Life Changes

Things have been going crazy and in such a quick pace these last days. First of all: 

I have handed in my thesis and am now finished with all tasks for my graduation. Now it is in the hand of my professor to grade the thesis well. I expect to get my results by the end of the year and then will graduate! Now my next tasks will include finding a permanent position and settling into work life! I can't wait even though this is a scary time in my life.

Before I can really focus on this next step in my life, I have one more task that needs to be fulfilled. It's also the reason why I have been MIA for the last couple of days: I am moving into my first own apartment! It's my grandmother's old place and we have been hanging wallpapers, painted the other walls, cleaned the old furniture and refurnished the rooms. It's still a mission in progress, but I will show a full makeover soon!

Therefore, I have been looking a lot like a constructor these last couple of days. Outfit posts will be back soon, but till then, I leave you with this photo. Hope you enjoy :) 

Guest Blogger - Jess - Makeunder my Life

I have selected bloggers from a wide range of backgrounds with different focus on fashion for my thesis interviews. Today, I would like to introduce to you Jess, a jewelry designer and writer of the blog Makeunder my Life. 

Welcome, Jess!!!



{source}

How I succeeded at Marketing and Selling Online.

One of the most popular questions I am asked about my company, Jess LC, and my blog Makeunder My Life (MML) how I managed to grow the business's online sales via social media and blogging. It is overall a great question to ask, and one that many entrepreneurs would like to replicate with their own businesses, if possible.

And for some reason whenever I'm asked to think about this and explain my "methods" or "tactics" I hesitate and feel a bit uneasy about it. It's not that it's some big secret that I hide, it's that it was never a planned out, methodical strategy to begin with. So it feels like I should be telling them what my Game Plan was when I started this online venture, but the truth is that I didn't have one.

I just started sharing my story online, started to spend my time online, and started to connect with people online. 

I was being myself and doing my thing on the internet the same way that I would do so in real life. I wasn't just trying to get sales, I was being myself and getting to know people and make a difference. I knew that I wanted to help people design lives with intention, I believe that that is my calling and purpose in life. I figured out through trial and error that blogging about this would be a way to help people in a large way without having a book deal, media agent, or huge following. I had a blank post to show up to each day and I shared what I had to offer on MML.

Because I found blogging as the best way to reach people with my purpose, I also started to advertise Jess LC, the company, on blogs as well. I was a huge blog reader myself at the time, and I thought it would be great to introduce people to my goods on the blogs that I loved the most. Advertising for Jess LC was very successful when I worked with large blogs with large audiences. Giveaways were great too.

I also became friends with many bloggers, some were just starting out along with me, some had big followings which I met through my Jess LC sponsorships, and some because I simply emailed and introduced myself. As we became better friends, it made sense to me to try to bring my brand to life by asking some of the fashion bloggers to be models for lookbooks for my new collections. And that also ended up spreading my business around the web more as well. And again, I continued to show up and help people design lives with intention day in and day out on MML.

In order to meet and connect with readers and customers I also started to get on Twitter and Facebook as well. It's not that those sites "made me successful" but they gave me a channel to talk to people quickly and easily that wanted to reach me. Do I use the sites very often? Truthfully, no. I don't go on as much as many business owners do, but I think they are overall helpful for me to say hi to people and share what we are doing in the studio. And of course the good old business email newsletter is still a great way to announce new launches and deals to my customers as well.

But more than any of those things individually, I succeeded because I spent the time being myself and sharing my purpose and business. I spend most of my day online interacting with readers, customers, writing posts, making graphics, and reading other blogs. I get tons of my inspiration for new products via blogs, and I love chatting with friends via Twitter and email. These are the things that I like to do naturally, so it is easy for me to do them consistently and with success.

So all in all, there isn't a Right Way to succeed at selling and marketing online as much as it is about loving what you are doing, connecting with people in that space, and being yourself. No one can replicate what I've done specifically because what I've done is organic and completely my own, developed over three years of steady effort. But, on the flip side, what you are able to accomplish by being yourself and sharing your unique business and passions with the online world is equally unlimited.So just get started and see where it leads. The more "you" you are online, the more customers will trust and respect you and your business. 

Guest Blogger - Hope - A Flattering Tale

Today, I want to introduce another monderful woman that I got to know better during my thesis research. I litterally stumbled upon her blog and was instantly in love. Thanks so much for your support and I am really glad to have found your little blog!!

Welcome, Hope!!

[photo by monikablissmorris.com]

Name: Hope

Blog: A Flattering Tale

Age: 24

Location: New York, NY

Why do you blog? Blogging is my creative outlet. I am a writer by trade, so after I finish my day job, I love spending time writing about another passion in my life: fashion.

What’s the story behind your blog name? I wanted a blog name that represented both the theme of the blog and me as an individual. I had once heard the phrase, “Hope told a flattering tale,” and since my name is Hope, thought it would fit perfectly. Thus, A Flattering Tale was born.

How long have you been blogging? A Flattering Tale has been around since July of 2010, but I’ve been blogging for longer than that. A Flattering Tale has been my first real blogging commitment though.

What has changed for you since you started your blog? I have recently moved from Tennessee to New York City! I am currently experiencing a really exciting form of culture shock and learning all about what city life is like. In terms of blogging, I was selected as the Style Watch Reporter by a Tennessee radio station, Hits 96, and have really enjoyed that role. I have also discovered the amazing community of blogging.

Do you have any goals or dreams you want to reach through your blog? I would love to use my blog as a form of communication with people all over the world. I would also like to learn more about the inner workings of the fashion industry.

Why do you focus on fashion? Since I was little, fashion has played a huge presence in my life. I remember wanting to be the first girl in my class wearing bell-bottom jeans in elementary school. Now that I’m older, I like to explore different styles to find my own unique fashion “voice.”

Do you read fashion magazines? Yes! Religiously. I have been a magazine addict since I was younger. On a regular basis, I read Vogue, Lucky, GQ, Elle and Teen Vogue.

Has your interest in fashion magazines changed over the course of your life? I have always loved fashion…I think I just have less money to spend on them.

Have they influenced your sense of fashion and your personal styling? Yes. There are certain editorials and styling that have stayed with me, like Annie Leibovitz’s photos of Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette and Juergen Teller’s ads for Marc Jacobs.

Do you care about current trends? Yes. I like to keep things fresh and am always looking for new inspiration. I think trends are fun ways to stay creative, but I also look for pieces that can stand the test of time.

Where does your inspiration otherwise come from? Everything! I really love pop culture—books, movies, television. I also look to fellow bloggers and my friends for inspiration.

What do you think of the influence of fashion blogs? I think it’s interesting. I like that the audience (people other than magazine editors and designers) have a say now.

Do you read other blogs? Yes! A lot. It’s hard to keep up sometimes! Some of my favorites are Refinery29, Selective Potential, The Science Fair, Orchid Grey, Delightfully Tacky, The Glitter Guide, The CitybirdsNest and City Brewed, but I read a lot more!

Do you think blogging is journalism or can be compared with a journalistic work? I think blogging is a type of journalism, but I see the medium as more of an open discourse rather than a hard-hitting journalistic endeavor.

[photo by monikablissmorris.com]

Do you see yourself as such a blogger? I hope to be. Since I am a writer, I want to keep my blog fresh with a unique voice.

Do you think new media can replace the traditional media e.g. can blogs replace fashion magazines? For me, no. I still love reading any fashion magazine I can get my hands on. Designers are still investing in ads for these magazines, and readers are still buying. I think blogging can accompany traditional media, but it doesn’t need to replace it.

[photo by monikablissmorris.com]

Guest Blogger - Savannah - Joy of Living

I got some lovely ladies filling in for me here on the blog, while I am finishing my thesis. Those women helped me do my research. You can read more about it here.

Welcome, Savannah!!

Hello lovelies! I'm Savannah, from The Joy of Living.

I absolutely love Anja's thesis topic and I was thrilled to help her with her research. It was so fun to Skype with her and explore the impact blogging has had in a variety of aspects in my life.Of course the biggest impact has been on my style; and today I want to share with you some personal examples of how my style has evolved over the last 10 months of blogging.

One major change is the inspiration and ideas for new trends from other bloggers. Below are some pictures of styles I tried because I was inspired by certain bloggers.

A dress and a vest from Steffy 

Scarf Bow from Elaine

A Modern Take on 70's Flair from Kendi

Layering from Blair

I find the best part about being inspired from someone else is that you can put your own spin on a certain look and make it your own, depending on the event, weather, or closet. Instead of copying I like to think of it as expanding an idea or trend.

Blogging has also made me more brave and willing to try new things. My style before was really safe and although I devoured style magazines I never really tried the styles I liked.

For instance some of my first outfits below are very safe and classic with only one or two main accessories.

Now I like to push the envelope and wear more bold items and accessories. Jazz up my hair, pile on the jewelry, wear my highest heels, pattern mix, etc.

I started my blog on a whim and I never would've imagined how much fun I have had in the process. I love to constantly evolve my style and try new trends, find new inspiration, and add my own personal touch to the blogging world.

Thanks so much Anja for letting me be a part of your research, I absolutely loved it and had so much fun!

Guest Blogger - Elsie - A Beautiful Mess

While I am off hiding behind books and my laptop to put the finishing touches on my thesis, I got some lovely ladies filling in for me here on the blog. Those women helped me doing my research. You can read more about it here.

First up is a part of the Interview I did with Elsie Larson from A Beautiful Mess.

Name Elsie Larson

Age 27

Location Springfield, MO

Why do you blog? I started out blogging just for fun and to document my everyday life. But currently my blog is a part of my business and allows me to connect with lots of women all across the world.

What’s the story behind your blog name? I'm really messy. Ha! But I like to paint and craft so my messes are usually full of bright colored paints or fabrics, glitter, pretty papers, etc. So I decided to name my blog after that idea.

{Elsie decorating the window display of Red Velvet}

How long have you been blogging? Around 6 years now.

What has changed for you since you started your blog? My job, I own my own boutique and dress line now. Also a few things in my personal life, I recently got married. :)

{Elsie and her husband}

Do you have any goals or dreams you want to reach through your blog? I always want my blog to be a place for inspiration and teaching with fashion, art and crafts. I try to write a blog that I would love to read, and that will probably always be my goal.

Why do you focus on fashion? I love fashion! I love designing dresses for my own line and I love owning a vintage dress shop. I absolutely swoon for pretty dresses and always have. So I love to blog about fashion.

{picture of a hair tutorial}

Do you read fashion magazines? Yes. I often read Glamour, Lucky, W, Elle, Vogue and sometimes Teen Vogue. I subscribe to 4 of those and often buy random issues of the others.

Has your interest in fashion magazines changed over the course of your life? Yes. I have always liked fashion magazines but I am even more keen on what's going on in the industry since my business is part fashion-related.

Have they influenced your sense of fashion and your personal styling? Sometimes, I find a lot of inspiration from what other designers are doing. It might not necessarily change my own personal style, but it's interesting to see what others are doing.

{Elsie wearing one of her own designs from her Autumn collection}

Do you care about current trends? Yes. I like to see what's happening, it may not change my personal tastes, but it's always fun to see what other designers or companies are doing.

Where does your inspiration otherwise come from? Old movies, music, art work I'm into, vintage designs and old ads. I read a lot of fashion blogs and I also like to research vintage fashion trends, as I really love vintage.

What do you think of the influence of fashion blogs? I think it's awesome. I love reading fashion blogs and I think it ads a different perspective that wasn't well represented before.

{Elsie in one of her outfit posts}

Do you read other blogs? Yes. I read a lot of blogs! A few of my favorites include:

smileandwave.typepad.com,taza-and-husband.blogspot.com, skunkboycreatures.blogspot.com,foodcomablog.com,and fancytreehouse.blogspot.com

Do you think blogging is journalism or can be compared with a journalistic work? I'm sure it can be compared. I don't know if it is journalism, I think it's blogging. Which is a different way to provide content to readers.

Do you see yourself as such a blogger? Yes. Often when I first meet someone new with my husband he will introduce me as a shop owner and blogger. I think that's fitting. :)

{display in her store, Red Velvet}

Do you think new media can replace the traditional media e.g. can blogs replace fashion magazines? I don't see why it would. If a paper magazine is really good then readers will keep subscribing. I think the main thing that has changed is that there are a lot of blogs and online magazines that have really great/professional content. And it's free. So of course, there are readers interested in that. But that doesn't necessarily mean they won't be interested in old media, there's just more competition.

What is the purpose of your blog concerning your business? It's a supporting tool. My blog generates venue that helps my business pay its bills. But more importantly it helps me connect to my readers and customers. It is also a great way for me to provide something for fun that's free (entertaining/informative content) that anyone can enjoy even if they can't or don't want to shop with my business.

How much has writing your blog influenced your business or vice versa? That's a tough question because I see them as the same. My blog is a part of my business. It's one of the things I do to support myself as an independent artist and boutique owner. So both have probably shaped each other a lot over the years. Probably in more ways that I could even say.

All pictures c/o A Beautiful Mess

Blogging with a purpose

Some of you might know it, some might not: I have started this little blog 10 months ago for several purposes, but one of them being that I planned on researching for my master thesis.

I am comparing the influence of fashion blogs with that of fashion magazines and how the reading behavior of American women has changed through that. I started my blog to get to know what a fashion blogger needs to do, how much effort is put into a blog and what could be possible struggles. I also wanted to get some readership (of course) and see how far I could get into the fashion blogging community. 

It has been a great experience and over time I loved it even more! It soon turned into it's own little thing and not just a research project. I got to know so many lovely people and will definitely continue blogging after my thesis is done. It's not just a project anymore!

I want to thank all of you lovely readers. Thx a lot for your sweet and encouraging comments, for your support and for coming back each time!

During my research process, I decided to do several interviews with blogging ladies from America. 

Elsie of A Beautiful Mess

Savannah of Joy of Living

Hope of A Flattering Tale

Emily of The other Emily

Jess of Makeunder my Life

I selected these 5 women from a variety of backgrounds and had long talks with each of them. They helped me get an even better understanding of my topic and backed up my hypothesis. All of those lovely ladies will be guests on my blog in the next days, while I will be typing away on my laptop, so I can finally hand in this thesis on 11th of October. 

Afterwards, I will share a bit of my path and my experiences. Till then, I will take a short break from blogging and leave you with my last outfit post.