Graphic

I have never been one for graphic art on t-shirts, but when I found this beauty on my maurices shopping trip last week, I couldn't leave it behind. The burnout lace fabric is so unique and I love that I can layer black or white underneath or get a little sassier with bright colors. I also dig the rhinestone details on the top that makes it just a bit more feminine while the design is edgier than my "usual." I decided to play up the cobalt cami with some bright blue bow flats and heavier eye make-up.

top: c/o maurices

cami: Wal-Mart

skinnies: Charlotte Russe

flats: Gap via Whitney

earrings: New York & Company

eyeshadows: all 3 from e.l.f. studio palette from Vanessa 

white kohl liner on inner corners: jemma kidd

upper lash liner: milani

mascara: blinc and l'oreal million lashes

lipstick: revlon in barely there

lipgloss: e.l.f. Goddess

on cheeks: bareMinerals Rose Radiance

I feel like I've been living in my Charlotte Russe skinny jeans over the weekends. They're so comfortable and go with just about everything I own. I was a little skeptical to pair them with a fitted top, but I think it worked out better than expected. And the more I look at the outfit, the more I like the graphic tee, which is just so strange! I've never been drawn to them before.

Have you ever tried something completely out of your comfort zone and ended up really loving it?

FBFF - Rules of Engagement

During my short hiatus, while figuring out the direction of this blog, I decided to jump back on the FBFF wagon. If you want to know more information about Fashion Beauty Friend Friday, please visit Katy's blog, Modly Chic. You'll also be able to link up with your answers or read other bloggers' answers each Friday!

{Rules of Engagement}

"For a new blogger, the rules of engagement with others in the blogging world is uncharted territory. We learn a lot about how to do from trial and error." - Katy

- one -
Guest posts are a good way to gain new exposure. What do you think is the appropriate way to go about securing a guest spot?

I've honestly never asked to do a guest post. Even though I've been writing this blog for a year and a half, sometimes I still consider myself a bit of a novice when it comes to "rules of engagement." Now, that seems far-fetched when I actually say it, because I think I'm really great at interacting with my blogging friends and forming strong bonds with them. But I think that the successes, guest posts I've been asked to do, and features I've been lucky enough to land have all happened because of friendships I've forged. I've never asked for any of those things. I get asked... And I assume it's because I'm a good friend. :)

- two -
Leaving comments is essential to growling your blog. But how can you leave a comment without coming across as, "Follow Me. Follow me!"?

 I completely and 100% think that if you don't ACTUALLY have something to say about the particular post, you shouldn't comment at all. It's so annoying to get a comment like, "Cute dress!" and then have the "reader's" link dropped, ESPECIALLY after I worked really hard on a post and the point of it is in the words (that someone didn't even skim). If you want me to take a look at your blog, don't drop your link in my comments without having something relevant to say. Make an effort to make me think you care enough about me that I should return the favor. If you really don't have much to say in a comment or are shy to drop your link after a comment, email me and tell me about yourself, that you read my blog, and why you'd like me to come visit yours!

- three -
  We've all gotten a mass email at one time or another asking for blog exposure, a link exchange, etc... But the mass emails don't work. How do you make your email stand out from the crowd?

I haven't gotten these emails or sent them, so I cannot answer this question.

- four -
In interacting with other bloggers, where do you draw the line between seeking support and begging for exposure?

Umm... Maybe I'm completely naive, but I really don't think I've ever begged for exposure. I've asked questions (mostly of Collette) about how to juggle everything and still be good at it. If I want attention, I work on my content. I post my links on Twitter and Facebook. I only post a given link on Facebook once, but on Twitter, since most followers have a news feed that moves at the speed of lightening, posts are easy to miss. So, I think it's completely acceptable to throw a link out a handful of times per day. I don't really go out of my way to ask individuals to read my blog. I think the best way to seek support is to be supportive. I don't really do it any other way.

- five -
What's one rule of engagement error you made and how have you remedied that?  

I've definitely been guilty of link dropping. I did it when I was an itty bitty baby blogger. I didn't know any better and had no idea how to get the bloggers I loved to give me the time of day. I learned, quickly, how unbecoming it was when people started doing the same thing on my blog. I nipped in the bud, fast!

- On my face -
Prime Time Oil Control Primer: Bare Minerals
Original SPF 15 Foundation in Golden Medium: Bare Minerals
Blush in Coral Rose (now named "Laughter"): Bare Minerals
12 Hour Eye Shadow Quad in Blushed Wines: Revlon
Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb: Burt's Bees 
The Falsies Washable Mascara in Blackest Black: Maybelline
 
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Keep your eyes open for some new weekend features! I'm looking forward to the new feel of the blog and I hope you enjoy how things are going to start working around here! Love you all!