Answers: Part I

Thank you all for the interesting questions! Also, because I don't say it enough, a huge thank you to everyone who reads my blog: those who share their thoughts (I appreciate each and every comment), the quiet "lurkers" (because I know I often fall into that category) and other bloggers for all the inspiration.

This post was getting out of control, so I decided to split it in half. I've answered the questions in the order they were asked except for similar questions, which I've grouped.  

I think I remember you saying that you work at the LJ World? What do you do? - Emily Kennedy

What do you do for a living? -Francesca

I am a professional copywriter. Because I didn't really know what a copywriter was before I became one, I'll provide some explanation. Sorry if you already know this. Copywriting has nothing to do with copyright law (a common misunderstanding). Rather, I write copy. Copy is any text that appears on websites, in magazines and advertisements and so on. Right now I work primarily for Payless ShoeSource writing everything from shoe descriptions to site features to emails. For those who watch Mad Men, Peggy is a copywriter.

Until recently, I was also one of the writers of a weekly newspaper column in which people on the street are photographed and interviewed about their style. I quit because I was so shy about approaching strangers! (Emily: this was for lawrence.com, which falls under the World Company umbrella). 

Where do you thrift shop in/around Lawrence? -Stacey

In Lawrence, I go to the Social Service League, St. John's Rummage House and Goodwill. I'm anxious to check out the new Salvation Army, but I don't think it's open yet. In Topeka, I go to Maj-R Thrift. I don't thrift in Kansas City very often, but I have gone to Savers (in Overland Park), the Re-Runs Warehouse and the DAV. 

How is that sweet little puppy of yours doing? -wiley

Igby is great! Honestly, I didn't fully understand what I was getting into with a puppy. I actually tried to adopt an adult pug from our animal shelter, but someone who applied before me got to take him home. Though it's certainly a lot of work raising a rambunctious little one, it seemed like the universe brought Igby to me, so I'm pretty sure it was meant to be. He makes me laugh every single day, and our bond is unimaginably strong. I can't even remember what life was like without him. (While writing this gushy paragraph, I had to scold Igby twice! I guess I forgot to mention the biting and barking. Let's move on...)

He's getting big! He was a teeny tiny four-pound creature when I adopted him, and now he's an athletic 15-pound boy. He's lean with long legs, but he still has a bit of growing to do. We'll see if he becomes more stocky like a typical pug. He likes to play fetch, go on long walks, cuddle on the couch, rip paper into tiny pieces (one of his naughty habits), do tricks for treats and give lots of kisses (more like obsessive licking). He loves bananas and beer (don't worry, only a drop or two). Anyway, non-dog-people are probably rolling their eyes by now, so I will stop!

Do you have a dress code at work? -Clothes Coquette

Yes, I work in a business casual office. The main rule is no jeans, but other than that, it's laid-back. Pretty much any non-jeans outfit you see on my blog is something I wore to work.

What is your favorite animal? -Kathyrine
 
This is probably boring, but I think my favorite animals are dogs. I like pugs (obviously), Boston terriers, French bulldogs and English bulldogs best. Also, my mom had horses when I was young, so I've always admired their beauty and grace. When I watch old war movies, I'm always more upset when a horse gets hurt than a person.

What is your dream job involve you doing? -Kathyrine

I don't know what my dream job is, but it would have to be something creative, something that combines my verbal and visual interests and something that allows me to have some level of control.

Mine is really random, what made you decide to cut your hair? I love it but you went from really long to really short! -Celeen
 
I was just ready for a change. I experimented with my hair a lot during my freshman year of college and then decided to grow it out at the beginning of my sophomore year. After enduring a year or two of awkward in-between lengths, I finally had the long hair I wanted! I kept the same haircut for a few years but decided this past fall that I was ready to move on. I really don't feel attached to my hair. It grows back, and change is exciting! Right now, I'm really enjoying experimenting with different styles.

What are your favorite shops when you visit KC? -Senorita Fashionista

As I mentioned, I don't do a lot of shopping in Kansas City. When I need my Forever 21 fix, I'll go to the Legends, and I take occasional thrift trips to the area. That's about it! Let me know if you have recommendations!

Are you keeping the haircut short? Or going back long? -frances

I anticipate keeping it short for quite awhile. 

Who takes your photos? -Shauna

My boyfriend Travis takes most of my photos. When he doesn't, it's my sister Ella behind the lens.

Do you see yourself being a Midwest gal for life? Or do you ever think about moving? -WildBirdVintage

do you think you will stay in lawrence permanently? or do you see yourself in another part of the country (or world!)? -Lexie, Little Boat

I don't have long-term plans right now. I would love to experience other places, but I'm not the type to just get up and go without a plan. If an employment or academic opportunity in another part of the country presents itself,  I may very well take it. When I have a better idea of what I want to do, I might seek something out. At the moment, I'm content where I am.


Hot jock or sexy nerd? -OooKellyNicky
 
Sexy nerd without a doubt. 

Has your concept of Midwestern style changed since you've had your blog? Do you feel like you're still exploring what it means to be a Midwestern fashion blogger? -tastymoog

Because this blog is so inwardly focused on my daily outfits, I feel like I don't step back and look at the bigger picture very often. Also, I don't think the "Midwestern" designation is very sharp or concrete. I am, however, a product of where I come from, and I think that definitely shines through. Having this blog (and looking at other fashion blogs) has made me realize and examine the qualities of my style and attitude that stem from my Midwestern roots.

Over-the-top outfits that may be perfectly acceptable on the coasts would not really fit in here. I could wear them, but they wouldn't be understood or appreciated. Besides, that's just not me. My style definitely has a quieter impact. Classic shapes, prints and materials like denim comprise the bulk of my wardrobe. I think this reflects the simple, understated appeal of the Midwest.

Of course, that is a pretty sweeping generalization. Kansas, like anywhere, has an eclectic mix of style. I don't mean to over-simplify or reinforce Middle America stereotypes; I'm just speaking from my personal point-of-view.

I know that you do lots of thrifting and such, but do you ever splurge on a really, REALLY great piece? -CAR0LiNE

I do occasionally splurge, but $50 is a splurge for me. Sometimes I'll drop a large sum of money during a single shopping trip ($80 at Forever 21, for example), which I would think of as splurging even if the individual pieces are cheap.

This concludes Part I. More to come.