I recently joined Fashion Beauty Friend Friday. This is a group effort; a lot of bloggers will be answering the same questions. Don’t forget to read all the other their answers too, over at ModlyChic.
Q: Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?
A: Yes. For starters, I’m actually shopping less. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but I spend a lot of my spare time assembling outfits, taking pictures, and writing. There’s almost no time to shop. Fortunately I make time for it. However, I’ve become more interested in buying things that I can remix in many different ways, not things that work only as an “outfit.” Also, because I post about what I buy, I feel like my readers hold me accountable. I like to shop ethically (animal-free, fair-traded) and not overspend. I make smarter decisions knowing I have to ‘fess up online.
Q: Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?
A: Ha! Yeah, I get comments. It’s positive. Usually that I’m stylish or colorful. I don’t dress differently because I’m a blogger; dressing differently drew me to blogging. My husband sometimes says, “did you wear that today?” It’s his code for “wow, you’re creative” (that’s what I’m telling myself). I like bright tights and unusual color combinations. I’ve always loved clothes and fashion. To me, it’s an artistic way to express my moods.
Q: What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?
A: Tights or socks with sandals. It’s so “ugly” it works, especially if done “right.” And because it’s a rule-breaker, there’s no right way to do it. I do think it should look intentional. Chunky heels and thick tights is a good bet. And go for color because, hey, you’re already in uncharted territory.
Q: Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?
A: I’ll try any trend, as long as I truly like it. One thing I like but don’t try enough is mixing patterns. I feel like there’s so much room for error. And honestly, I’ve trained myself not to mix patterns so I often don’t think to try it. Now that I’ve written this, I’ll be more aware and give patten mixing a whirl.
Q: Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices?
A: I’ve made a lot of online blogging friends, so it’s hard to decide. I recently met Julie from Mint and Mellow and admire her style. In fact, all the Seattle Style Bloggers I met that day are amazing women with wonderfully individual styles. You can see some of them (and links to their blogs) at my previous post, Seattle Style Bloggers Picnic.
jeanofalltrades 
Yeah mixing patterns terrifies me but it can look so cute! Love your pics 🙂
Shopping less since blogging. That is pretty amazing. I think I shop about the same, maybe a little more. But I certainly don’t think I could say less. Although blogging certainly does help us all mix and match a lot more. – Katy
I know what you mean about trying to re-mix your wardrobe – I am constantly trying to work with what I already have and only buy to enhance what I already have. I love the socks and shoes look – I tried it recently but still not sure if I could pull it off.
Thanks for visiting! I think I shop less because I was (am?) a big online shopper. Now, instead of perusing shopping sites, I’m busy blogging about remixing my own stuff. But let me loose in a store, and I’ll shop 😉
Jean ~ mixing patterns is lovely, but much like the socks/sandals trend, it has to be done just right. Your pictures are so creative. Do you take them yourself or is someone else behind the camera?
Love your blog (and not just because your first name is my middle name 😉
~Pheobe–pballoonjournal2.blogspot.com
Agree – it’s a lot easier to be “safe” but that’s no fun 🙂 I’m trying things like socks and sandals or pattern mixing because it’s a creative thing. What’s the worst that could happen?
Phoebe – I take 98% of my pictures with a Canon point-and-shoot, timer and tripod. Any action shot (like the one of me jumping) is taken by my husband. He has a good eye and I like shooting with him but I have yet to convince him to follow me around every day 😉 I’m working on it.
That’s awesome that you actually shop less! I definitely do not. I really like tights with sandals too! I studied abroad in Japan during college and it’s really common to wear tights with sandals or socks there. My favorite combination is yellow and grey 🙂
Yes mixing pattern can be tricky ! I’ll try it, but I may not leave the house !
Socks and Sandals! How could I forget that! Or even knee high socks with skirts/dresses??? Again, I am lacking the legs for this style (or maybe I have too much of them, lol)! Anywhoo.
Love your combinations, and yes you are creative in a very chic way 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Knee-high socks and skirts is a great look! I forgot that. I’ve done it before and I think it’s quirky-cute, I’ll have to add that to my autumn arsenal!