J Crew Gingham + Friend Friday

  {shirt: j crew | cardigan & belt: target | skinnies: tj maxx | booties: steve madden}

Two things are going on today: 1.  I {along with a hand-full of others with this shirt} are all sharing a way we would style it (hope you like it!) and 2. I'm participating in my first Friend Friday hosted by Modly Chic (hope you like this too!). Check it out and shoot Katy an email if you want to participate next Friday!


1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up? 


I try not to do this. It's easy to lose sight of your own blog if you're constantly comparing it to others'. Will my blog measure up to what... amazing photos? the most expensive clothes? the most followers? the most sponsors? If I (or anyone) become so focused on those things my blog wouldn't get anywhere. It would lose itself. I think the most successful bloggers are those true to themselves. I personally prefer blogs that are original and inspiring - and that's what I want to be.


2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers? 


Yes and no. Everyone has a different style. I definitely have an eclectic one -  I can be super girly today and tomorrow's look can be masculine inspired - and that's just how I roll; so many different styles appeal to me. I want to stay true to myself. If someone decides to follow my blog it's because they like what I've already done and interested in what I will do - so I'm just gonna keep-on-keepin'-on.  I prefer to ignore any standards that may be out there. I just want to be happy with what I'm doing.


3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging? 


D&T actually started out as a blog to share my new life as a wife. I wanted to share the things I love doing... like DIYs, crafts, and recipes. Fashion has always been a passion of mine and participating in the 30x30 was {somewhat} my segue into the fashion blogging community {which I had admired from a far and wanted to be a part ever since stumbling onto my first fashion blog}. In its few months of existence, D&T has somewhat evolved into a catch-all kind of blog - but still a place for me to share whatever I want and love - whether it's fashion, food, DIY, or my life in general. 

4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours? 


Since this blog is still somewhat new, I'm still working of what I really want it to be - a fashion blog with some married life stuff, married life stuff with some fashion, or an equal balance of it all - I'm still working on it. While I'm in the middle of this great discovery I'm so thankful for those who read my blog and show interest. This blog is for me, but now that I have people who actually read it, I want to keep them entertained as well!

5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?


As far as fashion goes - you never know what you're going to get. I enjoy a variety of styles: casual, dressy, girly, and edgy. I love mixing it up - whether it's day-to-day or within one outfit. I love trying new looks. I've been a lover of fashion for years, but that doesn't mean I only love one thing. I'm somewhat of  a free-spirit when it comes to fashion - if I love it and it's flattering, I'll wear it.