fashion blogging tips

I thought it would be a good time to write up a new blogging advice post! It’s been a nice gap since the last one (which you can read here), so here we are again! This post is about dealing with something I personally deal with quite a bit and that is when a blog post goes wrong, or at least when it doesn’t go according to plan. It’s a really irritating situation so I thought it would be good to help out those of you who also suffer with the same thing. Let’s do this!

Don’t get in a fluster…

One of the biggest things I struggle with in this situation is getting stressed. When I have a perfect vision of how a blog post should be, I can get quite irritated with myself (and other people…) when it doesn’t go to plan. The best thing to do is to step back and think. Take yourself out of the situation and re-evaluate what you’re doing! This leads me onto the next step…

Put yourself in a different mindset…

Just like I said above, you need to think. Stop and think about how you could do things differently. Let’s say you’re taking outfit pictures; Is it the background that looks odd? Do you need to add an extra accessory to balance everything out? Do you simply need to tweak some settings on your camera?

Simple thoughts like this can help you decide whether the blog post has really gone wrong. Most of the time it’s just one small detail that’s out of place, so just ask yourself a few of those sorts of questions.

Change what you’re trying to achieve…

It might sound weird but the main problem may just be what you’re trying to achieve. Let’s say this time that you’re taking pictures of your favourite shoes and you might be wearing them on your feet in the pictures, and it just isn’t working; Why not include them in outfit grids instead? Pop them on a plain floor and do different outfits! Or maybe try and achieve a cool, abstract photoshoot by putting them on your hands and editing the way it’s put together.

It sounds weird but just changing the main look and feel of a post can totally shift how you’re feeling about it. It might not be the way you had imagined it to work out, but it might just be the way that works out best.

If nothing seems to be going right, don’t waste what you’ve already done…

I know the temptation of wanting to delete all of the pictures and throw away all of the notes you had already drafted up, but don’t! When it all seems to be going wrong, what you’ve done so far might be perfect for something else. Let’s take this blog post for example! You see these pictures I’ve used? Well, I didn’t get enough of them to make them into a full outfit post (you can see that here… different location!) but I kept the ones I had, and now they’re here!

Don’t waste good work, even if it doesn’t seem good enough in the moment. Keep those ideas, pictures and notes close by, to transform them into something else that is completely different altogether.

If you’re feeling under pressure, STOP!

Last but not least, if you really can’t help but get flustered, stop. It might just be that you’re rushing the idea, or it just wasn’t meant to be! Recently I was planning a blog post and because I was working with brands on it, I really got myself stressed over it not turning out perfect, so I ended up turning it into something I can manage; I took it from one great big post and chopped it up into a series (*cough* I mean my Fast Food Fashion outfit *cough*).

I really hoped this helped some of you! If it did, please make sure to leave a comment below! They’re now non-Disqus so you can leave one whenever and whoever you are! I’d love to know what you thought of these tips.

My gorgeous advertiser Sarah Orr from Nars Obsessor, is going to answer some questions for you! If you’re a blogger and just want to see what Sarah has to say, or you want to start your own blog, this post will have everything you need to know! She’s going to share with you some blogging tips, a few of her favourite brands, and more! Take it away Sarah!

What inspired you to start your Blog?: I was inspired to start a blog because of school. Sounds weird, right? But english lessons seem to be full of analysing texts and seeing why things are done that way, that I wanted somewhere to just write.

Why did you choose Beauty & Fashion? I chose fashion and beauty because they are things that I am constantly exposed to, and feel a lot of other people are too. I also have a genuine love and interest in them, so it just came naturally.

What are you top tips on starting a Blog?:  My top tips are to get organised. Before I posted anything or told anyone or even made my Blogger account, I planned out exactly what I wanted to call it, write about, how it would look and make it mine. I would also advise getting involved with the blogger chats on twitter like #fbloggers #bbloggers and #fblchat.

What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: My blogging targets this year are to try and post something every other day, but still put time and effort into each post, and keep them relatable to people like me.

Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: My favourite fellow bloggers would have to be you Tolly, (Well thank you very much!) and Zoe from That’s Zoe because you are both so friendly, genuine and a rarity in that they are bloggers similar in age to me! My top 5 ‘Bigger’ bloggers are Zoella, Sofia’s Journal, Wish Wish Wish, What Olivia Did and Jazzabelle’s Diary.

What trend are you most looking forward to working, this S/S 13? I am so looking forward to florals and pastels, as I do every year, and I’m especially loving monochrome looks!

Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: I’m going to go wish TK Maxx (TJ Maxx in America) because even though I used to hate my mum dragging me through there, I’ve picked up some lovely pieces at massive discounts.

What’s your favourite piece of Make-Up you’ve ever bought and why?: My Nars eyeliner is something I go to everyday. I’m terrible at eyeliner, but I find that it’s so easy to apply whether you want a thick or thin line, and the pen shape makes it super easy and comfortable to hold.

What’s your favourite ever item of clothing/accessory you’ve ever bought and why?: My Prada blazer because I got it at the London Fashion Week jumble sale for £55, which is a complete bargain for a great piece like that. Some people that think blazers are only for special occasions and evenings, but I’m definitely going to have to disagree with them- I wear it loads!

Who is your favourite designer and why?: I’d say my favourite designer would be BCBG because both it’s adult and teen brand (BCBGeneration) stock such amazing clothes and accessories that are in trend and suit their target market down to a T. They’re also not as expensive as other higher-end brands, which is always a plus side.

What is your favourite Make-Up Brand?: My favourite make up brands are Topshop and Rimmel for cheaper deals, Laura Mercier and Nars (hence the blog name!) for relatively high end and Burberry and Tom Ford for that luxury, out-of-my league price range.

What’s your personal style?: My personal style changes all the time, but I think it’s generally comfortable but sophisticated.

Thank You so much Sarah for answering some questions! I hope everyone got something out of it! If you want to ask Sarah anymore questions, contact her through…

@narsobsessor – Twitter//Nars Obsessor – YouTube//Nars Obsessor – Blog

Are their any bloggers you’d like to see answering these questions? Or are you one? You can do so by buying the All Grown Up Advertising Package for just £3! Including a 200px by 200px Button, #FF Tweets every Friday and this post! For more info, click here!

If you believe I deserve it, please vote for me and my blog to WIN Best Teen Blog in the Company Style Blogger Awards! Simply click here, then click ‘NEXT‘ 7 times, until you come to the 8TH TAB (You can of course vote for your other favourites!), where you will find ‘tollydollyposhfashion.com‘. Fill in your details on the final page, and VOILA! You even have a chance of winning New Look vouchers! So, good luck, and thank you!

My second Fashionista of February, is going to answer some questions for you today. The stunning Sarah from Friday Is Forever, will be talking about her blog and a few things about Fashion! Here we go…!

1.    What inspired you to start your Blog?: I’ve been blogging in one way or another since I was 13 – But over on LiveJournal! I joined a community years later where members used to share what we’d bought recently, and loved it! Then I started coming across blogs outside of LiveJournal and had a whole load bookmarked. Then one boring christmas eve, I just started one up on a whim, and I haven’t looked back since!

2.    Why did you choose fashion?: I guess it came naturally to me – I only really became interested in fashion around the ages of 18-19 and I’ve been finding myself since then. I’m 24 in a couple of months and I still don’t really think of myself as having a particular style – I just wear what I like, and I like to document it and see the changes!

3.    What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: I’m not sure there are any tips that I can give! I like blogs with personality though, where I can really feel like I’m getting to know the writer and can associate with them. I tend to avoid blogs that are so far out of my depth and reality , with the exception of a few.

4.    What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: I don’t really set targets. I’m a full time student so the blog is not my main focus, though you’d sometimes think it with the amount of time I spend on my blog in relation to my studies (oops)! Perhaps reaching 2,000 followers would be a good target, that’d be awesome.

5.    Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: There are LOADS, but a few are: Sparkly Vodka, Nubby Twiglet, Jemima & Ted, Dainty Dresses, Belles Boutique & Stephanie Dreams.

6.    What trend are you most looking forward to working, this S/S 13?: Monochrome and stripes, definitely. Two of my favourite styles anyway, always have been!

7.    Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: I have to say, Primark! Their stuff might not last forever, but every now and then theres a gem that looks like it could’ve been bought for four times the price.

8.    What’s your favourite piece of clothing, accessory etc that you have ever bought?: Probably my old yellow Karen Millen coat. I’d never previously, or since, bought anything from there but I’ll always love the bright colour and structure of this jacket. I also have an amazing military jacket from Zara with huge angled shoulder pads that seriously wouldn’t look out of place in a music video. (Image from Friday is Forever)

9.    Who is your favourite designer and why?: I don’t really have many designers who’s work I follow, but I’ll always be a lover of borderline gothic Ann Demeulemeester who really pushes the boundaries of aesthetics.

10.   What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: As aforementioned, I’m still not sure I really have a style! I suppose its girly, with a little bit of grunge. I’ll always be a ska kid at heart!

Thank you for those great answers Sarah! Just so you can get a feel for Sarah’s blog, here is a screenshot:

Are you a reader of Sarah’s Blog? Did you find this useful? Make sure to leave a comment!

(If you’re a blogger (Fashion/Beauty/Lifestyle) and you would like to answer some questions like this, make sure you Contact me. Or, click here to book your space and to advertise your blog at the same time!)

NOTE: APPLY TO ADVERTISE BEFORE MIDNIGHT UK TIME (21st February 2013), YOU CAN GET A MINI DOLLY PACKAGE FOR JUST 50p!

Once again I have another fellow blogger answering some questions about blogging and fashion! I hope you enjoy it, and if you want to hear anything from certain people, do let me know! Take it away Stephanie…

1.    What inspired you to start your Blog?: My friend started a blog a little while before & just the whole “online diary” really interested me.

2.    Why did you choose fashion?: I didn’t really at the start, it was very much a beauty blog and it still stands with beauty at the moment. I started my outfit post’s a little while after and they’ve just grown and grown. I enjoy reading them on other blogs, and have just felt they’ve improved through the years.

3. What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Pick a good name that is universal and you will love even when you’re 50, you have to be proud and want to hate your blog. Basic layout’s and an interesting header will get you a good start, and remember to keep your images big!!

4. What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: Just to keep growing Stephanie Dreams, both with my readership and with what I can do with it and the people I work with.

5. Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: Paige Joanna and Briar Rose are both stunning blogs (and friends) that I met and found in 2012. I love finding new blogs all the time & I think it’s important to read and comment on a lot. Both to get inspiration and also become a team member of the blogging world.

6. What’s was your favourite trend from 2012?: I love the mini bags and also the monochrome trend.

7. Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: Primark is always good, but generally I’m not good at bagging a bargain. I think super markets are doing well for their fashion though, George at Asda is my favourite.

8. What’s your favourite piece of clothing, accessory etc that you have ever bought?: I think my “Whole lotta Rosie” headbands from Crown & Glory are. I adore them and think they look amazing.

9. Who is your favourite designer and why?: This is so hard. I’m not “High Fashion” in any way, and I find it hard to relate designers to real life style and clothing. I adore Matthew Willimason for his prints and gorgeous colours though, and I love the See by Chloe range also.

10. What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: I really HATE this question, I honestly don’t know what style I have. To describe it is the worst! I like being fun and laid back, I will be wearing tights 90% of the time and love to be creative with accessories.

So you can get a feel for Stephanie’s blog, here are some screenshots…

Stephanie has over 1,000 Blog Followers, 2,441 Twitter Followers and over 100 Facebook Fans, that means she has over 3,000 Followers combined! I am sure she is going to get much bigger!

Thanks so much Steph! Please feel free to leave a comment on which bloggers you would like to see here! Also, if you leave a question, I will add them to the questions list! Or Tweet me!

So once again, another fellow blogger has let me ask them some questions on blogging, so you guys can get some inspiration, and perhaps start thinking about doing one yourself! This time it’s Sophie from Sophie Etc…

1. What inspired you to start your blog(s)?: I’ve always had a passion for writing, and I’d been following beauty and fashion blogs for a while so I decided I wanted a piece of the blogosphere! It started as a bit of a random blog, and its grown beyond my dreams now!

2.    Why did you choose Beauty & Fashion?: I had a bit of a growing fascination/obsession with make up and clothes. Once I got into blogging a bit more I focused on those two things as I was good at writing about them. Because I’m passionate about my interests, writing comes naturally. I also love to share my beauty finds with the rest of the world. It’s a great feeling when someone tells you that they’ve gone and bought something because you said good things about it.

3.    What are you top tips on starting a Blog?: Be yourself! I love blogs that show the bloggers personality, they are often the best ones. Also, write about what you love, not what you feel you have to write about. No one wants to see the same post on loads of blogs. If yours is different you’ll stand out!

4.    What are your Blogging Targets for this year?: Hit a big number of followers and add a bit of ‘me’ into my blog. With something as material as a beauty blog I feel like people forget there’s a human behind it!

5.    Who are your favourite fellow bloggers?: LLYMLRS because I LOVE her style!
The Sunday Girl as its my beauty bible and P0larmilk is a new favourite, it’s really simple and honest!

6.    What’s was your favourite trends of 2012?: Nail art. I love doing my nails and embraced it like it was a long lost sister!

7.    Where’s your favourite place to grab a bargain and why?: Topshop jewelry sales for sure! The jewelry is always so beautiful but so expensive. I raid it when the sale is on, accessories add so much to an outfit.

8.    What’s your favourite piece of Make-Up you’ve ever bought and why?: I didn’t buy it, it was a present but my YSL lipstick from my boyfriend… Its a beautiful beautiful item and I will definitely purchase another!

9.    What’s your favourite ever item of clothing/accessory you’ve ever bought and why?: My faux leather biker jacket from Topshop. A true style staple in anyone’s wardrobe, its so versatile!

10.   Who is your favourite designer and why?: Ted Baker. I adore the cute and colourful accessories, I own a few bags and pieces of jewelry! I also adore Alexander McQueen’s designs, they were pieces of art in themselves and absolutely beautiful.

11.   What is your favourite Make-Up Brand?: Hard to say because I like a lot of different ones. The one I trust the most is Rimmel for its purse friendly quality products. However Urban Decay is nearing my favourite ever now purely down to the amazing quality of their eyeshadows!

12.   What’s your personal style and what do you do to work it?: It’s quite simple and I like to wear versatile items. For example a white shirt and a biker jacket go with absolutely everything in my wardrobe!

So you can get a feel for Sophie’s blog, here are a few screenshots…

Sophie also has a Literature & Lifestyle blog…

Thank You very much Sophie for doing these questions! Watch out for Stephanie from Stephanie Dreams doing the same thing very soon!