what's next

So here it finally is, the big news that I've been hinting at for the past couple of weeks:

You guys may remember me mentioning that I've been looking for and applying to jobs since January.  Then, a few days before graduation, I got a call from one of the companies that I interviewed with and they offered me a job!  Needless to say, I was (and still am!) extremely excited and called my parents right away to tell them the happy news :)

Right now, I'm still home in CA, but tomorrow I head to NY!  I have an apartment that I'm subletting for the summer and I have some time to settle in before I start work in a little over a week.  I do eventually have to find an apartment for the fall, so if you guys have any tips for apartment-hunting the city, I would love to hear them!

I've been to New York several times over the past four years, but I know living there will be a completely different experience!  I really am so interested to see how it will all turn out!

Tell me: Who's a NYC blogger? As I start to explore the city, what are some must-see spots?

FBFF: Shoes!

This week's questions are all about shoes!  I mean, what girl doesn't love shoes?! ;)

forever 21 bow flats- $12.50

1. What is your go-to pair of shoes?  As boring as it is, black flats are definitely my go-to shoe!  I wear them so often, that I usually need a new pair every couple months or so!  I love these ones with the bow because they can be dressy or casual depending on what else I'm wearing.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?  I think my shoe buying decisions are very seasonal.  So if it's summer, I'll want that perfect pair of sandals and if it's winter, I'll be obsessed with boots.  When I buy shoes, I consider how many times I'll wear the shoe and if it will be worth the cost.  Since I'm a poor student, the cost is usually under $60, although I have splurged on a couple pairs of boots over that price.  I also consider how the color of the shoe will look with the clothes I own, which is why I think so many of my shoes are black!

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color? Black!  I'm always thinking, "What color of these shoes will go with everything?" and inevitably it's black.  My friends have made fun of me for having a closet full of black shoes!  Now that I think I've got all the basics in black, I'm trying to add more colors- I really want a pair of bright-colored sandals for the summer!

FBFF: Designer Shoes by starcrossedsmile featuring platform wedge heels
1. Christian Louboutin platform pumps, $995
2. Chloé platform wedge heels, 375 GBP
3. Pierre Hardy platform wedge, $630
4. Brian Atwood leather pumps, $540

4. When it comes to design shoes what are your favorite brands and why? Numero uno- that sexy sexy pair of Louboutin pumps!  One day I'm going to save up enough money and I'm going to own those *fingers crossed*!  I love these Chloé wedges because of the clean lines and because they are in such a bright, fun color.  Colorblocking is all the rage right now and I think these Pierre Hardy wedges are spot on, plus I love the combination of canvas and patent leather!  Lastly, these Brian Atwood pumps are just waiting to be worn out for a night on the town.  I think their metallic color is just perfect!

5. If price wasn’t an issue, you’d own which shoe?  If money was no object, I'd have those Louboutins in my closet STAT! :D

Tell me: What do your go-to pair of shoes look like?

Also, I mentioned earlier in the week, I'm going out of town to New York, then to Myrtle over the course of the next week.  There won't be any posts, but I'll definitely still be on twitter!  See you lovelies when I return! :D

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

FBFF: Inspiration

My second Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Group post, so exciting!  This week's questions are about inspiration and it's been fun thinking about where my inspiration comes from.

1. Which celebrity (celebrities) do you look to for fashion inspiration?  There are several celebrities whose style I admire- I wouldn't necessarily say that I try to copy them, but I often like what they wear.

Zoe Saldana: Well, first of all, she's absolutely gorgeous and I think her style is effortlessly chic in a way that I really love.

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Blake Lively:  She is one sexy lady and doesn't mind showing off what she's got!

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Rachel Bilson: She's petite (like me!) and looks chic both on and off the red carpet.

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2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you?  When describing my personal style, I find it really difficult to pinpoint the right words.  I would say that I'm inspired by looks that are girly and simple/comfortable, yet still chic.  I'm a pretty mellow, easy-going person and I think that's reflected in my style.  Other times, however, I want to try something different, like tough combat boots or bright colorblocking!  I don't know, help me out with this one guys!  How would you describe my style?

girly girl- pearls and bows

a little edgier

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? As I often say, I'm inspired by real-girl fashion and I hope to do the same for my readers.  I hope I inspire my readers to try new outfits, learn a new craft, or learn more about a topic that's new to them!  I'm inspired by my fellow bloggers everyday and I just want to share the love and pass on the inspiration. =)

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? This is a little bit of a reiteration of one of my answers from last week, but I think my parents are really inspirational.  They have both overcome a lot of adversity to get to where they are now and they've done it all together- I think that's really amazing.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you? Anything by John Legend (click here and here for my two favorite songs).  Seriously, he's my go-to artist no matter what emotion I'm feeling, and especially when I want to relax or focus.  His voice is just so...soothing and in my opinion, it touches the soul.  I would absolutely love to see him in concert!

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Just had to include this picure because they are so cute together, but boy, am I jealous of this girl! ;)

Tell me: What or Who inspires you?

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

FBFF: Gratitude

I joined the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Group a couple of weeks ago, but this is the first week I've been able to do a post!  How cool that my first post lands on the one-year anniversary of FBFF!  This week, the questions are all about gratitude, a topic that has been on my mind a lot recently as I approach this turning point in my life.

me, mom, sister

1. When it comes to me personally – I owe a lot of who I am to: Well this is the obvious answer, but it is completely true- my parents.  They have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to be able to give my siblings and I a good life.  Also, they have always encouraged me to strive to do my best and they are always there to catch me when I fall, so for that, I am eternally grateful to them.

2. When it comes to me professionally – I owe a lot of who I am to: I'm not sure I can call myself a professional, yet, but at my current level in life, I would have to say my boss Cyndi.  I have been working for her since my freshman year of college and it has been an absolute pleasure.  Cyndi quickly became more than a boss to me- she's more like an aunt =)  She has always been concerned for my well-being and supported me and I know that she'll support me with whatever step I decide to take next in my life.

3. When it comes to the art of blogging, I’m grateful to these people for helping me through some rough spots: For this question, I would answer that I'm grateful to the people who helped me realize that my blogging is worthwhile- it has certainly given me the motivation to keep going.  Just to name a few: Sophi, Ashley, Laura, Courtney, Casee, Alyse

4. One blogging challenge I’m grateful happened because it made me stronger was… Hmmm, I think the greatest blogging challenge has been learning the in's and out's of blogging.  You know, when I started off, I thought, "Okay, I'll write some posts and people will read them!"  As someone once said (I don't remember who, let me know if you do!), my thinking was "If you blog, they will come."  Of course, I soon learned that it is not like this and that you have to work to form that community.  It was a great lesson to learn, though, because I have met so many wonderful people through this blog =)

5. To my readers, I’d like to say…  Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.  Seriously, there are so many times when I just wish I could give each an every one of you a ginormous hug!  Thank you for reading what I write, for your comments, and for your encouragement- I could not do this without you!  Lastly, thank you for sticking by me as this blog has grown and evolved and I hope you will continue to do so =)

Tell me: Your answers to any/all of these questions!

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday was created by Katy Rose of Modly Chic. Become a member at the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday Google Group to join in the discussion!

it's just me

everything but boots- forever 21, boots- GoJane

Firstly, thank you to everyone who commented on my last post!  It was a great experience for me and I was more than happy to share it with you guys. =)  Secondly, I almost didn't post this outfit.  You know how you get the feeling that an outfit isn't blogworthy?  Well that's how I felt about this outfit.  Then I was like "Forget that!" because I've never claimed to be writing a high fashion super blog, but instead a blog about my life, which includes all sorts of things like fashion, my knitting, school, family, and so on.  Part of sharing about my life is showing the outfits I wear and this is something I wore, so why not post this outfit?  Basically, I'm trying to take the pressure off myself to be something I'm not and to keep true to who I am.

I think this little tee is so cute and I've
actually done some of the things on this list!

Also, I've been thinking a lot about commenting on blogs lately and Alyse wrote a post that really resonated with me.  So I have some questions for you guys (which are sort of a follow-up to the Fashion Beauty Friend Friday ones that were asked last week) that you can answer if you like and I'll include my answers as well:

Questions
1. Do you only comment on a post if you have something completely original to say?
2. Do you check back on posts you've commented to see if the blogger has left you a response?
3. How do you feel about Disqus? Love it/hate it?
4. How do you feel about people who leave a link with their comments?

Answers
1. Not necessarily.  I don't mind being the 20th person on a post to compliment that person's outfit choice because I'm showing my appreciation.  Some people might find it repetitive to read a bunch of comments about how gorgeous their shoes or necklace or skirt is, but I am grateful to each person who takes the time to comment.  I am certainly not knocking those who only comment when they have something original to say, I guess I'm just wondering if people are annoyed by reading comments that are fairly similar?

2. Not usually.  I only check back if I have asked a question or if I think the post discusses a really interesting topic and I want to see how other people respond.

3. I have had a pretty pleasant experience with Disqus so far.  I love how it has threaded replies, that way if other people have a similar question, they can see how I've replied.  Also, I like how it emails to let the commenter know that I've responded to their comment.  The only problem I've had is a couple of times Disqus hasn't loaded for while.  I've read on other blogs that some people despise Disqus, so as readers of this particular blog with Disqus, I would love to know how you feel about it!

4. I don't mind people who leave a link with their comments and I usually do it myself.  Let me clarify- commenting "Nice blog" and then leaving me a bunch of links to a blog or giveaway I consider spamming.  On the other hand, I'm totally fine with people who leave a thoughtful comment and include their link at the end.  To me, it is sort of like a signature and allows me to easily click onto their blog when I want to check it out.

Tell me: your thoughts! I'm curious to find out you guys think!

P.S. Speaking of commenting- thank you sincerely to every single one of you who takes the time to read this blog!  You guys are the support that encourages me to keep up with this blog and strive to make it better.  =)