Style Guide: Gold Plated Fashion

I have one of my favorite Tweeps for you today.

Hi all – my name is Sydney and I run the personal style blog, Chic Stripes. Stephanie reached out on twitter earlier this week looking for someone to help fill her blog posts, so I gladly volunteered. I “met” Stephanie through the weekly #BlogTrends Chats on twitter (Mondays at 9 PM; so good!). I don’t even remember what the topic was that week but I do remember being drawn to Stephanie’s comments and of course her blog. She’s an all-around lovely woman!

I wanted to bring you, her readers, something of interest, and loved all of Stephanie’s recent posts on gold foil. So when she requested style inspiration – I knew it had to contain metallics!

Metallics are everywhere right now: on the runways, celebrities, and bloggers; in sweatshirts, jackets, skirts and of course accessories. As we transition from winter to spring, now is a great time to break them out – no need to reserve them just for glittery holidays.

But how do you style these for your every-day life? If you’re like me, you are not jet setting off to islands and needing a bronze metallic bikini or glamming up to receive an Oscar in a silver metallic gown.  I prefer to grunge up my metallic, keeping them ultra-cool and casual. Try these tips:

1.       Tone it down – Wear a metallic top, but throw a blazer over it or loop a huge scarf at your neck. 

2.       Keep it rough – Play with the textures of our your other clothes – wear denim, knit, suede, or wood – that will contract with the slick metallic and help bring it down a notch.

3.       Try just a tad – if you don’t like to go with a trend full force, try just a bit of metallic. Find a shoe or skirt with metallic trim or strip. Look for sweaters or cardigans with metallic thread for a bit of sparkle. Add a metallic bag or flat while keeping the rest of your outfit natural. Don’t forget necklaces, bracelets, rings and even hair accessories – all of these can be great for bringing in a touch of metallic. Remember, a little bit of metallic can go a long way!  

4.       Go all out – If you’re gonna wear metallic, try looking for a statement piece: a coat, blazer, skinny pants/leggings, or sweater.  

If you wear any metallic this week, I’d love to know how you wore it! Email (chicstripes@gmail.com) or tweet (@chicstripes) me a pic!

Thank you, Sydney, for taking the stage for me today. Please show Sydney some link-love this weekend:
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Oh, Martha, Let's talk

For those who haven't heard, Martha Stewart recently said in an interview on Bloomberg that bloggers are not experts. Sure, it's taboo to argue with Martha, nor is it "appropriate" to be argumentative or political on a blog, but today we're going to be real. For the past couple days I have been tweeting back and forth with some sweet folks on Twitter on the topic, and we reached a great point: that place where the line is drawn.

To an extent Martha is correct. But only to a small extent. Bloggers ought to blog with ethics. If you have not thoroughly studied chemical compounds and the like, it is not wise to share hair treatment advice. There are a lot of PH levels and other chemicals you must understand. I do not, so, no, I will not tell you how to best dye your hair and what conditioning treatment will work best for you. Everyone's hair is also different, so that will always play a big factor. I have consulted my stylist about hair advice, and she has animatedly insisted I not share it on my blog and ask me not to quote her. Why? Because if it doesn't work for your hair, it comes back to her and to me.

There are many other topics we could go through, but I think beauty bloggers tend to me my own biggest pet peeve, because this is your physical body we are talking about, applying ingredients and chemicals to your skin and hair, all directed by inexperienced bloggers. 

So, yes, Martha, there you have a point.

But I do not think it's fair to lump all bloggers into one single You're-Not-An-Expert category. I have readily admitted I am not an expert, but I shared my Mustard Greens Recipe anyway, because it was loved by many. Not just myself, but the southern community I have taken to. I did not "copy" anyone's. I stood in front of my fridge and thought, what do I have on hand that I can throw in here? I am sure there are many other recipes like it, as it is not an overly-complicated recipe. But it is mine. I am also learning Photoshop, and as someone who is self-taught, I have tried sharing little things I learn along the way for others who want to learn.

Martha, you quote in your interview, "They're not trained editors at Vogue Magazine. They're copies of what really good editors have created and done."

Okay, I'm going to jump on that right now, because I know for a fact that editors COPY WHAT BLOGGERS HAVE DONE. In case you don't follow Epbot, late last year Redbook Magazine took her Flip Flop Hanger tutorial, traced her pictures with colored pencil, then published the idea as their own in their January issue with no credit to Epbot whatsoever. When the editor of Redbook was alerted to this she immediately corrected the mistake, even quoting "Creative women like you are key contributors to our magazine." What sweet recognition!

Which brings me to my final point, Martha. How many bloggers have you had as guests on your show and your website? How many times have you stood there, beaming over their creations and recipes and know-how, and all the while you've been thinking, "You don't know what you're talking about, you're not an 'expert'?" This begs the question, why do you have them on your show then? Because your producer said so? Do you not truly support them and value their work? Are you not self-taught as well? Did you not leap into your own business adventures based on what you knew you had a knack for? You did not study culinary arts or interior design or any form of writing, yet you developed skills on your own, which you now share with the world. How does this make you any different than us bloggers? 

I must say, that was a little saddening to hear your lack of support for the creative community. After-all, we enjoy your products. We beam with sincerity at your creativity. I oohed and ahhed over your costume on the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living. You truly did give beauty to Halloween! We envy what you have done for yourself. And until that statement, you gave a small bit of hope to other creative individuals on the possibilities their creative genius could have.

I know you are entitled to your thoughts and opinions, and I would not dream of denying you them. I am sorry if you think us bloggers create a "popularity" of some kind. My personal opinion is that the statement sounded like one of inferiority. Please let me assure you, I personally do not mean to encroach on your empire in any way, or desire to create a "popularity" that would take away from your creative domain. My sole goal on my amateuristic blog is to encourage others to be the best version of themselves they can be. To give hope to other single mothers barely making it along that there is possibility. To ensure they know it only takes a little ingenuity and creativity. I want to uplift others and be sure they know they can be a self-made woman and be proud of that!

Sincerely,

Disappointed

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Photoshop editing and tutorials

I got a post in! It's terrible this is my only post for this week, but I'm happy I managed to squeeze at least one in. There have been bouts of strep, trips to the emergency room, and sleepless nights. I managed to squeeze in buying a new (used) vehicle, and, oh sweet joy, today is girls day. This momma needs girls day!

In what down time I have had, I've been learning Photoshop. I don't know if many of you follow Alex Beadon, but I adore her. Her site is so informative, her Chatty Tuesday videos exciting. And her dog ...! Oh dear, what a cutie!

If you're not familar with her, you should be. I've following for a number of months now. She recently began a FREE Photoshop workshop, the Express Yourself Collection. She goes through her video tutorials, and provides you with free actions, workbooks and textures to enhance your photography. I have been loving the videos so far. I have begun to learn just how creative I can be in my photo taking. 

I am not a professional photog and won't claim to be one. But I love gorgeous photos and I want to bring you readers the best I can. Not to mention, I'll take any excuse to get to play with my new present.

I took this photo as I was coming back from the bus stop Tuesday morning. What an amazing October sunrise, am I right? The sun rising beyond the trees, beams of lights bursting through. God was certainly making a beautiful sun that day. I thought this would be a great picture to practice on with Alex's latest (3rd) video, incorporating the serenity action and texture layers. I just adore how it came out. It's so cheerful, and that's how I felt when I saw this burst of sunshine behind my apartment building. I was overflowing with joy and awe. 

The editing on this was done with one action and two texture layers. The tree to the right is set at a different opacity than the rest with a slightly higher contrast. I was attempting to create a little depth in doing so. I'm still learning. Thankfully Alex's fourth video will be out soon and I can learn more. I can't wait. I highly recommend signing up. I mean, she was kind enough to offer this for free. And I promise, once you're there, you'll want to stay. She's just sort of one of those bloggers you love to love!

XO,

Steph

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Guest post // Stylings & Stories [FREEBIE]

It's Friday, and my honey's birthday, so we're headed out of town for a fishing trip.

Happy birthday, Snookums!

In the meantime, I asked Stephanie of Stylings and Stories to fill in for me. Stephanie is a writer, editor and designer, and has a cute little blog full of precious smiles.

Image © Stephanie Hall, Stylings & Stories

She was sweet enough to design a desktop wallpaper for you lovelies to enjoy. It comes in various desktop sizes, as well as for your mobile device or tablet.

Desktop 1680x1050 download

 Desktop 2560x1440 download

Desktop 2880x1800 download

 Mobile download

Tablet download

Take a moment and head over to Stephanie's blog, show her a little link love. And I ask that if you download the freebie, please share it. Stephanie put a lot of her time into it.

Have a great weekend!

Steph

Wanna make some pretty paper mache bowls with me?

Head over to Julie Ann Art. I'm sharing this tutorial with her.

Style Guide: Fall 2013 Trends & Makeup tips

Photo Image: Vogue (Spain) 1: Wet & dry shadow // 2: Too Faced bronzer // 3: Tom Ford lip color // 4: Peplum blouse // 5: Chandelier earrings // 6: Cocktail ring

Browns, blues and greens are going to be the trend colors for Fall this year. I am ecstatic! I, myself, am a little coral-ed out. As much as I love coral, I feel I wear it every year. I need a change.

I loved this image from Vogue and how they stepped out of the traditional black smokey eye and went with a rich, chocolate smokey eye instead. The dark-eyed look is kept fresh by being paired with a crisp white blouse, and accented with accessories from this years Fall color trends.

Makeup tips:

Be sure to use a nude lipstick or other soft color. Either play up the eyes or play up the lips. Don't do both. Remember, less is more. You don't want to look like you're wearing too much makeup.

Get yourself a set of falsies. Really play up your smokey eye this year with lush false lashes.

For more makeup tips follow along with your favorite beauty bloggers. 

So much love from me to you today!!!
Steph

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Your favorites

This week your favorite pins were full of creative goodness. Everyone loved best ...

Design Every Day's tissue paper flowers. These are pretty precious. I'm working with tissue paperthis week, and I'm a little tempted to include some of these in my wall decor.

Sewing tips from Make it & Love it. I always get asked questions about how to sew or how to sew a straight line, and always my answer is the same: PRACTICE. Go to your fabric supplier, raid their scrap bin, and just practice sewing stitches. Your lines won't be that great at first, but eventually you'll learn how your machine moves.

Sewing Like Mad's how-to on drafting your own patterns was one of my favorites! I almost always draft my own patterns. I have patterns I bought from Joann's, but have never used them. I have a full circle skirt pattern I'm a little tempted to cut up, to create something like this.

If you don't already follow on Pinterest, come over. Leave a link to your pinterest page in the comments so I can follow you back.

Happy weekend, Happy Father's Day, and may God keep you all safe, sound and loved!

Toodles!

Steph

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Tuesday Ten // Favorite Things

1. Favorite illustration: Sunny's Art Store

2. Favorite shoe deal: Lemon Crochet Toms 

3. Favorite handbag: Crochet Satchel

4. Favorite DIY: Drifthood Hanger from Lovely Indeed

        I WILL BE DOING THIS!

5. Favorite advice: Hide Your Crazy tank top

6. Favorite bauble: Antoinette Drop earrings

7. Favorite vintage: Floral frame from WhichGoose

8. Favorite laugh & gift: Julie Anne Art "Birthday Sex" card

9. Favorite curl: Curly Temple floral shades

10. Favorite power: "What Wizardy Is This" polish by OPI

I hope you enjoyed a quick peek at some of my favorite things this morning. For now I'm off to do one of my least favorite things, visit the dentist.

Blech.

Boo.

Scowl.

Sore.

Meanies.

Peace out!
Steph

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Beauty bloggers you'll love

My dreams are big! Besides dreaming of becoming a published author, another of my goals is to study makeup artistry. The North Carolina School of Arts has an astounding wig and makeup design program and it is on my bucket list to attend. I know I'm almost 30, but that doesn't mean it's too late for me to go back to school, right?

In the meantime I live vicariously, learning from those who are skilled in this trade and are awesome enough to share it with the world. Here are a few of my favorites:

Images © Kandee J

This little beauty (blogger) is Kandee Johnson. This is one woman I would LOVE to share a seat beside. And when I say LOVE, I mean it, too, is on my bucket list. What an honor it would be! Yes, it's far fetched and not likely to happen, but it's on my list anyway. A girl can dream, right?! And I dream BIG!

The past couple of years I have pondered the idea of a 1920's party, a way to celebrate leaving my twenties. (That day creeps closer and closer, but it doesn't look like my party will happen. *sigh*) Anyway, a year or so ago I looked up some tutorials on flapper style makeup and happened upon Kandee's Youtube video. Her humor killed me! I was sold. I've been a blog stalker of hers since. I cannot tell you how I longed for Kandee during the days I stopped blogging and no longer existed within the community. Besides being a phenomenal makeup artist, this lady has the most beautiful heart of any blogger I have ever happened upon. I cannot put her love of life into words. She doesn't merely instill confidence through beauty and makeup, but rather through a persons heart. There was a day I was not doing as well as I would have liked (the day she went blonde above) and her video exhorted her readers to feel beautiful no matter what, from the inside out. I cried that day. I honestly believe God had her words for me. If you don't already follow her, do it. I promise you won't regret it for a moment.

Image © Whippy Cake

Do you know beauty and style blogger Becki, owner of Whippy Cake? I met Becki in high school, although we went to different schools. Well, technically I was in high school, she was in middle school. I am exactly one year to the day older than her. I was a freshman and she was in eighth grade. But we clicked! Did you know even at 14 she loved making pretty things and styling hair? Yes, this is how we spent our weekends together. She had a terrible habit of needing to sneak off to the restroom to fix/reapply her mascara. She would give me such a hard time because I didn't wear mascara on my bottom lashes back then. If she wasn't painting red lips on her purple comforter, she was styling her hair. Back then her spider web hairstyle was quite a hit with the church group.

I remember when she first launched Whippy Cake. MySpace was still the "it" online social media outlet. I was so excited when I got her email and saw her all cute holding a hot pink cupcake! I have followed her blog since she started it. I own many, many Whippy Cake jewelry and hair accessories. I am so proud of everything she has established for herself and her company. I miss her terribly, and she is most certainly one of the first people I contact on the rare occasion I go back to Phoenix.

Image(s) © MaskCara

First, can we take a moment to grin and applaud politely at Cara's creative wordplay? As a writer, I was quite tickled with this! MaskCara is my go-to blog for beauty tips. I found her via Pinterest, actually, when I stumbled upon her Baggage Post. My grandfather cursed me with this atrocity, and the older I get, the more defiant my eyes become. I tried Cara's tip on applying concealer and was hooked. I'm always eager to learn, so I peek in on her in my spare time to see what's new.

******

I want to extend a caution to any beauty tips you find and use across the internet. Be sure the people offering these tips are licensed and knowledgeable in the trade. Any honest beauty blogger will not share some of their techniques, as they know the dangers that can occur if you aren't skilled with certain chemicals. A simple eye shadow application is one thing, but I would hate to see someone with chemical burns because they tried applying rhinestones to their eyes and used the wrong adhesive. My heart fell once when I saw a video of a girl sharing hair styling tips and she burned her hair right off with the styling wand. So please be careful!

****** 

Love dearly,

Steph

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budget friendly teacher gifts

It's Teacher Appreciation week! If you're anything like me, things like this (or possibly most holidays) just sort of sneak up on you, and you often find yourself needing to throw together some awesome last minute gifts. My sons teacher spends eight hours a day with 18 of him, this gift is overdue! I've browsed around and found some unique ways you can give back to the classroom.

Image via Each Moment, Only Once

I loved this! What else can I say? It's spectacular! I think the most practical gift you can give your child's teacher is a donation of some kind to the classroom. I just love how Tara put her scrapbooking skills to work and wrapped some No. 2 pencils in scrapbook paper. Check out her gift set tutorial, she even made a coordinating gift bag.

Image via Tervis

Present your custom pencils in a Tervis Tumbler. If you're not familiar with Tervis, then allow me a moment to indulge you. Tervis is a great brand of to-go mugs. They're insulated and double sealed, so they keep your ice frozen or your coffee hot ALL DAY! They're a wonderful investment. They come in tons of designs, including sports teams and licensed characters. The company also donates to various charities, so you know your purchase is making a difference. They're sold online, as well as in various stores and boutiques across the country. You can locate a store near you here.

Image via Built it, Sew it, Love it

Do your kids have Dr. Seuss day at school? My son did. Every year the school has Dr. Seuss Day celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday. This is a great way to contribute to your son/daughters classroom. Head over to Built it, Sew it, Love it, Jenn has the "Inspire" download available for you!

Image via Delia Creates

I will admit, I am big time partial to this gift idea. As you can tell, Delia tied hers with a red ribbon as a Christmas gift for her sons teacher, but germs don't stop spreading on December 26. Send some for Christmas, then contribute some more to the classroom in the spring. Anything to help our little ones stay healthy and germ-free! Head over to Delia's blog, she has the subway art for you!

Image via Giggles Galore

Mariah had the right idea for us budget conscious folk. She assembled this gift for under $5. Now that it's spring time, my son's kindergarten class is learning all about weather and plants in science. This is a delightful way to let the entire class learn about how plants grow. Not only will the teacher get to continue to expand your children's minds, but then she (or he) gets to take home a lovely potted flower at the end of the year. 

Image via Hi Sugarplum!

While it is important to help out with your kids' classroom as much as possible, sometimes the best thing you can do is give the teacher a break. Am I right? Some days I struggle with my three kiddos, let alone up to twenty! So if you really just want to treat the teacher as a big thanks, gift cards are always a delight to receive. Cassie kept it quick and simple with these filled cups.

I hope these ideas help. I'm off to round up my gift. Yes, it is possible this research was more for me than anything.

Love dearly,

Steph

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Favorite quote

I wanted to join in today with everyone from Story of my Life, in the challenge to blog everyday in May. Today Jenni asked to write about your favorite quote. I knew I needed to write about this topic. My favorite quote actually came from my mother-in-law.

"How can you plan for tomorrow when you only have today to live?" --Peri Kay McDonnell

During the months of my trials I struggled with the need to control. Everything was crumbling around me and I tried my hardest to take control of everything. I had to think ahead and plan for everything that might possibly go wrong. I had three kids to consider and I needed all of my bases to be covered.

In December, everything that could possibly go wrong did. Months of hard work just ripped out from under me. I cried for a week! Then I finally decided to listen to what God had been trying to tell me. I confided all of this to my mother-in-law, and she replied, "How can you plan for tomorrow when you only have today to live?"

It was the best thing anyone had said to me.

I was so filled with worry. But that one phrase reminded me that I need not worry about tomorrow, but to only ask for my daily bread. It has been the most freeing way to live!

Love dearly,
Steph

P.S. My MIL has been a bible study teacher for many years, and has recently started a blog to share her studies about the Eternal Message in the Stars.

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Story of My Life