A Tour Through Blogland
I was so flattered when Maggie from Polished Closets reached out to me to participate in a Tour Through Blogland. I respect and admire Maggie because she is the ultimate example of a woman who possesses both kindness and confidence. I am truly impressed by how quickly Maggie has established herself as a fashion blogger and as an inspiration for young women who wish to pursue their dreams. Maggie’s hard work, tireless attention to detail and her continuous support of her fellow bloggers is a shining example of how women can achieve their goals if they persevere and remember to always strive to be considerate and gracious. Oh, and did I mention that she has impeccable taste and a fearless sense of style? I love the concept behind this tour because one of my favorite things about blogging is the amazing group of women I have met along the way. Their lovely comments and the fact that they tune into my little corner of the internet every day is a huge compliment! On the days when I’m not feeling too creative or motivated, their positive words encourage me to keep going! So, here’s a few things you may not know about me as well as an introduction to three talented and unique bloggers whose sites I read on a daily basis.
1) What am I working on?
November is going to be a busy and exciting month for me! I have several collaborations in the works that I can’t wait to share with my readers! I’m attending a blogging lunch in the city to network with my fellow New York bloggers and to learn all I can on how to improve Taffeta & Tulips. I also have two more interviews up my sleeve for my new series, Spotlight as well as continuing my gig as a bi-monthly contributor for CGC Daily.
2) How does my work differ from others in its genre?
I’m not so sure my blog is entirely unique in the sense that a lot of lifestyle blogs cover fashion, food, decor and travel. What sets me apart is that I’m a mom of four and I’m not a spring chicken! So, at this point in my life, I’m not too experimental with how I dress. I know what works on me and what doesn’t and I feel most comfortable in pieces that are classic, timeless and polished. (Although, if you saw what I looked like when I’m standing at the bus stop with my kids first thing in the morning, you may not believe me! ) The food section is like my personal food diary. I constantly fluctuate between eating healthy salads and things like cupcakes with butter cream frosting. It’s a bit inconsistent, I know, but I can’t help myself…I LOVE dessert! The decor part consists of collages of pieces that inspire me and little DIY projects I enjoy doing when I have the time (which is rare). As for travel, we’re certainly not jetting off to Tahiti any day soon but I like to document our family day trips because living on Long Island definitely has its advantages and I enjoy sharing that part of our life with my readers!
3) Why do I write/create what I do?
I started Taffeta & Tulips back in April of 2013 because I was thinking about going back to work and I thought a blog would be a wonderful extension of my resume. I took a beginner’s blogging class at Fashion Institute of Technology and I guess you could say I caught the blogging bug. It started out mainly as a hobby and I was blogging a few days a week. But, I never really understood how to properly market my site or make meaningful connections in the beginning. Feeling a little discouraged, I took a few months off to reevaluate. When I decided to return to it in February, I began to think of it as more than a hobby but as a brand and a business. I decided to treat my blog like a full time job and realized that if I took T&T seriously, brands and other bloggers would too. I wouldn’t be able to keep this going if I didn’t love what I do. Blogging is a marriage of my two passions: writing and style. Whether you’re styling yourself, a beautiful table setting, a lovely meal, or decorating your home, it requires a certain visual sense. I love piecing things together to create a visual story so I feel like my blog brings all of that to life.
4) How does my writing/ creating process work?
I’d love to say that I’m super organized all the time but that’s definitely not the case! I have a notebook I carry around with me so whenever an idea pops into my head, I jot it down. I gather my inspiration from magazines, pinterest (obsessed), and simply observing other people, especially in the city. New York is the perfect place to people watch. There are a plethora of styles walking down the sidewalk simultaneously so it’s always interesting and exciting. Once I know what I want to write about, I set up a weekly schedule of posts and try to stick with it. I’m also learning how important it is to always have back up posts on reserve in case of emergencies…sick kids, traveling, etc. I try to write about things that are attainable and relatable and hope that my readers enjoy it!
Andrea of Andrea Everyday
Hello, I’m Andrea! I live in San Jose, California, work in high tech marketing by day, and blog by night! My long time love of fashion and design led me to create Andrea Everyday in 2013. I firmly believe that the everyday girl can be stylish and look great without spending a ton of money…fashion isn’t about labels, it’s about developing your personal style! I focus my blog on affordable fashion, beauty tips, DIY projects, and some of my current favorite things.
Anna of A Lily Love Affair
Hello everyone! I am Anna. I am a Director for a large corporation in the Chicagoland area with a passion for associate engagement and leadership development. When I’m not attending meetings with executives, or entertaining clients, I am daydreaming of all things fashion and style.
I am a graduate of Indiana University and am grounded heavily in my Indiana roots (Go Big Red!), but my heart burns bright for the city of Chicago. For me, it’s a magical place to be – full of sparkle and energy, culture, architecture, food, music, style and amazing people. I hope A Lily Love Affair is a place you can come to be inspired not only by fashion and trends, but other aspects of life as well – home, family, and travel.
I am incredibly grateful for my family, friends, and my incredibly supportive, loving boyfriend. Thanks so much for following me on this journey! Enjoy!
Ashley of MINCK CO.
MINCK | CO. was created in early 2014 as a go to destination for discovering emerging lifestyle companies, unique products, and tips to help you create the life you want to live with ease. Having grown up in an area where it seemed like we were last to know everything, I made it my mission to always discover the next big thing before the masses knew about it. It’s my hope that MINCK | CO. can become a space for like minded women to discover new & interesting things without having to spend hours searching them out. When I’m not busy searching through business & tech journals you can find me adjusting to life in the city while dreaming of windy back roads and roasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Katie Urban
Nov 03, 2014 @ 22:52:28
Love your blog Kate, and loved learning more about it!
Cara
Nov 03, 2014 @ 17:09:39
Love this and you are the most stylish mama I know;)
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
Michaela Jean
Nov 03, 2014 @ 14:54:38
Love it! You are kicking ass and that deserves a pat on the back! Way to go amiga!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
Designs By Katy
Nov 03, 2014 @ 14:48:51
I have loved reading the Tour Through Blogland posts. Great piece! We definitely share some of the same daily reads 🙂
http://www.designsbykaty.com
Shannon
Nov 03, 2014 @ 14:15:12
Love this and learning a bit about you! And you are right on with all the kind things you said about Maggie!!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Anna
Nov 03, 2014 @ 14:04:14
I am so incredibly thankful for beautiful blog friends like you, Kate! Thank you so much for including me in your tour! I wish you were here in Chicago so we could chat together over cocktails! Thank you so much, again! XOXOX
Anna
alilyloveaffair.com
kate dunphy
Nov 04, 2014 @ 00:46:50
Thank you Anna! You are such an inspiration! I love tuning into your blog everyday. It just keeps getting better and better! I LOVE your style! We def have to meet up for cocktails one day! xoxo
Brittani & Katie - Pleasantly Petite
Nov 03, 2014 @ 13:35:41
such a great little tour! thanks for sharing
xo
Brittani and Katie
http://www.pleasantlypetite.com
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished
Nov 03, 2014 @ 13:12:51
Such a fun tour through blogland! I love reading these and learning a bit more. That’s so neat that you attended FIT– that’s awesome! 🙂 Can’t wait to read more from you 🙂
Simplicity Relished
Ashley Minck
Nov 03, 2014 @ 13:11:51
Thank you again so much for including me Kate! As you know I am such a fan of your blog so it was amazing getting to learn a bit more about your process here. I am continuously impressed by the woman that you are and how adorable your family is! Not to mention that fact that you have four children and look as amazing as you do! Such an inspiration!
PS I second everything you said about Maggie! She is all kinds of amazing.
kate dunphy
Nov 04, 2014 @ 00:44:09
Aw, Ashley you are way too kind! Thank your participating and for being so gracious and lovely as always! xo
Shannon
Nov 03, 2014 @ 13:00:48
Great features, Kate! Sounds like you have amazing stuff in the works and I can’t wait to follow along! Love Anna’s blog, but I have yet to visit, Ashley’s and Andrea’s so I am looking forward to checking those out! Thanks for sharing!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Andrea
Nov 03, 2014 @ 12:58:44
Thank you so much for including me in this Tour Kate! You’ve been one of my biggest supporters this year and I couldn’t be more grateful! Can’t wait to check out my fellow nominated bloggers!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
kate dunphy
Nov 04, 2014 @ 00:43:02
Thank you so much for participating Andrea! I love your classic style and all your affordable finds! xo
Ivete
Nov 03, 2014 @ 12:30:41
I am so enjoying all these “tour” posts! It’s so great to get to know the bloggers you follow a little better. It’s one of my favorite parts of blogging. I really enjoy reading your blog so keep it going! 🙂
http://www.girlinahotcity.com
Blaire Bingham
Nov 03, 2014 @ 11:21:35
So fun getting to know about you, and I have so enjoyed your blog!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Lyndsay
Nov 03, 2014 @ 10:59:29
I love these tours, it’s always so nice to learn more about the bloggers you admire. You’re right, blogging really is the perfect marriage of style and writing.
Alison Jeanine
Nov 03, 2014 @ 10:50:36
Love this series that is going around the blogosphere! My favorite posts are always posts that let us ladies get to know one another better…and this post is no exception! Beautifully done, Kate! Here’s to new projects to finish out the year out on a high note! 🙂 Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
Joanna
Nov 03, 2014 @ 10:46:36
I didn’t know you’re a mother of four! That’s amazing, Kate. I love your site and getting to know you better xx
lovejoanna.com
Molly {Dreams in HD}
Nov 03, 2014 @ 10:30:37
absolutely loved this post and being able to learn more about you kate!
Biana Perez
Nov 03, 2014 @ 10:27:52
I love your blog and all your topics and outfits are so amazing!! Can’t wait for more!
Maggie
Nov 03, 2014 @ 07:34:16
Aww Kate your kind words about me are just too much. Thank you thank you thank you!! You are too kind and have always been my first and biggest supporter 🙂 I love reading your blog every day and I am so happy I was able to learn even more about you! I had no idea how and why you started T&T, and I am so glad I now know 🙂 I can’t wait to see where we all go!
Maggie
http://www.PolishedClosets.com
kate dunphy
Nov 04, 2014 @ 00:41:30
Thank you Maggie! You’re the sweetest. I loved participating in this tour! xo