words & wardrobes

100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING [INSTALLMENT 2, PART 3 OF 5]

2013-06-18T19:26:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to publish Part 3 yesterday, but I keep having issues with Blogger. Sigh. As usual, I’m giddy about posting another part of the series. I always get a kick out of knowing that there are brown girls all over the world who are doing their thing. Part 4 will be coming next week, but here’s part 3, twenty brown girls blogging, bringing the current total to 160. To make navigation easier, I created a tab that includes the first installment and the first and second parts of the second installment, so if you’re looking for inspiration, there’s plenty there.

41. LACE AND LEOPARD. Tiffany is a curvy California-based blogger whose ‘Same Fit Done Thick’ feature is the coolest thing ever.
42. LIVE LIFE IN STYLE. Houston-based Shasie shows ladies how to think outside the box with their personal style.
43. LOCKS AND TRINKETS. Los Angeles-based Enocha’s style is simple, chic, and edgy.
44. LOVE LIFE PEARLS. DC-based Ms Sole considers herself to be a connoisseur of well-tailored blazers.
45. LOVE DARBIE. Dara is an Austin-based student with a refreshing sense of style (and she gets bonus points for being in Texas).
46. LOVE OF STYLE BY ERIKA. Detroit-based Erika respects the rules of fashion, but doesn’t feel the need to always follow them.
47. LOVE XOXO FASHION. Kyra is a student in San Antonio who doesn’t believe that it’s always about what you wear and where you buy your clothes.
48. MELISSA’S WARDROBE. Melissa is a UK-based blogger who loves her some Zara.
49. MIMI G STYLE. The only time I pick up a needle and thread is to sew a missing button a blazer, but California-based Mimi is a self-taught seamstress that makes me want to buy a sewing machine and some patterns.
50. MIRROR ME. UK-based Fisayo gets her inspiration from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
51. MORNING CUP OF STYLE. Dee’s site is for fashion seekers that adore simplicity with edge without breaking the bank.
52. MUNY FASHION FANATIQUE. Muny is a Portuguese blogger whose style is tomboy chic.
53. MUSINGS OF A CURVY LADY. Jacksonville-based Thamarr is a curvy lady who’s embracing the feminine and exploring the unusual.
54. MY CHIC STYLE. Toronto-based Claudeen’s motto is “It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.”
55. MY DESIGNER DREAMS. Maryland-based Tamika likes to describe her style as versatile simplicity.
56. MY DOCUMENTED CLOSET. Yanique is a DC-based blogger who started her site as a way to manage and organize her ever-growing closet.
57. MY GO TWOS. Carmelita is a Los-Angeles based makeup artist with a relaxed West coast style.
58. MY THRIFTED CLOSET. SheRea is a North Carolina-based blogger who believes thrifting isn’t a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.
59. THE FASHION NOTEBOOK. Nancie runs The Fashion Notebook, a digital publication that focuses on Kenyan, African and International fashion.
60. OLIVIA NOEL. Florida-based Olivia has a casual style…and an enviable head of curls.

P.S. I worked really hard and did a lot of research to make sure that the information above (specifically, each blogger’s location) is accurate. If you’re on the list and your information is incorrect, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail with the correct information. I can be reached at Ty [at] wordsandwardrobes [dot] com.

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BGB PRESS: SHINE SO BRIGHTLY

2013-06-13T12:23:00.001-05:00

I've really been receiving a lot of support and encouragement from so many of you in regards to the 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING series. It means so much to me that you all are enjoying it and I'm looking forward to publishing the remainder of the second installment. I wanted you guys to check on this piece on Shine So Brightly (written by my talented baby brother)--it gives a little more insight into my thoughts on the fashion industry's lack of diversity, what I find most inspiring about the bloggers featured in the series and how I felt about using my journalism background for this project. The link to this article is also included under my MENTIONS tab, but you can read it here.

Thank you all for your support and stay tuned for 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING: Installment 2, Part 3.

100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING [INSTALLMENT 2, PART 2 OF 5]

2013-06-11T15:35:00.000-05:00

I’m always excited to highlight and showcase a new crop of fashionable brown girls. This is a project that is dear to my heart and I take pride in it. I even think I’ve had an epiphany of sorts while working on this series—it has shown me the direction in which I want to take my career (It’s one of those ‘Dream big’ kind of things). But this isn’t about me. It’s about the ladies in Part 2 of the second installment of BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING. As always, I’m open to hearing about the bloggers you think should be included in this series. Feel free to sound off in the comments.

21. FASHBERRIES. Prisla is a New Yorker with a penchant for pattern play.
22. FASHION ACCORDING TO THE MENU. Trisha is a Maryland-based fashionista with a love of food.
23. FASHION BIBLE. Emma is a UK-based blogger who believe the world would be less colorful without fashion.
24. FASHION PAD. Shanequa is a fashionable Floridian pharmacist (try saying that three times fast!) with a shoe collection to die for.
25. FROM MY STYLE 2 URS. Kia Denise is a Philadelphia-based freelance stylist whose ultimate goal is to become a household name in the fashion industry.
26. FUR BANANAS. Jennifer is an East Coaster with a bit of edge.
27. HAUTE AND COMELY. Fashion is just one of UK-based Marianne’s loves.
28. HEART, PRINT AND STYLE. Vivi is a DC-based fun-loving fashionista with a knack for thrifting.
29. HINT OF GLAMOUR. Alicia is a New Yorker who’s addicted to glamour.
30. IF I WERE A BRIT GIRL. Tia is an Atlanta-based blogger with a love of thrifting.
31. IMPR(4L)ESS. Demetrice is a North Carolina-based blogger whose blog is about how she’s staying trendy and fashionable on an educator’s budget.
32. INSIDE ALLIE’S WORLD. Allison is a New York-based beauty who uses her blog to share her fashions and to post about issues that I care about, especially in relation to women struggling with body issues.
33. IT GIRL ALLURE. Sheila plays many roles—she’s a wife and a mother, among other things—but that doesn’t mean she wants to ‘let herself go’ so her blog documents her daily style.
34. JAVICIA LESLIE. I don’t know what’s I’m more impressed with—Javicia’s style or the fact that she gave up everything to follow her dreams of being an actress.
35. JAELA’S BEAUTIFUL WAY. New York-based Jaela’s blog is where beauty and style begins.
36. KIMBERLY LUXE. Although she’s not a personal style blogger, Miami-based Kimberly considers her site ‘a cheat sheet through all things life.’
37. LADI LIKE. Carmesha considers herself to be a young female who is no longer addicted to retail.
38. LADEE’S CLOSET. Dallas-based Tiaira believes you don’t have to spend your last dime to look like one.
39. LAYERS OF STYLE. New York-based Lecee is a gorgeous girl with an equally gorgeous wardrobe.
40. LIONESS BLOGS. Jacque is a fierce Nigerian student who gives off a ‘Solange meets Janelle Monet’ vibe.

Stay tuned for Part 3 and don't forget to check out the first installment of 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING and the first part of the second installment of 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING.

P.S. I worked really hard and did a lot of research to make sure that the information above (specifically, each blogger’s location) is accurate. If you’re on the list and your information is incorrect, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail with the correct information. I can be reached at Ty [at] wordsandwardrobes [dot] com.

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THREE YEARS

2013-06-10T10:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday marked the third anniversary of WORDS AND WARDROBES (and oh what a three years it's been). Check out what I've been doing since 2010...

100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING (INSTALLMENT 2, PART 1 OF 5)

2013-06-06T08:06:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to kick off the second installment of 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING. This series is time-consuming and a lot of hard work (and tons of research, which I love), but I'm not complaining at all because I have a blast finding stylish new brown girls. So check out the bloggers below, show them some love, and as always, feel free to leave a comment letting me know who you'd like to see on 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING.

1. 24 PLUS STYLE. North Carolina-based Ang is a thirty-something plus-size blogger whose motto is ‘Keep it classy and sassy.’
2. A DASH OF FLAIR. Mari is a New Yorker whose personal style is a combination of ‘city chic’ and ‘Chanel classy.’
3. A FENDI BAG AND A BAD ATTITUDE. Tamanika is a self-proclaimed shoe whore from New York whose fashion idol is June Ambrose.
4. A THICK GIRL’S CLOSET. New Jersey-based Shainna is celebrating plus-size fashionistas one closet at a time.
5. ADDICTED 2 ETSY. Cynthia is a New Yorker with an affinity for prints and bright colors.
6. ALL THINGS SLIM. Shayla is a bicoastal beauty with bold style (and legs for days).
7. BLITZ AND GLAM. Charlotte-based Tamara combines fashion and football and describes her style as a mix of Michelle Obama and Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis.
8. BORN IN SEQUINS. Brittney is a Chicagoan who’s swimming in a sea of chartreuse.
9. BRAINS OF THE OUTFIT. Atlanta-based Erin’s blog is dedicated to sharing no-fail methods on how to look like a million bucks under $30.
11. BRILLIANCE OF B. Brittany is a Houston-based engineer whose blog inspires others to illuminate brilliance and be confident in their style.
11. CHIC PANTRY. Georgia-based blogger Osa believes that you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like one.
12. CHOCOLATE LACED. I’ve been stuck on New York-based Stephanie’s blog for days—this girl is FIYAH!
13. CLARABELLE. Harlem-based Clare is woman after my own heart—she likes to wear the same pieces over and over again in new ways.
14. COLOR ME COURTNEY. Courtney is a New Yorker whose style is cute and colorful.
15. CURVENVY. Sandee is a New York-based blogger who motto is, “Style is not just for the skinny.”
16. DANI-DK. New York-based Danielle’s wardrobe is high on style, low on fuss.
17. DE DIVAH DEALS. Delaware-based Antoinette is a blogger who is all about fashion and fun over fifty.
18. DEEVINE ANONYME. California-based Diane is a blogger who’s crazy about colors.
19. ESTELLE LA MODE. Rachel and Esther are a blogging duo for Melbourne, Australia who believe that style is patient, kind, and does not judge.
20. EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE. I’m intrigued by Nottingham-based Rachel’s interest in delving deeper into fashion and analyzing the industry.

Stay tuned for Part 2 and don't forget about the first installment of 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING. Oh, and please, please, please share (on Twitter, on Facebook, on your blog, on whatever your social media site of choice is). Many bloggers in the first installment mentioned feeling as if their blogging efforts go unnoticed (they don't), and as I've stated before, we're so underrepresented in the world of style blogging--if we don't support us, who will?

P.S. I worked really hard and did a lot of research to make sure that the information above (specifically, each blogger’s location) is accurate. If you’re on the list and your information is incorrect, feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail with the correct information. I can be reached at Ty [at] wordsandwardrobes [dot] com.

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100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING: THE PROCESS

2013-06-05T13:02:00.001-05:00

It’s been a little more than two months since I published 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING, a compilation of style bloggers of color from across the country (and across the pond). In that time, it has become my site’s most popular post and a resource for those looking for brown style bloggers. Tomorrow I will start the second installment of 100 Brown Girls Blogging, a five-part series consisting of 20 brown style bloggers each week for the next five weeks, to total 100 more brown girls blogging. The first installment consisted of a lot of time and a lot of research, but there was a definitely a method to the madness.

A FOCUS ON BROWN GIRLS…

Since I started blogging in 2010, I always felt that style bloggers of color were underrepresented when it came to brand partnerships and collaborations. Although we have tremendous spending power, we’re neglected when brands choose which bloggers to partner with for campaigns and projects. Many of the bloggers have a loyal audience and incredible influence within their niche, but it seems that no one was taking notice. So I did.

THE SEARCH BEGINS…

I started by including some of my favorite style bloggers then I checked their blog rolls for more bloggers. I also researched social media sites like Instagram and Twitter, then followed up by looking at Fashion Bombshells of the Day on Fashion Bomb Daily and checking out Black Girls Killing It. Finally, I looked at the Bloggers Like Me Facebook page and even used Google to find bloggers to include.

THE SELECTION PROCESS…

The criteria for the bloggers I included in the first installment was pretty simple. I was interested in personal style bloggers rather than fashion news bloggers or bloggers whose content mostly consisted of photography from other sites. I included some lifestyle bloggers, but those bloggers’ sites had a large style focus.

Also, I included bloggers who had updated their sites recently, usually within the last two weeks. Consistency was also considered—if there was a recent post, but there was a large gap between that post and the post prior to that, I ruled out those sites.

I also chose bloggers whose information was readily available on their website or easy to find elsewhere. (It’s amazing how many bloggers don’t have basic information—like their name and location—anywhere on their website.)

Finally, I didn’t take statistics or launch dates into consideration. Some bloggers had forty followers, some had 4,000. Some had started blogging six months ago, some started blogging six years ago. My goal was to create a list with a variety of bloggers, so numbers didn’t play a role.

THOSE TIDBITS OF INFORMATION…

I always check the blogger’s About Me page first to find the basic information like their name and location. I also look to see how the blogger describes her style and I look at her images to see what I notice about her style. If there’s not much information on their site, I turn to Google to see if there have been any interviews or features that might give insight into the blogger and her style.

I CHOSE TO DO A SECOND INSTALLMENT BECAUSE…

When I first had the idea to create a list of brown style bloggers, I initially planned to only compile a list of fifty bloggers. Then I started researching and found way more than fifty, so the number doubled. Although I never had any intentions of doing a second installment, I started toying with the idea after seeing how successful the first installment was and after finding many more brown girls blogging.

Also, there are a few communities for brown bloggers of color—like Style Bloggers of Color and Blogging While Brown—but none of the sites had a detailed list of brown bloggers and I often noticed many fashion-focused women of color were looking for other fashion-focused women of color (Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and Exhibit C) so I wanted to create a directory of sorts, a one-stop destination that consisted of a wide range of brown style bloggers.

THIS IS FOR...

The Brown Girls Blogging series isn’t just for bloggers. For example, as I mentioned above, style bloggers of color are always searching for other style bloggers of color, whether they’re looking to schedule meet-ups in their city or simply interested in meeting bloggers in their area.

There are also the non-bloggers—people who don’t have blogs but are interested in fashion and looking for inspiration.

Also, the Brown Girls Blogging series provides brands a database of sorts, so if a company is hosting an event in a certain city or is looking to diversify their campaign, this serves as a resource and a starting point for partnership.

Don’t forget to catch up on (and share) the first installment of 100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING before the second installment starts tomorrow!

[IMAGE: TheGrio.com]

BLAZIN'

2013-06-04T17:36:00.001-05:00

FOREVER 21 Shorts, Rings and Bracelets | OLD NAVY Sweater | TARGET Blazer and Shoes | EXPRESS Clutch

After months and months (and months) of searching for a reasonably-priced chambray blazer, I finally found one at Target. I'd wanted one for a while, but it intensified when I came across a look that I wanted to recreate in an issue of Lucky a while back. Once I finally bought the blazer, I tried the look using the pieces in my closet, but it just didn't turn out right. I wasn't too disappointed, though, because I still have a lot of other looks in mind featuring this blazer.

SEQUINS OF EVENTS

2013-06-03T17:35:00.000-05:00

OLD NAVY Pants | VINTAGE Top | FOREVER 21 Rings and Bracelet

SHADES OF RED

2013-05-28T21:49:00.001-05:00

TAHARI ASL Blazer | FOREVER 21 Skirt, Shirt, Rings and Bracelets | EXPRESS Clutch | STEVE MADDEN Shoes

LEAVES AND STRIPES

2013-05-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

THRIFTED Skirt | FOREVER 21 TOP | TARGET Wedges

IN DEFENSE OF BOMBSHELLS

2013-05-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

If Andre 3000 and Macy Gray had a baby, it would be her. Her style is messed up to the fifteenth power. The clothes are cheap, color usage is tacky and that ball on her head looks like a rooster.

This is a major fail. Hide your head in shame, girl.

She looks like she got dressed blindfolded.

I think your sense of style is atrocious. Keep your day job.

I find the hair to be almost as unflattering as those too-tight, ill-fitting pants.

I can’t imagine how she looks when the clothes are off. Gross.

But her face. God! Her face! She looks like a man in a skirt.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” But if the seven statements, er, opinions above—comments directed at various Bombshells of the Day on Fashion Bomb Daily—are any indication, that rule has been forgotten by some. (Oh, and the one about looking like a man in a skirt? A commenter left that one on my Bombshell of the Day submission back in 2010.) The feature, which was created to allow women across the world to showcase their personal style on the site, has over time become a platform for negativity and denigration amongst a racial community that is already notorious for a lack of unity.

Now, let me preface this by stating a few things. First, there’s no denying that the site’s Bombshell of the Day feature is wildly popular, with some readers even going as far as to say that it’s the sole reason they visit the site. Some will even openly admit that it’s the comments, which tend to serve as a sort of entertainment, that keep them coming back on a daily basis. Second, as a journalist, I’m well aware of the First Amendment. However, I’m from the school of thought that pretty much anything can be said with tact, so the comments on some of the Bombshell of the Day posts tend to leave me both speechless and saddened. While it’s meant to focus on style, nothing appears to be off limits—from weight to personal finances to marital status, everything about the Bombshell of the Day seems to be fair game (including physical characteristics that are out of our control, like height and skin tone). And on the worst of days, the remarks rival those of Joan Rivers during an episode of Fashion Police and are enough to evoke an Olivia Pope-esque lip quiver from even the most confident and thick-skinned of women.

Oh, and don’t think that men—called Bombers of the Day—are immune to the disparagement. In the past, comments have ranged from speculation about sexuality (“Cool style and all, but to all the ladies saying he’s sexy, I have a feeling he ain’t checkin’ for you.”) to facial features (“He looks like something from The Planet of the Apes.”) to hygiene (“Did you wash your ass today?”), so it’s practically mandatory to sport a cyber suit of armor for the Bomber and Bombshell battlefields. Strangely enough, those who try to defend themselves against the denigration in the comment section are accused of being classless and tacky. Go figure.

Fashion Bomb Daily’s Editor-in-Chief Claire Sulmers has discussed the possibility of disabling comments, once in 2009 and again in 2011. That in itself—to disable or not to disable—has become a common (and long-standing) argument among Bombshell commenters. (Comments were previously disabled, but were later reactivated.) There are those commenters who believe that the Bombshells put themselves out there to be judged, that if they can’t take the heat then they need to get out of the kitchen. On the other end of the spectrum are the commenters who believe the comment section of the Bombshell feature often gets out-of-hand and should be moderated. It has become an issue of the Bombshells’ inability to accept critique or criticism when it’s really about some commenters’ inability to voice their opinion with any semblance of tact or diplomacy.

As a result of the inflammatory comments, Claire added a disclaimer to the submission instructions: “Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game!” However, that sentence straddles between serving as a warning to potential Bombers and Bombshells and giving commenters the go-ahead to let loose. The issue is sometimes further incited by some of the choices in the daily polls (“Not good, but better than yesterday’s Bombshell.”). Here’s the thing: when someone wants to express an opinion, they don’t want to have to censor themselves, which is understandable. But this isn’t about censorship. Commenters are so adamantly opposed to “sugarcoating” their opinion on Bombshells because they’ve confused sugarcoating with speaking tactfully. They are not the same thing. If you dislike someone’s style, there’s a way for that to be said without intentionally spewing word vomit all over the comment section, hoping for a few laughs and belittling someone else in the process.

Most Bombshells are aware that fashion is subjective so not everyone is going to like their style or deem them to be worthy of the Bombshell title. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t so much that Bombshells can’t accept criticism or can’t handle anything negative being said about their sartorial choices; it’s more so that they don’t want to have to deal with the unnecessary verbal venom disguised as constructive criticism that sometimes comes with being featured as a Bombshell. Many Bombshells blog about their experience after the fact and the consensus is always the same: it’s not what is said, it’s how it’s said. I think the women who submit images for consideration are all well aware that fashion is subjective and don’t have a problem with criticism or with someone disagreeing with their style choices. More often than not, the problem lies in how that criticism is articulated. There’s quite a difference between saying, “Her style isn’t my cup of tea” and “She looks like she belongs in a cage” (and yes, that’s a real comment). Whether a commenter dislikes a Bombshell’s shoe choices, disagrees with the hairstyle she’s chosen, or disapproves of her submission as a whole, there’s a way to verbalize an opinion without resorting to cruelty.

But, then again, what do I know? I’m just a woman who looks like a man in a skirt.

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THE RED PANTS

2013-04-30T19:51:00.001-05:00

THRIFTED Pants | AGACI TOO Top | BRAHMIN Handbag | FOREVER 21 Rings and Bracelets

GOD SAVE MY SHOES

2013-04-15T22:22:00.000-05:00

I like shoes. I like shoes a lot. (As a matter of fact, if it were up to me, I would have a closet full of Charlotte Olympia, Brian Atwood, and Nicholas Kirkwood alongside my Shoemint, Forever 21, and Lulu’s.) So when I came across a documentary on Netflix called ‘God Save My Shoes,’ I had to watch it. It was released in 2011 and features shoe lovers like Kelly Rowland, Fergie, and Dita von Teese talking about the relationship between women and their shoes. It was really interesting to see so many different people—from shoe designers like Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik to authors and editors to historians and curators—discuss the history and psychology of shoes and shoe shopping. The documentary even includes Beth Shak, a professional poker player with three closets full of shoes (the shoes were at the center of a lawsuit filed by her husband last year). And of course, no shoe story is complete with mention of Carrie Bradshaw, who is credited for blowing the lid off of women’s obsession with shoes. The documentary touched on everything from who really invented the stiletto (Ferragamo or Vivier?), how much we really spend on shoes each year (hint: it’s enough to buy a small car) and how high heel came to be, but below are some of my favorite quotes from the film:

“How can such a simple object inspire such uncontrollable lust and emotion, even among the most restrained of us?” –Narrator

“When I buy my shoes, I always think ‘I want to have them forever.’ I want to be able to fit them forever. I’m actually and size nine-and-a-half, but I buy a size ten to ten-and-a-half, because someone told me that when you have babies that your foot gets bigger. I’ve yet to have babies, but I just want to make sure I can always wear my shoes.” –Kelly Rowland

“I saw those shoes and I was like, ‘Fuck, I gotta have those shoes.’” –Nikki Schiro

“I looked at them and I didn’t put them on because I have a rule when I go shopping that if I don’t put on the shoes, I don’t try it on unless I can buy it because then I feel tortured.” –Nikki Schiro

“I’m not a shoe collector. I just like to change shoes every day. I think it’s because I’m afraid of always wearing the same shoes. I need to feel that every day is different. Shoes are a part of that.” –Anne Hugo

“The allure of shoes is so intense that women in the US buy, on average, seven or eight pairs of shoes per year, making us the number one footwear addicts worldwide, with the French hot on our heels…because shoe addiction is a universal phenomenon.” –Narrator

“My average pair of shoes costs probably 900, 1200 dollars a pair of shoes, and can go all the way up to 3000, boots more.” –Baroness Monica van Neumann

“A shoe tells who you are. It kind of tells a story about you.” –Fergie

“That’s why we’re so passionate about them—we feel like it’s going to change our lives.” –Dita von Teese

“Shoes have always indicated social status.” –Sophie Bramley

“You cannot talk about shoes without talking about Manolo Blahnik. You cannot talk about shoes these days without talking about Christian Louboutin. There’s Pierre Hardy, I adore. Bruno Frisoni, I think is fantastic. I also don’t think you should forget the classics. The houses of Ferragamo have become relevant again.” –Filipa Fino

“The heel is the shoe’s most important feature.” –Walter Stieger

“Shoemaking is an art.” Filipa Fino

“When you think about women and entering into the 20th century, they entered in long skirts and high-button boots. It was really about concealing, not revealing. But after World War I, and women got the right to vote, hemlines shot up and all of a sudden, the shoe became a starring accessory in a women’s wardrobe.” –Elizabeth Semmelhack

“Man is the only creature that walks on two legs and we put 5-inch heels under its feet.” –Walter Stieger

THE FORGOTTEN ONES

2013-04-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

OLD NAVY Pants and Sweater | FOREVER 21 Blazer, Wedges, and Bracelet | BRAHMIN Handbag

FOREVER 21 Skirt, Top, and Bracelet | THE LIMITED Turtleneck

H&M Skirt | FOREVER 21 Sweater | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Shoes | BRAHMIN Handbag

HAROLD'S Pants | FOREVER 21 Sweater | UNKNOWN Jacket | EXPRESS Clutch | CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Shoes

CLASSIQUES ENTIER Pants | VICTORIA'S SECRET Blouse | ASOS Clutch

POCKET FULL OF POSES

2013-04-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

Here’s a confession: I really don’t like being in front of the camera. There, I said it. I just feel so awkward and self-conscious that I end up doing some really weird (but sometimes really cool) things in front in the lens. While browsing through my archives, I started to see just how clumsy I can look in pictures (especially during the early stages of the blog). I’ve been laughing my head off. Seriously. And because I’m such an awesome person, I’m giving you the chance to laugh with me. I said with me, not at me. Got it?

1. The Sidewalk Strut. I have to admit, I like this one. Most of my poses are stationary, so it’s different to shoot in motion. In combination with The Ear Touch (more on that one later), it’s a pose that’s kind of corny, kind of cool.

2. The Hand Behind The Head. This is usually my default pose. I have no idea why. I think it’s because it’s gives me something to do with at least one of my hands. And yes, I was wearing socks with heels. Hey, I was experimenting with a trend. Don’t judge me.

3. The Wall Lean. Jeez, could I stick my chest (or pelvis) out more? Okay, so maybe the first one isn’t that bad, but the second one? Yeah, I kind of look like an awkward high school girl trying to get the attention of her crush. Sigh.

4. The Windblown Skirt. For me, this is right up there with The Sidewalk Strut, meaning I kind of like it. Trust me when I say it’s the movement. Except here, I sit back and let the wind do all the work.

5. The Over-the-Shoulder Glance. This one is my fiance’s fault. I try to tell him that there’s no place for sultriness or sexiness on this site (or is there?), but my statements fall on deaf ears. Men, I tell you.

6. The Ear Touch. This is similar to The Hand Behind The Head—it’s a bit of a default pose. It’s the one I revert to when I’m feeling awkward in front of the camera, so you can imagine how many pictures there are of this particular pose. There’s nothing like fondling your ear to make you look (and feel) less awkward.

7. The Elbow Hold. This one is guaranteed to make you look like a 7-year-old reciting an Easter speech at church, so it’s probably the pose I regret the most.

8. The Purse Peek-a-Boo. Oops, I spoke too soon. This is definitely the pose I regret the most. I mean, what the hell? What. The. Hell? This was during the early stages of the blog so let’s just chalk it up to amateur blogging, okay?

9. The Eye See You. Eh, another amateur pose that ups my Cornball Factor. At least my skirts were cute.

10. The Side View. I think this pose makes it easy to show off my shoes and handbags—and you know I’m all about the shoes and handbags. It’s not cool, it’s not corny, it just…is.

I’ll be honest and say that there will probably be a second installment of this post. I mean, the poses. Oh, the poses. You can’t find this type of hilarity everywhere, folks. So stay tuned.

SEVEN GOALS IN THIRTY DAYS

2013-04-01T21:24:00.001-05:00

I was a runner in high school and at the beginning of every season, I would sit down and make a list of everything I wanted to accomplish by the end of the season. Some goals were a bit trivial and some were rather lofty but it didn’t matter—each one went on the list. I placed the list on the refrigerator and checked each goal off as I accomplished it. After doing that for four years, I became a firm believer in the committing my goals to writing. Somewhere down the line, though, I stopped doing it. I mean, there were things that I wanted to achieve but I guess I just sort of filed them away in my mental Rolodex. That didn’t work out too well for me. So here I am, trying to get back into the groove of committing my goals to writing instead of simply trying to commit them to memory. First up? Seven things I want have done by the end of this month.

1. Create a new logo. And by create, I mean hire a graphic designer to do it for me. I’ve had the same logo since 2010 (when I started this blog) so it’s time for a change. And who knows? This could be the first step of a complete site re-design.

2. Participate in this year’s Stiletto Strut. The Stiletto Strut is a fundraiser in which women put on their sassiest heels and strut around the block of Neiman Marcus. I wasn’t able to participate last year or the year before, so I’m hoping this is the year.

3. Get out of the house. At one point, I was all over Dallas attending fashion event after fashion event. It was a blast. Now, I attend events more sporadically, but now that spring has sprung, I’m ready to fill up my social calendar.

4. Step up my social media efforts. Unfortunately, tweeting makes me feel like I’m having a cyber-conversation with myself (and replying to other people’s tweets makes me feel like I’m interrupting their conversation), so I tend to spectate instead of participate. I’m going to work hard on being more involved, though, so I won’t be a stranger if you won’t. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.

5. Record my first YouTube video. I’ve wanted to add videos to my blog content for a while, but I never really knew what to do a video about. Suggestions?

6. Implement new features. After a six-month hiatus (jeez!), I’m glad to be blogging again and I’m excited about some of the new ideas I have.

7. Open up shop. Since starting this blog, my style has changed, my body has changed, and tastes have changed. That’s three good reasons to open up a blog shop. Now it’s just a matter of sorting through the clothes in my closet, deeming what’s worth selling, uploading pictures, and everything else that comes with a blog shop. But thirty days should be enough time, right?

Pretty achievable, right? Twenty-nine days left. I got this.

[Image]

SNIPPETS

2013-03-29T17:07:00.000-05:00

BLUE ME AWAY (AGAIN)

2013-03-26T22:44:00.001-05:00

When I first saw this skirt in the Kirna Zabete for Target lookbook last fall, I waited impatiently for it to arrive in stores. I ended up ordering it online the first day it went on sale and I'm so glad I did. I love the color and the pleats, but I think I'm better off wearing it when it's not windy outside.

100 BROWN GIRLS BLOGGING

2013-03-25T10:07:00.000-05:00

For years, online fashion publications have published lists—lists of who they consider to be the most influential style bloggers, the best of the best, the cream of the crop. Naturally, these lists often consist of the same top-tier tastemakers included on every other list and naturally these lists are often devoid of any brown-skinned girls. The reality is that there is a color barrier in the world of fashion and we’re not recognized amongst the usual clout-carrying clotheshorses. I’ve already called out brands for their lack of diversity when it comes to partnerships and collaborations (remember Colorless?), but the lack of color has been years in the making. That’s okay, though, because I know that the lack of diversity is not due to a lack of talent. I know this because I have compiled a list of 100 beautiful, stylish brown girls who are doing big things, leaving their mark, and absolutely rocking the realm of style blogging—and each one is influential in her own right. I’m not kidding. So get ready. Get ready to be rocked.

1. A SASSY WOMAN. Miami-based Ashley is sassy and sophisticated…just like her personal style.
2. A SLICE OF GLAM. Amberly is a Fort Worth-based fashion lover whose mission is to inspire others to add a slice of glam to their lives.
3. BABY SHOPAHOLIC. Trina is one-half of an Atlanta-based blogging duo. The other half? Her adorable toddler daughter, Peyton, who often showcases her style on the site alongside her mom. Like (fashionable) mother, like (fashionable) daughter.
4. BAMBI’S ARMOIRE. Los Angeles-based Tosha is the epitome of ‘California cool’ and on top of that, she’s gorgeous.
5. BE LOUD BE YOU. I kind of want to kick it with DC-based Krystin—and take all of her reconstructed vintage pieces.
6. BLANK WHITE FRAMES. Jen was named Dallas’ Top Blogger last summer…and with good reason.
7. CHANEL FILES. DC-based Chanel is a recent graduate who appreciates independent style, extravagant fashion, and amazing food. Oh, and the occasional DIY project.
8. CHANEL WEARS. Nikki (her middle name is Chanel) is an Austin-based curly-haired cutie with a closet full of cool pieces.
9. CHANNING IN THE CITY. Channing is a petite ball of inspiration—her style is on point and she just moved to New York to follow her dreams.
10. CHIOMA’S EVOLUTION OF STYLE. I don’t know what I love more about Kentucky-based Chioma—her colorful wardrobe or the fact that she encourages wardrobe remixing.
11. CLOSET FIX. Simmy is a New Yorker obsessed with fashion.
12. COMME COCO. Baltimore-based Jen aspires to work in Fashion Public Relations—and I love how animated she is in her YouTube videos.
13. CONSIDER ME LOVELY. Houston-based Rocquelle is a master of mixing vintage pieces with modern garments. Oh, and she makes a mean clutch cover.
14. CURVES AND CONFIDENCE. Shea’s got curves for days and I’m jealous that she lives in Miami.
15. DIAMOND JANAE. You ever seen someone whose style and beauty leave you speechless? Dallas-based Diamond is a beautiful woman with a beautiful wardrobe. Yeah, I may have a teensy girl-crush. Don’t judge me.
16. DISCOUNT THIEF. Austin-based Donna is on a mission to avoid high prices and elude the fashion police.
17. EAT STYLE PLAY. I don’t know what I like more about DC-based Elle—her style, her recipes, or her writing.
18. ECONOMY OF STYLE. St. Louis-based Psyche provides a glimpse into making fashion sense with limited fashion cents.
19. EMIJAA JAAEMIL. Brooklyn-based Emijaa has such an enviable collection of blazers and jackets that it almost makes me wish I lived in a cold-weather climate. Almost.
20. FAINTLY MASCULINE. Vintage is what takes Boston-based Ariel’s breath away—but it’s her stunning style that leaves me breathless.
21. FAITH FAMILY FASHION. Florida-based Melissa’s style is feminine without being flashy.
22. FASHION WAS HERE. Baltimore-based Taliah is all about pairing the modern with the vintage.
23. FASHION BENCH. I recently discovered New Yorker Naelle’s site and I’m glad I did because her bag collection is envy-inducing.
24. FASHION DU JOUR. Leslie wears many hats—mother, wife, sister, friend—and she does it all in style.
25. FASHION NETTE-WORK. I love the fact that Juanette lives in Dallas because I plan to raid her closet one day. She just doesn’t know it yet.
26. FASHION TO ROUGE. Jazmine is an Atlanta-based vintage buyer who rocks prints like no other.
27. FOLLOW ME IN 5 INCH HEELS. London-based Promise has a style that’s totally wearable…and totally inspiring.
28. FROM THE REZ TO THE CITY. Dallas-based Kiah’s goal is to inspire full-figured women and prove that no matter your dress size, you can look great.
29. FRUGAL, FLIRTY N FAB. Miami-based Deidre is a self-proclaimed ‘late-blooming fashionista’ but I say ‘better late than never.’
30. FRUGAL-NOMICS. New York-based Brandhyze is all about resourceful living, which makes her a must-read for me.
31. GABI FRESH. Gabi is a recent Chicago transplant (from New York City) and her fashion advice consists of three words: ignore fashion rules. How can you not love that?
32. GARNER STYLE. Dallas-based Chasity transformed her blog into a full-fledged image consulting business.
33. GIRLS OFF FIFTH. Janelle and Jessica are a stylish blogging duo in New York that make me wish I had a sister.
34. GOD’S FAVORITE SHOES. Houston-based Reiko is hilarious (to this day, I still literally laugh out loud when I remember the post about her and her husband arguing over custody of a shirt) and she is currently working on a big project…in the form of a baby girl.
35. GORGEOUS IN GREY. Ty is a New York-based blogger doing big things (she was in Stacy London’s book!) while rocking a head full of gorgeous grey locks. Plus, she has the coolest name ever.
36. GROWN AND CURVY WOMAN. Philadelphia-based Georgette is out to prove that style has no age or size.
37. INNY VINNY. California-based Alicia is one of those people who I wished I lived close to because I’m sure she’d provide plenty of witty conversation and clothes to borrow.
38. IRONY OF ASHI. Houston-based Agatha is a student who style is flirty, fun, and classy.
39. ISLAND CHIC 77. Kelly is a New Yorker with a colorful wardrobe and an even more colorful personality.
40. IT’S MY TASTE. Cori’s wardrobe is all about comfort so I look to her for inspiration whenever I need looks that are casual and cute.
41. IVORY JINELLE. Los Angeles-based Ivory shares her style viewpoints one outfit at a time.
42. J’ADORE FASHION. Stella is a woman after my own heart—she recently announced that she’s expecting…and she’s still rocking kick-ass heels!
43. JEIMY’S FASHION LOVE AFFAIR. Jeimy is an Atlanta-based beauty with a shoe collection to die for.
44. JOY LOVES FASHION. I’m in awe at Harlem-based Joy’s ability to put pieces together in the most unexpected ways.
45. JUST PATIENCE. I want Patience’s closet. That is all.
46. KELA’S CLOSET. Kela is a New York TV host and self-proclaimed hoarder with a closet filled to the max.
47. KENDRA’S CLOSET CONFECTIONS. Kendra is a New York-based technology geek who prefers dresses and heels over the standard IT uniform of khakis and polos.
48. LE GLAM PRINCESS OF CURVES. Houston-based Noel considers herself proof that women with curves can be fashionable.
49. LOOKING FLY ON A DIME. Three words come to mind when I think of New Yorker Patrice: Thrifty Threads 365.
50. LOVE BROWN SUGAR. Christina is a New York-based is a social media specialist with an impressive resume…and an even more impressive social calendar.
51. MAJOR MUST HAVES. Tanya is a California-based hairstylist with shoe and handbag collections I want to steal, er, borrow.
52. MARLEY SIMONE. New Jersey-based Sandy counts strappy stilettos as one of her obsessions. Enough said.
53. MATTIEOLOGIE. I’m pretty sure she’s younger than I am, but Atlanta-based Mattie seems like she would be the kick-ass big sister whose closet you’re constantly raiding.
54. MEEK ‘N MILD. Shirley is a London-based student who says she’s a bit of a geek…but she’s the most stylish geek I’ve ever seen.
55. MINISTER OF STYLE. Cathy is a fashionable Floridian who proves that God and fashion can co-exist.
56. MORE MODERN MODESTY. Chandra is a big believer in modesty and when it comes to her fashion choices, more is more.
57. MY VOGUISH DIARIES. Toronto-based Medge considers herself to be just a regular girl, but her style is anything but regular.
58. FASHION STEELE NYC. Monroe thrifts her way through the Big Apple and has mastered the art of mixing vintage and modern pieces.
59. NAJA DIAMOND. DC-based Naja traded in her combat boots for stilettos…and never looked back.
60. NATURALLY FASHIONABLE. North Carolina-based Kim knows what works for her body and she serves up major confidence with clothes.
61. NU SOPHISTICATE. Jillian is a Miami-based attorney by day who serves up major style inspiration for the work week.
62. OLORI SWANK. Olori is an Atlanta-based celebrity fashion stylist who does her thing while rocking her signature bright blue tresses.
63. PISH POSH PERFECT. Baltimore-based Kim style is simple and feminine—and I’ll admit that I got complete caught up in browsing the pages of her site.
64. POCKETS AND BOWS. Tennessee-based Brittany is representing for the plus-size beauties—and breaking the rules while she’s at it.
65. RIA MICHELLE. Miami-based Ria is more than just a pretty girl—her edgy style is just as eye-catching as her gorgeous face.
66. RING MY BELL. Los-Angeles based Ashley brings her style from the small screen (she’s on Revenge!) to your computer screen.
67. ROMEO’S FASHION FIX. Juliette is a UK-based fashion student who makes me embarrassed about the fact that I used to schlep around college in jeans and sneakers.
68. RUSH OUR FASHION. Florida-based Prissy is a lover of shoes first and fashion second. Luckily, her closet is filled with both.
69. SHABBY, CHIC, & CHEAP. Marissa is a North Carolina-based self-proclaimed shopping addict in pursuit of bargains.
70. SHOP NOW SAVE LATER. Toronto-based Ty packs a double-whammy—she can do no wrong with her edgy style and she’s a hair stylist so her hair is always impeccable. Plus, she has an awesome name.
71. SING’ATURE STYLE. Chicago-based Sing’s love for classic and vintage clothing is reflected in her style.
72. SKINNY HIPSTER. Baltimore-based Nife is the master of making the inexpensive look expensive and she does it all with a smile.
73. STILETTO ESQ. From corporate to casual, New York-based Dominique’s wardrobe does it all.
74. STYLE AND POISE. Philadelphia-based Roni is on a mission to prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to be stylish.
75. STYLE CHIC 360. Detroit-based Inez is a thrifting machine—and in addition to running FASH DET, she features other thrifters and their stylish finds.
76. STYLE DE LA CRÈME. New York-based Delecia has made it her goal to provide more accessible fashion for women.
77. STYLE IS MY THING. Soraya is a UK-based student with the kind of style I only dreamed of having during my college days.
78. STYLE IS SHE. NeShanta is an Atlanta-based shoe lover and fashion is her drug of choice.
79. STYLE PANTRY. Los-Angeles based Folake’s style is colorful and put-together.
80. STYLE LOVE LETTERS. Tomilola is a UK-based Nigerian who pays homage to her heritage through her style.
81. STYLE WITH KRISTEN KAI. Atlanta-based Kristen not only wears cute clothes—she’s an entrepreneur who also sells beautiful vintage pieces through her boutique (and the customer services is unmatched!)
82. STYLISH CURVES. Brooklyn-based Alissa is bridging the gap between straight and plus sizes—and she’s doing so very stylishly.
83. STYLISHED FOREVER. Doreen gets extra points for managing to be unbelievably stylish in the freezing temperatures of Toronto.
84. SWOON. If you want to talk about a swoon-worthy wardrobe, Milwaukee-based Jeeda has a closet that will have you drooling.
85. THE CHICEST GEEK. Atlanta-based Kym is a self-proclaimed all-around geek, who is indeed chic.
86. THE FASHIONISTA NEXT DOOR. Atlanta-based Eboni is fun, bubbly and stylish. I mean, she’s totally that girl you just want to be around…so you can steal those gorgeous handbags of hers.
87. THE FEISTY HOUSE. Brooklyn-based Krystal’s site started as a natural hair site, but like most of us, the pull of fashion was too strong so now she incorporates lifestyle, personal style and natural hair.
88. THE GHETTO FASHIONISTA. Lisa gives new (and fashionable) meaning to the word ‘ghetto.’
89. THE GLAMOROUS GLEAM. Brooklyn-based Erica has an enviable collection of outerwear and she can do magic with makeup.
90. THE SERENA SAGA. Atlanta-based Serena makes me sigh with envy—the wardrobe, the hair, the eyebrows. I want it all. Sigh.
91. THE SHOE GAWKER. Miami-based Zeinabou looks like she just stepped off the runway. From head to toe, this woman rocks it.
92. THE TINY CLOSET. Los Angeles-based Natalie is all about making a fabulous little wardrobe go far—and she does a damn good job at it.
93. THE WERK PLACE. Arizona-based Tiffany is new to the scene, but don’t be fooled—her style is everything…and then some.
94. TWO STYLISH KAYS. Atlanta-based Keren pulls inspiration from different eras and then mixes it with trendy for style that’s one-of-a-kind.
95. URBAN FASHION JUNGLE. Dallas-based Korin showcases her life in front of the lens and behind it (she’s a photographer)—and her Blogger Style of the Week posts are beyond inspirational.
96. VERSICOLOR CLOSET. Queens-based Edwina is breaking all fashion rules one bright outfit at a time.
97. VINTAGE VIRGIN. Jessica is a Texas tastemaker (Houston, to be exact) who, as her name suggests, rocks some kick-ass vintage.
98. WHAT’S MORE IMPORTANT THAN FASHION? G manages to merge fashion and finance, all while being stylish.
99. WHERE DID U GET THAT? New York-based Karen has been on the scene for a while, but her fearless sense of style never gets stale.
100. WHITNEY JAMES. If you haven’t realized by now, I have a soft spot for writers and thrifters—and Maryland-based Whitney is both.

So there you have it. One hundred brown girls blogging. Now, this isn’t a definitive list—I know that there are more brown girls leaving their stylish digital footprint on the world of style blogging. So tell me: who’d I miss? Who would you add to the list? Feel free to leave a comment below.

P.S. I worked really hard and did a lot of research to make sure that the information above (specifically, each blogger’s location) is accurate. If you’re on the list and your information is incorrect, feel free to shoot me an e-mail with the correct information. I can be reached at Ty [at] wordsandwardrobes [dot] com.

GOODWILL...POPPIN' TAGS...YEAH!

2013-03-22T11:43:00.000-05:00

Fergie did it in Labels or Love. Rihanna did it in Bad Girl. Even Beyonce did it in Upgrade U. For years, musicians have brought designer labels to the airwaves, belting out lyrics about brands like Christian Dior, Manolo Blahnik, and Audemar Piguet. However, if these luxury labels were unattainable for most consumers before the economic downturn, they became downright inaccessible after the recession (regardless of how much airplay they received). Of course, there’s still plenty of high-end name-dropping (“What’s that jacket—Margiela?”), but Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have created a song—appropriately titled ‘Thrift Shop’—dedicated to those who prefer thrift store threads over designer duds.

Okay, so this profanity-laced tune won’t win a Grammy, but if the inundation of budget style blogs wasn’t enough, this ode to secondhand shopping is an indication that, regardless of whether or not the economy improves in the near future, resale shopping is here to stay.

FASHION BEAST

2013-03-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

While I try to be open-minded about the types of things I read, graphic novels have never really been part of my reading repertoire. (Granted, I did skim an issue of The Walking Dead once, but that’s only because the show was on hiatus—and I was suffering from serious Rick Grimes withdrawal.) Then I was introduced to Fashion Beast, a ten-issue graphic novel series set in the 1980s. It’s an adaptation of Beauty and the Beast and centers around a transvestite named Doll Seguin* and a reclusive, disfigured fashion designer named Celestine. See? It’s very reminiscent of Belle and the Beast. At first glance, it all seems a bit odd—the artwork, the characters, the storyline—but it really makes for an interesting read. Unfortunately, issues are released on a monthly basis (the first issue was released in September), so I’m only halfway through the series. Things are starting to get really interesting now, so I can’t wait until the next issue is released. Sigh. Graphic novels, fairy tales, and the 80s—three things I thought I’d left in the past. But as is the case with most things in the world of fashion, what’s old is new again.

[IMAGE: Avatar Press]

*The first time I saw the name, I misread it as Doll Sequin (I blame it on the ubiquity of sequins over the last few seasons). You cannot tell me that is not the coolest name. If I ever decide to have an alter ego a la Beyonce (er, Sasha Fierce), I am Doll Sequin.

MEOW OR NEVER

2013-03-20T12:43:00.002-05:00

ZARA Skirt | BANANA REPUBLIC Blouse | FOREVER 21 Shoes | ASOS Clutch | TARGET Rings

On more than one occasion, I’ve read that head-to-toe leopard is a fashion faux pas. And on more than one occasion, I’ve been known to make a so-called style misstep without giving it a second thought. Like this. I have no qualms about rocking leopard-on-leopard, style rules be damned. But know this—you’ll never catch me wearing socks with sandals. That’s a fashion faux pas if I ever saw one.

THE CLAMOR FOR GLAMOUR

2013-03-19T12:56:00.001-05:00

In the world of style blogging, glamour seems to be a highly-coveted trait (and self-proclaimed attribute, as evidenced by the hordes of style bloggers using some form of the word—glam, glamour, glamorous—in their blog title). But what is the fascination with glamour? In a TEDTalks seminar, Virginia Postrel delved into the topic, which she defines as ‘any calculated, carefully polished image designed to impress and persuade.’ Although the seminar was filmed in 2004 (before the advent of style blogging), it’s uncanny how the above definition relates to style blogging—many personal style posts are strategically created (calculated) to sell a lifestyle (impress) by using beautiful clothes and flawless photography (carefully polished image) to influence their readers to purchase the items they wear (persuade) which monetizes their blog. The five points below, which are quotes from Postrel’s seminar, aren’t aimed at style blogging, but there’s definitely a relationship between glamour and the current state of style blogging.

1. “Glamour is about editing. We don’t tell you all the grubby details."

From television to magazines to radio, editing is an accepted element of media. The less favorable details—boring segments in reality shows, “extra” weight on a model in a magazine advertisement, profanity in a song—are omitted, resulting in an impeccable yet manipulated final product. It’s no different with style blogging. The grubby details—debt, insecurity, pressure—are lost in the editing, creating an image that represents only a small piece of a bigger picture.

2. “Glamour invites us to live in a different world.”

Most people have never met designer Diane von Furstenberg, been featured in a national advertising campaign, or created their own jewelry line. But with one click, readers can visit one of their favorite blogs and experience those once-in-a-lifetime events—by proxy, of course. Escapism has long been held as one of the main reasons style blogging is so appealing—it allows readers to step away from monotony of their own lives and step closer to a sartorial seventh heaven.

3. “Glamour is a form of falsification, but falsification to achieve a particular purpose. And it involves a great deal of technique.”

Whether it’s admitted or not, style blogging is full of falsification—and for many bloggers, the purpose of that falsification is to sell a lifestyle in order to monetize their blog. It’s business. But as Postrel stated, it’s very strategic. PhotoShop, gifted clothing, and editing are some of the techniques used to create an image, and affiliate links and brand partnerships make it easy for readers to buy that image.

4.“Glamour is translucent—not transparent, not opaque. It invites us into the world but it doesn’t give us a completely clear picture.”

Sunglasses. Bar wear. Pearls. Postrel uses these three things—which, coincidentally, are prevalent in style blogging—as examples when she discusses the transparency of glamour. How many style bloggers sport sunglasses in their posts? How many Instagram pictures have you seen featuring an end-of-a-hard-day glass of wine? How many style blogs have ‘pearls’ in the name? Bloggers invite us in by giving us glimpses—of their wardrobe, their jet-setting lifestyle, their immaculate homes—but the audience never really knows what goes on behind the scenes.

5.“Glamour is all about transcending this world and getting to an idealized, perfect place."

For most of us, the cubicle at our 9-to-5 isn’t “an idealized, perfect place” and for every top-tier style blogger, there are one thousand hoping to work from home (instead of having to tackle a long, traffic-heavy commute every day), partner with brands, and have legions of loyal followers. In fact, this is a hopeful dream for so many that there’s a web site dedicated to helping style bloggers become professional bloggers and getting to that “idealized, perfect place.”

[IMAGE: Pinterest, although I'm not sure of its origins.]

THE SHARPEST TULLE IN THE SHED

2013-03-18T21:23:00.000-05:00

You know how sometimes you have to just take a step back from what you've been doing and figure out what your next step is going to be? No? Then let me tell you. I started this site on a whim almost three years ago. I've posted a lot of outfits and done a little bit of writing. Now, I've professed my love of writing here and there but I always I always felt that I had let this become more 'wardrobes' than 'words' rather than creating more of a balance. There are so many things I want to say--I want to express myself with my clothes and my commentary. So, I'll be doing more writing. Writing about fashion and lifestyle in a way that no one else has. I'm inspired. I'm excited. I have a really good feeling about this. Join me?

[P.S. Last month, I entered the outfit above in Brahmin's Share the Love contest and won the Who Wore It Best category. I was so stoked. You know I love Brahmin!]

SUMMER TO FALL TRANSITION: THE NEON FLORAL SKIRT

2012-10-09T16:52:00.001-05:00

Despite my best efforts to hang on to summer, there's no denying that fall is here. I'm all about getting the most out of my wardrobe, which means making sure that as many of my clothes as possible can be worn throughout the year. I wore this bright floral skirt in July with a lot of neon...

...but to transition to fall, I swapped the brights for black, in the form of a faux leather peplum top and lace heels.

[SKIRT: Sharon Young; TOP: Tinley Road; BELT: Forever 21; SHOES: Lulu's; BRACELETS: Charming Charlie]