Sponsor Spotlight: I do deClaire and a Giveaway!

Today I'm going to introduce you all to my lovely sponsor Laura at the blog I do deClaire, she hasn't been blogging for very long, but has gotten into an awesome groove.  She works in education, just like me, so she automatically get's double super-cool points.  So without further ado, here's Laura!

Hi everyone! I am Laura and I blog over at I do deClaire. I am thrilled to be a sponsor this month at My New Favorite Outfit! I enjoy reading Ginny's posts and love her outfits. My blog is primarily about outfit posts, recipes, and occasional stories about my family. I married my high school sweetheart over seven years ago and our beautiful daughter Claire is almost 8 months old. I work as a speech therapist in an elementary school. In my free time I love to bake and cook, read, attempt craft projects, and run (when my IT band lets me!). My recipes are quick and easy because, really, who has the time?! My outfits are primarily casual to slightly dressy since my work environment is fairly laid back and I don't work summers.

1. Why did you decide to start blogging?

I hated maternity clothes so I was really excited when I could fit into my normal wardrobe after my daughter Claire was born. And then I realized I didn't really like my clothes (Bummer. What am I going to do now?). So, I started reading more fashion blogs to figure out what to buy and rework my wardrobe. I started a blog because it's a fun way to motivate myself to be a better, (hopefully) more fashionable me.

2. What are a few of your daily reads?

I like to read quite a few blogs. Some of my favorites are Franish, Hello Gorgeous!, Fairy Wings Make Good Soup, Merrick's Art, and Putting Me Together. I could go on and on!

3. What trends are you loving right now and what trends are you steering clear of?

I never love a trend when it first starts! I am such a chicken about trying trends because I don't want to buy something that will be out of style in a few months. I'm not a fan of rompers, crop tops, and hi-low dresses/skirts. I like neon in small doses, love stripes and polka dots, statement necklaces, 'arm parties,' and skinny belts. I hope those are all trends so I look like I know what I am talking about! ;)

4. What are some of best things that has come out of blogging for you?

Even in the short time I have been blogging, I have started to build relationships with other bloggers. I never knew that would happen and I love it! It is such a supportive community. I have also noticed I am taking more (small) risks with my style. I am more careful with my purchases and learning so much about shopping and remixing clothes (keep reading for a remix example!).

5. What a piece of advice you have for your fellow blogger or those thinking about starting a blog?

Make sure you are doing it for fun and that you have the time! Blogging can be a lot of work and there really isn't any monetary reward, but that shouldn't be why you are blogging. Comment on other people's blogs and form relationships with other bloggers. Try to be consistent with your posts and Have Fun with it!

Making sure my clothes are able to be remixed and that I know how to remix them is a big part of reworking my closet. Since school is starting soon (for me, it's probably already started for many others), I put together a remix of a sheath dress I got at a thrift store last month for $2.50. Even though this wasn't on my list of closet holes or the right season to wear it (it's mostly wool), I recognized how versatile it was. Hope you enjoy the remix and are able to get some inspiration to remix a similar item in your closet!

striped sweater- Old Navy; pink button up- Bethesda thift; purple shirt- Kohls; blazer- Forever 21; cognac boots- Etienne Aigner via Shoes.com; black boots- Nine West; black pointy toe heels- Shoe Carnival; black suede heels- BCBG via Marshalls; red necklace- Ebayed; gold necklace- Lia Sophia; cluster necklace- New York & Company; black and gold pave necklace- Lia Sophia; black and leopard belts- TJ Maxx; boot socks and lace tights- Penney's (Irish store); purple tights- Walmart

What an awesome re-mix and what a steal on this dress! If that wasn't enough, Laura has a great giveaway to share with you all today too! You'll get your choice of a Target or Gap/Old Navy/Banana Repulic gift card!  Open to U.S. residents, just enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway