Shen Dove Style

Moves

2014-01-07T22:34:00.001-05:00

I thought the start of the new year would be a great time to make a few changes to the blog. Starting later this week, you can view Shen Dove Style on www.shendove.com. I just wanted to give you a heads up so you can update your bookmarks and subscriptions. All existing content will carry over once the final tweaks have been completed, I'll just no longer be on Blogger.

Thanks so much for reading!

Citrus

2014-01-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

Shirt: H&M // Jeans: Old Navy // Boots: thrifted // Clutch: thrifted

Happy Monday! How was your first weekend of 2014? Mine was pretty good. I treated the weekend as a last hurrah before I really start working full steam on my goals for the year. Speaking of goals, one of my goals for 2014 was to move Shen Dove Style over to Wordpress and my own domain which I'll be doing later this week. More details on the move in a separate post!

This outfit was worn during the holidays on a day much warmer than the frigid temperatures we are currently having in Philly. I know that the Pantone color of the year is radiant orchid, but bright orange is a color I never tire of wearing.

Here's to an awesome week. Stay warm!

Links of the Week: January 3rd

2014-01-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Here's some reading material to motivate you to make this year a great one.

Adopting positive habits can be awesome, but please don't fix yourself.

How to create a vision board.

5 resolutions to make in 2014.

30 resolutions for 30 somethings.

I like this cute agenda.

A tasty green smoothie recipe.

Sustainable dining resolutions for your diet.

15 fresh starts for the new year.

26 resolutions to keep you organized in 2014.

Work smarter and not harder on your social media this year.

Have a fantastic weekend!

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2013 Style Recap

2013-12-31T15:27:00.000-05:00

Jan // Feb // Mar // Apr // May // Jun // Jul // Aug // Sep // Oct // Nov // Dec

Here is a snapshot of my style from the past year.
Thanks so much for reading Shen Dove Style in 2013.
I have the feeling 2014 will be a great year!

Favorite Books of 2013

2013-12-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

On Beauty by Zadie Smith // Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu Jaber // This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz // Americanah by Chiamanda Ngozi Adiche // Kinky Gazpacho by Lori Tharps // Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende

It was hard to narrow down my favorites this year because I read quite a few good ones, but these six were my favorite reads of 2013. See my favorites books of 2012 and 2011.

What were your favorite books of 2013?

Merry Christmas!

2013-12-24T07:03:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and a blessed and happy holidays! Hope you are having a great time with your loved ones this week.

Thanks so much for reading Shen Dove Style! It's been so fun to share my style with you this year. I'll pop back in later this week for my final update of 2013.

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Links of the Week: December 20th

2013-12-20T18:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday folks! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied as you prep for the holidays.

You get to choose what your holidays look like.

A great app to download during the holiday season.

A cute New Year's Eve dress option.

Naturals: How to retain length and understand your hair porosity.

What Beyonce's new album release taught me.

How to create a capsule wardrobe.

5 reasons to be a better commenter in 2014.

Love these tips on how to wear and shop for vintage.

How to get organized while blogging.

As a small apartment dweller, I like this small apartment feature from Domino Magazine.

Have a lovely weekend!

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Style Profile: Mai Style Pages

2013-12-18T12:56:00.000-05:00

Anh Mai of Mai Style Pages is a stylish lady who currently resides in Philly. I find it so inspiring that Anh turned her passion for fashion into a career path. Read on to find out more about Anh and her awesome personal style!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog? How did you settle on your blog’s title?

Anh Mai: I started my blog because when I moved to Philly I didn’t know anyone. When I was home I used to be able to share my new clothes and outfits with my sisters or friends. When I moved to Philly, I only had my husband, and I think he was getting sick of me trying on outfits and showing him. Lol. Also, because I love sharing with people the bargain and finds I would get from vintage and thrift stores, so the blog really allowed me to share that. I love it when people ask me questions on the blog. I have even connected some of my readers to my sales people to help them find things like sold out shoes. My last name is Mai pronounced like “my” so I thought it was a fun play on words. Even though now most people call me Mai, even people I’ve met in the past! It’s kind of weird.

Shen Dove: Can you name some of your style inspiration or influences (family members, designers, artists, celebrities, etc.)?

Anh Mai: I love Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. I love the bohemian, free spirited yet high fashion style they have. I love love Nicole Richie. Also, everyone in my family has great style. I usually have pictures sent to me by my brothers, asking me what I thought about their jeans or hats. Or they ask me to find a trendy boot they are on the hunt for.

Shen Dove: I know you have a nursing background. Can you explain a little about the evolution of your career from nursing to a fashion and styling focus?

Anh Mai: I have been a nurse for five years and though nursing has been rewarding, it wasn’t always my first passion. When I was in high school, I loved science and loved fashion. (I was voted best dressed in high school even though I really didn’t make a lot of friends since I was a new transfer). When the time came for college, I was afraid to go into fashion because of the risk of the unknown. I knew nursing was the safe route and definitely the more stable way. Of course, my mom agreed as well and that influenced my decision.

Working as a nurse has it ups and downs like any other job. When you save someone’s life or you are there for somewhere at the most vulnerable time in their lives you find a sense of reward from it. At the same time, working with dying patients or patients looking for a new heart (I worked on a cardiac floor with patients waiting for heart transplants), you realized life is too short to not do something you love. Transitioning into fashion wasn’t easy. It was difficult to leave a stable job, stable income and do something that was on the opposite spectrum. It was the unknown for me. But the deeper I got into it, the more I realized how much happier I became. I did a number of things before realizing that I love styling. I went to school for technical design and began sewing. I realized I wasn’t a designer. I started at a buying internship and became a buyer eventually but didn’t love it. I wanted something more creative, and styling was the perfect fit for me. It came naturally and it made me really excited to wake up and go to work.

Shen Dove: Do you have any advice for other professionals who want to make a leap into a fashion-related career?

Anh Mai: It cliché but I would say follow you heart. Do what makes you happy. When I have kids, I would tell them to do what makes them happy. No amount of money in the world can give you happiness. And it is true, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” I think if that is your real passion, you should just go for it and don’t look back.

Shen Dove: What are some of your favorite shopping, restaurants and other must-see places in Philly?

Anh Mai: I love the vintage and thrift stores in Philly. There is a really special gem on 12th and Samson called Philadelphia Vintage and Consignment. I love thrift shopping on South Street at Philly AIDS Thrift and Retrospect. The restaurant scene in Philly is spectacular also, my favorites include Vernick, Vetri, Zahav and Amish donuts from Reading Terminal. There are so many more, but then this interview would never end.

Shen Dove: If money or time weren’t an option, where would your next travel destination be and what fashion essentials would you pack for your trip?

Anh Mai: I have always wanted to go to Barcelona. I would pack sweeping, flowy dresses and a cardigan to wrap up in for walks home after dinner.

Shen Dove: Do you have any quotes, inspiration or words you live by?

Anh Mai: Do what makes you happy. My sister always said that to me, and now I have the courage to do it.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Anh!

Bookmark Mai Style Pages to see Anh's latest updates. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hat Attitude

2013-12-16T08:18:00.002-05:00

Hat: AA // Dress: Target // Vest: Old Navy // Ankle Boots: F21 //

Coach Bag: thrifted

Happy Monday! I've never really been a "hat person," but the cold temperatures in Philly lately have made wearing hats a necessity. Since the cold weather will be here to stay for a while, I've decided to start investing in hats that I actually like to wear. This wide brimmed hat was the first in my "cute winter hat collection." I can guarantee that you'll be seeing me wearing more hats in the new year.

What are you favorite stores to buy cute, affordable hats?

Links of the Week: December 13th

2013-12-13T13:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

Follow Cynthia's advice and read this story over the weekend (with tissues on hand).

I'm going to set aside some time to listen/watch Beyonce's new visual concept album over the weekend. What are your thoughts on it, if you've listened/watched already?

You'll make more money if you can code

The one thing all introverts need to do at work

The perks of being a blog contributor

I'm such a wimp when it comes to cold weather, it's time for me to invest in some winter weather accessories like this. I also need a warm(er) winter coat, but that's fodder for a whole separate blog post...

Have some fun with your desktop icons

I like this festive decor DIY project

Start a travel fund (so you can have some travel fun!)

How to find the original source for your images

Have a lovely weekend.

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Shop Profile: The Papery

2013-12-11T07:52:00.001-05:00

There are so many great local business in the Philly area and I love to feature them occasionally here on the blog. The Papery of Philadelphia is an invitation design studio and gift boutique located in the Midtown Village section of Center City. The Papery's owner, Carolyn Brandhorst was kind enough to sit down with me earlier this fall to chat about her business and the services her store offers to its customers. Now on to the interview!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your business?

Carolyn: The Papery is actually a family business, my uncles started The Papery a long time ago in Greenwich, Connecticut. Before deciding to take over the business, I worked with my Dad in advertising and I worked in retail before that. I always loved the shop and decided I needed a change from working in advertising. My retail experience paired with the print and design experience I developed while working in the advertising field, made the business a natural fit for me. It became a creative outlet for me to combine the two major areas of my professional experience.

Shen Dove: What types of services does The Papery offer?

Carolyn: We offer invitation personalization and custom invitation for weddings, special occasions, Bar/Bat Mitzvah's...basically any kind of party you can think of. Other services we offer include customer service for helping people find the perfect gift. We also do gift wrapping. Our main service is the invitation end of the business; helping a customer create that perfect invitation for whatever the occasion might be.

Shen Dove: Your store relocated earlier this fall to Midtown Village. How does your new location differ from your previous location in Old City?

Carolyn: Earlier this year, our lease was up in Old City, we had been there for ten years. That location really put us on the map locally during our time there. But our business model changed a bit over the course of the past decade. We got more involved on the invitation end of the business with customization and assembly. The Old City location was suited for more of a retail focus. We didn't have a particular location in mind when we decided to move, but we found this space and we love the neighborhood. You know how you just walk into a space and you know this is going to work? We definitely felt that way when we moved here.

Shen Dove: What do you think sets your business apart from some of the other invitation and paper goods stores in the area?

Carolyn: I think our creative ability, and our customer service set us a part. We just really have a knack for sitting down with customers, brainstorming with them, and coming up with original ideas for their perfect event. The atmosphere of our store is really welcoming; people feel good in here. We attract a lot of unique clients and cater to them.

Shen Dove: Do you have an example of a project you worked on with a client that you really enjoyed?

Carolyn: There's so many different ones! If I had to pick one, it was a while back, we created invitations with a Lost theme from the TV show. The client was taking their guests on a cruise for a Mitzvah celebration. We came up with a custom made wooden box that housed each invitation. Inside was an invitation that looked like a Passport and it also had a message in a bottle. The invitations were delivered to each guest. So that was a pretty fun, creative project to work on.

The more simple projects are also fun to work on. I enjoy working on the classic, traditional wedding invitations also. I recently worked on printed materials for a wedding that is taking place in Majorca, Spain. We designed fun things for the invitation like hot air balloons and other cool graphics for that project. We also worked on the Save the Date that included a custom map of Philadelphia (where the bride is from), New York (where the couple now lives) and Spain (where the wedding will take place). The map shows sites and places wedding guests can visit while in Spain as well.

Shen Dove: That's definitely a practical keepsake for guests! What do you think sets Philly a part in terms of being a business owner here

Carolyn: I can't speak for other areas, but we were previously located in Marlton, New Jersey and there is a slight difference between the brides I worked with there compared to Philly brides. You have a more educated, older bride in Philly in comparison to our previous location in Marlton, New Jersey. So you have to be on top of your game, because you have a busier bride, that has a career and not a lot of time, so they rely on you to do a lot efficiently. I might only meet with a bride once and then never see her in person again because of schedule constraints. We typically met with brides a few times in New Jersey. We have also noticed that we do more urban, contemporary designs as opposed to classic, traditional designs in Philly.

Shen Dove: Do you have any advice for aspiring business owners?

Carolyn: You need to love to working and love what you do. Because when you are growing your business, that is all you'll be doing. You have to be passionate about your business or it will be less likely to work.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Carolyn! If you are in the Philadelphia during the holiday season, check out The Papery for your invitation needs, holiday gifts, stocking stuffers while you're there!

The Papery
Address: 1219 Locust Street [Midtown Village]
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
Phone: 215.922.1500
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 11am-7pm // Wednesday 11am-8pm // Thursday and Friday 11am-7pm Saturday 10am-6pm // Sunday Noon-5pm

November Favorites

2013-12-09T07:28:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites from the month of November.

Snack: Pasta and veggie bowls were a favorite snack recently
Outfit: Cobalt + Black was a favorite outfit of the month
Beauty Product: Vitamin E Oil has really come in handy as a night time moisturizer during the fall
Book: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy was a favorite book though it had a sadder tone than the original books, Bridget's embarrassing humor and escapades were still there.
App: Square Ready was a frequently used app to prep images before posting them on Instagram
Music: Amel Larrieux, Ice Cream Everyday was a musical favorite

What were some of your favorites from last month?

Links of the Week: December 6th

2013-12-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

Remembering an icon of freedom

Be part of a creative clique

Things I still can't do at 30 years old

When a party is not a party

Thanksgiving detox juice recipes

Single this holiday season? How to deal

Morning routines around the world

I like this cute, lady-like coat

A Philly holiday shopping guide

This guy has the most gorgeous natural hair

Have a lovely weekend.

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Holiday Gift Ideas // Ladies

2013-12-04T20:13:00.001-05:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Here are some gift ideas for ladies this holiday season.

Faux Fur and Camo

2013-12-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

Necklace: Sonia V. Boutique // Faux Fur Vest: swapped //

Jeans: Target // Ankle Boots: Target

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and caught some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals if shopping is your thing.

I've always felt that accessories and jewelry really make an outfit pop. I've seen photos of myself as a kid draped in my mother's scarves, bags and jewelry that prove that this isn't a new concept for me.

The necklace I'm wearing is from Sonia V Boutique and it has quickly become a weekend favorite. In my book, fall casual weekend outfits that include necklaces and faux fur are definitely called for sometimes.

If you're still in a shopping or gift hunting mood, check out Sonia V Boutique and use this code to get 15% off: SHENDOVE15. Check out more of the boutique's selection of jewelry here.

Let's make this week a great one!

Links of the Week: November 29th

2013-11-29T08:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend in between eating Thanksgiving leftovers and taking advantage of Black Friday sales.

Thanksgiving leftover ideas

Black Friday shopping in Philly

Holiday helpfuls

Currently loving this nail polish

I like this apartment tour

Holiday makeup inspiration

How to use Pinterest to grow your business

On blogging: Staying relevant

Crushes from 90's tv shows

If you don't have any (marketable) skills, you may want to learn some

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Happy Thanksgiving

2013-11-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

For those who are in the U.S. and celebrate, I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving (and a Happy Hanukkah)! I hope you have lots of great food and laughter today with your loved ones.

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Holiday Gift Ideas // Gents

2013-11-27T06:55:00.000-05:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12

Here are some holiday gift ideas for the gentlemen in your life.

Maroon and Tweed

2013-11-25T13:27:00.002-05:00

Blazer: F21--old // Top: swapped // jeans: Target // Shoes: Shoemint

Happy Monday! Who else can't believe that Thanksgiving is nearly here? 2013, you have flown by way too fast. If the cold snap we have experienced in Philly since the weekend continues, I definitely see more pants-wearing and a temporary retirement of my skirts and dresses in the future...

Holiday Gift Ideas // Hostess Gifts

2013-11-25T07:31:00.000-05:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13

Hostess gifts are the one thing I usually overlook until the last minute when visiting family and friends during the holiday season. If you do the same, here is some gift giving inspiration.

Links of the Week: November 22nd

2013-11-22T07:56:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

5 picks for Thanksgiving wine

What do you think of the app described in this article?

I'm on a face oil kick, I'm thinking about trying this one as a nightly moisturizer

Valuable vs. Expensive

I like watching films and documentaries about dance, this web series is on my to-watch list.

Where millenials can make it now

Disillusioned with Facebook: Here's a way forward

Best places to get free ebooks for the Kindle

Make your own pumpkin pie spice

Unusual social media tools for bloggers

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Holiday Wish List

2013-11-22T07:53:00.000-05:00

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

I truly have everything I need in the materialistic sense, but I always enjoy having a visual representation of my holiday wish list.

What's on your wish list for the holiday season?

Recent Reads

2013-11-20T22:38:00.001-05:00

So I haven’t managed to capture outfit photos in the last few days (it gets dark so early now!), so I thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss some of my recent reads.

Americanah - Chiamanda Ngozi Adiche has become one of my favorite authors after reading Half of a Yellow Sun last year. The author makes the book’s themes of race, cultural assimilation, the adjustment to life as an immigrant, and love both poignant and relatable. The prominent place that blogging has in the story also made that part of the story particularly relevant to me as a blogger. I won’t give away too much about the plot, but this story revolves around Ifemelu, a Nigerian born woman who currently lives in America and Obinze, Ifemelu’s first love and how their lives take very different turns as adults and how they end up reconnecting. If you’re looking for an engrossing read to tackle during the holiday season, definitely check this book out.

Parisienne French: Chic Phrases, Slang & Style - Though I love the language, most of what I learned in the few semesters of French I took in college has been forgotten. Parisienne French was a great refresher that will leave me much more prepared to take my first trip to France (which I hope to do next year!). I found some of the commonly used phrases and basic grammar details very helpful. The book was easy to read from cover to cover but could also easily be used as a reference guide. The book has interesting sightseeing, travel advice, culture and shopping tips. But to be clear, this book is definitely more than simply a phrase book, it even covers items such as flirting/dating tips and social cues that differ from what many Americans are accustomed to. Reading Parisienne French has definitely encouraged me to continue studying French as a hobby in the future. Note: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher, but all opinions are my own.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead - So there is a lot of hype around this book, and because of this, I decided to read it myself so I could form my own opinion. Lean In has insightful tidbits from the life experiences of former Google and current Facebook executive, Sheryl Sandberg. Her experiences as a high powered professional woman who juggles a demanding career and a family will have relevancy for many women. Sandberg encourages young women who want both families and demanding careers to “lean in” to their professional duties and not slow down their careers because of their dueling roles as wives, mothers and, caregivers. I appreciate the fact that Sandberg has made such a strong effort to build a dynamic community and start ongoing conversations around the topics discussed in her book. This dialogue is definitely needed today.

The ongoing conversation is so important, because while I can see the value of the information shared in the book, more insights and perspectives on how not only gender, but race, ethnicity, politics, and socio-economic standing can hinder the careers of many women are needed. An avenue that many women take to “lean in” their careers on their own terms (entrepreneurship!) also has a key place in these conversations. Insights from a male perspective would be helpful as well. There are also many high powered women who don’t desire to have children but “leaning in” to their careers while balancing a demanding personal life is relevant to them too. I think this book is worth reading to get the conversation started on how to encourage and advise women who want to excel at their careers at high levels and manage their families, but I see the book as being a starting point and not an all-encompassing manifesto.

What have you read lately?

Links of the Week: November 15th

2013-11-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday ! Here is some reading material to keep you occupied this weekend.

This post has inspired me to set some time aside to spruce up my about page soon

6 unexpected ways writing can change your health

The easiest Thanksgiving dinner that anyone can make

When I moved home

All about alphabet creams. BB Creams, CC Creams for all skin tones

Quick and easy guide to gathering testimonials

Loving this coat for special occasions

Networking for introverts with Susan Cain

You are a brand

Truths of growing up without cable

Have a lovely weekend!

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Blogging Habits

2013-11-13T07:56:00.000-05:00

I have other hobbies I really enjoy, but I’d definitely say, that blogging is the hobby that consumes the largest chunk of my spare time lately. Here are a few of my blogging habits.

Blog on-the-go - I currently use the blogger app on my iPhone. When I have ideas for new content, I start drafts and add to them when I find something I’d like to share or get struck by inspiration. Adding to blog content over time becomes particularly important for weekly features I do such as my links roundup. As I come across or receive articles or blog posts from friends during the course of the week, I add to the post while in draft form. Because I add to blog posts over time, by Friday when I post my weekly links, I usually just clean up my copy, add any images I want to include and publish it rather quickly.
Set a blogging schedule - Once upon a time, I went through stretches where I blogged on a daily basis. I had a lot more free time on my hands at that point. But now, I find with a full time job and other commitments, it’s much more manageable to choose a few days a week to blog and stick with them. For the last several months, I’ve been blogging on a MWF schedule. I’ve tried blogging on the weekends, but I find that weekdays work best for me at the moment. I’ll think about adding a weekend post back into my schedule in 2014. Of course I get struck by ideas on days other than MWF, but since my blog doesn’t feature breaking news, it’s more important for me to make an effort to consistently blog on the same days each week. In the future I’ll also work on getting my posts up at a set time each day…
Travel with a notepad and camera (or smart phone) - Inspiration can strike at any moment. Since I’m not a regular driver, my time spent in transit is the perfect opportunity to write/type copy for posts. I also write informal editorial calendars in a small notebook if I find myself waiting somewhere like the dentist’s office with nothing else to do. Walking around my city also offers opportunities to take photos for blog posts or for social media platforms like Instagram.
Use weekends for prep – I usually spend at least 30 minutes during the weekends generating ideas, taking photos, and drafting content for the week. Lately, I’ve also started being more scheduling social media content on outlets like Facebook, Twitter and Google + for the week.
Set aside time to unplug – Having a hobby (and a job) that requires me to spend lots of time sitting at a computer means that scheduling time to unplug is key. Fall is the perfect time of year to get outside and away from all screens I’ve come to rely on. I really plan to be more vigilant about setting aside unplug time in 2014.

What are your blogging habits?
Do you have any other short-cuts or tips that help you manage your blog?

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