You might be wondering, “So what in tarnation is this Monday Poll thing anyway!?”
Well, it isn’t exactly a poll. It’s more of a constantly evolving (devolving?), somewhat random list of questions I’ve been putting out to readers every Monday morning for the past seven years. (It’s like a kickstart for your brain.) I’ve always enjoyed reading your answers in the comments, and I hope you enjoy reading mine.
- I’d characterize my style as ________.
Hawaii surfer chic meets quirky cat lady with Chanel and Kate Spade taste on a Pasta Pomodoro budget. - When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
OH HELL TO THE NO.But I’d do it too if I were cold enough and had no other options for toe warmth…or if the socks were toe socks. For some reason, I feel like toe socks with sandals are slightly more stylish.
Sock stipulations: I haz them!
- Off-duty days call for __________.
Scrunchies, clothes with copious amounts of Spandex, my couch, a Netflix marathon (right now I’m watching Gilmore Girls), a stack of books and magazines. delicious snack foods (both healthy and, um, not so healthy) prepared by someone other than myself, and bras that don’t have under wires. - Everything changed for me when ______.
I realized that I had a ride-or-die partner by my side. Someone who was truly there for me. For most of my dating life, even when I was in committed relationships, I’d always felt like, if the sh*t ever hit the fan, ultimately, I’d have to handle everything on my own, and I was OK with that.But when I met El Hub, who was El Boyfriend for five years before we got married, I no longer felt like I had to carry the weight of everything on my shoulders all the time.
- The last event or thing that inspired me was ______.
The Mary Blair exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco’s Presidio.
Your turn. 🙂 Just copy and paste the following questions into a comment with your answers. I look forward to reading ’em!
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
Good morning, my friend!
You WILL have a happy Monday today. It’s 100% guaranteed.
In other news, I keep trying to not be so obsessed with Karl Lagerfeld, but it’s really freaking hard. I feel like he gets me, man.
Case in point, your Karl quote for the week…
“I love to be creative all the time… If not, I would be bored and boredom is a crime.”
— Karl Lagerfeld
If Karl ever asked me to cat sit for him, I would not say no.
Um…please don’t tell Tabs that. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Marina(Makeup4all) says
1. I’d characterize my style as rock chic minimalistic.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is -it’s their choice.
3. Off-duty days call for comfortable jumper and a minimum makeup.
4. Everything changed for me when I feel in love ;).
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was – my trip to Greece. Although it’s not really an event 🙂
Kiss & Make-up says
Oh, we’re polling early today 😀 That’s good. Because when most of your posts are published it’s night here and I’m asleep.
1. I’d characterize my style as trendy with a hint of rock ‘n roll.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is why?
3. Off-duty days call for doing whatever you feel like doing.
4. Everything changed for me when I met my soon-to-be husband.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was my morning walk this morning. The colors, the sounds, the cool morning air, it inspired me.
Lydia says
1. I’d characterize my style as modern and a little bit edgy 🙂 .
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______. Normcore.
3. Off-duty days call for __________. Manicures.
4. Everything changed for me when _________. I moved to Chicago.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________. the fall weather 🙂
Kim says
Look at you, up and at ’em at the crack of dawn! Happy Monday! 🙂
1. I’d characterize my style as brand consciously casual.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is (I’m sorry, I’m about to alienate and entire culture, but) Quebecois.
3. Off-duty days call for WAIT. Off What? What do you mean? HAHA! Sundays in the fall are hiking days and I do try to sneak in some Netflix binging when possible. 🙂
4. Everything changed for me when I had kids.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was helping one of the boys come up with campaign poster ideas for his run for class Treasurer. I’m not sure if that counts but it did inspire me to think about what might be cool to a group of 11 year olds. That’s not usually my strong suit.
Ruchita says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
Classic and comfortable. I don’t always jump on the bandwagon with new trends and I like to pieces of clothing that will last a number of years.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
Um, no. Just wear real socks and shoes. But to each their own!
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
A stack of good books and the couch interspersed with kitty cuddles and naps.
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
When my boy Mingus showed up on my doorstep. I know it may seem crazy to some, but having him and Ella and Nina has brought so much joy into my life. No matter how bad of a day I’m having, their sweet faces and purrs get me through the tough times. Just last night, I woke up in the middle of the night and Nina was laying on my back purring away. It was so sweet. 🙂
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
Reading about the Whole 30 eating plan. It’s basically a Paleo-type diet. I have a major sugar craving and it’s inspired me to make healthier choices. I’m not perfect my any means, but I’m trying to make small changes here and there. For example, I’ve started drinking my tea in the morning without any cream or sugar. It’s a small change, but a big thing for me!
Happy Monday!
Estefania says
1. I’d characterize my style as early sixties meets 90’s grunge. I like my structured dresses and skirts, but I appreciate morning after hair and lived-in eyeliner. Think Audrey Hepburn mixed with a little Brigitte Bardot.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “Don’t judge. You’ve been there.” Haha! We’ve all had days when we bust out the shame Crocs and sweats. No judgement!
3. Off-duty days call for Dewy makeup, cuddles with my pup, and maybe an art exhibit with the boyfriend 🙂 Modern impressionist if we can find it!
4. Everything changed for me when I realized I didn’t have to choose between my love for makeup and my academic career. So many people try to make you choose between beauty/makeup and intelligence because they have this weird dichotomy in their minds; women are either smart or pretty. Makeup is shallow. Intelligent women don’t care about beauty. It’s all BS. When I freelance at my MAC counter, I’m always entertained by people’s reactions when I tell them that not only did I graduate from a good university, but I’m already working in my field. If you hear similar things, don’t listen! Your likes and dislikes do not compromise your intelligence. (spiel over)
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was… I always feel inspired and artistic after watching Breakfast At Tiffany’s.
Donna N says
1. I’d characterize my style as eclectic—-I can go all OVER the place.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “oh, poor thing—that is just NOT right!”
3. Off-duty days call for jammies and hot tea!
4. Everything changed for me when I gave birth to my daughter—she is the center of the universe for both my husband and myself!
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________. Wow, I can’t even think of anything at the moment…..maybe I’m in need of some SERIOUS inspiration…..
Dominique says
1. I’d characterize my style as _casual_______.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is ___NO ____.
3. Off-duty days call for ___sleep_______.
4. Everything changed for me when _I became ill________.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was __a very book about perfumes_______.
Erin says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
This is a hard question to answer. I’m like equal parts boho, sleek, edgy, and yoga pants. With makeup it’s natural with Goth tendencies.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
Did I get transported to Florida?
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
Burts Bees Tinted Balms and a topknot.
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
I figured out I had a thyroid/autoimmune disease.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
Going to the Fall Fest yesterday and getting Cider. The weather was perfect and it made me want to paint.
Trisha says
1. I’d characterize my style as… Dude, I’ve been asking myself that question lately. I guess “slightly trendy” is about all I can come up with.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “awww, adorable.”
3. Off-duty days call for video games!
4. Everything changed for me when I decided to be a writer, regardless of whether or not I could make a ton of money doing it.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was some self help subreddits.
A Nonny Mouse says
1. I’d characterize my style as lazy rock chic. I love wearing black and darker colours, but I’m not quite up to your level of style, Miss Karen! I’ve only recently started getting into the whole makeup and fashion thing (I used to be pretty much wash and wear, but suddenly I’m taking an interest.)
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “Why? Why would you ever do that?” I mean, I understand that some hikers wear that, but just on a day to day basis… It would drive me nuts!
3. Off-duty days call for sleep, internet and my kitty cat. I’m currently catching up on a lot of new TV shows and returning ones (Gotham, Sleepy Hollow, Hell’s Kitchen, Star Wars: Rebels, The Big Bang Theory, etc), and what better place to indulge than curled up in my bed with my large fluffy grey cat?
4. Everything changed for me when I left home. My family… well. Let’s just say we’ve had our problems (and I was certainly no angel). I wound up having to leave home and moved in with someone who helped me heal and become a better person.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was this blog! Seriously. 🙂
Casey says
1. I’d characterize my style as preppy, and maybe a little trendy? I don’t know. I have a lot of J.Crew items in my closet, I’ll leave it at that. 🙂
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is they’re not from California. (as a CA native, I don’t know anyone born and raised here who does that)
3. Off-duty days call for window shopping, a long nap and some reading.
4. Everything changed for me when I met my husband.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was watching the city of SF rally together to put on the BatKid event. It was wonderful to see people come together to make a boy’s dream come true.
Cathy says
1. I’d characterize my style as chic, sophisticated, modern.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggh. Who let you out?
3. Off-duty days call for – what’s an off-duty day? 😛
4. Everything changed for me when I gave up work.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was retirement.
Kate & Zena says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
Hm, classic with a retro/leather edge. I love classic lines like fit-and-flare dresses, skinny pants, cape style, trench style but I love having a cute retro print with it (possibly why ModCloth is a very store of mine.) I also seem to have a style that veers towards designers like Calvin Klein.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
“OH MY GOD, NO NO NO NO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” /face palm
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
SLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP. But, I’m typically always off-duty?
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
My grams had the worst kind of stroke a person could possibly have (a brain stem stroke), which she eventually died from. We thought she would recover but she had a TIA and she died quickly after that. My world flipped 180 as I only had one grams and now I have none. I’m still trying to adjust in some ways.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
Going kayaking down the Root River with my dad. It was so serene and quiet. There wasn’t as much wildlife as last year, but it was warm this year! We saw a wild mink which is rather rare on the river too! I love doing kayaking trips with my dad; it’s nice to forget about life back home and take pictures while he does the work (HA HA HA.) I just hate being so sore the next day because that trip is so long and how you sit is very odd for me.
MM Curator says
1. I’d characterize my style as punk professor. Buttoned-up academic meets total badass.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is No. Just no.
3. Off-duty days call for pajamas, napping/cuddling with plushies on the couch, watching movies and eating whatever I want.
4. Everything changed for me when I knew I was never going to have the career I wanted and was meant for. I still struggle daily after over 10 years of coming to that harsh realization.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was seeing this little daschund at the farmer’s market yesterday. Well, I don’t know if it inspired me but it made me smile! I’m not a dog person at all but this little guy was so cute (he had the most adorable floppy ears) and you could tell he was very excited to be there.
Andee Hernandez says
1. I’d characterize my style as:
Urban, bohemian-hollyhood, retro classic.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is:
Thank you for covering up your feet- there must be a reason people do that!!! To each there own but I do thank those fashion misfits for hiding something that might be unpleasant!
3. Off-duty days call for:
Thrift storing, laundry washing, Haagen-Dazs lounging, sloppy top knot, comfy cotton clothes wearing, deep conditioning wearing and watching TV with my eyes closed!
4. Everything changed for me when:
I put MAC Studio Fix powder+ foundation NC40 on for the first time and was introduced to clear lip glass. Whoa! Goodbye freckles, hello flawless!
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was:
I sometimes find myself finding inspiration in the most minute things, whether it is to work out harder for my health or to fit into some skinny jeans, to planting more flowers or trees in my yard to attract butterflies and humming birds. To sum it up I find inspiration daily.
Shannon says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
classic casual chic, with a sliver of east-coast-city edge and a hint of longing for the pacific ocean. (read: lots of black, basically all the time.)
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
a disappointed “aaaaaaw…..”
you see this a LOT in the PNW, though. What can ya do.
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
chocolate, beer, maybe some nerds candies, probably pizza…. and Netflix. And at some point a walk in the park 🙂
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
my brother had his first kid. I had this inexplicable and instant feeling of connection, like “oh yes, this little thing is mine too.” Family is crazy and wonderful 🙂
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
a little trip to Mezzrow, a new piano bar in the West Village. It’s a *fantastic* space to hear music – much, much more so than I expected. I totally fell in love the first time I popped in!
Maria says
1. I’d characterize my style as classic.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is senior citizen.
3. Off-duty days call for reading.
4. Everything changed for me when I hit my 40s.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was going on cruises.
Syah says
1. I’d characterize my style as effortlessly mix and match.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is NO.
3. Off-duty days call for jaw clip in my hair, geek glasses, SCI-FI/FANTASY TV and food.
4. Everything changed for me when I decided to take the plunge and move across the world for uni at 18 yrs old.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was YOU. Your blog is awesome possum.
Rachel R. says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________. Daytime: Ummmm…eclectic glamorous rocker casual? Night: Glamorous with an edge.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______. Ugh!!!
3. Off-duty days call for __________. Leggings, comfy T-shirt or sweater, no bra if possible.
4. Everything changed for me when _________. I had kids.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________. I cannot honestly remember the last time I felt inspired.
kristen @ glambunctious says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________. Colorful & comfortable!
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______. HA! Hilairs!
3. Off-duty days call for __________. stretchy knits, no makeup, hair in a messy bun.
4. Everything changed for me when _________. I met my now husband. I knew early on I’d met my match and I was (and still am) continually amazed by his capacity for kindness and being such a huge help to me. Every time I see him, I’m going, “Squee!” inside – after nearly 6 years!
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________. Reading blogs! I am always inspired by them and the writing and creativity. That’s why I’m a big fan of M&BB, obvs!
Happy Monday, sugar beans!
Sylirael says
1. I’d characterize my style as…. uh, at the moment, it’s ‘grad school hobo chic’. When I have a real job and a life again,… who knows! ^_^
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is…. this person needs a rogue in their life to help them avoid that trap…but at the same time, I fully admire their commitment to their comfort and ease as opposed to the strictures of public opinion. 😉
3. Off-duty days call for…ballet. Followed by more ballet, video games, hamburgers and thesis, because when you’re 2 months from submission, there is no such thing as truly ‘off-duty’. 😉
4. Everything changed for me when… I met the Wizard, and realised that there was someone who was just as weird as I am, someone with whom I can be completely myself, and someone who supports me in everything that I do <3 I realised that I didn't have to be constantly trying to please someone else because I felt I had to, but just because I wanted to. We just celebrated our first wedding anniversary ^_^ I'm so happy to hear your beautiful answer to this question, about El Hub, Karen 🙂
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was… finding a really interesting and helpful journal article that really pushed me through a certain tricky part of my thesis.
Amy says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________. Refined boho. Polished and experimental. Emphasis on design but not designers: quality and innovation interest me, not personalities and names/status per se.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______. Seattle. (Hubs is 4th gen Seattleite.) Pacific NW generally. Nature-loving boomers.
3. Off-duty days call for __________. Protecting! Something always comes up to make them NOT off duty! I have to schedule carefully to get a real one. Then, they call for thinking deeply about things often crowded out by daily demands: mission, purpose, what’s coming next, what needs to change or stay the course, what/who needs deepening commitment and love, the bigger picture.
4. Everything changed for me when _________. I realized how much God loves me and all creation, despite everything that argues otherwise. And when I started wearing makeup! Why did I not know about dewy complexions earlier?!
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________. It changes hourly! So I’ll go with the sense of color the employee at the paint store had today. I’m painting a few rooms and needed swatches. She has a really inspiring ability to identify and verbalize qualities in colors and how they play off each other. Like you, Karen, and lots of your readers do (or aspire to) with makeup!
Rica says
Happy Monday!(?)
1. I’d characterize my style as “comfort chic”.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “whatever you say bro”.
3. Off-duty days call for “mad photographing for the blog”.
4. Everything changed for me when “I discovered brow grooming”.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was “a twitter party”. (no joke)
x Rica
Rica says
Happy Monday!
1. I’d characterize my style as “comfort chic”.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “whatever you say bro”.
3. Off-duty days call for “mad photographing for the blog”.
4. Everything changed for me when “I discovered brow grooming”.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was “a twitter party”. (no joke)
x Rica
Grace says
1. I’d characterize my style as a combination of girly and businesslike.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is “why?”.
3. Off-duty days call for comfy pjs, no makeup, Netflix, and ice cream.
4. Everything changed for me when I regained my confidence after years of feeling insecure about myself.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was spending time with my amazing coworkers–I’m happy to say I have a job I love 🙂
amanda says
I’d characterize my style as colorful, prep school hippie, jeans and more jeans.
Oh socks and sandals If they’re Birkenstocks i kinda love it.
Off duty calls for a comfy t and big soft sweater, yummy comfort food, and the cats! Unless its summery outside- then its bathing suits and water!
Everything changed when I had my daughter. I was a crazy partying, drugs, drugs, drugs kinda wild girl and I am totally drug free and chilled now.
The last thing that inspired me was showing my beautiful baby girl Monet and the look of awe in her eyes. She always is inspirational. She is so my muse.
Trude says
1. I’d characterize my style as ________.
Fairly classic, a little preppy, a little trendy.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is _______.
NOPE! If it’s too cold for sandals, step away from them.
3. Off-duty days call for __________.
Catching up on fun stuff, chores and hopefully getting outside.
4. Everything changed for me when _________.
I went on my first date with my boyfriend last year. He’s changed so much of my life for the better.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was _________.
My best friend. She’s come such a long way in the 18 years that we’ve been friends and I love that we’re basically family, since I don’t have any sisters!
Fransheska says
1. I’d characterise my style as: Liberal art (philosophy) student meets chemist -being both I’m majoring in-.
2. When I see someone wearing socks with sandals, my first thought is: “Hahaha, they look funny & ridiculous”.
3. Off-duty days call for: Meditate about stuff.
4. Everything changed for me when: I realised everything is in a perpetual change.
5. The last event or thing that inspired me was: Taking a random bus and going wherever the last stop was.