“Who cares what they’re wearing/ On Main Street, Or Saville Row/
It’s what you wear from ear to ear / And not from head to toe /
You’re never fully dressed / Without a smile!” ~Annie
About me:
My name is Diana. I’ve lived in hot and sunny Florida for my whole life. I’m a media specialist/school librarian and I love my job.
About the blog:
I first started blogging in August 2007, with a knitting and crafting blog called Kitty’s Creations*. Eventually, I became captivated by the style blogging world, changed the name to Simple Elegance, and began posting outfit photos and Etsy Love posts. In December 2009, I took the leap of changing the name to Smiles Go With Everything and bought my own url. My blog is now self-hosted with Bluehost and WordPress.org.
My blog looks at style, sustainability, and really anything else I feel like talking about. You might see posts on shoes, baking, thrifting, gardening, bento boxes, or whatever else happens to strike my fancy.
Sustainability is an issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I am fascinated by the way that it intersects with personal style. I love learning more about ways to help heal the planet, and I love to share these lessons I’m learning with others. Not everything on the blog directly relates to style or sustainability. But ultimately, I think that all of these aspects I blog about are connected in that they lend a happiness and enjoyment to my life, and I think that they can do the same for others as well.
I blog about my personal style because it can show how sustainability plays a role in it. I put a great emphasis on shopping second-hand and hand-made in my personal life, and outfit posts are a a great way to demonstrate that it is completely possible to be stylish in a way that is not detrimental to the environment.
How I define my style:
I am an optimistic soul, and I like my style to reflect that. Color is very important to me; I rarely wear all neutral outfits. I like things to be bright; I frequently use textures and patterns. Where an item comes from really matters to me too: I prefer to buy hand-made, second-hand, vintage and local whenever possible.
Quality, simplicity and comfort are also important to me. I love feminine, classic and euro-chic styles, but I’m also drawn to mod and punk rock aesthetics. I’m particular about colors and fabrics. I don’t like drab, dull colors, but I also don’t like to be too bold. Red, raspberry, yellow, kelly green, teal, turquoise, aqua, violet, and eggplant are some of my favorites. I like my fabrics to be quality. My strong opinions about fabric were largely formed by my love of sewing and knitting with quality materials. I avoid acrylic and polyester like the plague. Fabrics I love are organic cotton, linen, hemp, suede, leather, silk, merino and modal.
If you want to reach me for suggestions, advice, or just to talk, then send me an e-mail.
Still want to know more? Check out my “about me” posts.
*Note: I have deleted all of the Kitty’s Creations archives from this blog, since that is no longer my focus. You can still see them at the old address
Hi! I found your blog while browsing for sewing/craft stores. I’m trying to find somewhere to take some lessons.. sewing/sewing machine, etc. I found fiberologie, which looks amazing, but JUST missed their class by a few days. Was wondering if you knew of any other great places for a college student to learn in the st. pete/tampa area. Thanks a million!
Hi Ashley!
I’ve never actually taken sewing lessons, so I can’t be considered an authority. Fiberologie would be one of my first recommendations, because they’re independent rather than a chain. Joann’s Etc (Citrus Park and Brandon) has some sewing classes, though they can be a bit pricey. I believe that Hancock Fabrics has classes as well. Other than that, there are a lot of small, independent sewing stores around Tampa and St Pete, so try looking in the Yellow Pages for them and give a few a call. Some of them probably have good classes. Other than that, the library often has good sewing books.
Hi! I didn’t see an email address listed, but I wanted to tell you that I’m really impressed with your site and how totally crafty-licious you are! I LOVE it!! Anyway, I work for Solestruck.com, an online shoe boutique, and we would love to hook you up with some shoes. If that’s something you might be interested in, please email me ASAP at danielle@solevoice.com. I’m only in the office on Tuesdays, so please excuse me in advance if there’s a delayed response.
Keep up the AWESOME work!!
I ADORE your blog.
I love your site. Keep it up !
I was doing a search for fluevogs and found your photos. You are the MOST stylish person I have seen. You put clothes together in such an amazing way. Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me to rethink/revamp my closet.
Diana (from Australia)
Oh, that dress is just gorgeous on you. I need one like that, with a sleeve though. Thanks for sharing….
I like your style! I’m a Gemini so of course I see bits and pieces of me
all over your page.
We have pill box hats for fun AND fashion.
Check us out if you care to: http://www.aurabyyou.com
Laura Jochai
Aura By You pill box party hats
480-577-3815
I really admire your creative energy and sense of style! I hope you keep it up — your work really inspires me!
– Carol (Bay Area, CA)
Found your blog on Bing and was so glad i did. That was a great read. I have a quick question.Is it alright if i send you an email???…
Smiles indeed should go with everything! Love your sensible and down to earth blog summary, student loans can be a drag but you will get there with such a relaxed and enthusiastic attitude. ps. Just love your hairstyle! x
Diana! Thank you for the book review of Talking Dirt. Your blog is so inspiring and colorful, and makes me very hungry!
A smile back at you,
Annie
you are sooo cool!! wow, that’s why i love blogging. you get to “meet” the hippest peeps around:) thanks so much for all of your sweet comments. i tried to email you back in response but couldn’t find your address. sad day! hahaa, but seriously, you’re awesome and thanks for being so nice!
Yours Mine and Ours