.. of Personal Style

New banner, new logo, and now the content is searchable. Everything is tagged into 8 categories on the bottom left-hand side. I found myself wanting to search for something on my own site, something I may have written years ago now and couldn't find. So now it's all accessible.

Which is a good thing and a bad thing of course.

Some of the stuff I wrote in 2011 should have stayed there but hey... when you know better, you do better. Right Oprah?! Plus now it's infinitely easier to see how funny I've been for years... nope, it's not just a passing thing.

As far as the categories...

"Closets" will have everything to do with inspirational layouts, ideas, and just fabulous images of things I can't afford for your wardrobe ie the most important part of any home.

"Hair Inspiration" is the section I use most often when I'm looking for a new haircut OR going out for the first time in forever and trying not to fall back on old hair habits ie the topknot.

"Health & Beauty" is home to bitches who make me want to eat an Oreo and just give up on life but also inspirational women I admire, beauty looks I'd like to copy, and tips on skincare and fitness.

"Interiors" will eventually be home to all of my "Cafe Inspiration" and "Home Inspiration" so if your home or your workplace need a new look this is your first stop.

"Personal Style" is where I prattle on endlessly about myself so if you don't like cats this is not the place for you. Moving on.

"Quotes" I find hugely inspirational, and like an image, they give you an idea or can possibly jumpstart a change in a snap. Visit this section when it's raining or you didn't get that raise you wanted.

"Shopping" is where I deposit thoughts on what's happening in retail at the moment whether they be good, bad, or ugly. Also where I talk about the latest acquisitions helping to keep my credit card company afloat. You're welcome.

"Style Inspiration" is by far the largest folder. You'll find streetstyle photos, fashion week snaps, articles on style icons like Miroslava Duma and the like, and everything that helps me get dressed in the morning. It was the impetus for starting this space in the first place.

.. of Shopping

The Shopping Diary.

2011 marked the first full calender year of keeping the diary and I've found it insanely gratifying and educational. Now before I begin I am aware that to some, keeping a diary of what you purchase, how much it cost, etc. seems not only immensely self-indulgent but also like an incredible waste of time.

I'll explain why you're wrong in a minute. But first!

A shopping diary was an idea I read about once obviously well over a year ago. I can't remember where but it seemed like it was "not only immensely self-indulgent but also like an incredible waste of time." I decided to give it a try anyway because I was constantly stressed about money, where I was spending it, what I was spending it on, how much I was spending, and if it was all worth it or not. The Shopping Diary allows me to figure out whether my guilt is misplaced or justified.

The Categories

The Diary is made in excel. The categories across the top are as follows;

Retailer - Where you actually purchased ex. J.Crew, Macy's, Forever 21

Brand - The actual brand of the item ex. Store Brand, Jeffrey Campbell, Steve Madden

Description - Sometimes this can be taken directly from the receipt but it has to be memorable ex. L/S Faux Leather Jacket

Color - ex. Black, Brown, Camel

Size - ex. 39, L, 8

Retail Price - This is the full price of the item at retail ex. $139.00, $59.00, $100.00

Sale Price - Also purchase price, what you actually paid for it minus taxes and shipping ex. $59.99, $139.95, $19.95

Disc % - (Sale price / Retail price) - 1 ex. $19.95 / $139.00 - 1 = 85%

Notes - This is important. This is where you make comments on the item. Everything I buy starts with a "?" until I've worn it. Then the "Notes" say "worn". If it sucked it'll say "returned - and the reason ex. "too small, poor quality", or "given away - and the reason"

It's a lot but just think of the information about yourself and your buying habits you're getting here.

.. of Style Inspiration

How to wear the new embellished sweatshirts...

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