FBFF: Inspiration

This is my second week in participating in Katy's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions. This marks her one year anniversary of FBFF, so she's asking the same questions this week that she asked one year ago. A good idea, since you're constantly being inspired by different things throughout your life.


1. Which celebrities do you look to for fashion inspiration?
I like the young, laid back, yet presentable (and sometimes professional) looks from people like Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Ashley Tisdale. Each of these women have their own unique style that is totally inspiring to me. I highly recommend Lauren's book, Style, and MKA's book, Influence, for style tips and other inspiration.

2. When it comes to your own personal style, what inspires you? 

After starting my blog, I'm very much inspired by other blogger's outfits (more than by celebrities). I do still find tons of inspiration from the runway, magazines ads and editorials, but I'm drawn to the 'real' aspect of blogging. We all are our own stylist, hair and makeup team, so you really get to see how real people pull it all together.

3. How do you hope to inspire your readers? 

I hope to inspire my readers to try things they normally wouldn't (tribal print pants, marble nails)- taking an idea or feeling I create and translating it to fit their style. Whether it's an outfit, DIY idea, nail art, food or a movie, I want to bring something exciting and creative for someone to be inspired by. It's good to break out of your comfort zone every now and then.

4. Outside the realm of fashion who/what inspires you? 

I'm very much inspired by people living life the way they want, even if that means forgoing convention. I'm inspired when I see people living their dream and being passionate about the life they lead. Movies greatly inspire me- my early life was very much inspired by Disney movies- because of them, I was inspired to try surfing, snowboarding, and other things; but now, I'm inspired when I see things like The September Issue, Mamma Mia and Into the Wild (that was a close one, let me tell you). Other things outside of fashion that inspire me: good graphic design, nature, learning about new philosophies, Martha Stewart and home making (even though I don't have one of my own yet), and Pottery Barn catalogs.

5. And since Idol is ending… Which songs inspire you?

I don't watch Idol, but sorry for those of you who do- (bittersweet?) you get to find out who wins, but then it ends. One song that inspires me is "Every LIttle Thing Counts" by Janus Stark. (It's from one of my favorite movies, Disturbing Behavior.) More than just the lyrics, it reminds me of a time in my life when I did my own thing and didn't care about what people thought. Other songs that inspire me (obviously) come from musicals, and others that are way too many to list!

FBFF ~ Favorite Spring Trends

This is my first time participating in FBFF (Fashion & Beauty Friend Friday), hosted by Katy at Modly Chic. This week's question was 'what are your 5 favorite trends to see or wear this Spring?' Here are some of my favorites:

1. Tassels

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I love these tassel belts that have been seen on the runways lately. (I can think of a new purpose for my cords from graduation!) They're great on anything from shoes to purses.

 2. Feathers

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Feather extensions are a really cool way to incorporate some flair into your look. In an otherwise simple outfit, they add a cool factor that's fashion-forward and unique. I like the extensions, but also one long feather earring or other kinds of feathers incorporated into your look can do wonders for your spring style.

 3. Bright lips

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Bright colors are always the fastest way to liven up your look and catapult you right out of the winter slump. I've only dabbled with bright lipsticks before because I thought they were too much for me, but after wearing it out, I got a bunch of compliments and changed my opinion.

 4. Spikes

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My knees weakened when I first caught sight of Burberry's spiked shoulder trench. Since then, I have a renewed interest in spikes and plan to DIY something soon. Which leads me to my last thing...

5. D.I.Y.s

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I've been getting a ton of great DIY ideas from blogs like the Glamourai and Style Scrapbook this week and can't wait to get creative with my hands (opposed to on the computer). As seen in the street style pics at fashion weeks, DIY items always give you that little something extra and make you stand out against the crowd (same with vintage). And as always, if you can craft something inspired by a designer version for a fraction of the price, more power to you.

Thank you for reading my first FBFF, and please be sure to check out what everyone else posted here!

Have a great weekend!

xx Kara