It's been a while since I participated in a FBFF discussion but I really liked these questions and wanted to share my thoughts. If you would be interested in joining the Fashion/Beauty Friend Friday group head over to Katy at ModlyChic's blog and get started!

1. With Fashion Week just around the corner, we are all beginning to focus on the upcoming trends for fall. But what about the trends hitting stores now? What are you coveting?

So far this year I have been coveting polka dots, floral patterns and bright, electric colors.

2. How do you incorporate new trends into your wardrobe?

I never jump head first into a new trend...I start small. When trying out electric color I may buy a purse or shoes first and then start adding supercharged pink or lime green into my clothes.

3. What trend are you seeing and not loving?

I am not loving the high/low hem trends on skirts and dresses. It looks great on some people but it is just not for me.

4. Do you feel the pressure to constantly update your closet with the latest trends?

I always want to add one or two trendy items into my wardrobe, not by pressure but by choice. I like to feel (somewhat) fashionable and keeping up with the current trends and incorporating them into my closet helps me do that.

5. Where do you find inspiration that takes the trend and makes it accessible to you and your personal taste?

I am finding more and more fashion inspiration on Pinterest (follow me here), and of course other bloggers.

FBFF: Since I Started Blogging

1. Since you began blogging do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?

I have noticed some changes in my personal style since I started blogging but still tend to gravitate to more classic pieces while shopping. Where I can tell I have changed the most is in my accessories- colorful jewelry can transform the simplest outfit, hats make a huge statement and when it comes to fingernail polish...the brighter the better!

2. Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?

I don't think I dress that differently from my friends or family...the only comments I ever receive is people asking where I got my shirt, dress, etc which I think is positive feedback and take that as a HUGE compliment.

3. What's the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren't bold enough to wear it?
It's not very weird but I really admire the mile high stiletto ( over 5 inches) but think I would break my ankle doing normal day to day activities.

4. Looking at current trends-what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?

I want to try rocking a headscarf but I am so afraid of looking stupid and people staring at me I have not had the courage to try that trend yet. Here is one daring blogger that took the plunge.

5. Toot someones horn-what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her fashion choices?

Bee of Atlantic Pacific....her fashion layering and statement pieces she rocks on a daily basis makes me shake my head in amazement every.single.day!

Francesca's Collection top

Target pants

Le Mode Accessories necklace (click here to purchase)

Cutesygirl.com flats

Sally Hansen Salon Effect Peel and Stick Polish in Electric Shock (click here to purchase)

FBFF: Hair Care

Today's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday is all about hair care!! If you are interested in paraticipating in this networking community please contact Katy of Modly Chic.

1. How often do you get your hair cut?

I pretty much get my hair cut every 6 or 7 weeks and by cut I mean baby trim!

2. Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon?

I am one of those girls that lives it up in the salon, Salon Visage to be exact, and I have been going to the same stylish for about a year and a half now. I don't do much to my hair but I like the experience of relaxing somewhere nice and getting pampered.

3. Do you color your hair? How often? What's your natural color?

I currently have highlights in my hair but I have never colored all of it. My natural color just a draker brown than what it is now.

4. The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is:

I normally don't use tons of products on my hair so I will have to say my flat iron because I use it at least twice a week if not more.

5. What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock?


I am loving the feather trend right now and SO wish I could put some in my hair but since I work in a business environment, I am undecided. Maybe one day!

FBFF:Shoes!!!!

1. What is your go-to pair of shoes?

Believe it or not my go-to pair of shoes are my patent leather black heels from Payless. The heel is not too low and not too high and everyone knows that black goes with everything. I wear them ALL the time to work as seen most recently here, here and here.

2. What goes into your shoe buying decisions?

I cannot believe I am admitting this but the older I get the more comfortable I want my shoes to be(I sound like a grandma). When I was in college I could wear the highest heels ever and be on my feet all night but now I lean towards a medium heel height or wedges.

3. The majority of the shoes in your closet are what color?

I had to literally go in my closet and count because I knew it would be a battle between black and brown and the winner is...black!

4. When it comes to designer shoes what are your favorite brands and why?

Hands down-Nine West! Half of my shoe collection is Nine West heels and I am proud to say I have not paid full price for ANY of them thanks to Marti & Liz. I have the uncanny ability to point out a Nine West shoe a mile away.

5. If price wasn't an issue, you'd own which shoe?

This is such a hard question and I had a blast searching the internet for pretend heels to buy but finally decided on this beautiful pair.

*If you are interested in participating in upcoming FBFF posts contact Katy at ModlyChic*

FBFF:Spring TRENDS!!!

This Friend Friday it's all about the Top 5 Spring trends and I couldn't be more excited to share mine with you. (If you are interested in participating with the weekly FBFF please contact Katy!)

BOLD COLORS

1. This Tropical Island Top is a must for a quick getaway.

2. Make an impact in ANY room with this Crackled Color Stripes Dress.

SEVENTIES STYLE

1. Bleached denim perfection.

2. Channel your inner Rachel Zoe with this Embroidered Detail Top.

WEDGES

1. Appropriate black wedges for work and then off to happy hour.

2. Espadrille style wedges with a bit of floral flair.

NAUTICAL

1. A classic piece to any woman's wardrobe.

2. A surprise take on a timeless look...just add lace.

SHEER TOPS

1. Layer up a simple black sheer top or go bold with black undergarments.

2. This Sheer Ruffle Print Shirt proves you can wear this trend to the office.

Day TWENTY-EIGHT

I swear, I am so behind this week! I really loved the FBFF questions this week that Katy over at Modly Chic came up with so I thought I would participate...better late than never.

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?

My favorite drug store makeup product is CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara. A bunch of girls went to a bachelorette party down in Miami last year and the bachelorette let me use her's before a night out on the town and I have been hooked since. My absolute favorite higher end product is DiorSkin Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Makeup SPF 25. This foundation works wonders and it is worth every penny! (I wear Medium Beige 030)

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

Ever since I have started wearing Lorac Double Feature concealer, I will not switch to anything else. The last time my local Sephora was out, I went on a wild goose chase until I found this concealer...three stores and two different shopping areas later I had it in my possession.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?

I love the entire Living Proof hair line but my most used is the Full Thickening Mousse. I am the first to admit I don't do much to my hair but this mousse at least makes it more bouncy and fluffy.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?

Personally, I hate the way lip liner on top of lipstick looks on me. That may sound kind of funny but I feel like when I apply lip liner it appears to age me and make my features look harsh.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?

I don't really go crazy or extreme with any makeup products...probably the wildest I go is a super bright red lipstick. My new favorite is Bare Minerals in Red Delicious. Thanks again to fellow bloggers Liz and Vanessa for introducing me to this new feel good color.

Target skirt

Steve Madden boots purchased at Marti & Liz

Target cardigan

Necklace gifted from my friend Erin

Day TWENTY-TWO and Blog Awards!!!!!!

The first ever Fashion Beauty Friend Friday blog awards are upon us and boy oh boy was it hard for me to nominate just one blogger for each category!!! Here's how it works-all the responses from everyone that participates will be combined and then Katy will put together a list of the TOP FIVE bloggers named in each category. Those finalists will then be opened up to a public vote over the next couple of weeks.

In no specific order here are my choices:

1. Creative Juices-(most creative blogger)- I nominated Katie of Color Me Katie...take a look at her blog and you will see why.

2. The Real Deal-(authenticity)- I nominated Sydney of The Daybook for this one because that girl is as real as they come! She is madly, deeply in love with her hubbie and wants to let the world know and she comes across as one of the sweetest and cutest ladies I have ever seen. If you have not stumbled across her blog yet...just prepared to be hooked!

3. Spark Notes-(most helpful)- I nominated Elaine of I'm Clothed Much because she volunteers to help others with blog tweaks all the time (she has helped me personally and all I had to do was e-mail her) and also writes posts breaking computer stuff down to the technical illiterate...ahem me.

4. Newbie-(best blogger less than a year old)- I nominated Kileen of Cute & Little because she always dresses so professional looking even when she is wearing jeans. Although her little blog is only around 6 months old, she has already made quite the impact!

5. Can You Hear Me Now-(most connected)-I nominated Collette of Statements in Fashion because she always comments on other people's blogs, she is fabulous on twitter and when everyone read her amazing weight loss story, she started her own bloggers weight loss group.

6. If I Had A Hammer-(best DIY)- I nominated Erica of P.S.-I Made This because her motto is "I see it. I like it. I make it." Nuff said...

7. Tribe Leader-(blogger who leads others and brings bloggers together)- I nominated Indiana from Adored Austin because she seems like such a warm and loving person and genuinely loves her community and gladly promotes it whenever she can. She also helped organize The Texas Style Council Conference and who would put fourth that much effect if you didn't love what you do?

8. Practically Perfect-(most fashionable)- I nominated Bee of Atlantic-Pacific because I have never, ever seen that girl have an off day! She puts together amazing outfits and there is nothing she puts on that I wouldn't wear. Seriously, the girl has MAD STYLE.

9. Paint By Numbers-(best beauty blogger)- I nominated Noelle of Beautygirl 24 because she does a great mix of high and low end makeup.

10. Renaissance Woman-(best all around blogger)- I nominated Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere because she literally does it all...fashion posts, lifestyle, cooking, beauty and she throws in her own personal touches on everything.

Target skirt

Forever 21 tank (worn backwards)

Ann Taylor Loft blazer

No. 704b heels purchased at Marti & Liz

Day TEN and some FBFF questions

Happy Friday peeps!!! This week's questions from Katy of ModlyChic are regarding colors in your closet.

1. What color dominates your closet?

BLACK (what can I say...it's slimming)

2. If money weren't an issue how would you change the color emphasis in your closet?

I am already starting to lean towards bolder colors for the Spring/Summer. I am really wanting to add more red, blue, yellow and pink into my wardrobe.

3. What is your mantra about mixing colors?

I don't really have a specific formula for mixing colors...I just try different stuff together and if it looks good, I wear it and if it doesn't, I don't!

4. For you, how do you incorporate color into your outfits?

In the fall/winter I believe that tights play a HUGE role in adding extra color to an outfit. I also have a big collection of cardigans and shoes that add a pop of color whenever I try and brighten up my OOTD.

5. Which blogger(s) do you think do a good job of incorporating color into their wardrobe?

When I read this question...immediately two people come to mind. Tiffany of A Reason to be Fabulous rocks color like it's going out of style...she seriously looks like a rainbow every.single.day and that's why I love her bloggy blog. Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy knows how to pull off every color tights known to man...don't believe me-check out her blog!

Target skirt (click here to purchase)

CAbi tuxedo cardigan

JC Penny belt

New York & Company long pearl and chain necklace

Short pearl necklace was a bridesmaid's gift from my friend Krystal

MaxStudio heels purchased at TJ Maxx

Day FOUR and FBFF Questions

First and foremost...today is National Wear Red Day for the American Heart Association. I am doing my part to raise awareness to fight heart disease in women and hope that each of you would consider doing the same.

Today also brings another round of question and answers from Katy of ModlyChic, if you are interested in joining this fabulous group of ladies, check out her blog here.

1. With all the blogging events out there how do you determine which ones to participate in and which ones to avoid?

This is an easy one...I really try and sign up for ALL the events I know of benefiting a cause and to help raise awareness, like above. I recently became a participant in Everybody, Everywear because I love the idea behind it and the 30 for 30 challenge is to prove to myself I can!

2. Be honest, have you ever jumped on the bandwagon of some blogging movement/event for the wrong reasons? How did that turn out?

I can honestly say I have never done this. Prime example...this is my first time doing the 30 for 30 challenge even though it has been done 2 or 3 times in the past. I sat on the sidelines and watched a lot of other blogs I follow take the plunge, but at the time I wasn't ready to commit. I finally bit the bullet for the Winter 30 for 30 and so far, so good!

3. How do you give your own flair to a blog event while still maintaining the general mission and purpose?

I just try and be myself and dress the way I always do, only with the added pieces that are part of that particular challenge.

4. When determining the best content for your blog what criterion do you keep in mind?

I try and keep in mind the things I would like to read and outfits I would love if I were reading somebody else's blog. I like adding content from my everyday life (like how I am feeling and what is going on in my life at that time) because I feel that makes me more "real".

5. While everything will not suit your blog, how do you try and support your fellow bloggers who are participating in something worthwhile but not your style?

I try and always comment and cheer my fellow bloggers on... the last 30 for 30 challenge many people were complaining when it was getting towards the end and I always made sure to let them know that the challenge was almost over and how rewarding it would be for them to finish. I find that Twitter (@AFashionFix) is also a very useful support system in sending quick and easy encouraging messages!

Target dress and tights

Ann Taylor Loft blazer

No. 704b. heels purchased at Marti & Liz

Burberry purse gifted for Christmas 09'

FBFF-Holiday Memories

I cannot believe it's almost Christmas, my absolute favorite Target commercial sums up the holiday for me perfectly! BEST.MORNING.EVER.

This week's questions from Katy are regarding everyone's Christmas memories so make sure to check out all the other FBFF participants for some fun reading.

1. Your favorite holiday memory?

Ever since I was a little girl my mom and dad have always done a Christmas treasure hunt for my siblings and I. We wait at the top of the stairs until they let us come down to the living room where we each have individual clues that await us. We always take turns and the whole family follows each of us through a maze of rooms, more clues and a present to unwrap at each stop. Last year even hubs got to join in for our very first Christmas together!

2. Were you ever a victim of those family Christmas party photo shoots? What do you think about them now?

I cannot remember a time when my parents ever dressed us in matching holiday sweaters and Santa hats and took pictures. We always sent out Christmas cards but not with a family photo on them (thank goodness).

3. Best Christmas gift you ever gave?

Hmmm, this is a hard one! I really, really think my Grammy is gonna love the gift I got her this year but I cannot talk about it because my grandparents have Internet! I will give you a hint...she loves really nice jewelry (I take after her hehe) and I bought something from a vintage dealer!

4. Craziest/funniest family tradition:

My brother, sister and I use to always build a tent and sleep together Christmas Eve and this went on until about high school seriously!

5. Favorite type of Christmas cookie?

I don't really have a favorite type of Christmas cookie BUT I do have favorite holiday drinks...Eggnog and Boiled Custard. Every year I cannot wait until the holidays because those wonderful winter beverages start hitting the grocery shelves!

Belk dress

eBay vintage blazer

TJ Maxx leopard heels

Etsy shop Tonight In Paris vintage necklace

FBFF-Holiday Party Attire

It's that time of the week again....Katy of Modly Chic's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday and this week the questions are regarding holiday party attire.

1. Which holiday party are you looking forward to attending this year?

I am most looking forward to my friend's 2nd Annual Tacky Christmas Sweater Party and it is this Saturday!! Last year it was an absolute blast and this year it will be bigger and better. I will be sure to post pictures from this year.

2. What is your go-to holiday party outfit?

I actually already did a post about this which you can check out here and here.

3. Do you go dressed in something that would be impractical to wear at any other time of the year?

I try to glam myself up more during holiday season whether it be a dark red lip, sparkly earrings, rich jewel toned colors or sexier heels. New Year's Eve is definitely a time where you can get away with less clothing and people don't judge you.

4. If you are going to a house-party what gift will you bring to the host/hostess?

I have chosen to help with food instead of bring a gift to the house parties I have attended so far. Making a dessert or bringing an appetizer to snack on for the party goers can help a host/hostess tremendously and lift a small burden off of them. If I do not bring food to help out, a nice bottle of wine is always a great gift.

5. If you could buy only one trendy piece to update your holiday party wardrobe, what would you get this year?

I would purchase some type of embellished top like this one here or here. You can wear a one shoulder top with some shimmer to a Christmas party and also remix it with a blazer later on. Anything bejeweled screams holiday party attire to me!

Target sweater

The Limited cardigan

JC Penny I 'Heart' Ronson skirt and belt (click here to purchase)

Piperlime boots (click here to purchase)

Charlotte Russe tights

Forever 21 purse

Fashion Beauty Friend Friday-Reader Connectedness

This weeks questions come from Linda of The Auspicious Life.....thanks Linda for the great topic!!

1. How important do you think reader connectedness is to the success of your blog?

I think reader connectedness is the most important part of anyone's blog! For me personally, being able to afford and purchase clothing I see on other blogs is very important. I have actually stopped following bloggers that only wear Prada clothes, Louboutin shoes, etc. because at the time those places to shop are unrealistic to my budget. I am a very visual person and love to get inspiration from others so if I pull a picture up of a jacket I just HAVE to have...it's nice to know I would be able to afford it.

I also try to put reasonable priced clothing up on A Fashion Fixation when I am writing about my outfit posts and add in details about my personal life. I always like when bloggers open up and let readers into their "real life" and I try and do that in return.

2. What do you do to draw readers in and create that writer-reader bond?

I try and talk about topics that most people would be able to relate to like work drama, significant others and of course shopping!

3. What is one way you could improve this connection?

I think I could be more efficient in connecting to readers by commenting more on other people's blogs and just telling people how much I appreciate them reading on a daily basis.

4. Is there a blogger you think does a great job creating that writer-reader bond? Why?

I think Sydney of The Daybook does a fabulous job of drawing people in to her blog. She just comes across super sweet and wears affordable fashions and is very "girl next door"!!!

5. What do you do to cultivate new readers? How do you get them to your site in the first place?

I constantly comment on other people's blogs and leave my blog link in the comments so if they want to check out my blog, they can. Twitter, Google Reader and Blog Lovin' have also been really helpful in getting readers and I also put outfit posts with my blog link on places like Flickr and Weardrobe. Hosting giveaways are always a hit in attracting new people to my site...everyone likes free stuff!