You Asked, I'll Answer, Part I

Thanks to all of you who sent in questions! There were so many that I'll have to split the answers up into two, maybe three posts. And feel free to continue sending in questions to whatthefrockblog@gmail.com!

How did you get into fashion?

I've always loved fashion, although I'm not even close to being as stylish as some of the bloggers in my blogroll. But I got into fashion blogging almost five years ago, when I used to spend time on a (now defunct) community website. There were different sections for lifestyle, pop culture, celeb gossip, etc. and I spent a lot of time in the fashion section, helping other users find celebrity looks for less. I realized that I had a knack for it and I began Fashion Under $100 a few months later.

Fashion was a hobby until about six months ago, when I actually got a job in the fashion industry! But I'll get to that in a minute...

What is your favorite fashion trend of all time? 

Of all time? Hmmm, this is a toughie. I really love the mod fashion of the mid- to late-60's, although I've never been able to pull it off (you need to be tall, flat and willowy like Twiggy to rock a mini shift dress, and I'm average height, busty and have a very thick waist).

How about least favorite?

Now this I can answer! I can't stand anything Ed Hardy or similar.

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I loathe those Herve Leger bandage dresses that were on every celebrity in 2007 and that we still see sometimes today.

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And while I've come around to UGGs for utility only (after finally trying a pair on - on a dare - and realizing how comfy and warm they are), I can't stand seeing them paired with miniskirts or shorts. They are winter boots to be paired with winter clothes! 

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But, you know what? Who cares what I think? In my opinion, you should wear what makes you happy, regardless of whether it's on trend or not. Fashion is intensely personal and nobody's opinion but your own should matter!

What one accessory could you not live without? 

My name is Dana and I am a handbagaholic. Seriously, I'm obsessed. Bags are the one thing that I'll drop some serious dough on. I fairly recently cleaned out my collection and sold some bags on eBay, but I've still got quite a few gorgeous bags. Someday I'll post about them.

I also love, love, love shoes. I'm no Carrie Bradshaw, and I don't buy designer shoes, but my closet is bursting with footwear. Again, I'll post about them someday.

What do you do for a living?

I handle social media and web marketing for a fashion brand.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Most of my clothes come from Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Some days, I'll look down at what I'm wearing and realize that every single thing I have on, with the exception of my undies, is from Urban or Anthro.

I love dresses from Modcloth and I get a lot of my jewelry and accessories from Etsy. I also love to order from my two favorite UK retailers, Topshop and Asos. I'm obsessed with Zara too.

I also love Forever 21 and H&M for trying out cheap trends. I adore J. Crew's sale section. I've lately purchased a bunch of things from Ruche, and I'll definitely be back for more.

Check out my shops section for a list of all of my favorite stores.

Have you ever considered doing "Outfit of the Day" posts like so many of the bloggers in your blogroll do?

Actually, yes! I recently bought myself a nice camera, and I'm taking a class to learn how to use it. I need to snag a remote control for the camera (the Mister is absolutely terrible at taking photos) but once I'm all set, I will definitely post some of my own outfits on the blog on a fairly regular basis.

The whole idea actually goes beyond just posting outfits, though. I'm not nearly as young, pretty and fit as most of the bloggers in my blogroll, and I usually hate getting my photo taken. I'm going to use this as a way to get over my fear of the camera!

I love Philly! What is your favorite restaurant there? And what is your favorite thing to do in that area?

You know, I started writing an answer to this question, and it got really long, and then I realized that I could write an entire post about it. So I will! Stay tuned!

I know you are super budget-savvy, but do you have any one holy-grail fashion item that you dream of splurging on one day?

As a matter of fact, I do! Like practically every celeb, I'm mad about the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. Swoon. I'll take one in every color, please.

And that's it for this round! I'll be back soon to answer even more of your questions, so keep 'em coming.