I am so loved.

Well, things in my life have not settled down one bit since I last posted, but after finally checking my 500+ unread emails, I stumbled upon so many nice and encouraging comments from you readers! Thanks so much! It's even really great to know that even though I haven't posted in months, my blog is still getting out to people.

And speaking of getting the word out, you'll never guess who found my blog: Katharine Sise! If you recall, I did a post about her a while back, and I caught the most unexpected break! She found me and offered to send me a piece in exchange for the support! (See kids, great moral - keep the dream alive and eventually you'll be rewarded.)

I actually received the necklace (all the way from NY,NY) last month, but once again, I've been having some trouble posting due to my hectic schedule. I've already recieved so many complements on it and the best part is it was FREE!

The style I got isn't on her website, but it is a silver key with a blue stone and a little coin charm on it, retailing for about $195.

And even better than the free necklace, we've been corresponding by email and she's going to let me know about her new projects in the works, which means you guys will know about them too! (and I promise that posts will start to become more frequent as i sort out that 500 unread email situation. ha.)

A quite lengthy Blog Roundup + a CONTEST!

After filtering through 80+ unread messages in my inbox due to my computer hiatus, I finally found my (almost) daily blogarithm emails, containing (almost) every post from (pretty much) every blog I subscribe to. (see list at right of page, I don't just link to those I actually read them all on a fairly regular basis.)

So, below is the product of that, plus another tidbit of information that also found its way into my inbox.

First, Capitol Hill Barbie shares a great product for the rainy months. (Don't you just love the titles of her posts?)

And even though Mother's Day has come and gone, these gift ideas provided by Bag Snob can translate to any occasion, and most, if not all, of them are tres chic!

Also, if you are like me and have been aching to catch up on all of those ANTM reruns, StyleBites provides links to all of the Cycle 8 episodes along with her own professional opinion on the models.

Since I've been slacking on "trend report" posts lately, check out Frugal Fashionista. She takes the words right out of my mouth when it comes to bold prints.

A more recent post by Capitol Hill Barbie -- as she delves into the world of blue mascara, with a mixed reaction.

Almost an extention of my post on colored denim, I stumbled upon this post by Denimology which is part celeb-style-log (Lindsay Lohan, who seems to be gracing the fashion blogs quite alot lately) and part shopping aid, as it spotlights a high-end denim brand that specializes in skinny jeans in a range of colors.

Sassybella has done it again -- gives me yet another great designer to check out, Australian label Tina Kalivas.


Now, drumroll please, that CONTEST that I was telling about earlier. No, I'm not sponsoring a "win-free-stuff-from-my-favorite-online-store" contest (it's a bit of a tired concept anyways, though don't we all just love free stuff, no matter where it comes from?). This contest actually jumped into my inbox via Steve Madden.

And this isn't just any run-of-the-mill giveaway. He's running a contest to see who will design his next shoe! Amazing, no? Check out the details here. Also, if you aren't that design-savvy, you can vote on the submitted designs and become eligible to win prizes as well!

Now, isn't that exciting?

Blog Roundup: I seem to always be bored on Sundays

I've noticed that the last couple of these that I've done have fallen on weekends, so it would be a safe bet for you all to expect this from me every Sunday, if not a bit earlier. But anyways, without further ado, here are some more great posts for you guys to check out! Enjoy!

First up, Second City Style reports on changes in bridal trends, which caught my eye since I, like everyone, seem to have wedding fever even though I'm not getting married for a few years yet. (my fiance and I are both poor college students, I don't even have an official engagement ring yet!)

Yet another from Second City Style, a feature on FAME 2007, Fashion and Media Extravaganza, which took place at the Illinois Institue of Art-Chicago, and more specifically the show put on by students in fashion design.

Since I haven't done a designer spotlight in a while, I share this one with you from Sassybella, featuring Soaked in Luxury.

An interesting series for you to check out, StyleBites is teaching all of you wannabe's how to break into the modeling world. You can read part one and part two now, part three will be available Wednesday.

Yet another post on a student show, J'Adore Couture offers commentary on the latest and greatest new designers graduating from Academy of Art University, including pictures of the designs that they presented on the runway.

Blog Roundup Part 2

It's a slow news day in my sheltered little world, so I've decided to bring you yet another installment of great blog posts that weren't created by moi. Here goes:

I've never heard of Daydream Nation before, but My Fashion Life's interview with the brother and sister team behind the label gave me a lot of insight. Be sure to watch the attached video of their AW07 fashion show, I promise it's like nothing you've ever seen. Theatre + Fashion = bellisima!

Burberry's back! And the best part is, they're going to be opening up new stores in the U.S! If you're as excited as I am, check out Second City Style for the complete story.

SASSYBELLA offers a summary of the new Australian TV show "The Truth about Size Zero," a new twist on the weightloss show, to let teenage girls know that thin isn't necessarily the way to go. I think it's a great idea, but read on and judge for yourself.

FabSugar covers the new Twinkle By Wenlan book entitled "Big City Knits," a book that can show you how to create chunky-chic fashions like the famous designer.

And more news on the environmental trend - Chic Inspector features a great video about clothing waste.

Until next time, enjoy!

Blog Roundup: Great Posts from Great Blogs (other than mine, of course)

I see alot of networking going on in the world of fashion blogging, and I've finally decided to jump on the bandwagon... well, sorta. As you can tell, I read alot of blogs, and every once in a while, I come across a post that is purely outstanding in some way or another. Recently, I happened to find several all at the same time. So, I decided to interrupt my normal blogging habits and give these great authors their credit.

First off, j'adore couture takes the words right out of my mouth when it comes to the recent controversy over the new Vogue cover. She also gives some history and insight about the models featured for those who aren't quite up to speed.

BGlam, who always seems to come up with great insights on the latest trends, has compiled a list of must-haves for Spring '07. A must-read!

And last, but not least, Shopaholics Anonymous, a blog that I've taken to reading almost daily. Her blog is definitely worth a look, and definitely worth the time to backtrack a little to her older posts. Recently, she's covered everything from chic businesswear to swimsuits, and even what to look for with your next LBD!

I'll definitely try to keep you all posted on great blogs as I discover them from now on, and make sure you give me some feedback. Did you like my recommendations? What types of fashion sites are you most eager to read? Let me know!