Big News for Midwest Bloggers!

We have MAJORLY exciting things in store for the site! Thank you SO much for your feedback + support over the past year. 

We are so thrilled to share some of the news for our group including:

- a rebrand as the Midwest Bloggers Network to encompass any and all types of bloggers across our region - please be patient was we continue to rebrand our social sites!

- a BRAND new website with more features, simpler navigation (coming very very soon!)

-a contest to design a new logo for us! winner gets 6 free months of ad space & lots of good PR! 

-  weekly link ups to share + cross promote

- blogging resources & tips

- establishing "captains" of each state to help organize events

- featured blogger ad space available for only $10 a month

We will still be a group of creative + talented Midwesterners- we just want to welcome any + all! Any questions? Want to enter our logo contest! Email us MidwestStyleBloggers@gmail.com and please let us know your thoughts!

Guest Post - Jenna of Black and White Affaire

Happy Monday {and MLK day!} To kick off the week right, we have Jenna of Black and White Affaire sharing her weekend ready outfit post, and how she tackles her growing to go list as a busy blogger. If you haven't checked out her fashion and music inspired blog, definitely stop over and say hello!

One of the best times to get ahead of the game is tackling some tasks over the weekend. Sometimes, working from home can lead to distractions (i.e. a puppy, television, and endless browsing on e-commerce sites). To stay focused, I sometimes take my laptop and head out to one of my favorite places on earth, the book store! With a hot cup of joe, the newest fashion magazines and a keyboard at my fingertips, there is nothing I can't accomplish.

A fashion blogger is never off duty - whether you are working from home or making a trip to the office to check off a few things on your to-do list, it's important to get dressed. Get out of your sweatpants and get going! Weekend work wear can be as simple as boyfriend jeans, a colorful sweater and a daring lip stain.

Outfit details: Sweater and jeans, H&M // Heels, L.A.M.B. // Bag, Urban Expressions // Lips: Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Twilight

Photos: Danica Schloss

Guest Blogger: A Monochromatic Diary

We're so excited to have Hilary of the blog A Monochromatic Diary guest blogging today!

Barbour jacket, Zara turtleneck (similar), H&M jeans, Hunter rainboots, Coach purse (similar), Le Specs sunglasses, Skagen watch, Baublebar bangle

Winter in Ohio can be interesting. One day it's 45 degrees and sunny, the next, a polar vortex is hovering over the state. Because of this, my closet has had to expand and become very versatile. Chunky knits, layerable coats and rain boots have become staples. For grocery shopping at the West Side Market on Monday, I chose a Zara knit that I purchased in Chicago and paired it with my favorite Hunter rainboots for a look that screams comfort. I love this outfit because it could become happy hour ready with a change of shoes and jacket. I think that is the key to every Midwest girl's wardrobe, versatility. 

Do you like cannoli's? And pizza bagels? Would you like to see for yourself whether Cleveland is the "up and coming Brooklyn"? If you answered yes to any of these questions, do me a favor and check out the West Side Market in Cleveland, Ohio. It's got charm, pizzaz and lots of yummy things, plus it features a great people watching area up above the commotion!

2014 Midwest Style Bloggers Survey

Help us improve in 2014! If you could please take a few minutes to answer these 10 questions we'd really appreciate it. This survey is to improve our network and create better opportunities for you. 

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Guest Blogger: 2 Girls in 2 Cities

Our guest blogger of the day is Jennie of 2 Girls in 2 Cities. 

Dress - Express / Scarf - F21 (in stores) / Tights - Ralph Lauren via DSW / Shoes - Thrifted

I'm all in for this trend of oversized scarves. Nothing is more comfortable than bundling up with the warm scarf while waiting for public transit, then draping it around my shoulders in a chilly office. I purchased this one on a whim, and find myself throwing it on with everything - even to dress down a fit and flare frock from Express. I will warn that it sheds a bit on my black coat, but it's a small price I pay for warmth.

Jennie

Guest Blogger: Pink and Navy Stripes

Check out our guest blogger of the day, Lindsay of Pink and Navy Stripes!

Coverup: J.Crew (similar), Swimsuit: J.Crew, Hat: J.Crew, Flip-Flops: Tory Burch, Sunnies: Tory Burch

Well I hope you all got your Elf's packed away safely.  I am going to miss that little guy for the whole year. Hopefully, all the gifts you gave out were well received. I got my husband a Sonos speaker and he was setting it up right away! I love shopping for Christmas gifts for other people, so it was so fun to have picked out the right thing for him. You can leave your tree up until New Years right? My husband will be lucky if I let him take it down before February!

Lindsay...

Brand to Know: Spotted Moth

We're so excited to be introducing you to a brand you may not have heard of, Spotted Moth! Today we have Jennifer from REFINE sharing a little about the brand. Make sure to check it out!

Spotted Moth was created in the winter of 2010 by Monica Burnett. We opened our online doors in the Spring of 2010 and our first brick and mortar location in August of 2011. A born entrepreneur, Monica always had a knack for combining creativity and business. At the tender age of nine, Monica remembers being pulled out of class by her teacher to be reprimanded for selling handmade jewelry to classmates. 

Forgoing college, Monica sought out work experience to prepare her for her dream career. With a hearty background in buying and selling, Monica launched Spotted Moth to an audience of style-hungry, creative women. Teaming up with popular fashion bloggers, Spotted Moth became a go-to online shopping destination in no time. Spotted Moth has been featured in People StyleWatch as their favorite affordable online fashion destinations, as CBS's pick for the best summer accessories shop, The Orange County Register, WHERE OC, and multiple times in Bust Magazine and Time Out NY Magazine. Follow along on Instagram @SpottedMoth!