Picks of The Week: 1

Given the economic climate in our country, and in my bank account, I am adhering to a "need" not "want" policy when it comes to consumerism. Do I "want" these awesomely gorgeous boots or do I "need" to pay my bills? The answer may be obvious to some but prior to being responsible for feeding, clothing and sheltering a child, I could rationalize the boot purchase. Come on, I need new boots—I'm job searching in the fashion/beauty sector, I can't wear last season's boots … (see, it can be rationalized!).

Quick digression, once when Matt (my generous and kind husband) and I were dating, I brought home a new pair of silver flats that I bought (on sale!) at Saks. He said "they're cute but do you really need a new pair of shoes?" [long—very long—pause]. In the spirit of love and compromise, he hasn't asked me a question like that since and in turn, I've learned to check myself prior to a want vs. a need purchase.

On that note, welcome to my virtual picks of the week! Like most of you, I receive an unreadable amount of promotional email. Not all of them are garbage. I love the Guilt Groupe, Apartment Therapy, Lancome, Etsy (oh how I love Etsy!) and lots more. Below are my choices for the first edition of my Picks of The Week… a posting that reviews things I may have purchased if it was 2006 and we were back in the economic boom (remember those days?).

Christian Lacroix Dress [so well tailored, sophisticated and classic.]
Retail: $700
Guilt Groupe: $278

M Missoni Wrap Sweater [love it! Can't you just see it with jeans and cowboy boots, great weekend look!]
Retail: $745
Guilt Groupe: $268

That little voice in my head, I call her Oprah, keeps reminding me, "Your home is a reflection of who you are…" ergo, I am currently a cluttered and undecorated soul.

And for inspiration…. From Apartment Therapy
I need to hang pictures, I have them all over the house but haven't put them on the walls yet… go forth and be strong, commit to your home by putting a nail in the wall!

From Apartment Therapy
How gorgeous is this kitchen? I vow to treat my kitchen as well as it treats me. I love you kitchen, I will accessorize you with more than a toaster.

Late to the game but I am in it!

I have enrolled myself in social media boot camp! My new mantra? "Be Curious"! (not "bi-curious" but BE CURIOUS... when you say it out loud people sometimes mishear you. Sort of like when you tell someone you went to a "tapas bar", and they ask... you went to a "topless bar?").

I recognize that my current status as a "consultant" allows me more time to be curious but I vow that I will try to maintain the mantra no matter how busy things might get! I work in the beauty and fashion industry but my specialty is Internet Marketing within those industries. When I look back at the past 5-6 years I can recognize that there were times when I was so focused on the products we were marketing, that I became less involved in what was happening within the Internet industry. I would concede that I had a top line awareness of trends, what was "hot", etc. but not enough knowledge to really make strategic decisions on incorporating the newest new media tools within our new media strategy. Basically I was so busy trying to launch websites and maintain them that I didn't reserve any energy to remain curious except if something could specifically help me immediately! And when I say "help me", I mean make my job easier, not more complicated.

I realize now that what at first might feel "complicated" is really an initial (and common) reaction to change. I have a phobia of math. I cannot remember ever being good at math or feeling like I understood anything beyond basic algebra. Even now if something looks math related, like managing my 401K, I feel anxious and unable to comprehend the information. But if I approach the info with an attitude of curiosity, I bet that I would learn at least one new thing that might help the performance of my plan. The same goes for how some people react to using new media, social media, etc... it does seem complicated at first because it's new and different, it's easier to dismiss it than to actually learn about it.
Today I am a tweeter, a blogger, a facebooker, I am linkedin, etc. Tomorrow who knows what I might be... 

I want to share this great article I found through following Mashable's Twitter feed, it's going to help me look like an "expert" at a very important meeting I have on Tuesday! Social Media and Fashion