Blogging as a Business


{via}

Yesterday I read an extremely interesting and insightful article called The Business of Blogging, an interview that BoF did with Leandra Medine, the Man Repeller. In the article, Leandra discusses how being a "new age" blogger is a fete, because keeping your blog ahead of the game is almost impossible when you count the number of successful pioneer blogs out there {think Tommy Ton and Scott Schuman}. I also learned the Leandra has only been termed "the Man Repeller" for two short years, and she is younger than me, but she entered the blog world with a killer idea {and brand!} that separated her from the rest of fashion bloggers - which is really all it took to make her a stand out. “Man Repeller as a concept was the door,” says Medine. “But it’s what I’ve done with the site that has enabled me to walk through that door. Execution is almost everything.” 

Lately, I've been a little distant in the blog world - not visiting others as often, few comments, and trying not to get entirely wrapped up in "the blogging community." Not because I don't love it, honestly words can't describe the effects that this sweet + creative community has had on my life, but sometimes I think it is important to think of yourself as one. I never want to look at another blog as competition, because the purpose of this blog is to discuss my passions, create a relationship with my readers, and have my own voice without any external influence. When I look back at the beginning of S&S, I can see that some of my posts don't feel as genuine to me. I never want that to be the case. 

So I ask you, what keeps you motivated in what sometimes seems like a constantly competitive world? If you haven't, I highly recommend reading Leandra's article, it sparked a whole new fire on my constant strive to be ahead of the game. 

Believe


A pretty perfect way to start the week, yes?

Happy Monday!

{image made by me via this and this}

Weekend Style


I am up in Wisconsin celebrating summer with thirty or so family members, one of my favorite weekends of the entire summer. Plus, the 2012 Summer Olympics began last night, which is double-y exciting. Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

Guest Post

I am guest posting on LA in the Bay today, sharing an outfit for one night in Vegas! Pop over to check out what I think is some serious style . Happy weekend! xo

2012 London Olympics




Today marks the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics! To say I am excited would be an understatement, I have always been a huge fan of the games {especially gymnastics and swimming} and will be watching the Opening Ceremony with thirty family members at my lake house up north. It is always touching to see the world come together, especially when it feels like all you hear on the news are horror stories of what is wrong in the world today.  

Are you excited for the games? 

{images via}

Braided





Note to self: having long hair seems to be way more fun. Because then you get to braid your hair into pretty buns, drape it across your head, or tie it up like Heidi; which are all really pretty. As you know, I chopped 10 inches off of my hair in May, and these images have me regretting my decision.

Do you have short hair? Long hair? Tips to recreating these looks?

{image 1, 2, 3, 4}

Pick a Pillow

Alright people, I need your help. At the moment I would like to cover my couch and chair in pillows so the options need to be narrowed down. My sofa is a light grey velvet and our chair is a bit darker grey velvet. I am almost positive that I am going to make a pillow base with the West Elm Mongolian Lamb pillow {a requirement from the bf, they must be comfortable, not just "pretty"} but I clearly need to add some pattern/print into the mix. 


So which would you choose? I am leaning towards the Kelly Wearstler but also towards the Fig Leaf because they are just so fun {but do you think they are seasonal?}. Anywho, this is just a small compilation, there are way more where that comes from so if you have any suggestions I am all ears!

Warby Parker Sunnies

I thought I'd share my recent obsession with Warby Parker, because for $95 their sunnies and specs are seriously stylish and completely awesome. The Mabel is my favorite {they remind my of these Kate Spade sunnies} followed by the Jasper. So if you're in the market for some new shades, pop over to their site and browse the collection.

Sometimes I Just Want to Show You Pretty Things



When my days are consumed with scouring the internets for my clients, sometimes I want to share my recent favorites with you. So here they are, a few pretty pieces to brighten up your Wednesday!

xo

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The Decorating Process





I thought I'd give you guys a tiny sneak peek at the decorating process going on over here. There are still quite a few things to cross off the list - we will be using this DIY tutorial to make our own headboard in a plush navy velvet {thank god for handy boyfriends} and I am still on the hunt for the perfect throw pillows. Aside from that, the majority of the living space is complete and slowly coming together. I'll keep you posted on new developments!

{Sofa from Roys Furniture, West Elm Pebbly Wool Jute Rug, Rope Mirror, DIY Bamboo Coffee Table, Trina Turk Greek Key Rug}

PS: Sequins & Stripes is on Facebook! Like the page to be in the know on new posts, giveaways, photos + more!

Art.com




While redecorating my apartment, I have opened up a ton of wall space above my couch. Instead of compiling a group of photos for a gallery wall, I have decided to blow up one super large image to fill the space. Clearly making this decision is impossible given that there are some amazing options out there, so imagine my excitement when I discovered Art.com. Art.com is a wonderful site where you can purchase replicas of your favorite prints at a very reasonable price {I have already ordered two large prints of this to fill our entryway} or blow up photos of your own. I am struggling between blowing up a photo from my trip to Switzerland, or maybe opting for a vintage black and white photo. Either way, I am having a blast scrolling through their site, and I highly recommend Art.com for anyone looking to zhush their home! 

{image 1, 2, 3}

Weekend Style



Feeling very girly today and loving this perfect balance between sweet and edgy. Hope you're enjoying a stylish weekend! 

Redecorating


Happy Friday, friends! Yesterday my best friend officially moved out of our apartment and my new furniture is being delivered today. Before I can get everything set up, I am painting the entire place {a not so easy task}, so my weekend will be consumed with lots of redecorating before I have to live with a boyyyy! I can't wait to share photos with you once it is complete, I took lots of neutral inspiration from the photo above and have the prettiest gold coffee table to accent my design books. 

What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it is I hope it is wonderful!

xo

J.Crew New Arrivals

I always know that when J.Crew puts a sale on their sale, they are about to launch some new arrivals. This morning I popped over to their site to see pages upon pages of polka dots, stripes, sequins, metallics, tortoise shell details, lush leather, and soft cashmere. My shopping cart is currently full with a few favorites below...


...clearly I need to spread this out over a few purchases or my credit card will explode. But can we discuss the minty zig zags, these Janey ballet falts, the dotted envelope clutch {or the dotted cashmere or the dotted skirt?}, and the pretty elephants. The list goes on {and on and on...}. What will you be buying?

Clarity



The nice people at Truffle sent me over their No. 1 Clarity Pouch and I have to say I am sorta obsessed.  It is kind of Clear Hermes Kelly bag {kinda, the idea is there} meets Five Star pencil case and I dig it.  I am always looking for a way to keep my bag organized and this see-through option forces me to pack light and pretty! I snagged the pink version with the red zipper and have been pairing it with almost everything, and for only $38 this lovely lady could be yours! Shop them here

*This is not a sponsored post. I only accept products from companies I generally like and that I feel are nice enough to share with my readers. Only the best for you!

All You Need is One.


It doesn't take much to make a statement, typically only one piece that really makes others say "wow." 




I love when I discover pieces that make a statement without breaking the bank {although sometimes we are allowed to splurge on a few}. Throw on something neutral and allow each of these items to steal the show...



{image 1, 2, 3, 4}

Do Work.

One client: Three sophisticated types of outfits.



Work.


Play.



Wedding.

Summer has been busy with lots of E-Consulting clients, which are fun because I get to play around with lots of looks and dreamy closets-to-be. Interested in my services? Email me!

{if interested, contact me for item sources}

Justified


I know Equipment blouses are nothing new in the blogosphere. However, I never really jumped on the bandwagon because I always felt like I could purchase similar tops at half the price. But I have to say I am pretty smitten with their novelty pieces and recently indulged in two for myself {this and this}. Not only are they tailored to be feminine and soft, but the quality of silk is unmatchable. They seriously feel like butter. So if you are like me, and tend to dress pretty polished when it comes to your fall wardrobe, I would recommend investing in this staple. I can't wait to wear mine with a pretty leather skirt for fall and denim shorts for now.

What kind of pieces do you justify splurging on? 

Weekend Style



Happy Saturday, friends! I am celebrating the weekend by brunching with my girlfriends and attending one of my favorite friend's wedding in the city. Hope you're enjoying a stylish day!

Instagram Happenings

A peek at life lately according to instagram...


A pretty coffee table arrangement with a West Elm tray and my new Chicks with Guns book.
A staple J.Crew dress and a fun necklace made by a family friend {contact me for details!}.
My glittery Jack Roger Navajos on repeat.
Sunday relaxation.


Travel essentials.
A few vacation favorites including a Club Monaco skirt, Patterson J. Kincaid ikat tank, my Clarisonic Mia, Essie polishes, and Stephanie Johnson makeup bag. 


Pretty scenes around the island from my trip to South Carolina.
A gorgeous shop in Charleston called South of Market


Pretty wrapping paper from Paper-Source + a Rifle Paper Co. card for my momma.
Mornings with Gus.
My new favorite afternoon treat: vanilla almond milk + coffee ice cubes! Mmmm.


My Fourth of July outfit: Wren dress + Zara wedges {on sale!}. 
Pretty little set up to celebrate America's birthday.
A drive up north with Webster. 
Weekend essentials: polka dot maxi, Jack Rogers Glitter Navajos, Timex watch, Anthropologie sunnies.


A quick trip to Walloon Lake in Northern Michigan.


Devouring Emily's book, Cupcakes and Cashmere.
J.Crew Tippi Sweater, polka dot shorts {no longer available}, Michael Kors wedges.
A crochet dress to survive the heat.



Simple pleasures like lunch with my sister at Milk & Honey, pretty succulents, patriotic mimosas, and wine tasting with my guy. 

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Follow me on Instagram at lizschneider_.

Giveaway Winner

Congrats Paige! You are the winner of the Jack Rogers Giveaway! I will be contacting you shortly. 

Happy Friday!

Motivation

Lately I'm feeling like I can't get into a good groove with this blog. Not in a way that is making me second guess this special little place, but in a way that makes me feel like I am not doing it justice. 


When I first learned about blogging, Cupcakes and Cashmere was the only blog that I read. I was fresh out of college and Emily was just starting out too. I always felt like we would be friends, she was relatable, down to earth, we had the same passion, and if she could start a blog with no experience, I could too. Yesterday I got Emily's book in the mail and I can honestly say that it is everything I expected and more - thought out, funny, helpful, creative, the images are beautiful, detailed, and again, relatable. When I feel like I am in a rut I stop by Cupcakes and Cashmere because over the past 4 years Emily has made her blog into something. Some readers don't realize how much of a business this is - creating good content, being able to relate to your readers, marketing your brand and keeping it fresh. I strive to do that for you, every single day, but worry that some days it is not enough. I never want to be disappointed in my posts, or look back and say that wasn't enough. Yes, somedays are going to be brief because sometimes that is life, but I hope that Sequins & Stripes continues to inspire, that you are able to relate to me, and that you don't get bored {my biggest concern!}.

So, if you haven't purchased Emily's book: Cupcakes and Cashmere, run and scoop it up. I promise it will not disappoint. 

What motivates you? Anything giving you that extra push lately? 

Baubles and Dots


I saw this image of Karla and completely gasped. How breathtaking does she look? Such a classic beauty that girl is. It made me want to rifle through my closet, pull out my polka dots, rock my favorite vintage inspired baubles and escape to the water - kind of a step back in time sorta look. Here is how to get it...


Would you wear Karla's look? Wouldn't it be fun to step back in time and lounge around the beach in polka dots and baubles? I think so. 

{image via Karlas Closet}
 

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