WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE
Hi lovelies,
It’s officially Memorial Day Weekend, which means that summer is about to officially kick-off!
If you’re ready to unleash your inner fashionista while soaking up some sun, living poolside, and making lasting memories with your friends and family, then check out my top three style must-haves to have your most stylish summer yet.
Thank you Orbit Gum for sponsoring this post. Get into the action and pick up some Orbit at your favorite retailer!
Hi lovelies,
Since kicking off the New Year, I've been maintaining my health and fitness goals by following three fun and easy guidelines while adding in the super flavorful, but never too sweet, Orbit® Gum by Wrigley's.
True to my belief that everything starts from within, having a healthy, strong, and fit body, starts with being happy and whole from the inside out while having a balanced and healthy mindset. Thus, I strive to be mindful of how I treat my body and what I put into my body.
Orbit Gum helps me to easily maintain this balanced lifestyle by being my fitness and health partner-in-crime whether I'm hiking Runyon Canyon, going for my morning run down Santa Monica Blvd., or curbing my sweet tooth in-between meals. Check out below for my health and fitness secrets to staying on-track.
#1: Run with Orbit
If you know me, you know that I live for my daily runs. Whether I'm hitting up the treadmill or the pavement, I try to get in a few miles a day to clear my mind, strengthen my body, and give me an energy boost throughout the day.
In addition to having my power-house workout playlist to motivate me throughout my, I also pop in one of my favorite flavors of Orbit Gum to chew on while I let my mind flow and my feet fly. Enjoying the gum allows me to take my mind off of how many miles I'm tracking and focus on just being present in the moment and enjoying the experience.
#2: Opt for Orbit To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Even though Orbit Gum is sugar-free gum is available in some yummy flavors including Spearmint, Peppermint, Wintermint, Bubblemint, Strawberry, Citrus, Sweet Mint, and Orbit White, the gum satisfies my sweet tooth when I'm craving a treat. It's a healthy way to treat myself without consuming empty calories, sugars, and fats, from my guilt pleasures that include cookies, cake, cheese, and brownies. Especially since gum is a flavorful treat with only 5-10 calories per serving, plus sugar-free gum also provides oral care benefits.
Another healthy trick is to drink a ton of water. Usually when I have a craving or feel hungry before it's mealtime, I drink a glass of water and that cuts my craving and fills me up. A lot of the time we mistake hunger for thirst and dehydration.
#3: Meditate with Orbit
I know, I know. You're probably tired of me incorporating mediation into my posts, but it has fundamentally changed my life and I want nothing more than to share this life-changing experience with you all.
Since healthy bodies start with healthy minds and balanced lifestyles, starting your day from a grounded place of peace through meditation is crucial in making and keeping your fitness goals. I like to enjoy Sweet Mint Orbit Gum right before I settle in for my meditation session. It leaves my mouth feeling clean and fresh, which just opens me up and puts me in relaxation mode.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Hi lovelies,
I have to admit that I'm extremely biased when it comes to my friend and fashion partner-in-crime, Kosi Harris, of One Creates Oneself and of the smash new hit, Hunter Haute, a fashion-inspired comic book, as she's been a dear friend and a constant source of inspiration ever since our days of running in-between fashion shows back when New York Fashion Week was at the coveted tents.
Enjoy my interview with the lovely Kosi, publicist, comic book creator, blogger, and friend. I promise you that you'll leave feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to rock.
Hi Kosi! First, tell us a little bit about yourself on a personal level. What drives you and what do you wake up wanting to do?
I am the youngest of five siblings. I was raised in a home where my parents taught us to love ourselves, and our culture. I remember watching “Like it Is” with Gil Noble, every Sunday afternoon and celebrating Kwanzaa every year. There was always a lot of music in our home. My parents liked Jazz, blues, and rock n roll, my siblings hip hop and house music. I’m grateful to have a family that has eclectic taste.
My sisters inspired my interest in fashion when I was younger having management positions in retail and being image consultants. My brothers used to skateboard, watch Blade Runner, and taught me the secret codes to Sonic the Hedgehog that inspired my tomboyness I suppose. In three months I will have my masters. I am very excited about that!
Hmmm what drives me and what do I wake up wanting to do? Coffee.....Coffee drives me... Ha ha, seriously though, and it may sound corny, but being the best that I can be and doing my very best is what drives me. A publicist life can be challenging. I work long hours, but I am pleased to say that it can be rewarding. I am grateful to work with an agency that recognizes my creativity and knowledge.
What also drives me is my goal to own my own PR firm someday.
Before we dive into Hunter Haute, it's pretty impressive that you can juggle so many hats as a publicist, a blogger, and now a comic book writer. Can you tell us the highs and lows of each?
As a Publicist
Well a few days ago, I had to tell a client that a placement that was confirmed by a publication actually didn’t make it online. That always sucks and is very rare. There is always a more interesting brand or product. At times promoting is like Russian roulette and you have to accept the fact that sometimes, it’s out of your control. You always want to be upfront with the client and provide a solution after giving the bad news. Well that is what I do; find that it works then sugar coating.
A major high for me as a publicist is seeing the result of a placement help a client’s business become more successful. Cheesy to say you are helping them make their dreams come true. As I get older, I appreciate that high more. In my younger years, it was the thrill of knowing that a placement is in Harper’s Bazaar that has a 1 million-circulation rate, and I am the reason the placement made it to the magazine. And while this is fantastic, this is what is expected of you again and again. It makes me think about a quote I saw online: “It’s about today and tomorrow no one cares how good you used to be”. A lesson I learned when I was younger and a bit cocky. It’s great to celebrate placements but then you have to think about three days from now, three weeks from now, three months from now.
A major low for me is trying to make time to work on my blog and comic when I have a deadline at work or a homework assignment to finish.
A major high is networking and interacting with different types of people in fashion and geek Dom. I get inspired when I attend fashion shows and geek events.
What does a typical day in the life of Kosi Harris look like?
I work from home mostly so usually I’m up around 7, get dressed, grab coffee. Check first round of emails, look at the to do list. Make protein shake/breakfast, start first round of conference calls throughout the day, pitching projects for clients, snacking in between (I’ve been the worst at skipping lunch. It’s a goal of mine to just have healthy snacks at my desk). Finish work around 6:30 then head to the gym for about 90 mins, make dinner, do home work and catch Bob’s Burgers at 9:30 ha ha.
How did you get your start and what advice do you have aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself?
I actually knew I wanted to work in public relations at the age of 16. I went to high school as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) right near Times Square (yes I was an audience member on TRL). JKO is a business high school and our teacher Mrs.Gulston set up a job shadowing day. I will be forever grateful to Mrs.Gulston for setting up that day for us! I was paired with a publicist from Marina Maher Communications and she was in charge of Cover Girl. Dude, it was a candy store for me it just clicked! The publicist told me she went to the Fashion Institute of Technology major on advertising and marketing communications.
In my mind, I was like SOLD! The following year, I applied to FIT, St,John's, and Hampton all communication based got in and decided to go to FIT. During my years at FIT, I had internships at Ecko Utd, Bob Marley Music, LaRok/Elizabeth and James. After I graduated in 2006, I got a position a knitwear company called Qi Cashmere as the marketing/pr manager for 7 years. I wanted a change and I resigned in 2014 to head over to a blogger agency, got laid off a month into it and was lost not even sure if I wanted to have a career in public relations anymore. I took looking very young and being woman of color in public relations as a disadvantage when I now embrace it as my advantage. With my family and friend's support I kept going. 6 weeks later, I got an amazing contract job at the agency I'm at now and started doing my own public relations work independently.
The advice I would like to give to fellow entrepreneurs is the following:
NEVER GIVE UP
TRUST YOUR GUT
BE KIND TO OTHERS
EMBRACE HELP
BE GENUINE
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
SAY YOUR TRUTH
GIVE BACK TO A CAUSE YOU BELIEVE IN 100%
SHOW GRATITUDE
SET TIME FOR FUN
EXERCISE
NETWORK LIKE CRAZY
SAVE $$$
SET GOALS in 1, 3, 5 year buckets.
CELEBRATE MILESTONES AND THE SUCCESS OF OTHERS
The success both personally and financially comes, trust me when you have these values in mind. Being good and doing good comes back to you.
I know you love to Cosplay! What have been some of your most memorable moments and costumes at Comic Con? How did you get into it?
Heck yes I do love Cosplay! I was in the second grade and there was a comic book shop on the way to school. After school a few of us would go to buy trading cards and comics. It was the same time as the X-Men and Batman the Animated series appeared on Fox after school at 4pm (nostalgia kick in right now) in the early 90s so that definitely got me into comic books. The first comic book I brought was inspiration for the Hunter Haute Cover it was Uncanny X-Men, #300 May 1993 – Direct Edition Silver Metallic Enhanced Cover. I think I fell in love with it because it was silver foil and Storm (an iconic comic book character) also a woman of color was on the cover. Years later I brought the comic book again and showed it to Candace (my illustrator) as inspiration.
I didn’t get back into being a nerd until I went to my first NY Comic Con 5 years ago, I can’t explain it something clicked. I think I felt a lot of pressure working in fashion at the time to have a persona. And looking back, I wasn’t happy. It is not authentic being something you are not just to fit in. That NY Comic Con inspired me to embrace that side of me, thus launching my blog One Creates Oneself, putting my love of fashion and comics together. There isn’t a law that says you have to give up one passion for the other, and merging them is so much rad then sacrificing one for the other.
Cosplay just came naturally after getting inspired by friends and family who have done it for years; I decided to give it a try. My first Cosplay was Phoenix from The X-Men Series. I was upset about the wig not fitting my head but learned from that incident, I can’t put too much pressure about a Cosplay looking 100% perfect.
Another great Cosplay I did was Catwoman from The Dark Night Rises, I learned the year before with my Phoenix Costume to put more time into preparing for it, and so I started looking at Etsy designers in August. Found a great designer gave her my measurements inspiration and fabric ideas and voilà! I know I rocked it getting my nephews seal of approval walking downstairs from my place to meet them to go to Comic Con and their mouth’s dropped!
Now let's dive into your latest endeavor. What is Hunter Haute and what was your inspiration behind the comic book series? Can you tell us a little bit about the main characters and their journeys?
Hunter Haute is a mix of Batman and The Devil Wear’s Prada all set in NYC! It is centered on Amina Williams, a fashion student/socialite who has returned to NYC from a Gap year. Her mother was killed a year before in an “accident” and Amina is trying to salvage what is left of her mother’s company while noticing the mysterious disappearances of her classmates. She decides to do something about both!
Amina Williams is as less angry Bruce Wayne meets Lisa Bonet, meets Serena Van Der Woodsen. She is loyal, fashionable, stubborn, loves a good party, and is trying to figure out what she is going to do with her life now back to NYC reconnecting with the friend’s (that she realizes in time are her family) that she left behind.
Where do you see the comic book series going?
Working on Issue 3 this spring. I want to publish Issue 2 online this summer and get issues 1 and 2 in print. I already have amazing ideas for packaging continuing to mesh the fashion and comic book concept!
What were the main challenges that you faced in producing the comic book and how did you overcome them?
Coming to grips to start slow and steady instead of fast and sloppy. I’m grateful I had a great team to help me (thank you Phil & Candace) but the challenge happened after Issue 1 was written and sketched. I was intending on publishing the comic online and also publishing it in print. Looks great on paper but after getting amazing input from other artists, I retooled the strategy to start online get the attention of publishers instead of attempting to do it all myself. Between being a publicist, grad school and my blog, it was the most realistic choice. I also got amazing advice to get a copyright for issue 1, I didn’t realize at the time it would take four months, but it was worth it!
What has your journey and evolution looked like? Both as a person and as a creative professional?
I used to second-guess myself a lot and not trust my gut. Cared a lot about what other people thought, especially on social media. I am mindful of what content I post but I don’t obsess. If I get one like for a blog post or twenty likes. It matters if I LIKE IT. The past 2-½ years I have embraced my intuition and instincts in my writing for the blog and writing press releases as work. I am less hard on myself if an idea doesn’t work. I think that was where I was having the issue with trusting my instincts. It’s ok to make mistakes. It’s what you learn from your mistake that’s important. I also had the bad habit of not wanting to collaborate and now I love it as it helps stimulate my creativity.
Where can we go to connect with you and learn more about Hunter Haute?
You can find me on Instagram @Kosi27 and Follow my FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/onecreatesoneselfkosi
To read Hunter Haute head over to Webtoons.com: http://m.webtoons.com/en/challenge/hunter-haute-/origins/viewer?title_no=47062&episode_no=1
Check out my co-writer Phil Buck’s comic at: https://tapastic.com/episode/485969
Check out my illustrator Candace Lee at: http://www.candaceaprillee.com/
Is there anything else you want us to know or that you want to share?
I am very proud of the person that I have become, but I could not have been as successful as I have been without my family and amazing circle of friend’s(Candy that includes YOU TOO). They are my rock.
Hi lovelies,
The one thing that I truly believe about beauty, is that it's all about making a statement without saying word. True beauty starts from within and just like fashion, we use our make-up and beauty looks as a way to express who we are and our current #mood.
Clean and clear skin is the foundation for looking and feeling healthy. Check out my blogger guide below for to get fresh looking skin and then how to create meaningful beauty looks using these amazing beauty products.
Look fab for this year with Ecco Bella! From makeup to hair care to skin care and fragrance, Ecco Bella has beautiful and cruelty-free lines that make you look better as the day goes on. Have clear skin, beautiful hair, fabulous makeup and smell absolutely amazing this winter! Ecco Bella uses flower color to help you stay beautiful all day long!
Want to keep soft, glowing skin this winter? Aminocare’s high-performance products are the most effective, natural anti-aging beauty remedies. Their skincare line is a MUST – especially for those with sensitive skin. Choose from over 30 everyday skincare essentials withnourishing ingredients such as amino acids, potent anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and vitamin E, such as Aminocare Reverse Face Cream.
Need to treat your skin to something amazing? Look and feel your best this season with GLOW for a cause products! From body butter to lip balm and perfumes, you will smell divine and look fine at all times! Their delicate products will keep you feeling fresh all day and you can feel good knowing that every GLOW for a cause product you buy is directly helping one of the many charities that GLOW for a cause donates to with each purchase! Try their Wish Body Butter today!
Looking for an easy and affordable stocking-stuffer for the guys and girls in the family? You can't go wrong with the Dew Puff konjac sponge, as seen in Cosmo! Dew Puff is a must-have for everyone who wants healthy, fresh and blemish-free skin. This one simple skincare tool cleans, exfoliates, and refreshes, leaving your face feeling like a baby's butt! The Dew Puff is:
Rose Petals, Hibiscus, and Ricebran Oil help to nourish and soothe the skin while bathing, adding a relaxing and delightful scent. Free of parabens, silicones, and other harmful ingredients, the Treets Traditions Bath Tea nourishes and relaxes skin and mind naturally. Also available in the Healing In Harmony Collection.
Perfect for the girl on the go, EO introduces their Certified Organic Deodorant Wipes in bright Tea Tree and timeless Lavender. Individually wrapped wipes make it easy to stay fresh, anywhere! Carrying these wipes in your purse, backpack, or yoga bag means you’ll always be prepared for those unexpected sweaty moments. Environmentally friendly wipes are biodegradable.
Our luxurious facial treatment combines nine natural oils to help protect skin from free radical damage and renew skin’s appearance. Evening primrose, argan and jojoba oils help to boost hydration, reinforce skin’s moisture barrier, and soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Grapeseed and rosehip oils deliver essential vitamins C and E to prevent free radical damage, improve elasticity, and restore a healthy complexion. Geranium and borage oils help to reduce inflammation and balance skin by normalizing oil production. When applied daily, skin feels softer, looks smoother and takes on a youthful radiance. ($82.00 at malinandgoetz.com)
The Silicone Makeup Applicator was designed to completely eliminate wasted makeup. While sponge applicators soak up large amounts of makeup during application, the MakeupDrop™ perfectly applies and blends your foundation, blush, highlighter, and concealer without absorbing one drop! Only half the amount of product is needed as compared to a traditional sponge or brush applicator. ($20.00 at makeupdrop.com)
How To Use:
Simply apply primer, foundation, powder, cream blush or any other complexion product directly to either side of the MakeupDrop™ and blend across the face for flawless results.
How To Clean:
The MakeupDrop™ is easily cleaned with soap and water, and is perfect for those who hate messy makeup fingers!
Hi lovelies,
Nothing says summer style like rocking a signature look that goes from the beach, happy hour, BBQs, music festivals, road trips, rooftops, date nights, and girls' night. That's why I turn to my 100% cotton jean jacket as my statement piece to complete any outfit to stay cool, chic, and stylish this summer. It's a staple for any fashion blogger and fashionista's closet.
Reason #1: Cotton goes great with every outfit
My 100% cotton jean jacket goes with every outfit in my closet and adds a bit of a fashionable twist to the look. I can pair my jean jacket with all of my favorite summer styles from my cotton spring dresses, floral print rompers, crochet shorts with vintage tees, jean shorts with tank tops, and skinny jeans. Even when I'm dressed up for the evening, I can throw on my jean jacket for a hipster look to make the look my own.
Reason #2: Cotton keeps me both stylish and comfortable
As my signature fabric, cotton doesn't just keep me looking fashionable and stylish, it also keeps me cool. It's usually blended into the pieces that I purchase and in the looks that are already hanging in my closet. The fabric is super breathable and light weight, which makes it perfect for hot summer days in the sun. But it also doubles as the perfect layer during the cool L.A. nights. It's the perfect signature piece for layering for both style and comfort.
Reason #3: Cotton is super easy to care for while always being on-trend
Since I'm always on-the-go, I need my signature piece, my jean jacket, and fabric, cotton, to be easy to take care without any hassles. The majority of cotton and cotton-blended pieces don't require dry cleaning and I just wash my pieces at home. My pieces look great for longer as well since cotton durable, doesn't keep odors, super breathable, and is a natural fiber.
Fashion tip: When your'e on the hunt for cotton pieces, don't be afraid to opt for cotton-rich fabrics, since cotton blends are just as fabulous and comfortable as 100% cotton pieces. Shop for pieces that are 60% cotton or higher for all apparel and 90% or higher for denim, and don’t forget to double-check your labels for cotton.
To learn more about the benefits of staying #CoolerInCotton head to CoolerInCotton.com.
*Compensation/Product for this post was provided by SheSpeaks/Cotton. The opinions expressed herein are mine alone and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SheSpeaks/Cotton.”
Hi lovelies,
My latest beauty obsession for summer is the limited edition Amore Mattallic Lip Crème collection by Milani Cosmetics.
For my base, I use a light clear organic lip balm and then I add the Chromatic Addict lip creme color followed by the Matterlistic Rose Gold and then I blend them together for a unique signature look that doubles as a nude look with a hint of sparkle that's perfect for both day and night.
Check them out here, and let me know which shade is your favorite:
Chromattic Addict
Matterialistic
Matte About You
Cinemattic Kiss
Dramattic Diva
Mattely Love
Automattic Touch
Raving Matte
Directions for Use: Using the soft plush applicator, glide the liquid matte across your lips smoothly, starting at the cupid’s bow in a criss-cross pattern, then along the outer corners of lips, and the bottom of lip. Next, fill in the rest of the lips as if you are connecting-the-dots. Remove with an oil-based longwear lip color remover.
Hi lovelies,
The sun is shining and summer has officially kicked-off in a big way. To get ready for fun in the sun in style, I turn to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, for designer looks at reasonable prices, that way I can stock up on shoes, tanks, tees, jeans, shorts, skirts, summer dresses, and handbags, without breaking the bank.
Plus, I love to pick up signature home decor pieces for my apartment too along with make-up and other accessories from sunglasses, earrings, necklaces, and scarves.
I'm rocking my new floral summer dress that I got at Marshalls and my new sparkly metallic sandals.
Hi lovelies,
Summer is officially here in sunny southern California, which means that I'm on the hunt for the perfect “It” bag to accompany my daytime brunch and shopping outfits, my out with the girls and cocktail hour looks, and my beach chic attire while relaxing by the pool or by the coast of Malibu.
Luckily for me, I have the latest “It” bag from Robert Verdi's break-out handbag collection, Great Bag Co. The silhouette is the Model M., which has quickly become the must-have bag for the medern-day fashionista and trendsetter. The bag is super spacious without being a burden and is rectangular in size with a soft and flexible exterior.
My favorite color is of course Onyx, but the collection features vibrant colors for any outfit, mood, or occasion from 24-K, Jasper, Garnet, Smokey Quartz, Saphhire. Tpaz, Tourmaline, Platinum, Peridot, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, and Diamond.
"She’s not just the ‘it’ bag of the season, she’s a modern classic.
Fabricated of Fashion-Flex™—a proprietary polymer—Model M. withstands any fashion forecast. Model M. is stylish, resilient, light-weight, and patent-pending. The easy-to-wear construction gives the handbag a sculptural silhouette that never slouches. In seven vivid colors—Emerald, Onyx, Tourmaline, Citrine, Diamond, Topaz and Aquamarine—Model M. is a head-turner, just like you.
Inspiration for Model M. was simple:
'Make a 'great bag' for girls to tote and pack anything they need, for anywhere they go.'
The stress-crack resistant Model M. handbag weighs 1.40 lb. / 22.4 oz. / .64 kg., has a 16w x 10h x 6d dimensional figure."
Hi lovelies,
Besides the new Chestnut Praline lattes at Starbucks, chunky statement sweaters, mint tea, and leg warmers, my favorite part of the holiday season is giving the perfect gifts to my family and friends. Not to mention taking the time out to treat myself to a few new fashion finds as well.
But since I'm on a blogger's budget, I turn to one of my favorite sites throughout the year, 6pm.com, during the holiday gift-giving season for their stylish holiday steals from jeans, leggings, accessories, shoes, jewelry, boots, coats, jackets, shirts, tops, bottoms, dresses, and everything in-between, to find something for everyone on my holiday shopping list.
For gift ideas for both the guys and the gals on my list, I relied on 6pm.com's 'Under $100 holiday Gift Guide,' to make sure I could easily treat everyone on my list in style and without breaking my bank. Be sure to check out the exclusive gift guide, here.
And don't fret my fierce and digitally savvy fashionistas, just in time for Cyber Monday and Cyber Week, 6pm.com is offering all of the fashion brands that we both love at holiday shopping friendly price points.
You can head to 6pm.com and shop as early as 12 a.m. on Monday, November 30th, for the best fashion finds this holiday season.
Shop My personal style favorites: BOC Bangor Flap Crossbody, Michael Antonio Chantal, Snakeskin Booties, Mavi Jeans, Catherine Malandrino Bauer Top, Roxy Out to Sea Beanie, Rampage Crossbody, Michael Antonio Topan Heels, Dollhouse Black Moto Jacket, Olive & Oak Faux Fur Vest, and Michael Antonio Brown Shoes.
Be sure to shop the site throughout the day because exclusive new lower prices on your favorite brands will be revealed throughout Cyber Monday. Plus, during Cyber Week, December 2nd - December 7th, a new sale will be released each day.
Comment below and on social media with @shop6pm and #6pmlove with your favorite holiday fashion finds. Happy holidays and happy shopping!
*Although this is a sponsored post by 6pm.com, all opinions are my own.
Hi lovelies,
In case you missed my blogger spotlight in Popsugar's ShopSense by ShopStyle's series, you can check it out below. It was such a pleasure working with Amanda Risius on the piece and I hope you enjoy!
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Meet blogger and actress Candy Washington. This talented lady keeps busy while balancing a blossoming career, writing about her true passion, and sharing helpful tips on her blog. Keep reading to learn a little bit more on Candy and why she started blogging.
What is your best blogging tip for new bloggers?
My best blogging tip for new bloggers is to blog about your passions and what truly excites you. I would also strongly suggest to schedule out your content, posts, and social media shares. Even though I view blogging as a business, I'm truly obsessed with fashion, style, and pop culture and making it all accessible to my readers and viewers, so I never feel like blogging is a chore, but it's something that I wake up wanting to do and I go to bed thinking about.
Scheduling and staying organized is also really important because the best way to build your fan base and audience is to deliver quality content on a consistent basis. I try to stay on top of current events in fashion, entertainment, and pop culture so I can make sure to be delivering content that is relevant and timely. I use Hootsuite to schedule out my Facebook and Twitter posts so everything is scheduled and ready to go so I can focus on creating quality content throughout the week.
If you weren't blogging and could do anything, what would you choose?
I would probably be a psychologist. I love talking to people and connecting with them on an authentic level. Trying to figure out what makes people tick and what drives them really intrigues me. Robin Williams's character in Good Will Hunting was so inspiring because he used his own personal journey to unlock the potential within Matt Damon's character. If I could do that, help others through my own story, then I would be fulfilled.
On a certain level, that's why I love blogging. I love adding value to the lives of others through storytelling, even if that story is how to be confident in your own skin by rocking skinny jeans, a floppy black hat, an oversize tee, and a statement necklace!
Who is your go-to brand/designer?
I really love anything Alexander Wang. His collection started with a sweatshirt and now it's one of the most coveted lines out there. I also like how he seems so humble — I would love to do happy hour with him and dress up in his clothes! He mixes downtown New York and Brooklyn hipster chic like no one else. His campaign with Zoë Kravitz was one of my favorites.
What is your best fashion advice?
Take risks and forget about trends. This may seem contradictory since I frequently report on trends, but I use trends as a guideline and then I make them my own. Colorblocking isn't for everyone, but you can add a pop of color with a bold shoe or a purse.
Also, don't be a slave to labels or feel bad if you don't have superexpensive pieces. Check out thrift shops, Target, swap clothes with friends, and raid your mom's closet for new fashion finds. One of my favorite things to do is mixthe high with the low to create a unique and signature style, regardless of the price tag.
When it comes to taking risks, I wore Moon Boots in eighth grade and got teased about them in the cafeteria! It was a fashion risk at the mere age of 13, and I haven't looked back since. Flash forward a few years and now people ask me for fashion advice all the time! So don't listen to any naysayers and continue to do what makes you happy and what feels right to you.
What is one thing you wish you knew before you started blogging?
I didn't know anything about blogging when I first started out. I was home over the holiday break and happened to stumble across a few fashion blogs and couldn't stop reading them. I decided to start my own blog and just started posting pictures, my thoughts, my wish lists, and what inspired me. So this type of naiveté allowed me to be free creatively and really use my blog as my personal outlet.
However, I wish I knew to view my blog as a business when I first started out. To think about metrics, advertising, marketing, cultivating an audience, and branding. Over the course of the next few years, through trial and error, and a lot of research, I was able to start to fully monetize my blog.
I would also note that just because you want to monetize your blog that doesn't mean that you have to lose your integrity or compromise your creativity. Stay true to who you are and what you want to represent, and that will attract a wider audience and retain your current readers. Partner with brands and products that are a natural fit with who you are as a blogger and be OK with saying no or turning down opportunities that aren't the best match. Also, remember transparency and honesty are key, and if you aren't being truthful then you will quickly lose any credibility — and relationships and your reputation are paramount in this business.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a huge homebody. I love staying in, watching a good movie on Netflix or Scandal, cooking dinner, and having a glass of Merlot or hot chocolate. I also love going out to dinner with my boyfriend and then watching a True Detective marathon. My social life is pretty low-key.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Every year my mother and I go for a long drive and look at all of the houses with holiday lights and take photos. It's one of my favorite holiday traditions because the lights are so beautiful and I get quality one-on-one time with my mom, which can get difficult when you have a big family and everyone is home for the holidays. I also love cooking on Christmas Eve. We all gather in the kitchen and listen to music, catch up, snack on treats, and cook the Christmas feast.
