Now! The other details of the award: The Liebster award helps raise awareness of up-and-coming blogs. The rules are:
- Nominees must answer the 11 questions provided by the nominator
- Choose 11 of your favorite blogs (with under 200 followers) to be nominated
- Make up 11 new questions for the bloggers
- Let the nominees know they have been tagged/nominated
- You cannot tag back or tag the same person
This blog post has two parts. The first is about me, the second is about the bloggers I'm nominating.
My answers to Annalee's questions:
1. Why did you start your blog?
I started my blog as an outlet for my love of fashion and as a self-discovery method. I've always been shy and quiet, so I'm trying to express myself more. While it does take some time to adjust to having an "outside" hobby like this where you have to invest time and money to take photos and "plan" outfits, it's been interesting to share my fashion views and style ideas with the rest of the online world. Now, a question for other fashion bloggers, how on earth did you find your photographers?! I still feel awkward with asking friends to take my photos, so we always end up with super simple point-and-shoot photos. At least I still have room for improvement.
2. What’s the best book or article you've read recently?
I don't know if I'd qualify it as the "best" article, but it was an intriguing article. I was at the doctor's office today and picked up a copy of Marie Claire's August 2013 issue and read an article about how more and more Japanese women are separating themselves from relationships and instead, are focusing on fashion, friends, work, etc. It contributes a lot (albeit negatively) to Japan's dropping birth rate, and it's possible that the Japanese population and culture would disappear within 60 years.
3. Handbag that you are currently coveting? (please add a link/photo!)
This 3.1 Philip Lim handbag is drool-worthy. Seriously, look at it.
4. Something you learned recently?
I learned that Excel tries too hard to be smart (sorry, work stuff). The functions now have been oversimplified so you cannot clearly define the data that you're trying to graph.
5. What makes your blog unique?
Most of the blogs that I know/follow are from professionals. They have photographer friends, backgrounds in fashion, etc etc. I'm blogging as a college student on a limited budget who also has few photographer friends. And I'm more self-conscious in front of the camera, so I look more awkward. This is my journey, and I'm sharing it with my readers.
6. What’s your favorite item in your closet?
Right now, it's my Guess Azadeh handbag that I have to take for a test drive!
7. What 3 blogs do you visit every day?
I love Camille Tries to Blog, Thirstythought by Kryz Uy, and Gary Pepper by Nicole Warne
8. What have you learned from writing your blog?
I would say confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone has been hard for me, but I'm learning more and more and trying to express myself openly and confidently.
9. What can you not leave the house without?
My cell phone. Smartphones are now accessory items rather than just a tool for communication.
10. What blog post are you most proud of? (please link it here)
I love the photos taken for my "The Good Thing About Photography-Loving Friends" post, so I guess for now, that's the one of which I'm most proud. However, I like a lot of the ones following it writing-wise.
11. What one tip would you give to new bloggers?
Be yourself! I know that's a completely overused commentary on life, but I fully believe that there are way too many people in the world for you not to find someone who will like you because you're you. __________
Alright guys, enough about me. The second part of this award is to pass on the encouragement! My 11 bloggers, are you ready?!
1. The Other VW - Vanessa of The Other VW tackles an issue all human beings face daily: beauty. I also love that she provides examples of the makeup brands that are good for her readers.
2. On My Louboutins - Jenny of On My Louboutins started blogging May 2013, but her natural ease in front of the camera gives me the feeling that her blog will be successful.
3. Darling Mickey - Honestly? Her latest post won me over. Accessories are important, and really seeing how an accessory change can affect an outfit is absolutely necessary sometimes.
4. Mint and Gold - Simplicity is a fashion too, and I think that Mint and Gold is a perfect representation of how simplicity can be just as great as complexity.
5. Love, Kate - I love the photos on Kate's blog. As a fashion blogger, photos speak faster than words to me, so when I see great, fun photos, I get drawn in. That's basically what happened with Kate's blog.
6. Gracious Charm - Grace's writing is honest, professional, and an interesting read. I enjoyed reading and seeing her fashion.
7. Dining On Style - Elaine's fashion is one thing: confident. She wears what she wants to wear, and I like that she pulls it off with confidence.
8. A Key to the Armoire - Susanna's style is classic and trendy all at once. It's pretty awesome.
9. This is Yna - This is Y'na provides good tips on how to wear certain styles. Her writing style is detailed and descriptive; reading her blog will feel like you're right there with her.
10. Sweet Escape - I love her style. Period.
11. The Byzantine - I'm sure you guys already know how much I like photos, but seriously, this girl's photos are amazing. Every single backdrop is gorgeous and her style is just as fabulous.
__________
Alright, bloggers, I may have selected you, but can you handle my questions?
1. What would you say is the differentiation between fashion and style?
2. Who is your style icon?
3. What camera do you use to take photos for your blog?
4. What new brands have you discovered recently?
5. Share with us a beauty tip that you cannot live without.
6. Share with us a fashion tip.
7. What is a trend that you think will become popular in the coming years?
8. What is your favorite item from your closet that you would recommend to others?
9. Where is your favorite place to shop?
10. Which blogs do you follow daily?
11. Share with us the weirdest thing you've learned/done recently.
I'll completely believe that last statement in about 8 hours. While the shoes themselves are comfortable, the front strap where you toes go are made of a harder patent material and definitely need to be stretched out. Once they are, I think these will become my go-to heels, even if I'm running errands and walking around. I haven't tested them for long-distance walking, but I think they'd be okay (I'll get back to you guys about that though). Other than that, the ankle strap isn't constrictive and allows your ankle enough flexibility to bend and prance like you would in flats or sneakers. The heel is a thicker, sturdier heel so every step is solid and un-wobbly.
The design of the shoes is great as well. I have the black/snake print, and I feel that the snake print is obvious, but not overboard. It's not as subtle as I would like, but it's not overbearing enough for me to hate it. Especially if you wear a simpler outfit, the heels will speak for themselves without any other accessories. I personally find the "pop of print" young and fun.
Overall, I would definitely recommend these for a friend, and my friend who saw me in these has already expressed her approval. But don't just sit here and read my words, let the photos speak for themselves!
