July Blogger of the Month -- Voting is CLOSED

Each month we plan to highlight a fellow blogger. At some point in each month, we'll randomly select bloggers from each category and put them up for a vote. Please, check out all the blogs listed. Especially blogs you haven't yet visited. You may post about it on your blog and vote yourself, but try and keep it fair. Voting will end in a couple of days. Once the voting is over we'll do a fun little feature on the blogger. So, get voting!

Voting is now closed! Thanks for participating!

Guidelines for a Savvy Shopper

Shopping is addictive and with the fashion blogging community, the desire to be on top of the game is a dangerous playing field. Just as there are many ways to over spend, there are just as many ways to be a smart and resourceful shopper. These are the guidelines I follow for keeping up with the ever changing fashion world while staying true to a humble budget.

Hit the Sale Racks - I rarely pay full retail price. Most things go on sale and if they don’t, then it’s time to save up for the purchase.

Don’t impulsive buy – If you spot something you like, but are uncertain of, don’t purchase it. Sleep on it, wait it out, and if it’s still on your mind and you have the extra funds, then purchase it.

Set a budget – I personally do not spend over $40 on a single item, unless it’s an investment piece. An investment piece is something that’s timeless, well-made, fits well and will last multiple seasons, like a well constructed solid colored pea coat. Something both high in quality and classic.

Shop secondhand stores – I save hundreds of dollars by shopping at thrift stores or places like Plato’s Closet and Gabriel Brothers. I rarely pay full price for clothes, and that is how I stay current. Second-hand stores are a great place to find department store style pieces for a lot less.

Cost Per Wear (CPW) – I live for CPW. Take the price paid for an item and divide it by the amount of times it has been worn. If this doesn’t line up after significant time, it costs too much and/or wasn’t worth it.

Get Creative/Embrace the Remix – I’m a master at remixing my wardrobe. I rarely wear the same combination twice. I mix, I match, I layer. At thrift stores, I see the potential in pieces. Can I hack off that collar? Can that hem line be shorter? What will that look like without those sleeves? I have no sewing skills, but I’ve learned how to use brooches, band pins, belts, and liquid stitch (instant hemming solution).

Throw a Frock Party – A frock party is essentially a gathering where friends bring clothes they no longer want but are still in good condition and swap them for free. The rules and possibilities are endless. This is a wonderful, and free, way to gain new clothes while getting rid of ones that aren’t worn.

Purge – Every few months I go through my clothes and donate or toss things I know I will never wear. This way, I always know what I have and do not have.

The possibilities to save are endless. All it takes is a little creativity. Being resourceful is far more rewarding than spending top dollar for passing trends.

GREAT LOCAL DEAL

The Village Discount Outlet on State Road in Cuyahoga Falls is having an annual fourth of July pre-sale sale. Which means the entire store is 50% off excluding new items unless otherwise marked. These events are pure madness, but completely worth it. I scored big last time. Don't miss it!

lovely little find

I first stumbled across the amazing quirky creations of Toony Jewelry last year at the notorious Crafty Mart. I just had to have the mini (real working) harmonica necklace I saw at the booth. I also met Barbara Baughman, the designer behind Toony. Barbara is a 20 year old college student,  jewelry and fashion designer, Polaroid lover, watercolorer, blogger, random craft maker, and vintage collector. She launched Toony in 2008 as something fun for people to enjoy. Although Toony started strictly as the name of her jewelry creations it has slowly evolved into the name of everything she creates. 

I am completely smitten with her work and can't wait to see what else she designs in the future!

"Making jewelry is a home away from home for me. I love the smile people get when they see 

something that I've made. I know that crafts won't solve the worlds problems, but we can take 

people away from them for awhile!" - Barbara Baughman

Of course I didn't forget about my readers! I snagged a special promo code just for you! 
Save 15% off your entire order when you enter the code "lovely" at checkout! 
(please note: discount can only be applied if you enter code at checkout, no exceptions)

Shop Toony HERE, and don't forget the code "lovely" to save 15%!
Happy Shopping!

If you snatch up some Toony for yourself, let me know! 
Send pictures to alovelylittleblog@gmail.com Subject: Toony

POST ORIGINALLY FROM "a lovely little blog"

Tips for Surviving the Summer Heat and Still Look Great

I'm a spring/fall girl. I don't like sweat. I don't like sunburn. I like layers, windows down, and fresh air. Summer provides me with little options and none of these. I spend a good amount of time debating which I prefer more winter or summer. Recently, I'm leaning towards winter and staying in bed because it's nicer and cooler. But some days, I have to get out of bed and actually be a member of society. Trying to dress in 90+ heat and stay fresh after I go outside is a challenge. Here's how I try and combat the heat! What are your tips?

Thin scarves, bobby pins, headbands, and braids
...are your best friends. With this kind of heat, my hair gets greasy incredibly fast, and I look instantly un-showered. My go to style has been a thin scarf either worn like a turban or in a bow. Bobby pins do wonders. Poof the bangs, pin them back, and if you're feeling adventurous pin back the sides and put grab a headband, scarf or bandanna.

Dresses or Rompers. I am an advocate of dresses in general, but especially in the summer. They're simple, fashionable, and breezy. I look for thin materials with funky prints. I also prefer dresses with movement and flow as opposed to tight dresses. Throw on a thin belt, some sandals, and I'm ready to go.

Open Toes and Sandals.

I've made the mistake of leaving my house in closed toed heels and boots. Never again. My feet are usually soaked and full of blisters, not good. Gladiator sandals, open toed flats with cut out sides, or wedges. Remember flip flops are not shoes.

Face wipes or cover up. I've been carrying a pack of face wipes with me or making frequent bathroom trips to soak my face with cold water.

Waterless shampoo. Another trick to keep me looking fresh. I prefer either PSSSSTTT or Treseme's waterless foam shampoo.

Sunblock and deodorant...are must haves. Keep your skin young and smell fresh.

Next Meet Up

Hey Bloggers! We're in the process of planning our next meet-up. For this one, we're having a frock party. What's a frock party? A fancy way of saying clothing swap.

The event will take place on July 15th. Confirmed guests will receive the location closer to the event. The swap will start at 6:30 p.m.

There is a ten item minimum and non-bloggers may join as long as they bring ten items.

Bring drinks, party snacks, and anything else. Jessica will be baking cupcakes.

Items will be arranged by style and only bring clothes in good condition that others would like to wear. Accessories, shoes, purses, etc. are more than welcome.

Want to join and you're not on facebook? Email Jessica @ dressesfordinner@gmail.com.

This event is going to be amazing! So, please join us!

Fashion is a Choice!

Yes, it's true. Fashion is an absolute choice. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the coverage provided by fellow Akron bloggers.

Dresses For Dinner talk about why the Noto Fashion show was right up their alley.

Sarah's Laundry shows off her excellent eye for street style and discusses the show.

Oh Renee Design showcases her beautiful photography and street style!

A Lovely Little Blog shows off her impeccable style (her second outfit on the blog!), street style, and behind the scene photos.

Stacey does a recap, with photos, and more over at the Examiner.

David Bazan: Live in Akron

Meet David Bazan, an indie rock musician from Seattle. He was the force behind the now defunct Pedro the Lion. The front man of Headphones. Currently he performs under his namesake.

Under Pedro the Lion, Bazan marketed his remarkable sense of assonance. His songs were based on theology. He spent the better part of a decade battling his religion and inner personal issues. His loss of faith and questioning of his world turned into a drinking problem. In an attempt to rid the demons and see angels, he went solo.

Three records in under David Bazan and each one is better than the previous one. Bazan recently finished up a slew of Living Room Shows. Which were exactly as they sound. He played in strangers living rooms across the country. The shows capped out at fifty people and he played with his guitar and nothing else. In between songs he opened the floor up to the audience for q&a's. He answered honestly and played requests.

More recently, Bazan has released his newest solo album, Strange Negotiations. It's a powerful record about humanity and battling self-delusion. It weighs heavy on what it means to be human and more than that, what does it mean to be apart of the human culture? It deals with love for life and the disgust for the world our lives exist in. Bazan battles the age old question of how to fight the battle while still being a part of the battle. He succeeds with his biting tongue, his keen sense of lyrical structure, and catchy choruses. It might be his best record yet.

Zelio Noto Fashion Show

The Zelio Noto Fashion is a Choice is happening tomorrow!!! It's going to be a blast and a lot of us lovely fashion bloggers will be there. After the show, we'll all be sharing our photos and stories. So, be there and be apart of Akron history.

If you live in the area and want to join in the fun, here's the info:

NOTO 2011 Summer Fashion Show
Saturday, June 18th, 2011 8 PM.
Zelio NOTO
51 E Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
Tickets cost $32. Order online at tickets.zelionoto.com.
Included with ticket: Fashion show access, 2 Notini tokens, exclusive NOTO gift that keeps giving.

The Essentials Part One

There are certain items every girl should have in her closet. By essential, yes we mean basic go to pieces. Pieces that can transform any look. Pieces that when you're not sure what to wear you can grab one or multiple pieces and instantly have a classic polished look. While this list is probably different for each individual, some of these are undeniable essentials.

Blazer

Why: Blazers aren't just for the office. Blazers dress up any outfit and in a good way. The key to finding a blazer is all about shape and fit. Blazers are definitely the kind of item worth spending more on and waiting for the right one. Color is completely about personal preference, but make sure it's versatile. If a blazer doesn't fit properly it will lack the proper punch.

How to Style: Take a basic knit dress throw on a pair of flats, a chunky necklace, a blazer, and voila! Instant chic. Blazers also jazz up jeans and a basic t-shirt.

What to Look For: Blazers are made from a thicker more sturdy and to some, uncomfortable material. This can be a clothing deal breaker, but fear not, there are blazers made from sweater like material. They're lightweight, flexible, and look like the real deal.

Where to shop: H&M and Express. There are plenty stores that carry blazers, but we suggest these stores because they specialize in high quality at a lower price. Both H&M and Express specialize in business style clothing. Which means they have a wide variety.

What to avoid: Cheap looking blazers. While we typically advise to always thrift, sometimes shopping for certain items at a standard retail store is a plus. You may be able to score a perfect fitting thrift blazer or find one worthy of rehabbing, but depending on your body type this might prove to be more difficult.

Originally written and posted by Dresses for Dinner.

Welcome!

Welcome to the 330 Blogger Collective! We are a group of local bloggers coming together in one place. The majority of us are from Akron, Oh. Though merely living in the state of Ohio qualifies you to join.

The idea behind this blog is to bring together bloggers in the same area that otherwise would never meet and merely continue to lurk one another!

We are not limited to fashion or lifestyle blogs. Though most of us fall under that category. We merely aim to schedule meet up's, share local events, discounts, and all other ideas pertaining to Ohio.