It’s not exactly clear which is more saturated – beauty blogging or fashion blogging…

But we know with certainty that both are equally competitive, flooding with talented individuals battling their way to the top… Every once in a while, you come across someone with five-star quality content that draws you in and keeps you there, and for us, that beauty blogger on the rise is Tamira Jarrel!

In a world of Instagram eyebrows and Kim-K (c)nontouring, it’s hard to stand out without getting sucked into the noise and hype, but Tamira is proof you don’t have to! She made a hard mark by bringing a minimalistic flair (and carefully pared back style) to the world of beauty blogging. In just a few short months, Tamira caught the eyes of Allure, Bloglovin, and brands we love like Dr. Jart+, Glossier, and Hourglass. Jen Atkin is also a fan and at just one glance, it’s hard not to be!

Check out these beautiful shots:

Tamira Jarrel is nominated for the 2016 Best Beauty Blog Award from Bloglovin. The ceremony takes place in NYC. It’s pretty much the ‘Oscars of Blogging’ and a great honor to have. She’s up against some OG beauty mavericks (i.e. Michelle Phan, Tanya Burr…), but we believe her vote is highly deserved! If you’re a fan of Tamira’s minimal, but realistic approach to beauty, vote HERE!

Side note: Azalle has been nominated too and we’d be thrilled if you voted! Why you ask? Well, because it’s amazing – and Round 2 is coming REALLY soon (soonish)…

You Should Also Read:

Girls We’re Watching: The Next Major Style Blogger
5 YouTube Makeup Tutorials to Try This Weekend
5 Under the Radar Beauty Bloggers That Top My Blogroll

The post Girls We’re Watching: Beauty Blogger on the Rise appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Engagement is a two-way street. You have to engage with your target audience and receive engagement in return. And when you finally do get that engagement, you better respond equally to each and every comment, message, email, etc.

One of the biggest turn-offs is when a blogger doesn’t engage with his/her audience.

Not only that, but when you don’t engage, your audience doesn’t feel that special connection they feel with another blogger who does. And when engagement drops, so will the brands wanting to work with you. In a brand’s eyes, engagement = sales. So if you want to increase your engagement and get one step closer to making blogging your full-time job, here are 4 things you should do:

Comment on other people’s pictures (not just bloggers).

Yes, a lot of bloggers follow each other, but that isn’t your entire audience. You have friends, family, friends of friends, and complete strangers following you who are not trying to be bloggers. I see a lot of bloggers targeting other bloggers and commenting on each other’s pictures.

It’s great you’re building a community and support for one another, but these bloggers aren’t necessarily looking for style inspiration since they already have a style of their own. The people that are looking for inspiration are most likely non-bloggers like teachers, nurses, lawyers, and stay at home moms who want to spice up their wardrobes, diet, lives, etc.

These are the people you should be paying attention to because they’re the ones who are going to have engaging questions. They’re also the people who are going to click those nice little affiliate links on your blog.

You can find these people by simply searching hashtags or going through your followers and commenting on those people’s pictures.

Show your personality.

Over the years, I realized how tough this one actually is. Bloggers usually have a “persona” they stick to and they try to stay “on brand” at all times so that makes it kind of challenging to show your true colors on social media. Of course, the best solution to this is to always be yourself, but sometimes, that’s harder for some bloggers and easier for others.

Personally, I’m always in my “blog/biz tip” state of mind, (if you follow me on Snap you know what I’m talking about), so it’s hard for me to turn it off and be goofy and show my crazy side…(by crazy I mean making fun of my boyfriend or annoying my family).

You ultimately have to find what works for you and your audience. Find the balance of showing your personality and still adding value.

Ask questions.

Asking questions is a CTA (call to action). It gives your readers/followers the opportunity to get involved in the conversation. This makes your followers feel like you really care about them because you value their opinion enough to ask for it!

In a digital world where you’re bombarded with self-promotion left and right, it’s refreshing to come across a blogger who wants to know what you’re doing or what you think. Remember the zig-zag technique? You can achieve it by asking questions.

In fact, I urge you to ask and answer questions so you connect with people, because after all, that’s what this whole blogging thing is about anyway!

So, here’s my question for you: what gets you excited to engage with bloggers? What makes you hit that comment button? Share with us below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Raise Your Rates as a Blogger
Snapchat or Instagram Stories? The Best One for Your Blog
How to Brand Yourself (aka Why Branding is #1 in Blogging)

The post 3 Ways to Increase Your Engagement appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I’m usually not so lucky when it comes to new beauty discoveries, but this year, I’ve gotten my hands on a swarm of them!

After testing out so many new products for the last several weeks, I thought I’d share with you the ones I’ve become utterly in love with!

– Zoeva Black Box Collection

First up is the Black Box collection from Zoeva. If you’re a black eyeliner obsessive like me, you’re definitely going to love this kit. It comes with a 4 black eyeliners – a liquid pen with a felt-tip applicator, two pencils (one kohl and one very similar to the Urban Decay 24/7 pencils), and then a traditional liquid eyeliner where the applicator twists off. The felt-tip liquid pen wasn’t exactly great, but the other 3 products made up for it. My favorites were the screw-top liquid eyeliner and the graphic eye pencil – both are pitch black and glide on so easily and smoothly.

– Glossier Generation G Lipsticks

Everyone has been asking me if these are worth the hype and YASSS! they absolutely are. I’m not a fan of wearing lipsticks all the time so these are the perfect match for me… You get really good color payoff without feeling like you’re wearing lipstick. They feel butter smooth, keep the lips moist, and are so beautiful on (wears exactly like a stain). This was just a teaser…didn’t want to spoil too much because I have a detailed review to come!

– Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Coconut Primer

I wish I was less skeptical of Marc Jacobs Beauty from the beginning because this is the best primer I have ever tried (and there’s been quite a bit). It feels really cool, creamy, and gel-like, and sits so well on the face. I don’t know how to describe it… You get just enough slip without that weird greasy feeling and it makes you glow inside out! The scent is a bonus – I absolutely love coconut and it smells like coconut, but not that faux funny scent. Makeup holds up really well with this stuff, so it’s definitely an A++ primer.

– Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen

For whatever reasons, I’ve found that moisturizers with SPF tend to break me out but not makeup with SPF, so I’ve refrained from facial sunscreens for a while now. I was super happy with this one from Tatcha because my skin had no adverse reaction. At first, I was a little turned off by the thick texture, but don’t be fooled… It blends so well into the skin and doesn’t leave that chalky white residue. It also mattifies the skin, which is perfect if you want to wear makeup on top!

– Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer

I’m surprised by the amount of negative reviews this product has gotten. So let’s get one thing straight, don’t expect coverage out of this product. As the name suggests, you get a nude (natural, naked) finish. Your complexion will look healthy and luminous, but imperfections and redness still shine through. What you should expect is a “my skin but better“ and the Bobbi Brown team hit that target on the spot!

– Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer

Not sure why I waited so long to try an Urban Decay concealer… I haven’t been disappointed by anything from this brand. So, I fall in the minority when I say I wasn’t completely crazy about Nars Creamy Radiant Concealer although it is a really good concealer. My problem with it was that the color selection wasn’t exactly accommodating and I found that the product dried out quite badly over time… Well, this Naked Skin Concealer is over here like “I offer you more”. No questions asked. It’s very on par with the Nars, but I like the color selection better, and it’s a lot more hydrating. I couldn’t ever wear the Nars concealer under my eyes, but this one does the job well. It’s HG status.

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

The Makeup Brushes Shaking Up My Beauty Routine
Anti-Aging With the NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device
Product Highlight: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation

The post New Beauty Discoveries I’m Quickly Falling in Love With appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Hello Stockholm Fashion Week!

The denizens here have such great style – it’s no wonder everyone loves Scandinavian style… Unfortunately, I didn’t plan on being here for the entire time but plans have changed and we adapt. I saw both Ida Sjöstedt and Daisy and Grace, so that was fun. Made some GIFs for your enjoyment! Had a personal loss in my family, so I don’t really feel like writing much else in this post. Thanks for your understanding.

Pulled my shit together enough to wear some outfits. Here they are.

I also took a selfie in some nice light. These Carrera shades are bomb.

Look 1: NLY suedette coat, H&M top and earrings, Bliss and Mischief Jeans, ATP Atelier shoes

Look 2: Ganni top, Marimekko trousers, ATP Atelier shoes, Carrera sunglasses, JW Andersen Bag.

You Should Also Read:

Life Update: Still Alive and Blogging
How To Style: The Statement Vest Worn Three Ways
Two Outfits In Milan

The post Everyone Loves Scandinavian Style appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Last week reader Stephanie thought 3 Questions Every Successful Blogger Asks Before a Collaboration was a post about asking brands certain questions before agreeing to a collaboration, instead of what it was really about (read to find out!). So this week I thought it would be cool to explore the collaboration process: what to ask, how to stay organized, and keep the momentum going. Basically, you’ll learn the key steps to handling collaborations like a pro blogger.

As a new blogger, it’s important to know these things so a. you don’t come across as a new blogger, and b. you can speed up the process of trial and error.

1. Ask brands the right questions.

A great question elicits a great answer.

With that said, there are definite dos and don’ts for what to ask brands about collaborations. The question you never want to ask a brand is if it’s a free or paid collaboration because it gives them the impression there’s a free option. You can eliminate that option completely without putting it on the table.

As a blogger, you don’t want to come across as ignorant in your field. Assume every collaboration is paid and ask questions that help you form a price for what the brand wants.

What are you looking for? What is the timeline? Are there any specific promotional efforts being done that I should know about? Those all great questions from the get-go.

Once you have all the information, you can send a media kit with a list of your collaboration prices outlining what the brand will get in return. If you don’t have a media kit, you can adjust your prices on a collaboration basis. This means each collaboration can be different depending on what the brand wants.

2. Stay organized.

Usually, when you get one collaboration, it’s the start of a domino effect of collabs to come, so it’s important to stay super organized and manage your time wisely (especially if blogging is your side hustle).

The best way to keep the back and forth to a minimum is to prepare a media kit. You can also have an intro email script prepared with your media kit attached. Something like, “Hi <brand name>, thank you so much for your interest in working with Not Another Blonde. I’ve attached my media kit which includes pricing and a list of services I currently offer. If there’s something you’d like to discuss that’s not included, please let me know as I’m open to new ideas,” and then include your list of questions if necessary. Boom. Super easy, and you said everything in one shot.

If the brand wants to proceed, send them a script of how the payment is processed and a contract (this usually isn’t needed until you’re blogging on a large scale like Zanita).

Another tip I would suggest is to categorize your email into folders so you can keep everything organized. I have a folder for events, collabs, Instagram collabs, and random things.

3. Keep the collabs coming.

Once the collab is established, you want to keep the conversation going by following up after the post is done. Again, you can use a pre-written script saying how it was nice to work with them, but then add a little personalization by saying you enjoyed x, y, z. This adds a nice touch that could set you apart!

This can also increase your chances of being picked for future collaborations or being referred to other brands to work with. The fashion industry is small so you never want to burn any bridges, and you want to treat every collaboration as if it’s the most important one of your entire blogging career.

Give your all always and you will succeed not just in blogging but in life.

What questions do you ask brands before a collaboration? We want to know!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Collage Vintage

You Should Also Read:

4 Ways to Collaborate with Brands as a Micro-Blogger
How to Raise Your Rates as a Blogger
The Right Way to Contact Brands for Collaborations

The post 3 Steps to Handling Collaborations Like a Pro Blogger appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Fall is my favorite season.

Don’t get me wrong… I love the cool breeze and bright sunshine kin to Spring and Summer days. (I also love the beach!) But there’s something about the fall season that makes everything feel so much more special. Maybe because it suggests the nearing of the best holidays or perhaps it’s the pumpkin spice… Whatever it is, I’m an #enjoythelittlethings kind of babe, so it’s only natural that I notice every detail fall brings forth and that includes the slightest details in any outfit. From the smallest piece of jewelry to a discreet hair clip, and even lipstick, it all makes a difference. I’ve only started using lipstick in the past year, but it’s made such an impact in my outfits.

I decided to show you fall’s best lipsticks and their matching outfits – yup, we’re matching our ensembles to our lips now… A little inspiration never hurts when the seasons change…

#1 Florals get me every time.

Florals for fall? Count me in! I love a pair of statement pants that tell it all. Especially paired with a casual shirt and cool block heels. Tom Ford is one of my favorite lipstick brands and the array of colors it carries is unbelievable.

#2 Retro is the new fall.

Even though fall in New York City might not be as warm as you’d think, we squeeze in every bit we can. I know Zanita loves these retro prints and I, personally, have grown to adore them. They’re so chic and fun.

#3 Girly dresses are my jam.

And I just think they look da bomb when worn with a pair of casual sneakers. While we are totally embracing the 90s trend of dress over t-shirts, this overall outfit ends up looking very preppy and feminine.

Do you have any favorite lipsticks for the season? My go-tos are definitely burgundies, reds and pinks. Can’t live without them!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

Timeless Outfits You Can Wear for Life
4 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe into Fall
The Designer You Need To Know Before Anyone Else

The post Best Fall Lipsticks And Their Matching Outfits appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We can all agree. There is some absolute TRIPE overpopulating YouTube.

Pioneers of this digital medium are self-made celebrities of the social era. And maybe I’m just getting too old, but it seems many of them are quickly running out of ideas. There’s only so many times I can see someone eat baby food or open a Boohoo ‘haul’ for entertainment purposes.

Gratefully, times are a-changing and the savviest among the Youtub-ites are stepping up their messages and production value. Enter RIOT – our favourite channel to date. A bunch of hilarious female comedians and actresses delivering some truth BOMBS. These short clips are not only super funny, but they’re informative. The women talk unashamedly about issues affecting other women everywhere.  I first discovered it through following one of my favourite comedians on twitter, Aparna Nancherla, and have been feasting on it ever since.

So enjoy these highlights – and subscribe to support RIOT! They’re some real BOSS LADIES who deserve every bit attention and support!

SIDE NOTE: Azalle has been nominated for a Bloglovin’ Award and we’d be thrilled if you voted! Why you ask? Well, because it’s amazing – and Round 2 is coming REALLY soon (soonish)…

You Should Also Read:

5 YouTube Makeup Tutorials to Try This Weekend
Meet Freddie Harrel – She’s Here to UNLEASH You
Five Reasons Why We’re Inspired By Amy Schumer

The post This YouTube Channel Breathes Feminist Life and Laughter – You Need to Discover ‘RIOT’! appeared first on Zanita Studio.

In NYC anything goes. It’s a lot more effortless and eclectic, but still down to earth and easy. I love NYC style.

-Zx

It’s obvious we’re not entirely preppy, minimal, or feminine – we’re quite the mix of everything at Zanita Studio! The kind of aesthetic that lulls and locks us in is one with a surprising, contrasting component. There might be feminine accents like florals or hints of pink, but then something athletic comes knocking…

We find beauty in the unexpected while forging a cohesive juxtaposition. That’s why turning NYC into home base made the most sense – because anything and everything here literally goes.

To see what we’re talking about, Zanita wrapped up 4 street style looks from Luisaviaroma that are guaranteed to turn heads at New York Fashion Week!

#1 The Woman in Charge

Slicked back hair, strong architectural accents, and accessories that kill – now this is boss! And they exist everywhere in NYC.

Look 1 – Max Mara Belted Camel Coat, Sportmax Canvas Maxi Dress, Rochas Nappa Bag, Marni Sculptured Heels

#2 The Modern Retrophiliac

Note the 70s elements made modern in that Ellery blouse along with the a-line mini skirt. Toss a pair of block-heel pumps in the mashup and you get something that feels super retro yet relevant.

Look 2 – Ellery Ruffle Sleeve Shirt, Marni Cotton & Linen Skirt, Rochas Sequinned Leather Pumps, Roger Vivier Patent Leather Bag

#3 The Exquisite Aristocrat

Imagine impeccable bold bags, dramatic ruffles, luxe gold, and statement heels. This is the more is more girl!

Look 3 – Emanuel Ungaro Silk Gown, Sportmax Patchwork Suede Coat, Jil Sander Velvet Platform Sandals, Hervé Van Der Straeten Hoop Earrings

#4 The Feminine Tomboy

Girly dress with menswear shoes eveloped in an oversized, shapeless coat, and topped off with an ultra lady-like bag – that’s the kind of contrast we like… She’s a tomboy and a feminist at the same time.

Look 4 – Attico Crepe Satin Dress, Stella McCartney Oversized Wool Coat, Roger Vivier Patent Loafers, Dolce & Gabbana Dauphine Leather Bag

Don’t forget to check out Zanita’s NYFW essentials & hotspots over at Luisaviaroma!

Shop the Post

This post was done in partnership with our friends at Luisaviaroma.

You Should Also Read:

Best Fall Lipsticks And Their Matching Outfits
Everyone Loves Scandinavian Style
Chic Coats That Make Fall Dreams Come True

The post 4 Looks Guaranteed to Turn Heads at New York Fashion Week appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Meet Jamie Milne, an A.I.B.A International Boxing Coach,  from JMT.

With impressive qualifications and achievements up his sleeve, it’s no shock that Jamie put me through my paces in a boxing workout.

You all know how important I believe it is to mix things up when it comes to training. If you perform the same workouts all the time, the repetition becomes boring and easy (your muscles get used to it), and soon enough, you’ll lose interest and plateau in results. If you’re stuck for workout ideas, you can get some great inspiration here, or just wrap up your wrists, lace up your gloves, and endure a killer boxing workout session. (Bring a friend or if not, there’s always the boxing bag).

Ok, I have done some damn hard workouts in my time… But to be frank, nothing like this!

It was insanely fast paced and sweat inducing – I could have sworn my heart almost pounced right out of my chest. However, it was fun and invigorating! This workout is extremely intense, but don’t be discouraged because it’s scalable to any level. 

When Jamie told me that a boxer would do 20 rounds, I nearly died! I suggest you start with 5 rounds and move up from there – trust me, your heart and lungs won’t be too happy if you push it! If you’re a fit health nut, shoot for 10 rounds!

 You have 2 minutes to complete these 4 exercise back-to-back as fast as possible, any time you have left is your rest! Do this for 5 rounds!

50 Straight Punches

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bring your hands up to your face to protect your jaw and tuck your chin down towards your neck. Strike out hard and fast, aiming to connect with the pad/bag with your first two knuckles (your index and middle finger knuckles to ensure your wrist stays straight). Also, involve your entire body by twisting from the hips as you throw your punches.

10 Burpees

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides. Lower into a squat position and place your hands flat on the floor in front of you. Jump your feet backwards landing in a press-up position and lower your chest to the floor. Push up into the press up position (like a pushup), then jump both feet forward near your hands, and return to the squat position. Finally, jump up and raise both hands over your head. Land and repeat.

15 Jack Jumps

This little devil was new to me, and it’s definitely getting incorporated into my workouts from now on. Stand with your feet around 20 cm (or 8 in) apart and crouch down into a squat while balancing on your toes/balls of your feet. Explode up into a jump and kick your legs out. As you reach the peak of your jump bring your legs back in and land in the starting position.

20 Star Jumps (aka Jumping Jacks)

Stand with knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart on a flat surface. Your arms should be slightly bent at your sides. Jump your legs out as you simultaneously raise your arms up beside you and over your head. Jump your legs back together and lower your arms to their starting position.

Try it out for yourself and let me know how you go! Thanks to Jamie Milne for this killer workout!

Be sure to follow Jamie Milne: Instagram and Facebook for some major #fitspo.

– Mon 

Follow Mon: Instagram, Facebook, BlogLovin
Snapchat: @mb_harper

You Should Also Read:

The Workout Routine You’re Missing Out On: EMOM
10 Questions with Bec Wilcock 
3 Tips the Everyday Girl Can Use to Train like a Nike Athlete

The post The Bad Ass Boxing Workout You Must Try appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Fashion week attendees toe the line between fabulous and ridiculous, and it’s rising to meet that line that makes the whole thing so damn fascinating.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen more fashion rules broken badly with successful aplomb – this is a course that definitely reigns on the streets during fashion week.

I want to be the first to admit, I have NOT always made the best style choices during fashion month…

Case in point, that HEINOUS pair of orange legs on the right is my own, and yes, I chose to wear both clogs, a hooded cape, AND a wide brim hat *squirms* – NOT my finest fashion lewk! I resembled the lovechild of ____ – I can’t even say (you tell me!)!

In my defense, this was the very first fashion week I had the pleasure of being invited wayyy back in 2011.

No regrets! We grow better through learning from our mistakes.

So in the spirit of all that’s risky and fabulous, I wanted to share this illustrated guide to fashion week (done by illustrator Julie Houts and Stylebop) with you. SO fun! And pretty darn accurate.

Yas yas yas!!! We love fersshunn!!! Let the fabulous chaos begin. 

-Zx

SIDE NOTE: Azalle has been nominated for a Bloglovin’ Award and we’d be thrilled if you voted! Why you ask? Well, because it’s amazing – and Round 2 is coming REALLY soon (soonish)…

You Should Also Read:

4 Looks Guaranteed to Turn Heads at New York Fashion Week
2015 Recap: The Best of Fashion Week
5 Tips to Get You Through Fashion Week

The post An Illustrated Guide To Fashion Week appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Purely reading blogs about one genre can become quite mundane if you read them religiously like we do.

That’s why we love poring over A Pair & A Spare, a website dedicated to DIYing, traveling, and creative souls. We’re not just saying it because Geneva’s from down under – simply head to her blog to understand what we mean. We won’t need to say much because authenticity, passion, and quality consummates the whole thing.

Aside from Geneva’s chic, but practical fashion sense and spectacular photography, she gives some kick-ass tutorials on making shit yourself. We love her on-trend word-embroidered denim, off-the-shoulder dress, and this uber popular double-buckle western belt that’s been cemented all over Instagram! You can make all these awesome things from the nook of your home – and we’ve only named a minuscule from her tome.

So if your eyes have been stripped of raw creation or you’re in need of a new crafty project, head on over…she won’t let you down!

A Pair & A Spare is nominated for the 2016 Best DIY Blog Award from Bloglovin. The ceremony takes place in NYC. It’s pretty much the ‘Oscars of Blogging’ and a great honor to have. She’s up against some impressive DIYers, but we believe she deserves the vote! If you’ve been inspired by Geneva or have taken on her projects, please support her by voting HERE! Hurry because there’s only a few days left!

 
All images from A Pair & A Spare 

Side note: Azalle has been nominated too and we’d be thrilled if you voted! Why you ask? Well, because it’s amazing – and Round 2 is coming REALLY soon (soonish)…

Azalle is the first ever online learning platform providing you access to the hidden successes and knowledge of the world’s top influencers and digital celebrities. Launching in November 2016 with social media’s biggest talent, Azalle is empowering you to build yourself. 
 

You Should Also Read:

Girls We’re Watching: The Next Major Style Blogger
Girls We’re Watching: Beauty Blogger on the Rise
An Illustrated Guide To Fashion Week

The post Girls We’re Watching: The DIY Blog Keeping Us Inspired appeared first on Zanita Studio.

As I was engaging with the Instagram community recently, one of my blogger friends posted an unfortunate caption about her son who had relapsed with cancer. It was pretty terrifying to say the least. Her caption not only made me feel a stronger connection to her as a blogger, but it was very eye opening because you don’t know what you don’t know about the people you follow.

At a glimpse, it seemed she had everything going on – great style, beautiful family, and nice things. But underneath the curation is turmoil. And no one knew until she told us.

As bloggers, we sometimes get so caught up in “keeping up with the joneses” that we forget to remember we’re real humans with real issues and imperfections. And honestly, when bloggers show that side of their lives, it has a way greater effect than the”beach vibes” captions ever will.

So after I saw the post, I was inspired and decided to read other people’s (who were mainly bloggers) comments. I was shocked, furious, and embarrassed when I saw at least 3 out of 7 comments saying “love it” or “cute dress babe”.

I was so flabbergasted it got me thinking about what you should never do on Instagram…

#1 Not read the caption!

Not reading a person’s caption is the biggest mistake you can make on Instagram.

And I mean it. It shows you’re lazy and inauthentic, none of which are qualities people are attracted to. Reading the caption gives you a chance to make a meaningful connection with the person, shows you care, and makes you stand out in a crowd.

Taking an extra 60 seconds out of your day to read an Instagram caption could open up a lot of opportunities for you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve authentically engaged with bloggers from big to small and gained followers, loyal readers, and tight-knit virtual relationships.

The bloggers who see you genuinely engaging on a regular basis are the ones who are likely to engage back and lend a hand if you need it. Again, I’ve landed interviews, features, and had some of my most dire questions answered because I took the time to read the caption.

#2 Like all bloggers pictures  

When you like someone’s picture, it makes them feel good…if in fact you truly like it. Liking every single blogger’s picture in hopes they’ll like yours back or follow you is crap. It’s not real!

I used to get so excited when I saw a blogger I admired liking my pictures – until I realized why they were doing it. That’s not to say all bloggers do this and some may genuinely like your pictures but for the most part Instagram is a game.

Just because someone likes your picture doesn’t mean you have to like theirs back and vice versa. Please don’t like someone’s Instagram picture if you don’t really like it. I stopped liking people’s pictures for that reason, now I’m very particular with whose pictures I like, so if I like your picture it’s a good sign!

#3 Comment randomly

Commenting randomly goes right along with not reading the caption. I had one brand continue to comment the same exact thing on almost all of my pictures  – “Cool look, check us out if you want!”. I eventually had to privately message this brand, and it hasn’t been a problem since.

I’ve heard there are apps and companies out there who can actually have your Instagram automate comments on other people’s pictures? (Is this true? Please let me know!) If so, that’s crazy and completely takes away from what Instagram is supposed to be used for.

If you’re going to comment on someone’s Instagram, say something that pertains to the actual picture instead of “So cute babe!”. What’s “so cute” about the outfit? We want to know! The more specific the better in my opinion.

Let’s talk. What gets your attention on Instagram? Tell us below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Vogue, Collage Vintage

You Should Also Read:

Snapchat or Instagram Stories? The Best One for Your Blog
3 Ways to Increase Your Engagement
How to Use Instagram to Build Your Brand

The post What You Should Never Do on Instagram appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve googled the phrase ‘best moisturiser in the world’.

Perhaps the quest is eternal, but you can’t blame a girl for trying. Great skin is at the frontline of beauty and mine hasn’t always been so clear. It was probably at its worst when I was in my late teens – a time when I suffered from both acne and the occasional tanning consequences. Since then, I’ve run the gamut of skin care and found plenty that work and even more that don’t.

I was honoured when La Mer approached me to work with them, not only because I’ve been using the hallowed Crème De La Mer and my skin has never been better – but because I knew I could stand behind their product with conviction. While being luxuriously rich and feeling like a dream on the skin, the current change in season and the NYC humidity unfortunately meant that I’m in need of something lighter.

Enter, the new La Mer The Moisturising Soft Lotion. This product has more of a fluid consistency that melts into skin like satin. What makes La Mer stand apart from every other moisturising product out there is the secret ingredient – Miracle Broth (TM). It was invented by an aerospace physicist who suffering horrific chemical burns from an exploded experiment. He couldn’t get the medical help he needed to fix it, so he embarked on an obsessive quest to find a way to heal and regenerate his skin. By applying his knowledge of light and sound energy to ferment ingredients like sea kelp, vitamins, minerals, and essential oils, he basically struck a formula that’s now credited for fabulous, radiant skin with an enhanced ability to repair itself. Sounds like the plot line for a superhero movie, no? And his name is Dr. Max Huber – that’s the name of a leading man if I’ve ever heard one!

Jokes aside, the effects of this moisturiser remind me of what my skin is like when I drink a lot more water and exercise more frequently.  Is that cheating? Who cares. I look awesome

I recognise it’s quite the luxury to use La Mer, and it’s not past me. As someone who finds an inordinate number of camera lenses in my face on the reg and works in an industry with a particularly high standard when it comes to physical appearance, La Mer is my very worthwhile investment… Also more so recently because I have started to notice subtle signs of aging… Disaster! I’m the first to recognise that prevention is better than the cure and I don’t wanna to start slicing into my face as I grown older. I’m glad I’m found La Mer to take care of my skin. It’s kind of a relief!

I worked with talented photographer Martin Petersson in Stockholm to create this editorial to highlight my love of La Mer’s The Moisturizing Soft Lotion – perfect for light-filled summer days, no makeup necessary.

…ok just a little bit of mascara.

I hope you like this story – I really feel like it captures the effortless quality of La Mer and the absolute magic it works on skin. Thanks so much to La Mer for inviting me to share this with you.

photography, Martin Petersson

concept and styling (and model!), Zanita Whittington

brought to you by La Mer Australia

The post An Ode to Moisturiser, My Summer Skin & La Mer appeared first on Zanita Studio.

These are the top trends you’re going to see during NYFW this season and beyond. Looks like I’m bowing out of attendance for reasons I shall explain in a later post, but I wanted to go ahead and  give you all the inside scoop. Editors, Stylists, Bloggers  – you name it. Check these top trends on REPEAT!

Get involved now because by the end of the month, the obsession will be real! We’re calling it.

VELVET ANYTHING

Saint Laurent booties in red because they go faster, Hillier Bartley look (vogue).

THAT MIDI HEEL LIFE

Save your feet and look fabulous doing it. These Marni pretties are a good place to start

 TRACK MANIA

Blame Yeezy. Blame Vetements. You could even just blame this red sweater. (runway image, vogue)

You Should Also Read:

An Illustrated Guide To Fashion Week
Best Fall Lipsticks And Their Matching Outfits
4 Looks Guaranteed to Turn Heads at New York Fashion Week

The post Street Style Mega Hits – Top Trends To Covet This Fashion Week Season appeared first on Zanita Studio.

An overwhelming amount of you (thanks Kachee, Stella, Josephine, Sasha, Jasmine – just to name a few) wanted to know more about media kits so here we are.

Media kits are something every blogger should have no matter how big or small you are because they condense a 10-step negotiation process into 1, plus they prepare you for when you get big.

Before media kits became a must-have for bloggers/influencers, they served as icing on top for the over-achieving bloggers. They were super intricate and lengthy, describing everything from who you are, what you do, and what you offer in extreme detail.

I’ve talked about the benefits of having a media kit before, but as a reminder, media kits keep you organized, keep negotiation to a minimum, and give the illusion that you have your crap together (even if you don’t).

What they are

Media kits give brands or anybody who wants to work with you an idea of what you’re all about. Media kits are usually clean, simple, and to the point. They share your social followings, blog traffic, services, past collaborations, pricing, and a short bio. That’s it.

Once your brand gets bigger, so can your media kit. Our media kit for Zanita is around 8 pages, but for a micro or mid-level bloggers you can stick to one page like in the example below.

How to make them

Since you already know what brands want, so all you have to do is plug it in! There really is no right or wrong media kit. Some media kits will include more than others for the sake of the blog or brand being bigger. However, even micro-bloggers can have longer media kits if they’ve done a lot of noteworthy projects and/or have a lot of social media channels.

But beware that just because you’re on every platform, doesn’t mean you should include those stats. A brand is going to be turned off if they see you’re on Periscope and only have 12 followers. You could include a footer at the bottom of your media kit saying how you also have a growing Periscope and Pinterest account. Growing is a great word to use because it’s positive and shows you’re working towards something.

A typical media kit includes:

• Short bio
• Blog traffic/monthly views
• Unique monthly visitors
• Facebook/Instagram/YouTube/Pinterest/Periscope/Snapchat/Twitter/Bloglovin’ followers (I don’t include Twitter or Pinterest because these accounts are “growing”)
• Noteworthy brand collaborations (just the name of the brands you’ve worked with)
• Services + price list (full blog post on pricing HERE)
  • Snapchat mention ($ – because it only lasts 24 hours)
  • Sponsored blog post ($$ – this could be more or less than Instagram depending on the time and effort you put into a blog post and your traffic)
  • Instagram post ($$$ – macro-bloggers get anywhere from $3,000-$15,000 per Insta post)
  • Sponsored blog post + social media posts across all platforms ($$$ – this is the full package that gives brands the most bang for their buck; it’s also the most time-consuming on your part and time is money)
• Optional: “credibility quote”/testimonial from a brand or well-known fellow blogger

Where to get them

You can totally make your own media kit using PicMonkey. But if you want to come off as professional as possible, I recommend buying a pre-made template or having a graphic designer make you one.

I got mine on Etsy for $15 – they have a wide selection from 1-page to 5-page media kits in different colors, and I’m sure some shops could even make you a custom template that matches your aesthetic. The prices also range from $7-25. Etsy is the bomb.com for anything that you want to be uniquely yours.

Your questions answered

Maria asks… Could we have actual rates depending on the service and followers?

Yes! That’s exactly how you price out your media kit. Some of the bigger bloggers even get as specific as charging extra per #hashtag.

You want to estimate the cost of how long it takes you to do anything plus any fees associated with the final product. For example, if you hire a photographer for a collaboration, you want to factor that cost into the total price you’re charging. Photoshoots, editing, and a write-up take a lot of time so you want to make sure you’re not downplaying your time or skills.

Valezrina asks… Can media kits be tailored only to social media if blog traffic is still low?

Absolutely. Like I said before, there is no right or wrong media kit. You just don’t want to overwhelm whoever is reading it, and in most cases, less is more when it comes to media kits, especially as a new or micro-blogger.

Passant asks… What do I include if my number of followers is still growing? Can I add a percentage instead?

Yes, you can add the growth rate as a percentage for sure!

In fact, that’s what I did for quite some time. If you want to take it a step further, you can include your largest followings, average engagement per post (use Instagram insights to help you), and the growth rate percentage (because most brands will want to know your actual numbers).

Liyana asks… Should I show my personality and what are the most important things to include?

Media kits are so simple and straight forward that if a brand is interested in you, they should have a general idea of your personality from your blog/social media channels. Brands aren’t interested in becoming friends, they’re interested in growing their business. As long as you’re not a downright brat or totally irresponsible, you’ll be fine.

The most important things to include in your media kit is a short bio (what your brand is about – lifestyle, fashion, health, home decor, travel, etc.), contact info (name, email, blog/website), social media following/blog traffic, and 1-2 original pictures (not stock photography) that capture the essence of your blog.

Still have questions or need clarification? Ask in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

How to Raise Your Rates as a Blogger
What to Charge for Collaborations as a Blogger
3 Steps to Handling Collaborations Like a Pro Blogger

The post Everything You Need to Know About Media Kits appeared first on Zanita Studio.

This year’s top NYFW street style looks got us like maniacs trying to catch it all in.

We actually think there’s a greater influence on our style choices outside the fashion shows, but we’re not the only ones… Tons of big-name designers go out into the world and see what people are wearing.

NYFW is its own spirit animal, and it requires you follow a village around to get a glimpse of it all. There are no set of rules in city and that’s what makes us fall in love with it each time. You cannot predict or expect – just believe your expectations will always be met.

We backtracked a few days ago, hunting for 3 of our favorite street style looks so we could emulate them for you. It’s not easy finding the right pieces to mimic an entire ensemble, but the important thing is to always make it your own by adding a personal touch or a unique twist.

Bella Freud Sweater, Mayet Silk Dress, Gucci Slippers, Céline Sunglasses

Pernille is one of the top street style stars pinned on Pinterest.

With ridiculously amazing style and flawless mashups in every situation, this is no surprise. Her combo her is the ideal combination of sexy and sporty. A slip dress underneath an oversized sweater puts her in the spotlight for the best elevated athleisure look.

Isabel Marant Wrap Skirt, Rag & Bone T-Shirt, Theodora Warre Hoop Earrings, Coach Crossbody Hobo, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses

Pouring over Fashion Week snaps hinted at one major upcoming trend: wrap skirts.

And I’m sure it’s just the beginning. Every other picture comprised of a wrap skirt, and I’m realizing how versatile they are! While I predict brands will be all over it soon, Isabel Marant has the best options currently.

Marni Cashmere Sweater, Gucci Mini Skirt, Topshop Hell Bootie, Marc Jacobs Backpack

We all know there are no rules in fashion, so we’re definitely on board pairing pink and red.

It just makes you pop at every turn. Of course with metallic boots, you’re just upping the stakes.

Next up, London Fashion Week! Ready?!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

Image Source Credits – Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue

You Should Also Read:

Best Fall Lipsticks And Their Matching Outfits
4 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe into Fall
Street Style Mega Hits – Top Trends To Covet This Fashion Week Season

The post How You Can Achieve This Year’s Top NYFW Street Style Looks appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The 2016 Bloglovin’ Awards took place just two days ago, and you all know that our sister, Azalle, was nominated for Best Blogger Business…

But we didn’t win – that’s ok (BTW major thanks to everyone who voted!). We thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share an important life lesson: Accepting loss with class! It’s obvious that no one ever wants to lose. When you invest an infinite of hours into something (to the point where you’re physically drained), losing means taking a blow to your pride – a downward spiral of your self-esteem. It’s all perspective though… There are two sides to every story and we suggest clinging to the positive…

– Step 1: Bow out.

Once we found out we were nominated, we knew we were up against some heavy-weights after seeing the contenders, e.g. Glossier, Two Songs, and Chloe Digital. These are blogger businesses hatched up by major talent whom we also respect. We knew we’d worked hard on Azalle despite a few roadblocks and were so grateful for our amazing support network (YOU)! But when Glossier was announced, we knew the votes were fair and accepted our loss.

– Step 2: Recognize there’s talent in the winner.

Winners don’t win for nothing and they don’t (always) win out of deceit. Therefore, you should recognize the talent, the skill, and the audacity of the winner. When you fail to acknowledge that, you’ve become the real loser. The right thing to do is keep your head up and emotions in check no matter how disappointed or angry you feel.

We love and admire the business of Glossier – Emily Weiss built such a fun and amazing beauty brand after years of amassing data from her readers… That win was well-deserved, and to be able to sit alongside her as a nominee, we’re quite proud.

– Step 3: Know that there’s more to learn from a loss than a win.

There is winning in losing!

Not discounting anyone’s wins, but you don’t gain much from it outside of recognition… When you lose, you analyze – what could have been better? What do I need to work on? How can I improve? Then you go out and make shit happen. That’s the right mentality anytime you lose.

– Step 4: Never quit.

Winners NEVER quit trying to win. You won’t learn much when in the midst of “not quitting”, but those lessons will come years down the road. In the meantime, keep working hard for what you’re after – the time will pass – and your big break will come.

You Should Also Read:

The Right Way to Handle Harsh Feedback
The Easy Two-Step Process to Building Better Habits
What to Do About Negative Blog Comments

The post 4 Steps to Accepting Loss with Class Every Single Time appeared first on Zanita Studio.

We’re still in between seasons, but my skin has already started to feel the force of fall!

I have a love-hate relationship with this time of year… As F Scott Fitzgerald said, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall” – something about the air and changing leaves send quivers through my body, but that means my skin suffers a little – it just needs more loving. Light-weight moisturizers, ordinary concealers, and powders simply won’t do. My skin becomes excessively dry, sucking up any ounce of hydration that grazes it, so I’m really grateful to have foraged through many products as of late. I think I’ve nailed down a really great edit in preparation for the colder months and wanted to share my updated beauty rotation.

To start, I’ll for sure be on this gentle two-step cleansing routine and then follow up with the below…

Lancome Comforting Rehydrating Toner

I really love exfoliating toners, but they’re not practical as soon as fall barges in. Although it took me a while to finally discover this Lancome toner, it’s become such a life-changer that I use it 6 months out of a year. It’s a thicker, gel-like consistency that doesn’t absorb into a cotton pad immediately. However, as you rub it across your face, it melts into the skin, removing excess dirt and grit gently. It also smoothes out any dry patches (which I get quite a lot of) and mitigates any sensitivity I get from the cold.

Tatcha Luminous Overnight Memory Serum Concentrate

Tatcha continues to amaze me over and over. This serum concentrate is so unique – it’s got a pudding/jello situation going and even requires you to use a little spatula to get the product out. But I’m not complaining… At first, it seems like it just sits on top of your skin, but by morning, it’s fully absorbed and your skin will be much softer and appear more radiant.

Lancome Eye Cream

The area under my eye gets ridiculously dry to the point where wearing concealer feels like a crime! In the summer, I can get away with almost any eye cream, but now’s about time I start treading carefully. The only eye creams that have given me the moisture I need are from Lancome. Without them, I don’t think I’d dare wear makeup in the winter…

Tatcha Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream

Moisturizers are usually hit or miss for me, and this one (again) by Tatcha was a hit! It feels really light-weight on the hand, so I was expecting to be disappointed, but the reverse happened. Don’t you love when that happens? When applied, this product feels really velvety and keeps my skin silky and smooth.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation

This is the first foundation I ever bought, and for the most part, I still love it as much as I did then. When I’m needing a tad more coverage, but still want to appear dewy, this is the foundation I reach for. It isn’t the most hydrating, but if your moisturizer and primer are on point, you’ll have no problem.  My favorite thing about it is that it looks like skin – a little more and certainly nothing less.

Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher Pen

I’m sure you remember me advocating 2 concealers – a heavy duty + highlighting one; however, I shy away from this as much as possible in the winter. This Charlotte Tilbury highlighting concealer has become the best thing for me. Don’t expect it to mask your blemishes or hyper pigmentation, but it will blur out redness and, most importantly, brighten up your complexion and reduce the appearance of dark circles. It doesn’t accentuate any dryness and just makes me look really luminous.

MarulaOil Rare Oil Intensive Masque

I’m notorious for neglecting my hair, but ever since I’ve got it colored, I’ve become more attentive to it. I’ve used this Marula Oil hair mask for almost a month now and I’m happy with the results. I feel like it reverses all the damage from heat products and color treatment instantly. My hair feels much softer and healthier after each treatment (I use it 2x per week). I also feel better about blow drying my hair as often as I do knowing this sits on my top shelf!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

New Beauty Discoveries I’m Quickly Falling in Love With
Battle of the Cleansing Waters – Which is Best For You?
No Eyeliner Makeup That Works For Everyone

The post Updated Beauty Rotation in Preparation for Fall appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Wanna know my secret to running?!

I just finished a run and I’m feeling pretty exuberant… If you’re wondering how I stay consistently motivated to run, it’s music! It removes me from whatever I’m doing, and listening to the right jams propels me that much further! We all experience times when there just isn’t motivation – and my best advice is to let music be your solution.

I’m the girl you spot running, singing obnoxiously along, and busting out funky dance moves all at the same time. This all makes exercising more than just sweating! Plus, great music makes a run go faster, so I thought I’d share my current running playlist. It’s quite different from my gym playlist. Put your head phones on and hit play – you might find a few keepers and run to a completely different beat!

Let’s hit the pavement!

American Woman – Lenny Kravitz

Brown Sugar – The Rolling Stones

This Must Be The Place – Talking Heads

Use Me – Beans and Fatback

Fly Away – Lenny Kravitz  

Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones

It’s A Long Way to The Top – AC/DC

I would love to know what songs get you going, comment your top 3 running songs below

– Mon 

Follow Mon: Instagram, Facebook, BlogLovin
Snapchat: @mb_harper

Image – Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

10 New Workout Songs to Amplify Your Fitness Session
10 Effective Tips to Improve Your Running
The Workout Routine You’re Missing Out On EMOM

The post 7 Songs to Add to Your Running Playlist appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I feel like seasons are divided by events in New York.

Fall starts at Labor Day, Winter at Thanksgiving, Summer with the 4th of July, and so forth. That means it’s been Fall for a little over a week now at HQ and we are loving it. Waking up to cooler air means a more pleasant commute and a healthy dose of clothes on our backs…

For me, personally, fall is one of the best seasons to be in the Big Apple. In other parts of the states, that fresh start usually ends up swampy before fall really starts, but it lasts all day here! And with that, there’s nothing more to look forward to than the leaves transforming into a beautiful warm palette, bringing out more layers with cozy knits, boots, burgundy hues, plaids, and statement coats. Cooler weather also means tea, staying in and watching late night movies, and, of course, the September issue.

Fashion girls are one of a kind, always ready to take on new seasons and the wonderful things that come with it in style.

Acne Studios Sweater, The Great Cotton Shirt, Michael Kors Pants, A.P.C. Corduroy Trench Coat, Isabel Marant Ankle Boots, Stella McCartney Velvet Clutch, Missoni Socks, Charlotte Tilbury ‘Penelope Pink’ Lipstick, Diptyque Candle, and La Mer Crème de La Mer.

1. The September Issue – it’s like one special bible, telling us what’s good and trending this upcoming season.
2. The latest It-Bag in a new fabrication (Hint: velvet).
3. Classic and cozy knits.
4. Plaids – especially menswear-inspired plaids!
5. We’re ready for the comfiest of socks.
6. A nice warm cup of tea (or hot chocolate).
7. A new beauty routine with darker lips.
8. Something burgundy (possibly a statement coat).
9. A trendy bootie (snakeskin sounds good).
10. Candle-lit evenings.

Shop the Story

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

Image Source Credits – Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue

You Should Also Read:

Best Fall Lipsticks And Their Matching Outfits
4 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe into Fall
Street Style Mega Hits – Top Trends To Covet This Fashion Week Season

The post 10 Things Fashion Girls Look Forward to in Fall appeared first on Zanita Studio.