Stylish with Substance

If you don't yet know what this is or about the Independent Fashion Bloggers, then you are probably not a blogger, but just know it's a great group of great blogs so you'll enjoy the links down the page. :-)

I'm getting back into posting these, for many reasons I stopped and many more why I hope to continue. I do think this means I must share more of my own content in between, but that's a good goal.

Now that I'm taking many ensemble photos per week (Fashion Week's getting in the way of most of everything else though), it shouldn't be hard to blog nearly every day, and usually more than once (or twice). Also because of that, since this "roundup" I've started and may continue to write entries along a major theme this week, work or weekday wear as those pertain to Fashion Week and generally dressing in new ways, but in my own way. (A recent ensemble post of mine was basically in the "new theme" because of my new confidence!) I know I'm starting to gather more inspiration for ensembles to switch things up outside my own brain, but I'm also inspired by the catwalk and boisterousness of Fashion Week, itself (a topic obviously present and mentioned in the theme description below), and I plan to follow a challenge I've set for myself soon. For now, busy busy busy! And we'll just see how much I can even fit into my writing for one day! ;-)

On to the great links for this Sunday evening, while I've laid back some this (Fashion) weekend, but isn't it so needed?? You can enjoy these and enjoy more content back here tomorrow. -Ella

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Round Up

By the way, I knew when I started this up again (posting these, I get so busy I feel I don't blog enough to clog up the timeline) that I'd forget to submit my link. No really, I did. :-) (And I had a lot to choose from.)

Well, on to the goodness.

When Fashion Gets Ethical

Edited by Retrochick

The ethics of Fashion can be a blurry area. With so much to think about when we buy, from construction to provenance, how can we pick our way through such a minefield of issues and emerge with our ethics intact?

We all have a duty as consumers to be as informed as possible about the purchases we make, and this weeks Links à la Mode can help. Amongst this weeks picks Fashion in My Eyes talks about locally made fashion, Style Eyes discusses Organic Cotton, Hello Beauty buys some recycled sneakers, Oranges and Apples sorts the wheat from the chaff in second hand clothing and Shrimp Salad Circus brings you natural make up.

Once your done being educated we also have a good smattering of fashion frivolity to be getting on with too, and there’s even more on the original forum thread!

Links à la Mode : April 29

• Avant Garb – Dedicated Follower Fashion grills Sandra Mendoza-Daly of Debutante Clothing
• Betsey J – Why do we feel it’s necessary to financially compete with our fellow bloggers? Is it really worth it?
• Dramatis Personae – Interview with Indie Designer Ureshii– fabulous made-to-fit clothes for the modern gal!
• fashion in my eyes – Made in… Buying for the label
• Glossary – Fashion 101: Back to Basics
• hello beauty! – my new eco-sneakers, which are basically a jumble of hemp, recycled plastic bottles and car tires…
• House in Tillford – Fur isn’t fashion! My rantings about fur
• Idiosyncratic Style – Swoon-worthy Spring runway trends
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – How to Contribute Articles to a Blog or Magazine
• La Moda Dubai – Photoshop isn’t the only to manipulate a photo
• Le Quaintrelle – Outfits inspired by Michael Kors Resort 2010 collection with pieces out of my own closet.
• Mystery Creature – Look great for a sleek and sophisticated summer wedding with these 1930’s inspired wedding dresses
• Oranges and Apples – Taste and secondhand clothing: sorting the wheat from the chaff
• Out Of Order – Interview with Marisa of New Dress a Day
• Retro Chick – The Lost Art of Dressing Up
• Return to Sender – Little black dresses for the FATshionista.
• Ship-shape and Bristol Fashion – These days knock-off trends are common place but is cheap fashion still a taboo?
• Shoe A Day – How does fashion fit into Earth Day?
• Shrimp Salad Circus – Get high-fashion makeup looks for less with all-natural, afforadable handmade mineral versions!
• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – Organic clothing – should I bother?
• Style Symmetry – 5 Days of Symmetry Challenge ~ Wear a 100% Vintage Outfit
• The Coveted – Why Say Never? Chambray Jumpsuit & Clogs

Fashion has Brains

Edited by Ashe

Every week I am always surprised by the selection of posts we receive here at IFB.  I think back to before I started my blog, the discrimination I felt working in retail and adoring fashion, because it was shallow and it wasn’t academic.  Now I look at the community I am a part of and think– how could anyone accuse fashion enthusiasts of being shallow? Or fashion designers, lovers of style?  Indeed, like any frowned upon medium or niche, fashion has brains; it has ingenuity, it has controversy, it has creativity, and it has depth.

This week I want to celebrate those putting fashion and intellect together, to show that there’s more than meets that glittering eye…

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 22

• Agent Lover: – On The Search For The Perfect Retro Bathing Suit!
• Alice in Stilettos: – Interview with Edgy, Up-and-Coming Designer Chelsea Sutrisno
• Bay Area Style File: – Interview with Model turned Eco Friendly Beauty Brand owner Josie Maran.
• Bobbins and Bombshells: – Fashionable History: Lilly Dache – A True Fashion Success Story.
• Denim Debutante: – Meet US-Made NAEM Denim and Win Your Own Pair
• dramatis personae: – Back to the Future
• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Cynthia Rowley for Roxy Spring 2010
• For Those About to Shop: – Crystal Renn’s inspiring story of transformation may make you think twice about modelling industry:
• krameymartin: – Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. Check out this post to learn how to jazz up simple maternity pieces.
• La Chanelphile: – “The Allure of Chanel” by Paul Morand with Illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld
• M.I.S.S.: – The Rag Trade: The Sale Mentality. This week’s article looks at how we will get consumers to break the sale mentality and pay full price again.
• Night Watch: – DIY Tutorial: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010-11 Inspired Blazer
• Oh, the Places You'll Go!: – ASOS Curve Models – Plus, or not plus enough?
• Oranges and Apples: – Some thoughts on weight, fat activism and health
• Poetic & Chic: – Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, visits the de Young in San Francisco to announce a new Balenciaga retrospective slated for spring 2011.
• Retro Chick: – Made To Measure – Dresses for those who aren’t a standard size
• shrimp salad circus: – DIY Spring Flowers Headband/Belt for Under
• The Coveted – Craving Miu Miu Clogs?
• the fashionate traveller: – Discovers the emerging Japanese fashion trend Dolly Kei, as seen through a visit to Grimoire, Shibuya’s premier vintage store.
• The Fashionista Lab: – I gave up shopping and gained a new perspective on using and building my wardrobe (hint: shoes are important)
• True Queen: – Warning: Men In Skirts – Examining a taboo trend that attempts to go mainstream

I am a little bit late to post this roundup, but I didn't want to miss publishing these intriguing links, featuring yours truly...

The Countdown Begins

Edited by Dramatis Personae

The countdown has begun–not only until the end of the year–but until the end of the first decade in the 21st century.  That’s kind of amazing to think about.  Styletastic and Sway, Sway, Away! both look at fashion from the Oughts with two distinctly different visions. [the3st] interviews the founder of ModCloth, while Wicked & Whimsy reviews Closet Confidential (by the hilarious Winona of DaddyLikey fame!).

Since this will be my last edit of links a la mode for this year, see you all in 2010!

Links à la Mode : December 17th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Brands Get Burned By Celebs
• A Typical Atypical: – Suffering from Buyers Remorse: The Real Deal
• Brunette and Pink: – Makeup Tutorial: Leighton Meester Inspired Winged-out Smoky Eye Look
• DailyDivaDish – Create a sparkling New Year’s look with the Tarte Treasure Chest Giveaway. Enter to this limited edition kit.
• Friend in Fashion – Sugar and spice and all things nice – Unearthing the unique designs of the fabulous, Arizona based designer Monique Martinez, through the captive lense of Galaxie Andrews.
• Grit and Glamour: – The Trend Conundrum–rends are a tricky thing; what makes some women look so pulled together is not a wardrobe full of the latest styles and trends, but the ability to know which ones to avoid.
• i'm the it girl: – My Love Affair With Hermes and the Great Debate: Kelly or Birkin?
• Idiosyncratic Style: – 12 Great Holiday DIY Projects – give something special this year (even if you are short on time and money)
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My most amazing (and green!) find this year: Denim Therapy, a company who will restore your tattered favorite jeans to like-new condition. Seriously.
• La Société de Mode | The Fashion Society: – Combats are stomping their way back into style
• Pursed Lips: – Thoughts/quotes on Lady Gaga as a powerful tool, if a difficult one to reach, for designers.
• Style on a String – Getting down to the wire: Gifts for the Stylish Geek who is kind of Girly too
• Styletastic: – As the 00’s are coming to en end, we look back at the fashion memories that will define the decade. Ah the memories!
• Sway Sway Away!: – Sway Sway Away! presents Caitie’s bitching and moaning on the worst trends of the Aughts.
• THE COVETED – Love it or Leave it : Rodarte for Target
• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner shows you how to make a jaunty beret.
• The Working Wardrobe: – Beware of “business casual” being too casual for the workplace.
• tick tick heart: – A focus on the varying fashions of some of our quirkier leading ladies in film.
• White Rabbit: – Pros and Contras of Artificial Nails
• Wicked Whimsy: – Closet Confidential: A Review
• [the3st]: – Success & Getting There: Interview with Susan of ModCloth.com

Choices, Choices!

Edited by Dream Sequins

At this time of year, even the smallest decision can feel like the biggest burden.  As holiday shopping season swings into full and relentless motion this month, the choices we make as consumers can often feel overwhelming.  This week’s compelling roundup of reading explores these choices from every possible angle and makes it clear that as bloggers, we should feel empowered, not overwhelmed.  Whether it’s writing about a specialty gift guide for a geek chic girl, choosing the perfect red lip color or even exploring the nuanced difference in quality between designer and mid-priced items, these choices are what make us unique and connect us as an independent fashion blogging community.

Links à la Mode : December 10th

• A Typical Atypical – Get into vintage 50’s housewife mode for the Christmas season!
• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: L’Officiel de la Mode Archives
• Brunette and Pink – Holiday Makeup Inspired by the Sephora 2009 Holiday Sephora Catalog using Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II
• dramatis personae – High Fashion & High Art… Two Worlds Apart? Thoughts, Arguments, & Solutions for the Knock-off Debate
• Dream Sequins – A bling-tastic evening at jewelers, Doyle and Doyle.
• Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily finally finds a handbag that meets her very particular requirements.
• Fashion X K8 – Spotlighting the stylishly subtantial Desirée Rogers and challenging the press’s idea that those who fill jobs seeped in tradition should not only maintain the “tradition” but refrain from being eye-catching.
• Fasshonaburu – Shopping for the Geek Chic Girl: Holiday shopping advice for the girl who loves fashion as much as video games, gadgets and Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Ruffled Suspenders
• Oranges and Apples – The Sapeurs: vibrant and elegant street style from the Congo.
• Rags to Reverie – A Fab Four Fanatic’s review of the Comme des Garçons x The Beatles collaboration.
• Retro Chick – Fashion Economics – Are low cost retailers forcing us to be wasteful?
• Sophisticated Insanity – Take a look at the lady behind Rare bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
• Style on a String – Leggings vs. Tights: The difference, how to buy them and what to wear (and not wear) with them.
• Style Symmetry – Christmas Gift Ideas for Him, For Her and Secret Santa…
• The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – Two days ago, it was 36 degrees out…today, I didn’t even have to a jacket- that’s New England!
• THE COVETED – Love bold red lips? Check out the Ultimate Red holiday collection.
• TheWorkingWardrobe – Here are some tips on how men can work jewelry at the office without any raised eyebrows.
• Thrift Eye – Dreaming of Shearling: Save up for the nice stuff and be warm or go with the cheap and be cold?
• ventures of jenn. – A spotlight on Berlin label Reality Studio.
• Wicked Whimsy – Practical Quality: Looking into what the difference, if any, is between a mid-range item & a designer item.

I'm getting back to posting Links a La Mode from the Independant Fashion Bloggers group! It's not that I don't love posting links to all. that. fabulosity, it's just recently when I could only post from 2 to 8 times a month I didn't want the front page to be mostly these entries.

But at least for a while I'm posting more again. Starting next week I will consider  any fitting/best posts to submit as well.

So on to the greatness. ;-)

Food for Thought

Edited by Ashe Mischief

This is my first time editing since I wrote Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode.  Thank you all so much for making this my most pleasurable experience in editing yet!

I’m not sure if it’s because American Thanksgiving is a week away, or because the blogosphere is ablaze with Kate Mosses’ unforgettable quote, “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” but either way, I’ve got food on my mind. This week, you brought me the best kind of food–rich, decadent, and 100% calorie-free!  That’s right–you delivered highly thoughtful posts on fashion, fashion blogging & communities, and more.

On a personal note, ferOHHHsh has asked that we share her post about her close friend’s near-fatal accident.  I believe that the fashion community is one of surprising strength, dignity, caring and compassion, and that it was worth sharing.  We’re sending your friend speedy thoughts for a wonderful recovery!

Links à la Mode : November 19th

• Awakened Aesthetic: – Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffers (Part I)
• Crisis in Denim: – Crisis in Denim: I make gentle fun of a Banana Republic ‘rewards’ card I received in the mail, that seems designed to make me think I accomplished something by shopping at BR and earning ‘rewards’ points, by riffing on the president’s Yes We Can slogan.
• dramatis personae: – the Hat’s Out of the Bag! by Michelle at Wicked Whimsy
• Fashion X K8: – The importance of Fashion Ad Campaigns and analyzing the collective subconcious of fashion consumers. I beg the question, what makes a great Fashion Ad.
• Further Ado: – With many of their paper equivalents going bust, Further Ado finds 5 great online fashion magazines to keep you satisfied.
• Grit and Glamour: – yesterday The Psychology of Lace Lace, in spite of its implied fragility, holds very special power in the sartorial world.
• Idiosyncratic Style – Infatuation List: Five Fall Fashion Favorites
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Fashion Blogging : The Road Ahead
• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – Interview with Lauren Jones of mydearthing
• Mystery Creature: – I love vintage, I love handmade… but I don’t love Etsy, as much as I want to.
• Oranges and Apples: – What drives fashion bloggers? Oranges and Apples in the Scotsman
• Random Fashion Coolness: – Musings on the power-partnerships in the Blogosphere
• Shoe Daydreams: – Collaborations and “inspiration”
• slsvgg fashion: – An interview with Gossip Girl actress LEIGHTON MEESTER, on her style
• Somewhere over the Skyline…: – rugality? Sustainability? The Recession! – Thoughts & Recommendations on Sustainable/Vintage Lifestyles
• Super Kawaii Mama: – Meet the Dr. of Dames and her new book Our Girl’s – Aussie Pin Up’s of the 40’s & 50’s
• THE COVETED: – Benefits of Chilly Days… Coats!
• The Curvy Fashionista – Got the Plus Size Bridal Dress woes? Enter in Cc.Elaine- A studio dedicated to the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Plus Size Bride
• The New Wave: – Underwear as Outerwear: How to wear this spring’s runway trend using vintage pieces.
• The Pixelated Blonde – Fashion: it’s an individual thing – a look at how to be stylish whilst maintaining one’s individuality.
• White Rabbit: – Lookbook.nu vs. Flickr’s Wardrobe Remix – the battle of “What I wore today” sites
• Wicked Whimsy: – Rene Geneva Designs – featuring a local, woman run eco-friendly design house that makes gorgeous clothes to boot!

"The Elements of Style"

Edited by Retro Chick

"Whether it’s Winter or Summer, relentless rain or an unceasing heatwave where you are, this weeks Links a la Mode is packed with entertainment to keep you out of the sun/rain/wind.

If you plan to travel to escape your current weather conditions then Hi Fashion has some great travel tips and Idiosyncratic Style has some ideas for easy fashion DIY projects you can take with you.
Other highlights this week include a hilarious mans view on some Celebrity Fashion choices from Unfunded, Our Ocean’s coverage of Vivienne Westwood’s appearance on Jonathan Ross and Style Amor’s refusal to buy a wedding dress, as well as some insightful interviews and gorgeous give-aways.

Choosing just 20 links from the number of fantastic submissions is a challenging task and this week I found it particularly hard to whittle down the numbers so be sure to go and check out the rest of the links in the full Links a la Mode thread."

Links à la Mode : July 30th

• Breakfast at Saks – Introducing an up-and-coming luxury fashion line Aschobi; "luxury meets classic feminine elegance together with an African aesthetic that enhances the natural curves of a modern woman"
• Brick My Lane – Interview with Christian Joy, the genius behind the costumes worn by Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• by Hillary – Tag-Schmag - to dry clean or not?
  
• Culturistas – The Culturistas find a ‘Lust vs Must’ profile of the Romper Trend!
• Fashion Cents – Can you wear the romper trend? Fashion Cents helps you decide if and how to romp around
• Fashion Hippo – Fashion Hippo is having a fantastic giveaway: Mary Frances “Mercury Rising” wristlet bag.
• Fashion in my eyes – Interview: Fashion editor at 17
• HiFashion – Tips for fashionable travellers
• Idiosyncratic Style – Fashion Crafts for the Cottage: A round up of 5 cool projects that are perfect for summer vacation, because they are light on supplies and low maintenance.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Rhythm is Gonna Getcha: Maintaining Consistency in Your Blog
• iStyle – The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Looking Fab: A real-life 5 minute make-up guide with unedited photos
• Mademoiselle Robot – An interview with headwear designer Jennifer Loiselle about films, motherhood and independent designers.
• Only Style Remains the Same – Offer an outfit idea to win a pair of Current/Elliott jeans from only style remains the same and chickdowntown.
• Our Ocean – An insanely inspiring interview with Vivienne Westwood on Jonathan Ross
• Pursed Lips – Lara Stone, size 4, heralded as bringing “curvy” back. But isn’t the bigger difference her C cup bra, and not her weight?
• Rags to Reverie – A look at the Stella McCartney Fall 2009 *Animal* Friendly ads + a couple of deals from the eponymous label
• reLYME – It’s Beka’s birthday, and in the spirit of birthday giving, reLYME is giving away SIX China Glaze nail lacquers from the Kicks collection!
• Retro Chick – Can I wear it? Yes, I can! Retro Chick gives Harem Pants a try with surprising results.
• Style Amor – Check out why I have given up buying a wedding gown from a traditional bridal boutique.
• Sweet Fuzz – Score one of a kind fashion treasures at your local thrift store and check out the insanely cheap items I snapped up at mine.
• The Coveted – Amsterdam Fashion Week bridges the gap between fashion students and industry at Lichting 2009
• Unfunded – Unfunded collaborates with J. Money from Budgets are Sexy to learn what guys really think of the things we wear.

(IFB = Independent Fashion Bloggers, for indepentent writers)

Style Cravings & Indulgences

Edited by Jordana ... a special shout-out to IFB editor Ashe Mischief of Dramatis Personae, who is celebrating her 2 year blog-aversary with a special giveaway.

Links à la Mode : July 23rd >>

Click to read all links

Happiness is being a free bird…

Edited by Jennine of IFB & The Coveted Oddly enough since we moved over to the editorial selection, I’ve never selected the links, and I really have to tell you choosing this week’s roundup was tough, so many great links... ...

• 39th and Broadway – Excess in fashion led to less in design, and next?
• Bobbins and Bombshells – Celebrating first anniversary with a beauty of a give away! The prize: Pin-Up Cosmetics!
• BRICK MY LANE – How to give shoes a rock’n'roll edge using simple DIY ideas.
• CUTEMESS – How Trevor the horse and an Australian Kangaroo Paw flower came to rest on a Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.
• Debutante Clothing – Interviews celebrity favorite vintage costume jewelry maven Carol Tanenbaum
• Decline Designs – Defining Your Personal Style, Part Three: Using Your Inspiration
• Dirty Dirty Laundry – Inspired dress-up. Brought to you by the color blue.
• Fashion Grail – Look for less, Chloe Sevigny
• Fashion Hippo – Three lucky readers will receive this tee as a prize. Loved by Kate Moss and many other celebrities. Ends June 18th.
• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Update your look for less – Resort 2010 looks for recessionistas
• Independent Fashion Bloggers – Giveaway sites for freebie junkies.
• MissRedLips – Brooches, not just for your grandmother!
• Pursed Lips Magazine – The CFDA Fashion Design Awards Promotes their Photoshoot, with None of the Women Nominees. Is something fishy?
• Retro Chick – Mary Queen of Charity Shops – The Review
• Style on the street – Alison Stephens, the new it model
• Style Symmetry – Vintage Snakeskin Bracelet Giveaway!
• Super Kawaii Mama – Meet Aleshia Brevard. A Vintage Style Icon you’ll never forget!
• The Capitol Fashionista – Fashion Nostalgia: The Beautiful Covers of British Vogue
• THE COVETED – The perfect giveaway for vintage lovers… win at Rice & Beans Vintage.
• The Curvy Fashionista – The State of the Curvy Community Panel Discussion at Full Figure Fashion Week
• the nerdlings – The photo shoot started off well. But words were spoken that shouldn’t have been spoken and everything else just descended into chaos.

Fashion History

Edited by Debutante Clothing

Links à la Mode : June 4th

• Idiosyncratic Style – Infatuation List: Top 5 May flowers
• Bonne Vie – The history and technique of the bias cut
• Miss Glitzy – The story and photos of creation of the first Chanel bi-color sandals in 1955
• The Recessionista™ - Meets Norma Kamali and Previews her Summer Line for Walmart
• A Typical Atypical – Shows us how to pack for a holiday
• The Coveted - One Hot Unveiling from Benefit
• Unfunded – Bullets for peace fashion show
• MissRedLips – Swap Your Stuff: Someone's junk is another person's treasure
• Couture Allure - Big hair from 1965
• The Demoiselles – The dangers of creativity infringement
• Retro Chick – Bargain hunting essentials
• Workchic - Collaborates with Polyvore on what types of T-Shirts are appropriate to wear to the office!
• Style Symmetry – An Interview with Beth Jones of The Vintage Society and Quicksilver Women
• Dramatis Personae – The Art of Self Love
• Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Stripper shoes - classy or trashy? Who can tell anymore?
• Threadbared – History and the harem pant
• Decline Designs – How to dye your hair crazy colors (and keep it that way)
• V is for Olive - a look at the best lingerie shop in San Francisco
• Style On the Street – Photographer Isabelle Bonjean
• Debutante Clothing – How to market your vintage clothing shop through photography
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: How has your blog evolved?