Friday, May 29, 2009

Styl-eyes with Forzieri Contest Winners

Congratulations to our 3 winners of the Styl-eyes with Forzieri contest, who totally understand the importance of accessorizing with a hot pair of shades. ;)


1st:


2nd:


3rd:

If you're looking for a great pair of designer sunglasses for the summer, be sure to check out Forzieri's amazing selection! Also, browse more contest entries from Polyvore's fashionistas:
See more on Polyvore

Interview with ninghil

Today's interview is with ninghil. She discovered Polyvore through a fashion styling class in the Philippines and has been hooked ever since. The really cool thing about ninghil's sets is that she describes what each look is for and how it goes together, so be sure to check out her notes! Practical fashion advice, we like it.

Here are some of her sets:





Tell us about yourself.

Hi everyone! I'm Ning, 21, a college senior from Manila. What defines me most are the things that I love - Hip-hop, clothes, ice-cream, the beach and art. Hip-hop gets me into that zone that no other genre can. It makes me feel good like nothing else! I'm also a total sucker for the beach and it's just appropriate that I live in the Philippines. I get to go there whenever I like and I get to eat ice-cream all the time too! Of all the things that I love though, I would say that what I want to pursue is something related to fashion or the arts. Maybe both, if I get lucky! It's something that I can envision myself doing for the rest of my life, and being happy while doing so. :)

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

Comfort is probably the main aspect of my style. You should never sacrifice comfort just to look fashionable. Although I should say that I'm quite comfortable with just about anything. I pretty much go with safe choices for my outfits, which is probably why my closet is filled with black, white or grey pieces, but I would inject a bit of "interesting" every now and then. I've grown to experiment more with accessories and layers though. Living in a tropical country, I would always be in cool and light-weight outfits, like shorts, dresses and tank tops but what I love most about being in Manila is that I get to wear a bikini most of the time!

How did you discover Polyvore?

About 4 months ago, I enrolled myself in a Fashion Styling class and my classmates were all talking about Polyvore. Some of them who are already doing a bit of fashion styling said that Polyvore helped them with their "idea boards." It got me interested in checking it out and now I'm addicted!

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do
you like about Polyvore?

Polyvore helps me express my love for fashion. I make fashion sets with outfits that I, myself, would want to wear. It's an amazing tool for people who want to think ahead and lay out their outfits before a big event or something. What's also great about Polyvore is that it's something that will never get old for me. It will never be boring 'cause new items would be added every now and then. Polyvore is also a way for people to maintain their impulse shopping by checking out the items first on the site and that would help alooot of people, including myself.

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

What I do first is to go "shopping" for striking pieces, like a pair of high heeled sandals or a flowy dress. Then I would work from there, once they're all in the My Items panel. For most of my sets, I just pick one item that would serve as the highlight of the set. For example, there's a top that I really like, I would use it as the main piece and go look for other items that would complement it. The theme would show itself in the process. Sometimes, though, I would have an outfit already in mind and then, that's when I go shopping for pieces. The process differs every now and then.

What are your favorite online stores to clip products from?

Topshop! It's both my favorite store to clip products from and to go buy for my own stuff. They have the best pieces! :)

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?



Go Go Grey
Go Go Grey by ninghil featuring Nike



Got any feature requests for the Polyvore team?

A rotate button would be nice. I also think that a guestbook may be handy for the contacts to get to know more about each other and express their thoughts for others' sets, but I love Polyvore the way it is right now, too!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Polyvore Love Letters - Blog Roundup

Here are some of the latest blog posts featuring Polyvore sets we came across:

Ashley Olsen Style For Less by looksforless
(poorstylishpeople.blogspot.com)



Formal Peacock Abaya Style by ♥Ange♥
(hegab-rehab.blogspot.com)


New Discovery: Polyvore.com by littlemisskessa
(littlemisskessa.blogspot.com)


Neo Punk Fashion + Makeup: Polyvore Fun! by aromaleigh
(aromaleigh.wordpress.com)


Also, check out alis volat propriis: ad meliora by anonyMISS, who features her own interviews of Polyvore members! (dreamingwithoutsleep.blogspot.com)

If you have a blog and would like to be featured here, shoot us a message!
loveletters@polyvore.com

How To Wear The Grecian Trend

Ah, to be a Greek goddess. Well, the good news is you can look like one, even post-mythological times. The Grecian trend is huge this summer with all its loose and drapey glory. Grecian-style dresses come in different lengths and styles, from gowns to one-shoulder minis to twists and knots as embellishments. For an authentic look, you can pair a Grecian-style dress with gladiator sandals. But you can pair it just as beautifully with platform heels. Here are some great styling suggestions to help you get started:











Wednesday, May 27, 2009

How To Wear a Character Tee

Add some character to your everyday wear. We've been seeing more and more tees with cool sketches of people and animals, like this Young Love Tee ($26.50 on delias.com). I have to admit, I liked this t-shirt when I first saw it but I fell in love with it even more after finding all the different ways to style it on Polyvore. Oh how you fashionistas can make a simple tee look so chic!











16th - [ttf] can't keep my hands out the cookie jar
16th - [ttf] can't keep my hands out the cookie jar by anonyMISS featuring Golden Goose boots

Check out more character tees on delias.com like this Nerdy Giraffe tee and this M.I.A tee. And if you buy 2, you'll save $10!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Polyvore Love Letters - Blog Roundup

Here are some of the latest blog posts we came across featuring Polyvore sets:

First Look: 80s Purple by RunwayDaily
(runwaydaily.com)



Polyvore Fun by PinkWhiskey
(pinkwhiskey.blogspot.com)



1980's Movie Heroines - Teen Witch by Agent Lover
(agentlover.com)



White and Color with Ruffles All Over by fashionmuse91
(americanbeauty-muse.blogspot.com)


If you have a blog and would like to be featured here, drop us a line!
loveletters@polyvore.com

How To Wear a Chiffon Top

Can this top scream "summer love" any louder? The vibrant colors and thin material make it a great layering piece and can also dual as a cover-up for swimwear. No wonder it's so popular on Polyvore! This chiffon top by What Goes Around Comes Around ($198 on chickdowntown.com) is perfect for the warm weather. Check out these outfits put together by Polyvore members for some gorgeous suggestions on how to style this lily top:









Friday, May 22, 2009

Camping Roleplay Contest Winners

The long weekend is coming up and Maria's going camping with her friends! The last time she spent a weekend with nature was back when she was a kid. They plan to do some hiking, swimming and of course roast marshmallows over a campfire. It's going to be hot during the day, but will get chilly as the sun goes down, so Maria needs to pack comfortably! If you were Maria, what would you wear during the camping trip?

Here are the winning sets:

1st:


2nd:


3rd:

Check out more contest entries:
See more on Polyvore

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

How To Wear Ankle-Length Jeans


If shoes make your outfit, why hide them? Show them off with ankle grazing jeans! This pair of Citizen of Humanity jeans from Net-A-Porter.com ($190) is sure to look great no matter your style. Skinny is the way to go with ankle jeans this summer for a great flattering fit. If you're on a budget, check out American Eagle's ankle zip jeans for only $19.95. Pull out all your funky shoes and get to styling:










Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Sterling Style Academy and Polyvore

If you've ever thought about taking your Polyvore styling skills to the next level, the Sterling Style Academy is the perfect place to start your career in fashion!

The Sterling Style Academy trains top-notch Image Consultants and Personal Shoppers around the world in Miami, New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, and Dubai, as well as Online. They help prepare students for success in the multi-million dollar Image Consultant industry through both classroom exercises and hands-on training with instructors who are recognized industry professionals. (Check out their Polyvore profile here: Sterling Style Academy)

We're excited to announce that the Sterling Style Academy will be integrating Polyvore's styling tool into their training curriculum so that students can receive the most current and timely style industry information. Polyvore allows Sterling Style Academy’s students and Certified Image Consultants to create wardrobe case studies and style sheets for course projects and current clients. Personal Shoppers and Image Consultants are able to work with the most current clothing available from any online retailer in all fashion categories from Dramatic to Romantic.

We're looking forward to seeing all the work from Sterling Style Academy students worldwide on Polyvore!

Interview with B.Passa

Today's interview is with B.Passa. Passa's been a Polyvore member for 3 months and has quickly learned her way around the site! She lives in Bangkok, where it's summer all year round, so her sets feature bright colors and are mainly styled around dresses and skirts. She has a keen eye for funky footwear, too!


Here are some of her sets:





Tell us about yourself.

My name is Passa, it's pronounced how it's spelled with a 'P' and 'sa'. I'm turning 20 this October. I live in Bangkok, Thailand. I was in NYC during my high school, right now I'm back in Bangkok and I'm a sophomore studying international business stuff in an international university. I have two passions in my life which are fashion and cooking. Normally I keep all my fashion magazines in my kitchen and instead of reading a recipe while cooking, I look through those magazines. I'm a makeup maniac, I like playing with colors and finish up with a fine line of eyeliner and extra long lashes with two or more coats of mascara. I love reading good books, both fiction and non-fiction. I own more than 300 books not including magazines, most of them are in English.

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

I love summer outfits and I don't really stick to one style. Something I don't do is copy the other people's style and buy clothes after someone else. I love to be unique and outstanding, I don't like things plain or ordinary. I have fun with every outfit I put on. I love buying dresses because I feel really girly and feminine but I don't really wear them because I'm not that girly nor feminine. Oh but I do LOVE high heels!! And I wear them all the time. I go everywhere wearing 5-inches high heels. Honestly, I only have 2 pairs of flats and I don't own any sneakers.

How did you discover Polyvore?

My friend told me about Polyvore.

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do you like about Polyvore?

I've fallen for Polyvore since my friend showed it to me. It's like I get to shop online and try on everything I think might be nice. It's a place where I can express my style without spending lots of money!! That's why I love it soooooo much. It's also somewhere I get to learn to match outfits and style.

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

I choose either a dress or top first, after that I think about accessories and high heels. I don't really have a theme for my sets but I usually think about where I'd want to wear the outfit to after I finish the set.

What are your favorite online stores to clip products from?

Topshop is my favorite place to find some nice dresses and skirts. Net-A-Porter and Browns are good places to find high heels.

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?






Got any features for the Polyvore team?

Nope ;D

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Cannes Film Festival Contest Winners

We're excited to announce the winners of the Cannes Film Festival contest! The contest received 1551 entries styled around the question: "What look would you debut on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival?" Congratulations to our winners MarianaBrazil, aphrodisiac and Bⓡidget Sⓐn:


1st:


2nd:


3rd:
cannes film festival
cannes film festival by Bⓡidget Sⓐn featuring Miu Miu shoes

You can continue to keep up with the news and gossip in Cannes on E! Online and also check out more contest entries here:
See more on Polyvore

How To Wear A Belted Jumper


The quickest way to put an outfit together is to find a piece that's already done the work for you. A popular pick on Polyvore is this Belted Jumper from Charlotte Russe (Only $28.99 -- talk about getting the most bang for your buck!) This jumper comes in a great neutral combination with a belt already attached. Style this piece with colors like black, red, yellow, or blue to make it pop. We can think of countless ways to accessorize this jumper, but here are some great starting points:







Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Polyvore Love Letters - Blog Roundup

Here are some of the latest blog posts we came across featuring Polyvore sets:

Nautical Chic Inspired by PaintHead
(paintheadsworld.blogspot.com)



Ça Plane Pour Moi by Lauren T
(this-works-for-me.blogspot.com)


What's New In Polyvore? by prudence_lennon a mocker
(prudencelennon.blogspot.com)

Monday Musing: Is Polyvore a Verb? by Seaglasses
(sea-glasses.blogspot.com)


Helena Bonham Carter by Odotta
(microimp.blogspot.com)


If you have a blog and would like to be featured here, drop us a line!
loveletters@polyvore.com

Interview with Katty™

Today's interview is with Katty™. She brings a very feminine approach to her styling and her sets are usually decorated with flowers, pearls and other dainty accessories. Browsing her sets feels like stepping into the countryside during spring. What's interesting is that Katty's style is actually much different in real-life! Take a moment to learn more about Katty....

Here are some of her sets:







Tell us about yourself.

Well, I'm Katty, I'm from England, and I recently turned fifteen. I am a ballet dancer and although I do love it, I'm not as crazy about ballet as I have been in past years... it's very demanding and takes up a good amount of my time. But I also like running and jogging and football (soccer). I'm generally an adventurous person - I love being outside. I love beaches, mountains, forests... so one day I do want to travel everywhere I can possibly get to. For now, though, I'm happy with going out with friends, watching movies, reading, and counting the days until school ends. I listen to a lot of music too - I like Coldplay, The Killers, and Lily Allen, and Beyonce. I like the song Fairytale by Alexander Rybak too, and as much as I hate to admit it, I constantly sing Hoedown Throwdown by Miley Cyrus.

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

My Polyvore sets are actually not like my real-life style at all. I don't think I even own anything pale and ruffley. I like bold, floral prints and big stripes and black tights. I'm kind of in between preppy and eclectic - I'll often just wear a colourful printed dress or top and throw on a cardigan and some cute ballet flats. I also love big necklaces - especially gold chains. One thing you'll never see me wear is sweatpants - at least not outside my house! I also avoid t-shirts and jeans - I like to stand out and not look too casual. I dress up almost every day, my friends think I'm ridiculous. I have these 4-inch heels that I often wear - they're black strappy sandals - and I'm already 5'10"! My friends think it's hilarious when I wear them. But sadly, none of them are the slightest bit interested in fashion! So I always stand out when I'm with them.

How did you discover Polyvore?

I think I was showing my little cousin how to use my laptop. She wanted to play dress up games on the internet, so I typed it in on Google and we found a website with a list of dress up games. Well, I thought "Polyvore" was a pretty funky name, so I clicked on it and I got hooked!

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do you like about Polyvore?

Polyvore is my dream wardrobe! I love experimenting with new trends and styles that I don't usually wear - and the people on here have great ideas! I discovered the idea of wearing a high-waisted skirt with a belt, and it's become one of my favourite trends. I can also find some good music on here. I just love looking at all the beautiful photos too, and I have found some amazing websites like Net-A-Porter and Eruca. And I love the people here - they're all so creative and friendly!

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

I don't have a specific process - I never really have an idea in mind. I sort of just collect a bunch of items randomly from other sets and websites, then I just pick one that I like a lot and try to build around it. Sometimes it's a photo, sometimes it's a beautiful dress or skirt. The layout is really important to me - I want everything to look like it goes together. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I want my layout to be just right and all the colours to go together, so it takes me forever sometimes to make a set. I go through phases - one week I'll be totally creative and I'll make a ton of great sets just like that. Then the next week I just have no ideas and I end up with about fifteen unfinished drafts! I'm always inspired by nature though, especially rose gardens and the seaside.

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?

I like the fresh, sunny feel to this one.


I like the worn, rugged pieces I use here. It looks effortless, carefree, and I would just love to wear this.


This one is just so... romantic. I really love the skirt.


Got any requests for the Polyvore team?

I would love a rotating feature. And also, in the Shop section, I wish I could just add items to my closet right away instead of having to click on them and stuff. Otherwise, Polyvore is great!

Monday, May 18, 2009

Guest Blog: Summer Maternity With Workchic Style

This guest post was written by Jennifer and Melissa of Workchic.com. Workchic helps dress women for work by offering suggested outfits, fit guidelines, tips and tricks on how to look professional, feminine and chic. Check out the Workchic blog for tips and trends!

It’s hot, you're uncomfortable, and work still insists you dress business casual. What’s a chic mom-to-be to do? Don’t worry, we have you covered.



Wear a bright summer dress that ties in the back to adjust for your growing belly and layer a tank underneath. This will make the look less revealing. You can accessorize with slingback flats, multi-colored earrings and a woven handbag to complete the business casual look. Pair it with leggings when running around on the weekend. Dresses make getting ready in the morning easy, especially if you have another little one already running around.


Our second business casual look starts with twill boot cut trousers. Secret fit belly should make sitting at your desk all day slightly more comfortable. Pair with a loose fitting summer print and wrap cardigan to fight off AC chill. We kept you in flats and matched them up to the cardigan. Accessorize with a brightly colored bracelet and finish with a warm grey bag.



Lastly we have an outfit for more casual days in the office. This is very similar to the last outfit, but paired up with denim. The tops are also more fitted which will show off your belly a little more, so avoid if your office is more conservative. We still recommend a cardigan in case you catch a chill and this deep purple shade is seasonless. We paired with comfortable loafers and an oversized ring.

We hope these looks will help you stay comfortable and fashionable this summer in the office. Consider buying items a size up, especially earlier in your pregnancy so that they do not become to tight to quickly. You may also need to purchase shoes one size up. We recommend sticking to flats and play with color like we did to stylize your summer wardrobe. If you don’t like anything hovering around your neck accessorize with earrings, bracelets, and statement rings instead. Oversized tote bags will also be great before and after the little one arrives.

How To Wear Raffia Shoes

Raffia makes its fashion comeback as the warmer months approach. Originating in Madagascar and most commonly used for mats, baskets and hats, raffia actually makes for a great shoe, too! These leaf fibers are woven together to create a fibrous texture that can be easily dyed, so you can find raffia shoes in some fun colors. Here are some ways to mix raffia footwear into your wardrobe:














Friday, May 15, 2009

Interview with doxophobia

Today's interview is with doxophobia, who has been a member of Polyvore for two years! She styles her sets by laying out pieces of an ensemble in a minimalistic way that allows you to fully appreciate each product she features. The high fashion pieces compliment her layout beautifully, making her sets eye-catching and different.

Here are some of her sets:






Tell us about yourself.

Well, my name is Michelle, I'm 19 years old, and I live in New Jersey. I love music, movies, hanging out with friends and family, drawing, sewing, and being outside/wandering around. I'm most interested in fashion and art, so I ultimately want to pursue a career in either of those fields.

Describe your sense of style/fashion.
My style in real life is pretty boring due to lack of funds. I mostly just keep it simple-- blazers, jeans, cardigans, ribbed tanks, v-neck tees, etc. I love thrift stores for more unique pieces. Accessories are my favorite, though. Necklaces and giant cocktail rings are the bessst.

How did you discover Polyvore?
Ah, it feels like it's been so long!.. I found Polyvore through a Livejournal community. Someone had described it as being similar to paper dolls, and I thought it sounded interesting. So I checked it out and have been hooked ever since.

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do
you like about Polyvore?

Like most, I use Polyvore as a creative outlet. I just really enjoy putting outfits together... trying new color combinations, seeing what pieces work with what. I love the fact that there are endless possibilities. Also, I really like seeing everyone's sets. Polyvore users are honestly such talented people.

My favorite thing, though, is how much I've learned just by using Polyvore. I've picked up so much information on fashion, learned about new photographers and artists, discovered new designers and online stores. It's really great.

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration
for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

Each set is different for me. Sometimes I'll have a really clear idea of what I want to make, and the set will just sort of unfold naturally. Other times, I'll start with a really inspiring image or item of clothing or accessory and build around it. I really utilize the draft feature! Often, if a set just isn't working I'll save it as a draft and come back to it later (sometimes months later) and things will fall into place.

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?

Mm, that's reeally tough! I'd have to go with these three:


Got any feature requests for the Polyvore team?

Polyvore is honestly so awesome, and all the changes you guys have made in the time I've been here have been so great. But! I think it'd be amazing if we could search through our own items by color, site, and keyword. The ability to rotate items would be really useful as well.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Polyvore Love Letters - Blog Roundup

Check out our latest roundup of blog posts that feature Polyvore sets:

Stress by nookie
(fashioninmyeyes.blogspot.com)


Trend Alert: Safari by misstorirose
(notoriousfashion.blogspot.com)


The Polyvore movement is global! Here are some cool blogs from Brazil, Germany and Estonia:

Roupa de Trabalho by Luanda Barros
(pe360graus.globo.com/diversao/_blg/blgi,1253.aspx)


Used Denim by Golestaneh
(golestaneh-fashion.blogspot.com)

Ketsuu by KETSKA
(kketsuu.blogspot.com)



If you have a blog and would like to be featured here, let us know!
loveletters@polyvore.com

Gossip Girl Style Challenge Winners

Want to know how to dress like the characters from Gossip Girl? Well, look no further. We asked you to create an outfit inspired by your favorite Gossip Girl character, and our Gossip Girl Style Challenge attracted 4,223 entries, making this one of our biggest contests yet! We're amazed at how well the styles of Serena, Blair, Jenny, Vanessa, Georgina, Dan, Nate and Chuck were captured in your sets.

12 very lucky winners were chosen by our special guest judge, Kimberly Couzens of the Elite Gossip Girl Style blog to be featured on the Explore page! (The winning sets are also being featured on the Elite Gossip Girl Style blog.) 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will also be receiving $100 American Express gift cards. A huge congrats to all our winners!

1st:


2nd:


3rd:


4th:


5th:



6th:



7th:


8th:



9th:



10th:



11th:


12th:
JHumphrey.
JHumphrey. by Chaneℓ♥ featuring Lanvin Accessories

Another big congratulations to xoxo24 who submitted her set to our lucky draw for 2 tickets to the Gossip Girl Sites Tour. She's the winner of a 3.5 hour tour of over 40 Gossip Girl filming locations in New York City!


Check out more Gossip Girl-inspired styles:

See more on Polyvore

xoxo

How To Wear Jelly Sandals

The trends of the 80s just keep coming back. This time, it's the return of the jelly sandals. Even top designers like Burberry and Givenchy are releasing their own renditions of the jelly sandal. But if you're watching your wallet, you can also find some great pairs at Wet Seal for on sale for only $4.99! One of the cool things about going jelly are that they're waterproof so they also make for great beachwear. Styles like the gladiator are great with skinny jeans and shorts, and thongs are perfect for skirts and dresses. Some of the designer jellies have more intricate designs with ties and stones. Here's some great inspiration on how to wear them:















What do you think about the return of jelly sandals?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Twitter Your Polyvore Sets!

Your style is too hot to keep it a secret...

We're excited to announce a new feature on Polyvore that lets you "tweet" your style to the world! Now when you publish a set, you have the option to post it to Twitter. In case you're not familiar with Twitter, it's a service for people to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What are you doing? (PS: You can follow us on Twitter, too! @polyvore)

In order to start "tweeting" your Polyvore sets, you'll first have to sync your Polyvore account to your Twitter account. You can do this by logging into your Polyvore account and clicking on the message at the top of your page:

You'll then be asked to connect your Polyvore account to your Twitter account. To connect, click the green 'Allow' button.


Now for the fun part...
Create a set and when you're ready to publish it, you'll see a check box option to 'Post to Twitter.' There's also a text box with the default message 'I Love Polyvore!,' but you can personalize this message to say anything you want. Click the 'Publish' button and you're done!


Happy Twittering!

Ways To Blog With Polvyore

Attention all fashion bloggers! Want an easy way to express your blog posts visually with real products? Then Polyvore is the perfect tool for you. Say goodbye to the complexity of creating spreads with Adobe Photoshop. Polyvore makes it easy to add professional, magazine-like spreads using real products to your blogs. Whether you’re blogging about celebrity style or highlighting your favorite pair of shoes, the creation process is simple. You can even use sets created by other Polyvore members in your blog, so take advantage of all the amazing creativity and talent you find on Polyvore! Once you've created (or found) the sets you want to share on your blog, embed them on your blog in 2 simple steps:

1. Click on the 'Embed on your blog' link on the right-hand side of the set page.



2. A pop-up will appear with an embed code for your blog. Simply copy and paste the top snippet of code to your blog post!



We know that many of you use monetized links for the products you feature on your blogs. You can continue to do so, even when using Polyvore sets. Just list the monetized links of the products you're featuring beneath the set on your blog. Here's an example of this from collegefashion.net:



The blogging possibilities are endless, especially when it comes to the topic of fashion. But here are a few ways you can use Polyvore sets to visually express your blog posts:

Writing about celebrity styles?
Use the Polyvore editor to create a set using a celebrity photo and choose from millions of products available on Polyvore (or add your own using the clipper tool) to recreate a celebrity-inspired look.



Writing about a fashion trend?
Create trend-specific outfits in the editor or search existing content created by Polyvore's fashionistas. This is a great way to visually show your readers the best way to wear a trend.



Highlighting a specific product?
If you have a particular product in mind you want to share with your readers, you can add it to Polyvore from an online store using the clipper tool. Illustrate your blog post by showcasing different ways to reinvent the same product.




Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Interview with AMY☮

Today's interview is with A M Y ☮. Her sets are a cheerful blend of photos, quotes and feminine outfits. She most frequently uses a square layout, collaging clothes and accessories beautifully. Amy, a high school student, also finds time to moderate three groups on Polyvore!

Here are some of her sets:



Tell us about yourself.

My name is Amy, and I live in Washington, USA. (The state, not DC.) I'm 16 years old, and I am a sophomore in high school. I spend my time at school, at dance class, having fun with my friends, or making sets on Polyvore of course! In the future, I would love to be a psychologist. I like giving people advice, and helping them with their problems. I also have a twin sister, Aly, who is on Polyvore too!

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

My style is hard to put a label on. Some days its really girly, some days its preppy, other days its totally casual. It really depends on what I feel like wearing that day. I use a lot of skirts in my sets, but I actually don't wear many skirts. I love trying different color combinations, right now I'm really into bright, fun colors! Especially in chunky jewelry! My weakness is a cute dress! It almost kills me to walk past a store with dresses in the display window, and not buy one! I have so many dresses, I don't have enough places to wear them to! I love flowy tops, and pretty patterns. My favorite designers are Betsey Johnson, Vera Wang, Diane Von Furstenburg, and Oscar De La Renta! I think accessories complete an outfit, so I am always looking for a cute necklace or a belt!

How did you discover Polyvore?

I was answering questions on Yahoo answers, and I saw a question someone asked, wanting to know if someone could make them an outfit on Polyvore. Me, being the nosy person that I am, had to find out what this "Polyvore" was. So I found it, made a couple sets, and got hooked!

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do you like about Polyvore?

I use Polyvore to express my creative side, and to just relax after school. I also love looking through sets other people made, and getting ideas for outfits that I can wear! I love Polyvore because someone like me who can't draw or paint can make something so creative and artistic!

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

The first thing I look for when I am making my sets is a skirt, or shorts. Then I find a top that looks good with it! After that, I look for shoes, a bag, and other accessories that look nice with the outfit! I am inspired by so many things, but usually its a song that does it. Especially when I'm listening to Jason Mraz. I can practically see a set forming in my head when I listen to one of his songs! His lyrics are so amazing, and inspiring! The song "Be Be Your Love" by Rachael Yamagata has inspired me a lot, as well. I have made many sets because of that song!

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?

My three favorite sets...that's not an easy one!

I really like this one, the belt is so fun, it dresses up the otherwise plain outfit!


I love this one too! The picture is so romantic, and the shoes are some of my favorites!

This is one of my more recent sets, and I just love how simple it looks! That Chanel bag is really
pretty too! ;]

Got any feature requests for the Polyvore team?

Feature requests...hmm well Polyvore is pretty much perfect as it is! One thing I can think of is something where we could be able to tell everyone what we were doing. Like we could say we were making a set, answering PMs, or looking at other peoples' sets...that kind of thing.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Accessorizing with Enamel Jewelry

Go ethnic or go modern, enamel jewelry will sophisticate your outfit. The patterns and colors of enamel jewelry can range contemporary to boho chic designs. Polyvorians have already spotted this hot trend!

Polyvore Love Letters - Blog Roundup

Polyvore makes blogging fun! Bloggers all over the world use Polyvore sets to visually express themselves and we want to show them some love here. Take a peek at some of the latest blog posts we came across that feature Polyvore sets:

Polyvore Addict!!!! by PetiteLove
(laidbackbeauty.blogspot.com)


Polyvore! by j-han
(bulb-up.blogspot.com)



Because I've Know My Whole Life That Fashion Was Always Me by &&TaRi.hipPiE.hEriTaGe.
(mysavile.blogspot.com)


If you have a blog and would like to be featured here, let us know!
loveletters@polyvore.com

Friday, May 8, 2009

Interview with MyChanel

Today's interview is with MyChanel. She first discovered Polyvore over a year ago and has remained a loyal member since. One unique thing about MyChanel's set creation process is that she creates an outfit first, and then finds an image to compliment it. Her outfits are elegant and created with high-fashion pieces from some of the top stores on Polyvore.

Here are some of her sets:






Tell us about yourself.


I live in Canada, with my husband of 17 years and our sweet 16 month old dog named Betty, or as we affectionately call her on Polyvore, misspuppychanel. I turn 43 on May 10th. When I was 20 I turned down a career in modeling to pursue a career in business. This past January, I left my job as Director of Marketing and Communications to start my own marketing consulting firm specializing in website management and marketing. For fun, I am in the early development stages of a fashion and style website. Yes, that is a picture of me in my profile, it was taken a month ago.

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

My sense of style and fashion developed at an early age, as did my addiction to shoes. I remember when I was five my first favorite pair of shoes were navy blue Keds, I adored them. I wore them in a fashion show with my 3 siblings where we all wore matching outfits made my mom. My mom had both my sister and I sewing at an early age, and my sister even went to Fashion Design college. Sewing gave me a great appreciation for fabrics, quality, cut, fit and a deep sense of my personal style. My everyday style and my Polyvore style are synonymous with Classic & Elegant. I also like to mix it up with something casual or with an edge. I love a Chanel jacket with jeans. And depending on my mood, they might be skinny jeans or a pair of worn out Levi 501's found at a flea market.

How did you discover Polyvore?

I found the glorious rabbit hole to Polyvore through Facebook in November of 2007. At the time I really didn't understand what Polyvore was, only that I could make sets with clothing bags and shoes. It was instant creative Nirvana. Polyvore was very different then it is today and my first exposure was of the editor only (I didn't know about the main page, or other members sets). I had no idea that when I published my first sets that others were going to see them, let alone comment and favorite them. I think it took another month or so before I figured out, and started to use the clipper.

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do you like about Polyvore?

As a I have mentioned earlier, Polyvore is instant creative Nirvana. Although I am in a very creative industry, Polyvore allows an intimate creative expression of my style in fashion, art and interiors. It has also been an immense pleasure to meet women, and a few men, from around the world and share this common bond.

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

My creative process is like a jigsaw puzzle, except I never have in my mind what the result should look like. Looking for and finding special and fabulous items to save in my "closet" is the source of my inspiration, or the jigsaw pieces. I will clip from Net-a-Porter, Colette, La Garconne, My Theresa mostly, or borrow from existing items. Lately, I have loved Eruca. I will be inspired first by a dress, t-shirt, or exquisite Balmain jeans. I am inspired by style, texture, and fabulousness of the item. My process is a harmonious blending of items that work or "fit" together. On the rare occasion the chosen items don't work together the way I like within a few minutes of trying, I delete the draft and move on to something else. I don't like wasting time, fussing over or forcing a creation. Sometimes I feel like a "clothes whisperer", the items do all the talking, I just place them in the set...I know it sounds weird, but it's true. The last item in my sets, if I am using one, is the photo. Many think it was the photo that inspired the outfit (except for my exact match/designer sets), but in fact, I can some how find a photo that will give the outfit the life or attitude I want it to have. I have never spent more then 30 minutes making a fashion set; art and interiors do take a little longer. Many readers may be surprised to learn I do not keep or have a single draft. It has never occurred to me to do so.

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?



Got any feature requests for the Polyvore team?

1) A rotate tool in the editor would be brilliant.
2) The contacts sets page(s) is useless for keeping up with your closet friends. And I have over 4000 contacts so I can miss seeing a lot of my dearest friends sets. (The RSS feed isn't suitable for this either). A top favorite friends list would be handy for a quick reference, then I would never miss their sets.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

How To Wear a Sundress

Sundresses make us happy because they remind us of relaxing days frolicking in the sunshine. And the beauty of this Marc by Marc Jacobs Primrose Garden cotton dress ($430.00 on Net-A-Porter.com) is that it really can be worn in so many different ways, which is why it's so popular on Polyvore!

Keep it casual for the daytime by accessorizing with neutral accessories.



Wear this dress alone on warmer days and let the sun hit your shoulders.



For cooler days, a scarf, tights and closed-toe shoes will still compliment this dress.

You can also toughen up your look by pairing it with a black leather motorcycle jacket.

Always remember that fashion is about experimentation. The floral pattern shouldn't limit you, from mixing in different patterns.

On a budget? Check out some great sundresses for under $25 at Forever21.com like this Heritage 1981 Geralyn Floral Sundress.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

How To Wear Butterfly Motifs

Come out of your cocoon and embrace the beauty of butterflies! The butterfly motif is feminine and fluttery and huge this spring. We first saw butterflies on the runway in collections like Tibi, Diane von Furstenberg and Badgley Mishcka. Now they're making their way to stores near you.
Choose elegant or funky butterfly patterns like those in these featured sets:









Untitled
Untitled by niknaks featuring Nina shoes

Does the butterfly motif make you flutter?

Guest Blog: Color Trend: Blue from Blueberry to Cobalt

This guest post was written by FocusOnStyle.com's contributing writer Elizabeth Quintanilla, also known as TastyLittleDish on Polyvore. FocusOnStyle.com is your online guide to can-do chic! (Please note that this post appeared on FocusOnStyle.com first)

Say goodbye to the plum and hello to the blueberry!

The color of the moment is rich, fabulous cobalt blue seen on the likes of Beyonce on Vogue’s April cover to fashionistas on the street. We first saw it come up during award season when Freida Pinto wore a striking John Galliano gown to the Oscars.

What is so great about this shade is that it compliments a wide array of skin types. Whether you’re a pale skinned red-head or an olive toned brunette, you’re sure to look fabulous in this eye-catching color.

Right now you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories in a shade of blueberry which is great for those of you who aren’t as daring with color.

For those of you who don’t shy away from color, I recommend a signature piece such as a coat, blouse, or dress that is vibrant and has great detail. It will be the main focus of your outfit and can be paired with accessories in fun colors like yellow or red to make it pop.

For those of you with a more muted palette, try punching up your look with a bold shoe. Here you can have tons of fun and get away with a lot more. Better yet, you can find a great clutch that can work to dress up jeans or compliment a cocktail dress.

Spring is a time to be playful with color and for a little inspiration I’ve compiled a Polyvore, below, to get the wheels turning.

Here are some suggestions on how to wear blue:








Check out more fashion tips, beauty hints, and shopping on FocusOnStyle.com and also join the FocusOnStyle.com group on Polyvore.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Interview with aisha.kay

Today's interview is with aisha.kay. She's a true fashion enthusiast and it translates into her sets. She has a knack for mixing and matching expensive designer labels with affordable pieces which makes her sets both fun to look at and shop from! Aisha also has great taste in music and her favorite songs compliment her sets beautifully.


Here are some of her contest-winning sets:





Tell us about yourself.

I am 24 years old, until recently I was working in fashion buying & merchandising for a well-known department store however I lost my job all thanks to the global crisis...I feel somehow more content now because I have the time for planning a nice summer vacation and doing things to explore, improve and of course enjoy myself. I feel times like these are very rare and why waste it? I love spending time with my friends, shopping, cooking, languages, traveling, exercising...When I'm online I am either on Polyvore or Popmundo, which is an online RP music career game.

In the future I still wanna work in fashion but who knows...Now I only know I wanna travel as far as possible and meet new people! (Hint: Brazil!)

Describe your sense of style/fashion.

Just like the rest of womankind, I adore luxurious brands but in real life I honestly own just a few of those items. To me fashion is how you express your creativity, your taste in mixing colors, textures and making a statement. So this expression may change everyday, according to your purpose or mood. I usually like to wear as many (or few) items as possible so that I can combine until I feel I am complete. Not too much, but complete. My shape is not perfect so this holds me down a bit but still I try and find things to make me look my best (I hope).

How did you discover Polyvore?

5 months ago, I was reading a fashion blog and I saw the famous PV logo under the images. When I visited the website I got the virus :) I think I have spread the virus very well all around me since then. I am still fascinated by the brilliance of the idea that created this community and very thankful to the creators.

Tell us a little about what you use Polyvore for and why. What do you like about Polyvore?

Whenever I am making a set on Polyvore, it takes away a big part of the urge to go out and shop for clothes. It helped me use my clothes more efficiently. When I go shopping I instantly think of what I have in my closet and if this item will go with them. But what I love the MOST about Polyvore is how it lets me make sets with unaffordable but oh-so-adorable pieces. It is a virtual satisfaction, I love that. I really should admit one thing, I don't like wearing skirts & dresses often because I don't like my legs, that is probably why I use these two items in my sets a lot :) So in a way, PV is a place where I can express what I really like, not necessarily what I wear daily...

Plus, since I was a teenager, I was interested in making fansites, graphics design, LJ icon communities, etc but I had been away from that scene for a while :) I guess I found myself a better toy now? *wink* Polyvore helped me continue working on my art with different tools. It is also fascinating to explore all of the other talented artists (such as Zacarata, Newiris, Karine Minzon Wilson...) it's like a huge, endless scrapbook you share with a very crowded group.

Describe your set creation process. Where do you get inspiration
for your sets? How do you pick a theme? How do you find your items?

Usually, I start a set based on one item. Could be a skirt, bag or an image. Then I build the set around it. Sometimes it takes 15 minutes to finish, sometimes days searching for the right scarf or text line... I really think of each set as art, not just an idea of what to wear. And the theme shapes itself as I go...I am a little bit obsessed with symmetry and I try to make my sets at least 'balanced' on each side.

My sets' titles are almost always picked from the soundtrack lyrics but I do not make sets based on songs or lyrics. When I am done with the set, I take a look and decide the song at the end. To me the songs are the most important item, as I can not imagine my life without my earplugs :) So when you check out my sets, please try to listen to the soundtracks on the right as well. They describe exactly what I feel, experience or want that day!

What are your 3 favorite sets of the ones you've made?

This one is my all time favorite, so far. It brings fresh, happy and hopeful feelings in my head.



It's an older set, it's never been a huge hit. But very personal, because of the song..



The picture of Daisy Lowe inspired me for this set and this was my #1 fave'd set for a long time.



Got any feature requests for the Polyvore team?

The colored text and 'undo-redo' buttons pleased me a lot! If I could ask for one thing, I probably would suggest two buttons to move an object to bottom of the set and to the top, with one click. It would save time for the 50 item users working with backgrounds...But even without that, Polyvore is still perfect.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Bloomingdale's Beauty Benefits Contest Winners

It's true, you can always polish off your best look with a little bit of makeup. Our Bloomingdale's Beauty Benefits contest brought in 2291 entries that featured the latest beauty products exclusively from Bloomingdale's. Congratulations to miss dash, precious606893 and sourcat whose sets were handpicked by the Bloomingdale's team to receive gift cards. Have fun indulging in all your beauty desires, ladies!

1st:



2nd:



3rd:

Check out more entries to the Bloomingdale's Beauty Benefits contest here:
See more on Polyvore

Exciting Updates to the Gossip Girl Style Challenge



Wow, we're blown away by how popular the Gossip Girl Style Challenge has been -- 2500 entries in 1 week and there's still 1 week left to go!

We have 3 exciting new updates to announce regarding the contest:

1) We're increasing the number of winners from 3 to 12!
There are just too many great entries and we can't bear the thought of having to pick just three. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will get $100 American Express cards, and all the winners will be featured on the Polyvore Explore page and blog.

2) New Yorkers are eligible to win 2 tickets to the Gossip Girl Sites Tour in our Gossip Girl Style Challenge lucky draw.
The folks behind the Gossip Girl Sites Tour have kindly donated 2 free tickets for their tour of Gossip Girl filming locations in New York. The tour is held Fridays and Sundays at 12 noon, lasts 3.5 hours, and covers over 40 locations where Gossip Girl is filmed! To enter the lucky draw, email us at gossipgirl@polyvore.com and include a link to your contest entry (you must enter the contest to win). Please only enter the lucky draw if you are located in or nearby New York City, or have plans to visit there, since airfare is not included as part of the prize.



3) Announcing special guest judge Kimberly Couzens from the Elite Gossip Girl Style blog!
We're thrilled to announce Kimberly Couzens is going to be a special guest judge for this contest. Kimberly runs the Elite Gossip Girl Style blog, and her team does a fantastic job covering the latest in Gossip Girl fashion news, from identifying the clothes in each episode to scouring eBay to find you Blair's latest headband. If you're addicted to Gossip Girl Style and want to know who was wearing what, Elite Gossip Girl Style is the blog for you!



Guest Blog: Curvy Ladies - Shop For Your Height!

This guest post was written by Jennifer and Melissa of Workchic.com. Workchic helps dress women for work by offering suggested outfits, fit guidelines, tips and tricks on how to look professional, feminine and chic. Check out the Workchic blog for tips and trends!

We are always striving to help you put together business casual looks that are professional, feminine, and chic. This post is not just about curvy or plus size fashions, but also about dressing for your height. We have put three looks together for petite, average, and tall women shopping in the plus size section. It’s not only important to pay attention to hemlines, but also where the waistline hits and the overall proportion of your garments. Follow these tips to get professional looks that will stand up to your business casual office.


We love the simple and sophisticated nature of this dress. It has a nice shape that will accentuate your smallest part and then float away. We added a bold necklace and drop earrings and for a little extra feminine glamour, peep toe pumps. If your office is more conservative look for a closed toe version. We finished the look with a classic handbag that can be worn with other outfits in your work wardrobe.


This business casual look can easily go from the office to a weekend shopping trip. It’s perfectly set up for warm summer days with a three quarter sleeve jacket layered over a flutter sleeve blouse. We are showing you two jacket colors so you can see the versatility offered in this ensemble. Floral flats are feminine, while the striped belt keeps things polished. We love a white bag in the summer and the bracelet is seasonless.


If you don’t already own a chic trench in a fun color, start shopping now! Your tall frame is perfect for this look. Capture business casual by layering it over a floral blouse and black trousers. We kept the coral theme going with a necklace and jeweled flats. Layering on multiple bracelets is a big trend this Spring, and we like how these shades play off each other. If your office is cold, or you would like to be a little more covered up, throw a cardigan in your cool grey tote.

Polish your look with accessories and pay attention to proportions. Visit a tailor to shorten or lengthen hemlines whenever necessary. You should have pants hemmed to wear with your flats and others for when you want to wear heels.

Do you have any tricks for fitting your body and keeping your professional image intact? Share them with us in our comments. We always love when our readers share information and compare notes. Have fun shopping for your Workchic looks!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Polyvore Featured in WGSN


WGSN, the world's leading fashion & style forecaster, published a lovely article about Polyvore in their Retail Talk section yesteday. WGSN is the premier research firm for the fashion industry -- they predict upcoming trends and colors, analyze the retail landcape, and are an indispensible source of creative intelligence for designers, buyers, marketers, and CEOs of top fashion brands. We're honored that they chose to feature Polyvore on their site!

WGSN's content is subscription-only, so we can't reprint the full article, but here are a couple of excerpts:

WGSN looks at the addictive Polyvore.com
by Allyson Rees, Associate Editor, Retail & Events

"Part fashion magazine, part social network, part merchandising genius, Polyvore.com has been described as the"World of Warcraft for the fashion set" and introduces a new wave of brand marketing."

"In building a platform for retailers to socially and virally market their product, the site provides users an unmatched ability to engage with actual merchandise and brands."

"Polyvore is a gauge of what's cool, since the sets represent an all-inclusive look into pop cultures from around the world. As users start to incorporate music, celebrities, literature, film and art into millions of sets- all of which are embedded on e-commerce sites, fashion blogs, live journals and various social networks, Polyvore has the capability and platform to singlehandedly create world trends."


Thank you to Allyson Rees for your kind words about Polyvore!

We also wanted to thank the wonderful Polyvore community for helping us become what we are today. Without you guys, there would be no site at all. We're constantly amazed and inspired by the beautiful collages you create using our tools.

Also, a big shoutout to ThePinkLilly, Orangurple, BellaMarie, elizabeth says relax., ♥DianaBanana♥, LisaMay and Natasha11, whose Polyvore outfits were chosen by the WGSN team to be featured in the article. Congratulations especially to ThePinkLilly, whose outfit was the headlining graphic for the article:



View 'WGSN ' on Polyvore

How To Wear Polka Dots

Make your outfit pop...with some polka dots! Whether big or small, there are no rules. For a more classic polka dot look, choose standard colors like black, navy, and white. If you want something a bit more edgy, find abstract polka dot prints like the last three featured sets. Don't be afraid mix this pattern with other textures. It's the perfect trend to be dressed up or down!