Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Currently Loving: Ruffle Trench

Living in Seattle requires a lot of coats of varying warmths. I wear coats and jackets year round and our coat closet is jam packed with both me and my husband's coats. I always wear trench coats in the springs and summers here because even though it can get warm, the wind always makes me cold. I just bought this cute ruffle trench so will make sure to post it when I get it (hopefully it fits!). I'm thinking it will be the perfect spring coat.

Loft Ruffle Trench
Cute right? But then it made me go on a search for other ruffle jackets. As you know, I love ruffles and even my leather jacket has ruffles on it. It's just such a great detail that adds just the right touch to everything!

Love this short version of my coat, it looks so cute with shorts!

This pink trench is so pretty. The ruffle details is super subtle, you'll have to click on the picture to see the detail.
Burberry Ruffled Trench

The ruffles on the bottom makes this seem like a cute dress!
Burberry Ruffle Trim Trench

I'm liking the balloony sleeves and the double ruffles!
White House Black Market Ruffle Front Jacket

Isn't this one adorable? And such a great price!
Forever 21 Crinkled Double Breasted Coat
see it here on the adorable Chloe of The Chloe Conspiracy!

And check out Beyonce in this gorgeous ruffle trench. Don't you love it? It reminds me of a bustle on a wedding dress. I looked everywhere but it looks like it's sold out. :(

Photo: Devaney via Blogging Project Runway

Monday, March 8, 2010

Lookbook: Plaid About You

Okay, since I didn't seem to offend anyone with my bigger picture, I'm going to try it out for a bit. A lot of you were right, it does help to see the outfit more clearer so I hope it helps. I'm still not sold on it though. You know, my face, in your face and all! Nobody needs a life size Tiffany coming out of their computer. lol!


Oh and guess what I figured out? For those of you that like to read blogs on your phone, you can finally read my new posts here without all the stuff on the sidebar to slow your browser down. Click here to read and bookmark it on your phone. I put the link up on the right sidebar as well if you are looking for it later. To do this for your own blog just direct your readers to:
http://www.google.com/reader/m/view/feed/{enter your feed address here}

This top is actually a dress but I felt like wearing plaid that day and didn't like any of my shirts so just tucked the dress into my jeans. I seem to have accumulated a lot of plaid stuff over the past year and luckily I'm still not sick of it. I love the big checks of this dress.

What I'm Wearing:
Cardigan: J. Crew
Top: Can't remember the brand but it's Korean
Jeans: 7 for all Mankind
Shoes: Bally
Headband: Forever 21
IMG_3792
Trying out the red lips again. You know my problem with red lipstick? It always gets on my teeth! I feel like an idiot when I look in the mirror later on and realize that my teeth are smeared with red lipstick. Any tips of how to stop that?
IMG_3797
I'm a headband junkie, I have so many but don't wear them that often. I just like to buy them so, lately I'm trying to incorporate my hair accessories into my looks.



Shop the Lookbook:


Threadsence Plaid Flannel Dress
This one is super similar to mine. And thanks to Grechenscodes.com, use the code "Grechen" for 20% off your order. Ends on 3/22

But if you don't want to tuck in a whole dress into your jeans (a bit annoying and bunchy) here's a cute shirt.
Civil Smith Addison Plaid Shirt

or this cute ruffle plaid shirt.

J. Crew Perfect Fit Cardigan

Isn't this cropped one cute? I just put my order in for this metallic cardigan, can't wait to get it! And I know this would totally not go with this outfit but this little lace cardi/shrug is adorable.

7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Ankle Zip Jean
These are mine but since I'm such a shorty, they fit longer on me. The best part of ankle jeans for regular height people is that I don't have to get them hemmed!

The same jeans but in gray would look great with this outfit. I really like these Cheap Mondays with zippers all over.

BALLY Women's Zerene-238 Pump
These look a lot like mine but they don't have the gray anymore. However, I'm convinced everyone needs a pair of nude pumps and these look great.

I love these Moschino pumps as well. I think that sand color will look fantastic with so many spring outfits. These are a similar gray to mine and with 3 inch heels great for those of you that don't want to wear the super high heels.

Aldo Derricott
I just love bow headbands. The perfect girly touch.

Wet Seal Chiffon Flower Headband
Isn't this one totally cute too? And only $6!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lookbook: OTK Boots

I don't know what I did before Over-The-Knee boots. I love them! They are my go-to when I want to wear dresses and tights but it's still chilly out. These gray ones I got in Hong Kong are not the most comfortable but I haven't been able to find any here that fit me as nice as these ones do.


What I'm Wearing:
Blazer: LaRok
Dress: Forever 21
Skirt: H&M
Boots: from Hong Kong
IMG_3566
I haven't been shopping at Forever 21 lately. Just not feeling the stuff. But on a recent rare trip to the mall (we don't do mall shopping that often) I decided to pop in. My strategy for shopping at Forever 21 is go in, scan, scan, scan, grab what looks good, hold it up to the mirror and then pay. I can only last 20 minutes in that store before I go crazy. And then I go home and hope the stuff I bought fits.
IMG_3572
I couldn't tell if this was supposed to be a dress but if it was, it was way too short for my taste so I belted it and then added the slim skirt underneath. I don't tend to do funny cartoony prints but I kind of loved the cosmetics print. I think it was the little nail polish bottles that got to me. I added a bigger picture so you can see the print but, I'm self conscious seeing myself so big on the blog. Am I totally in your face or what? ha!

Oh and my hair? I literally just got out of the shower and blow dried it but it was still a little wet. That's why it's looking a little bit flat. Gross. So now you see why I spend so much time on my hair! :)


Shop the Lookbook:

LaROK Gothic Princess Jacket
I love the ruffles on the bottom of this jacket!

I really want a sequin blazer, so so badly and I love the strong shoulders of this one.

Forever 21 Gingham Belted Plaid Dress
Forever 21 has the fastest turnover for clothes on their website. I just bought my top at the store but couldn't find it on the website. This plaid is cute and has a bit of a similar shape.

Forever 21 Airbrushed Roses Tunic Tank
But I also love the colors of this one and it would work similarly to my top.

Pleasure Doing Business 5 Band Miniskirt
I love the look of these banded skirts. Always great to have a variety of slim skirts to wear underneath too short dresses.

Cheaper version here or and even cheaper here.

DKNY Opaque Tights

N.y.l.a. Petula Suede Over The Knee Platform Boot
These look SUPER tall, so if you are a shorty like me, these might be too tall.

These Steve Maddens are a pretty good alternative. I'm a fan of flat OTK boots too.


Bow Necklace by Kate Gray Designs
I didn't end up wearing a necklace that day but if I did, it would've been something like this bow necklace. Isn't it pretty? In love with everything from her shop. I just bought the most gorgeous bracelet... can't wait to get it and show you guys!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Travel Series: Beach Vacation

Ok, it's not summer yet but I know lots of you have already been planning some fantastic trips already. One of my fabulous readers is planning her bachelorette party in Cancun and requested a post on what to wear/bring so I thought I'd do a post to help her out and get us all excited for those beachy vacations we are all planning.

For the plane ride, I love traveling in maxi dresses as it's super comfortable and provides ample coverage for the cold planes.
Forever 21 Maxi Dress

Of course you need a cardi to wear on the plane but once you get off, toss that baby into your carry on! Get a nice lightweight cardi like this one that won't add much bulk to your bag.
Splendid Jersey Open Cardigan

I chose wedges over flats only because I like the little bit of height and I think these travel well and would look great with any of the outfits that I would bring with me.

For the beach, of course a cute little bikini. I'm a patterned bikini kind of girl, stripes, dots, plaids, love them all.
Gap Plaid bikini

I don't wear flip flops. They are just not my style, even to the beach and the pool I wear cute flat sandals. It may seem unpractical to some but that's just how I roll. :) I like the look of these ones, super cute!
Vera Wang Lavender Label Nita Flat Thong Sandals

I always throw a cheapie dress over my bikinis as a cover-up.
Forever 21 Casual Striped Dress

The all important sunnies. Gotta have those.
MICHAEL KORS Santa Cruz Plastic Aviators

And a cute beach tote to carry your essentials: sunscreen, towel, iPod, magazines and cash to tip the cute cabana boys ;)
PacSun Black Cloud Anchors Terry Tote

It's good to have a cheapo bag to take to the beach but I love this heart print one too.
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Little Tate Nylon Tote

When I'm on vacation I don't spend every day on the beach, I usually try to make a day trip to the nearest city to shop, explore and take pictures. Day trips means comfort so I chose a cute romper to wear as it's minimal effort but stylish and comfy at the same time.
Floral Rayon Ruffle Front Romper

Either the Tory Burch wedges or the Vera Wang Sandals would look great with this romper so you don't have to think about bringing other shoes.

For a night out of dinner and dancing, instead of changing, just throw on a cute skirt like this one over the romper to create a whole new look! (Plus for my bachelorette girl - in case you have a bit too much to drink you won't have to worry about flashing anyone if you just happen to fall over. Just looking out for ya! ;) )


Add an armful of pretty gold bangles,
Amrita Singh Alanna Bangle Set

change your shoes into these cutie wedges and dance the night away!
Coach New Maritza Wedge

Other miscellaneous must haves:

If you are self conscious about getting into a bikini before you are tan, I suggest this self-tanner. It's very natural and goes on really well.
St. Tropez Self Tanning Spray

For the face, I like to use this bronzer. It's the most natural look of all bronzers that I've tried. Not shimmery and just the right amount of color.
Bare Escentuals Medium Faux Tan Face Color

The all-important floppy hat. Personally, I don't like to get my face very tan, I'd much rather use a bronzer to match my tan. I always keep my hat on when I'm at the beach.
Forever 21 Floppy Hat

And of course, your most important accessory of them all, a yummy fruity drink in your hand!
(source: the good mood food blog)

Don't we all wish that we were on the beach right now? I sure do!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Blogging Tips

This is a long wordy post about blogging so if you don't want to read it, scroll down to the bottom to see some pretty pictures! :)

I get a lot of questions about how I grew my blog and if I can share any tips. Since I'm always answering these questions, I thought I'd just make a post out of it. I want to mention that I'm certainly no "expert" at this, I haven't done my research on how to have a "popular blog" this is my experience and my take on it.

I answered this question on my formspring so I thought I'd expand on that.

1. Focus on your content
1a. Write about what you want to write, not what you think others want you to write.

A lot of questions I get are along the lines of "I'm starting a blog, what should I write about?" There is not one thing that I can tell you to write about that will instantly make readers flock to your blog. I write about what I know, I write about what I like, basically I write about whatever the heck I want to write about and just try to keep my blog as genuine as possible. Everything you read on this blog is truly me. It's not a persona I'm trying to keep up, it really is just me. People read blogs not because of the brilliant writing, (yes I do know there are some blogs with great writing but it's not the majority of blogs) seriously, I know I'm not a great writer I know you all aren't here because of that. People read blogs because of the people behind the blogs. So, the point is, just write what you are passionate about, write about what you want to write about and stop worrying about what you think other people want to read. It's not to say that you can't get feedback from your readers. I mean so many of my topics now are what my readers are requesting but to be honest, I don't post every request I get, only the ones that I think are relevant to my readers and that I want to post about. The point is, just be you and let people get to know the person behind the blog. Also, if you have an aim of blogging only for money or free stuff, it's not gonna happen. We can all tell who are those bloggers are and the thing is none of them are genuine. Did I have any clue that I would make even a cent off of blogging? Absolutely not. I had no idea that there was money even to be made! Now that I make a little bit off my blog, it's a perk but it's also not the sole reason why I continue to do it.

2. Comments are NOT the most important thing! Don't stress so much about getting comments.
2a. Install Google Analytics and Stat Counter so you can see and track your traffic.

My next question I always get is "How do I get more comments?" We will discuss how to get those in the next section but I just want to address how so many bloggers concentrate on getting those beloved comments. Sure, I like comments just as much as the next person because feedback about my posts are always great but do I write posts just to get comments? No. The focus of my posts goes to point 1 above. It's about my content not about comments. I've been tracking my traffic in Google Analytics and Stat Counter since almost the beginning of my blog and it's really helped me see how and when my blog has grown. In my opinion that's way more important than the number of comments on my post. My blog has grown a lot in the past year but the comment number stays about the same. Just this past month I had over 60,000 visitors. About a year ago, my monthly visitors were about 20,000. That's a huge jump but have my comments gone up at the same pace? No, they have stayed the same. If you are looking at getting advertisers or sponsors, nobody is going to ask you for your comment stats, everyone wants to look at these traffic stats. Comments are visible to everyone so I think that's why bloggers want more and more comments but if you truly want to grow your blog, concentrating on comments is just not the best way to go. Because of all the emails I get, I know that most of my readers are not bloggers and I don't expect them to leave comments. People that aren't bloggers are more comfortable giving feedback or asking questions privately which I think is great! Not everyone wants to put themselves out there with a blog or even their comments. Basically the group that actually comments is very very small out there compared to the actual readers of blogs. I'm not saying that comments are silly and "who cares about comments" I realize the importance of comments as it creates dialogue between bloggers and readers, so that's what we will cover in part 3.

3. Be a part of the blogging community
3a. Read other blogs that you are truly interested in, comment on them and leave meaningful comments that show that you've read the post and not just a generic comment that seems like it's been copied and pasted onto every blog.

So, you want to get comments but how do you do it? Basically, you get what you give out. If you go to 100 blogs a day and comment on them, most likely you will get quite a few comments back. Will every single blogger comment back to you? No. But a lot will and over time, you will continue trading comments back forth get to know each other through your blogs and maybe even form a great friendship. But the catch is, you can't just click on every blog and leave a comment like "Great blog! Please read mine!" It just doesn't work as it's not creating a dialogue that us bloggers enjoy. If you take the time to read the post and leave a meaningful comment than that blogger is more likely to click on over to your blog and comment on your post.

One comment that I received really sticks in my head as the person wrote something like "Your pick are just meh. I only like that one dress. Come check out my fabulous blog, it's awesome!" This was the first time that blogger commented on my blog and I mean, really, they just insulted my post and now they want me to check out their blog? hmmm... just doesn't work that way. So when I say read blogs and leave a meaningful comment I don't mean you should insult their tastes. I get a lot of comments where people like to criticize me on the very first comment they have ever left. I accept criticism fine from friends that have been commenting on my blog for awhile and that I feel like I know and trust their opinions. I don't mind if someone that I have gotten to know tells me their honest opinion, but if you've never commented on somebody's blog and you insult them right away, it's not the best way to start anything. Do you think that in real life, the first time you meet someone you would say "I don't like that shirt you are wearing." No, you wouldn't but over time if you became friends with them, you would tell them that. Obviously, not in so many words but you know what I mean. I feel like so many people throw all etiquette rules out the window in blogland but guess what, there are real people behind these blogs so treat them as you would treat people in the real world.

The best scenario I can think of is this, let's say you are at a party where there are tons of people around you chatting and having a good time. You are standing in the middle of the room thinking "I'm standing here and I'm fabulous, why aren't people talking to me?" Well, because you aren't making the effort to talk to anyone there so why would anyone even notice you? If you've got this great blog but nobody is commenting, take a step back and look at your own tactics of communicating and commenting with other bloggers. We are a community here and I've never met any blogger who refused to comment back with other bloggers. Give, give, give and you will receive, receive, receive.

I know that I've been terrible at this lately just because of my schedule, my blog reading time has been severely cut down. I can barely write a post, much less read other blogs. I truly miss reading my favorite blogs and leaving comments and I want to create more time but until my job and our business calms down, it's not happening soon. I also know that because of my lack of commenting on other people's blogs, my comments have gone down, but I'm perfectly okay with that. I know that getting comments is MY responsibility not anyone else's so if I don't make the effort than others won't either. I do my best when I have time to respond to anyone that comments on my blog, just the same with my emails. It may take me some time but I do try to get back to everyone. The point is, the only person that you can rely on to get comments is YOU.

4. Join Twitter and be active on it.
4a. Engage in conversation with people you follow, retweet others tweets that you like and share interesting content.

I have found many friends through twitter who's blogs I do not read and vice versa but I've still gotten to know them through twitter and create another sense of a community. The more people that you engage in, the more retweets you get and the more people get to know you which means more traffic to your blog. I currently have over 1500 followers on twitter. Do I know how I got that many? Truthfully I have no clue how it got to that number but I think a big part of it is that when I am on twitter I try to have a mixture of personal tweets and retweeting or spreading the word about other people's tweets and posts or even just general news stories that I think is interesting. The more I engage in other people, the more people see my name in their tweets and the more followers I get.

5. Have fun with it! I blog because I enjoy it and I wouldn't spend the amount of time that I do on it if I didn't truly love it.

I love blogging, I couldn't imagine my life without it. I've made some fantastic friends through blogging, I've gotten some of the sweetest emails in my life from readers that just makes my day, my week, my year. I have found so many woman all around the world to relate to and talk about the things that we enjoy talking about. It is an amazing sense of community and feel so lucky to have found it and be a part of it. Once this becomes a "chore" which I hope it never does I will stop, but I'm still loving every minute of it and that's the most important part.

If you want to read an article by the "experts" I highly recommend this one from copyblogger. Also a great read is Thoughts on Bogging from the brilliant Nubby Twiglet. Please also check out the new blog by my friend Ami (of Elizabeth Anne Designs/Living fame) called Edit and Post. She just started but has brilliant tips for blogging and business! I hope that helps and if anyone has other tips, please share in the comments!

I'll leave you with some pretty pictures that I took recently.

The flowers decided to bloom super early this year and I've been loving all the cherry blossoms around our place.

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I recently bought a macro lens and I love it. I've always loved taking pictures of flowers and it's so much better to do with a real macro lens.
I love my macro!

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Happy Blogging everyone! :)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Style-ish Shoe Sale!

UPDATE: All shoes have been sold! Thanks so much for all the interest. Hopefully will be doing this again soon!

I know I'm a total loser for not being able to get my sale blog up and have been getting emails wondering about it. Sorry for the delay! The process of taking pictures, uploading, editing, posting them on the blog, etc... is just too much for my schedule right now. But since I already have pictures of some of the shoes I want to sell, I thought I'd just start there and then see what I can do with the rest later.


All of the shoes that I'm selling have been worn but at most worn 3-4 times. I am selling these shoes mostly because they are too big for me, not because I don't like them anymore. :( I need to stop buying shoes that aren't my size but when you are a size 5, you aren't left with too many options! All the shoes still look pretty much new except for the soles of course but everything else looks perfect. All shoes have been purchased at Nordstrom and guaranteed authentic. Oh and all prices do not include shipping so please add $11 for shipping and I ship using USPS priority shipping. Also, US addresses only please.

If you are buying, please read this section! The process:
  • Email me (tiffany {at} iamstyle-ish.com) with the subject "SHOE SALE - insert brand name of the shoe you want". You have to have this subject title because I'm going to filter my emails so if you don't do this I will not see your email.
  • This is first come first serve so if the first person doesn't follow through within 3 days, I will go to the next person.
  • In your email tell me your paypal email address so I can send you an invoice. Also let me know what address you want me to ship to.
  • If you do not want to send through paypal, you can send a money order. Just let me know in the email and I'll get back to you with my address.
  • Once your payment goes through I will send within 2-4 days (depending if I'm traveling or not) and let you know when I send it.
  • USPS priority usually takes 2-3 days so you shouldn't have to wait too long for it.
  • No returns please. I'll do my best describing them but if they don't fit you, sorry but I can't take them back.
First up are these Christian Louboutin "Lady Gres" shoes in a dark gray suede. They are a size 5.5 but since I'm a true size 5 they are too big on me. I have foot petals in them but my foot slides in and out easily. I can't say for sure but I think it's even big enough for a size 6. I bought them for, oh I actually can't remember but probably $500-$600 and I'm selling them for $200.
Louboutin "Lady Gres"
Louboutin "Lady Gres"
Louboutin
The top pair only, the bottom pair is not for sale.

My pictures aren't the best so here's a stock picture. The color is a dark gray.

The second pair are by L.A.M.B. and size 5.5. I think these are more of a true size 5.5 as these ones fit a bit more snug than the Louboutins but still a bit too big on me. I also wore these with foot petals. I got these at Nordstrom Rack for around $100 and I'm selling them for $40.
LAMB

And the last pair are these gorgeous Dior pumps. Kind of breaks my heart to sell these but honestly, they've been sitting in my closet for a really long time and haven't been worn. They are a size 6 but I think would fit a 5.5 fine too. I warn you though, that the arch on these are really high and a bit awkward so if you are not used to wearing really high heels, I wouldn't suggest these for you. The price is still on the shoes ($750) but I got them on sale for I think $500. I am selling these for $250. They are so so pretty but I feel like they need to go to someone who will actually wear them.
DiorDiorDiorDior

I also have to mention that Imperfect Concepts has these gorgeous Louboutins in a size 5 for $200. I was thisclose to buying them but I have a pair of red Loubies that I hardly wear so am trying hard not to buy so many shoes that I don't get too much wear out of. However if I didn't already have those, I would totally buy these ones! Hopefully one of my readers will get some use out of them! :)


She also has these Miu Mius in a size 6 for $150! If I was a 6 these already would've been mine!

And remember to use code "iamstyleish" for 15% off at the store!

For the last two shoes, make sure to go through Imperfect Concepts! I'm not selling them :)

So for anyone buying the shoes remember to follow the process above and I will try to get the shoes out to you as soon as I can! I will update the blog once shoes have been sold.

P.S. for those of you wondering about selling my clothes, well I actually ended up giving them to two friends of mine as I wanted them to keep everything that they wanted and they had my permission to sell the rest. Well, between the two of them, they ended up keeping everything so there is nothing left to sell! I'm always happy to share my clothes with my friends so am glad that they are able to get use out of them. I don't know if I'll ever have a clothes sale on here as I always have friends willing to take my clothes off my hands but since I don't have many friends with my shoe size, you will see more shoes up here soon!

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