Blogger Q&A: Meet Hoda of JooJoo Azad ~ Free Bird

Today meet Hoda of JooJoo Azad ~ Free Bird. She is an inspiration and a lover of fashion and style. She is also a big social action advocate and she uses her platform of her blog to get her readers to action. I love her mix of pattern and layering, we could all learn something from this girl! Check her blog out at here!

Describe your personal style in three words.
1. Menswear
2. Patterns
3. Layers

I can’t leave home without: My scarf! (teehee!)

If I were any accessory, I would be: A crazy, two finger ring!

What are your three favorite places to shop?
1. Anchal Project
2. 4 All Humanity
3. Angela Roi

What is your favorite travel outfit?

Jeans + T-shirt + Plaid shirt around waist (you never know when you’ll need an extra layer!) + Light Jacket

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?

Anything with a strong statement jacket and my favorite cut-out ankle boots that make noise when I walk!  

What is your go-to handbag right now?

I’ve actually really gotten into backpacks—they are so convenient and fresh!

What are you reading right now?

I’ve been reading poetry by Rumi, my favorite poet!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Bad Persian pop music

What company milestone are you most proud of?

I’m just honored when people message me telling me that they’ve read my boycott list and want to join in, or that they’ve learned something from my blog! It’s the little things that make me the most excited!

What blogs have you visited recently?

I religiously read StyleScrapbook by Andy Torres and Flashes of Style by Bonnie Barton!

Blazer Showdown

Today Dawn of of Project Beaute and are hosting a style showdown showcasing two styles each for the ever versatile and one of my favorite closet staples, the blazer. I find myself in Blazers day in and day out and love them for all occasions. Dawn and I are both New Yorkers by birth, and as a result for life of course. So we are featuring the blazer in a little East vs West coast. As I am more preppy in my fashion and Dawn is more rock and roll, its really fun to see how we both take a staple and make it our own. How do you style your blazers?

Blazer: Banana Republic; Dress: Ann Taylor; Bag: Coach; Shoes: C.Wonder; Bangles: Margaret Elizabeth;
Watch: Kate Spade; Rings: Engagement Ring, Wedding Ring and Kate Spade Knot;
Necklaces: Etsy and Doegard; Earrings: Banana Republic; Headband: J.Crew

Blazer: mark., Avon Products; Top: Forever21; Skirt: Calvin Klein; Boots: Steve Madden;
Bag: orYANY; Earrings: mark., Avon Products

Blazer: J.Crew; Top: Tuckernuck: Shorts: Old Navy; Clutch: Kate Spade Outlet; Shoes: Jack Rogers Custom;
Watch: Kate Spade; Bracelet: Anthropologie; Rings: Enagement, Wedding and Kate Spade; Earrings: RueLaLa

Blazer: mark., Avon Products; Tank: H&M; Denim: Levi's; Shoes: Aldo; Earrings: Forever21

Her blog features amazing beauty tips and tricks. This girl knows what she is talking about. I wanted to introduce you all to her blog a bit more, so I asked Dawn to participate in one of my blogger Q&A sessions as well. See her responses below and go check her out!

Describe your personal style in three words.
1. rocker chic
2. fun
3. cool

I can’t leave home without: my iPhone 

If I wawnere any accessory, I would be: a pashmina

What are your three favorite places to shop?
1. Zara
2. H&M
3. DSW

What is your favorite travel outfit? t-shirt and jeans

What outfit do you go to when you want to feel strong and powerful? a bold burst of color paired with an amazing pair of stilettos

What is your go-to handbag right now? I have this extra large Betsy Johnson black leather tote that has faux zippers down the front. my sister gave it to me years ago but every time someone sees it they ask where I got it...love!

What are you reading right now? if you can believe wuthering heights because I never read it as a kid lol

What is a guilty pleasure of yours? sometimes when I want a "seventh day" I indulge myself by eating a bag of Reese's peanut butter cups

What company/blog milestone are you most proud of? because my blog is still very young (it's only been three years and the last year I've been really working hard) I love it when I get follows and shoutouts from brands like glam glow, becca cosmetics and other established bloggers like Renae Bluitt ofinhershoesblog.com and Lara Eurdolian of prettyconnected.com. it shows me there's space for all of us and my voice is being heard and appreciated.

What blogs have you visited recently? inhershoesblog.com, sweetjellybean.com, fancieland.com,ectblogmag.com

Blogger Q&A: Pretti Please

Today I want to introduce you to Jaqueline of Pretti Please. She not only writes an amazing blog but has her own Etsy shop, Bowtique by Jacqueline to boot! I love her wonderful hair accessories and monograms, especially this linen american flag bow. Give her blog and shop a visit, you won't be disappointed.

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. feminine
2. classic
3. glamorous 

I can’t leave home without: Dark sunglasses in sunny Los Angeles are a must-have!

If I were any accessory, I would be: A really, really glittery clutch.

What are your three favorite places to shop?

1. Tory Burch
2. C. Wonder
3. My mom's closet!

What is your favorite travel outfit?

I like to travel comfortably so I usually go with booties, comfy jeans, and a bright cardigan!  

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?

I love pairing a patterned scarf with booties that have a heel. There's something about swinging a scarf over your shoulder while your heels click the pavement that is just exhilarating!

What is your go-to handbag right now?

My current obsession is Prada's Saffiano tote in black.

What are you reading right now?

Half the Sky - it really tugs at your heart strings. You must read it!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Scrolling through my Pinterest feed is always entertaining.  The amazing bloggers that I follow really help get my creativity flowing!

What company milestone are you most proud of?

I recently made my 75th sale on my Etsy shop, Bowtique By Jacqueline!  Creating items for my shop is one of my passions and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share my creations with others through Etsy.

What blogs have you visited recently?

The Sweetest Thing and Angel Food Style are my daily go-tos!  

My First Liebster Award

I was awarded my very first Liebster Award a few weeks back by Summer Edmonds of Simply Summer. Summer is so sweet and I was so honored to be one of her picks. She has been one of my first followers and I always appreciate her sweet comments on my posts!

Summer has asked me to answer these 11 questions as part of my award so here goes!
1. What is your favorite part about being a blogger?
The ability to make wonderful new friends both through readers and fellow bloggers. My job is pretty male dominated (engineering) so blogging gives me not only a great creative outlet, but a way to make new girlfriends.

2. Why did you start blogging?
Really the same reason as why I love blogging. I work in defense and therefore my job can be pretty dry. I love being able to be creative and get out the daily grind by focusing on fashion (my first love) and lifestyle.

3. Where did you come up with the name of your blog?
I am a native New Yorker and am obsessed with everything preppy and classic. I constantly find myself inspired by both my hometown as well as Southern California. The preppy side of me was drawn to the headbands while the New Yorker was focused on my favorite NY treat, the bagel!

4. What is one item in your beauty bag that you could not live without?
My Dior Addict Lip Glow. It is the perfect sheer gloss that allows your lips to pop their natural color.

5. What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
My J.Crew field jacket. I have it in both olive and navy. It works with almost every outfit and is the perfect weight for LA.

6. What is your guilty pleasure?
TV for sure. That and iced coffee. I watch way to much of it, but it is one of my favorite ways to decompress while I blog or knit.

7. What is your biggest pet peeve?

8. Where are your 3 favorite places to shop?
My three favorite places to shop are J.Crew, Nordstrom and Kate Spade (Anthropologie and Ann Taylor can make a run for it at times as well).

9. If you could meet 3 famous people(past or present) who would it be and why?
F.Scott Fitzgerald, since he is my favorite author of all time and I would love to have a cocktail or two with him.
Kate Middelton, she is just so elegant and effortless. I am constantly inspired by her picks.
Jennifer Lawrence, I honestly just want to be besties with that girl.

10. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
On an African Safari. I would love to travel around South Africa, cage dive with sharks and then hit a safari. It would be a trip of a lifetime.

11. In terms of style, what's your favorite period and history?
I would probably say the Roman empire. Glaidator sandals, beautifully draped dresses. Just effortless.

In addition here are my nominees for their Liebster Awards. All these blogs have under 200 followers on Bloglovin and are blogs I read everyday! These ladies all rock and deserve your love and support. Congrats ladies!

A Darling Dream
Beautiful Life and Style
Blush and Blonde
Daily Dose of Darling
Envision Pretty
Every Once in a Style
Jen Genuine
Laura Lily
Life's A Party Dress Like It
Stylelista Confessions
West Coast Capri

Here are your questions for your Award and download the image award above.
1. Describe your style in three words.
2. I can't leave home without:
3. If you were any accessory, you would be:
4. What are your three favorite places to shop?
5. What's your favorite book ever and of the last year?
6. What is your go to travel outfit?
7. What's one of your guilty pleasures?
8. What is your go-to handbag right now? What's in it?
9. What other blogs do you read regularly?
10. What outfit makes you feel strong and powerful?
11. What is on the top of your wanderlust list right now?

Blogger Q&A: Meet Blush and Blonde

Today's Blogger Q&A is featuring Jessie of Blush and Blonde.  I adore her blog to infinity and read it absolutely everyday. I lover her style and how easy she makes it all look. Also love my military families. Since I get to support the military in my day job, I love interacting with them and their families on a personal level as well. I've had lots of family and friends in the military over the years and I am glad to add Jessie to that list!

Describe your personal style in three words.
1. Classic
2. Modest
3. Ladylike

via Blush & Blonde

I can’t leave home without: A bottle of water

If I were any accessory, I would be: A simple strand of pearls.

What are your three favorite places to shop?Only three, seriously??!

1. J.Crew
2. Lilly Pulitzer
3. Kate Spade… and Tory Burch and Shoshanna and Neiman Marcus. Oops.

via Blush & Blonde

What is your favorite travel outfit? Leggings and layered oversized tops. I’m always cold!

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful? A really great coat and no-nonsense hair. If my hair is in a sleek pony or a tight bun, you know I mean business.

via Blush & Blonde

What is your go-to handbag right now? I’m obsessing over anything Rebecca Minkoff. And Gigi New York.

What are you reading right now? Anna Karenina. Again!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours? Reality TV. If it’s on Bravo, I’m probably watching it.

What company milestone are you most proud of? I’m more humbled than proud. This experience has already allowed me to reach and meet so many new people; I can only imagine how this journey will grow. It’s amazing.

What blogs have you visited recently? So many!! I love visiting other blogs. People’s fashion is as different as their fingerprints, and I love it. My favorites are Krystal Schlegel, Sarah Vickers at Classy Girls Wear Pearls, and Rach Parcell at Pink Peonies.

Blogger Q&A: Meet Flux and Flow

Today I want to introduce you to Jasmine of Flux and Flow. Jasmine is graduating college this June and is off to move back to Hawaii! I'm definitely jealous as I have never been myself! She writes about travels, fashion, and life and has a great perspective that is refreshing and cool. She allows her island girl style to show in her writing and reading her blog is wonderful!

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. Laid-back. (I'm from Hawaii so shorts and rubber slippers are a staple for me!)
2. Black.
3. Comfy. (I'll take yoga pants over jeans any day!)

I can’t leave home without: My cell phone. It sounds obsessive, but everything is on my phone! I have appointments, schedules, all my social media, plus it doubles as a camera and a mighty fine paperweight. 

If I were any accessory, I would be: Rings! 

What are your three favorite places to shop?

1. American Apparel
2. Forever 21
3. Any online store that has a sale and free shipping!

What is your favorite travel outfit? Since I'm always traveling between Hawaii and someplace cold, I have to wear lots of layers. Usually I'll wear a pair of stretchy jeans or jeggings, a nice cotton top and either a sweatshirt or a cardigan. And of course I'll wear my converse because they're easy to take on and off while going through security.

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful? Black. I'll wear black jeans with a pair of knee-high boots, paired with a white top under a leather jacket. Add NARS Scarlett Empress lipstick and you're good to go! 

What is your go-to handbag right now? My Michael Kors royal blue bag is my baby. I got him for Christmas and I haven't changed bags yet!

What are you reading right now? The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, I can't put it down!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours? House Hunters, I can watch 20 episodes and not get tired of it. (I think I'll blame my mom for this one!) 

What company milestone are you most proud of? I'm proud that my blog has been able to reach the amount of people that it has without me having to purchase ads or obsessively self-promote it. I'm also really proud when readers email me and tell me that I've inspired them or changed their lives because of something I wrote. That's the best feeling in the world.

How cute is she!

What blogs have you visited recently? I'm currently loving bleubirdblog.com and profreshstyle.com. These ladies are so inspirational!

Blogger Q&A: Meet Life's A Party Dress Like It

Today I want to introduce you to Paige from Life's A Party Dress Like It. Paige and I met through our involvement in the SoCal Blogger Society and I am so excited to start to feature some more wonderful bloggers from the area. Paige works in Entertainment and Non-Profit PR, working events and just being an all around kick-ass go getter. This girl is super cool and her blog reflects every aspect of that. Check her out!

via Life's A Party Dress Like It

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. Preppy

2. Classic

3.Feminine 

I can’t leave home without: My Raybans (life savers) or any chapstick/lipstick. I'm constantly reapplying!

If I were any accessory, I would be: Earrings! Anything from a sophisticated diamond stud to a fun pair of statement chandelier's. Any outfit can go from plain and ordinary to extra special with the right pair of earrings.

What are your three favorite places to shop?

1.  Francesca's Collection 

2.  Marshall's/TJ Maxx -- always find great deals!

3. Small boutiques - I tend to stay away from big department stores because I don't want to be seen in what everyone else has

What is your favorite travel outfit?

When I travel, comfort is key! My go to is black Victoria's Secret yoga leggings, long white tank, button up chambray top and ankle booties. If it's going to be cold where I'm headed I'll trade those in for knee high boots and add a scarf and fur vest.

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?

I have two outfits which make me feel invincible:

Office: I have this white chiffon blouse with gray polka dots I like to tuck into my hunter green skinnies. I add a gold glitter belt, pointed gold flats and some serious statement jewelry pieces and am seriously ready to own the day!

Weekend: When I think of strong and powerful leather instantly comes to my mind because it reads edgy. I grab my favorite Ann Taylor stripe top with sequins, tuck that into a printed giraffe black/tan skirt and throw on the leather jacket + heels. Instantly feel super feminine yet rocker-chic with the leather jacket on top. 

via Life's A Party Dress Like It

What is your go-to handbag right now?

Working in events I either have a large tote to hold all of the excess folders and knick knacks I have or a clutch but I don't really carry either during the week. I have a Kate Spade bifold which perfectly holds my ID, debit card and cash and I carry that pretty much everyday. It's a great transition piece because I throw it in whatever bag I'm using.

What are you reading right now?

Shamefully nothing at the moment (tsk tsk) but I'm heading to Cabo in a couple of weeks and plan on diving into the Divergent series!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

Monster Energy Drinks. They're so bad for you but because I get the Absolute Zero  (0 Calories, 0 Sugar) I feel a little better about it.

via Life's A Party Dress Like It

What company milestone are you most proud of?

I moved to LA 2 years ago without a job and a handful of money in my pocket. I started temping immediately and doing everything from clipping Kardashian labels off of clothes to send to Marshalls, to working check in tables at events. I moved on to a fashion marketing job I hated but had a steady paycheck at before landing my dream job of working in Entertainment/Non Profit PR. That in its entirety has me pretty damn proud of what I've accomplished. 

What blogs have you visited recently? 

I recently met Stormie at the So Cal Blogger Society luncheon and lover her blog, 20 Something Diaries, but my daily go to's are Ashley from Le Stylo Rouge, Ashton from Ashton Wears Things, Emily from Life with Emily, Shanna from Because Shanna Said So, Pamela from Sequins and Seabreezes, Lauren from Fizz and Frosting and of course Elisabeth fromHeadbands and Bagels! 

Meet Belladwella Interior Design - Blogger Q&A

Jenn of Belladwella Interior Design is a friend of mine through my sister and her sister-in-law. We met at our baby sisters college graduation party in 2011 and totally hit it off. This girl has amazing fashion and design sense and has been teaching people how to fashionable upgrade their homes DIY style on her blog Belladwella for ages.

Jenn recently started her own virtual interior design company where she can work with over one on one over the world wide web. She is amazeballs. She is also mom to a beautiful little girl Hutton. You should really check her blog out!

Jen and her handsome hubby!

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. Assorted
2. Love
3. Fest

I can’t leave home without:
My babylove, Lulu.

If I were any accessory, I would be:
My leather tassel Marissa Haskell necklace. 

Where are your three favorite places to shop?

1.  Nordstrom online
2. eBay
3. Amazon

What is your favorite travel outfit?

Zella leggings from Nordstrom, petty boots, ray bans. 

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?
My black J. Brand skinny jeans with zippers on the ankle. Only because I can finally fit into them again after losing 40 pounds (thanks a LOT, Lulu).

What is your go-to handbag right now?

My Neverfull. It's been my go to since I was allowed to purchase it because "I needed a diaper bag"...

What are you reading right now?

Catching up on the "reading parts" of House Beautiful and Veranda. I look at all the pictures, from back to front, and then put it away until I really sit down and make an effort to read the articles, which are fabulously written.  

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Cinnamon roll Quest bar rolled out and put in the toaster oven to make it like a "cookie".

What post or blog milestone are you most proud of?

Forming an LLC and increasing my client base this year to more than just my mother.

What blogs have you visited recently?

I haven't had much time lately, but I'll always fall back to the Little Green Notebook and I Suwannee. Jenny Komenda and Jamie Meares are forces to be reckoned with. Funny story... back in 2010 when I first started my blog, I emailed Jamie a picture of my "DIY chevron trashcan" (c'mon..) and she sweetly responded "Wow! I like it. But would never have the time." Now, four years later, I have the same feelings as Jamie about DIY'ing a trashcan. 

Meet The College Prepster - Blogger Q&A

Carly of The College Prepster is an inspiring individual. She started The College Prepster from her dorm room at Georgetown and recently branched out and made The College Prepster brand her full time job. I love her sense of style and practical sensibilities. I may also be in love with her puppy, Teddy! She recently celebrated her 5 year blogiversary check her out if you don't already follow her amazing blog.

via The College Prepster

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. Classic

2. Comfortable

3. Tailored

I can’t leave home without:
Chapstick. Honestly I have so many tubes of lip balm. One for every purse, in my desk drawer, on my nightstand. I'm probably a little bit addicted! If I forget mine at home or lose mine, I have to go to the drug store right away no matter where I am!

If I were any accessory, I would be:
A pearl bracelet! I wear three every day and they're just my favorites!

Where are your three favorite places to shop?

1. J. Crew, predictable.

2. Kate Spade

3. Nordstrom

What is your favorite travel outfit?
I almost always wear skinny jeans, a button up, and a blazer. Ballet flats are easy to slip in and out of in the security line and a blazer makes any outfit look a little but more put together.

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?
I have this lucky dress. It's blue and white houndstooth... wearing that with nude pumps is always my go-to! (Or a LBD for a nighttime event!) (Fun fact, I have this Elizabeth McKay dress too!)

What is your go-to handbag right now?
My mom's Louis Vuitton speedy from the 80s. I have "borrowed" it from her...

What are you reading right now?
The Book Thief 

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Candy and watching Dance Moms

What blogs have you visited recently?
I love mom blogs! Emphasis Added has been especially inspiring to me!

via The College Prepster

Meet Walking in Memphis in High Heels - Blogger Q&A

Laura is the founder of one of my favorite style blogs, Walking in Memphis in High Heels. She mixes pieces at all different price ranges without flaw and somehow balances it all between working, graduate school and blogger extraordinaire. This girl is a serious force to be reckoned with.

via Walking in Memphis in High Heels

Describe your personal style in three words.

1. Girly

2. Classic

3. Trendy
A little of all three, and I like to mix it up.  = )

I can’t leave home without:
My YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick.

If I were any accessory, I would be:
If I were any accessory, I would be a long, bold colorful statement necklace.

Where are your three favorite places to shop?

1. Ann Taylor

2. J.Crew

3. Nordstrom

What is your favorite travel outfit?
My favorite travel outfit is definitely my J.Crew pixie pants, a button down blouse and some flats.  No belt, no jewelry and easy to slip off shoes.  It's all about comfort and speed in the airport.  = )

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?
I would probably put on a pencil skirt, a bright colored blouse, some statement jewelry and my tallest pair of eye catching heels.

What is your go-to handbag right now?
Right now I have been carrying my GiGi New York black barrel bag like crazy.  I thought it would annoy me carrying it in my hand instead of on my shoulder, but it hasn't.  It is my new favorite. 

What are you reading right now?
Haha, Management Science & Quantitative Tools.  I'm taking my final exams this week for grad school.  = )  No fun reading until I graduate in 5 months!

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
Chocolate covered strawberries.  Once I start making them, I can eat the entire batch and then feel the need to make them every night that week.  So good though!  At least I use dark chocolate, right?  = )

What career milestone are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my two career milestones this year.  I was just promoted to Assistant Credit Manager a couple months ago, and I also earned my highest certification in my field, Certified Credit Executive.

What blogs have you visited recently?
Gal Meets Glam, Pink Avenue and Cara Loren.  I am looking forward to the next month off from school because it has put a big damper on my blog reading.  I've got a lot of catching up to do over the holidays!

via Walking in Memphis in High Heels

If you want to check Laura's social media feeds out, see below!

Walking in Memphis in High Heels

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