h&m are for! Style is always repeating itself so you can’t go wrong in a thrift store/consignment shop if you want to experiment with the latest trend. I refuse to pay inflated prices for passing trends that aren’t always made of the best quality. I also don’t enjoy looking like others so that helps as well. Also knowing who you are and what you like helps a lot. I love seeing certain trends and pieces on other women but I also know what works for my body and what pieces make me feel beautiful and comfortable.

Colorful, unique blazers? Yes!  (seen here, here, & here) A great pair of boots, or jeans?? Heck yes!  (seen here, here, & here) Scarves, statement necklaces, and midi/maxi skirts?? Also winners in my book! (seen here, here, & here)I try and focus on investing in quality pieces that I will want to wear 10 years from now and if the piece doesn’t fit in that category then I think twice about it or I thrift it ;)

Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?

You’re so right and that is what kept me from starting a blog sooner. The fear of judgment, negativity or someone being mean because they didn’t like how I wore a look freaked me out a little. It doesn’t happen often, but I just hate seeing negative comments being left on fellow bloggers’ posts. I really have no time for that kind of negativity. We are all different and there is NO way we can like every outfit we see, so there is no reason to be negative or try to bring someone down. (I subscribe to the rule I teach my students: If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all)

I have been very blessed to have such lovely readers who always leave sweet and constructive comments. I have no problem with constructive criticism, because there is always room for growth but if a comment is left on my blog to be mean or spiteful, it will be immediately deleted and life will continue without them J

What has been the best thing to come out of blogging? 

Gosh, where do I start? I have “met” some wonderful ladies who I have SO much in common with! I have developed some great friendships and not a week goes by where I don’t find a new blog that inspires me and I immediately follow them! To be able to talk about frilly, frivolous things like fashion and know that other women understand you is amazing.

Blogging has also helped me develop a working wardrobe. Not only am I more conscious of what pieces I spend my money on, I have pieces that can be re-styled over and over and I get so excited about forming new looks from old pieces. My personal style has also developed through blogging. Seeing yourself on a blown up picture online, for the world to see, is the best and worst type of mirror to have lol. It has really helped me in learning what looks good on me and what doesn’t.

I think blogging is something that forces you to be open, vulnerable and creative. This little blog has provided a creative outlet for me, in the midst of work and grad school that I desperately needed. It’s been a haven where I can share my personal style and at the same time, discover new passions such as writing and now photography. I’m so excited to see this blog grow this year and meet even more fabulous ladies!

When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks, doing link ups?

I try to promote my blog through the following sites at least once on the day of the post and the next day, because I post 3x a week: (Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook) I also try and respond to all or most of comments on my posts and visit their respective blogs and comment at night. I submit most of my posts through the Lucky Style Collective, but I’m not so sure that it’s garnered any new traffic to my site. I participate in link ups on 2 out of the 3 days I blog, during the week and I try and comment more on new blogs on those days as well.

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow bloggers? 

I would strongly suggest creating real relationships with other bloggers through genuinely commenting and even emailing. Even simple things like retweeting a post on Twitter or liking a picture and commenting on Instagram are ways to get to know other bloggers outside of their comment boxes. When I say “genuinely comment” on other bloggers’ post, I mean if they’ve shared their weekend or something of interest in a post, don’t be the blogger that says “cute bag” in response. Or even worse, don’t be the blogger that spams comment boxes asking to be followed. Just like in real life, on the internet, people can tell when you’re being a real person or when you have an agenda.

Also try and find your niche out of so many bloggers and figure out who your target audience is. As much I enjoy reading high fashion blogs, my blog is not a high fashion blog. I want my blog to reflect my personal style as one that is realistic, affordable, vibrant, chic, and fun! And I want readers to come to my blog and want to stay because after they’ve read a few posts, they think, “I would totally be friends with her!” or “I wanna go shopping with her!” I don’t take myself very seriously and I just try to have fun with it.

Thanks so much for featuring me in this awesome series Fran! I hope to see all of your beautiful faces on the blog soon! 

Thank you so much Chioma! Go visit Chioma's Evolution of Style and then come back next week to read about Fizz & Frosting.