Margarite Elaine's been Tagged!

My favorite blogger from down under, KarinaXOXO, tagged ME and I happily obliged!

1. What is the story behind the name of your blog?

Let ME start by saying that Margarite Elaine is not my name. I get tons of emails addressed to her and it's hilarious! Margarite Elaine is a combination of me and my sister's middle name. I wanted something that sounded like an identity or alter ego so Margarite Elaine was born. I also operate a fashion jewelry company of the same name.

2. Why did you start blogging in the first place?

To get the word out about my jewelry company. The blog slowly morphed into the fashion weblog that you read today. It has more than tripled in readership numbers since I started in the Summer of 2006 which is freakin' amazing!

3. What is your best blogging experience? Your worst?

Best: I love when readers write to ME or leave comments that my posts inspired a purchase. Its extremely humbling and a fantastic blessing to know that my words are valued. It's also great when retailers or PR companies reach out and ask for my help promoting a product. That's always fun!

Worst: Honestly, when I first started no one wanted to talk to ME. I would send out link swap requests and get totally dissed. However as my numbers grew, I was eventually able to get all of my favorite bloggers' attention. Wait, I'm still working on one :). To all my new bloggers out there, persistence is the name of the game. Don't give up! Success will come...it'll just take some time.

4. What do you think will happen to your blog in 2008?

More giveaways (stay tuned in March for a BIG surprise)! More contributing writers so that I focus on more freelance opportunities. More partnerships and more readers. I am one of those bloggers who is totally approachable so if you have an idea to make ME better or want to contribute a story, I'd love to hear from you! Email ME

I tag, BudgetDiva, Omiru and Kristopher Dukes.
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From ME to you: Happy Leap Year!

It only happens once every four years so make it special!

Love, ME

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Love ME: It's in the Bag

If you've been watching Cashmere Mafia, then I don't have to you about this bag. It's a classic bonafide stunna and the perfect addition to every diva's closet. Carried by Mia Mason (aka Lucy Liu), some would say this handbag launched Cashmere Mafia into prime-time stardom on ABC.

Gucci "Aviatrix Medium Boston", $1,890, Bergdorf Goodman

You can get your hands on a cheap and chic version here

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Love ME: Cashmere Mafia

As seen on Zoe Burden on Cashmere Mafia, the black pencil skirt is a style staple. I am especially fond of this skirt paired with a vibrant colored cropped cardigan (purple or magenta come to mind), sexy camisole (lace is a must!) and killer pumps.

Moschino, "High waisted pencil skirt", $675, Net-A-Porter

If you're ballin' on a budget and refuse to pay $675 for a skirt (no matter how fabulous it may be), you can get a more affordable (and still stylish) version here.

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LoveME: Save 50% at Barefoot Tess

This Spring is all about large "pops" of bright color. These shoes fit the designer bill and more importantly they're 50% off at Barefoot Tess through March 1. Actually, the whole site is on sale which gives us divas on a budget a reason a stock up. Be sure to read the small print as most of the new styles aren't included. Simply use ELAINE50 at checkout to get 50% off your purchases and FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100. Remember: Friends don't let friends go Barefoot!

All Black 'Pisces' Ballet, $79, BarefootTess

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Bare with ME

Sorry for the lack of posts this week. Life totally got in the way. I'll be back to blogging in full force next week.

Until then, feel free to entertain yourselves in my archives.

~ME
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Love ME: Bag Lady

This handbag is large and in charge. Just when I was learning to downsize my heavy load--temptation came a-knockin'. It makes ME wanna ditch my cutesy little handbag and resort to my 'ol bag lady days. Damn this bum shoulder!

Grayson, "Jasper" Bag, $995, Saks Fifth Avenue

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Love ME: Yes We Can

These sneakers inspire to ME to change, step up to the plate and make my voice heard. I love Obama's message and believe he could positively effect change. I honestly could care less who you vote for but you gotta admit these shoes are hott! YES WE CAN!

Air Force Once inspired by Barack Obama, contact Van20 for pricing & purchase info

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Love ME: Snuggle Up

I am an extremely cold-blooded person so during the winter months, I keep my heater on 75 and my heated blanket on HI. That is until I got my hands on the Slanket. It's a heavy duty fleece blanket with sleeves and has really changed the way I stay warm. No more high winter utility bills for ME! I wrap myself in this large super-soft blanket and blog my troubles away. Best of all, it's machine washable! If you need warmth without the hassle of adjusting your thermostat, snuggle up with a Slanket today.

The Slanket "Pink Lavendar", $44.95, theslanket.com

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From ME to you: Happy Valentine's Day!

And if you're wondering, this chick is for sale.....

Wanna be my Valentine?

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Love ME Not: 20th Century Gladiator

Ok now, these Guiseppes are clearly out of hand. I mean look at them! What women in her right mind (celebs and video vixens excluded) would wear them; let alone walk in 'em. I'll admit that I luv the gold color and I like the idea of the wedge heel but they lost ME with the flip-flop toe. These shoes honestly remind ME of Robocop (you remember the line... "Dead or alive, you're coming with me"). I'll put these on my "when will men stop designing women's shoes" list.

Giuseppe Zanotti "Metallic Cut Out Platforms", $695, Intermix

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Love ME: Bryant Park

During some much needed R&R at the Ritz Carlton, I stumbled into the gift shop and this scent called to ME. It's top note of Lily of Valley awakened my floral senses and the hint of Pink Pepper added a delicate touch. If you love floral fragrances with a hint of mystery, then hail a cab and get on over to Bryant Park.

Bond No.9 "Bryant Park" 50 mL, $130, Lavish Beauty

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Love ME: This is Why I'm Hot

Get away from this dismal winter weather and head to the sunny shores of Turks and Caicos. Known for its fantastic Caribbean weather, beautiful coral reefs and carefree flare, Turks and Caicos is the perfect place for the grown and sexy. Mark your calendar, grab your hubby (or wife for that matter), call the sitter and get your butt to TC. Trust ME, you'll be happy you did!

Visit the Official Website for Turks and Caicos Tourism for more info.

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Love ME: Kiss, Kiss

Whether it's a deep kiss or simple peck, our lips are seductive tools of desire. This Valentine's Day, use your lips as a statement of creativity. Included with your kiss portrait are MAC Lipgloss, blotting sheets and instructions. Think outside the box and get into the bedroom with this unique gift.

Kiss Portrait, starting at $290, dna11.com

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Love ME: With This Ring

As I get older, I swear
There are nosey people everywhere!
Always asking, "When is it your turn?"
Not understanding the many lessons I have yet to learn.
So with this ring, I do declare
To get these nosey people out of my hair!

Unwedding Ring, $60, FancyJewels

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NY Fashion Week: Style Resolutions

With today marking the start of New York's infamous Fashion Week, we'll be bombarded with many new trend and style choices. Every year, I fall victim to the trendiest pieces only to find them at the bottom of my hamper six months later. However, this year I wanted to start Fashion Week off with a clean slate. Don't get ME wrong, I'll still drool over the newest "IT bag" and secretly wish I was sitting front row in the tents, but instead I'll treat Fashion Week like an "observers' sport". I stylishly resolve to watch, wait and only buy those trend items that truly speak to ME.

If I was this conflicted, I figured I couldn't be alone. I polled various fashion/beauty bloggers over the net to get their Style Resolutions for 2008. Some attacked this task with great precision while others chose powerful one-liners. From veterans to newbies, bloggers where up for the challenge and happily stated their "two cents". Allow to ME introduce to you to the stylish bloggers who made the cut...

"As always, I'm stocking up on f**k-shoes, and hemming my flapper frocks higher. I figure life's short. Your skirt should be, too." Kristopher Dukes

"To not listen to what other people have to say about my style (or my weight)" AlmostDressed

"Try to minimize the fast fashion -- the forever 21, h&m, target go international and purchase more quality, lasting, classic garments" StyleIt

"This year, I resolve to be much, much kinder to my feet." The Coveted

NY $pender is CURBING THE SHOPAHOLIC. She resolves to "save more, splurge sometimes, and eliminate the useless spending".

Fashionalities has committed to "professional pedis at least once a month, and upkeep between times."

Urban Darling, resolves to "have a custom made navy pinstripe suit." When I asked her why navy she stated, "Navy is a cyclical color, we'll see it now and then it's gone." Who knew?


The BudgetDiva will, "...create a new sense of minimalism, declutter, and only keep those items that I truly love. I mean really who wants to put on something just because its there, at the end of the day you want to feel great in your clothing."


Fashion Kitty purrs, "[I want] to revamp my wardrobe using the pieces I already own. For example, today [interviewed on 01.07.08] I am wearing a Betsey Johnson python skirt and top from 2004. But I jazzed it up with a over-sized sweater and i meghan fabulous belt for a new spin on it." Sounds super cute!

Canadian Beauty wants to "try wearing as little makeup as possible this year. I know that it might sound strange if you're familiar with my blog, but I don't want to have a face full of stuff all the time. "

Here's what Jolie in NYC had to say, "I resolve to approach my beauty routine this year with adult precision. This is the year I will finally get manicures! (Or at least stop chewing my cuticles.) This is the year I will start waxing things! (Or at least invest in a real razor, instead of the Bics I steal from the gym.) This is the year...eh, who am I kidding? I resolve to make an attempt to be less lazy with beauty. But no promises."


Omiru's resolution is to give their hugely popular site a makeover. Their goal is easier navigation so all of you fashionistas can find the tips and tricks you yearn for. The site's Editor in Chief, "is determined to clean out her closet and donate clothes she hasn't worn in at least a year."

The Style Spy says, "No More Meh". And I quote, "I'm not bringing anything home to hang in my closet unless it makes me giddy with Fashionista Glee. To that end, I've already returned a skirt I bought last week. It was a perfectly serviceable brown A-line skirt, but it was meh. No more meh!!" Right on sista!

Dree chimes in, "This year I am challenging myself to create more adventure in my styling; add more unexpected elements; all the while keeping the look somewhat under-accessorized."

OMG I Love Her Style promises "to sweat the small things". She resolves to keep her nails on trends (navy nail polish, anyone?), get an up-to-date haircut (can you say, curly layers?), perfect her makeup and accessorize every outfit with stylish jewelery. A stylish lady after my own heart.

The Grand Mademoiselle wants "to learn how to walk properly in high heels." She says, "Although I wear them almost everyday and can walk in a straight line, my posture causes the outside edge of each heel to rub away, resulting in a slightly off-kilter strut that looks more like a horse on roller skates and less like a lady." I love a stylish girl with a sense of humor.


Peggy Li says, "Before I purchase anything new, to go through my closets and donate anything I haven't worn in the past year to charity (and in time for tax returns!)." This our second donation diva. I think I need to jump on the bandwagon!

Karinaxoxo screams, "Quantity over Quality!" She explains, "The thing is - every season I throw away/give away so many pieces...I figure if I spend the same amount on 3 or 4 tops as I would normally on one - I won't have a problem throwing something away after one season. I have my first chain store shopping spree this weekend - and I can't wait to see what $200 can get me!"

Czela Bellies confuses she will, "NEVER, I mean NEVER pull one single more price tag or hangtag off a new garment. No matter how lazy I might feel, I pledge to find the scissors! I've RUINED so many new garments because of my ahem, anxiousness!" Amen to that one sista!

I believe the Petite Fashionista wraps it up very nicely, "...the bottom line is that I will only do what I feel is true to me and that I hope in return means I can give more to others. " And that's the best resolution of all.

What's your style resolution for 2008? Share them with ME in the comments!

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Margarite Elaine has been nominated for the Trendora Lifestyle Award 2008

Can you believe it? This is fantastic news! It's totally out of the blue and unexpected! However, I am so excited and honored to be nominated. What is the Trendora Lifestyle Award 2008? Trendora Lifestyle Award is a way of recognizing the top 100 Fashion/Lifestyle sites and blogs on the web. It’s Trendora's way of thanking ME for an exceptional contribution to a world more stylish, glamorous and chic. So let's keep our fingers crossed and hope they pick ME!

P.S.
Thanks to my fabulous readers for nominating ME for this stylish award :)

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