silly excuses + exciting news

I know I've been neglecting my poor blog... I realize that it was probably a mistake, and not fair to those of you who anxiously await my daily updates (ha), but I decided that things were starting to get a bit out of hand, and I really needed some time to refocus my priorities and (most importantly) get some sleep. Things have been insanely stressful at work since we are in the process of changing our name, and I have been directing every ounce of energy towards that for the last few weeks - I just didn't have any left for my blog. I left work early on Friday, because I just needed a break.

The long weekend definitely helped - I feel more rested and less stressed than I have in a long time. The official name change will take place at the end of this week, which means that the next couple of weeks are probably going to be even more intense than the last few. Now that the ball is rolling, though, hopefully I won't be spending all of my time and energy pushing things forward.

Now that the awkwardness is over, I have some very important updates I'd like to share:

1. I now officially have ten followers!
I know, it's not a huge number, but I feel that it's a milestone worth mentioning nonetheless. When that number hits 20, I'm going to have a small giveaway to celebrate. You can follow my blog by finding the blue button under the heading "stalk me" on the right hand side. You may have to scroll down a bit, but it is the third one down (underneath the blurb about sponsorship).

2. I am now a Forum Advisor on Chictopia.
Chictopia, for those of you not familiar with the site, is a community of fashion and style lovers. Members have a personal style blog where they can upload photos of their personal style to share with others; there is also a style gallery, which features the best of the best of the uploaded photos; a shop, where member retailers can sell their wares; a rewards section, where members can use points accrued through participation in the community to get free stuff; and, most importantly, a forum where members can interact, post questions, tips, and talk about anything that tickles their fancy. I only began my moderating duties a few days ago, but I've already become a bit obsessive about it. I moderate the Shopping, Ask a Stylist and Beauty forums. You can check out my profile page here, and if you're not already a member you should definitely join!

3. I just joined my first affiliate network.
It's called Lyst, and I'm still learning the ins and outs, but so far I really like it. I can go through and create a "lyst" of items I love, just like creating a wish list. What I love the most about Lyst is that it uses items from a variety of retailers, so instead of scouring ten different sites searching for the item I want, I can just browse their collections. I do make a commission of someone purchases something from one of my lysts, but I am very particular about the items I add to my lyst. I will not add anything that I don't want to get for myself, and that includes not adding items that are way out of my price range. You can see my lyst on the right side of this blog, below the stalk me section.

4. I found my perfect pair of faux leather pants!
I went shopping this weekend, and picked up a pair at H&M for just $24.95! I'm pretty stoked about it - I even found the black leather shorts I wanted. There was a black faux leather pleated skirt, but they didn't have the right size. I really wish that H&M would start selling online - I heard that they're opening up online this spring, but I wish they'd be quick about it! I did find this one by Free People on Lyst - I may just splurge and get it for myself for my birthday.

5. I finally got around to creating my February inspiration board.
It's so late in the month that I decided to make it for both February and March. I picked up copies of Vogue and InStyle this month, as well as my Glamour and WSJ Magazine, so my sources for this one are quite a bit more varied, however I had a lot more pieces that I wanted to put up. I think I will have to get a few more cork boards and make some more boards, because I am feeling particularly inspired this season, especially now that I have most of the items I really wanted off of my wish list.

This board is a mix of Glamour's February and March issues, and Vogue's February issue, some sparkly jewelry I don't often wear, and a friendship bracelet I bought from some girls selling them on a street corner in east Salt Lake. I especially love the printed pants (bottom, right, next to the pleated leather skirt), the blouse in the Lucky ad (top, middle) and the DKNY Jeans ad with Ashley Greene (bottom left).

I'll post photos of the others when I get them done. In the meantime, I'd love to know - what's inspiring you this season?