Edited By Taylor Davies
A lot has been made of Suzy Menkes’ “Circus of Fashion” article, published recently in T magazine. We responded to it here on IFB, as did The Man Repeller and as you’ll see below – members of our community. To round out this week’s selection, a carnival of content if you will, from NYFW to uber-trendy shoes. Enjoy!
LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: FEBRUARY 21ST
SPONSOR:
Shopbop New: LA’t, Ace&Jig, Rue du Mail, Charles Phillip, Cleobella, Chrissie Morris, Minkoff Satchels, Alexander Wang Bags, La Vie Bobo, Ferragamo Flats, Jason Wu
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official)”. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine
Ever since Suzy Menke’s story, “The Circus of Fashion”, came out in T Magazine, there’s been a lot of chatter in the blogosophere. Leandra Medine of the Man Repeller posted her own thoughtful response and there have been a million others since then. Many of them quite thought-provoking on the continuing commentary of, “What the heck is a fashion blogger anyway?”.
A lot of these articles attack bloggers for accepting freebies. The rationale being, why would we want to look at someone post pretty pictures of themselves with the expensive clothes they were gifted and call that their honest opinion? Well, I can’t speak for every blogger out there but I can speak for my own experience, both in the editorial world and in the blogosphere.
Bloggers are not journalists and not all journalists are bloggers. But bloggers, unlike journalists, are typically running their own publication. Unfortunately, that costs money. It costs me money to run this site, to run giveaways and plenty of time (which is plenty of money not earned elsewhere) to keep this blog alive. So how can someone (who isn’t rich) spend hours producing all of this content for free? Well, they can’t. Unless of course they’re personally making a financial investment that never makes a return and that, my friends, is just not good business sense.
So just like magazines, bloggers have acquired advertisers and sponsors. Magazines pay for their writers and editors from advertisers and despite what many around the web are saying, it is quite naiive to assume that these advertisers do not influence the magazine’s content from time to time. Open up an issue of Allure, ladies, and I guarantee you the entire editorial staff received boatloads of free beauty products to test out, review and then write about for their readers. The difference is the FTC has now regulated that bloggers be transparent about these free gifts, and many are still drawing up their own lines of what to accept and what not to. So it unfortunately becomes up to you, the reader, to decide who is sharing a genuine opinion based on a gift and who is just repeating what they were paid to say.
Sponsorships are in no way as evil as everyone makes them out to be. This morning, I read a post on Refinery 29 about how Tiffany & Co. dropped $750,000 last year for Anne Hathaway to wear their jewels at the Oscars. OK, this may seem a bit over-the-top for the rest of us. And rightfully so. Maybe, after all, such a giant brand doesn’t really need the additional exposure? But what about the little guy?
Photo: EvilBeetGossip
I, for one, can say that not only do I never work with a brand I wouldn’t personally go out and pay for, but I also never, ever would recommend something here I didn’t truly believe in. And a lot of the times, what I try and give the spotlight to is the little guy. Yes, we all know if you buy the latest Marc Jacobs bag or Christian Louboutin shoes you’re super stylish. But what about that unknown boutique around the corner hiding some seriously stylish threads? Where do people go for local info on the hottest things in town that are from a real person’s perspective, not just a magazine? I love it when a local, or even national brand, reaches out with a cool pitch that deserves to be featured, why not? That was the point of publishing to begin with; to show people all of the cool things happening. It’s really that simple.
Last year, I was lucky enough to have parts of my wedding sponsored. And aside from the obvious perks which I will not deny and am not ashamed of, the primary reason I did it was to showcase all of these amazing, talented, local people that just needed a bit of the spotlight. When it comes to weddings or fashion, I know what it’s like to be seduced by The Big Guy; the ultra-glamorous over-the-top booth at the bridal show just must be the people with the best goods, right? But you know what? That’s not always the case. The florist I worked with for my wedding, Community Florist, did not have a crazy-sexy booth at the bridal show. She also doesn’t have the fanciest of websites and as a smaller, local store, may have been overlooked by myself or other Arizona brides. But you know what? The blooms she put together for my wedding were fantastic! I’ve written about her First Friday DIY workshops and her talent in creating gorgeous wedding floral arrangements not because of an agreement, but because she deserves it. And that, my friends, has always been what publishing is about; showing something new and exciting to your readers, whenever possible.
What do you think?? Sound off below!
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The 85th Annual Academy Awards is just days away! If you’re going to or considering throwing your own Oscar Night viewing party, check out these ideas for some glam inspiration. There’s even a few free printables, too. 
Will you be going to or throwing any Oscar-themed fêtes this year??
For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too
Photos: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8
{Peplum: c/o H&M (similar). Earrings: c/o H&M. Skirt: Ann Taylor (similar). Shoes: Lanvin for H&M}
Confession: Sometimes I kinda miss going into the office. I use the word “kinda” pretty loosely since I absolutely love working from home and the freedom I have right now. But every once in awhile, I want to get dolled up. Great heels, a smart pencil skirt and some trendy accessories are all a gal really needs. My work ensemble typically consists of leggings or the occasional jeans and blazers (again, soooo not complaining) so there’s hardly ever a need to dress up more than that. But this season’s pretty peplums look great styled with pencil skirts which brought me back to office days. It’s a great way to look styled, professional and feminine, without looking like you’re trying too hard.
What’s your go-to work outfit?
For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.
Edited By: Taylor Davies
This week’s IFB Links a la Mode round up is a mish-mash of things that have me feeling very inspired on this Valentine’s Day. Some posts are about love and love stories (talk about fashionable couples!) some are all about amazing prints, and some are drawing inspration from cult classic films (Clueless!) and chic new exhibits in New York. Enjoy the round up and have a love-filled day!
Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup: February 14th
SPONSOR:
Shopbop New: Skirts, Pencil, Skirts, Pumps, Wedges, Flip Flops, Satchel Bags, Hobos, Lady Blazers, Ferragamo Flats, Jason Wu Bags
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official)”. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine
Like most men, my hubby just loves a good steak dinner. And I’m not really one to complain either since more often than not, it involves some seriously minimal cooking on my part. This grilled Argentine-Tri Tip was delicious, easy to make and didn’t require any complicated ingredients or a special trip to the grocery store. The best part? It’s a super budget-friendly meal; I picked up this Tri-Tip at Fresh & Easy for just $7! A bit of asparagus as a side dish and we had quite the lovely meal and plenty of leftovers, too. Fresh garlic, rosemary, lemon and olive oil is all you’ll need! Enjoy.
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary leaves
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 (2-pound) beef tri-tip roast
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, rosemary, garlic and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Pat the tri-tip dry; then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Brush on the marinade and liberally cover the steak in all the juices. Set aside and let it soak in the flavor.
- Grill the tri-tip for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy! Best served with chimichurri sauce.
2.2
http://stylesizzle.com/lifestyle/recipes-cooking/foodie-fridays-argentine-tri-tip-recipe
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Pink? Red? Hearts? Romance? These Valentine’s Day wedding ideas are full of that and much more. From whimsical cakes to heart-stopping candy stations, there are plenty of Valentine’s Day wedding inspiration ideas here to help you plan that wedding or Valentine’s Day party. Cupid definitely left his lovestruck footprints all over these soirees! Enjoy. And Happy Valentine’s Day!
How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day this year?
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Photos: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11
New York Fashion Week is in full swing! And besides the fashion, there are plenty of hairstyles to lust after, like this Regal Fishtail Braid seen on the models at Christian Siriano’s Fall/Winter 2013 presentation. Aveda’s Global Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders, came up with the looks. Here is what she has to say:
“This collection is inspired by the golden age of Russian Opera and Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre. The clothing is rich and opulent so we designed a sophisticated, feminine look to properly complement it. From the front, the look has a lovely roundness. The braids at the back evoke refinement and glamour, reminiscent of a Russian Girl dressed for an evening at the opera.”
Although it was shown on the fall runways, braids are virtually seasonless and would look great incorporated into your spring or summer looks. If you’d like to give it a try, here’s a quick hairstyle tutorial so you can get the Regal Fishtail Braid by Aveda seen at Christian Siriano’s show.
- Prep hair with Aveda Pure Abundance Style Prep
and blowdry straight. Create a center part using a tail comb.
- Make an inverted fishtail braid on each side of the head. Start at the crown and work your way to the back of the ear. Secure the end of each braid with an elastic band.
- Tame flyaways with Aveda by Aveda Air Control Hair Spray . Gently massage braids to add some fullness.
- Fold the braids over one another across the back of the head, just above the nape so that they crisscross. Secure with bobby pins and tuck loose ends underneath. Finish with hairspray!
Do you have any favorite hair looks from New York Fashion week yet?
Stay tuned for more hair and beauty tutorials inspired by the trends seen at New York Fashion Week!
For constant style and beauty chatter, connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, too.
Photos: Jon Gurinsky for Aveda
Dying to work some spring style into your wardrobe but don’t want to drop a ton of cash? Well, you’re in luck because this season, the hottest spring fashion trends are hanging right in your closet. Here’s how you can embrace the hottest spring 2013 fashion trends, without spending a dime.
Pair Black and White
{Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs Spring 2013 runway}
Black and white pairings were all over the spring 2013 runways; from black and white graphic-print dresses to just mixing the solid colors together, the trend was shown in just about every way. Most of us already have plenty of black and white pieces in our closets; start pairing the two together and everyone will think you’re right on trend.
Recycle Your Fall Leather
{PJK Patterson J. Kincaid Leather Top, Shopbop}
If you happened to stock up on any leather pieces this fall, they’re staying strong as a trend through spring, too! Now, that doesn’t mean you should bust out those leather leggings, but if you did invest in a cute leather top, transition it to spring wear by pairing it with a light, spring skirt.
Show Your Stripes
{Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2013 Runway: Imaxtree}
Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors had a love affair with stripes this spring season, which is great for us because that’s a trend that’s accessible at any price point. Pull out those striped tops and dresses from your closet because this spring, they’re back in vogue.
Think: White
{AIR by Alive + Olivia, ONE by Contrarion, Yigal Azrouel}
Nothing screams spring like bright white, and designers loved the non-color this season. Go ahead and thrift through your closet for your best LWD for a fresh, fashion forward look. Have some fun pairing white with metallic, colored or even print-heavy accessories.
Bring Back Florals
{Erdem Scarf}
Florals? For spring? We know…it’s groundbreaking. But hey, that just means whatever floral-prints you’ve invested in in the past can likely be revived once again! Not a fan of an all-over print? Try an accessory like this floral-print scarf, instead.
What spring fashion trend are you most looking forward to?
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Pinky & The Brain
Edited by: Taylor Davies
So what do I mean, exactly, by Pinky & The Brain? Well, this week’s round up is a mix of fun and colorful posts that literally incorproate a lot of pink, as well as smart and insightful commentary on the industry and some recent designer collections. This collection of posts sums up much of what the essence of what our IFB community is all about – mixing beauty and stylish content with an intellingent and businesss-minded approach.
LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: JANUARY 31ST
SPONSOR:
Shopbop Lingerie: CK, Eberjey swim, DKNY, Shapewear, BB Dakota, Cosabella, Marlies Dekkers, Kushcush, VPL, Jenny Packham
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE where you see “Links a la mode next week’s date (official)”. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode widget on the right side of the blog, and will be published later today. ~ Jennine
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