I've had it.

Literally.

It's time for a hiatus; both on my blog and my website. Reasons are:

0. My laptop is seriously circa 1997. It weighs at least 15 lbs, swear and it can't handle any task-switching, file uploading, what have you. Also, it has to be on the charging dock the entire time. If you unplug it, it will die.

1. My camera is dying. The pixel-ege (is that a word?) is nothing in comparison to what's out now and I'm noticing the quality of my photos are getting grainy; no clue why.

2. I'm moving, finally! The BF and I were approved for our apartment so we move in on the 1st. So that's mainly my focus over any other extra activities since this one doesn't make me income.

3. That being said, I have forgotten why I started this all in the first place; was it to vent? was it tell my side of the fashion story? was it about money? what. the. hell.

4. Things at my REAL job are going lovely. My boss is amazing; quite nurturing to my creative spirit. We get along so well and I love what I do, so there.

5. I'm getting more focused on my wardrobe consulting dream. I still want to build that up.

6. I'm not writing about anything interesting anymore so I need to regroup; restrategize; recharge.


I'll leave you with this;



skills. ;)
who said I was serious?

Fashion Bloggers; Take Note.

Reading the NY Times is a daily occurence for me; one of the first things I do in the morning. While scrolling through the fashion & style section, I come across the must-read...SO READ IT!

Source: NY Times (click to view original article)

Writer Source: Kayleen Schaefer

LAST August, Britt Aboutaleb, a New York-based blogger, wrote a post for Fashionista.com, a beauty and fashion Web site, about her visit to a Gap store where “cute boys” served her coffee while Patrick Robinson, the Gap’s lead designer, helped her select a pair of jeans. It was unclear whether Ms. Aboutaleb had received the $69 jeans free, but some readers’ antennae were raised.

In comments about her post, they accused her of being intentionally vague. But her online response to the comments was anything but vague: “How is it less than crystal clear that I went intending to walk away with gifted jeans? Must I put FREE in the title?”

According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines announced last week, the answer is — or soon will be — “yes.”

Beginning Dec. 1, bloggers, Twitterers and many others who write online product reviews must disclose the receipt of free merchandise or payment for the items they write about.

The guidelines, an update of the F.T.C.’s 1980 guide concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, will affect many in the beauty and fashion blogging community, where freebies ($40 eye-shadow palates, $250 clutch purses and, yes, $69 jeans) are rampant. The rules reflect the commission’s concern about how advertisers are using bloggers and social networking sites to pitch their products.

“Pretty much all of the products I review are sent to me by publicists,” said Nadine Haobsh, who writes the beauty blog Jolie Nadine. Last week, she posted an official disclosure policy on her site after learning about the ruling.

Ms. Haobsh and other bloggers have mixed opinions about the commission’s newfound interest in what they’re doing on the Internet. Some say the rules may help identify them as serious journalists.

“The fact that we’re being regulated is actually a backhanded compliment since it establishes legitimacy and shows that blogging is here to stay,” Ms. Haobsh said.

Some think it will help establish more professional standards, policing the kind of bloggers that Amber Katz, the founder of Beauty Blogging Junkie, calls “cloggers,” or bloggers who use their Web sites as platforms for soliciting the latest perfumes or garnering invitations to fashion industry events.

“Cloggers will tweet about how they’d just love a free garment or accessory directly to a brand’s Twitter account,” she said. “They brazenly insist on tons of samples even though they haven’t been blogging long enough to build up any sort of readership.”

Others are upset about what they say is a double standard: The guidelines don’t require disclosure of free samples for newspapers and magazines or their online counterparts.

“There’s the feeling that we’re not as trustworthy as traditional print media and need to be policed,” said Kelly Cook, a founder of a network of blogs about beauty and fashion, including Bag Snob and Beauty Snob. “The singling out is what offends me.”

Carolyn Hsu, the managing editor of The Daily Obsession, said she gets fewer gifts than the print editors she knows, and in March went to a fashion event where the print editors were given a designer bag as a gift but bloggers were not. “There was quite a bit of Twitter outrage,” she said.

Even before the new rules, some bloggers identified posts that advertisers paid them to write as “sponsored.” But most don’t have formal disclosure policies, or they tend to use ambiguous language about giveaways.

Ms. Katz, for instance, writes that she “had the opportunity” for a specific salon service whenever she gets a blowout or manicure on the house.

Others, like Ms. Cook, don’t plan on instituting a disclosure policy because of the new F.T.C. rules. “There’s no way they can enforce this,” she said.

Theoretically there could be a fine, but Richard Cleland, the F.T.C’s assistant director of advertising practices, said that the purpose of the new rules “wasn’t to announce a law enforcement effort, but to provide guidelines.” He added that he expects “a high level of voluntary compliance.”

Indeed, most of the bloggers interviewed for this article say they are crafting ways to comply with the ruling, including posting an official disclosure policy on their “About Me” page or adding a line that the product was free.

“I don’t think readers know exactly how much product is sent,” Ms. Cook said. “They would be shocked if they did.”

But Ms. Cook said that even though readers may not know how common free lip glosses or brand-sponsored lunches are, they do a good job of policing bloggers they suspect have fallen under a company’s spell.

“They catch us,” she said. “They’ll comment, ‘Oh sure, you were second row at the show and now you’re all in love with the brand.’ ”

Free products or not, the majority of reviews on fashion and beauty blogs tend to be positive.

“I’m only going to write about something if it’s great,” Ms. Aboutaleb said.

But the new rules mean companies could now be viewed as bribing bloggers to earn positive reviews.

Alison Brod, whose public relations firm represents Laura Mercier and Old Navy, has four employees whose job it is to get bloggers to write about clients, mostly by providing them with samples. “I don’t have concerns with readers knowing that we sent bloggers product because people simply want to look more beautiful and, chances are, a positive review is still going to drive sales,” Ms. Brod said.

But readers may have concerns about advertisers paying bloggers to write reviews. Lauren Friedman, a lawyer in New York, said: “It would make me less likely to go out and buy a product if I knew the blogger was being paid to review something by the company and wasn’t disclosing that. Once you know, though, you can take a product review for what it’s worth.”

As for Ms. Aboutaleb, she said the new rules about freebies were unlikely to affect the posts on Fashionista.com.

“If we love a product enough to write about it in the first place, then we’ll happily disclose where it came from, and how, before moving on to more relevant, and interesting, information.”

Slow Dancing In A Burning Room.

 

 

long day; much needed candlelit shower.

It's not a silly little moment,
It's not the storm before the calm.
This is the deep and dying breath of
This love that we've been working on.

Can't seem to hold you like I want to
So I can feel you in my arms.
Nobody's gonna come and save you,
We pulled too many false alarms.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

I was the one you always dreamed of,
You were the one I tried to draw.
How dare you say it's nothing to me?
Baby, you're the only light I ever saw.

I'll make the most of all the sadness,
You'll be a bitch because you can.
You try to hit me just to hurt me
So you leave me feeling dirty
Because you can't understand.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?

My dear, we're slow dancing in a burning room,

Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?

breathe me-sia.

be my friend hold me, wrap me up unfold me, I am small and needy, warm me up and breathe me

 -breathe me.sia

The boyfriend's back...

 

Vintage YSL tan blazer; Static Vintage

Ruffled Betsey Johnson sunnies; Betsey Johnson

Ruffled gauge blouse; Zara

Hunter green long-sleeve tunic; H&M

Laced knee-highs; Target

Vintage cowboy boots; Buffalo Exchange

A shitload of bracelets; random

I know, I've been extremely neglectful to my blog but I'm been swamped with moving procedures, launch of my website, moving procedures, and working a full time job. There has been a lot going on but I'll definitely be getting back in the swing of things. It's been very difficult due to my car issues...I don't have one [thanks parking tickets & DMV!]. The little things like grocery shopping and getting the daily necessities have become a challenge; alternatives like using the bus are a b**** to take all your groceries on....I was entirely spoiled by having a car. I literally drove anywhere including my sporadic trips to LA to visit the boyfriend. But now, I'm getting used to public transportation including BART. I'm heading to the city this week to do my first video interview and I'm hoping that it will work out well. Wish me luck.  If I'm going to make it one day in NYC, I've got to get the public transportation down...

I'd die to be there right now; the environment, the music, the sounds, the feel. Jay-Z has been stuck in my head ever since him and Alicia Keys performed at the VMA's.

New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothin' you can't do
Out of New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you

                                         -Empire State of Mind

Back to reality...my website is going well and I'm excited to say that I'll be having another round of new interviews with some fabulous people including my first video interview!! Also, let me know what you guys think, what's missing, what's not working and anything else. It really helps me to weed out the icky, sticky stuff and keep the website clean and free of nonsense. Check it out at www.profreshstyle.com. I also didn't even realize I was on the Forever 21's flickr page and I was so happy to find out when I went to a lovely fellow blogger's site, Fashion Trend Guide who was also featured on the page. Many of my favorites such as Blushing Ambition and Fashion Chalet were also featured so it was felt nice to be in such great company. Click here to see my chosen outfit on the site.

On another amazing note, my boyfriend came into town which was so great. I've missed him so much and he's finally here...well he left today but that's why I was mainly on a hiatus. We went looking at apartments because he'll finally be joining me here and I can't wait. We're waiting for approval as I type, so keep those fingers crossed. He was also my photographer which was definitely a change from my norm of self-timer. We enjoyed being lazy together; that's all you can do when it's been long distance; no need for crazy events, long trips or any of the sort.

I'll leave you with these amazing shots I took of flowers I got by one of my favorite florists.

It has come.

Finally, I have been finished what I've been working on for the past two months; my website, www.profreshstyle.com. I worked really hard to make it simple, clean, accessible and personal. I didn't want to create another generic fashion website. I wanted to make it about the creatives out there in the world wide web. Take a look around the site, give me some feedback; I'd love to hear what you guys think and would like to see!

I'm still keeping my blog to update you on any changes in my site, and what I'm up to; so still keep following and look forward to some fun changes. :)

To my family and friends and my wonderful boyfriend: thank you for sticking by my side and supporting me through this heavy-handed dream; you've all stuck by my side and I couldn't ask for more.

SF Bay Area Blogger Meet-Up

 

come join us at Dolores Park in San Francisco!
this Sunday

Liz, from Late Afternoon, and I would like to extend our invitation to join us for a blogger meet-up in Dolores Park in San Francisco! There are so many SF bay area bloggers and we've loved to meet you all! 

When: Sunday, September 27th, 2009

Time: 2:00PM

Where: Dolores Park Cafe' at 501 Dolores St San Francisco, CA 94110 

Bring: Camera, of course, and all your ideas!

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

Gnarlitude.com

This is beautifully short and sweet but you all NEED to check this dope bracelet...dying.

 

Check more photos out at www.gnarlitude.com. They've only made 5, just freaking 5 and I want one of them!! SO fantastic, and unique... :)

Launch of Chu-La Couture Fall Collection 2009

So excited that Chu-La Couture has finally launched her Fall 2009 Collection; it's stunning, no other words to describe it. See for yourself, by visiting www.chu-lacouture.com or her Etsy shop. Love, love, love.

 

  

and more...

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade chulacouture.etsy.com

Fashion's Night Out

I know, I know. I said I wouldn't be posting but I had to post this because Fashion's Night Out is extremely important to me considering I'm in the industry myself. Support Fashion!

Important Announcement!

Good, good, good Morning/Afternoon!

You know what's really annoying...have big totties. My necklaces won't lay properly and I'm getting a little perturbed. Got your attention? GOOD.

Announcement! Announcement!

I'm so excited to say that I'll be taking a baby hiatus due to the launch of my website! Yes, that's right...Nobodyknowsyou will be joining forces with Profresh to create a very awesome website, www.profreshstyle.com. You have no idea how long I've been wanting to do this and how excited I am that it's finally happening!

That being said, now is no better time than ever to recommendation people you think deserve to be showcased! Anyone who can be defined as a Profresh creative should be recommended. So send all recommendations to christinatopacio@profreshstyle.com and I can't wait to review them all. Oh, and also, don't forget to suggest yourself if you feel you fit the bill!

Also, I'm searching for anyone who knows about local events pertaining to fashion, music & movies in the big, metro areas such as SF, NY, Miami, Vegas, etc to post in our events section. For anyone who's in the know, email me at christinatopacio@profreshstyle.com.

I'm on such a tight schedule so there won't be any new blog posts until launch date, October 1st 2009! But stay tuned and follow on twitter, www.twitter.com/nobodyknows_you to keep posted on what's going on!

So thanks much for staying loyal! I'll see you all on the other side, ProfreshStyle!!

www.profreshstyle.com
LAUNCH DATE: OCTOBER 1ST 2009

+christinadee.

I Die.

As some of you know, I've been obsessed with RZ since her premiere on Bravo, 1st season. In all actuality, I didn't care for her before her show because of media and such but I found a new appreciation for her. :)

So, I've been dying for the RZ collection to come out, as was Taylor (from RZP) lol and now, its here! Launching on September 12th on QVC @ 8pm, her collection will be up for grabs...and trust me, I already have a few main picks.

It's decently priced, I'd think. All pieces are under $200 and when it comes to accessories, I don't even flinch at a price tag... shame shame I know. (I lie, anything over $1000, gets scary.... :( )

On another note, I put in an order for my Dolce Vita booties which I've been dying to get and found them...ON SALE, on Urban Outfitters so I shall be receiving them in 5-7 days. I've attached a picture but have no clue how it will be displayed because, once again, I'm doing this from my phone.

And yes, I know I've been completely absent from my blog but I've gotten an overwhelming amount of recommendations which I'm so thankful for so its been a process of dishing out questions, checking out sites and seeing potential in all. But regardless, that being said, please feel free to send more. I'm really looking for a great up-and-coming designer or two and maybe a stylist, oh and a photographer. But stay tuned because I've got some great interviews coming up which I'm sure you'll all enjoy.

Also, I got my 7x7 mag from my girl, Alexia, and I was so happy to see the beautiful Lulu from www.luluandyourmom.com on the cover. She looked stunning and the mini-interview was great. Hey, hey, lulu, shouty. We should meet for lunch since I'm in the Berk. :)

Thanks to all my readers for the wonderful comments. You guys have no clue how happy I get, it's like receiving packages on a Wednesday, for no real reason at all...that quote is from a movie but I can't pinpoint it. Anyway, it really means a lot. So thank you. But keep reading and watching because there are a few GRAND SURPRISES in store for Nobodyknowsyou.net

Love you all.

(Photo via Instyle.com)

DIY; Drapery.

OH my lord; what a fantastic day today was. Had some amazing customers, every one who walked in loved my outfit and I got theeee best compliment in the world…made my day.

“…look at her. she’s so put together. look at her jake (her son or whoever), she must be a model…”

                                                        -ladies in the grocery store :) BIG OL’ SMILE.

so i had this Emma & Sam maxi dress from last season from LF and I’m not feelin’ it anymore but I really wanted to rock it because no need to waste some cotton. So, I was on Playingwithfire’s chicblog and fell in love with the drapery & belt..hence why I did it with my dress. I totally digged it all day which was quite satisfactory…put me in a good mood. I feel chic, sophisticated and quite sassy.


by the way, i heard my blog address, www.nobodyknowsyou.net was taking you to my blog so fashiontablet.blogspot.com is my original name and that will take you to my nobodyknowsyou blog :).

AND also, thanks for all the fabulous comments! You guys have no idea; they seriously make my day! Every time I get an email that says [____ new comment]...I get so excited!

Stay tuned for some really amazing interviews! :)

btw, obsessing over Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship ft. Leighton Meester. ommgg.



and as seen on Luluandyourmom, this had me in hysterics.

Black blazer; BCBG (not available online, purchased at outlet)

Emma & Sam maxi dress; LF Stores (No longer online but LF does carry Emma & Sam currently.

Black Tights; Beauty & Attitude Beauty & Attitude

Brown Leather Wedges; Matiko (Not available online but Matiko carries amazing shoes!

All my jewelry is as always, Forever 21.

 

New Series: Mini Feature & my 100th POST!

I want to make recognition for the people who I just fall in love with and want to give them a little shouty on the blogfront. So welcome, Mini Feature.

Meet Chelsea, a bountyful lady who's style screams adore. If you've checked out her Flickr page, you'd know that not only is she gorgeous in her pubbescent beauty, but her character comes to life in her photos. I became her "fan" on Chictopia and realized her fashion was just as amazing. She has this laid-back, "i grab anything and go" style. Yet, it works in one way or the other. 

Like this for example, so simple, so clean yet I completely adore. Check her out at Chictopia & Flickr because she is auhhhmazing.

know anywho you'd like Nobodyknowsyou to mini-feature? Email at nkysite@gmail.com!

and also, I'm so excited that this is my 100th post...hopefully more to come!

Sparkle Heaven.

Today was a great day off. Ran tons of errands including Ikea, Target and good ol' Yogurtland. If you haven't been, you must go. So delicious, it's ridic. It's even better than Pinkberry...I know.

My blouse is from Buffalo Exchange, sort of like a consignment shop. It's huggeeee! I purchased two of these sequin tops but I particularly like this one because it has crazy sharp shoulders which is on trend, and gorgus. I got them about a year ago and I'm going to go back again because it's been a while since I've been and I'm dying for a sequin dress and a sequin blazer.

The shoes...I know right? die, die, die. I went on a random shoe shopping spree, at where else, Target. Well, not really where else...but I found some fantastic ones which I now regret returning and only keeping these black ones. But hey, they are cute right?

Anywho, I noticed that you lovely readers thought that the last entry was me in the pictures...but actually that's the milliner's daughter-in-law. Her hair is pretty awesome right? But it's not me...you gotta read the entries in the latter, sillies. But yes, go to Zazu & Violets Hats.

Sequined Blouse; Vintage Buffalo Exchange
Black Acid Wash Jeans; Vanilla Star Wet Seal
Booties; Mossimo Target
Gold Bracelet; Gift from the bestie when she went to Italy

Zazu & Violets Hats Trunk Show

I'm horribly lagging on the blog front but I've been so busy with the move and my computer is a slooowww piece of work. So, I'm blogging from my phone instead!

I had to feature a trunk show coming up tomorrow, Friday August 21st! Its for the Zazu and Violets Hats by milliner, Sydney Turnshek. The hats are to die for, so creatively made and classic. She will be at Riki in Berkeley from 6pm-8pm. We'll be serving drinks & yummy treats while you meet & greet & shop.

I hope to see you there!

Riki
2111 Vine St.
Berkeley, CA 94701
(510) 540-5557

Biggest Sale of the Season

Tips:

• watch out for feisty shoppers; claim what's yours and hold on to it. Otherwise, it's free to be taken.
• be prepared to have no help; it's fast-paced and hectic so go in with a goal and stick to it so you don't get overwhelmed.
• SMELL EVERYTHING! Since the clothing is wore by the staff members during their shift, be prepared to smell every piece your interested in because you don't want sweaty, already worn pieces...even though it's on sale. It's the principle.
  
• Know that the deals always get better as the sale progresses so know that basics could end up being $8, dresses could be $24, etc. So if your patient, always check back.
• The lines will usually be long so be prepared with water and such to wait in line.
• dressing rooms are a huge hassle so cut the time and wear pieces like a maxi dress so you can easily slip on pieces to try on in front of a mirror...that way you avoid the dressing room line.

Have fun and stock up on some great pieces!

Don't Delay: Ticket Sales end TODAY!

Be sure to purchase discounted tickets of 2 for $10 at www.appelandfrank.com TODAY by 6pm! Tickets will be available for $10 each at the door. OR enter NOBODYKNOWSYOU in the discount portion to receive free tickets! The deadline is today by 6pm, so hurry!

The first 300 guests will receive fabulous eco-friendly tote bags from Lunch a la Mode filled with items from:

7x7

Alice and Isa

Ayurvastram

Bare Escentuals

BookSwim

Catalyst Tea & Gift Boutique

Cook SF

Cozmodeck

Lunch a la Mode by Amber Pollard

LUSH

Megan Fahey Skincare

Nature’s Path Organic Foods

Nobody Knows You

Pingo.com

popchips

SF Weekly – Sign up for our SF Weekly Insider text alerts and be automatically entered to win a pair of tickets to a local Bay Area concert. Text SFINSIDER to 61721 to enter.

StyleChick.com

Yelp – Think you already know the best boutiques? Then check out what's Hot on Yelp... From vintage finds to couture collections to local designers, Yelp is your go-to resource for shopping.

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook!

Meet the Blogger: Caylee.

Caylee has completely captured my heart in her simplicity. Her look is truly pure; budget-friendly, something we all can relate to. This gorgeous, 22-year old from Indiana has a defined look of casual basics and I'm truly obsessed. She brings a sweet essence to the blog world as she's only been blogging for a short time and already has received rave reviews, from the likes of Knight Cat and Chictopia. She's given me inspiration for her budget-friendly shopping and her DIY tips. Caylee has a subtle way of being in-her-own fashion-forward; showing off nothing over the edge but just enough to want to capture that look yourself...easy chic and profresh. Check her out and see for yourself.

She's sure to capture your fashion heart.

Why did you start your blog?

I've been reading blogs some of the older fashion blogs for almost two years now. I too wanted to share my passion and connect with others, but back then, I didn't feel like I had anything good to contribute to the blogosphere. At the end of last year, I had finally defined my style and became more comfortable with myself, so I started uploading some outfit photos on my MySpace and then earlier this year I created a Chictopia account. The response was so good, especially on Chictopia, that I decided to give blogging a go...that was just a few weeks ago, and I haven't looked back.

Who/what inspires you?

Scandinavian street style is my biggest source of inspiration. I cannot and will not ever get enough of Sweden and Norway and the incredible, incredible style the ladies have over there - it's absolutely perfect (see my list of favorite blogs below for proof)! I also look to nearly all street style blogs for inspiration, and model-off-duty style is a definite favorite of mine.

What can someone do to look fashionable if they are on a strict budget?

I am that person on a strict budget, so I guess I could lead by example here. There are so many stores that are cheap yet stylish (see next question) and that pick up on the current trends, so if you educate yourself in fashion, and most importantly, find out exactly what works for you and your style, you can find those pieces anywhere, no matter what the place or price.

she truly inspired me to create my own DIY lace shorts lovveee.

Where do you do the majority of your shopping?

H&M, Forever 21, Target, Urban Outfitters, Aldo, Nine West, American Apparel....really inexpensive places, yet you can find just about everything you need. I also buy a lot of things off of eBay. You can find great things at discounted prices (I got a brand new $50 Zara blouse for $20), items from a previous season, or something that is already sold out in stores.

Name fashionable ladies/gents who tickle your fancy.

Celebrity-wise, it’s the three stylish Kate’s - Kate Lanphear, Kate Moss, and Kate Bosworth. Right now I really love Carolina from Fashion Squad, Lena from Elenita, and Ida from Life by Ida – every single outfit they wear is exactly something that I would and want to wear. They’re amazing!

obsessed with the shoes; because of Caylee's blog, I went to scour for these particular shoes but they didn't have my size :(

How do you know what looks good when you’re done outfitting? What's the LAST piece you add?

I'm not really sure; I guess I do stand in from of a full-length mirror and make sure the overall the outfit - the proportions, the accessories, etc. - works together. The last pieces that I add are my rings. I have a variety of that I pick and choose from everyday.

one of my favorite looks of hers; clean, classic, simplistic.

Describe your "getting ready" ritual.

I usually have an idea of what I want to wear, based on a current piece of clothing that I am obsessing over (i.e. sometimes I want to wear my denim vest all week, or I really want to wear boots), my mood, or inspiration that I have just seen; whether I pick that outfit out in the morning or the night before is up in the air.

Describe your style in 3 words or less.

Casual, edgy-feminine.

What blogs do you read?

Wow, you really don't want me to go here. I am following 70 blogs on Bloglovin', if that tells you anything. Here's a list of some of my current favorites: KnightCat, Fashion Squad, Stockholm Street Style, Elenita, Life by Ida, Jak&Jil, Style by Kling, Le Fashion Image, LeFlassh, Style Sightings, Fashion Toast, A Fashion Tale, and Anywho.

What do your family & friends think of your blog/fashion sense?

I don't know anyone personally who has any interest in fashion, whatsoever, so a lot of the current trends and things that I wear are pretty foreign to them. My mom thinks it's funny that I love wearing things that were in style during her younger years in the 80s and 90s, like high-waist Levi cutoffs. My boyfriend doesn't mind or really even care what I wear, but he does think some my get-ups are quite crazy, because again, fashion isn't the norm in Indiana. Although not as interested in the idea of fashion as me, my friends understand my obsession and I love getting compliments from them.

Give us a secret no one knows. (i.e. how many pairs of shoes you have, your obsession with toe socks, whatever)

This is no secret, because if you were to look at the credits under the outfits photos on my blog, you could easily see this: I do not own anything designer, and the most expensive thing in my closet is a pair of $110 boots. I'm a bargain shopper on a student budget!

Name one piece from your closet you can't live without?

My Nine West Cuzza boots from last winter - they are the perfect lace-up, chunky-heeled ankle boot; they go with everything in my closet and are incredibly comfortable. I will wear them to death again this fall/winter.

What motivates you to blog?

Mainly the fact that I live in Indiana (not a state known for its fashion sense), and again, I know no one personally who has an interest in fashion like I do. Blogging allows me to connect with others around the entire globe that share my passion and can appreciate it when I say I am obsessing over the latest pair of shoes or gorgeous editorial.

ADORE.

You’re an item in a boutique. What item would you be and what does it look like?

I kind of want be the perfect basic - a fitted black boyfriend blazer or an over-sized, slouchy white tee - one that's not too expensive and is one of those versatile pieces that you can wear with everything. Though I also wouldn't mind being the perfect black "it" shoe of the moment, preferably right now a wedge ankle boot.

Complete this sentence: "I'm obsessed with Cat's blog KnightCat because" nearly every picture she posts gets right-clicked and saved into my inspiration folder.

What advice can you give to blogger on the rise?

Post on your blog often, to give your readers content and keep them coming back. Get accounts on sites like Chictopia and Lookbook.nu to post your outfits on as well, to draw readers from there to your blog. Become friends with other bloggers (hiiiii Cat and Erika!!). Most importantly, I believe, is to stay true to your style - what makes you, you is what makes your blog special.

btdubbs, i say capture wayyyy too much. my apologies.
+christinadee.