I’ve noticed that monthly I get hooked on a certain color and in January it was this rusty red shade. Because of that I wanted to create a quick lookbook to show you some of my favorite pieces in this color and the outfits I created with it.
First has to be this amazing corduroy romper from Boohoo! It is actually offered in a few other colors which I love and sort of want to order as well, but I started off with this color. To create the look I styled, all you need to add is a turtleneck top, OTK boots, sunnies and for fun, a beret!
Next is this little shorty from H&M. The print is what really drew me to this dress. It is just so fun and the material is great! The dress is constructed of a thick stretch material, perfect to keep away wrinkles and provide a flattering fit! So I dressed up this look with heels, my favorite Quay sunnies, and, depending of the temps, this dress can be transitioned by adding a long tan coat and fuzzy blanket scarf.
Some of the cutest finds currently available at Romwe! Check them out for the best current fashion trends at the most affordable prices!
Also, if you are looking for the top I am wearing, I have linked it here, and its only $8!! Enjoy and happy shopping!
I have been wearing so much blush this winter, so I thought I would round up some of my favorites to share with you!
From casual to dressy, blush and light shades of pink can easily be dressed up or down depending on the material or accessory. Here I’m sharing my favorite sweater, dress, and faux fur shawl all in this stunning shade! I’ll show you how I complement blush with prints, textures and other colors to create the perfect look.
Evening
Velvet, faux fur, fringe and floral prints! Yes, that might sound like a lot to have going on it one look, but trust me it works! This drop waist velvet dress from Charming Charlie is absolutely perfect! It is comprised of a lightweight burnout velvet and is fully lined. Since it is a bit chilly I decided to add this luxe faux fur shawl to the ensemble to keep my shoulders warm. It really brings out the floral design and complements the color palette. I paired this with burgundy exaggerated fringe earrings from Baublebar, and olive faux suede stilettos from Urban OG.
Dressy Monochrome
My fave! So this blush metallic beauty is from Express and was actually my New Years Eve pick! The dress is a mini and features defined shoulder pads and a cut out back. I added my shawl to this look as well for a bit of texture and warmth, but decided to add a pop of color with my accessories!
I wanted to add a darker color, so I went with emerald green. Both my clutch and earrings are from Stella & Dot. I love the fringe design and sparkling accents. Everything comes together so well to create a polished look!
Casual
So this blush sweater was one of my favorite Nordstrom sale finds! I have enjoyed wearing it so much this season as it is super soft and so easy to layer. For this look I have paired it with a periwinkle bralette and dark wash denim from Factory Fashion. This is a super effortless look, and is perfect for the weekend.
Blush is such a transitional shade and can easily be paired with so much! I am one to generally purchase staple colors as getting ready in the morning is so much faster, but have noticed lately blush has become one of my staples! It is just such a great color can can really go with anything!
One of my absolute favorite accessories to wear in the winter time is a beret! I know, they aren’t exactly the most practical, but this tiny hat sure packs a major style punch! I’m sharing one of my favorite winter ensembles with you that is made perfect with the finishing touch of a beret! In chic maroon with plaid I’ll show you how to pair this accessory seamlessly.
If you are new to the beret, and don’t want to fully commit to the style, or are not sure if its the look for you, I suggest trying a slouchy- less structured version of the beret, like this chunky knit one. It sits more relaxed on the head and requires little to no adjustments.
This look is so cute, and so much fun to wear! I love mixing textures, so here I am wearing a ribbed knit mock turtleneck from Boohoo, a wool cream and tan plaid skirt from White House Black Market, and Over-the-Knee faux suede boots from Steve Madden. The mix of colors, textures and subtle print come together to create such an effortlessly interesting ensemble! For accessories, I kept the look to a minimum with my signature Coach Dinky, and “H” initial necklace from Elizabeth Buena Ventura. The soft chunky knit beret adds the perfect finishing touch to this winter-ready look, and ties in with the color of my boots. Now all you are missing is a plate of macaroons and the Eiffel Tower in the background!
So you are thinking about entering the blogging world. There might be many questions keeping you from dipping your toes into this industry so I am here to answer a few of them for you.
I get asked pretty often how did I grow my following? How does one start in this business? And, are there any tools available to be successful? That got me thinking, I should share a quick reference guide for all of these answers!
Though I would like to add that these are my own opinions to success in blogging, I know there are many other ways, I just wanted to share a few quick tips and tools that I wish knew from the get-go to help anyone just starting out. So let’s get started!
Focus on your brand, and who you want to be.
This is something I don’t feel I paid enough attention to when I started. Branding is really important and something you don’t want to exactly rush yourself into. Now I’m not saying you can’t change your mind, but it’s best to start with a name you love, is unique, you can identify with, and that you will keep. This helps you when it comes to SEO and where you will populate through google searches. Also you want it be catchy and easy to spell so people will remember you, and you will be easily searchable through Instagram.
Photo Time! Find your angle, literally!
When taking pictures I started off by looking at bloggers photos that I admired. I would screenshot photos I really liked based on pose and background for reference, and then reference them when prepping for a photoshoot. This is not an exact science as everyone has different flattering angles and it takes practice to find yours, but it’s a good start!
Before shooting examine yourself in the mirror and pretend it’s a camera. Watch your hands, feet and slowly change your positioning. As you do this, take note of expressions and angles you like and try to memorize that position. From there, you will start to find what feels most comfortable at your shoots and also the more experience you have, and the more photos you take, it will come more naturally, and you will grow from your own critiques. I am sharing some comparison shots of myself from when I first started next to a more recent image. Slight changes in posture, foot positioning and face angle can make such an improvement!
I am still constantly learning and evolving which is one of the great things about this industry, there is always ways to improve and grow! This is just a quick glimpse at how much improvement can happen over a short period of time.
Be consistent
Once you start blogging and posting to Instagram, get it the routine of posting at the same time and same days. For example; once you determine what time of day you receive the most traffic, continue posting at that time like clock work. Your followers want consistency and will look for your post, let’s not disappoint them!
Planoly – This is a monthly service I use to help me determine what I want to post and when. This is important because the way your feed looks is extremely vital to grow your following. You want your feed to look clean and even. It should tell a story through color and consistency. Using services like Planoly you can move around your images to plan out the perfect layout before you post your images.
Hashtags
Now this is something to check up on pretty often. Keep up with the most commonly used hashtags for your genera. Do your homework to see what hashtags local bloggers are using, and which “big” bloggers are using. You will notice a traffic spike once you find the best hashtags to use for your posts. Stick with those, but always keep an eye on new trending hashtags.
Affiliates, Education, and Community
If you are a style, fashion, beauty or lifestyle blogger Style Collective is a MUST! This community is filled with bloggers from all over the world working together to build their businesses. One of the most exciting offerings is NYFW. They create a forum with all of the tools you need to get there and even help to set you up with hotel roomies!
SC provides you with the educational tools to build your best business and supports you along the way. From creating your media kit, to sending the perfect pitch, and your first invoice! Sign up for it HERE or from the banner on my homepage.
Next become part of the BFrow fashion community! This is an additional space to share your blog posts for additional exposure, along with having the opportunity to meet and connect with an amazing community of fashion bloggers, just like you!
Community
Find out who is blogging near you! Meet up for brunch and share ideas! This is the most beneficial tool I have found in this industry! You will soon be attending local events on a regular basis, and will become a part of your local blogging circuit. Having friends close by provides opportunities for collaborations, photoshoot buddies, and amazing friends that do what you do! Blogging can get pretty lonely so it is nice to know there are others who understand what you are going through and get the business! You can inspire and learn from each other to be successful and grow in the industry.
Marketing Companies to check out for collaboration campaigns
Reward Style – This is an invitation only, commission based platform that gives your following the ability to shop your posts via blog and Instagram.
Shop Style – This platform is also commission based but does not link to your Instagram, only blog or insta story (via swipe up function) The added bonus to this services is you actually can make commission off of clicks, not just purchases.
Fohr Card – This company feeds straight from your social platforms are generates analytic data verifying your following and offers campaign opportunities.
Octoly – This marketplace offers you the ability to pitch to top beauty brands who can send you their products for review. *You must have 10,000 followers to apply.
TapInfluence – This marketplace is used by influencers and brands alike to collaborate together on campaigns. You simply create a profile and sync it to your social media platforms and brands will reach out to you for work based on their criteria.
Investments
Purchase your domain name. This is really important because it can be seen as an investment in your brand. Purchasing your domain gives you opportunities to make commissions from your site and looks professional when reached out to companies.
Set up a business account through Instagram – more and more companies are requesting analytic data the easiest way to fetch this for them is with Instagram analytic tools.
Purchase a DSLR, and a 50mm lens. Now I held off on this as long as possible but seriously, if you are wanting to do this…you need one. The lens is important because it is what gives you those well-lit images with the blurred backgrounds.
That’s it for now…
Okay, so I know this post was quite long, but I wanted to provide as much information as I could! I truly hope this helps to answer some of your questions and motivates even one person to turn their dream into a reality!
I love finding great priced fast fashion so that I can embrace every trend without breaking the bank. One of the worst feelings is investing so much in a piece that no longer is in style! Tobi is an awesome company to purchase these types of pieces without skimping on the quality! – A dream come true! They offer current trends at a very reasonable price point, and you receive exactly what is pictured on site. I’m going to show you how I styled three pieces from them, and my thoughts on each, enjoy!
Reptile Print Skirt
This is my favorite piece! This material is lightweight and moves beautifully! I styled this skirt with an elbow length turtleneck and OTK boots. The black really brings out the print of the skirt and makes it the focal point of the look. Since I have light hair I went dark with my top and boots, but would recommend pairing with a tan turtleneck and nude OTK boots if you have dark hair. The contrast looks beautiful! This look is perfect for work, weekends, or pretty much any activity you have planned this fall and the skirt is at such an amazing price, it makes no sense not to order it! Since the closure on this piece is a side zipper, I decided to size up and get a Large but the skirt fits true to size so I could have actually worn a Medium.
White Dress
Since this is a bodycon dress I decided to size up on it as well, and am glad I did! It is very short and the material is pretty thin. There is a lining, so with a slip the dress is perfect. I styled it with a black fuzzy shawl from Express and nude heels I ordered from Hautelook. This is the perfect evening out ensemble. I love the bar detailing at the shoulders! It adds such a special touch, and makes the dress so unique.
Back Lace Up Sweater
Seriously the softest, most cozy sweater! This piece is super boxy and oversized, but that is all part of the charm! I ordered this sweater in a size small and it fits perfectly for an oversized look. I would recommend sizing down on this piece. I paired it with a faux suede hat, and dark wash jeans from Mott & Bow for a comfortable weekend look that’s ideal for running all of those last minute holiday errands.
I definitely recommend checking out Tobi for amazingly priced, high-quality fast fashion! They also have great gift options for the holiday season!
- Sunglasses always make a great gift and my favorite trend right now would have to be the wooden frames! This pair is super affordable and so stylish.
- For the GOT man in your life, this limited edition Monopoly will make the perfect gift.
- I actually came across these boots at Express and think the mixed material style looks really sharp!
- For the fragrance buff, you can’t go wrong with Chanel!
- If you are looking to splurge, a Bulova timepiece is an excellent option for an everyday and special occasion watch.
- If the man in your life is a frequent traveler, think about a nice weekender bag. This is something no man is going to invest in for himself but will definitely use!
- To add a staple clothing piece to his wardrobe, I recommend a long sleeve Lacoste polo. They are made from a soft comfortable cotton and offer a slim fit.
- For a gift that keeps giving, here is the Goby! This electric toothbrush is super affordable and offers a subscription service to receive your new brush heads by mail.
- A great pair of headphones is ideal for every man. These bluetooth headphones are sweat proof so he can use them at the gym or to make business calls. With an 8 hour battery life he can use them all day!
- The perfect modern home electronic! I sort of think everyone needs an Echo product.
- For a glamorous scent in a beautiful bottle I would suggest YSL’s Black Opium.
- I can’t speak more highly of the Daniel Wellington watch brand! All of their styles are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and are so elegant! They are also super affordable and would make an awesome gift for any bossbabe!
- If luxury is what they crave, opt for small leather goods! I love this card holder from YSL! It is perfect for when she doesn’t want to carry a bag.
- Wrist candy! This mesh and screw style wrap bracelet by Henri Bendel is perfect for layering or wearing alone, and goes with any style.
- Booties are a must, and these suede ones from Yosi Samra are super comfortable and stylish.
- This Henri Bendel bag is a classic, and would be perfect for just about anyone! I love the size and style of this bag, plus it is perfect to carry year-round!
- For the makeup lover a Huda Beauty palette is a must. These blendable and highly pigmented shades are gorgeous!
- So I am in love with this headphones brand! The Vasa is offered in a few colors and are under $100! They are wireless, stay charged for 8hours are have a microphone so they can be used for phone calls too!
- NARS always makes a great gift, and these essentials are under $25 so they are perfect your besties!
- This Karl Lauderfeld candle is the coolest, and an amazing gift for that friend who has everything!
- A small touch of glam! These earrings are the perfect neutral shade to go with everything, offer the must-have tassel trend, and are super affordable! Gotta love Baublebar, they always come to the rescue with the perfect pieces of jewelry!
Hi Friends!
If you haven’t had a chance yet to enter the giveaway I am running with Yosi Samra, it’s not too late!
I have teamed up with them to offer one luck winner a $250 gift card to use on the Yosi Samra website – just in time for the holidays!
To enter, visit this Insta post I have linked here – it gives you all the info. 🙂
Then complete this short entry form and that’s it!
Best of luck to you! Contest ends 11.12.17 at midnight!
I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Leo & Nicole, a women’s apparel label and was able to try out, and review, a few pieces from their fall 2017 collection.
The pieces I selected included a transitional cowl neckline tunic length sweater, and a cable knit cold shoulder sweater. Both sweaters arrived promptly, and I must say, I was very impressed with the quality of the pieces. The sizing is true-to-size and the fit is flattering. The weight of the materials is excellent and the colors are vivid and beautiful.
I have enjoyed wearing both of these pieces over the past few weeks and have styled them many different ways! Leo & Nicole pieces are so easy to wear, and seamlessly fit anyone’s style! I love the classic woven designs they offer, but with a trendy spin like the cold shoulder detailing and transitional cowl neckline. These pieces are great for any age range, and are perfect for gifting and sporting this holiday season. You can accessorize to your hearts content and are sure to look ultra fabulous with Leo & Nicole!
To see some more of my favorites by this brand click here!