Do you have any idea how fabulous you are? You should think about it. Because you're pretty fabulous. And I'm willing to bet that there are plenty of other people who think that about you. If you haven't participated in Fabulous In February yet, or if you forgot to link up for yesterday's installment, go ahead and do it now!
It's become increasingly more difficult to come up with things about myself that I think are fabulous, but this is a good exercise. Cara suggested that we continue on into March. I commented that I wasn't sure I could come up with any more traits, but what do you all think? Should we keep going on Mondays in March, maybe call it Magnificent In March?
I'm all about the alliteration, people.
Okay so on a completely different note, we did our taxes last week and it looks like my return is going to be enough to allow me to get a new laptop (desperately needed!) and a camera with equipment (tripod, remote, lense if needed, etc.).
I know I asked about this a few weeks ago and so many of you were kind enough to provide me with TONS of information. Let me get more specific and say that I can probably spend about $500 on a laptop and $500-$700 on the camera and equipment (or do you think I should spend more on the laptop?). With that in mind, I need some suggestions for a good laptop and specific suggestions for a camera and the equipment. Please remember that up until a few weeks ago, I'd been using my iPhone - I know NOTHING at all about cameras. Seriously, nothing. I don't know how to mess with settings, I don't know what lenses do, I don't know how to determine if I can use a remote or not (and I do want one with a remote).Since I might have questions, if you would be so kind as to email me some suggestions so that I can reply I would really appreciate it! My email is aworkingmomscloset at gmail.com.
By the way, if you haven't heard already, Collette has started a weight-loss and accountability group for fashion bloggers. Once I get my yahoo account figured out, I'm going to join!
And in case you didn't hear it the first time I said it, YOU are FABULOUS. I love you guys!
Today's outfit:Purple Dress: Plato's Closet
Satin and Lace Blazer: Stein Mart
Tights: Wal-Mart
Zebra Belt: Ross - came with a shirtBlack Pumps: Target
Necklace: Gift from a co-worker
Congrats on the big tax return! That's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI just bought a new camera - it's nothing fancy like a SLR but I'm loving how easy it is to use, and how clear and sharp my photos are. It's a Canon Powershot SX103x. I chose it because the self-timer has the longest time option of any digital I looked at - 30 seconds. That gives me plenty of time to set up before it starts taking shots. Your budget might be bigger than mine, so maybe you can really upgrade to a fancier camera. But I really love mine!
www.dresswithcourage.com
Hello Melissa, oh my go goodness I am so excited by your "equipment upgrade" so amazing. And, I am loving your textured tights + blazer, adorable!
ReplyDeleteAs for camera's? EOS Rebel T2i, it's an introductory DSLR and takes awesome pictures. xx veronika
I think that having a remote and a tripod is worthwhile, unless you have a family member willing to take all your pictures. I usually take my pictures with a DSLR, but I also have a Canon Powershot that takes pretty decent photos.
ReplyDeleteGetting a new camera can be tough... SLRs are expensive. If you were looking at something like a Nikon D90 or D3100 (which is a good camera, but won't allow for a remote, only a timer), you can expect to spend about 500 bucks on the body alone. If you look at something like the D5000, it's going to start getting more expensive. The D7000 kit, which includes body and a lens, runs around $1,500. The thing with SLRs is that you will need to factor in the cost of the lenses too.
ReplyDeleteDepending on what you're looking to accomplish with your camera, you could just go for a point-and-shoot, like the Canon Powershot. I used a Canon Powershot until I upgraded to a Nikon DSLR a few weeks ago.
You look great! I love the zebra belt with the blazer.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to do my taxes today, and I'm hoping for a big return too. I don't know very much about cameras/laptops, but I hope you find something amazing.
I say cheap on the laptop, because you can get some decent computers for a few hundred bucks. Like some of oher comments, I think a lower-end DSLR might be a good option! See if you can find an old Nikon D60 second hand, it's a great camera with only a few less features than the more advanced models. And guaranteed to be cheaper. My D90 is love, but I'm still learning how to use all the functions!
ReplyDeleteMy Growing Obsessions
I have the same one Elissa has, and I love it. AND I can help you set up the self timer. You could call or email and I can walk you through it. It's less than $200 at Amazon. And any old tripod you can get for about 20 bucks works just fine!
ReplyDeleteI love Fabulous in Feb so Magnificent in March would be great! I would spend more money on a camera-that's my next investment as well! You look beautiful- I love the animal print!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to stay out of camera discussion because all I do is balance my point and shoot on various items. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your sassy belt though. Were you able to wear it to work? It would be a shame if you couldn't, I just think it's the perfect finisher.
Jenn
YOU are fabulous darling, and so is this outfit:)
ReplyDeleteLove the animal print belt....keep on truckin in this 30x30:)
Thanks for the mention....get that yahoo thing figured out...STAT
Stop by and say Hello:)
Enter my Fab ModCloth Giveaway!!♥
This zebra belt works miracles on the outfit!I'm still struggling with the settings myself but I think a tripod and a remote really help. Unfortunately I have none.I use the top of a drawer in my sons room!
ReplyDeleteI thought you were at your target weight? I think you look Fabulous! (seriously).
ReplyDeleteAmber Lena Fashion Bargainista.com
outfits FOR SALE from $10!
Great tights!
ReplyDeleteI'd look to spend about $500-600 on a laptop. Hubby just got a Sony Viao which is a great spec'd laptop. There is also a range on these to get just what you want.
I now use a Canon Power ShotSD 3500 IS. Which runs about $250-300 (but I found it on super sale somewhere for less).. I'm not sure if it's remote compatible, but it's dead easy to use. The self-timer is right on the touch screen unlike many cameras that you have to go into menu options for it.
It takes much better photos than my previous cameras that need little to no tweaking. Also takes great indoor shots. Don't worry about $700 unless you're going for an SLR, which is a big investment anyway.
I'm sure you've gotten tons of reviews, but I figured I'd give you my two cents since I just upgraded. Besides if you can get what you want for less - You can always use that extra money for something else~!
I would splurge on a Mac, if you're like me and use your computer 24/7 it's an absolute necessity. Last time I bought a cheap computer it didn't last at all so it was $400 bucks wasted!
ReplyDeleteAnd if you aren't ready for a DSLR, you can definitely get a nice point and shoot for a few hundred bucks! I always go for a lot of megapixels and some sort of manual mode so you can begin getting familiar with the settings!
So pretty today!! YaY for tax refunds! We are using ours to pay down student debt! I really like the Cannon SLR's or a Cannon rebel they are both great! Check out Beach camera and costco for the best price!
ReplyDeleteThe jungle print belt is a great addition to a lovely outfit!
ReplyDelete♥
Fashezine
i love plato's closet - what a great find! love the black and blue combo!
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ReplyDeleteYou know how to work patterns!!!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about investing in a new camera also! I clipped out an article from The Epoch Times which named Canon's Powershot S95 as the best compact camera ($400), and the Nikon D7000 as the best D-SLR camera ($1,200 w/o lens). I like my older model Canon Powershot, but I am thinking about upgrading it to the S95. I am so ghetto when it comes to taking my photos--I usually prop it on top of a piece of wood (no tripod for me) and set the timer on for my outdoor shots!
Let us know what you decide on! Very exciting!
Nice belt...it looks great with that jacket! I wish I could help you on the electronics front, but I am useless when it comes to anything like that...
ReplyDeleteI think it might be kind of nice to keep the positivity going into March. It's been a fun little exercise :)
I missed yesterday's post but will link today. If I can figure out how. Will try.
ReplyDeleteLove the zebra print scarf.
Sorry no tips from me on the upcoming purchases as I am not a good electronics person. Now ask me about fashion purchses and I can help. :)
Great to hear about the return though.
You look great! I love how you added the fun belt, really makes the outfit special!
ReplyDeleteI just got a SLR recently, a Nikon D3100 kit for about $579. I LOVE it, the lens it came with is fine for my purposes for now. I can't use a remote with it, but the timer is fine and have been doing great with it!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent in March? Hmmm, I'm in if you are, I guess ;) I don't know what else I'd say though!
You're fabulous, and thanks for the lovely compliments! I am saving up for a Nikon DSLR D300 (I think...basically it's in the price range you mentioned). Supposed to be fab, too, although I need to do a bit more research like you. Oh, and celebrate your tax refund with a little wine ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the tax return! You look great, I love that belt!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting about the tax return! I don't know anything about cameras or laptops so I can't provide any tips but I'm sure whatever you get it will be awesome and I can't wait to see how you use it!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the outfit, you look awesome girl! I love love love the satin and lace blazer and that zebra sash is the perfect finishing touch.
I love my Nikon d90, but have heard really good things about the Nikon d3000 which i think is in the $600 range! How exciting to make and plan such big purchases!
ReplyDeleteI like your belt, so so mucho!
(And thanks for the dress sympathy on yesterday's ripped dress post! I think she's going into retirement - ie, rag bin!)
I like the addition of the zebra print belt!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the tax return.
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit.
http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/
Woohoo!! Yeah for Tax returns! I would definitely suggest spending more on a laptop - Scott cheaps out on computers and goes through a computer every couple years. I invest much more money and have mine last...well, I'm still using my computer from 7 years ago (though I did upgrade a couple components), and it runs almost as well as the day I bought it. It's best to get a good point and shoot than to get an entry level DSLR
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that you are considering extending Fabulous in February: I find that I make notes of what to put down during the week, and it helps keep my attitude positive!
I agree with tricia - there's a ton of Canon options at Costco and they have package deals where you can lenses, etc.
ReplyDeleteI am the furthest from a pro photographer though, so I am currently pretty happy with my point-and-shoot Canon PowerShot.
I think it'd be more worthwhile to spend a bit more on a new laptop with all the bells and whistles you want than a super-fancy cam, but that's just me!
The zebra belt is a surprisingly sweet! I love this subtle variation.
ReplyDeleteWe're tights twins! Great look.
ReplyDeleteHey Melissa!
ReplyDeleteWow, jealous that you get such a big tax return! :)
I'd suggest you getting a fancy point-and-shoot. SLRs are super nice and stuff, but if you have no camera knowledge, it might just be a waste of money. I think point-and-shoot cameras are a lot easier to use, and easy to stick in your purse for going out and about.. instead of lugging around a huge SLR. I'd suggest a Canon s95, it's a step above the regular point-and-shoots, and delivers AMAZING photos, and is compact enough to stick in your purse.
As for a remote, those usually only work with SLRs, so if you go with point-and-shoot, then you won't be able to use one.
I really think that you shouldn't buy a dSLR just because you can. You should buy one if you have the time and patience to learn how to properly use it. Those things aren't easy!
Good luck!
I don't know if I could come up with any more things about myself that I feel fabulously about to continue through March. I'm having a kinda sucky phase right now.
ReplyDeleteYay on big tax returns! Even though it's money you already put in it still feels like free money!