Friday, September 16, 2011

A Lesson in Constructive Criticism - It's Open Season on GeoInCalifornia


How do we learn to give constructive criticism? Is it something that should be practiced, or does it come naturally? Apparently not. Otherwise we wouldn't need all these guidelines.




If you're not sure how to word constructive criticism, you can find simple guidelines here..

If you need some pointers on how to graciously receive, there are guidelines for that here...
7 Guidelines for Accepting Constructive Criticism


Note: Please refrain from profanity, abuse, name calling, demeaning comments or threats. Those are not considered constructive. On the flip side, I see no need to sandwich criticism between Puppies and Rainbows. Make it plain as day. And it never hurts to be reasonable at the same time.

Nothing is more irritating than replying to empty space. Wait. Let me rephrase that.  Irritating doesn't sound constructive.  Please stick around for my reply or kindly leave a forwarding email with Intense Debate.


The first outfit is an unposted set from a few weeks ago. 



Polka Peppered Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $148 Sale $80 - May 2010

Jackie Cardi in Cerise - by J Crew - $62 - July 2011
Apple Pie Mary Jane's in Black - by Poetic Licence - Ideeli Orig $98 Sale $25 - Aug 2011
Pear Print Beach Bag in Dandelion - Orla Kiely SS09 - Orla Kiely $196 - Feb 2009
Limoncello Necklace - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - Feb 2009
Clear Bangle - Commemorative Anthro Gift from Maryland Accessory Store - Dec 2010

See the Polka Peppered Dress styled different HERE and HERE

Now that the serious discussion is over.  Let's have fun with it.  At the same time I will practice receiving your constructive criticism. Any part of this post is fair game.  Photo, location, outfit, pose, grammar, spelling and punctuation. You must leave at least one constructive criticism.


The second outfit I wore to work today.




Mompos Dress - Plenty by Tracy Reese - Anthro $228 - Mar 2011
Jackie Cardi in Laquer Yellow - by J Crew - $62 - June 2011
Factory Leather Belt in Orchid Shadow - by J Crew Factory Orig $24.50 Sale $6.50 - Apr 2011
Finest Hour Heels - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $158 Sale $80 from Burlingame Peggy - May 2011
Preserved Gypsophila Necklace - by De Jarnette of New Orleans - Anthro $68 - March 2011
Resin Animal and Natural Stone Bracelet - by my Mother - 1993

See the Mompos Dress styled different HERE and HERE
Warning:  I'm old and tough!   If you plan to have me for lunch, douse liberally with meat tenderizer and heat slow over an open flame. But please remove my Mompos* Dress first. Bad Laura paid full price for it. 

*Mompos is a city in Colombia South America. 

I need a tattle tale. Send me an email if you are interested.


I sincerely can't wait to hear what you have to say.  


Too many Polkas.  
Too old to wear the Mompos. 
Cardigans too bright. 


Moderation has been disabled!

Anthro Sister Loves Constructive Criticism, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)
Posted by Laura at 7:24 PM
Labels: , , ,

Comments (95)

Loading... Logging you in...
Dashboard | Edit profile | Logout
  • Logged in as
Loading...
+2 Vote up Vote down
KL_Eyes's avatar - Go to profile

KL_Eyes 91p · 706 weeks ago

Here's my piece: I do think the double polka dots is a bit too matchy-matchy. I'd love to see that dress and cardi with the red heels that you featured in the very first photo. And I love how you paired bright yellow with the Mompos dress--neither the dress nor the cardigan color would remotely work on me personally, but they look great on you.
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Jess's avatar - Go to profile

Jess · 706 weeks ago

Hmmm I am also not a fan of the polka with polka, but perhaps if you did a polka dance wearing both it would be ok? I think if the polka dots weren't as similar then I would like it more. Ah Laura, you are a funny girl, love it :)
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
Loading...
+2 Vote up Vote down
jesspgh's avatar - Go to profile

jesspgh 72p · 706 weeks ago

You crack me up, Laura! This is a funny idea.

I happen to like the double polka dots because I think it has a sense of humor. The pumps are super cute and the dress fits you beautifully. I feel like post modern matchy match can be executed with a wink and a nudge. And I know you're a smart lady so that's how I read the pairing.

My constructive solicited feedback: I would love to see you in some glamorous Chanel-style oversized sunglasses. Heck I'd love to see me in a pair too but who can afford even sunglasses from Chanel? haha I realize your sunglasses above might be rx and if that's the case it is pretty darn difficult to find oversized sunglasses that you can fill with an rx. But after all mine is just a suggestion. And the great thing about constructive critique is it can be accepted or rejected by the individual receiving it.

This is a fun exercise and you are brave for doing it. I lol'd at "open season on GeoInCalifornia."
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
Loading...
+2 Vote up Vote down
Ginabean3's avatar - Go to profile

Ginabean3 90p · 706 weeks ago

Lol, Laura you are a hoot! This is why I love your blog! Here are my 2 cents...
In the Mompos outfit I think you should wear a brighter shoe. The yellow and blue are lovely but I feel the natural color of the shoe looks too washed out with the brilliant cheeriness of the rest of the outfit. Perhaps a bright cherry red? That would be fun! :-)
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
+1 Vote up Vote down
Elsie's avatar

Elsie · 706 weeks ago

Where do you get that you are too old to wear the Mompos? Its a beautiful dress and you look great in it! The Polka Peppered is fantastic for you, though I will echo the sentiments above and say that polka and polka is too much. Throw in some jazz.
4 replies · active 706 weeks ago
+3 Vote up Vote down
Angela's avatar

Angela · 706 weeks ago

Love your outfits. Wish I had those shoes!

My critique would be in general (but not so much in this post), you use very short and disjointed sentences which disrupt the flow and sometimes makes your writing a little hard to understand. Maybe it's just the snobby English lit major in me that's speaking though.

Angela
angela.chung12@gmail.com
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Stacey's avatar

Stacey · 706 weeks ago

I love that you are doing this! You look great - arent the jackie cardigans wonderful! I can never get enough of them although the nordstrom BP line made a similar one at half the cost (of course, it was juniors which meant sizing up!!) Keep up the good work!
7 replies · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
SHK's avatar

SHK · 706 weeks ago

My daughter (3 years old) screamed "Mommy, princess shoes!" when she saw your red Chie's in the first photo. She'd like a pair. Her mom too! I'm wondering how the red/orange cardigan would look with the Mompos. I'm not crazy about those shoes with the Mompos; they seem to cut off your leg. You would look fab with big sunglasses. You're so fun!
-Sun
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
deleted7039734's avatar - Go to profile

deleted7039734 74p · 706 weeks ago

I personally like how you chose neutral shoes for the Mompos dress, especially because you are wearing a bright cardigan; and the the dress stands out on its own. The cool thing is that even though the shoes are neutral they already have a great style so they aren't boring. I think it would be too much if you were to wear a vibrant pair of shoes with this combination, unless they are extremely simple. I'm almost 30 and sometimes I wonder if the Mompos dress looks too "childish" on me whenever I wear mine. It all comes down to the accesories and I think you did a great job on that combination. I wouldn't change anything except wearing more stylish sunglasses :]
I don't know about the polka dot shoes though. It doesn't look bad but it's just to "matchy matchy".

Nadja

mykookloset.blogspot.com
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Carly's avatar - Go to profile

Carly · 706 weeks ago

Oh Laura you are too funny!! I just HAD to laugh at your title "it's open season" and your signature "Anthro Sister Loves Constructive Criticism." LOL. You are one brave woman! I, like Jess, think the polka dot shoes are fun and show your sense of humour, like you don't take yourself too seriously. I like the yellow cardi with the Mompos, and the shoes are perfect with it too, but maybe I'd swap out the bag for something in a rich jewel tone. Like red or a deep eggplant colour. By the way, I saw your comment on EA about me needing a size 2 Mompos... if you have a spare moment at all, would you possibly mind measuring your 4?? Just across the bust and waist? Thank you so much :)
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
thatdarndress's avatar - Go to profile

thatdarndress 87p · 706 weeks ago

great idea! I really like the play of the polka dots together, especially since the dots are around the same size- I think the contrasting cardigan and bag reduces the impact of that bold statement though. Maybe just the dress and shoes, with a simple navy bag/cardigan as needed?
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Karen M's avatar

Karen M · 706 weeks ago

Laura, __I was so sorry to bring your blog up and discover the unpleasant drama that went down. I have always thought your blog is refreshing and inspirational. It's so nice to see a fellow woman in a male-oriented technical career explore a different facet.of everyday life, namely fashion. And you do it in a public forum to share your experience and enthusiasm with other women. And being a mature women, you do it with a positive grace.and manner. Keep up the good work, girl!!

I think the polka dot dress with the polka dot shoes and the red sweater look bold and adventurous. The Mompos with the yellow sweater looks fun and classic.

Thanks for sharing with us every week, Laura! You rock!!!!
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
aili's avatar

aili · 706 weeks ago

Laura...this is brilliant! Funny and informative. Kudos for putting yourself out there. It's real and encourages honesty....not "mean" honesty, but honesty. I think posts like this will help people feel comfortable leaving constructive criticism and not feel like (or be treated like) a pariah.

Btw...my favorite is the red cardi with the black polkadots and polkadot shoes. I think you could also do simple black shoes and it would be lovely. I'm not a big fan of the Mompos dress, but that's just personal preference. It doesn't appeal to my eye.
2 replies · active 706 weeks ago
+1 Vote up Vote down
drew 's avatar

drew · 706 weeks ago

Checked guidelines before posting in hopes of being truly constructive. I hope I don't step over the line ... I have noticed that your hair doesn't get the amount of attention that your wardrobe receives. I would love to see your hairstyle get a fashionable update to compliment your lovely fashion sense. Peace and love. :)
5 replies · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Keiko's avatar - Go to profile

Keiko · 706 weeks ago

Hi! I love the idea of the polka dress with red chie that someone mentioned!
Polka dress and polka shoes.. I might do polka top and polka shoes, though!
They are fun and cute!
My sis in law loved the mompos, so I helped her husband get it!! You look lovely!
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
-1 Vote up Vote down
Dee_EU's avatar - Go to profile

Dee_EU · 706 weeks ago

Laura, I think this is a great idea! I personally like most of what the other bloggers are wearing and I post a comments if I do. I feel like the blogosphere is really great in this way: it's really inspiring and I learn a lot.

Now back to the "at-least-one-constructive-criticism" rule :)
I really like the fact that you have your own style and that you really can rock a dress! :) And being too old for the Mompos? I do not believe in the 'dressing your age" thing. :) So no, that's definitely not true. :)

I think that in the first outfit, dots-on-dots is a bit too much maybe and trying another color shoes like, black, yellow or red, would make the outfit even better. I do really like the dots and red combination :)

The second outfit is also really nice, except I think I would choose, again, different color shoes. I might go with mustard yellow or an orange-y color I think. I might also use a nice statement necklace perhaps to accentuate the contrast of the colors. :)

xxx
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Carelie's avatar

Carelie · 706 weeks ago

I'm just wondering why you think correcting someone on their spelling of "Colombia" is constructive criticism, but that comments directed toward your clothing choices are not? Interesting.

And at the risk of being "not constructive", I do think the large chunky shoes you put together with certain outfits make the whole outfit take on a costumey appearance. To try to make that constructive (and less Wizrd of Oz in appearance), perhaps try pairing a bold outfit with completely understated shoes.
2 replies · active 705 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
SaraElizabeth28's avatar - Go to profile

SaraElizabeth28 57p · 706 weeks ago

I will be honest. I don't think I like the two sets of polk-a-dots together in the first outfit. However I like them.... and I might add A LOT ... as separate pieces. Though they are different polk-a-dots it is the similar size that is not sitting visually well with me. I like the orange red cardi with the dress, but I would also like to see a royal blue cardi and maybe a muted red pointy pump with the polka dotted dress. What do you think?

I completely disagree about you being "too old" for the mompos dress. I think it fits you perfectly. I'm not completely crazy about the shoe choice, but that might be only because I see you have a paired it with those adorable yellow booties in the title of your blog and I like that better.

I also love the purse choices with both outfits. I love mixing prints. I love that ... orla kiely?... bag with the mompos dress. Both prints mix well without competing with each other, but still look visually interesting. This actually helped me out, since I have been having a hard time pairing an everyday bag with that dress.

Oh, and I completely agree with whoever said you could pull off larger sunglasses.... like Jackie O. Have you ever tried them?

Anyway, great post. Love your blog! Keep making bold choices with your outfits, I love all the new ideas!
3 replies · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Monica's avatar - Go to profile

Monica · 706 weeks ago

Laura, you are truly amazing person. I love reading your blog and I love your style (very similar to mine). I am always open to constructive criticism and I love this post. It doesn't hurt to get some friendly advice once in a while ;). I've had plenty of fights with my closet and there have been times I would have benefited from a friend saying 'that doesn't really look good.' At the end of the day, not everyone is going to agree with your style choices, but it's not what they think that makes you who you are....it's what you think. Keep inspiring me and my wardrobe :).

Monica
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
jennifer's avatar

jennifer · 706 weeks ago

ha, no way are you too old for the mompos or any outfits that you wear!! keep rocking them just like you do! i plan to be just as stylish when i am your age, there is no reason to lose your style and dress all frumpy b/c you are older!!
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Diane's avatar

Diane · 706 weeks ago

You are NOT too young to wear the Mompos dress--first off, if you like to wear it, and it makes you feel good, then wear it. I'm only a few years younger than you and I happily wear mine (bragging moment--snagged mine at my Anthro three weeks ago as a return, tags still on, damaged for $89. What was the damage? The inside slip strap had torn from the bodice--two stitches, good as new. YEA!) Everyone looks beautiful when they feel good in something they like. And you do! I also think we all know our limitations--seriously, at my almost 48, I am sure not wearing flared jeans with a cutoff, midriff-baring top. For that, I am too old. But a beautiful cotton dress will always look great, no matter what. My only criticism is the sweater and shoes do seem to washout the glory of the dress. The yellow ones your wearing with your dress in your masthead are perfect "surprise" and pull together a very fun outfit. The sweater might pop better with those shoes.
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Sydneygirl's avatar

Sydneygirl · 706 weeks ago

I've never posted before and only read occasionally but first - you are NOT too old for the Mompos Dress. You look lovely. We should all wear what we feel good in! And I love the yellow cardi, I think the dress lends itself to a number of bright cardis eg yellow, red, depending on your coloring, as well as other colors eg I wore mine with grey chiffon J.Crew Clara cardi. Also, I really could never tell how old you are/were and only have some idea since you posted the age of your son. Re the polkadots, I think maybe I wouldn't do the shoes, but having seen your other outfits I know you love quirky fun style so I think this is an example of that. Fashion is supposed to be fun and make us feel good!
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Diane's avatar

Diane · 706 weeks ago

Sorry--I meant to say "You are NOT to old to wear the Mompos dress..." I have to watch how much typing I do while doing 20 other things.
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
l_stasiak@yahoo.com's avatar

l_stasiak@yahoo.com · 706 weeks ago

I don't think you're too old for the Mompos, I just don't think it's a flattering dress on most anyone who wears it. I guess that's constructive criticism aimed at the dress and not at you, but can it count? :) I truly love the Polka Peppered on you (now there's a dress that I think should have gotten more love when it was out) but yes, I agree with others that the shoes may make the overall outfit too precious. But the definitely pair the dress and cardigan again--lovely with your pale skin.
0 Vote up Vote down
Lisa of Cof aCC Gal's avatar - Go to profile

Lisa of Cof aCC Gal · 706 weeks ago

I'm not here to offer any CC, just wanted to swing by to say Hi and see how you're doing. I see you're still hanging tough and keeping it real. =) And Laura, I think you look lovely in all your outfits, and I say this with the utmost sincerity and also from the bottom of my heart. I wouldn't change a thing because you look like You, you look comfortable, you exude confidence and you look good. The clothes don't really make a person, YOU make the clothes.
2 replies · active 706 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
jennifer's avatar

jennifer · 706 weeks ago

The first outfit had my eyes leaping all over the place... the shoes, the bag, the belt, your necklace, even your glasses! My eyes didn't know where to stop and it made me feel anxious.
The second outfit is peaceful, calm and beautiful. I returned my Mompos long ago because I felt like a child at an Easter egg hunt but you really wear it well!
1 reply · active 706 weeks ago
+1 Vote up Vote down
Kate's avatar

Kate · 706 weeks ago

I have to agree with Jennifer above me, I think the Mompos is a very youthful dress... That is all.
2 replies · active 705 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
Julia's avatar

Julia · 706 weeks ago

I love your outfits, but wish that you could try new glass frame and hair style/color to match themes of your outfits. That's just my opinion. Do what your love the best is what matters. I just felt that after putting all the efforts of getting outfits together, might as well going all the way from head to toe!
8 replies · active 705 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
jrm's avatar

jrm · 706 weeks ago

I have dark brown hair and olive complexion so not sure if these frames would work with your fair skin (note: not necessarily these frames specifically, as much as maybe a colored frame, that warms your face without overpowering it):
http://tiny.cc/8z309
http://tiny.cc/dyddc
http://tiny.cc/hfb29

Or if you just want to rile everyone up, I like this look:
http://tiny.cc/j0hdk

I like the cream shoes you are wearing in the mompos picture but cream/beige can be almost too neutral (I am sounding like Goldilocks). My vote is to go either taupe or specifially wIth the mompos go with a darker brown/dark caramel/almost wine color...
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/circa-joan-david-adel...

(those are probably too fall'ish though to go with mompos)

or
http://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Womens-Lille-Ballet-8-...

or
http://www.amazon.com/ECCO-Womens-Bouilon-Peep-10...
1 reply · active 705 weeks ago
0 Vote up Vote down
eek!'s avatar - Go to profile

eek! · 705 weeks ago

LOL - great post! I guess I tend to visit blogs of ladies whose style I like so I usually don't have much to criticize. I realize that life isn't about rainbows all the time but we get beat down in our normal life so much that why be mean to people I don't even know. So usually if I am not particularly fond of anyone's outfit, I just don't comment. Or I find at least one thing I like about it. Just me, I guess. Those folks at GOMI really have too much time on their hands ;)

My favorite is your polka dotted outfit! I would never have the courage to wear the dress with the shoes but I think you make it work!
1 reply · active 705 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
scraparoonie's avatar - Go to profile

scraparoonie 92p · 705 weeks ago

Laura, I echo the others' statements about the polka dot -on-polka dot. I'd do a different shoe, perhaps yellow...drawing out your necklace. And the Mompos, well....I'm quite fond of pairings of yellow with that too. Or bright green shoes. Have any of those in your treasurebox? The Absinthe Heels by Chie Mihara come to mind....oh how I'd LOVE to get my hands on a pair of those. Keep rockin' your Anthro....you always keep it interesting!
Loading...
+2 Vote up Vote down
zaraward's avatar - Go to profile

zaraward 37p · 663 weeks ago

I really like your clothing, but wish that you could try new cup shape and locks style/color to go with styles of your clothing. That's just my viewpoint. Do what your really like the best is what issues. I just sensed that after placing all the initiatives of getting clothing together, might as well going all the way from go to toe! The first clothing had my sight bouncing all over the position... the footwear, the bag, the buckle, your pendant, even your glasses! My sight didn't know where to quit and it created me experience nervous. The second clothing is relaxing, relaxed and wonderful. I came back my Mompos lengthy ago because I sensed like a kid at an Easter time egg search but you really use it well!
1 reply · active 663 weeks ago
Loading...
+1 Vote up Vote down
villagetalkies's avatar - Go to profile

villagetalkies 4p · 269 weeks ago

Best Corporate Video Production Company in Bangalore and top Explainer Video Company in Bangalore , 3d, 2d Animation Video Makers in Chennai

Thank you for your informative post!!!

Post a new comment

Comments by

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)