The Good, the Bad, and the Giveaway - Is it worth it?

Wearing a dress I won from Shabby Apple last year.

First, let me say that this post does not feature a giveaway. I love hosting and entering giveaways, but lately, I've noticed that giveaways are becoming a liability and are no longer the asset they once were. Instead of rewarding loyal followers and creating goodwill between readers and a brand, giveaways increasingly create frustration, anger, and disappointment. As I posted earlier this year, sometimes the prize does not live up to expectations. Hosting giveaways on The Fashion Planner is my way of thanking readers as well as working to attract new followers, so it is frustrating when a prize I give away is a disappointment to the winner.

Giveaways can, also, be misleading. Companies hosting giveaways on facebook are a prime example of building hype only to incite anger when they cannot deliver the goods to their 20,000 new fans. I have seen several companies promise a "surprise" or a giveaway that gets followers in a frenzy only to fail to meet the demand or to offer a shamefully small discount. The sheer hatred that this creates between consumers and brands is astounding. While disappointed consumers may be suffering from disproportionate rage, companies do themselves no favors by enraging consumers and doing nothing to pacify the people they were trying to court.

Finally, I must confess my own giveaway disappointment. Yesterday, I checked my email to see that I had won a bag from a fashion site I liked. Needless to say, I was excited until I saw that I had been sent another message saying that if I did not respond in an hour they would be picking a new winner. Since I checked my email two or three hours after the last message was sent, I lost the bag. I have never heard of a winner being given three hours to respond to a message, and the distaste I felt for the fashion site was extreme, especially since I recently mentioned this site as a favorite. While one can argue that it is the site's right to run giveaways the way they choose, I have to wonder about the rational behind a system built to disappoint their giveaway winners. After all, how many winners were contacted before me and were just as unlucky to have not checked their email in that narrow time frame?

While I am still planning on hosting a few more giveaways this year, I am wondering about your thoughts on giveaways:

Do you like entering giveaways?

Do giveaways distract from the content of a blog?

What are your experiences (good or bad) with giveaways?

Top 10 Fashion Sites

picture via Pinterest

Over the last few years, blogs have gradually replaced my many magazine subscriptions. Sure, I still subscribe to a few, but with so much content online, it is much more economical to get my fashion fix on the web. For this week's IFB Project, bloggers are asked to list their top ten fashion sites. Here are my favorites in no particular order:

Magazines

• Lucky - giveaways, street style, and shopping
• Glamour - got to love The Girls in the Beauty Dept.

Fashion and Style Sites

• Fashionista - not always safe for work but a great way to stay up to date on the fashion world
• Style.com - my favorite site for fashion show coverage
• Glitter Guide - fashion and lifestyle ideas for a world full of sparkle

Blogs

• Olsens Anonymous - tons of pictures featuring the fashionable duo
• Gala Darling - a positive take on life and fashion
• The Man Repeller - her posts make me lol
• What Kate Wore - classic, ladylike dressing
• Sea of Shoes - shoes!... and some pretty fabulous outfits

What are some of your favorite sites?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Receiving the September issue of Vogue

Fall can now begin. Plus, I just love the cover.

Listening to "Lighters" by Bad Meets Evil with Bruno Mars

The beat is catchy, and Bruno Mars mixing it up with the bad boys is irresistible.

Wanting the Dolce Vita Jemma Platform Boot

I've seen this boot on several blogs and love the shape and color. Also, it would look awesome worn with a matching pair of red jeans...

Reading The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins

The novel picks up where Pride and Prejudice left off while weaving in social and political events of nineteenth century England.

Watching Jane Eyre

This new version is moody and beautiful with breathtaking sets and costumes and haunting music, but I think the 2006 version is still my favorite.

What are you loving?

Fall Fashion Wish List

I can't believe that fall is right around the corner. Where has this year gone? While I'm looking forward to eating copious amounts of apple doughnuts, apple pie, and apple cider while watching the leaves change colors, my favorite part of fall is back to school shopping. Even though I am not in school anymore, I still like to stock up on new pens, notebooks, and of course, new clothes.

Pleated Midi Skirt

ASOS Pleated Midi Skirt

Combining two of my favorite trends from spring - pleats and midi skirts - the pleated midi skirt is just right for transitioning into cooler weather.

Colored Denim

River Island Red Skinny Jean

I love the colored denim that has been popping up on celebrities. A pair of red jeans is at the top of my list, but I'm, also, loving this salmon colored pair from Rag & Bone.

Capes

Kookai Hooded Cape

This fall the cape is calling my name. I must have one... So, I'll be keeping an eye on ebay and etsy in the hopes of discovering my dream cape.

Leather Clutch

Clare Vivier Foldover

A leather clutch is a great way to go from day (perhaps stuffed in a tote) to night (the only bag you need). I love the look of the clutches at Clare Vivier, but American Apparel offers a more budget friendly selection.

Heeled Loafers

Sullivan Moccasin Platform Loafers

A ladylike twist on the classic school girl shoes, heeled loafers look great during the weekend as well as at the office.

What's on your fall fashion wish list?

My Blogging Tool Kit

This week's IFB Project asks bloggers to share what is in their blogging tool kit. I've never given much thought to the tools I use for blogging. A computer and a camera would seem to sum up the tools of the trade, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that my tool kit consists of more than what I thought.

The most basic tool for any blogger is a computer. I am a proud owner of a MacBook. This is my second one, so I like to think of myself as a dedicated user, although I know there are still plenty of functions I don't utilize.

While an SLR camera is on my wish list, my current camera is the Canon PowerShot SD780IS. I like it because it is small and red and has pretty good zoom capabilities.

My Blackberry Curve may not be as smart as the new phones on the market (how I wish I had an iphone), but it is great for checking email and updating twitter and facebook, which is all I do anyways...

I bought a Flip Mino HD a few years ago with the intent of making fashion videos documenting outfits and such. Sadly, this hasn't happened yet, but the camera did come in handy for my cousin's wedding.

I am including products to review in my tool kit because I love reviewing products on my blog - especially beauty products. A Lime Crime lipstick and an Orly nail lacquer stand next to my laptop.

A notebook and pen are helpful for keeping track of ideas and posts. I like inexpensive spiral bound notebooks because they are flexible and are not too precious to rip pages out of them. I've taken to calling my notebook my "blog log".

Finally, books and magazines are a constant source of inspiration. Whether I am thumbing through an issue of Lula or perusing The Fashion File, I am constantly on the lookout for something to blog about.

What makes up your blogging tool kit?

Things i LOVE Thursday - Late Edition

Hearting Tattly Designy Temporary Tattoos

Who says tattoos can't be cute? This instant camera temporary tat is my favorite.

Listening to "Sail" by AWOLNATION

This song has been stuck in my head since I first heard it...

Reading Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

In honor of Georgette Heyer's birthday this week, I read her delightful novel about a sheltered young woman who fakes an engagement in order to visit London.

Wanting this Low Luv x Erin Wasson Rough Crystal Station Ring

Right now I am drawn to rough cut stones like this ring by Erin Wasson. Plus, it's on sale.

Dressing fashion shows

Last night I worked as a dresser for a fashion show inside a museum. It was kind of spooky walking through the empty hallways and using the service elevator - very Night at the Museum but without the animated artifacts. My model closed the show in this Carolina Herrera confection.

Summer Favorites

Summer Favorites:

• Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo, Conditioner, and Style-Prep Smoother
• Lime Crime My Beautiful Rocket lipstick
• Blinc mascara
• Lavanila Pure Vanilla The Healthy Deodorant
• Skyn Iceland Arctic Brightening Serum with Adaptogen Technology
• Emjoi Micro-Pedi - Gifted by Lipton Publicity
• StyleMint - Fillmore and Sunset tees

Galaxy Nail Tutorials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqJgGZf_P3w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EMgt4_jW5U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BRSHTOStks

What's in My Bag August Edition

It's only been a few months since my last "What's in My Bag" post, but I couldn't resist participating in this week's IFB Project, which requests a look inside bloggers' bags. There is something irresistible about peeking inside other people's bags (with permission, of course), and there are so many lovely posts to browse this week.

Currently, I am toting around a much abused Butler Bag by Jen Groover for Avon. I keep meaning to replace it with a nice leather satchel, but I've grown rather attached to the roomy Butler Bag with its built in storage. Sadly, my bag is on its last leg, so I think I'll be buying that satchel pretty soon.

Inside is my rotating stash of essentials:

• Luna bar in White Chocolate Macadamia
• Tissues
• Book - this week's selection is The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins
• Avon Moisture Therapy Intensive hand lotion
• MAC Blot Powder Pressed
• Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Pina Chillada
• MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Ravishing
• Mark Save The Day Anti-Acne Concealer Stick
• Carmex Strawberry lip balm
• Blackberry
• Gap sunglasses
• Keys with various gadgets
• Pens and pencil
• Small notebook
• EcoTools coupon

Somehow my Fossil wallet didn't make it into the picture - must be feeling camera shy due to lack of funds, but I assure you I do carry one.

So, what's in your wallet... er, bag?

Fall Caper

It's not quite the middle of August and already the leaves are starting to turn golden red and brown. So, now I am thinking about may fall wardrobe, and I can't help but think CAPES! I love the classic look of capes, although I don't always enjoy wearing them because sometimes I can't use my arms and other times I just feel like a walking tent. However, I am willing to risk looking like an armless, walking tent because the cape is back. Plus, many capes now feature handy slits down the sides allowing one's arms to swing free, which seals the deal for me.

All photos via Pinterest

Things i LOVE Thursday

Shopping at Lush

Last night I couldn't resist purchasing Lush's Sunny Side Bubble Bar, which is covered in gold glitter.

Eating a Mrs. Fields sandwich cookie

Sometimes a trip to the mall requires a stop at Mrs. Fields, where the florescent lights and high-calorie cookies scream sweet nothings to the shoppers passing by.

Watching Waitress

The tagline for this movie should read, "Pie. Nathan Fillion. Delicious."

Listening to music on Spotify

Spotify offers free, online streaming of tons of music - including plenty of new releases. Mat Kearney's Young Love is worth a listen.

Hearting this *Roller Girl* Roller Skate Necklace

This takes me back to when I was seven, and I'd skate around the neighborhood bike path in my Barbie roller skates. I love that the wheels spin on this necklace. Another thing I'm adding to my want list...

What are you loving this week?

Sewing and the Fashion Blogger

Sewing is getting to be a lost art. What was once a necessary life skill passed down from mother to daughter has now become the provence of the diyer and the eccentric. It's a shame really. Along with writing, photography, and html, basic sewing skills would be an immense addition to the fashion blogger's arsenal. Having the ability to make something beautiful to wear is empowering and creates endless possibilities for achieving a unique look.

There is a down side to sewing your own clothes. In some affluent areas there is a belief that sewing your own clothes means you are too poor to afford the real thing. For other people, homemade clothes conjure up images of Little House on the Prairie style dresses worn by women in certain religious sects. However, thanks to design shows such as Project Runway and the emergence fashion minded entrepreneurs launching lines from their homes, sewing is poised to be cool again.

Just like mixing Chanel with H&M, homemade clothes should be worn with store bought items, unless you have mad sewing skills and are launching your own clothing line. Sewing allows you to make that blouse you haven't been able to find in stores or to create your own designer inspired coat. When it comes to wearing homemade clothes, there is no better compliment than, "Where did you buy that?"

Today I am wearing a skirt I made using a Cynthia Rowley pattern from Simplicity. I'm, also, wearing a StyleMint tee, American Apparel scarf, and Boutique 9 shoes. In the background is my current sewing project - a Cinderella inspired ball gown.

If you want to learn how to sew, check out your local Jo-Ann Fabric store for lessons.

Other resources for sewers:

• Colette Patterns
• BurdaStyle
• Martha Stewart

For more of my handiwork, check out Passage To the North.

What skills do you think are important for fashion blogging?

Weekend Dreaming

Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance

but disappear when you get up close to them.

~John Shirley

Miu Miu Glitter-finish leather pumps, The Row Sandhurst leather pencil skirt, Mulberry Bayswater leather bag

Is it really time to start planning a fall wardrobe? Already, autumn wish lists are popping up on blogs, and school supplies are flying off shelves. While it is still quite warm and muggy outside, it won't be long before the leaves start to change colors and the air turns nippy. However, I can't think about fall quite yet. This weekend is all about soaking up the remaining days of summer and dreaming of pretty things I'd like to wear to fabulous events still unknown.

Things i LOVE Thursday

Listening to Andy Grammer's "Keep Your Head Up"

This is such a lovely song for those days that don't go quite as planned.

Wanting this ASOS Clean Line Buckle Satchel

I've been wanting to buy a satchel for at least the last year, but I always end up splurging elsewhere. However, this metallic bag is too shiny to pass up.

Hearting this Travel Cupcake Holder

This carrier is so clever and the perfect way to take a cupcake in your lunch.

Rereading Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility

I love the two sisters in this novel. Sometimes I feel more like Elinor and other times like Marianne, but whatever my mood, I know that I'll be able to identify with one of the Dashwood ladies.

What are you loving?

Day-Timer and the Importance of Time Management

Time management is something I struggle with - I'm a procrastinator and will look for any excuse to avoid an unpleasant task; after all, life will go on whether or not the laundry gets done. However, to be successful in work and in life, it is important to learn how to prioritize and keep to a schedule.

Something I have learned is the importance of having a planner. I feel absolutely lost without a place to jot down appointments and make notes to myself.

This Portable Deluxe Sienna Starter Set Organizer from Day-Timer has plenty of pockets for stashing credit and discount cards as well as a zippered compartment for change or receipts. I like that each day gets a separate page, and there is even room for a to-do list and expense record.

Check out these links for ideas about time management:

• 15 Principles for Organizing Your Business Life
• Use your daily action list
• General Tips

Full disclosure: Day-Timer provided the Portable Deluxe Sienna Starter Set and Portable One Page Per Day Filler for me to review.

What are your tips for time management?

Going Back to Black for Amy Winehouse

Known for her turbulent life as much as for her soulful voice and rockabilly style, Amy Winehouse was and will continue to be influential in the fashion and music industries. Whether she was singing about a failed relationship or about not wanting to go to rehab, Amy's style was always recognizable. This week's IFB Project asks bloggers to pay tribute to the late singer by channeling her unique look.

I admit the hair should be higher (where's a bumpit when you need one?) and the eyeliner could be more exaggerated, but it's the attempt that matters. Right?

I wore a long, black slip, which I belted over a cami and full skirt, and black, peep toe pumps to complete the look.