Answers- Part 4
>> Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Photo by Emily Harriet, via Strange Little Girls
This might seem personal, but I was just wondering, do you have any days when you feel insecure about your body or looks?
Loads of them. But it's best to remember that it's mostly in your head and that you're actually incredibly lovely. You have to be your own cheerleader and shake yourself out of your funks. Besides no one is perfect and sometimes it's those imperfections that make us unique and one of a kind.
Why are you and Cole so compatible? :) What made you realize you should spend the rest of your lives together?
We have a lot of similar beliefs and ideals, which I think really helps. We both want the same things out of life. We both are a bit awkward and weird. We love each other truly and deeply. And what really clinched it for me, was that I never wanted to spend a single day without him.
I noticed your anchor "tattoo" is it real or drawn on? If it's fake, why not got a real one? Do you draw it every morning?
Ha, no that was fake. I was drawing it on to test myself to see if I really wanted a tattoo. I make myself wait a month before getting one. I don't like to rush permanent things. I haven't drawn the anchor for some time now, so that was my reason for not getting it. I'm still contemplating a tattoo and have a new idea in mind that I really love, but I have to wait the one month time period.
Hi Maria! As a fashion blogger, do you get a lot of freebies? I enjoy your outfit posts and I see that you have a lot of stuff from Modcloth and Seychelles. Do they give you free stuff? If so, how did it start? What was the process? Did they contact you?
Hi! I get a fair amount of free items, but nothing outrageous. ModCloth sponsors my blog and does provide me some clothes to style. Seychelles, has never given me free items. I designate between items that I've bought and gifts by putting courtesy of "c/o" next to the store/brand that provided the item. With ModCloth it was mostly about reaching out to them within their style community by commenting on their blog posts and posting my outfits in their flickr group. They first approached me about becoming an affiliate and then when I started accepting sponsors on my blog, I approached them about sponsoring. It's all about developing relationships with shops and brands. They want to know that you genuinely love their clothes as much as they do. No one, on either side, wants to feel taken advantage of. Plus, I just love how much ModCloth supports the fashion blogger community. I think it's what makes them such an awesome and approachable company.
what magazines do you regularly read or have subscriptions for?
Really dorky ones like Good Housekeeping and Country Living. I'll occasionally pick up a Teen Vogue. Most fashion magazines feel pretty redundant and repetitive. I find bloggers to be the most inspirational. Plus, I can never get my hands on a Lula mag. Someday, hopefully.
Maria! This is Teresa of Old School Cool. I was reading through your answers and I just wanted to let you know that Borders at Novi Town Center sells Lula! :)
Hi Teresa!! Really! That's awesome. I know the Borders in AA does too or so they said but whenever I would call they told me it hadn't arrived yet. It seemed to never arrive this past spring or the previous fall. I will definitely check out Novi. Thanks so much!
how did you first get started with your blog ? I love it, how do u get more followers ? I have a blogspot, i have 3 followers so far, but i want to impress more ppl.
I first started my blog as a place to post finished sketches. After a year of having only one follower (Hi Jen!!) I accidentally stumbled upon Rhiannon's blog (which led me to so many others) and that was all she wrote. I was so intrigued by fashion blogging that I decided to take the leap. It took me quite some time to get any readers, but I worked hard at posting as often as possible (usually once a day) and I commented a lot on other blogs. You really have to create your own community.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get started in the vintage selling business? Where do you find your pieces?
I'm still a newbie when it comes to selling vintage, so I probably won't have as good of advice as the more seasoned veterans. My advice is to go to tons of thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. They are the best places to find vintage pieces. Some places I luck out at more than others and some weeks, it's just dismal. I hope that helps and Good Luck!
what music/bands are you loving right now?
I can't get enough of The National or Sleigh Bells.
Hi Maria, I'm not sure if you've been ask this before. But what kind of eyeliner do you use?
A perfectly timed question since I just recently switched eyeliners. I was using Maybelline gel eyeliner ($11), but just switched to Smashbox Jet Set waterproof eyeliner in Midnight black. It's more expensive ($22) but so worth it. It doesn't smudge or crease all over my eyelid. So brilliant.
hiya! do you have any tips about how to search for things on etsy/ebay? I've got a pretty similar taste/style to yours but I think I'm far too vague and always get fed up of trawling through hundreds of things! Love love love your blog by the way :)
It does take a lot of sifting through junk, but I just try to pick specific descriptors, e.g. "vintage brown oxfords" or "vintage velvet bow tie." But even then you have to really sort through unrelated items. And sometimes if you're too specific you might miss out on what you're looking for if the seller doesn't use those key words.
As a fellow GWB (girl with bangs), I'm amazed with how perfect yours always look. How do you keep them at the right length?
Right now my bangs are in dire need of a trim. I just try to trim they every few weeks. I know some girls even go so far as to trim them once a week, but I'm too lazy for that. And sometimes I like when they get a bit long. It feels like a different look.
I was wondering if you had any tips for trimming your bangs when they start getting a little too long. I'm always afraid I'm going to butcher mine. Your hair always looks so pretty!
Thank you. There have been many times that I've botched my own bangs. Luckily it was never horribly noticeable. I just suggest always trimming a little bit each time. You can always keep trimming off more. Also use a small tooth comb to keep your bangs even and straight while cutting. Other than that it's just practicing and doing it often that helps most.
did you ever wear braces? I'm asking because I just had them and need to know whether my "models" had them too.:) i love your style
Ha, twice! And will probably need them a third time. My teeth have always been a major mess. More's the pity.
Do you think you will ever get a full time job? (Other than blogging). If yes, what? I'm not asking this to be critical, I think it's a wonderful thing that you are doing what you love for a living even though you aren't making as much as you could be :)
Thank you. I would love to design clothes!
How do YOU personally layer up in winter?
I start with either a blouse or dress first then add a sweater, blazer, jacket, scarf, hat, tights or pants and boots.
Hi Maria, I am working towards launching my own first real blog, and I was having a little trouble with the very first post. So, I went to your blog to check out yours, but I had a little trouble finding it. How come you don't have an archive?
Well, you wouldn't find a first post relevant to my fashion blog. My first post was in regards to why I first started my blog- for my sketches. Good luck with your blog!
How did you manage to handle your blogs & being faithful to your own style, because you know now days there's a lot of blog template that makes us wanna 'I wanna change my blog template' kind of feeling. Thanks!
My blog has gone through some changes when it comes to layout and style over the last year, but I stayed true to my style by always keeping things they way I like them, rather than what other people are doing. I like simple, clean layouts with white or grey backgrounds that also have some character. I also like the photos to take center stage. Every few months I'll revamp things and shake them up a bit. I get bored easily, so I need to freshen things up.
I've recently made a Tumblr account. Can you suggest some worth following? :)
I'm pretty new to Tumblr myself. I suggest Strange Little Girls, My Vintage Vogue, Miss Wallflowers and Cameras and Jane Austen.
hi maria!! what was the old font on your blog called, the one with the big block lettering and the little flowers in it?? i've been looking for it to download for some time now!! love your blog =)
Thanks! It's called VTKS Flowers in Our Soul. I found it on dafont.com!
this may sound dumb, but how do u check how many visitors u get on ur blog? Do u use a special website?
I use google analytics!! Very helpful.
Hello Maria. I just found out about your blog via Wish Wish Wish and I've been going through all your lovely outfits. Your blog is wonderful. My question is - what did you study in college? XO
I studied lots of different things (child development, women's studies, fashion design, etc) and changed my major a few different times. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Merchandising Management from Michigan State University.
What does Cole do for work?
Right now he's a full time graduate student at the University of Michigan's Business School. He is interning at a medical device company for the summer and in the fall will be finishing his final year of grad school. That's why we moved from Boston, back to Michigan. Who knows where we'll end up when he's done with school. Hopefully someplace interesting.
you said that you and cole were abroad while studying. where have you been?
We traveled to the UK and Ireland. The bigger cities- London, Edinburgh, Galway, and Dublin. We pretty much drove all over. My favorite part was the Highlands. I'm desperate to go back. I also want to explore the rest of Europe, Asia, Australia...you name it, I want to see it.
What car do you drive?
Cole and I share a jeep Liberty. I can't wait to get rid of it though. It's such a gas guzzler. I want something smaller and sportier. I would really love to get a vintage mini, but I also feel like vintage cars aren't very fuel efficient, so maybe I'll get a modern mini. Who knows.
I love your hair color! Is it natural? If so, how do you keep it from getting mousy or dull?
Thank you so much!! It is my natural color. I haven't dyed my hair in over 7 years. Hmm, I'm not sure I have any secret tips besides take a multivitamin everyday, condition your hair a lot, and every other day use conditioner instead of shampoo. I hope that helps. Oh, and I think natural hair will always look shiny since it's not processed.
Loads of them. But it's best to remember that it's mostly in your head and that you're actually incredibly lovely. You have to be your own cheerleader and shake yourself out of your funks. Besides no one is perfect and sometimes it's those imperfections that make us unique and one of a kind.
Why are you and Cole so compatible? :) What made you realize you should spend the rest of your lives together?
We have a lot of similar beliefs and ideals, which I think really helps. We both want the same things out of life. We both are a bit awkward and weird. We love each other truly and deeply. And what really clinched it for me, was that I never wanted to spend a single day without him.
I noticed your anchor "tattoo" is it real or drawn on? If it's fake, why not got a real one? Do you draw it every morning?
Ha, no that was fake. I was drawing it on to test myself to see if I really wanted a tattoo. I make myself wait a month before getting one. I don't like to rush permanent things. I haven't drawn the anchor for some time now, so that was my reason for not getting it. I'm still contemplating a tattoo and have a new idea in mind that I really love, but I have to wait the one month time period.
Hi Maria! As a fashion blogger, do you get a lot of freebies? I enjoy your outfit posts and I see that you have a lot of stuff from Modcloth and Seychelles. Do they give you free stuff? If so, how did it start? What was the process? Did they contact you?
Hi! I get a fair amount of free items, but nothing outrageous. ModCloth sponsors my blog and does provide me some clothes to style. Seychelles, has never given me free items. I designate between items that I've bought and gifts by putting courtesy of "c/o" next to the store/brand that provided the item. With ModCloth it was mostly about reaching out to them within their style community by commenting on their blog posts and posting my outfits in their flickr group. They first approached me about becoming an affiliate and then when I started accepting sponsors on my blog, I approached them about sponsoring. It's all about developing relationships with shops and brands. They want to know that you genuinely love their clothes as much as they do. No one, on either side, wants to feel taken advantage of. Plus, I just love how much ModCloth supports the fashion blogger community. I think it's what makes them such an awesome and approachable company.
what magazines do you regularly read or have subscriptions for?
Really dorky ones like Good Housekeeping and Country Living. I'll occasionally pick up a Teen Vogue. Most fashion magazines feel pretty redundant and repetitive. I find bloggers to be the most inspirational. Plus, I can never get my hands on a Lula mag. Someday, hopefully.
Maria! This is Teresa of Old School Cool. I was reading through your answers and I just wanted to let you know that Borders at Novi Town Center sells Lula! :)
Hi Teresa!! Really! That's awesome. I know the Borders in AA does too or so they said but whenever I would call they told me it hadn't arrived yet. It seemed to never arrive this past spring or the previous fall. I will definitely check out Novi. Thanks so much!
how did you first get started with your blog ? I love it, how do u get more followers ? I have a blogspot, i have 3 followers so far, but i want to impress more ppl.
I first started my blog as a place to post finished sketches. After a year of having only one follower (Hi Jen!!) I accidentally stumbled upon Rhiannon's blog (which led me to so many others) and that was all she wrote. I was so intrigued by fashion blogging that I decided to take the leap. It took me quite some time to get any readers, but I worked hard at posting as often as possible (usually once a day) and I commented a lot on other blogs. You really have to create your own community.
Do you have any advice for those wanting to get started in the vintage selling business? Where do you find your pieces?
I'm still a newbie when it comes to selling vintage, so I probably won't have as good of advice as the more seasoned veterans. My advice is to go to tons of thrift stores, flea markets and estate sales. They are the best places to find vintage pieces. Some places I luck out at more than others and some weeks, it's just dismal. I hope that helps and Good Luck!
what music/bands are you loving right now?
I can't get enough of The National or Sleigh Bells.
Hi Maria, I'm not sure if you've been ask this before. But what kind of eyeliner do you use?
A perfectly timed question since I just recently switched eyeliners. I was using Maybelline gel eyeliner ($11), but just switched to Smashbox Jet Set waterproof eyeliner in Midnight black. It's more expensive ($22) but so worth it. It doesn't smudge or crease all over my eyelid. So brilliant.
hiya! do you have any tips about how to search for things on etsy/ebay? I've got a pretty similar taste/style to yours but I think I'm far too vague and always get fed up of trawling through hundreds of things! Love love love your blog by the way :)
It does take a lot of sifting through junk, but I just try to pick specific descriptors, e.g. "vintage brown oxfords" or "vintage velvet bow tie." But even then you have to really sort through unrelated items. And sometimes if you're too specific you might miss out on what you're looking for if the seller doesn't use those key words.
As a fellow GWB (girl with bangs), I'm amazed with how perfect yours always look. How do you keep them at the right length?
Right now my bangs are in dire need of a trim. I just try to trim they every few weeks. I know some girls even go so far as to trim them once a week, but I'm too lazy for that. And sometimes I like when they get a bit long. It feels like a different look.
I was wondering if you had any tips for trimming your bangs when they start getting a little too long. I'm always afraid I'm going to butcher mine. Your hair always looks so pretty!
Thank you. There have been many times that I've botched my own bangs. Luckily it was never horribly noticeable. I just suggest always trimming a little bit each time. You can always keep trimming off more. Also use a small tooth comb to keep your bangs even and straight while cutting. Other than that it's just practicing and doing it often that helps most.
did you ever wear braces? I'm asking because I just had them and need to know whether my "models" had them too.:) i love your style
Ha, twice! And will probably need them a third time. My teeth have always been a major mess. More's the pity.
Do you think you will ever get a full time job? (Other than blogging). If yes, what? I'm not asking this to be critical, I think it's a wonderful thing that you are doing what you love for a living even though you aren't making as much as you could be :)
Thank you. I would love to design clothes!
How do YOU personally layer up in winter?
I start with either a blouse or dress first then add a sweater, blazer, jacket, scarf, hat, tights or pants and boots.
Hi Maria, I am working towards launching my own first real blog, and I was having a little trouble with the very first post. So, I went to your blog to check out yours, but I had a little trouble finding it. How come you don't have an archive?
Well, you wouldn't find a first post relevant to my fashion blog. My first post was in regards to why I first started my blog- for my sketches. Good luck with your blog!
How did you manage to handle your blogs & being faithful to your own style, because you know now days there's a lot of blog template that makes us wanna 'I wanna change my blog template' kind of feeling. Thanks!
My blog has gone through some changes when it comes to layout and style over the last year, but I stayed true to my style by always keeping things they way I like them, rather than what other people are doing. I like simple, clean layouts with white or grey backgrounds that also have some character. I also like the photos to take center stage. Every few months I'll revamp things and shake them up a bit. I get bored easily, so I need to freshen things up.
I've recently made a Tumblr account. Can you suggest some worth following? :)
I'm pretty new to Tumblr myself. I suggest Strange Little Girls, My Vintage Vogue, Miss Wallflowers and Cameras and Jane Austen.
hi maria!! what was the old font on your blog called, the one with the big block lettering and the little flowers in it?? i've been looking for it to download for some time now!! love your blog =)
Thanks! It's called VTKS Flowers in Our Soul. I found it on dafont.com!
this may sound dumb, but how do u check how many visitors u get on ur blog? Do u use a special website?
I use google analytics!! Very helpful.
Hello Maria. I just found out about your blog via Wish Wish Wish and I've been going through all your lovely outfits. Your blog is wonderful. My question is - what did you study in college? XO
I studied lots of different things (child development, women's studies, fashion design, etc) and changed my major a few different times. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Merchandising Management from Michigan State University.
What does Cole do for work?
Right now he's a full time graduate student at the University of Michigan's Business School. He is interning at a medical device company for the summer and in the fall will be finishing his final year of grad school. That's why we moved from Boston, back to Michigan. Who knows where we'll end up when he's done with school. Hopefully someplace interesting.
you said that you and cole were abroad while studying. where have you been?
We traveled to the UK and Ireland. The bigger cities- London, Edinburgh, Galway, and Dublin. We pretty much drove all over. My favorite part was the Highlands. I'm desperate to go back. I also want to explore the rest of Europe, Asia, Australia...you name it, I want to see it.
What car do you drive?
Cole and I share a jeep Liberty. I can't wait to get rid of it though. It's such a gas guzzler. I want something smaller and sportier. I would really love to get a vintage mini, but I also feel like vintage cars aren't very fuel efficient, so maybe I'll get a modern mini. Who knows.
I love your hair color! Is it natural? If so, how do you keep it from getting mousy or dull?
Thank you so much!! It is my natural color. I haven't dyed my hair in over 7 years. Hmm, I'm not sure I have any secret tips besides take a multivitamin everyday, condition your hair a lot, and every other day use conditioner instead of shampoo. I hope that helps. Oh, and I think natural hair will always look shiny since it's not processed.
Yours,
you are so cute! i do the same with my all my tattoos too! my mister draws them on me after months of staring at my sketches...that way i know if i like it or not..i think it is an excellent idea because they are so permanent! i have two anchors tattooed on my on hip bones and i love them! i love all my tattoos really and haven't regretted a single one! you live once right but it is truly an important decision to make!
oh and you and cole sound like such a fun couple...i think the mister, me, you and cole would have a fun time being lazy together on a mexican blanket in the sun! when you write about your relationship it sounds like us! it feels great to have married your very best friend in the world...it was always my dream <3
sorry for the long comment :)
xo,
cb
Hi, Maria!
You and Cole should move to Atlanta. I have no reason for saying that. ;)
Hi Maria, thanks for the luck wishes on my blog. It's kind of a 'here goes nothing' moment for me. Thank you for inspiring me. I truly love your blog, and I hope that I am able to send more people your way!
Best wishes,
Angelica
If you are interested in a vintage-style car without the high maintenance costs that typically come with a vintage car, I would recommend a Mazda MX-5 (Miata in the States).
I own a 1988, one of the first made. It's designed to resemble a classic British sports car. It is reliable and efficient. I haven't had any major problems with mine, and even if you do, there are many spare parts available in the states!
Convertibles make for great photos as well. :)
Hi Maria,
Love this post! I also love the practical questions you answered about sponsorship! I think it's amazing that vintage blogging is becoming a social network unto its own, that we (bloggers) are developing! I had a few suggestions, too. For my bangs, I do what is called point-cutting. That way, the bangs don't come out so blunt and straight-across; they'd be a bit more wispy. I drive a Nissan Versa, and I'm a hugeeee fan. If you want to know why, email me sometime, I'd be glad to tell you. My last comment is about Cole. Way to go, Cole! I'm a full time grad student also, and it is so, so challenging.
again, loved the post, keep them coming!
xx
nancy
palomavintage.etsy.com
You have to be *the* sweetest and kindest blogger out there. Thank you so much for sharing! If you ever do an "Answers Part 5" I would like to ask:
If you had to leave the house in 5 minutes for a date with your sweetie, what would you quickly throw on to look fabulous?
Thanks!!!!
Thanks for being a blogging inspiration!
http://jessiewebster.blogspot.com/
Oh my goodness I have a vintage mini!! You should totally get one!! I love mine :) Don't get a modern one, it's not the same.
Lottie x
maria this is a brilliant post! I love your honesty to answer any question i found it really insightful and interesting. I also feel like i know you and Lulu Letty better :) x
I really enjoy reading your "Answers" posts. They're always interesting. :)
♥ Teresa ♥
I love what interesting questions people ask. Your answers are interesting also and very honest.
This is a cool post to read.
Christy of Dress Rehearsal
thanks for your sweet comment Maria ! as always, it's great to learn more about you !
and i think "you have to be your own cheerleader" is gonna become my motto! thanks for that !
hehe. My husband Rob and I share a Jeep Liberty too! Ours is an'05 black one. I love it.
For having complained about your teeth they look beautiful!! I think the braces helped! They look straight and pretty!
Wow it must have been so lovely to travel where you've been to!! I've only been as north as Maine, as East as NYC (which is only 20 mins from me as it is), as West as Pennsylvania, and as south as the tip bottom of NJ. :(
Again, awesome that you do these entries. I hope all is well!!
gosh I love your blog and you Maria, you are an inspiration for all us newbie bloggers out there! xx
I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this blog, but what I can tell you is I love it a little bit more with your response to that first question. More girls need to understand that good looks is more about confidence than it is nice skin, hair, etc. I've stumbled upon way to many blogs lately where girls have been nit-picking themselves to death when there is absolutely nothing wrong with them! So maybe we need to scourge the internet and copy and paste your comment on everyone's blog with hopes that they'll take it to heart.
-Weezy from http://beautysimplistic.blogspot.com