Girl of the Blogosphere: Ashley

Name: Ashley
City: Duluth, MN
Occupation: Student
Blog:

Two Eyes In The Mirror

Who is your fashion inspiration?

I've been getting asked this question a lot lately, and, to be honest, I'm still scratching my head. I don't have a fashion icon. There's no one I worship, or adore, or follow regularly. I truly appreciate the J. Crew catalogue, but really, I just wear A) what I own, and B) what looks good on me. It's as simple as that!

What is one thing you always carry in your bag?

Lipstick or lipgloss! All of my handbags are saturated with tubes of lipstick. Recently, the cover popped off of a bright red one I had while it was in my bag, but luckily it did no damage!

What is your current favourite fashion trend?

I've loved a lot of trends this season! My absolute favorite trend, however, is the socks with heels combination. I've totally been abusing it recently, too. I also have to say I quite like the ombre hair trend because it gives me a reasonable excuse for not dying my roots.

What is the current trend you dislike the most?

I hate velvet. It comes up almost every fall, and I absolutely loathe the fabric on myself. It seems to work fine on most other people, but it just seems sleazy to me.

Why did you start your blog?

I've been blogging in general since 2003. I've owned numerous personal blogs in the past and have taken a few breaks, but, in the end, I always feel like something's missing when I don't have a place on the interwebs to call my own. In the winter and spring months of this year, I really got into make-up and began reading a lot of beauty blogs and tutorials. Originally, I had planned that Two Eyes in the Mirror would specalize in beauty reviews and such, but I started off by posting pictures of my outfits before I ever got around to my first product review. Needless to say, I became enthralled with doing this, and the rest, as they say, is history.

How would you describe your style?

Eclectic, but simple and put together. I shop everywhere (although I'm not too fond of vintage, but that might be because the "vintage" stores here are ridiculously bad. Do they ALL have that horrible smell?). I'm on any far end of the style spectrum at any given moment. One minute I'll be into bohemian florals from Free People, the next it'll be classic pieces by J. Crew, and after that I'll be totally obsessed with leather hot pants and polka-dot jumpsuits. They all typically meld into one holistic style that--hopefully--works. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, right?

What is one thing you are dying to buy this winter?

Lots of hats. I think I could really get into berets this season, only instead of styling them all hipster cool, I'm going to take a more classic approach and wear them with tailored jackets and skirts in traditional, neutral patterns. I'm also kind of considering getting a fur trapper hat, but I'm really apprehensive about that one.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought?

Probably my leather motorcycle jacket by Doma. It was somewhere in the $600s, and I don't wear it anywhere near as often as I should for that price.

What is the least expensive thing you have bought?

Tights and socks. I buy most of my tights in the spring and summer once they've gone on sale. And Target has some really great $1 and $2 socks. I buy at least one pair every time I go there.

What is one thing that you regret buying?

A red Juicy Couture coat three years ago. It was the first thing I bought with my first paycheck. It's not the most flattering shape, it cost $400, and I only wore it one winter. But, it has sentimental value to me, so I can't get rid of it!

If you could meet one person from the fashion industry/a fashion icon who would it be?

Diane von Furstenberg! Her designs were so deeply entwined with the feminist movement in the 1970s. While I'm hesitant to say that a piece of cloth could vastly empower and unite women, her iconic wrap dress was nothing less than remarkable.

What is your favourite vacation destination?

Arizona. Seriously, I'm a senior citizen at heart. It's such a beautiful and diverse state. I love the deserts of the south, the red rocks of Sedona, and the snowy peaks of Flagstaff. I have to say, I enjoy it a lot more in the winter though, when it's not as hot!

What is one totally random fact you want others to know about you?

I don't sleep with a pillow.

To see more of Ashley's looks check out her blog

Two Eyes In The Mirror.

Photos: http://2eyesinthemirror.blogspot.com/

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an explanation

okay guys, don't panic. isabel is fine. she has not, as you may have worried, been eaten alive by a bear. (hey, she lives in canada...). she's merely lost all means of connecting with the internet due to a bear falling on the power lines. i'm just kidding, i have no idea how her power went out. however, in order to keep you lovely readers satisfied, she kindly let me, daniela (her badass twitter bff) to do a guest post. one thing i've always loved about isabel's blog is her "look of the week" posts; she has such impeccable taste. if this blogging thing doesn't work out for her, she has a solid future in personal shopping. well, to clients with endless couture budgets she does! as a teenage blogger in probably the country worst hit by american cultural imperialisation, one thing that constantly occupies me is my leaver's prom, which will be in july 2011. however, press discounts are a-calling me, coupled with the the fact that i really don't want anyone to have the same dress as me. so it's not too early to look...is it?

lanvin python + mongolian fur pumps, £1,210

bogetta veneta clutch, £745

adam sequin silk/organza dress, £1305

what do you think of this for a prom-style look? ps, i definitely cannot afford any of this. isabel will be back with you soon, i hope you've enjoyed my ramblings. if so, feel free to hit me up at www.coutureandcrumpets.blogspot.com . peace out x

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Christmas Wish List

I don't expect to receive such an expensive gift but that doesn't mean I don't want it. Maybe I'll buy it for myself since it is #1 on my list. ShopBop.com $875

I really want this Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection because I own only ONE eyeshadow and it is the same colour I have been wearing since I was 14. I think it is time to switch it up a bit but I really only like neutral eye colours...so this box set is PERFECT! Sephora.com $35

Next fall I will be going back to school. This means I will be living in Toronto and I want a new duvet cover. I still have the same one I used during my undergrad but it is more than 6 years old and even though a new one isn't necessary I really love this Floating Flowers Duvet Cover from Urban Outfitters. UrbanOutfitters.com $78

I am a but obsessed with House of Harlow 1960 and I have been eyeing this Peacock Locket Necklace for about a year. ShopBop.com $120

This House of Harlow 1960 Tribal necklace is exactly my style. Big, bold and unique. ShopBop.com $145

Tribal Wrap Ring ShopBop.com $65

Tribal Wrap Ring ShopBop.com $65

Athena Silver Headband Lucia Bella Etsy Shop $32

After seeing A.Co Est. 1984's SHOE ROOM, yes she has a shoe room, I decided I needed some more shoes. Seriously, I have two pairs of heels, two flats and two boots. Some of this is because I have been travelling for the last three years, and you can only fit so much into two suitcases, but mostly it is because I haven't bought any shoes in over a year. The AldoShoes.com Whitsey Peep-Toe Pump in bone ($110) is the perfect addition to my very small shoe collection. I have been on the lookout for the perfect nude pump and I think this is it.

Viciious Taupe Bootie $76.95 from Steve Madden

Girl of the Blogosphere: Kate

Name: Kate

City: Fredericton, NB

Occupation: Government

Blog:

O My Heart!

Who is your fashion inspiration?

I can honestly say that other fashion & style bloggers are my biggest inspiration, and have been long before I ever started a blog! Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere, Blair of Atlantic-Pacific, and Krystal of This Time Tomorrow are a few of my personal blogger 'style icons'. I find inspiration everywhere though - magazines, celebs, street style photographers, gossip girl, and my 'real life' (non-blogosphere) friends. I also have a file on my desktop named 'the style file' where I throw in any image that inspires me.

What is one thing you always carry in your bag?

My bag is generally quite a mess, so there is plenty to be found in there, but I must have my phone & a pair of sunglasses!

What is your current favourite fashion trend?

I am really loving fall appropriate shorts (wool/tweed) with tights - so cute, so comfy. Also really loving lace up booties, and am still on the hunt for my perfect lace up black wedge bootie - it has to be out there somewhere!

What is the current trend you dislike the most?

I quite dislike the all the velvet/velour I see popping up lately. And I personally haven't latched on to the faux fur trend, but I have liked it on some people, it's just not for me.

Why did you start your blog?

After reading fashion and personal style blogs for a few years, I really wanted to start my own just because it looked like so much fun! I was always making wishlists & sending links to friends of things I loved online, so the idea of having a blog where I could put all of that stuff in one place sounded exciting!

How would you describe your style?

I struggle with defining my style - I would say I lean towards feminine & classic pieces, definitely things that are girlie and pretty, and I generally keep things pretty simple.

What is one thing you are dying to buy this winter?

As I mentioned before, I am searching high & low for the perfect wedge lace-up black bootie! It's at the top of my wishlist this winter! I'm also hoping to add lots of warm, flattering sweater dresses to my wardrobe! I always prefer dresses to pants, but I'm also a big fan of being warm! So cozy dresses and warm tights are a must!

What is the most expensive thing you have bought?

I'm honestly not sure (besides furniture) - most likely boots or a coat!

What is the least expensive thing you have bought?

I have a black skinny belt that I got for 93 cents that I wear multiple times a week - 93 cents!

What is one thing that you regret buying?

Any pair of uncomfortable and ill fitting shoes I have ever bought - I regret all of them!

If you could meet one person from the fashion industry/ a fashion icon who would it be?

I feel like most people from the fashion industry would overwhelm and intimidate me should I ever actually meet them... but I would love to hear stories from Grace Coddington. I'm definitely looking forward to reading her book!

What is your favourite vacation destination?

I actually have been on very few vacations in my life... lots of little roadtrips, in which case I would say Montreal is my favorite. But there are many places I would love to visit - New York at Christmas time being my biggest life dream.

What is one totally random fact you want others to know about you?

I think kindness is the single most important thing in life.

To see more of Kate's looks check out her blog O My Heart!

Photos: http://o-my-heart.blogspot.com/

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Look of the Week: Holiday Party

Black Dresses by Single Dress
Pumps by Michael Antonio

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Asos Twist Fron Jersey Dress

Here is another holiday dress that would be perfect for the girl who doesn't like shimmer and glitter. The dress is relatively modest but the form fitting silhouette gives it a bit of sex appeal. I love the twist detail because it makes the simple cut and makes it more glamorous. I would be happy to wear it in either colour.

What do you think?

You can buy it through Asos.com for 48.27

Photos: Asos.com

dresses with twist detail

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Lulus Day Face Grey Dress

Since the holidays are approaching I am on the look out for dresses. My sister sent me a link to this dress and wanted to know what I thought. Well, I love it! I love the cut of the dress and the sheer top is sexy without being too revealing. I also love that the mesh is black and the body of the dress is grey. Pair this with some heels and a clutch and you are good to go.

What do you think?

You can buy it through Lulus.com for $38

Photos: lulus.com

Black dresses with sheer top

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LookBook: Black & Grey

I'm wearing:

H&M Blazer

Joe Fresh Tee

Flying Monkey Denim

Enzo Angiolini Boots

Bracelets (gift)

Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita Satchel

I've had this blazer for over a year and this is the first time I have worn it. I can't believe I waited so long to wear it.

Remember when I said you would be seeing a lot of these boots in posts? I didn't lie.

I got these bracelets as a gift from a student after she came back from a trip to China. I love them!

What do you think?

blazers

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