cover girl

Today was El dia de Sant Jordi (St. George's day, the day of books and roses) in Catalonia. It's a special day for lovers, and even more so for lovers who also love literature. Here's me celebrating in Barcelona two years ago, and in Bonn last year.

Anyway, this year was a bit different. I'm actually in England with my family at the moment, but on Friday I was simultaneously here and all over Catalonia, promoting the day. I was the co-cover star of Què Fem, the Friday supplement to La Vanguadia (ahem, big deal) ;) with my friend Rosa, as the friendly faces of bookworms everywhere.

I also appeared inside the story itself (which I haven't had a chance to read yet, I hope my friends have saved me copies), along with my writers group, a group for reading and critiquing writing efforts of members which is basically my main and favourite extracurricular activity in Barcelona.



*both photos by the talented Flaminia Pelazzi, although the top photo is just a quick shot done with Rosa's phone to send me, and not a proper scan.
** article by Anna Tomàs.

fraggle says + links a la mode

Fraggle says... "have a good weekend ladies and gents!"

I'm in to Germany for nine days... can't wait for Christmas markets, mulled wine and... more mulled wine. (Actually I've already had some). Missing Fraggle already, but not my cat allergies.

Also, my post was featured in this week's Links a la Mode through IFB... as stated in the rules, here's the complete list of featured posts!

Shorter Days of Winter

Edited by: Meghan Donovan of WIT & Whimsy

If there’s one thing that’s clear from this week’s IFB Links a La Mode it’s that the holiday season is here! It’s time to get glam, dress warm and embrace everything that’s wonderful and fashionable these next few weeks for the holidays.
THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: DECEMBER 1ST

Avalon: 3 Necklaces to Own and How to Style Them

Blah Blah Becky: Instagram through the Day

Coming Unstitched: Stylng the Oversized Sweater

Elodie Bubble: The Best Shoes to Shine this Holiday Season

Fashion Tales: DIY: Dying Lace

Fashioned By Love: The Perfect Wardrobe According to YSL

Haute Cocktail: Faux Fur this Winter

Inexpensive Chic: 3 Ways to Wear the Sweater Dress

La Vie a Mon Avis: Sequined Pants for Holiday Chic

Miss Viki: Bringing vintage into your closet

Oranges and Apples: DIY Scarf Top

Ruby Slipper Journeys: Lessons Learned from Personal Style Blogging

Simply Frabulous: Infuse Stars into Your Wardrobe this Winter

Style. Love. Repeat.: 5 Minute Glam for the Holidays

Sugar and Chiffon: DIY: The Daytime Smoky Eye

Sugar and Spice: Dressing for Winter Party Weather

Thank FiFi: The Great Skinny Jean Debate

What2WearWhere: LBLD: The Little Black Leather Dress

The Chic Sheet: Python Obsession

WIT & Whimsy: Gift Guide: For the Hostess

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

P.S.

(on skype the other day)

IFB Links a la Mode

I was super chuffed not only to make this week's Links a la Mode, but also to get a shout out in the introductory blurb. Although given the subject matter of that, I probably shouldn't mention it but should fade into the background and tell you to check everyone else out. So, go check everyone else out!

Hey blogger. Get over yourself. Seriously.

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour
This week I'm fresh out of love and rainbows, so there will be no kumbaya intro. Doesn't mean I don't love y'all, but I have got to tell you that lately, I'm a wee bit peeved by the fame-whoring and big-noting going on in the fashion blogosphere (and Twitterverse). Who of us doesn't want brand endorsements and blogging fame? We're all stars in our own right, and there is nothing wrong with ambition. But no one likes a self-absorbed, one-sided braggart. And no one likes an ass-kisser. Period.
Have you given props to someone other than yourself lately? Is every status update about hyping you? Is everything in your life now about the blog? As Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys wonders in her post, are you capturing reality on your blog or manufacturing it? If any of this sounds like you, you might be on the road to becoming a full-blown fame monster. Maybe it's time to check yourself.

A Challenge

If you're destined for blogging fame, it will come through dedication, professionalism, and genuine respect. Through interaction, supporting your community, and authenticity. Let's take blogging back to its roots. This week's roundup is chock full of posts teeming with creativity, wit, and wisdom. I challenge you all to not only read and comment on at least 10 blog posts, but to share them as well. Find something that resonates with you and tweet it, like it, stumble it. All those hearts and thumbs up weren't made just for you.

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Beautifully Invisible: A Rant: Why Women Are (at times) Their Own Worst Enemy


• Bell Street: Zero-waste patternmaking


• Beyond Fabric: Key-carrying options for guys


• Brunette Blogging: Tips & Tricks: How to get more blog traffic


• By Anika: On being non-conformist from within


• Divergent Musings: The blogger's dilemma: I want nice pictures, but do I get a DSLR?


• Fashables: Men that like fashion are gay


• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: Modern Greek


• Haute in Texas: Lingerie tips and tricks, because life is too short to wear boring panties.


• In Between Seams: Tips on scoring an internship from a Teen Vogue internIndependent Fashion Bloggers: What Twitter Taught Me About Interaction Online


• Kirstin Marie: Fashion Inspiration: Patterns & Textures


• Made-to-Travel: Tumblr party pics and why you should join tumblr for fun—and for your blog.


• Mis Papelicos: A sartorial and philosophical approach to keeping cool


• My Orange Stilettos: The Campaign for Clearer Clothes Sizing


• North On Harper: Runway To Room: Milla Jovovich (translating a red carpet look into a room in your home)


• Over 50 Feeling 40: How I chose what the mother of the bride would wear


• Ruby Slipper Journeys: The problem with "blogger poses," and getting back to what's authentic.


• Sprinkles in Springs: DIY a spiked bag like Alexander Wang's Rocco satchel


• Style Sizzle: It's hot out. Let's talk about (preventing) boob sweat.


• The Citizen Rosebud: As a +40 personal style blogger I share what and why I dress the way I do.


• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: Be a better shopper, part two: Implementation

-----------SPONSOR:

Women's Shoes Sale at Shopbop: Heeled Sandals, Wedges, Platform Sandals, Pumps, Ballet Flats, Clogs, Heeled Boots, & Gladiators Sandals.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

how i long to look this summer part 2

the sartorialist and nadinoo


steven alan


it girl rag doll

I've been tumblr-ing lately. I started it a few months ago but didn't use it much and was determined not to be one of those people who is addicted to it... but I am anyway. In fact, I think tumblr has been amazing for helping me see exactly what it is I like. Which, for summer seems to be yellow (no surprises), simple, simple simple dresses (which I don't have and therefore am coveting but will not be buying--why does simplicity come with such a large price tag?). I'm also pretty partial to John Lennon sunglasses, shoes that I could chill with Picasso in, and infectious happiness of all kinds.

You can find my tumblr here, if you're interested, and I'm also now on twitter, although I'm a bit clueless and unimpressed with twitter. ; )


rckshw on flickr


It Girl, Rag Doll and Pushing Daisies (I'm watching Pushing Daisies again--really one of the best shows ever to be unfairly cancelled)


Yehyeh Grace

Links a la Mode, Feb 3

I was pretty pleased that my manifesto against shopping (!) was included in the Independent Fashion Bloggers "Links a la Mode" section. I've always enjoyed following their links to read some (usually) thoughtful reflections on fashion, blogging, and the fashion blogging industry, but hadn't tried submitting myself before.

Rules state to include the other links in a post... so enjoy!

So long, farewell

Edited by Thom of The Sunday Best
Here we are, face to face, a couple of silver spoons. My run as an editor for this venerable list is coming to a close, and as it does I'd like to take a moment to reflect on what makes the internet such an awesome place. Ahem. It's you. Yes, you! I don't get to read as much online as I once did, and this list kept me in touch with the, dare I say it, zeitgeist of style writing. I was often amazed at the diversity of topics you writers were willing to tackle. Keep those keyboards clacking, stay strong, and be good to the incoming editors. We are only human.
Thomas...out.

Links à la Mode: February 3rd

Aesthetics and Audio: "God, you're skinny"
Arash Mazinani: The Adonis Complex - men and body image
Beyond Fabric: Faithful companions
Brunette Blogging: Blog bashing
Chic Steals: Fashionista's dilemma to sourcing your clothing
Digital Traveler: Kids and high fashion
Dress With Courage: Suit yourself
Fashezine: On blogging and other drugs
For Those About to Shop: The great used clothing challenge
Grit and Glamour: Trademarks - What you need to know
Independent Fashion Bloggers: Fashion Week Tech Survival Kit
Lust, Love, Lose: 100 words on life
Ruby Slipper Journeys: Why I'm going on my first ever shopping ban
Starting From Scratch: Loving every body
The Coveted: Layering up with Wool and the Gang
The Demoiselles: Nine West's wacky email campaign
The House in the Clouds: Favorite body parts
The Loudmouth: Nudity - Naughty or Natural?
The Sunday Best: The law is meant to protect, not bully
The Styling Dutchman: Blogger bitching
Those Graces: On being a feminist beauty blogger

ruby slippers laughs with broken eyes!

I was featured by the sweet lovely Amber Rose on her blog Laughing with Broken Eyes. She and I started blogging around the same time and I've loved reading her heartfelt reflections on life since the beginning. If you're interested in learning more about the method behind the madness at Ruby Slipper Journeys, head here! Thanks so much, Amber Rose!

There was brilliant sunshine this morning, so I thought I'd shake up the Barcelona pictures that are still to come a bit with a snapshot of London. Obviously the sun took off as soon as I got outdoors so here's a snapshot of my garden wall instead, and me looking towards the gathering stormclouds. Eek!

dress: French Connection (charity shop)
blouse: Three Feathers Vintage
shoes: Calvin Klein from Winners

anniversaries and a giveaway!

This past week there were two anniversaries of sorts. There was of course the 200th anniversary of independence in Mexico, which was celebrated in grand style here in Guadalajara and elsewhere. Last Sunday was also the much-more-humble two month anniversary of this blog. While obviously not quite as monumental as independence day, it's nonetheless been a whirlwind two months for me. And since the two events coincided, and since I'm leaving Mexico, I thought I'd celebrate with a little giveaway!



This necklace was hand-made by artisans in the North of Jalisco (the state that Guadalajara is located in) and is a typical example of the intricate beadwork of the region. It also features the Mexican national colours: red, white and green, and a few more colours too. I wore it once (think of this as a baptism!) to the 200th anniversary celebrations, and now it's time for this necklace to go to some other country. Or maybe it will stay in Mexico, we shall see!

I wore it with a white blouse with multi-coloured embroidery, but I can also imagine it for fall/winter with a black dress and a colourful scarf, or with anything solid coloured red, black, white, yellow, green or orange!



To enter the giveway, follow Ruby Slipper Journeys via Google or Bloglovin, and leave a comment saying:
1. Which way you follow me, and
2. Something interesting about your country or city (or wherever you live)

The winner will be chosen by random number generator on Tuesday September 28th, which will be my first full day in London.

Good luck everyone and thanks for making my first two months so fun and interactive!