Manic Monday: Tour through Blogland

I am pretty proud of myself, y'all! In the past 1.5 weeks, I have had 3 local blogging dates! That's huge in my book, and it's nice to have met so many awesome gals because of this little blog of mine. My first meeting was with Elena from Cheetah Talk y Mas. We had a quick bite at Panera and chatted about all things blogging. My second meeting was with Debbie and Jennifer for happy hour cocktails and sushi at Drunken Fish! And this weekend, I finally got to meet up with Jenna from Sincerely Jenna Marie. We were going to lunch at Camille's then dress shopping for a wedding I'm going to later this month. So, I opted for layers since it's such a pain to lug around a coat AND shopping bags! :)

Sunnies: Vince Camuto | Earrings: Nickel and Suede | Necklace: Express | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Vest: JCrew Factory (option) | Plaid Top: J Crew Factory | Chambray: J Crew Factory | Bottoms: Express (option, option) | Shoes: ℅ Naturalizer (option)

Jenna was so much fun and ridiculously easy to talk to. We met at 12:30 (ish) and said goodbye when it was pitch black outside. I ended up with dry mouth from all the open-mouth-smiling while we talked non-stop. I'm pretty sure we could have just transitioned right into dinner had we not had hungry husbands waiting at our respective homes.  It's just refreshing to be around people who share similar interests with you, and the husband was happy to see me make friends who, and I quote, are not family. Ha! (Not that I don't/can't love his family still, because I do!) 

Via Instagram

To play into the theme of meeting new bloggers and making new friends, I thought this would be a good segue into the Tour through Blogland. If you remember, Rhea was kind enough to feature me in her post last week, and today I shall carry the torch.

1. What am I working on?

At the office, I'm working on everything -- training a new hire, trying to manage my own day to day workload, pushing to get all our new stores open by the end of the year, and in my spare time, teeing up the pipeline for next year.

For the blog, I wish I could say I had a ton of awesome projects in the works, but alas, I take everything one week at a time. OK, I'm fibbing a little. Gina and I may have a little something brewing, but I don't want to spoil any surprises.

2. How does my work differ from others in its genre?

Honestly, it doesn't. I don't claim that my style is different - I have succumbed to the same trends that are saturating your Instagram feed like the herringbone vest and the blanket scarf. But in the end it's all about execution, right? You could hear 23,425 people sing Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," but you're still bound to find people you like or relate with more than others, right? Fashion is the same way, and my goal with this blog is to simply share my outfit execution with you!

3. Why do I write/create what I do?

I work in a male dominant industry, so my co-workers couldn't care less what I'm wearing or buying. My blog is simply my creative outlet. My chance to interact with others who share the same interests with me. 

4. How does my creative writing/process work?

I definitely pull a lot of inspiration from others - whether it's Pinterest or other bloggers. I'm normally picking my outfits the weekend before I wear them. I wish I had a big archive of outfits already planned and put together. I just find it difficult planning more than a week in advance because my appetite for certain outfits or looks constantly changes. I may wear the same pieces over and over again, but it's typically in combination with new pairings. Remixing is my most favorite thing to do.

Sometimes, I think the best way to get to know someone is through their inspiration! So, that being said, here are my 3 Instagram crushes!

1. Sheila from Kreyola's Journeys

When I first started blogging, I never imagined it would lead to what it is today. My first post was about my hair, Sisterlocks to be precise. That is when I noticed I  had a knack for blogging, and enjoyed helping people with my topics. My blogging later progressed and I started to share my progress with learning how to apply makeup, traveling, and now reemerging into the world of fashion on a budget. 

Outfit details: Here

Sheila is such a beautiful person inside and out! I instantly fell in love with her style and personality. She's feminine, edgy, sassy, classic, and bold. Basically my doppleganger - I know, the likeness is uncanny. I've really enjoyed fashionably getting to know her. One of these days you will see me recreate this outfit of hers here - she makes it look so effortless! Follow Sheila on Instagram HERE.

2. Danielle from For the Love of Leopard

Hi, I’m Danielle!  For the Love of Leopard is a fashion blog chronicling my everyday outfits.  I’m just a normal girl – I work a 9-5 job and the outfits featured on my blog are things I actually wear on a daily basis.  I believe that you can try out all the latest and greatest trends without breaking the bank and I love sharing fashion deals and steals with my readers.  I am here to show you that fashion can be fun and attainable on any budget, that a pop of color goes a long way, and that leopard is a neutral.

I mean, the girl LOVES leopard. *I* love leopard, so how can I not love her, too? She was one of the culprits responsible for making me NEED my birthday bag. She's the best at layering and is also not afraid of a good pattern mix, so I'm always able to find inspiration from her in one way or another. And guys. Check out her closet here. Tell me we weren't meant to be? Follow Danielle on Instagram HERE.

3. Claire from Beauty and a Bargain

I love to try and find a cheaper alternative for everythinggg.

I love to travel, and am never in one place for too long.

But most of all, my goal is to be able to spark passion in other people's lives through beauty and fashion.

Claire is someone I stumbled upon on Instagram and am incessantly liking all of her posts. She always, always, always has the best hair and the best lashes, and I only wish I could look as cute as she does with a hat on! Outside of all that, her outfits are consistently interesting and attainable, which is important to me since sometimes your Instagram idols can look beautiful in their outfits, but you know it would never be practical in your own life. And then there are her shoes. From her flats to her stilettos, I will take one of each, please and thank you! Follow Claire on Instagram HERE.

____________________

Who are your Instagram favorites, do tell!

And PS: Don't forget to enter the $260 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway here!

Bloglovin | Facebook | Instagram

SHOP THE LOOK:

Linking up for Style to Inspire, Personal Style Monday, and Rachelle and Cha Cha for #HowIFall.

<div align="center"> <a href="http://morepiecesofme.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Linkup Button" src="http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k269/clephobuck/clephobuck004/31b52868-3d00-44eb-964d-ad89c59fbb00_zpsae8d8a0c.jpg"/></a>

We'd love to have YOU link-up with us for Manic Monday.

Here are the simple guidelines:

1. Click below to add a link to your recent post. Any topic is fine!

2. Please make sure your post has links back to both More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.

3. It would be very cool if you followed along with us via the social media platform of your choice (Instagram, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Twitter etc.), but as long you link back to the hosts it's all good. 

Thanks for linking up!

        

An InLinkz Link-up