Off Shoulder with an Edge

OUTFIT DETAILS
Top (also in light blue) / Pants / Bag (c/o) / Boots / Watch (c/o)

Off shoulder was one of the top trends to emerge last year. Clearly, it is still one of the biggest trends at the moment. I've featured one off shoulder piece in this blog here but I am not one to over-indulge in these trendy items for practical reasons. But this top that I am showcasing today I just could not resist.

SHOP THIS LOOK
Top (also in light blue) / Pants / Bag (c/o) / Boots / Watch (c/o)

One of the things that I love as equally as off-shoulder pieces are those with scalloped details. The scallop trend adds a hint of cuteness but with an edge to any outfit. Even the most subtle details can truly make any piece stand out, which is the case on the hem of this off shoulder top. For more edginess, I decided to pair this top with my ripped denim jeans from Shein and my ankle boots. 

What other styling tips do you rely on to add an edgy finish to an off shoulder piece?

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Blogger 101: Things Nobody Told You About Blogging

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Blogger 101 is back with another interesting post that I'm sure a lot of bloggers can relate to. When people hear the word 'blogger', there are pre-conceived notions as to what being a blogger is about. Oftentimes, these are negative notions that put blogging in such a bad light. But that does not nearly define what blogging is about or what it entails. Don't be fooled by the top fashion bloggers out there - they might make it look so glam, but they're hustling behind the scenes, some working up to 12 hours a day or more!

To break the cloud of mystery surrounding fashion blogging, I'll break down four things that nobody told you about blogging:

You're more than just a blogger. Even though we got called as "blogger" there is more to blogging than meets the eye. We become photographers, photo editors, content editors, social media marketers, SEO analysts, marketers, and web designers, to name a few. In fact, a lot of bloggers invest a great deal of money on online courses that will help them acquire the skills needed to be all these. It's no joke! It isn't something that you decide to do one day and then wake up the next expecting to be successful. You have to put in the time and work.

Competition is stiff. As I've mentioned in my post about fashion blog opportunities, it can be tough to compete for opportunities as there are thousands of other fashion bloggers out there. And all of you are doing your best to make a break. It can be daunting when you realize exactly how much competition you have. But competition can be viewed both ways: you can either let it get you down, or you can use it as fuel to excel in what you do. Competition makes blogging more fun, but also means you have to work doubly hard.

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A post takes more than an hour to be ready. This is one of my biggest peeves about brands or potential collaborators. Some of them make ridiculous requests when sending out items for review, or posting about a product launch. Hence, I had to turn down some of them because I feel exploited. From the outside looking in, a blog post is just that, a blog post. You write down a few words and then hit publish. Easy, right? Unfortunately, writing a blog post takes more than hour. In between taking photos to writing the post and then sharing it all over social media or linkups, time can easily slip away.

You're human. In life, you have your highs and lows. There are instances wherein life gets in the way of blogging and it makes keeping up with your blog schedule a little tougher than usual. But some people are left to wonder when there are days wherein you just can't seem to update your posts as often as you normally do. You have to understand that we do have a life to live and attend to. Blogging is a priority for most of us, but the people in our lives always come first.

As a blogger yourself, what do you think is one aspect about your blogging journey that is often misunderstood?

Blogger 101: How to Support Other Bloggers

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Whoever said or thought that blogging is a competition is dead wrong. I might sound hypocritical but never did I ever feel like I had to compete with any blogger. I guess I am lucky to be able to get that kind of perspective; after all, it was primarily after reading a fashion blogger that I got inspired to start my own so maybe that is where most of the feeling is from (and I am so glad I have retained that kind of feeling about this whole fashion blogging venture). As I said in my previous Blogging 101 post on Fashion Blog Opportunities, I think most of the blog jealousy and competition springs from the sense of having to compete with other bloggers for these opportunities. But I beg you, don't. The world wide web and fashion industry combine to offer an endless array of opportunities for everyone. You might not get the same opportunities or collaborations that one blogger is having, yet you also have your own set of collaborations that they don't have (and maybe even dream of having).

I would like to steer this conversation towards a more positive light - let's all show support towards our fellow bloggers. Here are some of the ideas I've thought of:

Talk About Them in Your Blog

I used to do a segment here in my blog called "Style Crush" (you can see my latest installment here). From reading fashion blogs every week, there are a few looks that stand out in my mind and I get so inspired by, which is how I come up with the list of bloggers to feature in this series. There are several other ways you can share the love on your blog and help your fellow blogger gain exposure. One of the fun things I was able to take out from doing this series is when other bloggers leave a comment saying they've never heard of the bloggers I've featured and are excited to read more from them, which is exactly the whole point of doing the post in the first place. 

Read Their Blogs (and Comment)

This is the easiest way to show support for other bloggers and I do this often. Every day, I read about 10-20 blogs on my free time (or I try to squeeze it into my schedule). It is fun and a great way to immerse into the blogging community, or meet blogging friends!

Join Their Linkups

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I do have a few bloggers hosting linkups that I regularly join in. Again, like blog commenting, this is a great way to become involved in the blogging community. You can see the full list of linkups I join in regularly here. 

Share Their Content

If you liked a blog post that another blogger wrote, share it on your social media accounts. Or, you can also re-tweet or share their other posts. If you find something of value to you and to your own followers, this is a worthwhile move. It is also a great way to capture the other blogger's attention and they would be more than happy to reciprocate. Just don't forget to mention them when sharing your post!

Buy Stuff They Blog About

Contrary to what is being written about fashion bloggers (maybe it could be true for select bloggers), but we don't earn six-figure income from our blogs. Most of us, like me, do this for a hobby only and any other earnings are considered a bonus. Therefore, it is a good way to show support to your favorite blogs to buy through their affiliate links, especially if you intend to buy the items they featured anyway. You are still going to get the item you intended to buy and help out a blogger in return!

In this world where the comparison game is as strong as ever, it is your turn to change the tides. We all need cheerleaders. But before you can get a cheerleader, we have to become a cheerleader first. 

How do you support your favorite bloggers?

Blogger 101: How to Overcome Instagram Pressure

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If Instagram was any evidence, keeping up with the Joneses is not easy. It never was. Today's society has become so engrossed with materialism and social media was no help at all. In fact, it only encouraged social approval and fueled desire for validation based on what is seen aka the material things. If you are a personal style blogger, like myself, who had to use the app (Instagram) to promote your blog, you might have felt the pressure to keep up as well. 

Therefore, I felt the need to share my thoughts about Instagram and this whole social media culture. Remember the time when catching up on each other's lives meant inviting your friends over for dinner at your own home and showing off your photos to them until they're bored? Things have changed dramatically in this era. Now, you can update your friends and even strangers who follow you about every detail of your life in real time. It sounds creepy but that's how most Instagrammers function. 

If you are on the other end of the spectrum, there is a huge pressure on your back when it comes to living up to the pressure of Instagram. How do you keep up with top fashion bloggers who are constantly jet-setting? One day they're posting sunset shots of New York City and then the next they're posting photos of the gorgeous beaches in Cancun (with a cocktail in hand, of course!). Or, maybe they're rubbing elbows with fashion designers at a fashion gala? There is no doubt a seemingly unattainable standard that celebrities, models and other famous personalities have set for Instagram. 

Don't frown just yet. It is all but normal to feel that way. A tinge of envy is part of being human. But do I let it distract me from what is going on with my life? Even I can't manage to create the perfect flat lay. But who cares? 

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Try these three methods that I've used to overcome the inherent pressure that goes with maintaining an Instagram account:

1 – I do what pleases me.

Much of the social media struggle hinges on the need for validation, for social approval. I have let go of that idea when managing my social media accounts. I do whatever pleases me. I post whatever I like or enjoy doing. I refuse to be dictated by what would consider others click the ‘like’ button. I have attained a certain level of belief in myself that my existence is not validated by a mere ‘like’ or ‘follow’. In this social media era, it is understandably easy to be consumed by this type of appreciation but do not let it define you.

2 – I follow whoever I like.

This is another healthy step to overcoming the pressure of a seemingly glamorous social media life. Choose to follow people you genuinely like. When you follow someone because of their gorgeous photos or awesome flatlays, you could be easily swayed to look life through an ideal. You will look up to them as the ideal and be frustrated when you can’t live up to that standard. Instead, I follow people for the genuineness and for the stories that each photo has to say.

3 – I try not to spend too much time on Instagram.

On an average, I probably post 3-4 times a week on Instagram (or once a day at most). I do the occasional flooding of posts when I’m on a roll. But I try to live my life, not live a life that would look good on social media. There is a huge difference!

Have you ever felt the pressure to craft an idealized version of your life on social media, particularly Instagram?

Blogging 101: How to Deal with Blogging Block

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Blogging block. I just coined this term or read it somewhere. I'm not really sure. However, it is the blogging world's counterpart to writer's block. And it is something that I know too well. Do you have those days wherein you sit in front of your computer or laptop and you wanted to write but nothing, absolutely nothing, is coming out? You're just staring at a blank space. You doodle some words but nothing makes sense. Hence, you end up deleting everything you've written. 

In the world of fashion blogging wherein regular update and posts is of the essential, this can be doubly frustrating. And it's not for the lack of trying. There are some days wherein you simply feel uninspired to write anything... and yet the deadline is closely ticking on you. You have to produce something!

Here are some of the tricks that I've used when dealing with blogging block to produce new content and keep the blog going:

1. Seasonal posts. If you are literally out of ideas to write, think of the season and its prevailing trends. Then, write a post around a generic topic or zero in on a specific topic that you love about a season. For example, during specific holidays, you can create a gift guide or tips for shopping, etc. It might seem like a common post idea but we all love to hear your insight on these topics, so don't be scared to jump in!

2. Do your research. What are the things that people are talking about on social media or search engines? This is also a good way to optimize your blog content - write about things that people want to read or know about!

3. Read! Like I've said before, the best way to generate new ideas and be inspired to write is to read, read, and read! I read at least 10 blogs a day (on a really busy day!) to get some new inspiration or to promote my blog. You'll never know where the next source of inspiration will come from.

4. Take a break. Do not beat yourself up in an effort to produce new content. If the inspiration won't come to you, take a short break. This will refresh your mind and give it a re-boot, so to speak. It is better to take a break rather than force yourself into producing low quality content.

Have you encountered blogging block before? How do you produce fresh ideas all the time? 

 

Blogger 101: When To Say NO to Sponsorship or PR Offers

As a small-time blogger, most of us earn from our blogs through sponsored posts or PR campaigns. Hence, it can be tempting to say "yes" to every offer that comes your way, especially on those times wherein there seems to be little to no PR activity on your blog. But I advise you: DON'T. That is if you care about the long term goals for your blog. 

This is not to say that you have to be snobbish either. Instead, this is a simple reminder that you have to take good care of the credibility of your blog that you have worked so hard to build. Thankfully, I haven't had weird or ridiculous emails from brands or PR companies. But in case you do, use these guidelines I follow to be able to assess if a particular offer is good for your blog or not:

Check Their Website


Most companies that reach out to you via e-mail will leave their URL for you to check out. This is great because you not only get a chance to know what products and/or services they have, but also use this opportunity to assess the quality and credibility of the company itself. As bloggers, we like to put our best foot forward by enhancing the look and theme of our blog. After all, it is a visual representation of you, as a blogger! The same goes with online companies or brands. You can assess their quality and credibility based on their website.

This is not to say that companies with less than impressive looking websites are not credible or honest. However, if you find that the website is shady, has spammy content or do not provide contact information, you need to be wary. The least you want to do is promote a fraud company on your blog. You would not want to be associated with them.

Keep it Niche-Related

This is a very simple guideline to remember: you have to stick to your blog's niche when working with companies or brands. Ask yourself these questions:

Will I consider writing about this topic even without this company contacting me?
Is this product or company something my readers will be really interested in?
Will I be using these products myself? 

The whole idea is it should reflect your personal interests, as well as that of your readers. If not, then there is no point in writing that sponsored post in the first place. It will no doubt stick out as a sore thumb.

Staying Control of Your Blog

There are instances wherein a PR opportunity is too good to resist. A company with products or services that you think will be in line with your blog's niche offers you a really good price. However, the company wants to bombard your post with links and keywords. It's no good for your SEO. Even if they pay you a good amount of money in exchange for the post, the long term drawbacks on your blog's SEO performance can be worth more. 

Do not fall for the bait. Set your own rules when working with companies on sponsored posts. Remind them that it is your blog and you make the rules. You are doing them a favor, not vice versa.

How do you evaluate offers from online brands or PR companies?

 

Blogger 101: Dealing with Haters

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Disclaimer: Before I start, let me make this clear: I don't have as many haters or online bullies (luckily) as others do. But I do have fair share of it and I think many of my fellow blogger friends and readers do as well. Hence, I decided to come up with this post as part of my Blogging 101 series to address the issue and for others to gain some perspective about it, especially those who are getting a great deal of hate and/or criticism online.

No matter what you do or how successful you are, there will always be people who will try to dis-credit you. In general, I am a fun-loving person (except for when my PMS strikes and I have major mood swings). I like to talk about things I love with people I equally love. This is the same reason why I think I have thrived in the blogging industry - I get a lot of support from fellow bloggers in the community and I try my best to share the same kind of love and support. You do not know the impact that a simple encouraging message can do to others - it can turn a bad day around!

Hence, I am still surprised when even major bloggers (I prefer not to disclose their names here) have their fair share of haters or trolls online. I know that there are also people who feel that way towards me. I won't deny it. And I acknowledge it! But when people go out of their way to ridicule or send hate messages, my initial reaction is "why?". Is the hate too big of a burden to bear that you really had to take time off of your day to say negative things about another? And if I may insist, negative things toward somebody you barely or have not even spoken a word to? What basis do they get their negative feelings from?

It's a sad fact, I know. But for us on the receiving end of these hateful acts, it is important to change our perspective. Instead of moping around and doubting yourself, why not think of these instead:

Blogger 101: Why You Don't Need to Buy New Clothes All The Time

To call myself a fashion blogger is a misnomer; I don't really talk in-depth about fashion trends or latest fashion events. I am more of a personal style blogger - blogging to showcase my personal taste in fashion and other ways I incorporate (or not) trends into my day-to-day looks. There are certain challenges to becoming a personal style blogger, though. Budget is one of the most pressing of these issues. We're not celebrities or models that get free clothes to model or wear for photoshoots. Hence, it is always a challenge to re-mix pieces on your closet to come up with new looks. 

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An easy solution for that? Buy new clothes - right? But this could come at a high price, literally speaking. Not everyone of us can afford to buy new clothes every week, every month! If you do feel the urge to do that, stop now. Here are a few tips I've learned along the way (from others and from myself) about coping with the urge to buy new clothes as frequently as you are compelled to.

Organize Your Closet

I bet you've encountered the phrase "shop your own closet" before. Most of us think that we have nothing to wear. However, this could be a case of simply not being organized enough so you can't actually see what you have! The moment you organize your closet, you'll find pieces you haven't worn in ages! It will be exciting to try them out again and see how you can style them.

Evaluate Pieces You Own

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If there are items that you have never worn or worn only a few times, ask yourself why. This is an important step so you can determine what to change about your shopping habits in the future. It is all about smart shopping not the frequency of your shopping trips. 

Visit Your Tailor

Are your old pieces torn or need fixing? Have you not worn an item because you don't like the fit? Invest on getting them mended or tailored to give you the right fit. It is more affordable than buying a new piece of clothing.

Do Some Purging

After running through your items, are there any items that you do not want to wear anymore? Sell them! Or donate. Either way, you can free up space in your closet to become more organized and get some money you can use for when you really need to buy something.

I know me giving out these tips is easier said than done. Even, I myself, struggle with the need to impulse shop. But hopefully, this will give us a broader perspective on the idea that it is more fun and creative to style pieces that you own rather than buy something new! 

Are you guilty of shopping new clothes all the time? How do you fight the urge?

 

Blogger 101: What You Did Not Know About Fashion Bloggers

It's no secret that a lot has been said about bloggers. Fashion bloggers, in particular, are at the receiving end of the worst of that. For one, we do showcase our bodies and outfits to the whole world. It takes a lot of guts and confidence to be able to do that... sadly, some people make light of it. After all, fashion blogging showcases two areas that a lot of people relegate as trivial and shallow pursuits: fashion and shopping. 

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However, not all fashion bloggers are the same. We are not walking billboards drumming up publicity for certain brands. There is a lot more to fashion blogging than meets the eye. 

We do have other careers aside from blogging!

This is probably the most common misconception that people have of fashion bloggers - women who freeload off of others and get items from various brands or sponsors. Sorry to break your bubble, but we're not. I do have a full time job and several contributing stints in some of the top beauty magazines online. I blog out of hobby... anything else that comes with it is a bonus!

We buy our own clothes!

Getting free items or samples for review is nice. But majority of the outfits and articles of clothing that I feature on the blog are purchased by me. I believe the same applies with most other fashion bloggers, too. 

We do have other interests aside from shopping and fashion!

Just because you see us talking about shopping and fashion all the time, that does not mean we don't have other interests. I like to share a bit of my personal life in the blog. However, that is not even close to 10% of what is really going on in my life. 

We don't always monetize our blogs!

Yes, there are a few sponsorship opportunities that come my way through this blog. But if there aren't any, it's not like I am going to stop blogging.

We're not models!

Sorry for the awkward photos and poses... I'm still working on it. 

We don't shoot like fashion magazines do!

In order to distinguish myself as a fashion blogger, I try to focus on styles that reflect my everyday wear - things that I would actually wear in real life. Hence, I don't have a slipper or rubber shoes hidden somewhere that I quickly slip into once I finish shooting in high heels. What you see is what you get!

What are your thoughts on how fashion bloggers are perceived?