Living in the Red (and I Don't Mean Lipstick)
Alexandria Stylebook is a labor of love. I love that you, the Stylebook reader, take time out of your busy day to read what we have to say. It really is humbling. It always makes me happy when someone comments that they really enjoy reading it. However, as a result of being on the floor at the store and working on the renovation, I am frequently behind on my deadlines.Our beloved Stylebook editor, Madelyn Smith Orfitelli, puts out a beautifully detailed calendar with all the deadlines on it. When a deadline has past, that contributor's name is highlighted in red. Sadly, my name is always in red. This is in stark contrast to my good friend Elizabeth Todd, whose articles for The Hive and The Shoe Hive are always on time. Not just on time, mind you, early.
The other night we were having a glass of wine after a long day. I made the comment that I had an article to write and that I was likely in the dog house with Madelyn for being in the red. Again. Elizabeth then asked, "What do you mean you're in the red?" I said, "You know, on the deadline calendar?" She in fact had no idea what that meant as she has never been in the red, a fact that she now likes to brag about to me all the time.I was never a writer. So, many days when I have the time to write, I still struggle. I sit and I ponder what to write about. Sure there are times when it's easy. If a product comes in that I am particularly passionate about, I have a bunch to say. But in times like now, when I am holding off on bringing in new lines until the renovation is complete, the ideas don't present themselves so easily.And then it hit me: I should ask you. The reader. What would you like to know more about? Beauty industry-wise, of course. I'm hopeless when it comes to fashion trends, so I can't help there (although, stay tuned: Elizabeth is going to help me with that in a fun activity we've planned coming up).I am crossing my fingers that you all have some ideas and wouldn't mind forwarding them to me. I will take all suggestions eagerly. Hopefully I can help you by addressing some of your beauty questions, and you can help me find my way out of red print and back into black. I can't wait to hear from you!