Many thanks to IFB for including my post on 50 Shades of Grey inspired accessories in the most recent Links à la Mode roundup!

If you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode please check out this post on Grit & Glamour.

Let’s Give ‘Em Something To Talk About

Edited By Taylor Davies

One of the things we bloggers fear most is letting our content go stale. We fear losing our readers’ interest and engagement, and even worse – boring ourselves! So how do the bloggers in our community spice it up? Based on this week’s Links A La Mode submissions, you know just how to do it! We had a wonderful selection of posts this week that covered topics from racism in fashion, an HIV/AIDS benefit, to some racy accessories in the key of 50 Shades of Grey. Check out the 20 best links, sure to spark some great conversations and fire up your own blogging inspiration engines!

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: MAY 31ST

• A Minor Obsession: Sportswear for the Non-Sporty
• Arash Mazinani: So You Want To Be Styled
• A Stylized Hysteria: When Universes Collide
• Beautifully Invisible: Jewelry For Your Inner Goddess: Sexy 50 Shades of Grey Inspired Picks
• DressCode:HighFashion: The 10 Most Fashionable Vacation Destinations SS12 & What to Wear
• Endear: Love Your Job
• F Go Round: Crazy About Yves!
• F.B.C. Creations: Can We Really Trust Stefano Tonchi? The Skinny on Elsa Shiaparelli
• Fashion Is Evolution: 5 Summer Trends I’m Most Excited About
• Fashion Love Affairs: DIY Diaries – Camera Couture
• Fashion, Well Done: Flags of our Fathers
• Finely Made: DIY Chain Peter Pan Collar
• In Her Glam: IGOTS: DCA Fashion Show & Women’s Expo
• Inspirations & Celebrations: Style Spotting Across America
• Miss Viki Secrets: Life Ball 2012 Opening Ceremonies
• SaraConstance: Gala Avanpremiere 2012 10th anniversary edition
• SheenaFab: How To Wear White All Over
• The Curatorial: Jungle Fever & Brooklyn Industries, Race and Fashion
• The Dapper Bun: Historic Tour
• Wina Wonders: How To – Blogging “Alone”

SPONSOR:

Fashion Sneakers at Shopbop: Ash Wedge Sneakers, Superga, Marc Jacobs Sneakers, Cheap Monday, Zanotti, Jeffrey Campbell, Pointer, Fitflop & Pour la Victoire

Interested in Participating in Links à la Mode?

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group.

Many thanks to IFB and Jessie of Denimology for including my post on Blogging Myths in this week’s Links à la Mode roundup!

If you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode please check out this post on Grit & Glamour.

When Style Bloggers Turn Haute DIY Designers….

By Jessie Thorpe, Denimology

As fashion bloggers, we look for great fashion at affordable prices. Unfortunately, most times high fashion comes at a substantial price tag. Some of us get emphatically crafty to achieve the cultivated couture look we seek. By making adroit changes to items (sometimes slightly pass their prime) they become stylishly spectacular! For instance, my favorite links this week all happen to be DIY projects! These bloggers made tutorials for their colorblock hair accessories, faux Phillip Lim slacks and my favorite, DIY sparkle glitter boots!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 20TH

• Beautifully Invisible – 10 Popular Blogging Myths Debunked
• Be Fabulous Daily – How To Sell Clothes on Ebay
• Cadence and Clementine – Black In Fashion
• CosmoLAWlitan – “What’s In a [Celebrity’s] Name?”
• Denimology – How To Wear Flared Jeans Properly
• Dress Code: High Fashion – Investigating Alexander McQueen`s Eshu collection and it’s Yoruban inspiration
• Fashion Ice – DIY/Collar Accessory
• His Girl Friday – The Blogging Cycle of Guilt
• Inspiration & Realisation – DIY Foldover Trousers
• Joyful Outfits – How To Wear Denim Shorts For Fall
• Made To Travel – I Made It!: Snake Print Tee
• My Favourite Fashion – Vintage Vision
• Oranges & Apples – Outfit inspiration: Narrative or Functional?
• Parfait Doll – Pink Hair Couture
• Practically Spoiled – Colorblocked Bobby Pins: A Super Simple DIY
• Pretty Innovative – Shedding Some Light on Wearable Electronics
• Sanity Notebook – Personal Wardrobe No 34
• Sprinkles in Springs – DIY Sparkle Glitter Boots
• Statements in Fashion – 2 Simple Ways To Increase Blog Traffic
• Style Abuse – How To Wear Layers For Fall to Winter
• Style Bizarre – Winter Must Have: Wool
• Sugar and Spice – Making Denim Work for AW11
• The Red Dot – Lessons from Paris Fashion Week

SPONSOR:

New Denim at Shopbop: DL1961, Blank Denim, William Rast, MiH Jeans, Hudson, Paige Denim, Rich & Skinny, James Jeans, Goldsign, Dallin Chase, Citizens of Humanity, Ksubi, & J Brand.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group.

Many thanks to Independent Fashion Bloggers and Vahni of Grit and Glamour for including “We are Women.We Are Beautiful. We Are Real” in the latest Links à la Mode Roundup.

If you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode please check out this post on Grit & Glamour.

Ask and you shall receive

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This blogging thing…it’s been around a while now, and many are realizing what a rewarding endeavor it is, on a sartorial and psychological level. One thing I love about blogging is the opportunity to ask a question, ponder a theory—and have others share their thoughts and opinions as well. In this week’s roundup, several bloggers reflect on the positive influence blogging has had on their lives and self-esteem. (Superb! Yay for blogging!) Others ruminated on everything from whether style is really subjective, to whether fashion as an exhibit is a trend. Or not.

Stumped for post ideas? Want more engagement with your readers? Been contemplating the style-related proclivities of society? Ask, lovelies. Everyone has an opinion, and most are chomping at the bit to share. But the most wonderful aspect of this kind of engagement is not more comments. Those are nice, yes. It’s through discussion that personalities are revealed and relationships are forged. Your readers aren’t just a little avatar and some words. They are vibrant individuals—and your biggest fans!

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Alex Drake Vintage: 10 Things I Like About the 1980s
• Angela Osborn: 6 Lessons Learned from Coco Chanel
• Any Second Now: Heartfelt lessons and thanks in this first year of blogging.
• Beautifully Invisible: We Are Women. We Are Beautiful. We Are Real.
• Beyond Fabric: On personal style and individuality—because redundant is the last thing you want to be.
• Blah Blah Becky: Proof that it’s always worth trying a trend: cropped tops without muffin top.
• Boheme Noir: Fashion Show Coverage: Roberto Cavalli S/S 12 Menswear
• Bubbling with Elegance and Grace: Fashion Designer Exhibitions: Is this the new trend?
• By Anika: Closet check: Do your clothes make you feel good about your self.
• College-Style: #Trending in Milan: Using Twitter to keep up with girls’ and guys’ fashion #trends
• Divergent Musings: Five ways that blogging has improved my life (it can improve yours too)!
• Grit & Glamour: Worker V:2.0 (Ode to the Pencil Skirt)
• Hippie Lace: You Cast Your Spell On Me: Spell & The Gypsy Collective
• Idee Fixe: Kindness: A Tale of Kindness, Generosity, and a Vintage Coat
• KP Fusion: In the business of blogging, is style really subjective?
• My Orange Stilettos: Just because you’re short doesn’t mean you can’t wear a midi.
• Oranges and Apples: On “going out” clothes and sexual attractiveness.
• Seamstress Stories: Boundaries on body confidence and a culture of bonding through body bashing.
• Style Sizzle: 10 fashion lessons learned from living in the desert.
• The Stylish Butterfly: The advantages of being the worst dressed—it works for Helena Bonham Carter!

SPONSOR:

Day Dress Sale at Shopbop: Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, DKNY, Lela Rose, Daftbird, Tibi, Red Valentino, Rebecca Taylor, Lucy in Disguise, Shoshanna, & DVF Wrap Dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week can be found in the Links a la Mode group.

Ever since Friday, I have been in a Novak Djokovic-induced stupor.  You see, Novak is the heart and soul of my ancestral Serbia.  I’ve always been a huge tennis fan, but since he entered the scene a few years ago it’s become more than that.  Each time he wins, Serbs around the world feel like we win.  And guess what?  He officially became the world #1 in tennis and became the new Wimbledon champ this weekend.  AH-mazing.  Congratulations Nole!

My internet time this weekend suffered (a lot!) due to the Djokovic-induced haze of loveliness I was in.  I haven’t had the opportunity to complete a few posts I have scheduled for this week yet, but stay tuned for Link Love with a Twist and the Blogiversary Contest winner announcement in the next few days.

Meanwhile, please check out the latest Links à la Mode.  This week’s intro is especially good.  Editor Vahni posed a special challenge to all the bloggers out there – are you ready to meet it? I know I am! (Much thanks to IFB and Vahni for including me in the roundup again!)

Check out this post on Grit & Glamour if you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode.

Hey blogger. Get over yourself. Seriously.

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

This week I’m fresh out of love and rainbows, so there will be no kumbaya intro. Doesn’t mean I don’t love y’all, but I have got to tell you that lately, I’m a wee bit peeved by the fame-whoring and big-noting going on in the fashion blogosphere (and Twitterverse). Who of us doesn’t want brand endorsements and blogging fame? We’re all stars in our own right, and there is nothing wrong with ambition. But no one likes a self-absorbed, one-sided braggart. And no one likes an ass-kisser. Period.

Have you given props to someone other than yourself lately? Is every status update about hyping you? Is everything in your life now about the blog? As Emily of Ruby Slipper Journeys wonders in her post, are you capturing reality on your blog or manufacturing it? If any of this sounds like you, you might be on the road to becoming a full-blown fame monster. Maybe it’s time to check yourself.

A Challenge

If you’re destined for blogging fame, it will come through dedication, professionalism, and genuine respect. Through interaction, supporting your community, and authenticity. Let’s take blogging back to its roots. This week’s roundup is chock full of posts teeming with creativity, wit, and wisdom. I challenge you all to not only read and comment on at least 10 blog posts, but to share them as well. Find something that resonates with you and tweet it, like it, stumble it. All those hearts and thumbs up weren’t made just for you.

Links à la Mode: June 30th

• Beautifully Invisible: A Rant: Why Women Are (at times) Their Own Worst Enemy
• Bell Street: Zero-waste patternmaking
• Beyond Fabric: Key-carrying options for guys
• Brunette Blogging: Tips & Tricks: How to get more blog traffic
• By Anika: On being non-conformist from within
• Divergent Musings: The blogger’s dilemma: I want nice pictures, but do I get a DSLR?
• Fashables: Men that like fashion are gay
• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: Modern Greek
• Haute in Texas: Lingerie tips and tricks, because life is too short to wear boring panties.
• In Between Seams: Tips on scoring an internship from a Teen Vogue internIndependent Fashion Bloggers: What Twitter Taught Me About Interaction Online
• Kirstin Marie: Fashion Inspiration: Patterns & Textures
• Made-to-Travel: Tumblr party pics and why you should join tumblr for fun—and for your blog.
• Mis Papelicos: A sartorial and philosophical approach to keeping cool
• My Orange Stilettos: The Campaign for Clearer Clothes Sizing
• North On Harper: Runway To Room: Milla Jovovich (translating a red carpet look into a room in your home)
• Over 50 Feeling 40: How I chose what the mother of the bride would wear
• Ruby Slipper Journeys: The problem with “blogger poses,” and getting back to what’s authentic.
• Sprinkles in Springs: DIY a spiked bag like Alexander Wang’s Rocco satchel
• Style Sizzle: It’s hot out. Let’s talk about (preventing) boob sweat.
• The Citizen Rosebud: As a +40 personal style blogger I share what and why I dress the way I do.
• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: Be a better shopper, part two: Implementation

SPONSOR:

Women’s Shoes Sale at Shopbop: Heeled Sandals, Wedges, Platform Sandals, Pumps, Ballet Flats, Clogs, Heeled Boots, & Gladiators Sandals.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week can be found in the Links a la Mode group.

I think I sound like a broken record, but I am so excited to share that my post on 5 Fashion & Beauty Lessons I learned from True Blood was picked for this past week’s Links à la Mode! As always, I am in some wonderful company. Please check out the great posts below if you haven’t already!

Check out this post on Grit & Glamour if you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode.

The Beauty of Bloggers

Edited by: Fajr of Stylish Thought

Once a month, I pour through the links that the amazing members of IFB submit. Typically, I sit late Wednesday night after a long day and read through the thoughtful, helpful, stylish and beautiful posts that you guys submit. It is in these moments that I am truly in awe of how talented and gracious this community is. Full of spirited bloggers that discuss everything from the latest neon trend to the body pressures of fashion blogging. We are a diverse and dynamic group, connected through our mutual love of style and tireless support and encouragement of one another.

This week’s links are a testament to the beauty of blogging. Through eloquent prose, enigmatic portraits and style lessons from a mother to her daughter, IFB is rich with love and of course great style.

Links à la Mode: June 23rd

• Ashley4Emergy: Move Over Mellow Yellow
• Beautifully Invisible: 5 Things HBO’s True Blood Taught Me about Fashion & Beauty
• By Anika: Sexy is a State of Mind
• Corrine Monique: La Belle Epoque Photoshoot
• Dress with Courage: Winner Takes All: Women and Competition
• Fierce Beauty and Fashion: Thoughts from a Plus-Sized Blogger
• For Those About to Shop: Fashion Bloggers, Nick Knight and the Old Guard
• Idil Vice: New Summer Heights in the City Hurt
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Fashion Memes: Franca and Miss Boss of Feminist Fashion Bloggers
• Inkblot Photography: Portrait Session: Kimberly Marcelle
• Love Brown Sugar: Don’t Believe the Hype
• Madeline Quaint: Illustrated Shoot: Birds of a Feather
• North on Harper: Fashion Savvy Need to Know
• Odetoawe: Cat Lover
• Oranges and Apples: Polka Dots Skirt 4 Ways
• Splendiferous Inclinations: Inexpensive Summer Outfits
• Stylish Thought: A Woman’s Right to Shoes
• The Loudmouth: Be A Better Shopper
• The Style Confession: Knock Off or Not
• Un-Stitched: Fashion Heirlooms

SPONSOR:

New Clothing at Shopbop: Feliks+Adrik, Rebecca Taylor, DL1961, Hanky Panky, Yosi Samra, Aiko, Spanx, Thayer dresses, KORS, Sara Berman, DVF.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today.

I’m so excited to share that Jamillah’s guest post on alternatives to the “Follow-Back” trend in blogging was selected for inclusion in this week’s Links à la Mode. Congratulations Jamillah!

Check out this post on Grit & Glamour if you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to future editions of Links à la Mode.

SUMMER FUN

Edited by Jessie Thorpe of Denimology

Summer is here and it’s very exciting to see the change in everyone’s wardrobe and more pop of color. Inspiration roams the streets at every corner! It’s hypnotizing. It’s hard to keep money in my pocket… I’m sure many of you can relate. Besides what I observe outside, Fashion blogs are a key influence to my style. Bloggers constantly make me smile from ear to ear and from season to season as I watch them transform.

I’m looking forward to flowing dresses, ripped up shorts, hot bright colors, basic tanks, bold accessories, This list might go on forever. Below you’ll find a lot of food for thought.

Links à la Mode: June 16th

• 1972 Projects – DEPARTURE: Christophe Lemaire’s Hermès Debut
• aNewFoundLove – The Body Shop’s New Bronze Collection + campaign to STOP sex trafficking of children and young girls !
• All The Cool Kids – My Little Pony as some colorful fashion inspiration…
• All The Fuss – Power Clashing: We Do It Because We Can.
• Beautifully Invisible – Guest Post: How to Not be a Savage Blogger – “Follow Back” Alternatives for New Bloggers
• Boheme Noir – Retrospective: The medieval warrior women of Dior Couture fall 2006
• Chasing Louboutin – A few minutes with Rachel Roy and Karina Petroni
• Codos on the Window Sills – A historical approach to why skinny=good
• Denimology – JustFabulous Launches Premium Denim Line!
• Dress With Courage – An exploration of the influence of celebrity culture on sartorial choice
• Fashion Bucket – Dressing for your body shape. Featured this week: Petite.
• Fumiko Kawa – Mutli-Purpose Style: Lace Cardigan to Haute Headwrap
• Former Parades – Blogger meeting + outfit: we spreaded the blogging love last Sunday at a Dutch fashion blogger meeting!
• Madeline Quaint – Why buy handmade? Some tips and arguments after a visit to a Design Bazaar
• Made To Travel – Rock the bright stripes trend on your fingertips with this easy mani.
• Midnight Cowgirl – How to do a Photo Shoot on the Cheap
• Out Of Order Design – Cover Me In Rainbows: A beginners guide to the color wheel, color blocking and color combining
• Sugar & Spice – How to… Colour Block: .
• The Fashion Turd – An Decora styled outfit post inspired by all things Japanese on the web
• TheStylishButterfly – How Thor inspired me to discover the science of Christopher Kane fashion

SPONSOR:

New Designers at Shopbop: Temperley London, Tom Binns, Anna Sui, Soo Ihn Kim, Tibi Day Dresses, Mima, Pencey, Thayer dresses, Minnetonka, Sara Berman, Motif 56.

First, I want to take a second to thank everyone for the wonderful response to my Jack Sparrow Fashion Icon post.   As you all know, I don’t normally write things like this, but it seemed the timing was perfect for something lighthearted.  I am happy the post was chosen for this week’s Links à la Mode.  I hope it will allow more people to get a glimpse of the other (fun!) side of me.

Second, I know there has been some controversy surrounding the content and wording of this week’s LALM introduction.  I am not going to go into it here except to encourage you to read this follow-up article by Jennine Jacob: “Why Beautiful Imagery is Important for Fashion Blogger Success.”

I hope you enjoy all the links below.

P.S. Check out this post on Grit & Glamour if you are interested in learning more about how to submit a post to IFB’s Links à la Mode.

Your Blogs Perfect Accessory: Brilliant Pictures

Edited by Denimology

As I was selecting my posts for this weeks Links A La Mode, I realized how important it is to have attractive and original images in your posts. I noticed that I would open a post and close it promptly if the images looked rather….. what’s the word… meh.

Here is how to have your blog posts chosen by me [Denimology] for LALM:

• Images Are The Main Course — A great image will draw in your reader. The image might be beautiful, odd, heartwarming, instructive or just curiosity-provoking, so long as it keeps the reader wanting to read your post.
• Don’t Forget To Use an Image — It’s better to use a generic image than no image at all but ultimately your image should represent what the subject of your post is about.
• High Quality Images Are Best — We’ve all heard the saying “Pictures speak a thousand words”, but in the blogging world they speak even more. Adding HQ pictures to a blog post will visually stimulate your readers and help them identify with you, the writer.
• Resize Your Images — While images can make your blog looked polished and professional, having images that hang over into the margins or that are cut off is sloppy blogging.

Links à la Mode: May 19th

• And She Loved: How to DIY more– list of resources for DIY projects and ideas
• Beautifully Invisible: 5 Things Jack Sparrow Taught Me About Fashion & Makeup
• bestofbklyn: Summer getaway essentials
• Beyond Fabric: Incorporating ethnic pieces into your attire
• Chic ‘n Cheap Living: Wardrobe staple: Trouser jeans
• Denimology: Denimology’s 5th Anniversary ‘Free Jeans Every Day In May’ Denim Giveaway Want free jeans? We have Lots to give away!
• fashionablynumb: Angel Garcia The Label Whore. People who get carried away with labels and logos.
• For Those About to Shop: 10 great designer quotations
• ggfashionista: A tutorial in how to achieve a chic headband look with a scarf
• IFB: New IFB Feature — Twitter/Livestream Chat
• Kirstin Marie: A shopaholic’s tips
• Mary Jane Girl: Kristen Leotsakou Interior design: do’s, don’ts and must have items
• My Favorite Fashion: Victoria Vintage Vision: how & why vintage fashion has become so popular
• Rose tinted uncertainty: Rhona Nolan – Should we pick one look or reserve our right to be polystylish???
• Sample Sale Sites: Jeans Make A Difference – Denim Unites For Peace
• Speak2Ashley: Style lessons from French women, the French way
• StyleSizzle: How to build a better wardrobe
• Styling You: Why the colour navy is so Posh
• Stylish Thought: Are you a Savage Blogger?
• TheStylishButterfly: Confessions of a new blogger: High fashion vs. real fashion
• ThisIsAYes: Summer Ready? – from less Makeup to more Sailing, Mint Green Dresses, more Maxi Skirts and Round Sunglasses
• truequeen: 11 Ways to Revamp Your Dresser

SPONSOR:

Sexy Tops at Shopbop: Vena Cava, Blue Life, Monrow, Vince, Wildfox,

LnA, Equipment blouses, LAMB, Zac Posen, Rachel Roy & Jill Stuart

My “Blogger to WordPress” tutorials were first published on this blog last November.  Quite a few people have contacted me since then and shared how helpful they were to them when they decided to switch platforms. I am thrilled that they have made the move easier for some and hope that they will continue to help others in the future.  As such, I have made it a priority to keep them updated.

In light of the recent problems many experienced when Blogger went down, I decided to submit the tutorial to the Tech Roundup and they published it!  I’m delighted to be included once again. Read on for all of this week’s picks.

Mobile Mavens: Making Savvy and Stylish Choices to Improve Our Blogs

Edited by Maggie Battles

Trends and technology move at a rapid speed these days and along with that comes unlimited choices. We can choose from a variety of blogging platforms, we can shoot from any number of cameras and shop from any number of online boutiques. There’s so many styles and options to choose from in fashion and technology that we’re constantly evolving our taste to match each moment in time. This weeks Links has a collection of examples on how to take your blog to the next level. The following are a group of links with helpful advice on everything from how to work with PR people, to switching to a new blogging platform and to navigating user-generated fashion on the web. I trust that many of these links will prove to be very useful to all of you. Happy posting!

LINKS À LA MODE: TECH – May 17th

• Beautifully Invisible: So You Want to Leave Blogger for WordPress?
• The Clothing Menu: What Is User-Generated Fashion?
• Divas and Dorks: Limited Edition Gold Plated iPad 2
• Dress With Courage: Outfit Post: The Best Mobile Fashion, Style, and Shopping Apps
• IFB: How to Get the Most out of Your IFB Experience: Part 2
• JulietteMaxwell.com: Free Blogging Platforms: Going Beyond Blogger
• Search and Dresscue: Quick Tip: CameraSim, the Online SLR Simulator
• Styling You: How to Work With PR’s and Their Brands

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links. Deadline is Sunday, May 22nd — get posting here and grab the code for your blogs here.

I am delighted to share that my “Retail Therapy” post was included in the latest edition of IFB’s Links à la Mode! I am honored to have been included with all of the other talented bloggers below.  Make sure you check out their posts – you won’t be disappointed!

Tipped Off

Edited by Meghan Donovan at WIT & Whimsy

This week’s Links à la Mode demonstrates the one thing we fashion bloggers aren’t afraid to do. Give advice. With all the shopping, hunting, reading and networking we do across a multitude of channels, it’s no surprise that we develop certain skills when it comes to finding the best bargain, tracking down the ultimate vintage find or just knowing how to dress for our body type. Read up on all of this week’s posts featured in Links à la Mode for a wealth of information for everything from dos and dont’s to curbing those nasty little shopping habits we all can be guilty of here and there.

Links à la Mode: May 5th

• Beautifully Invisible: Guide to Saving Fashionably
• Chic n’ Cheap Living: 5 Ways to get Your Dream Wardrobe
• Divas & Dorks: Designer Profile of Lily & Migs
• Dressing with Courage: Guide to Shopping for Vintage Online
• Everything Just So: Alexander McQueen Debuts at the Met
• Fashioned By Love: 12 Style Rules to Live By
• Fashionably Numb: Tips to Spot a Counterfeit
• Fiamma’s Fashion Spot: Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga
• Her Catwalk: 6 Ways to Stop Impulse Buying
• IFB: Tips for Photographing Fashion Shows
• I Got Style & I’m Fab: Socks and Sandals: Do or Don’t?
• Lady in Lycra: Fashion Fundamentals
• My Fashion Juice: Why the Classic Trench is a Wardrobe Essential
• North on Harper: What Should Really Be in Your Clutch
• Oranges and Apples: Notes on Editorial Style Outfits
• Pink Chai: Tips to Clean Out Your Closet
• Splendiferous Inclinations: What to Wear to Summer Music Festivals
• Style Confessions: The Curvy Girl’s Guide to Looking Good in Jeans
• Style Every Day: The Online Shopper’s Guide to Free Shipping
• WIT & Whimsy: The Spring 2011 Essentials You Should be Wearing
• Words by Jessie: Patriotism Makes a Return to our Wardrobes

SPONSOR:

Tory Burch at Shopbop: Bags, Wallets, Clutches, Dresses, Shoes, Flats, Sandals, Sunglasses, Shop the Runway & Outlet Sale

Operation #Uplift

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

Oh no. It’s The-Coveted-gate all over again. As much as I wish I could start this week’s roundup with a glowing review of positivity, the sad truth is that the blogosphere is rife with accusations of trademark infringement, side-eye, competition, and bitchiness. Ladies and gents, it is time for this to stop.

I’ll never understand why people feel the need to tear others down, or pass another’s content—or identity—off as their own. Blogging dynamo Cece of LoveBrownSugar noted this week that she’s had enough of the side-eye in fashion, and frankly, so have I. Last week, Cece issued an #Uplift Challenge: Find at least one female you don’t know personally and tell her something that makes her feel beautiful. Don’t get “#Uplift”? Be sure to read Beautifully Invisible‘s post—a Twitterless blogger is like Lady Gaga without a mic!

As you explore this week’s list and head into the weekend, I leave you with this thought: “Women with wings,” Sacramento, of Mis Papelicos, wrote, “use their wings not only to fly, but to cuddle, to shelter, to back, to push and to hug.” What are you using your wings for?

Links à la Mode: April 14th

• Aquí: Thrifty Threads: Six unique ways to wear a vintage silk scarf.
• Beautifully Invisible: 10 Things about your blog that drive me crazy.
• BonBon Rose Girls: An interview with Kimberly Hendrix, the eco-conscious designer of k. hendrix.
• Consume or Consumed: A detailed account of being fitted by Intimacy bra fit specialists.
• Designed by Ann: What (not) to wear when going shopping.
• Dress With Courage: Anorexia, competition, and the quest for blogger win.
• FashionablyNumb: A tribute to the queen of bohemian chic, Anna Sui.
• Fashioned By Love: The colour of joy, sunshine, and daffodils—there’s the right shade of yellow for everyone.
• Grit & Glamour: What V Wore: On the {Bur}berry last day.
• IFB: Coveted Media Intern Search
• LoveBrownSugar: Stilettos & Side Eyes: The UPLIFT Challenge—insights on the reasons we choose to “compete” instead of cooperate.
• Mis Papelicos: One year blogging and women with wings.
• Notes from a Stylist: Ever wondered what a Scotsman wears under his kilt? Kiefer Sutherland and Chris Noth bare all at the Dressed to Kilt show.
• Oh, The Places You’ll Go: Plus size gorgeous—catwalk curves and City Chic.
• Shoeperwoman: A warning to all bloggers: A first-hand account of when someone tries to take your brand/trademark.
• StyleLab: Why Blogs are like dogs and other advice on blogging.
• Styling You: Why I need three styling irons. Truly.
• The StyleCave: Long live McQueen.
• The Style Confessions: 10 reasons to love fashion blogs.
• The Taxonomy of My Wardrobe: Our right to wear the trousers—and why we shouldn’t take it for granted.
• This Girl’s Vintage: Getting that vintage dress to fit you perfectly: its all about the undergarment.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Dresses: Black, Sundresses, Wrap, Print, Cocktail, White, Work, Jersey, by Lanston, Tucker, Shoshanna, Parker, & Obakki