Outfit of the day #59. Why do we run?

There are these birds at my work. They run everywhere, and barely fly. They do it to confuse predators to where they have laid their eggs. I always wonder why they run like mad, and don't use the wings they have. They could fly to anywhere yet they chose to run. Life can feel that way to me. Like I'm stuck on the ground.

Some times I feel like that bird running everywhere. When I should be flying. 

I got some great advice the other day, and it reminded me that we all have stages. Things will change. It just takes time. Overnight fixes aren't usually the best ones anyways.

Outfit details: Top- Express. Thrifted. Tank- OP. Walmart. Capris- Brooklyn Girl. Dots. Boots- Charlotte Russe. Necklace- Steve & Barry's.

I tried to toughen up the look of this cream sweater. It usually ends up looking feminine, and sweet. I never wear printed tanks under my tops, and now I feel like I need to. It's also a very inexpensive way to to change your look.


With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

P.S.
Have you entered the give away yet?

My first giveaway! Win two Wet 'n Wild eyeshadow palettes! (CLOSED)

This is my first give away! Unless you count me giving away all these photos of me in my outfits as a prize, and I really can't argue with that. After some difficulties with choosing what to give you lovely readers I decided that fashion, and beauty go hand in hand. This is to say thanks to all my awesome followers, and hello to all the new ones!

I am giving away two awesome Wet n Wild eyeshadow palettes. When I was younger Wet n Wild was my go to make up because of it's affordability. I owned tons of their lip sticks, eye liners, and nail polishes. In the last year the quality of their make up has blown me away. Don't believe me look at the palettes below. In each six eyeshadow palette you will get 3 matte shadows, and 3 metallic ones.You can go as subtle or dramatic as you like.

Here are the brand new palettes you will win! The first one is called pride which has two whites, grassy greens, and deep sea blues. The other one is called lust which has my favorite metallic gray ever, great highlight colors, and gorgeous purples.

 Here is what the palettes look like.

Pride. (close up of colors)

 

Lust. (close up of colors)

Mandatory entry: The rules are easy follow my blog with Google friend connect, and leave a way for me to contact you (if you don't have a blog). Comment below saying you follow!

Want some extra entries? (leave a separate comment for each)
Follow me on twitter
Like My Heart Blogged on Facebook
Put my button on your blog (on the right side hand of the page)
Tweet this giveaway and make sure you mention @myheartblogged you can even use the tweet below.

I want to win 2 eyeshadow palettes! Do you too? Check out this http://tinyurl.com/4uxxq5r giveaway from @myheartblogged

The details: The giveaway will end on Tuesday April 5th. I will draw a winner with Random.org on Wednesday April 6th. This only open to the U.S.A. This is not a sponsored post.

I hope you guys like this giveaway! I want to make sure you know I'm not becoming a giveaway everyday kind of blog, and I wish I could give everyone something.

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

P.S.

If anyone is wondering Wet n Wild does not test on animals and is on Peta's does not test list.

source for photos:
http://wnwbeauty.com/Product.php?Pid=69

(This giveaway is closed, and winner has been drawn.)

Outfit of the day #58. Colorful in the cold.

I decided this is what someone would wear in the Bahamas, if it snowed there a third of the year. The necklace is little seashell pieces, and a light aqua color. I feel like I'm on an island vacation in all this color despite the cold. I couldn't help but smile in almost every picture we took.

I had to wear my gold ballet flats with the jacket. They match the back of the jacket like whoa. I think the jacket, and shoes were meant to be.

 

Outfit details: Jacket- Old Navy. Purple Top- Old Navy. Pants- Glo. Gabriel Brothers. Shoes- Wetseal. Necklace- Gift.

Do you have any clothing, shoes, or accessories that feel like they were meant for each other?

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

Blogs from the heart. Laughing With Broken Eyes.

I met Amber Rose, the writer of Laughing with broken eyes, early on into blogging. Amber lives, and attends college in Tennessee. We have become good friends in the past few months. She is a vintage vixen, and a bombshell. You will usually find in her in a fabulous dress, and her practically signature red lips.

(post: my december)

Her blog is filled with outfit posts, snippets of writing, and personal stories. She is not afraid to open up to her readers about personal issues. Amber has shared the pain of broken friendships, negativity, and journey of finding a place to call home. These are things many people deal with in different stages of their lives. Her writing is very honest, and easy to relate to.

Most recently she has started a new feature on her blog called Writer's Wednesday. Every Wednesday she will be featuring poems, songs, and short stories. If you would like to participate email her at Amberrose@modestjune.com. You can also find her on twitter, chictopia, and facebook.

(post: writers' wednesday week 1)

Now it's time for the Vanessa gets nosy, and asks questions part.

Why did you start blogging?

Honestly-- and this is going to sound so lame-- I was obsessed with Peyton Sawyer of One Tree Hill! I loved the idea of having a blog (hers was more of a web cam, but still) where you could put your thoughts out into the universe. It's since become a place for me to post about what I like, my thoughts, but the main reason still rings true-- a place to put my stuff out there.

What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I know that everyone says it, but the community. There's such a support group. I genuinely want these girls to be happy, and I feel like I know them; I'm sure they can all relate! I also love having a sort of time capsule to look back at and see where my head was at a certain time. 

Why do you think having your own unique personal style is important?

I think that self-expression, creativity, is how we know we're alive. Every day should be like dress up. It doesn't even have to be clothes! It can be your house, your room, your music, etc.

 (post: look how they shine for you)

When did you start shopping second hand?

I actually didn't start thrifting until college. In high school, I was a little punk kid (red hair, band t's, colourful pants!). It wasn't until I started getting into vintage clothing at the end of my senior year that it clicked. Better late than never, though! I can't believe the obscene amount of money I used to spend!

What advice do you have for someone new to shopping second hand?

Go through everything. Seriously, leave no pebble unturned. On the same note, remember that, while things can be altered, there are certain things that shouldn't. With my height (I'm five ft!), I'm a stickler for buying long dresses that would cost more to get hemmed and altered than they are worth. If only I could sew! 

 (post: keep your promises)

Do you have any second hand pieces with a story behind them?

Oh gosh-- yes. I have this terribly tacky Christmas sweater. Seriously, so tacky. It has bells attached to it. I break it out every Christmas because it was the first piece I ever thrifted! 

What is your favorite book, or literary piece? 

This is such a difficult question for me! I'm an English major, so I could rattle off about books and literature for hours. I'm going to go with my first gut reaction, Hamlet.

(post: out of focus)

Don't be shy, go say hello to that bombshell.


With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

P.S. Outfit post tomorrow. I feel like I haven't done one in forever.

Liebster Blog Award

I received the Liebster Blog Award from The Account of the Comtesse de ferveur. I wanted to thank her, and pass it along to a few of my favorite blogs as well.

It's just for fun, and to help blogs that have less than 300 followers get a little love. Here are some blogs I love, and I hope you check them out. Don't forget to check out The Account of the Comtesse de ferveur too!

Coco Maria
Fazed-Girl
Revas Rags to Roses
Tinfoils Tiaras

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

P.S. On Monday I will have my next Blogs from the heart feature.

Links à la Mode: March 24, 2011.

I am so honored, and excited to be featured on Links a la mode for the third time. I had to contain my excitement at work yesterday when I found out. I worked  hard on my post for The Citizen Rosebud. I'm glad more people will get to read it, and see Bella's beautiful face.

As the World Turn

Edited by Fajr of StylishThought.com

With so much going on in the world, the Japan earthquake, the upheaval in Libya, the aftermath of John Galliano’s actions and the social phenomenon that is Charlie Sheen, it’s great to see the fashion blogging community talking about the issues and bringing a little light with the fancy of fashion! Included in this week’s amazing links: Shopping to Aid Japan Relief, an outfit post for Charlie Sheen, exploring the new neon trend and behind the scenes of how Hermes scarves are made!

Links à la Mode: March 24th

• Arash Mazinai- Bling Bang: Exploring the Blood Diamond Trade
• Cheap & Chic Living- For Japan with Love
• Dress with Courage- Do you dress older or younger than you      really are?
• Fashion Evolution- Ups and Downs in my Fashion History
• Fumiko Kawa- Two Patterns of Minimalism
• FOTW- When did Fashion become porn?
• Juliette Maxwell- How to Take Runway Pictures
• La Rouge- How to Live in Two Places at Once
• Missemmamm- An Ode to Charlie Sheen
• Miss Viki- Chat with Russian Art Illustrator Lena Ker
• My Heart Blogged- Blogs from the Heart: Citizen Rosebud
  
• Obsessive Coolness- Should Talent be Boycotted in Favor of      Morality?
• Snappy and Snazzy- Rules of Flattery
• Style Bizarre- Beware of what you Wear
• Sugar Coated Style- Cherry Blossoms in the Breeze
• Tres Awesome- Hermes Festival of Craft
• Try It On Me- The Bright Stuff~ A neon color palette brings back memories of      1990's fashion and fun!
• The Button Owl- DIY Fishtail Braid Tutorial
• The View from 5 ft 2- Aldo x Julian Louie x Spring/Summer
• Stylish Thought- 5 Fanciful Frocks for a Swinging Spring

Links à la Mode Sponsored by:
Shopbop Sale: Jen Kao, Maison Scotch, Free People, Tibi, Jil Sander, Herve Leger, Tory Burch, & Alexander Wang

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #57. Don't hail on my parade.

My mind thinks it spring. Ohio has decided to show me other wise. It was pouring/hailing so I only got a few shots.

I wore a gauzy top, and light wash denim. I even had on my white bracelet that reminds me of what you buy from a street vendor in the Bahama's. I was all decked out for spring. Instead of sunshine, I got pelted by hail.

Can you see the bits of hail?

Outfit details: Coat- Unlisted. Kohls. Top- Thrifted. Jeans- Old Navy. Thrifted. Shoes- Wet Seal. Necklace- Steve & Barry's.  Earrings- Thrifted. Bracelet- Thrifted. Purse- Thrifted.

I tried to go to the Goodwill around the corner yesterday. I found an empty store, and a trashed parking lot. It was kind of sad. This particular Goodwill has a hard time staying in business. Their prices are high, and it's the third time it's shut down. I hope they can open back up soon for the community.


With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #56. The little black dress.

So I may of bought something, and went a few dollars over my budget. But, this was definitely worth it. I suggest that you run to your Target clearance and pick up this dress for $14.98. They have it in an awesome printed version as well. I know I'm cheap, and $15 is more than I normally pay for something, but this feels like a $100 dress.

 Outfit details: Dress- Mossimo. Target. Shoes- Wet Seal. Necklace/Long Chain- HSN. Gift.

Reasons I love this dress. Using bullets, because that's fancy.

• The neckline is high, and I'm not flashing anyone.
• It is fully lined.
• It hits at my favorite length ever.
• The v-neck is flattering on for my full bust.
• The tank straps are thick.

The only reason I'm not loving it is I have a tummy, but that's not really a reason. That's just my body. I tend to carry my weight on my stomach which can be very annoying. The dress is a little hard to zip/unzip. So I throw it over my head.  I know pretty bad right? Patience may be a virtue, but it's not one I have.

I just noticed this is the only dress I own that zips up the back. Go figure.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

P.S. Today Amber Rose launches Writer's Wednesday on ModestJune.com!

Outfit of the day #55. Polka dots, and a thank you.

I'm glad yesterday's post got such a good response. There will be more Blogs from the heart. There are a lot of great blogs out there.

I want to thank everyone for helping me get 100 followers. I can't believe 100 people are interested in what a sarcastic redhead from Ohio has to say. Blows. my. mind.

Outfit details: Cardigan- Old Navy. Thrifted. Dress- R&K. Thrifted. Tank- Walmart. Shoes- Go Maxx. Gabriel Brothers.

I thrifted this polka dot vintage dress around a week ago. I want to wear it everywhere. It is so comfortable. I felt very ladylike in it with my cardigan, and basket weave flats. I couldn't decide on any accessories at all. I felt like I had a lot going on already.

I can't wait to go to the beach in this dress, and soak in the sun. God knows my glow in the dark legs could use it. No lie they are like those stars you had in your room as a kid. Magical.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Blogs from the heart. The Citizen Rosebud.

This is my first time featuring a blog. I felt like a great blog to start with is one of my favorite reads The Citizen Rosebud.

The Citizen Rosebud is written by Bella who lives in sunny Sacramento, California. She has a bold, fun, and unique style. While she doesn't like to follow the constraints of trends, she is most definitely stylish. Her blog focuses on buying secondhand items, supporting your local economy, striving for sustainability, and shopping in ethical ways.

(post: beautiful like crazy)

It is no surprise when she has something to say people listen. Whether she is talking about her personal style, or her favorite 40+ bloggers, it is always engaging. Bella stays very connected to her readers through comments, twitter, and facebook. She has built a great sense of community with her blog, and you don't feel like just another face in the crowd.

Bella doesn't stop there, and is pursuing a few other adventures. You can find her updating her hometown street style blog Street Style SACRAMENTO. Her latest project? Her collective "underground boutique" the Citizens of Rosebud where curated vintage meets clever hand-mades. Starting April 2011, there will be weekly trunk shows at the Lindsay Rickman studio and can also be available by appointment. You can find her etsy shop: http://citizenroesbud.etsy.com, where she is hoping to go live by May 1st. You can contact her directly at Bella@thecitizenrosebud.com.

She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me. Cause I'm nosy like that.

Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging years ago on an eco-friendly blog I called the Blue Penny. I wrote about eco-friendly products and cooking. At the time I wanted to open in urban organic vegetarian cafe with much of the food grown on the grounds. Which sounds pretty common now, but at the time was pretty unique.

What are your favorite things about blogging?

Well, I'm a poet, so I LOVE writing. I love crafting posts using strong visuals (my photographs) and my original prose. But, I think the most pleasant surprise has been discovering the deep community that comes with blogging- of meeting and making friends who share my interests!

 (post: how to use butt ugly)

Why do you think having your own unique personal style is important?

WE all have our own unique style, whether or not we express it. I believe in allowing ourselves to EXPRESS our unique style we get to tap into our creativity, and share with the world our view on things. I like the diversity, and the variety of personal style. Homogeny, point blank, bores me.

What color or print combination have you been loving lately? 

Well, my go-to is bold black and white prints, but lately I've been craving solid colors.

When did you start shopping second hand? 

I've been a second-hand shopper my whole life. As a kid, my grandma would take us to thrift stores. I wore second hand and hand-made clothes my whole life, except my sophomore year in college when I was all about the mall. It didn't last long, however, I quickly got tired of dressing like everyone else.

 (post: triple denim double stripes)

What advice do you have for someone new to shopping second hand?

My advice? Jump right in! I'd pick the super clean stores first, like Thrift Town, Goodwill, Salvation Army. It takes some getting used to going through some down-and-out places. Also: don't forget to hit yard sales and garage sales. You'll get your best bargains there!

Do you have any second hand pieces with a story behind them?

Yeah. I do. I live in an apartment complex where all the neighbors are friendly and we all know each other. One of my neighbors, a sweet heart named Lori told a lady who lives down the block about my venture- me selling vintage clothes. Well this little old lady, a doll named Rosemary gives Lori vintage items to give to me...to sell. But they are so lovely, and it's so sweet, I usually end of keeping them. My favorite is an early 50's black cardigan with the most amazing embroidery of a poppy. I wore it in an outfit post called "Creeping Virginia"

  (post: creeping virgina)

I hope you guys love her blog as much as I do!

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

Outfit of the day #54. Snow in the sand.

We had the most gorgeous day outside. It felt like spring was finally here. I couldn't help but visit Lake Erie. You can literally see winter, and spring colliding in these pictures. There is still ice on the lake, and snow in the sand.

It was very windy. I tried to become bff with the wind, and let it do it's thing. Too bad the wind didn't scare away the couple on the beach who were making out like there was no tomorrow.

With the sun shining like this though, how can I complain?

Outfit details: Jacket- Hollister. Top- The Limited. Thrifted. Skirt- Merona. Thrifted. Shoes- Wet Seal. Earrings- Charlotte Russe.

With all my heart,
<3 Vanessa

P.S.
I had to leave you with this blooper. A big ole gust of wind came. You can practically see me saying "Whoa."

We can stand together in silence.

 (source)

It's not what you say, it's what you do. In the face of a tragedy showing support is what people need the most. Coming together, and letting people know they are not alone. It can give victims strength to move forward.

Tomorrow I will be participating in For Japan with Love. I will be observing a day of blogging silence to respect and acknowledge the devastation going on in Japan. There is more information in the post from Utterly Engaged.

I understand many of you have already donated to other charities. Which is amazing. For Japan with Love is also raising money to provide relief with Shelter Box. Shelter Box provides the essentials to families that are tailored to the disaster such as blankets, water purification equipment, a stove, tools, and cooking utensils.

The need for items like these is great. Many people are stranded with no essentials.They are cold, scared, and don't know what will happen next. Shelter Box is a great program to meet those needs.

 So join me tomorrow by not posting.

We can stand together in the most beautiful kind of silence.

With all my heart,

<3 Vanessa

sources: 

photo 1- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/pictures/110311-tsunami-earthquake-japan-hawaii-science-world-waves/

photos 2&3- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/pictures/110315-nuclear-reactor-japan-tsunami-earthquake-world-photos-meltdown/