Why I'm Proud to be a fashion blogger!

Last week IFB posted a great article titled, What makes you proud to be a fashion blogger?  and it got me thinking..... 

The article by contributor Jess Estrada, starts out with a convo she had with a "fashion industry star" that turned unexpectedly, making her think a lot harder about the term "blogger" vs writer or journalist.... “It’s okay to call you a blogger, right? Because sometimes I've met bloggers who get offended if we don’t call them ‘writers’ or ‘journalists."

When I get called a blogger, writer, journalist - whatever it may be, it makes me proud to know I'm being recognized for my writing. If I'm recognized for my writing, it means my voice is being heard. 

When I think of the term blogger, I put in the same category as writer or journalist. Some may disagree with the comparison, because as a journalism alumni, we were taught to write following journalism ethics BUT from there I think it's the individual's decision on where to take their writing.

Getting a degree in communication, I did "all of the above." I created Tickle Me Chic in college so I could strengthen my skills and get my writing out there more. I also created the fashion column at my college newspaper, working in WordPress. From there I wrote everything from newsworthy pieces to personal style posts. I even did video pieces. Once I graduated, I created a blog for a wedding planner whom I've written for, for over 2 & 1/2 years. I was also the Conscious Fashion Editor for Modern Hippie Mag for a year and half, using WordPress to create, edit and manage content as. Now as a Brand Marketing Manager, I'm constantly blogging, creating content, and being the voice behind the brand. So when I look back at my experience with writing, blogging has had a huge, positive impact on my life. 

While in college, I even wrote a guest post for IFB titled,  

Should Bloggers Adopt a Code of Ethics? In the post, I describe bloggers as citizen journalists, because, that's what they really are. Bloggers can post directly, in real time while journalists usually have to research, interview, photograph etc. I believe bloggers are a one stop shop! Bloggers have created a new approach to writing, allowing the tone to be more personal.

photo from Independent Fashion Blogger post I wrote

What makes me most proud to be a fashion blogger is you create your own destiny. YOU are your own boss, you choose the content to write about and you edit the material - the freedom is amazing! I love focusing on the "controversial" topics in the fashion industry.... it gives me a voice to get those "sticky" topics out there more, like the portrayal of plus-size women or the photo-manipulation epidemic. 

Personally, I think if more people focus on breaking the misconception of these "taboos," maybe the fashion industry will hear us and start changing the way some do business. I honestly think that it's happening as we speak.... the more bloggers who focus on the tough fashion topics, the more changes we will see. 

I think the biggest difference from blogging to writing is you have an OPINION! When writing news, you're supposed to hide opinion and stay "unbiased" but that's something I love about blogging.... You're able to speak your mind and share your voice! That's why I love being part of Independent Fashion Bloggers..... You have a huge community where you can connect, share, ask questions, get opinions and interact with other bloggers.

Writing is what I love to do. That's why I pursued a communication degree and created Tickle Me Chic. Writing is an outlet for me... when I'm sad, frustrated, happy, excited, I turn to blogging. Even if I don't publish the piece, blogging is my release. Whether it's a controversial piece or a Bloggers Do It Better piece, I'm very proud to be a fashion blogger!

Harvest Happenings

Happy Fall!

The latest bloggers do it better is all about the color, oxblood. I know, I know, it's a weird name but hey, you gotta know & love fashion to understand what it's all about! When Kristina from PSS sent out the email I was a little worried, but knew I was going to accept the challenge! I shopped & shopped & surprisingly couldn't find the fall staple color anywhere. So, I looked in my own closet only to remember I bought these fabulous skinnies that I absolutely LOVE!

Living in Florida, we don't get too many cool days but that doesn't stop me from adding my own fall touches. That's why I'm a scarf-aholic! It's a great layering piece & they are super cute!

This was such a fun shoot! Since fall just officially started, (& pumpkin spice lattes have retuned!) I wanted to celebrate with fall colors & have a rustic, country feel. My, as always, wonderful boyfriend, was the photographer & he knew exactly where to go!! I can't thank him enough for capturing me the way he does. ♥ 

The location is out in the country & you can feel fall in the air. It was so nice to be out with my love, just having fun with our Sunday.

  Pure happiness in my eyes  :}

Details:

Skinnies- Hollister

Top- Forever 21

Boots- Target

Scarf- Express

It's been a crazy couple weeks, with so much going on, so I thought, why not have a little fun with this shoot, adding some silly ones into the mix! 

So to all the fashionistas out there, have fun with fall! It's my favorite time of year for living & fashion!

p.s. This was by far, my favorite BDIB shoot!!! I had so much fun! Check out all the other fashionistas out there showing how they do oxblood! 

Mint + Coral

There's been a mint and coral explosion everywhere, from pinterest to polyvore, fashionistas are sporting the color combo in all types of fun ways! 

When Kristina, from PSS, announced the newest bloggers do it better challenge, I knew it was time to go shopping! This spring, I've really stepped out of my style box, buying neons, tribal prints, and even cut out tops but mint and coral were next on my list. 

After shopping for two days, I was having no luck at all, wandering the mall thinking, "I just saw these colors EVERYWHERE! Where did they go?" The last store I checked out was Cotton On, a store I would call a mixture of Urban Outfitters/ Forever 21, and BOOM goes the dynamite! I found both mint + coral pieces that totally fit my summer style plus, the look will be a great little day outfit for my Miami trip, coming up in a week!

If you look closely, my dress is actually ombrè, going from mint into a more turquoise color. When I saw the dress, I had to have it since I LOVE the ombrè trend---Check out my hair below! 

My wonderful boyfriend made these sunglasses for me, for my upcoming trip to Miami. He revealed them to me as we were getting ready to go shoot the photos and I thought they would be a perfect coral accessory to add to the mix! THANKS BABE ♥♥♥

Pop that color

Everyone needs a little color in their lives. When Kristina of Pretty Shiny Sparkly announced the new bloggers do it better, I thought "Oh no!" All the rules said were.... RED.

I love color, and I am really trying to branch out but red is just not one of those colors I have a lot of. I did some major retail therapy with one of my favorite people this weekend and found my perfect combo. 

I love pops of color. I think it brightens up any outfit, so when I was wearing my favorite red scarf this weekend, I knew that's the look I was going for. Something fun, something totally me, that still had colors, patterns, things to make me step out of my comfort zone. 

When I saw this Urban Outfitters dress, I knew it was perfectly me. I added the little red belt for that extra pop and the look was complete :) 

Once again, thank you to my wonderful boyfriend for capturing the best of me ♥

Sequins, Sparkle & Shine

Around the Holidays, I always say you need to have the 3 S's in your life: sequins, sparkle and shine. The holidays are filled with all three, whether it's your Christmas tree filled with lights and ornaments, or that beautifully wrapped present, the three S's are everywhere and you always need to add a little, or a lot, to your wardrobe for those holiday get togethers! 

I had emailed Kristina a while back about maybe doing a BDIB with sequins. The fashionista that she is, she said she loved my idea but she was working on it for an upcoming BDIB! Great minds think a like ;) 

So Voila! Here you have, Bloggers do SEQUINS better!

Details, details, details:

Shoes: Aldo

Jeans: Kohls

Sequin Tank: Express

Cardigan: F21

And here are a few fun photos of me and my boo! He is my wonderful photographer, who bought me this FABULOUS new camera.  Thanks baby! xo

                             

You Animal: Links A La Mode, The IFB weekly roundup!

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP

0 Comments 13 OCTOBER 2011

YOU ANIMAL.

Edited by Vahni of Grit & Glamour

It’s been a while since I’ve done a LALM roundup, and it’s nice to be back! You’ve been busy little bloggers—some trend reporting here, a little schmoozing backstage at Salvatore Ferragamo there, and a lot of DIYing. You’re veritable blogging animals, with fabulously-spotted hides to match! Yeah, the animal trend—prints, furs, style stalking, what have you—with this round of posts, consider it done. And well-done, I might add.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: OCTOBER 13TH

• Aquí: A special collaboration: Alexander Wang + Sally Hansen
• Beyond Fabric: Unveiling menswear myths: #1—dressing up in warm weather.
• Boyish Chic: How to make a fancier dress wearable for every day.
• Cosmolawlitan: Reebok’s toning shoes do not tone as advertised
• Dress Code: High Fashion: Backstage at Salvatore Ferragamo S/S 12 and what I learned there.
• Dress With Courage: Does your actual appearance match what you see in the mirror? Why women overestimate their size.
• Fashion Dynamite: How I mixed two fall trends in my OOTD—faux fur and ankle pants.
• Fierce: Keeping that ego in check.
• Grit & Glamour: What V wore: purple, reigned in* (plus midi-length tips).
• Haute Americana: Get in the Halloween spirit with American-made Halloween-esque essentials.
• My So-Called Corporate Life: How to wear the fall 2011 snakeskin trend to the office.
• Pretty Quirky Pants: DIY Lace tier Scallop Skirt
• Semi-Sweet Style: Meet a style icon: Christine Centenera.
• Smart n Snazzy: Pretty n punk: DIY studs n lace shoe refashion.
• Thanks I Made It: Getting to the point: DIY spike necklace.
• The Complex Media & Design Blog: Fashion for good: The Body Shop continues fight against sex trafficking with STOP bag.
• The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower: Lessons from Tom Ford to an unlikely fashionista.
• The Style Project: In the red—colored corduroys.
• Tickle Me Chic: Taking a walk on the wild side: mixing prints and taking chances.
• What 2 Wear Where: What to wear: animal prints for NBC New York Live

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE

If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

SPONSOR:

Sunglasses at Shopbop: Stella McCartney, DITA, Tom Ford, Ray Ban, Karen Walker, The Row, YSL, Marc Jacobs, Matthew Williamson, Gucci, Carrera, & Cloe.

Animal Instincts: Meow

So I kind of have a secret obsession with leopard print. When I found out the new Bloggers Do It Better challenge was titled "Animal Instincts"I literally eeeeeee'ed with excitement. 

With the animal prints being so popular this fall, I have made a few purchases that make me oh so happy. A few months ago, while writing my trend post, The Cat's Meow, I found the "leopard on me" top from ModCloth, and I HAD to have it. After patiently waiting for it to become available again, I snatched it up at the end of September. September 27th, the day that little package arrived on my doorstep, was one happy day for me! The next morning I woke up to a new BDIB email announcing the new assignment and I was SO excited to participate! It was meant to be :) 

So without further adieu, meet the animal in me. 

Two days after the new BDIB I found this precious little skirt with leopard bows and wallah! I had my outfit. While it's a little crazy for me, there is just something about this outfit that makes me feel good! It's bringing out my inner feistiness that I normally don't show!

Needless to say, I really do love leopard print. I have a few pieces that just spice up an outfit. 

And I just had to include my little precious bug, Tika because like mother like daughter, she loves leopard too ♥

Arm candy: BDIB

I wasn't going to participate in this bloggers do it better but after seeing all the great posts, I was inspired. 

This BDIB, Arm Party, was really hard for me. I have my two normal cuffs that I love to wear, one silver and one antique gold, and that's about it. I wear necklaces and earrings to accessorize as well so I don't have a lot of bracelets. 

It's funny that this was the BDIB because I have been looking for a nice watch to wear because I like the look but I just haven't found that perfect watch yet. This post has definitely inspired me to keep looking until I find the right one :) 

Here is my arm candy. Enjoy!! xo

Watch - Fossil

Pearls - Willow Boutique

Charm Bracelet - one of my best friends

Necklace - Express

I love the BDIB concept because it makes you step out of the box sometimes. I liked my arm candy so much that I even wore it to work. So thanks to Kristina for creating BDIB! It's a great community to be a part of ♥