Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Managing Media

I know that things have been a little quiet around here.  We went off for a mini-break (it means true love, you know) and then on the way back my car had an ominous warning light come on which lead to my car being in the shop for days.  That, plus getting back to work and catching up has left us a bit frazzled.

In the midst of all of this time off and time back, I've been feeling the desire to make some changes in my life.  Some long term goals, some immediate needs - basically everything from where and how we want to live in 5 years to finances and a wardrobe overhaul.

No biggie.

And all this while, I feel like I'm drowning in a sea of content (books, movies, shows, articles for work and personal) to keep up all the social media sites I need to manage for my job and for the site and for personal.  Because this is my job as well as my hobby.  And even if I don't use every site personally, I need to understand the technology to help educate my agency and clients.

And frankly, I'm getting a bit overwhelmed.  Let's break it down. How I use it, how I value it and how can we make it all easier. What's expected to be shared and what can I just keep for myself. These are in a "my priority and preference" order.

Disclaimer - I heavily back up all of these online tools with their mobile apps or access them via my iPhone & iPad, equally if not more so than on my computer.

Twitter - @ShoeDaydreams

Twitter is frankly #1 to me.  I'd give up everything else before I give this up.  I love all the information I learn on there, the companies, brands and publications I follow and all of the friends I keep up with there.  I talk about them with my husband and probably interact and keep up with these people's lives as much as my offline friends.

I generally have the main Twitter site open in one browser tab, select people posts texted to my phone and keep Hoot Suite open in another tab to track the multiple accounts I use for the multitude of streams I manage.

But for fun I keep Trickle open on my iPad next to my computer so I can have the Tweets scrolling by and then jump on one that catches my eye.


Blog - www.ShoeDaydreams.com

The blog is what got me started in this whole madness (now multiple blogs including The Daily Coop) but there times when I think it may stop.  Will I do this forever, probably not, but I like having a forum for sharing thoughts, inspiration and ideas.  It's not about opening certain doors as it is about connecting with friends. That's what keeps it going.

I have 2 computers and the BlogPress app for the iPad so I really should be writing more, right?

Facebook - Poochie and Shoe Daydreams pages

Facebook... I was coerced to join.  I do this to keep up with the folks not on Twitter.  Sadly, there are some folks I know who I'm trying to get on to Facebook just so I don't have to email them.. and those that I wish would actually get on email.  Yeah, really.

Flickr - PrincessPoochie Photos


I like Flickr, but as with YouTube, this is all about cross-utilization of content for me.  Gives an extra traffic and stats boost.  I don't want to know what it's doing for some of my followers (Flickr, home of questionable groups, you know)

Tumblr - Living in Fashion Exile

I actually like reading Tumblr more than adding to it. There are some great sites on there, especially for activism, politics, feminist issues and news.  I wish I had more time so I could keep up with it as much as I like.  The visuals shared on there are great too.  I add to it but mostly through Istagram and reposting.  I'm no Tumblr star I guess.

Instagram - @Poochie

I know there are those that are over Instagram but I love it.  It's fun and gets me to take more pictures with the camera I have out all the time.  I really should almost stop carrying around my real camera.

I usually check it out on my phone but Instaview is great to keep open as well for a quick glance at what's going on.


Pinterest - Shoe Daydreams

Sites like We Heart It, etc., are not my favorites mainly because it seems like a bunch of unsourced images posted up my teen girls... but I think Pinterest will be a bit different.  I don't plan on doing tons on here but so far I'm using it to remind me of stuff I'd like to DIY, to buy and images to save instead of in my huge Inspiration folder.  I just started on there so maybe this will evolve. The Pinterest app is pretty easy to use too.

Google+ - Poochie Cooler


Google+... is it just me or is this still confusing as all hell or so redundant that I can't get into it yet.  I'm just not ready I think.  But, hey, I'm giving it a shot and getting spammed my Felicia Day, Wil Wheaton and Laughing Squid.

YouTube - PrincessPoochie's Channel


YouTube is, again,  cross-utilization of content.  If it's good, it'll be on the blog. Maybe vlogging will be a good application for a later project I have planned but right now it's not my medium.

Honorable Mentions


Who's still doing this a lot?  I was hopeful for more from companies but it's not evolving as much as I would like.  Right now the most fun is stealing the mayorship from someone I know.  Ha!

Spotify - Shoe Daydreams




Love it for me.  Don't really care about sharing my playlists etc. 

I also love Instapaper (so great for reading a web article I don't have time for), Flipboard iPad app, Zino for magazines and multiple paper notebooks to make all the lists I like to make.

How do you prioritize your media in this crazy age?  Anything I'm missing (please, I hope no)???


Sunday, August 14, 2011

Excited for a Fluorescent Yellow Damask Cuff Bracelet

I'm so excited to have won this stunning Fluorescent Yellow Damask Cuff Bracelet from Rahya Designs via Miss Malprop.  I'm already picturing this paired with the tons of grey that I wear during the fall and winter.   It will keep the neon trend going and give me a much needed pop of color.




There is a lovely smoke grey version of this as well that I was really tempted to choose but I went with the bright instead.  Rahya makes a ton of other interesting pieces including rings and earrings.  Worth checking out!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Instant Access - 8/1 - 8/12

Sorry for the quietness around here, folks.  As you saw in my previous post, I was away for a little R&R at my favorite hotel in one of my favorite cities.

The special occasion?  My birthday!

I wore a crazy headpiece for the occasion. 


With a big poofy skirt and sparkly Manolos!


Because we were going away for the trip (and lovely spa time), my gifty-gifts were small but fun... two kate spade iPhone cases I wanted!



Oh, and delicious vegan truffles that were inhaled asap!


I pulled out my favorite luggage - my dreamy Dooney & Burke heart case and packed it with the essentials - books, pink playing cards, a swim suit, strappy sandals and a floaty mullet skirt.


When we got to Asheville, we found the most gorgeous new bookstore - Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.


Vintage books, champagne bar and dog-friendly.  It really is perfection


The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is really amazing.  Filled with history, gorgeous furnishings and a world-class spa.


And you can't beat the views...



Asheville is an amazing town for food, especially if you are vegan.  We ate at all our favorites including a new addition, Rosetta's Kitchen.  The vegan queso is truly delish as was the tempeh reuben that I had.



Did I mention the liquid truffle and the sipping chocolate with rose from French Broad Chocolate Lounge?


Hotel picnic!


It was an amazing few days.  Can I go back now???

I had some fancy fingers too - this is Deborah Lippmann's Glitter In The Air over Essie's Borrowed & Blue.


And the best "pretty pretty princess magical unicorn" pink glitter manicure - OPI's Teenage Dream.


I also rocked the messy ballerina bun.


But now I'm back to reality and dealing with boring stuff like car repairs and catching up with work.  But the trip isn't a distant memory yet.  I'm still lingering in the birthday fun vibes.

Hope you had a happy week too!

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Spa Me, Baby

At the spa having massages and drinking mimosas.

Be back soon!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Cat and Mouse with Charlotte Olympia

I'm a fan of a good "theme" shoe.  From mouse flats and kitty print heels, to rainbows or spider webs, I don't mind my feet wearing a bit of whimsy.

Charlotte Olympia seems to be a girl after my own heart.  How can I resist a pair of sweet velvet heels with a kitten face???



I love love love the ears!

Kitty heels and mouse flats... would they get along in my closet?

Charlotte Olympia Velvet Cat Heels - $795 at Bergdorf Goodman. There is also a flats version on CharlotteOlympia.com and a cool red wedge with an ankle strap at Bergdorfs too.

EXTRA CREDIT -

I want to be a smoking hot like these Lady Ninivahs too!!!

Check out these (available by calling the BG shoe salon - 212 872 2750)...

Smokin!


Friday, August 5, 2011

Sparkle in my Eyes - Glitter sneakers

I can't resist an overdose of sparkle and shine.  Sequins, rhinestones and gliter are my weakness.  I've got sequin sneakers, I think I need some glitter ones too.

I started with these casual black glitters from Keds (also in silver) -

Checked out the Toms (also in sliver, black, gold and pink) ...

Not sneakers but I love the Marc Jacobs oxfords...

But Miu Miu is killing it with the glitter this season and I'm totally smitten with their sneakers!

Barney's has the silver glitter version with the studs on the cap toe...


But I'm holding out for the trifecta - gold, giltter and giant crystals. 




This is my birthday wish come true!!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Eeeewwww! Christian Dior Tahiti Espadrille Pump

Isn't Christian Dior generally known for classic understated glamorous looks?

What the hell happened here?



These "Tahiti Espadrille Pumps" from the Spring 2011 runway are:

•Lizard-embossed calfskin d'Orsay with topstitched detailing featuring canvas laces that tie around the ankle.


•Basketweave-capped square toe sits on 3/4" stacked, mixed-media platform.

All this says to me is that here is a whole lotta crazy going on.
 
No, just no, Christian Dior.
 
Christian Dior Tahiti Espadrille Pumps - $1,550

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Instant Access - 7/25 - 7/31

My week was pretty much composed of work, shoes, manicures, glitter and rain...
Nicole Brundage Sinnamon heels (circa 2006)

Betsey Johnson Fall 2011 Runway Llola boots

Ashley Dearborn ROY G BIV sandals (circa 2004)

Coral and Creamsicle

Ombre pink glitters

O.P.I. Teenage Dream

Glitters!

Deborah Lippmann Naked topped with black glitter

...And a decadent treat...


...ending with more sequins (because I can never have enough in my life.



Hope your week was as sparkly!