Friday Faves | November 1-7 & Some Sunshine

A weekly roundup of all my favorite things.

Bloggers Who Killed It

NEED TO GO ON A PINNING SPREE? CHECK OUT MY FRIDAY FAVES BOARD.

{Cover Up Chic} I love how she layered a lace tank over a button down.

{Kacie's Closet} Grey, pink, python, and purple booties. Because why not be awesome.

{A Spoonful of Style} This girl has layering accessories down to a science.

{A Southern Drawl} She had me at "camel pencil skirt." Plus, ankle booties + socks? I think I dig it!

{Corilynn} I shy away from colored tights because I think they make me look like pre-k, but these are all grown up and amaaaahhhzzziinnng with that scarf.

{Bows & Sequins} I avoid polka dots for the same reason, but these are so hot! Plus, Vested Interest? The lawyer in me went all googly-eyed. ;)

{Professionally Petite} Get ready to feast your eyes on the sweater jacket of your dreams.

{The Parlor Girl} Plaid and leopard. I won't even elaborate.

{MissLeaAnne} I've lived in Chicago for two months and I already feel myself morphing into a coat girl.

{Bedazzles After Dark} Some camo, some stripes, some neon, some badass sunnies... I'm in.

{Along the Lines of Style} You know how I feel about navy and pink.

The World Outside of Style Blogs

I watched the final episode of What Not To Wear and cried like a baby. Naming my firstborn "Stacyandclinton." Or "Colorpattern Textureshine."

I can't wait for Boyfriend to get home from his work trip so we can go see thissssss.
(In 3D. With Jimmy John's.)

Funemployment = I watch too much TV. I need some book suggestions - what's your favorite?

The Sunshine Award 

Thanks so much to Cait at Your Favorite Girlfriend for nominating me for the Sunshine Award way back in September! I think these things are so much fun, and it's always sweet to be thought of! 

Cait's questions:

1. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

Brainstorm every possible reason to not get out of bed. And if I'm really trying not to go vertical, I overachieve and come up with a few impossible ones, too.

2. What is the 3rd picture on your phone? Share it!

This one. And it makes me snort laugh every time.

(In hindsight, I went third most recent. Is that weird? Did I do it wrong?)

3. What TV show are you most excited about returning this fall?

HOMELAND!!! Boyfriend and I just caught all the way up and I cannoottttttt wait for Sunday night!

4. What is something really popular that you secretly (or not so secretly) loathe?

50 Shades of Gray. I don't see the draw. I don't care who they cast. I don't care who tied up who with what. I don't carrreeeeee.

5. Do you have any pets? Tell us about them! Bonus points for pictures.

Whoa-ho-ho buddy, I do in fact have pets. Wanna read all about them? Of course you do!

6. If you could put together one outfit that represents you perfectly, what would it be?

This is still one of my favorite outfits ever. The skirt is one of my all-time favorites (I just wore it here!), and I love the combination of the tee, skirt, and ankle boots.

7. What is your favorite adult beverage?

Whiskey. As in, straight Jack Daniels. From the bottle. Otherwise, I love very cheap wine. As in, if it costs more than $9.99, it does not darken my doorway. #classybroadsquad

8. What is your favorite guilty pleasure?

I've seen this one before... my answer stands.

9. What are 3 positive words to describe you?
Nerdy (I love nerdy things and the people who love them), dog-lover (okay that's two)...

10. How excited are you to be nominated?

:):):)

My 10 question for any of you who feel like answering (tag, you're all it!!):
1. What movie are you most excited to see?
2. What's your perfect date? (Don't say April 25th. Or do.)
3. Show us your pets. Dooo itttt.
4. Who's your celebrity style icon?
5. What's your favorite thing you wore this week?
6. If you could only shop at one store for the rest of time, what would it be?
7. Do you shop online or in stores?
8. What are your three favorite blogs to follow?
9. What's the best book you've read recently?
10. What shoes would you buy first if you won the lottery?

OOTD | Because Admitting You Sing to Your Clothes is a Great Way to Make Friends

Top: J.Crew | Skirt: Talbot's | Heels: BCBG Cielo | Cuffs: F21

We've reached the point in the year when my brain stops functioning.

(Some of you may be thinking "oh good, because we don't have nine months to go or anything.")

I think when you start taking five hour naps at 7:30 at night, you've got to admit defeat.

I woke up yesterday morning all psyched about Marion's Trend of the Month Challenge, because my lace pencil skirt and I have been apart for far too long. I was starting to sing Nickelback songs to it every time I walked in my closet... luckily my recent cold means I sound like I've been smoking for forty years so I can really pull it off.

Unfortunately I woke up and it's still March and I still live in Indiana. I just adore the seasons. Seriously in my free time I've started writing haikus about how much I love winter in the Midwest, all 8 1/2 months of it.

In other news, I'm guest posting for the thoroughly awesome Whitney at Along the Lines of Style today while she roughs it in the woods with a bunch of kids (she's obviously got some kind of black magic going on because her Instagram feed looks like a blast and yet camping and kids are two of my biggest phobias). Come visit!

Top: J.Crew | Vest: CoffeeShop via JCPenney | Jeans: Victoria's Secret | Flats: Me Too Patty

Award Season

Have I mentioned that you guys are awesome?

No? Good. Wouldn't want you to get a big head or anything.

Ginny from My New Favorite Outfit (a 30 for 30 lady and also a generally awesome blogger lady) nominated me for the Sunshine Award, and two other lovelies -- Ashliegh at The Darling Prepster and Rachel from Sew Happily Ever After -- nominated me for anottthhheeerrrr Liebster Award, and at the risk of sounding a weeeeeee bit TaySwifty, OMG YOU GUYS THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH THIS IS SOOOO COOL. Really. It is.

Since I haven't done a Sunshine Award yet, I thought I'd give it a whirl - to see my Liebster answers, 

click here.

The Sunshine Award is symbolized by a flower that one blogger can give to other “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere”.

(But mostly I like it because seriously, you guys are my sunshine when skies are gray.)

As with most awards, the Sunshine Award comes with a few simple rules:

Acknowledge the person who gave this award in a blog post.

Do the Q&A below.

Pass on the award to 10 deserving and inspiring bloggers, inform them and link to their blogs. This award doesn't have any specific number of followers as a constraint, just pick people who inspire you!

Q&A:

Who is your favorite philosopher? The prophets Johnny Rzeznik and TaySwift get me every time. Yes I know they're not real prophets.

What is your favorite number? 13. I was born on the thirteenth and I love Friday the 13th and I love all things to do with thirteen. And this report from Numerology.com is scarily accurate:

(side note: I almost typed "excerpted for brevity"... because I'm a pretentious douche and lawyerly language is a habit I struggle every day to break)

Your strengths

You have a great love of family, tradition and community. You are the foundation of any enterprise you commit to, doing your work with determination and precision.

You love things that are solid and grounded in the practical. Yet, you possess a considerable amount of artistic talent that is searching for concrete forms of expression. Not surprisingly, you love nature -- the ultimate union of beauty, form and function. You are a natural organizer and manager with an eye for detail. You can work hard, long and conscientiously. As long as you are taking good care of yourself, you have excellent concentration. You have to be careful not to become overworked to the point that you no longer take time to stop and smell the roses.

Your challenges

Your challenge is to make the most of what you are doing right now. You must raise the work you are currently responsible for to a high degree of art. Make the most of what is right in front of you. The universe is guiding you always. You need to cultivate faith and a willingness to apply yourself to the matter at hand. If you refuse to develop such an attitude, you may wander from job to job, relationship to relationship. Use your considerable perseverance and determination.

You can be stubborn and rigid, refusing to allow new and creative ideas to penetrate your rigid adherence to established methods. This can, and often does, lead to frustration and repression for you. Things seem to take forever, especially when you resist bringing fresh approaches into your very tidy and comfortable ways of doing things. The keys to your success are your willingness to maintain order and discipline in your life, and to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

What is your favorite animal? I could get all fancy and say something exotic but no, it's dogs. My dogs, specifically.

What is your favorite time of day? I'm most productive between 9pm-2am. But I love waking up early and laying in bed as long as I don't actually have anything to do.

What do you prefer, Facebook or Twitter? Facebook for actually keeping up with people, Twitter for blogging and funny things.

What is your favorite holiday? Valentine's day. When I was little I thought the whole world was dressing up in pink and red for my birthday.

What is your physical favorite activity? Favorite? Swimming or horseback riding. Most common? Elliptical-ing while watching The West Wing to try to pretend I'm not actually running.

What is your favorite non-alcoholic drink? Cherry Coke Zero or Diet Dr. Pepper or cherry lemon slushes from Sonic or possibly strawberry lemonade.

What is your passion? Shopping. Not necessarily buying anything, but the process of shopping is my favorite thing. Other than that, my friends, and my dogs, and my family, and all those other "obvious" things. And while we're at it, the law. Because I wish I would have just done something less debt-incurring, but I'm pretty lucky to do something that I actually enjoy.

What is your favorite flower? The $4 ones at Kroger. Because it's easy to justify buying yourself flowers when they're less than five dolla dolla bills and they make the apartment look so much prettier.

My 10 nominations:

Franalicious @ Franish
Ani @ fleurani

Lynette @ Lynette Marie

Gina @ Classy Ever After

...aaaaand the 30 for 30 gals, minus Ginny of course (no tagbacks!)

Jess @ J's Style

Kim @ Kimbercrafts

Elissa @ Professionally Petite

Amber @ Section 391

Nicole @ Sequined Patterns

Jenna @ Wearable Fun Fashion

Featured | Franish : Behind the Blog

Today my delightful blogging buddy Frantastic (she's a woman of many names) featured me on her blog, Franish, for her Behind the Blog series. If you haven't caught any of the series yet, you're in for a treat. I love reading these kind of interviews, and I'd love it so much if you took the time to check it out.

I'm sharing my stance on puppies who murder poor defenseless external flashes (unfavorable) and on taking all my pictures in the comfort of my bedroom. See you there!

Links à la Mode : The IFB Weekly Round Up

My 30 For 30 Recap post (including tips for how to have a great 30 For 30 when you aaaaaall do it with me in January) made IFB's Links à la Mode list this week! Turns out I'm in awesome company, be sure to browse through some of these other great links this weekend. I highly recommend Fashion Moriarty's blog - hilarious. You'll thank me.

Strictly Fashion

Edited By Taylor Davies 

This week’s round up is seriously savvy. From pre-fall collections to runway shows, the submissions you all contributed this week were highly high-fashion-focused. And you know what? I love it. Last week we delved into some deep topics, and it’s nice to change things up with some thoughtful consideration of clothes and designers as well, don’t you think? Whether you want to know how to style this year’s Pantone color of the year (emerald green) or a little about the life and times of Diana Vreeland, you’ll get your fix from this week’s round up.

• Aesthete: Mario Testino – In Your Face
• Culture Keeper: An Afternoon with Zuhair Murad
• Dress Code High Fashion: Coat Trends F/W 12
• Elegant Idiosyncracy: Basel Part I
• Girl Loves Color: Best Foot Forward
• Fashion Moriarty: Things I have to explain to people who aren’t into fashion
• Fashstash: French Couture Week 2012
• IFB: Design Tips – Color Combinations For Your Blog Made Easy
• Incognito: Young Republic, The Emerging Designers E-Shop
• Ive2tellu: Diana Vreeland, The Eye Has To Travel
• Peace Love Sequins: Rachel Zoe Pre-Fall 2013
• Penny For Your Shoes: A Word on Keeping Organized
• Sam ipsa Loquitur: Recap & Top Ten 30 for 30 Tips
• She’s All Smiles: Interview With Remember A Day CEO Jenny Rose
• Snapshot Fashion: Hinesite Vintage
• Style Curated: Fusing the Individual into the Future of Fashion
• The Curatorial: Damien Hirst x The Row Capsule for Just One Eye – An Exercise in Frivolity
• The Fashionistyle: {good reads} How To Look Expensive
• The Fashionable Wife: Weekend Style Files
• Une Dandizette: How To Match Emerald

SPONSOR: Shopbop Arrivals: Jason Wu, Samudra, Ipanema, Versace Handbags, Salvatore Flats, Else, Peixoto, PilyQ, L’Wren Scott , Designer Sales 

 If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official)”. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine

The IT List

Hey, IT Listies! If you're new here, check out this post on shopping online like a ninja, this post on how to remix your wardrobe, or this post just because my puppies are the cutest :) Leave me a link so I can come visit, and while you're at it, let's hang out on Twitter/Pinterest/Instagram!

• Fancy Francy looks so chic in leopard, leather and cozy knits - the ultimate winter look! So cute! (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• The Second Best is satisfying her color craving in bright hues and printed pants that she carried over from her summer wardrobe! Love this look! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Ishi is making her closet do double duty and rocking her shorts even in the colder temps! Pop over to see how she styled this versatile piece to stay warm!
• Fleurani is sporting a new hair color and new glasses while frolicking in the snow! She looks so cozy in plaid and a bright blazer! (find Fleurani on Twitter!)
• Rachel's Lookbook is channeling her inner Sex and the City and pulled out her vintage fur coat for the first time! Absolutely fabulous! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• See Mo Go is sporting a festive new top for a day out Christmas tree shopping! Pop over to see where she found her (on sale) sweater! (find See Mo Go on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic is showing us how to make our own embellished sweater for the infamous Tacky Christmas party that everyone finds themselves at this time of year! Head over to get some inspiration and see her tips! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• The Chic Curator rounds up some fab finds in emerald - the new color of the year! Go check out all of the cute pieces and scoop up some emerald of your own!
• Laura Wears is trying her hand at vintage clothing for the first time in plaid pants and she knocked it out of the park! Don't miss her fun menswear accessory! (find Laura Wears on Twitter!)
• Sam ipsa Loquitur shows us how to look chic on a major budget! The whole outfit is under $50 - impressive! (find Sam ipsa Loquiter on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation makes sure that her holiday party looks perfectly suit her style with a casual but refined look.  See how she does holiday, without sacrificing her personal style! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Rose a la Mode is thinking pink in a casual tone-on-tone look ready for a weekend out and about! So cute! (find Rose a la Mode on Twitter!)
• Good Life glams up her look a bit with a fabulous fur cowl that she scored on the cheap and a hint of glitter! Definitely one to recreate! (find Good Life on Twitter!)
• Second Street East shares her favorite type of room with us - lived in and cozy but still chic and stylish! Pop over to see the room and the outfit that were recreated from the inspiration look! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style shows us the 13 pieces she can't live without in her winter wardrobe and how to make them into 9 outfits! Love them all! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here.

The IT List

• A Devine Life turned an old dress into a new skirt by layering a sweater on top! A great way to transition your summer wardrobe into cooler temps! (find a Devine Life on Twitter!)
• Rach.E. Cakes is rocking one of her go-to feel good dresses that is versatile enough for work or play! Pop over to see why she keeps reaching for this pretty little number! (find Rach.E.Cakes on Twitter!)
• Fancy Francy gives us some great tips on how to style a midriff bearing bandeau top and shared two looks for inspiration! Great solutions to one of the more difficult pieces in our closet! (find Fancy Francy on Twitter!)
• The Second Best is recreating a low-key look from another blogger and knocked it out of the park! Goes to show that inspiration is everywhere! (find Second Best on Twitter!)
• Ishi is showing us her studious side and how she stays stylish and comfortable for days spent with her nose in the books! So cute!
• Fleurani lets her pretty gold skirt shine by pairing it with lots of black! It's gorgeous and the perfect piece for holiday party season!
• Rachel's Lookbook takes her outfit to the next level by throwing on some purple tights! Such a fun way to add excitement to your look! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• See Mo Go is totally comfy in her new printed cords! She paired them with a blazer and boots and is ready for a day at the office!(find See Mo Go on Twitter!)
• My Thrifty Chic pairs her new glasses and patterned tights together for a geek chic look! The total outfit only cost $55! Go check it out! (find My Thrifty Chic on Twitter!)
• The Chic Curator gives us a bedroom duvet breakdown on a budget with three different price points to choose from! Pop over to check out the super cute bedding and find out where to buy!
• Laura Wears is showing off her holiday party style - a little bit of sparkle mixed with a little bit of responsibility! Love this look! (find Laura Wears on Twitter!)
• Sam ipsa Loquitur wrapped up her 30 for 30 challenge and she definitely ended on a high note! Pattern mixing at its finest! (find Sam ipsa Loquitur on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is showing us some love in a gorgeous new sweater! No better (or more stylish) way to make a statement than that! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is in love with a bright and beautiful little girl's room! She recreated the look in a room and an outfit - tons of great pieces! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style rounds up her favorite stylish rain boots after getting tons of use out of hers lately! Head over to pick out your favorite pair to be ready for the rain (or snow!) ahead! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

The IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second Street East.

For more information on how you can be involved - click here.

Links à la Mode : The IFB Weekly Round Up

So, my Suitcase Remix post is included in this week's Links à la Mode.

Totally casual.
Not squealing and bouncing up and down or anything.
(You guys I'm so lying. Sosososo lying.)

Be sure to check out the other blogs featured this week! I'm dying over this insanely cool feathery-furry top, these crazymazing pumpkins (and her header image! So flipping cool), and these tips on how to wear your pjs in public - where have you been all my life?!

Puttin’ in Work

Edited by: Jess of Fresh Jess

The bloggers are hard at work this season! This week’s roundup goes well beyond your usual outfit posts. What have IFB’s independent designers and stylists been cooking up in their studios lately? What off-the-beaten-path trends have you been exploring lately? Who is inspiring fashionable Halloween costumes this season? Which bloggers and designers are other bloggers fancying in recent weeks? All of these answers and more await you in this week’s Links a la Mode roundup. There are some truly unique and interesting voices being heard this week. Keep it up IFB!

• Camo Meets Couture: Wardrobe Diaries: Fine Feathered Threads
• Coolsario: Backstage of a Fashion Show
• Delphina Luxe: Le Mercredi des Bijoux: BeadFeast Love
• DNA Stylix: Honeycomb Influence
• Fashion is Evolution: What I Wore Today (Pajama Game)
• Kelly Dillon: All Black
• La Chic Couture: 4 Ways to Style A Faux-Leather Pleated Skirt
• Lifestyle Flash: Investment Piece Wishlist
• Mairead Lee: Peroni Moda Awards (Part 1)
• Morbid Glamour: Diastema, The Famous “Gap Teeth”
• On a Brick Lane: Hippie Love
• Purushu: Celeb-Inspired Styling Shoot
• Rock My Heels: Outfit Ideas: Green Skinny Jeans & Chanel-Inspired Jacket
• Sam Ipsa Loquitur: Suitcase Remix
• Style Tab: DIY Pretty Painted Pumpkins
• Sugar & Spice: 5 Pieces to Update Your Work Wardrobe for AW12
• Tha Darlinh: 10 Great Blogs on the Rise
• The Closet Coach: How to Dress for Casual Fridays
• Travelling Fashion: Fisherman’s Sweater 4 Ways
• Wish Upon a Smile: My Bo-Peeps: Cruella de Vil, Jafar & The Mad Hatter Halloween Outfit Ideas

 

SPONSOR: Shopbop Bags: Malene Birger, orYANY, Milly Bags, Chloe, Tory Burch, McQ, Hindmarch, Botkier, Lim & Alexander Wang Handbags

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official)”. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine