I’m going to try and get to some more Reader Requests this week, but here are a few questions I’ve gotten over the past few weeks. :)

(Got a question of your own?)

theliterarydreamer asked:
Hey Jaclyn :) I may have mentioned this before, but I just wanted to say that I love your blog and your fashion sense. It sort of inspired me to create a fashion blog of my own. I’m just having some difficulties on where/how to start…do you have any advice? Sorry, it’s kind of a broad question, but I’ll take any tips you might have…

Thanks a ton and by the way, it’s nice to see affordable fashion here :)

I’m so glad you’ve decided to start your own blog! It’s definitely a fun creative outlet. :)

Here are a few tips:

1) Choose to blog about what you like! It may seem obvious, but you’ll be more motivated to post if it’s something you feel passionate about.

2) Pick your platform carefully. Whether it’s Tumblr, Wordpress or Blogger (or something else!), make sure you do your research into the pros and cons of each before deciding. You can switch your platform later, of course, but it’s a complete pain in the ass and I wouldn’t recommend it. So…be happy where you land! (Or, at least be willing to stick it out.)

3) Don’t try to be like everyone else! Uniqueness is what makes different bloggers fun to read. My favorite bloggers could not be confused with anyone else—they have their own distinct personality and content. That makes them interesting and keeps me clicking back.

4) As far as fashion is concerned, if you read lots of fashion blogs, you’ll notice that there are lots of different routes you can go. It can be all about your personal style, or all about celebrity style. You can write about things that inspire you, or you can be more literal about specific products and brands and where to buy them. Do you want to help people with specific issues/problems or be more of an inspiration spring board for their style? Once you figure out what niche you want to settle in, try and come up with your own twist on the norm.

I hope this helped! Feel free to email me if you have any more questions!

kangalex asked:
Wow your blog is amazing! I wish you did more menswear though :P If you check out my blog I am mostly into menswear and a blog like yours; recommending mens outfits to meet a specific budget would be awesome!!!

Thank you! I’d love to do more menswear, but I don’t know much about it aside from what I personally like and do not like to see (which probably isn’t very relevant).

If you know something about affordable, stylish menswear and would like to do a guest post every now and then, feel free to email me! I’d love to set something up.

clashcultureparadigm asked:
I LOVE your blog layout? How’d you make it/do you have any suggestions for someone trying to build their own similarly?
Thanks! And keep up the amazing posts :)

theresaannblog asked:
I have one last question about blogs…how do you get your awesome headers? I keep trying to make them in polyvore and it always leaves me with so much space in between the top and bottom (errgh). I just can not figure it out.
Thanks again for being so helpful!

I started out with the Custom CSS Tumblr theme and tweaked it until I liked the way it looked. I wanted links at the top and a larger area for the posts to display. Once I changed the actual layout to a size I liked, I added code for the fonts, colors, comments, etc. The header was created in Photoshop using several of my older outfit photos. If there’s too much space, check the margin widths.

ez4u2doluvmetru asked:
Im new and really like your blog any recommendations

Here are a few of my favorite fashion blogs I’m reading right now: A Day in the Life Too, District of Chic, It’s My Birthday, Style Within Reach, Sara Zucker, Veronica Loves Archie and The Vie Society.

/ Q

Hi Jaclyn!

I thought maybe you could help me with this. I have a friend who requested some places on the internet where he can shop. He has a pretty classic, sort of 50's era vibe. Lots of plain shirts/pants, no sneakers, no logos on t-shirts. He likes to wear thrifted clothing, cowboy shirts and boots sometimes as well and the kicker, he is TALL. Like 6'5" tall. I already know J Crew would be good. Any ideas?

Thanks!

/ A

Menswear definitely gets the shaft when it comes to online shopping. Not a whole lot of options, and certainly not a whole lot of GOOD options.

Here are my picks:

• Topman - Trendy, but the prices—especially for basics—are good.
• ASOS Mens - Not as well-priced as the ladies stuff, but they have a big selection to look through. 
• L. L. Bean Signature - Staples similar to J. Crew’s looks. 
• Forever 21Men - You can find super cheap basics (like tees and cardigans) here. 
• American Apparel - You can’t really do better for plain shirts than AA. 
• Uncrate Style - Uncrate’s style section lists a lot of great menswear/accessories with links for where to buy. 

I’m definitely not an expert, but those are the initial places that came to mind! Guys, if you have additional favorite spots to shop online, please e-mail me or comment on this post!

Here’s what Intretorr asked:

I have a couple suggestions for you!

1. Topman.com, the menswear version of Topshop.com, has some really great suspenders and bow-tie options.
2. J.Crew always has a good selection of bow-ties, as does ASOS.
3. Also check out Urban Outfitters for some additional options.

None of these work? Let me know and I’ll find something else for you!

Still looking for a gift for a husband, brother, father, boyfriend or any other male in your life?

This cashmere-blend sweater from Forever 21 is only $22 and comes in three colors: black, charcoal and a deep purple.

I’m loving the pocket and button epaulets on the shoulders—adds a bit of style to what would be your basic sweater otherwise.

Here are some coupon codes to use with your Forever 21 purchases:

• FREESHIP09 qualifies you for free shipping on $40 or more (buy two sweaters!)
• HOLIDAY gives you 10% off a purchase of $40 or more

Forever 21 Mens Cashmere-Blend Sweater, $22

Cardinal Rules for Men:

You can never be overdressed. You will always look better in a suit than anything else you own. Wear a good suit, make sure it’s tailored. Wear it often, even when you don’t think you need to. If you even think about wearing khakis, a polo and a sport jacket, don’t wear that. Wear a suit.

Extra points for French sleeves and cufflinks.

Tracking Trends : Something For the Men

A lot of men don’t know that Forever 21 even has a line of clothing pour homme. Guess what? They do! There’s not a huge selection and some of the looks are, uhh, not great, but there are a few great items at the same superbly cheap prices that women take advantage of every day.

Here are my favorite items from the mens line for fall:

• Contrast-Trim Cardigan - $24 - Cardigans are again big for menswear this fall. This one has a bit of zip (no pun intended) with the red around the zipper.
• Black-and-white Cardigan - $23 - This sweater has a cool retro 50’s look.
• Cardigan Vest - $20 - Every guy needs a really great cardigan/sweater vest. Make sure it’s fitted properly so you don’t look like Chandler on Friends.
• Pincheck Textured Jacket - $33 - A casual jacket is a must-have, but keep it classy. A good way to pick a casual jacket: if you feel comfortable wearing it with jeans or a suit, it’s a keeper.
• Button-down Shirt - $25 - Button-downs are all about fit, and a light blue color like this should be a closet staple. The color goes with all suits (gray, black, cream, pinstriped, etc.).
• Gauzy Scarf - $13 - More men should wear scarves. It is exceedingly attractive.
• Straight-Leg Jeans - $36 - A lot of men don’t think they can pull off straight-leg jeans. This is a fallacy. More can than you might think, but beware: don’t get them too baggy, or they’ll look dated. Don’t wear them with Chucks unless you are comfortable with giving off a hipster vibe. Wear some nice, laceless dress shoes or boots instead.