Tag Archives: fashion blogging

Fashion Blogging: Five Excellent Tips to be an Unforgettable Fashion Blogger

 

“You are considered superficial and silly if you are interested in fashion…but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity.” –Sofia Coppola

 

Fashion blogging has always been associated with a glamorous lifestyle.

Getting to try out new dresses, showcasing various styles, picking out the right sartorial ensembles for a particular occasion, giving sagely style advice and writing about them are all things some girls would love to dabble in once in their lives. If you have ever had a flair for selecting the best possible outfits and a unique penchant for writing, then maybe you might want to try and channel your proclivity into fashion blogging.  However, do know that while fashion blogging might be something most would consider as a frivolous profession, it is no way trivial and achieving success is not something everyone can do. As so many individuals share a likeminded interest in this particular niche in blogging, know that becoming a truly successful fashion blogger takes more than just your interest in style, fashion, and clothes. The niche is a crowded and competitive space that it might take quite a few trials and errors before you get the hang of it. In this regard, a great deal of your patience, determination, and commitment to success would be required for your success. However, a few tips would not hurt either.

If you wish to navigate the seemingly unchartered path of fashion blogging, an excellent navigation technique is to be in correspondence with the top style bloggers themselves—or at least know a handful of their tips. Know how they made it to the top whether it was blogging purely for urban streetwear designs or the like and try to approach a similar tack. In any case, if you have always wanted to start your own blog, here are some excellent tips from the bloggers themselves:

 

Ask yourself how your blog is different from everyone else

Considering that fashion blogging is a common niche most individuals are interested in pursuing, you can expect a lot of individuals to already have (or think of having) their own fashion blogs. If you have not established your own blog yet, breaking into the industry can be quite challenging—especially since you are a newbie. An excellent way to address this dilemma is to ask yourself what you can offer to your readers that have not been offered by anyone else. In a sense, what makes your fashion blog unique?

 

After all, if what you are doing has already been done before, there is really no point in repetition. Besides, you cannot expect to become unforgettable at something that has already been routinely done before. As a new blogger, it is imperative to be different and stand out. You need to give your readers a compelling reason to choose your blog. Find out what that is, use it to your advantage and write about it in lieu of following what everyone else is doing.

 

Know your audience and how they interact with you

A successful fashion blog is brought about by the blogger’s innate persistence of staying true to what made the blog achieve that same success in the first place. In this regard, it is essential to always keep in mind why you blogged in the first place and find out why people follow you. Whatever that is, you should never lose sight of that, no matter how far you have come or how successful your blog becomes. People who are extremely successful in this field have understood that fashion blogging involves an element that is analytics-based. You need to observe and pay meticulous attention to how your audience engages with you and find out what they want and adequately deliver. Know who you are talking to and determine what it is that they wish to see from you.

 

Instagram is your new friend

When it comes to fashion blogging, pictures do more than your descriptions. After all, this is an incredibly visual niche so you can expect your followers to peruse your photos and maybe even completely disregard your captions—unless they are trying to find out where you got the ensemble from. In this industry, the adage that a picture says a thousand words truly holds water and makes sense. With this in mind, if you want a quick way to establish a name in the industry, you might as well start with Instagram as it the quickest way to get noticed and the fastest way to build your brand. In fact, some would say that blogs are dying because Instagram is spearheading the game and is totally changing the rules of fashion blogging. Moreover, Instagram is an excellent social platform to explore and discover new blogs and fashion inspiration.

 

High-Quality content is still the most important thing

Do not make the mistake of thinking that just because pictures are dominating the fashion blogging niche, you can completely overlook making high-quality content. Regardless of what social media platform is popular at the moment, content will always remain king. If you continue producing high-quality work, you can expect to always have a platform. Just focus on creating excellent content when you are just starting out and brands will come knocking. However, it is imperative to first figure out your point of view. Sure, there is a myriad of steps involved in being successful in this niche, but to break ground in this niche, ensure that you produce not only good but amazing content.

 

Know yourself well so that you can build your brand

One thing you have to keep in mind that what is right for you might not be necessarily what someone else is doing. In this regard, know that this niche involves a smidgen of taking risks. Keep in mind that sure, establishing relationships with brands is an excellent avenue for generating profit. But this should not be purely about what brands are paying you, but rather more on the fact in focusing how you become a brand yourself—in a truthful and organic way. Know what works for you and be adeptly discriminating about what consists your personal style and what you wish to pursue professionally. Do not make the oversight of diluting your vision in an attempt to do what others wish you to do.

 

Starting your own fashion blog might lead you to encounter a lot of bumps down the road. However, do not let this deter you. Just keep the five tips above in mind and complement that with the right attitude (a combination of persistent, determination and commitment) and you will be on the road to success.

 

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Fashion 101: Eight Style Terms Every Self-Confessed Fashionista Must Know

“Fashion is more than just how many colors and patterns you can put on at once. Being a great dresser is not necessarily about the colors you put on. It is about putting things together in the right way and then trying different things.” -Dwayne Wade

Self-confessed fashionistas live, breathe and figuratively eat fashion. They do not only strive to look fashion forward and sophisticated, but they try to keep themselves constantly updated with the new styles and trends that come out every season. However, what distinguishes a self-confessed fashionista from a true blue fashionista? What sets a real fashionista apart? Well, they similarly love fashion, but while the former loves to shop and just try out a myriad of clothes, the latter’s view of fashion extends beyond what they can see in clothes, bags, and shoes. For true fashionistas, fashion is an art form whose various details and aspects are translated into what we see in various fashion items. True fashionistas have this distinct propensity to be a little more meticulous on the details than their self-confessed counterparts. Style details such as sleeve styles, embellishments, hems and the like are of paramount importance to them—far more than the label that merely created it. In their eyes, fashion is the physical manifestation of a designer’s creative eye.

These are the individuals who have spent extra time and went the extra mile to do some extra studying as regards fashion. Unfortunately, while we all do love fashion, a lot of the style and fashion terminology will sound a lot like jargon if you have never been to fashion or designer school—or at least brushed up on a fashion course. There is no reason to fret, however, as this article has collected some of the most common and often used terms in the fashion world which you could start using today.

1.) Balloon Sleeves

Balloon sleeves have been around for quite a while, and today, they have been making waves in the fashion world—both in wholesale clothing and in retail branded buys. Ballon sleeves are sleeves of any length that have a bulbous and exquisite effect. If you are looking for an absolute fashion forward look, go for this season’s hottest trend and flaunt your balloon sleeves.

2.) Knife Pleat

Knife pleats can be seen anywhere from long skirts to ankle-cut culottes. In one way or another, you can see it as a type of fold on the fabric itself which creates a unique texture on the clothing itself. Knife pleats are sharp and narrow folds which are formed by doubling the material back upon itself. If you want more dimension to your clothing, adding knife pleats to your full ensemble would be your best bet.

3.) Choker Tops

As of late, choker tops have been all the rage, and almost every major celebrity was seen sporting it. However, why not take it up a notch and go for choker tops instead. Let go of that choker necklace and don on a choker top which closely resembles a top combined with a choker sans the choker necklace’s many details. If you are pressed for time, then skip the accessorizing part of your dressing routine and combine your clothes with your accessories with a simple choker top.

4.) Bustle

Skirts that flare out are incredibly chic and girlish. Unfortunately, not every one of us has the time to insert a petticoat underneath our skirts nor do we want to contend with the persistent itchiness of the fabric and material used. So, instead of the usual and rather outdated petticoats, women can now alternatively use a bustle which functions much like a petticoat. However, while petticoats would usually pouf out the entire skirt, bustles are frames or pads designed to support and expand the fullness of the back of a woman’s skirt. Regardless, however, the wearer can still achieve mainly the same effect of a fuller and flared out skirt.

5.) Dress Gloves

Dress gloves are appropriate for any formal functions and wherein the dress code is designated as formal or gowns for the ladies. These are gloves that extend way beyond the wrist and would give your formal ensemble a bit of glamor. Although they can be used casually, they look more at home and appropriate in a formal setting. Audrey Hepburn was an iconic person who popularized the use of dress gloves in her movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

6.) Epaulet

Epaulets more mostly reserved for high-ranking individuals in the military, navy or aviation service. Otherwise, they are famously seen in many costumes and dress pieces singers would wear on stage. Today, most individuals would wear them as a fashion statement. An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece characterized by its many tassels that dangle over a wearer’s shoulder. It is typically seen in a military-style coat or jacket.

7.) Fanny Pack

Several years ago, a lot of individuals who swear by fashion would not be caught dead wearing a fanny pack. Fanny packs were considered as an absurd and obsolete piece of fashion mostly worn by merchants selling wares as it is a convenient storage room for their profit sales. However, fashion is circuitous, and just now it has come in a complete circle. Fanny packs are no longer considered unfashionable, and they are given even better and modern upgrades that fashionistas would no longer snub them on the aisles. Fanny packs are convenient alternatives to small purses which tie around your waist. It is both a functional and stylish accessory ideal for carrying daily essentials and going hands-free. Lastly, a well-designed fanny pack cinches the waist and can do wonders to your silhouette.

8.) Minaudiere

While small purses are chic and cute, minaudieres are all the rage now. Their function is mostly decorative as they are small and without handles and straps, but they give any outfit that extra oomph with its elegant design. Minaudieres are characterized by the heavily embellished designs which are mostly made of metals or rhinestones and fancy stones.
So, whether you are going from chic to casual fashion term, here are some of the most common fashion terminologies you can now finally add to your vocabulary so that you can finally say that you are a real and genuine fashionista.

 

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Fashion Blogging: Tips and Techniques to Make It as a Fashion Blogger

 

“You are considered superficial and silly if you are interested in fashion…but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity.” –Sophia Coppola (American Screenwriter)

 

In the modern world where technology’s evolution has rendered most avenues for information relay obsolete, social media remains as the authoritative locus for various materials of wide-ranging subjects. Undoubtedly, this would include the most compelling tips and techniques when it comes to style advice and fashion ensembles. If you are in the industry (and are quite the savvy industrialist) you would realize that there is so much potential in this medium of showcasing style ensembles and fashion information relay. In fact, you can bank on it and exploit to its fullest potential and even make money off of it—if you are creative enough to attempt it. Although you would inevitably have a lot of competition when it comes to this aspect in the fashion industry, this would not mean that your endeavor would be all for naught. However, you do need a good ounce of diligence and a streak of persistence in order for you to be successful.

Perseverance is key as it is unlikely that your blog and your following would thrive instantly (unless you are extremely lucky or are already well-known to begin with). Another thing to take note of is to make sure you have something new to offer or have a personal style which you can exhibit in your blog entries. Considering that the fashion blogging world is fast-paced and highly competitive, coming up with fresh content and ideas is of paramount interest, so make sure to take note of that too. Other than that, here are more various tips that would help you launch a successful fashion and style blog.

 Ask yourself: How is my blog going to be different from anyone or everyone else’s?

Fashion blogging is a competitive niche and it seems like anyone can just right on with it from the get-go. This is because fashion blogging can easily be achieved with a noteworthy Instagram spread (with a few choice outfits and ensembles taken) and a handful of followers which can potentially be increased. These individuals are known to be style-influencers, but this is just one aspect of the expansive niche in fashion blogging. If choosing style ensembles and taking photos of them is not your thing, you can start your own wordpress or Tumblr website and offer fashion articles that guidelines style suggestions. You could do a blog showcasing the various ways wholesale clothing is different from retail clothes and the like. What is important is that your blog should be different and in a sense should stand on. Before starting, it is a good idea to think of a compelling reason why readers and followers should follow your blog instead of another’s. From there, you can start the initial process of crafting your blog.

 Know your audience and how they interact with you

The key to maintaining a steady increase of followers is to know what your audiences exactly want. You can find out what your audiences want by how they interact with you and your posts. Provide an avenue for audience interaction by adding an online medium for comments and feedback. Do not just stop there–have an active ear when it comes to listening to them then consider and take note of their feedback. Remember never to lose sight of why you blogged and why people follow you—no matter how successful you become. Remember the people’s opinion would leverage and determine on how successful your blog will become, so it would greatly benefit you if you had a good relationship with your audience.  Understand your analytics, know what your audience wants and who you are talking to and regularly cater to that.

 Utilize Instagram’s potential

Social media plays a pivotal role in promoting your fashion blogs and Instagram is the perfect avenue for showing a little snippet of what your blog will be about in the form of a photo. Additionally, Instagram is also an excellent catalyst for increasing followers. This is especially true for novice style bloggers who are still trying to build their brand or those who are just still starting out. It can compound your blogs success or drive it to draw more attention. Most fashion blogs today rarely contain any articles and if they do, they would mostly be dominated with photos. Pictures say a thousand words after all, and when it comes to fashion and style, the more visual your post is, the more attention it would be getting. Apart from that, you can utilize Instagram to discover new blogs and fashion inspiration as well as it can be another great channel for interacting with your audience.

 Produce high-quality content

One excellent and effective way to generate traffic is to consistently produce high-quality content. Regardless of what niche you are blogging for or what social network you are using, riveting and compelling content drives people to your blog and would potentially increase the number of followers you have. When you are starting out, remember that quality beats quantity. You may not have that many posts, but if you offer something worthwhile and useful, you would eventually build your brand. Focus on your content and gradually and consistently post new and fresh content. Let your content speak for itself and the rest will follow.

 Let your personality shine

Just like how you choose your clothes, it is important to give your blog a touch of personality. Personality is an integral aspect when it comes to fashion blogging as it is essentially what sets you apart from other bloggers. In a way, it is how you give your blog character and differentiation. Do not do what everyone else is doing and definitely do not try to be something you think everyone wants you to be. It may come off as cliché, but be genuine.

 Plan and set goals

Like everything other blogging platform and niche, success in blogging requires you to have a blueprint of your plans and goals. This will serve as the guidelines for formulating the logistics of what your fashion blog posts will be and what your photos would look like. Know what you want to achieve by the end of a chosen timeframe and set plans according to those goals. Remember to set realistic goals and always keep in mind to have a schedule when it comes to publishing posts. Remember consistency is key, and you want to keep your readers hooked so it is fundamental to create a publishing calendar to make sure your followers and readers would not easily lose interest.

 

Fashion blogging has certainly helped redefine the world of fashion and personal style in ways that designers, publications and retailers never have. This certainly means that bloggers have something to offer in terms of creativity and fashion-forward thinking. So, if you are thinking of starting your own fashion and style blog, just consider the tips above and you will be on the road to fashion blogging success in no time!

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