Another fashion week, another street style obsession.

We talk about each major fashion city having its own personality, but you don’t actually feel it until you see it with your own eyes. Paris is indeed one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world – there’s so much inspiration to look forward to. Only in Paris can you expect classic looks done in totally fresh ways – for instance, white boots with cropped denim and a belted blazer or conservative floral looks that don’t feel old… Here’s a quick curation of what the Parisian fashion phenomenon looks like.

Geek is chic…

Get the look – Saint Laurent Tweed Blazer, Bella Freud Heart Jumper, Y Project Front Jeans, Balenciaga Leather Boots, Stella McCartney Canvas Tote, Smith/Grey Midi Ring

Tweed blazers aren’t just for geeks or grannies… And TBH, geek is the new chic. Which ever fashion police said white boots were a style violation needs to be fired – they’ve simply never seen these Balenciaga ones. Look at the amazing transformation it did to this look!

Shop this look!

The new punk rock…

Get the look – Shrimps Faux Leather Jacket, Equipment White Cotton Shirt, Courreges Buttoned Skirt, Givenchy Ankle Boots, Oliver Peoples Acetate Sunglasses, 3×1 Cotton Patches

We love chicks with balls, and this look is hella ballsy, especially the tail of the shirt peeking out from under the skirt. This mixing of the prints are apparently are still being worn and tested (can’t stress enough how much we’ve preached this).

Shop this look!

Flower is power…

Get the look – Marni Maxi Dress, Topshop Unique Turtleneck Top, Proenza Schouler Biker Boots, Sunday Somewhere Mirrored Sunglasses, Vanessa Seward Shoulder Bag

Dresses over sleeves are no longer a novel idea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it special… Make it happen with with some rockin’ boots (major bad-assery).

Shop this look!

You Should Also Read:

3 Updated Sneakers Every Fashion Girl Needs
The Freshest Ways to Wear Brown This Fall
Top Notch Street Style Trends We Snatched Up in Milan

The post THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Camille Charriere is a half French, half English blogger who blows our mind every time.

No wonder she won Best Personal Style at the Bloglovin Awards last month… She’s a talented fashion writer, street style star, and style sensation. We love foraging through her photos as much as the next girl, but at some point, the consumption’s gotta stop and you start creating! Camille’s got a knack for making a something as simple as a leather skirt and t-shirt look chic as ever.

Anyone can use some good style inspo from Camille, and that’s why we ventured into creating our favorite looks for every season of the year. Whether you’re hailing with us from New York or down under in Australia (where spring has sprung), we got you!

Fall is for…

Get the look – Isabel Marant Étoile T-Shirt, Vince Satin Camisole, Madewell Jeans, No21 Metallic Bow Sneakers, Building Block Bag, Charlotte Chesnais Bracelet

Transitioning from summer to fall can be tricky. While everyone’s perpetuating that summer feeling with slip dresses over t-shirts, pants were certainly missed. This is a great look to wear until the bitter cold comes striking.

Shop this look!

When Winter comes…

Get the look – Talitha Wool-Blend Cape, Victoria Beckham Appliqué Shirt, Lanvin Pants, Gucci Leather Slippers, Saint Laurent ‘Monogram’ Clutch

When winter’s in, all we care about are comfy knits and bottoms to keep us warm. If you’re fighting the typical all-black look, follow Camille’s lead and go in for white – you can’t go wrong in head-to-toe white and a sliver of Gucci.

Shop this look!

When Spring hits…

Get the look – Rag & Bone Wool Blazer, 3.1 Philip Lim Knot Sweater, Rag & Bone Denim Skirt, Italia Independent Velvet Coated Sunglasses, Simon Miller Bucket Bag, Topshop Shard Pendant Necklace

When Spring hits, we’re dying to don our favorite skirts. While it can still be pretty chilly, Camille knows how to pick the right layering pieces. And what’s better than classic Converse sneakers to keep life easy.

Shop this look!

That summer breeze…

Get the look – Isabel Marant Étoile T-Shirt, Vince Satin Camisole, Madewell Jeans, No21 Metallic Bow Sneakers, Building Block Bag, Charlotte Chesnais Bracelet

That summer breeze calls for comfort. We love a great skirt (especially faux leather ones), and Camille knows how to create a high-contrast look, juxtaposing rock-n-roll vibes against hints of Victorian.

Shop this look!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life
4 Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe into Fall
10 Things Fashion Girls Look Forward to in Fall

The post A Style Trip Through the Seasons With Camille Charriere appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Success is such a buzz word, our eyes either sparkle or roll at the sight of it.

But the truth is, success is what we all strive for, is it not? So we actually do need to know about it… we just don’t need all the fluff and inspirational nonsense that comes with it, which is why I’m going to tell you the no BS version of what they don’t tell you about success.

Regardless of whether you want success as an entrepreneur (i.e. blogger) or in your 9-5, there are the same underlying principles of success that very few people talk about. You have some who say they were “lucky”, others who claim they “attracted” it, and others who contribute their success to “hard work and determination”. While all these things may be true, there isn’t one formula that works for everyone but there are key ingredients…

You’re hustling 24/7

When it comes to achieving anything you want in life, the hustle is really real. If you want to be average, you can hustle at a minimum; if you want to be exceptional, you can hustle a little more than average; and if you want to be successful, you’re hustling 24/7. Period. You’re always on the scout for a new opportunity, a new avenue for growth, and a new way to connect with the right people who will help you on your path.

But what does it mean to “hustle”?

It means your entire day is maximized to get the most work done in the amount of time you have. For us side hustlers, that means we’re hustling before work, on our lunch breaks, during our commute, and after work. For a true entrepreneur, it means from sun up (5am-ish) to sun down (11pm or later).

Your work is your life and your life is your work. And if you do things just right, you’ll be able to have the two become one without animosity from either side.

Forget the past

The past doesn’t make you who you are today – the present moment does. Sure, there are certain events that led you here and blah blah blah, and as long as you’re using the past to project you forward in a positive way, that’s fine.

But when you start using the past or your current circumstances as an excuse for why you’re not where you want to be, it’s over. You’re going to keep the cycle going when you continually harp on how you grew up poor, how no one liked you in high school, or how you’re not smart enough, etc.

Let me tell you something… I didn’t grow up rich, I was bullied from 6th-11th grade, and I also did so poorly on my SATs, I had to take them over again. At first glance, that looks like the story of someone who would be apt to fail, but none of that stuff holds me back today because I refuse to let it. My life is the complete opposite of what it was then, and it’s not because I kept those thoughts in my mind. It’s because I pursued what I wanted without any doubt.

And my story isn’t unique; in fact, there are tons of highly successful people who have “sob stories” like Einstein, Biggie, Oprah, and Steve Jobs. Open your eyes to the opportunities around you and stop blaming the past for your present moment.

Have a positive attitude

Success isn’t a bed of roses – it’s hard. Some days you’ll want to give up, and other days you feel like you’re on Cloud 9, but no matter what, you have to keep a positive attitude.

It sounds cliche, but here’s the thing…

Positivity will be the only thing that saves you when times get hard. You have to keep pushing forward, keep faith that your hustle will pay off, and you have to think only good thoughts about your business. As soon as you let one negative thought in, it’s like the floodgates open and suddenly all your fears come true. What you think about, you bring about.

What has come to a shock to you on the road to success? Share your stories in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

What to Do When Blogging Dies
How to Make Money that Lasts from Blogging
How to Negotiate as a New Blogger

The post What They Don’t Tell You About Success as an Entrepreneur appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The digital revolution has provided so many outlets for consumption. Some of us love online shopping while others prefer old-fashion brick and mortar. At the Studio, we’re total online converts. It’s easy, it’s practical, and requires zero transportation. We can do it in our PJs with no one to force judgement or frown upon, and you can enjoy it with a glass of wine.

Convincing!

Of course having such an easy comes with repercussions, like buyers remorse or zeroing your credit card balance with the click of a mouse. But that’s why you need to scavenge for the best discounts and promos. Who doesn’t love shopping their favorite brands and save a few bucks? Our thoughts exactly.

Now here’s the real surprise… Revolve set up the perfect deal for every fashion girl: 3-day express shipping, so all Aussies get their order faster. Aaaaaah! And, some of your favorite brands are still on sale site wide. What the hell right? This offer lasts from October 3rd – major Mean Girl’s flashback – to the 14th.

Time is key, so hurry up!

We’re helping you out with a few favorites to kick off the new month (and season). Hello October!

(Click to shop!)

Get the look – Winslow Woven Top, Tibet Off Shoulder Top, Graison Dress, X Revolve Rose Bowl Jacket, Dive Skirt, Alpha Industries Parka, Klara Studs, Pendant Necklace, Luna Zipper Bag, Pave Twisted Ring, Hexagonal Sunglasses, Screw Cuff, Haute Helena Girlfriend Jeans

Revolve FTW! What are your favorite pieces? We’d love to know!

Shop the outfits and more here

You Should Also Read:

A Style Trip Through the Seasons With Camille Charriere
The Freshest Ways to Wear Brown This Fall
THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life

The post Fashion Dreams Come True With This Perfect Deal (don’t miss it!) appeared first on Zanita Studio.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to you when I say that blogging can get pretty overwhelming for one person.

You are the creator, editor, photographer, social media manager, videographer, sales, marketer, and customer service rep. You’re essentially doing a 10 person job with 1 person.

With that said, I am all about reaching for your dreams and going for the gold…within reason. If there’s something you’re not 100% skilled at or if taking on another project is too much, then don’t do it!

Quality trumps quantity, so you want to make sure you’re not just producing a ton of mediocre content because that’s what everyone else is doing. You want to create high-quality content as often as possible.

Some people dominate on YouTube, Snapchat, and Musical.ly. Others dominate on Instagram and Pinterest. The odds of you being great at all the social media platforms are slim.

In order to focus on what you are great at, you need to delegate mundane tasks and learn where to focus your time. Here’s a start…

Host an internship

If you are a fashion blogger and need extra help, internships are a no brainier. They’re free labor for you and hopefully a great experience for the intern.

The time has never been better for fashion bloggers to take advantage of the opportunity to have an intern because there is only so much availability at Vogue. Plus, you have hundreds upon thousands of recent college grads looking for experience in fashion.

Bloggers are now just as influential, if not more, than major fashion publications, which mean there are thousands of fashionistas who would jump at the opportunity to intern with you. Granted you should be somewhat established at this point and be able to offer valuable experience for your intern.

You can advertise for an intern on Craig’s List, your blog, job boards, or college forums.

Hire college kids to help

Aside from getting free work from interns, you can pay kids who are still in college at minimum wage (unless you can afford more, then by all means pay more!).

If you’re wondering why… Well have you seen how talented some college-aged graphic artists are?! Some of these students already have businesses under their belts. Most college students are quick, trendy, motivated, and hard working.

You can advertise for their work on Facebook by asking friends of friends or posting in college or niche-based Facebook groups. For example, if you’re looking for a graphic designer, you can search graphic design groups, art school groups, etc.

Get a VA

If you’re looking for someone to fill mundane virtual tasks like ordering groceries for pick up, replying to emails, scheduling social media, or promoting content, then a VA (aka virtual assistant) will give you what you need, so you can use your limited time to create quality content.

Virtual assistants can run super cheap too, like $5/hour cheap. Why? Because you can outsource your VA to third world countries. This allows you to focus on your strengths while someone else handles the boring, routine stuff.

Obviously, you want to hire from a trusted company since you’re giving them access to your email and social media. These sites are highly recommended by Tim Ferris (entrepreneur/author) though I can’t speak for them personally: Brickwork India and  Your Man In India.

Do the things only you can do

I first heard of this advice from Katherine Power: only do things that only you can do.

Can someone else respond to emails or can only you do that? Can someone else schedule your social media or can only you do it? What is your strong suit?

There’s a reason you started blogging in the first place – you had a passion, a voice, an opinion, a story to tell and those are things only you can convey, so that needs to be your focus. You are the face of your blog/business, so whatever requires your face (e.g. photo shoots, high-priority meetings, speaking events, etc.) need to be the places you spend your time.

When you try to wear too many hats and take on too many things, it’s impossible to maintain quality and sanity. No one is good at everything, so find the right people who are good at a few things you’re not.

What is the most frustrating part about blogging for you? Tell us in the comments.

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

 What They Don’t Tell You About Success as an Entrepreneur 
3 Tricks to Creating Killer Content When You Have “No Time”
How to Make Money That Lasts From Blogging

The post How to Create High-Quality Content with Little Money appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Even though fashion month is over, and we’ve ranted on and on and on about street style throughout every major fashion city, a few issues surfaced…

We saw certain patterns, consistency, and trends repeatedly.

Supposedly, street style is the place to scout the latest trends, but that Vogue controversy may have left some of you puzzled. Well we’re still wagering on street style for some good fashion inspo, so here are the top 5 trends we picked up on… They’re definitely going to be seen everywhere next season and beyond.

#1 Lady in red

That’s right. Red was seen in every single street style compilation. No turning back now! This color is definitely the hottest of the season, and we are loving it either full-on or as a pop.

Shop a few options below.

#2 Patent Leather

New York, Paris, Milan, and London were bursting with patent leather. This latex-like fabric is on its way to every hip and shoulder, making entire outfits look rad.

Shop a few options below.

#3 All the little details

We are talking shirts, tops, or knits – all the it-girls were sporting either bell sleeves, bow details, flounce shoulders, or embroidery. There’s a solution for all our problems and it’s definitely in the details…

Shop a few options below.

#4 Spirit animal

I personally love this trend. Around 5 years ago, I had a closet full of leopard-print tops, shoes and even pants – I was animal possessed! Now it’s back in full swing, classy as ever, and always completing the look.

Shop a few options below.

#5 All about that waist

Another thing we saw on everyone was an accentuated waist. Whether with scarfs, corsets, or belts (my favorite), these woman were definitely making it all about the mid-section.

Shop a few options below.

Did you spot any worthy fashion month trends? I’d love to know!

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life
Fashion Dreams Come True With This Perfect Deal (don’t miss it!)
A Style Trip Through the Seasons With Camille Charriere

The post Top 5 Trends Seen All Over Fashion Month appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The digital world moves so quickly that as soon as you find something that works, it’s already changed. As bloggers, 20% of our efforts go to producing content, and the other 80% is spent promoting them, our brand, or product. And if you don’t operate that way yet, you should!

Promote, promote, promote! Any successful blogger or entrepreneur would tell you this.

Without getting eyes on your blog, you’re pretty much talking to no one. And in order to get those eyes on your stuff, you have to promote your blog posts. But how?

The best times…

The times you post any blog post, picture, video, etc. used to be a lot more important, but now it rarely matters since most social media platforms are based on engagement, not chronological order. There even used to be websites dedicated to “optimized timing”, but now they’re pretty useless, and if they try to convince you otherwise, they’re just trying to sell you something… Don’t buy into it!

Every so often, I’ll look for patterns among successful bloggers and entrepreneurs, and honestly, I haven’t seen any. If there is a pattern, it’s specific to that person’s audience and it doesn’t necessarily mean his/her schedule will work for you.

The key to nailing the best time to promote your blog posts is by creating conversations and engagement around whatever it is you’re promoting. You want to create hype and consistency so people are excited to see your next blog post, and they know exactly when to expect it. You can give teasers ahead of time on Snapchat or Instagram like, “How to wear a mock neck coming to the blog next week”. Once you get engagement up, you’ll show up on people’s news feeds, in which case the time you promote doesn’t really matter.

However, Instagram/Facebook insights are great tools to use as guidelines for times when you should post… You can also step outside of your stats and be mindful of when you’re personally online for fun.

Lunchtime is good because people are on their break, and late afternoon is also popular because the day is almost done and people are getting bored and restless.

The best way…

When you’re promoting your blog posts, you want to make sure you’re telling your readers about what you’ve done. A caption, such as “new blog post!”, doesn’t cut it anymore…

What are you going to tell us in your new blog post? Why should we care to click? How is it going to improve our lives? These are questions you should answer in 1-3 sentences that you use to promote your content.

I mentioned engagement earlier… You can also ask your readers what they want to see or what they thought of your blog post. That way they feel like they’re a part of the process. People appreciate things they’re involved in; they’re proud of it and they’ll want to share it. And sharing is the ultimate key to promotion.

The best platforms…

This is going to vary from blogger to blogger. Some people do really well on Twitter if they’re a news heavy blog. Others do great on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.

I personally find Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin’, and Pinterest to be the best platforms for sharing. It’s harder for people to share things on Instagram and Snapchat.

But no matter what platform(s) you use, you have to make sure you’re speaking its native language. Meaning, you have to be able to create excitement and get your point across in 140 characters or less on Twitter. You have to have the highest quality pictures/infographics to share on Pinterest. And you have to make sure your engagement is high enough on Facebook, so people actually see your post (or you can “promote” it – let me know in the comments if you’d like to see a post on Facebook ads).

A lot of bloggers only use Instagram to promote because that’s where they have the most followers. That’s great, but I believe your reach is limited on Instagram… Not many people like to click out and it’s tricky because you can’t include clickable links in your captions. Play around with other platforms to see what works best for you. Lately, my Facebook page has been a top referral site for me, which could have the same effect for you or it could have the opposite.

You won’t know until you try.

Like I’ve said before, there is no one way that works for everyone. Every blogger’s promotional efforts are going to be different. The best way to really find out what works for you is to try what other people are doing in tandem with patterns in your own audience.

What have you found to be the best platform to promote your blog posts on? Where have you seen the best results? Tell us in the comments. 

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

3 Ways to Increase Your Engagement
How to Brand Yourself (aka Why Branding is #1 in Blogging)
Snapchat or Instagram Stories? The Best One for Your Blog

The post The Best Way to Promote Your Blog Posts appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Sometimes, gym time just isn’t going to happen. You may only have 30 min… You may be in a completely different city… Or it may be one of those days you have zero inspiration… So this is why I’m here – head over to my Instagram (@monicabestek) for daily workouts and motivation. And don’t forget to keep checking back here for even more fun and effective workouts!

This leg workout is great for your bedroom, lounge room, hotel room, or even the gym. You can throw in a few arm or ab exercises if you want to spice it up and do more!

Lazy days are inescapable – I have them all the time, and the only way to improve the mood is to get active! Everyone feels better after a bit of SWEATING!  This little leg workout is inspired by the ZUU training system. A few months ago, I tried ZUU in my hometown gym and couldn’t resist the urge for another class last week. I  felt inspired to use some of these exercises in my home routine.

So…what is ZUU you ask?
ZUU was Designed by Nathan Helberg, Aussie fitness guru and human movement expert. ZUU is high-intensity interval training using primal moves like push, pull, bend, twist, squat, lunge, and locomotion.

Do these 3 exercises 5 times!

Frog Squats x30

The frog squat is a great way to open up your hips and lengthen your quads. Place your feet shoulder width apart. Stick your elbows inside your knees and drop down into a deep squat. Keeping your arms in the same position, stand up as high as you can (bum in the air) then return back down into the squat position. Repeat.

Walking Squats/Russians

Sit down into a 90 degrees squat and hold your hands out in front of you. Hold the position. Walk ~5 steps forward and then backwards. Repeat.

Joeys x30

Sit into a low squat position. Then, using a small explosive movement, jump your feet slightly off the ground. Return softly to the floor and rebound into another jump immediately.

I hope you enjoyed the workout and let me know what other types of workouts you would like to see by commenting below

– Mon 

Follow Mon on Instagram
Snapchat: @mb_harper

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Washboard Abs
The Bad Ass Boxing Workout You Must Try
How to Start Eating Healthy and Exercising Now

The post The Leg Workout You Can Do in Your Bedroom appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Everyone should have a blog. In fact, more and more companies are looking to hire people with a social media presence – pretty soon resumes are going to be a thing of the past.

Starting a blog or changing directions/rebranding can be extremely daunting, especially if you’re a perfectionist like me. You want your content to be perfect, you want to have everything scheduled ahead of time, and you want the marketing to be just “right”. It’s exhausting!

Questions like, ‘What niche should I be in? What theme do I want? What platforms should I join? How often should I post?’ flood your mind as you sit there wasting time contemplating when you could be doing.

So, the first step for how to blog when you don’t know where to start is to:

Just do it!

Don’t wait until you have all your ducks in a row. Starting a blog is like starting a family… You’re never fully prepared. There is no right time, theme, method, or niche to blogging. As long as you’re putting quality stuff out there on a consistent basis, it will catch on.

I watched this Steve Harvey video about success the other day where he said,

If you want to fly you have to jump.

He then went on to say that your parachute won’t open right away (isn’t that comforting?), but it will never open if you don’t jump. So if you want to start blogging, but you don’t know where to start, just start. Jump. Start pumping out content and the rest will fall into place, I promise.

Self-host your blog

My biggest regret in my early stages of blogging was not self-hosting my blog on WordPress. For years, I used Blogger, and it just wasn’t the same. I was very limited in my design, features, and analytics.

If you want to blog and have full control over your it, you need to use WordPress.org and self-host your blog with a service like GoDaddy or Bluehost. Self-hosting your blog puts the reigns back in your hands.

Produce content you’re passionate about

Before Not Another Blonde, I ran a spiritual, self-development blog, and pursued life coaching. At the time, I was very “light and love” so it made sense. I wrote authentically from the heart…until I had a change of heart – my passions changed and I found myself digging for content. I felt fake and knew something had to change, so I took my love for fashion, blogging, and self-development and turned it into what it is today: 100% ME.

My point is that if you want to blog about fashion, but that’s challenging to you, tell people about it! I was never good at formulating why an outfit worked; I just knew it did by looking at it. So I stopped trying to explain how to dress and I started showing people through pictures.

Then, I took notice of what I am good at explaining: the business side of blogging. I’m passionate about blogging as a business, so I stick to it, and I leave the fashion explanations up to bloggers who actually know what they’re talking about like Zanita.

Don’t force it

This goes along with being passionate… Anything that is forced is never fun whether it’s a relationship, career, blog, friendship, etc. People can sense “weird vibes” even through a computer screen. No matter how hard you try, if you ain’t feelin’ it, no one is gonna feel it.

Your blogging HAS to come naturally.

Once you figure out your groove, there will be nothing forced about it, and low and behold, you’ll find your niche. It took me 4 years, so don’t worry, you have some time! And by the way, some people find their niche right off the bat, but other bloggers need to experiment a little more like I did.

So tell us in the comments, how long have you been blogging for and what do you blog about?

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

What They Don’t Tell You About Success as an Entrepreneur
5 Ways to Collaborate with Other Bloggers
How to Make Money That Lasts From Blogging

The post How to Blog When You Don’t Know Where to Start appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Anyone else diggin’ this October weather and vibe?

It’s the best time of the year for us – not too hot, but not too cold, leaves undergoing metamorphosis, creative juices flowing through Halloween costumes, and pumpkin everything. Embracing what we know, chic fall coats and legs jammed in boots become relevant again, and you can stroll around the city comfortably.

Already mid-way through the month, but it’s not too late to stash up on all the cool things on every it-girl’s it-list.

Velvet

This fall’s all about velvet. Whether you’ve grabbed your fair share of the luxe fabric from last season or just now biting into the trend, it’s a necessity we saw throughout fashion month. Simply invest in accessories if it’s too much for you…

Statement Jewelry

Jewelry is big (we know, it’s big every season) – think long earrings, itty bitty necklaces, chokers, and bright metallic watches. Whatever you do, make sure you’re adorned, and remember: there’s no such thing as too much.

Pointed Flats

Boots, sandals, or ballerinas – all of it flat and pointed. They’re elegant, feminine, and BOSS.

Satin

Satin is having a major moment too. That slick fabric wasn’t made for the bedroom alone. We’re happy to see loungewear and outerwear mixing satin elements, and even happier to know it’s finally okay to walk out in PJ mode.

Something Fun

The most important thing on our list of must-haves is definitely fun. What is fashion, beauty, and life without fun in the batter? Stop being sooo serious about everything.

Shop more items below!

You Should Also Read:

A Style Trip Through the Seasons With Camille Charriere
The Freshest Ways to Wear Brown This Fall
THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life

The post October Superlatives: Every It-Girl’s It-list appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Don’t freak out!

Shopbop always does this to us. Out of the blue, BAM, sale! We’re always saying to ourselves that this week we’re going to behave, put down our credit cards, and not splurge on things we don’t need. But then this 3-day-sale happens and we’re like…

Wth!

It’s the event of the season where they’re offering 25% off of everything under $300 AND 30% over $500. Isn’t it amazing? You can shop your favorites for fall in just a few simple clicks. I finally bought myself this PJ set because I’ve been meaning to for a while. And now with great discounts, yupi!

Get the items – Rails Button Down Shirt, Rebecca Taylor Velvet Blazer, Rebecca Minkoff iPhone 7 Case, Oscar de la Renta Earrings, Grenson Platform Loafers, Mother Matchbox Sweatshirt, Frame Moto Skirt, MCM Square Sunglasses, Sara Battaglia Bucket Bag, B-Low The Belt, Mua Mua Karl Zero Cross Body Bag, English Factory Shirt Combo Dress

Instead of facing the chillier air outside, sit comfortably on your couch, enjoy a cup of cocoa, and shop the wonderful sale. As always, we even do the picking for you.

Shop more options below!

 

X Eduarda

Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest

You Should Also Read:

THIS is How You Can Achieve Parisian Fashion in Real Life
Fashion Dreams Come True With This Perfect Deal (don’t miss it!)
A Style Trip Through the Seasons With Camille Charriere

The post The Surprise 3 Day Sale from Shopbop – LAST DAY appeared first on Zanita Studio.

After my post on handling collaborations like a pro blogger, reader Sanaa reached out with some great follow up questions regarding well-known brands not being “able” to pay bloggers. Sanaa asked, what’s the incentive to work with a brand who won’t pay and won’t provide you exposure? What’s the blogger doing it for? Since these questions deserved proper in-depth answers here we are!

As a new blogger, you will get approached by brands… a lot. Nowadays brands are caring less about your following and more about marketing/advertising their products. But the catch is they want you to do all the work for free. And can you blame them? Everyone loves free stuff. In a brand’s mind, if you’re not going to provide something of super high quality with high-volume returns, they’re not going to pay you.

Unfortunately for brands, bloggers can only do so many free collaborations before their patience (and bank account) runs thin. And honestly, I don’t think any blogger should do a collaboration for free, no matter how many followers you have or how long you’ve been blogging.

Advertising is a service that takes time and effort and any service should be compensated (unless of course it’s for a charity). So, here’s what to do when brands don’t pay you.

Step 1: Make a choice

The minute a brand reaches out to you for a collaboration is the minute the ball is in your court, and you can do anything you want with it. The first thing you want to do is get all the details: background of the brand, the brand’s own social following, what they’re asking for, what their budget is, etc.

Once these questions are answered, you get a much better idea of whether this is something you want to do. I know it’s exciting to get your first brand collaboration, but trust me when I say get all the details before saying yes.

The most important question is about the brand’s budget. They’ll either tell you what their budget is, say they’re on a “tight budget”, or say the collaboration is a “product in exchange for post”.

Honestly, product in exchange for post collaborations are the worst unless we’re talkin’ a luxury bag or something (which is rare for seasoned bloggers let alone new bloggers). This is the moment you decide whether you want to go through with the collaboration or not. My rule of thumb is if you genuinely love the product and it’s worth a decent amount, then say yes. Otherwise, say no.

Brands on a “tight budget” is usually code for “we can negotiate, but it probably won’t be much”. I’ve had brands claim they have to “be careful” where they spend their money. So let me get this straight – you’ll pay a bigger blogger thousands of dollars for one post, which may or may not resonate with that blogger’s audience, but you won’t disperse some of that money across 10-30 smaller bloggers? Smaller bloggers are a secret marketing weapon because their audiences can be more authentically engaged and niche versus an influencer with 1 million followers.

Finally, if a brand tells you their actual budget, hallelujah, you’re in the zone! The next step is to negotiate a reasonable price that’s fair for both parties. (You can find more on negotiating HERE.)

Step 2: Determine what you’ll lose

When you say “no” to a non-paid collaboration, you’re going to lose putting another notch in your brand belt and a free product. But as we all know, quality is better than quantity, so you’d rather have a smaller list of high-quality brands that do pay (or at least offer nice products) than a long list of indie brands that offer mediocre products with no monetary compensation.

Other than that, you’re not going to lose much, so no need to get all FOMO when you say no. No one is going to hate you for saying no. Blogging is a business, not a friendship, so you have to do what’s best for you and your business. And the heart of every business is cash flow. Next time you’re offered a collaboration, think about how much cash flow you’ll have coming in and go from there.

Step 3: Realize what you’ll gain

Saying no is huge, whether it’s declining an invitation to an event. Saying no is empowering and boosts your confidence because it can be an uncomfortable thing to do. And once you step outside that comfort zone, it’s all up hill from there.

You’ll get familiar with staying true to your brand instead of getting starry-eyed at the idea of people wanting to work with you. There are even some pro-bloggers who “sell out” because of starry-eyed syndrome. This is a big no-no in the blogging world.

When you don’t sell out, there is exclusivity to your brand, and you’ll have businesses getting starry-eyed for a chance to work with you. A lot of pro-bloggers take this approach too… And it works!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read: 

 The Best Way to Promote Your Blog Posts
How to Make Money That Lasts From Blogging
3 Steps to Handling Collaborations Like a Pro Blogger

The post What to Do When Brands Don’t Pay You appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Videos are the new platform for blogging… Snapchat, Periscope, Instastories, Musical.ly, and Facebook live are all dominating the social media scene right now. But why?

Videos make it personal. They’re the closest thing to forming a friendship other than hanging out in person every day. Videos allow you to see the person’s personality, sense of humor (or lack thereof), and presentation in real life.

Yes, some people don’t feel the most comfortable on camera, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing for your audience because other people might feel the same way you do… Video is yet another way for you to be relatable to your audience because, despite feeling uncomfortable, you do it anyway, which inspires your readers. And isn’t inspiration the sole purpose of running a blog in the first place?

Your video content is going to vary based on your niche, but these are the best ways to use video on your blog in a way that drives traffic up, gets your audience engaged, and keeps your followers coming back…

Stay consistent

Like Instagram, you want your videos to have a consistent theme from the title to the editing to the lighting to the style. Keeping consistent videos is far more complicated than keeping an Instagram aesthetic. But if you want people to watch, and you want to brand your videos, you need something that’s of consistent quality. There are so many ways to attain this. I could go on for hours… maybe this calls for another blog post? (Comment below if you want to know more about video content.)

Title

For my videos, all my titles have the format of TITLE | by not another blonde. I do this so they’re easily recognizable as my personal blog’s videos. People see the format and they automatically think, “oh, that’s Not Another Blonde”.

Format

I use the exact same format for all my “blog tip” videos on YouTube – same introduction picture, filming angle, ending picture, and song. Typically, people upload a cute thumbnail shot of themselves as a preview of the video, but I use a blank text picture because I never remember to take a regular picture (confessions of a blogaholic). So, to switch things up, I alternate between black text and white text. This helps viewers know which videos they watched already and it creates a cool aesthetic on my YouTube page.

Environment

In addition to your format being the same, you want to keep all your different video series in the same environment. For example, when I do my “blog tip of the day” videos, I’m walking to or from work. My environment is a city-scape with me in motion. Other people sit in the same spot of their house with the same backdrop which is great too. Every video series calls for a different vibe, so it’s up to you to determine what that vibe is.

Utilize the caption

The caption for video is just as important, if not more important, than the caption of your Instagram posts. It’s more acceptable to have a longer caption on all your YouTube videos, so you’re able to mention your other social channels, tag what you’re wearing or products you’re using, and have a CTA.

The reason being YouTube’s “language” is very different than Instagram’s. If someone stumbles upon your Instagram, they easily click your profile and glance at your feed, and within 5-10 seconds, they decide if they want to follow you or not. YouTube requires more commitment. When people find your video, they’re not going to click your profile for the sake of convenience unless your video is THAT good. What they will do is skim through the caption and see what you’re all about and your other social channels.

People (brands especially) want to do as little as possible to get to know you, so it’s better not to send them on a wild goose chase. Go ahead and describe who you are, what you do, and where they can find you in the captions.

Keep it short

Vine and Snapchat totally changed the video game by only allowing super short videos at a time. I don’t remember what Vine’s max time was but Snapchat is 10 seconds, that’s it!

You have 10 seconds to make an impact and 10 seconds to hold the viewer’s attention. If you’re making a Facebook or YouTube video, you can get away with 1-2 minutes, but I wouldn’t go longer unless your audience is used to longer videos from you, and you’re able to keep their interest.

Add value

As some of you may know by now I love to talk about adding value. It might be the most important aspect of your blog/business. You want to attract new visitors by adding as much value to their lives as possible, and you want to keep returning visitors by adding new value they can’t get anywhere else.

Of course in a saturated market like blogging, you’re going to run into other bloggers doing similar things as you, but they can’t do it the way you do it. You have to figure out what your “thing” is. What’s your unique way of communicating?

Some bloggers are opinionated and unfiltered; others are soft-spoken and sweet while others are hilarious.  Some are blunt, to the point, and no nonsense. What’s your style? That is what’s going to make your videos stand out. It’s not necessarily what you say, it’s how you say it…

Who’s using video? Leave your YouTube channel or Snapchat name below so we can check out your videos!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – Harper’s Bazaar, VIP Fashion Australia

You Should Also Read:

The Best Way to Promote Your Blog Posts
3 Ways to Increase Your Engagement
How to Use YouTube to Build a Brand

The post The Best Ways to Use Video on Your Blog appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Skin always comes first especially if you want to put your best face forward for fall (and winter)!

My skin has been changing drastically in cadence with the weather… No surprises there – the surprise lies in the fact that what works for me one year doesn’t always work the next, which leads to one experimentation after another. It’s been a while since we last chatted beauty, so I wanted to share a few new things helping me put my best face forward lately.

Glossier – The Supers

First up is the Supers by Glossier – amazing amazing amazing! I’m sure you’ve heard the choir, but you need to hear more if you haven’t jumped the gun. I highly recommend purchasing the set of serums because it’s the best value! I went back and forth on just trying one or two, but gave into temptation and have no regrets. Here’s what you get:

Super Pure – Calms acne-prone skin and contains potent zinc & niacinamide (I was sold on this ingredient)!

Super Bounce – Softens & hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid and fatty vitamins.

Super Glow – Vitamin C – that says enough.

All three work extremely well together, but my favorite combo is the Super Pure and Bounce. I’ve used them in conjunction underneath moisturizer and makeup consistently over a few weeks now, and I’m just so thrilled at how much nicer and clearer my complexion looks. The Super Glow is pretty good, but I’m more concerned about dry spots and acne at the moment; it’s the thinnest in texture and therefore, the more difficult one to apply!

Saturday Skin Moisturizer

I love this cream because it’s super lightweight, but really seals in maximum moisture – something I cannot live without this time of year. Plus, it’s hard to find a moisturizer that’s thin in texture, but effective. I’ve been super impressed. I’m also a huge fan of the dispenser (though it’s quite a pain to travel with because the bulk) and ever-adorable packaging.

Rare Marula Style Extending Primer

This isn’t really for your face, but the product has been a huge benefactor in helping me maintain healthy looking hair. You all know that color-treated hair and repeated use of heat often results in dry and brittle texture. This hair primer protects my strands from further damage while conditioning it.

The Base Skin Illuminator

Dull, parched skin can easily be fixed with a good illuminator, and despite what all the magazines and major beauty sites are saying about the demise of highlighters, I’m still adding that shine to my face. This product isn’t too shimmery, so it works perfectly blended into your foundation or moisturizer for a summery glow or can be applied straight from the bottle. The Base is an Aussie brand created by Laura Bingle using only premium ingredients. This is the first time I’ve tried anything from The Base, but I’m already a fan!

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

Where has this little jar been my entire life?! It’s not your standard lip balm and feels far from that petroleum texture. It’s a little thick, has a bit of an exfoliating factor, and feels crazy subtle on the lips while delivering superb moisture! This is one of those balms that doesn’t require you to wait for it to settle… Go right on over with a lip product of your choice (yes, even Glossier’s Gen G), and you’re good to go! I’ll never need another lip balm!

xo,
Susan
Follow me – Blog Instagram Pinterest Bloglovin

You Should Also Read:

A New Way to Trial Korean Skincare Products
New Beauty Discoveries I’m Quickly Falling in Love With
Updated Beauty Rotation in Preparation for Fall

The post How to Put Your Best Face Forward for Fall appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Success varies from person to person, but even you know that no one blogs purely for fun and games anymore.

And if that’s the case, why aren’t there more successful bloggers out there with a pool as large as it is? Today, we’re sharing exactly why most bloggers won’t be successful. Find out if you’re making these mistakes…

– You justify low quality.

To be successful, you can’t continue outputting low-quality content – that includes your blog layout, visuals, and writing. We understand you don’t have a lot of time, resources, or money, but those are no excuses to validate low-quality work. Become devoted to delivering the best posts you possibly can every time, and always strive for that next benchmark. Maybe you start with your blog layout and perfect it, then move on to improving your writing (side note: reading only great quality blogs help), and then enhancing your visuals. Once that’s down pat, work all these elements together seamlessly and progress onto new mediums and outlets.

– Not promoting.

Most bloggers spend 80% of their time producing new content and 20% promoting, but it should actually be the reverse as Brittany mentioned here. If you’re running a blog that has fairly small traffic, spending the bulk of your time mining new content isn’t going to bring new or more traffic. Your focus should be building a readership, and then streaming in new content regularly. (Note: That’s not to say you should only be producing new content once a week.)

– Promoting the wrong way.

We assume that you currently write a post, share it on all your social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and then you might even ask some of your friends to share it… While there’s nothing wrong with doing it this way, you’re forgetting one thing: Driving traffic to your blog from websites with a bigger audience. That’s why tagging @ootdmagazine on Instagram is so popular and getting features on websites like Refinery29 and WhoWhatWear make such a huge difference. The value in driving traffic from sites with a large and dedicated readership is priceless!

– You hold back.

Are you secretly blogging (hoping no one you know personally finds your work)? Are you too afraid to reach out to bloggers and brands? Are you making excuses to explicate why you can’t take more photos or create more content? This is called holding back.

Any ounce of holding back sets you up for failure in this industry, so you’ve got to decide how bad you want it and go at it full force. No time for child’s play.

– No plans, no goals, no results.

Without a plan, how do you know what you needs to be done?

Without a goal, how do you take a course of action and produce results?

Without results, you can’t know what success is…

Plans help you create and tackle your to-dos, goals provide you with direction and a timeline, results give you measurable substance. You can’t possibly be successful if you haven’t even defined what success looks like (and it doesn’t have to do anything with money, brands, or subscriber count)!

You Should Also Read:

How to Blog When You Don’t Know Where to Start
What They Don’t Tell You About Success as an Entrepreneur
5 Important Ingredients Every Blog Post Needs

The post Why Most Bloggers Won’t be Successful appeared first on Zanita Studio.

I love searching for style references from the past even more than finding them on the runway, but it’s the mix of the two that make your look most relevant. ‘Mod’ style came out of bad ass British subculture in the sixties, but today’s version feels both playful and classy at once. Best of all, so many silhouettes from this trend work with most body types. I’m wearing this Karen Millen dress with a fun hybrid sneaker/loafer for a ‘Mod meets Modern’ look. Feels right!

Anyway, long time no see folks! Lately, my juggling skills have been lacking, and I feel bad for it – sometimes, it’s hard for me to keep my head above water for reasons I’m going to share in a post coming up soon.

I’m sharing this look in partnership with Karen Millen, a brand I love for their ability to produce high quality goods at middle-market price. I’ve never been let down by a piece from Karen Millen!

Thanks so much to all of you for sticking around! You can continue to follow my hijinks on social media. We are just a few weeks away from announcing our newest and biggest project yet – something special our team has been working on for the last six months.

Thanks Karen Millen for having me onboard for this one

Shop the Look!

The post Back to the Future: Mod Trend appeared first on Zanita Studio.

After we talked about the best way to promote your blog posts, I received a lot of requests for a blog post about Facebook Ads (keep the requests coming by the way I love them).

Let me start by saying Facebook ads are a blogger’s secret weapon.

I’m guessing the reason more people don’t talk about it is because if we all start doing it, then prices will go up or the system will change… again.

Yes, Facebook ads have already undergone many changes. At first, you could spend $1 a day and reach thousands of people. Now the minimum is $5.

Obviously, if you were able to utilize the $1 deals, you’re at an advantage now with more likes, more engagement, and a better overall presence on Facebook. Now it’s a little harder, but not impossible. Nothing is ever impossible, but there is something to be said for those who are the first to market (i.e. first to use a new platform or system).

How to use them

As I mentioned before, Facebook ads have gone through a lot of changes. Now, they’re a lot more targeted, which is both beneficial and confusing. You can get as specific as you want in terms of who you want to reach. For example, you can target moms ages 24-32 in NYC who like to work out, or 17-21 year-olds who play video games, or  21-34 year-old female bloggers in the fashion industry. The sky is the limit.

You can even just the people who like your Facebook page. Your audience will depend on what your goal is. Are you trying to reach new people? Are you trying to get current readers to engage? Are you promoting a product?

Once you set your target market/audience, you set the days/times you want your ad to run. (Side note: You can create more than one audience.) I recommend having an ad run from Tuesday-Thursday. On Mondays, people are just getting back into the weekly grind and by Fridays, people have already checked out. Saturdays and Sundays are family fun days so forget trying to sell anything on those days (unless you’re in retail because the online shopping market is huge with many consumers shopping on the weekends).

After you have all the logistics figured out, you simply set it and forget it. You can set your ad to run indefinitely or for a short period of time. It’s completely up to you. Again, this depends on what your goal is. Keep in mind having your ad run indefinitely will be expensive, so if you are on a tight budget, be very careful where you allocate your resources.

When to use them

Some bloggers use Facebook ads every time they have a new post. Again, if you have the resources to do this, then by all means do it. But for those of us who have to be a bit more strategic, I would say only promote your very best stuff.

If you have a new product launching, of course you’ll want to “boost” that post during launch week. If it’s Halloween and you’re giving away a free Halloween makeup tutorial, you’ll want to promote that throughout the month of October. Same with if you make a Thanksgiving feast checklist – boost that in November.

My rule of thumb is if something is super important to you or your absolute best work, use Facebook ads (and extend those ads to reach new audiences). Otherwise, keep pumping out content and asking your followers to share it because Facebook ads can become costly.

How they benefit you

If you haven’t figured ou how Facebook ads can benefit you I’ll break it down…

• Facebook ads help you reach your current audience
• They help you reach new audiences
• Facebook ads can help generate profit on your products
• Facebook ads allow you to target a very specific market/demographic
• They can increase engagement, which in turn helps reduce the use of Facebook ads altogether
• Facebook ads show you exactly what works and what doesn’t, so you can adjust (this data is in the Facebook Ads Manager)

Even though Facebook ads have been around for a long time, if you’re just learning about them now, it’s ok. There’s still time to save/grow your blog/business. But you do want to make sure before you use Facebook ads that your blog/business and content is really really good. Passion is great but in order to be successful, you also need talent. The question you should ask yourself first before taking out your wallet is “Would someone want to read or watch my stuff? Am I generating high-quality content that warrants investing in real advertising?”

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

You Should Also Read:

What It Means to Add Value & Kill It as a Blogger
Everything You Need to Know About Media Kits
What to Do When Blogging Dies

The post How to Use Facebook Ads to Promote Your Blog appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Morning Friends,

Here’s something a little different for you… I usually post workouts on Zanita Studio using animations, but today I’m vlogging! I want you guys to get to know me beyond an animated jumping person on the front-end of your screen ?

I’ve documented today’s morning workout routine and shared the quick smoothie recipe I whipped up! Do you prefer GIFs or Vlogs?! I’d love to hear! And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, thanks!

My Workout

30 Double Rope Slams

Hold a rope in each hand. Slightly bend your knees, keep your back straight, raise the rope out in front of you, and slam it down into the ground.

30 Bench Toe Taps

Stand in front of a bench or box. Lift your left leg by driving your knee up and tapping your toe on the bench. Then swap your legs mid-air and tap your right toes on the bench.

30  Mountain Climbers

Start in a pushup position by placing your hands directly under your chest and shoulder-width apart with your arms straight. Lift your right foot off the floor and raise your knee to your chest. Alternate the movement with your left leg, keeping your hips in the same position throughout.

20 Russian Twists

Using a 6kg/9kg Medicine Ball, sit on the ground next to your weight with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Grab the weight with both hands and lean back slightly until you feel your abs engage, and take your feet off the ground. This is your starting position. Now lift the weight in a smooth arc from one side of your body to the other, touching the ground slightly at the end of each rep.

x10

10 cal on the Assault Bike

20 Squats

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and toes slightly turned out. Keep your back straight as you bend your legs into a ‘seated’ position while sticking your bum out. Squeeze your bum as you stand back up. Repeat.

x5

Now for the Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 Banana
Frozen Mango
Frozen Berries
1 Kiwi Fruit
Handful of Spinach
1 Cup Almond/Coconut Milk
Ice

Top with

Pepitas
Sunflower Seeds
Coconut
Chia Seeds
Almond Butter

Blend all the smoothie ingredients together in a blender. Pour into a bowl and top with seeds and nuts!

Hope you enjoyed and don’t forget to subscribe HERE!

– Mon 

Follow Mon on Instagram
Snapchat: @mb_harper

You Should Also Read:

How to Get Up Early and Smash a Workout
Feeling Overwhelmed? Can’t Breathe? Take a Hike
The leg Workout You Can do in Your Bedroom

The post Morning Workout Session with Mon appeared first on Zanita Studio.

Most bloggers or industry-related professionals have their own agenda.

If you’re trying to work with a blogger or brand, I promise you that blogger or brand will only work with you depending on how much it will benefit them. The only person looking out for you in this business is you, unfortunately.

Not only are you the only person who has your best interest at heart, but there are a slew of bloggers, “coaches”, and “best-selling authors” that claim they can land you a deal of a lifetime to earn you tons of money. I emphasize claim.

A lot of these people have no idea what they’re doing, and they’re trying to sell something they think is popular, but they haven’t actually achieved themselves. You know what I’m talking about…the “Get Paid to Pin!” webinars and the “Double Your Insta Followers Quick!” courses.

Now, there actually are some great, credible, and honest people out there – it’s just a matter of finding them. And when you come across one, you’ll know because this person really does have your best interest at heart which is why he/she is so successful. Here’s what I do that you should to find bloggers you can trust:

Check out their social presence

Checking someone’s social media presence is like a background check. If the numbers add up, and this blogger has a decent following with decent authentic engagement, they’re most likely legit.

But if this blogger has only a few followers and the quality of their content isn’t that great, it’s safe to assume they jumped the gun too quick. (Side note: you have to be patient and “pay your dues” if you want to turn your blog into a business. You have to mess up, fall down, and get back up a bunch of times before you can call yourself an expert.)

For example, you shouldn’t take relationship advice from someone who’s single. Sorry, but if you’re not in a loving, caring, respectful relationship, how can you teach us how to be in one? Blogging is no different. You want to find bloggers who live the experience day in and day out. And when you check their social presence, it will tell you everything you need to know about the validity of the blogger.

Look at the free stuff

Every blogger provides free content through their blogs and Instagram. They write posts that are free for us to read, and they share style inspiration that is free for us to see on Instagram. The question now is, is the free stuff valuable? Is this blogger’s style tips totally original and legit, or is it generic and boring? Does this blogger actually teach us things or does s/he just beat around the bush and never give us a direct answer?

The quality of the free stuff is a direct reflection of the paid stuff. So, if you like someone’s blog posts or “free stuff”, you’ll most likely love the stuff you have to pay for. Why do you think grocery stores give out samples all the time? Because they know the free stuff is so good you won’t be able to resist the full package!

Read testimonials

Not many bloggers have a page dedicated to testimonials, which is great news for you if you’re reading this because you’ll stand out by making one. I have one for all of my products because it increases my credibility and tells visitors what to expect. The more reputable people you can get to back you, the better off you’ll be. Because who’s to say you didn’t make up the testimonials yourself and stick a random person’s picture next to it?

Another thing to keep in mind when you’re reading other blogger’s testimonials is you have to be careful that these bloggers aren’t just all friends. I see this with a lot with authors and “blogger besties”. They all hang out together and endorse each other’s products (sometimes for money), which is great if they’ve actually read the book or tested the product. That’s why I try to look for real, authentic testimonials that aren’t too curated, and I try to get real, authentic testimonials from people all over the spectrum: bloggers, public figures, coaches, small business owners, etc.

If you want to play detective and go even deeper, search the product or book’s hashtag on Instagram and ask a non-bias person what they think. I do this with workout programs I’m interested in. Talk about a real testimonial, it doesn’t get more real than that!

In a saturated market like blogging, finding bloggers you can trust is tricky, but when in doubt, always follow your gut. If something doesn’t feel quite right, there’s usually something not quite right about it.

Who are your favorite trusted bloggers? Share your list in the comments below!

xx Britt

Follow Me – Blog Instagram Facebook Snapchat @notanothrblonde

Image Source Credits – The Zoe Report, @whatshesaidblog

You Should Also Read:

What to Do When Brands Don’t Pay
 The Best Way to Promote Your Blog Posts
What They Don’t Tell You About Success as an Entrepreneur

The post How to Find Bloggers You Can Trust appeared first on Zanita Studio.

The end of 2016 is rapidly approaching.

Can you believe it’s almost November? Damn Gina.

I’m appalled by the rapidness of time passing, plus it’s almost my birthday. Yeah, I’m turning 28 this year, almost 30, and that’s making me re-think my life.

Before we get all sentimental, let’s talk resolutions, or lists, or bucket lists, or whatever you do to keep the year on track. I’m a list girl myself! I have an agenda where I write everything down – very old school. With the turn of each month, I write down what I wish to accomplish by the end of the 30 or 31 days (or 28 in some cases). This helps me focus on achievable, practical goals.

I don’t do crazy resolutions in the New Year just because I feel like it’s a new start. Instead, I challenge myself every month to accomplish everything (kidding, I mean something).

Here’s a list of everything you can still do, come the dreaded 2017.

#1 Get healthy.

Yaaaaasssss. I’m sure this is still on a lot of people’s minds at this time. Even though summer has officially ended in some parts of the globe, we should still worry about it. I’m not even talking diets, but being healthy. Eating better, exercising, and cheating a little. I’ve entered this phase of my life where I want habitualize healthy acts to take into my 30’s. There’s still time for you to yoga, crossfit, and exercise at home. Don’t forget your healthy meals too and make it yourself.

#2 Get that promotion.

Depending on where you are in your career, there’s always room for improvement. Whether it’s a corporate job, a creative field, or blogging, take that step, and demand your worth. Don’t shy away from asking for something if you think you deserve it.

Be a #bossbabe!

#3 Read that book (or books).

If you’re a bookworm like me, your list must be as big as mine. I have at least 5 books I want to finish before the end of the year, and it’s not looking good. In a world where cellphones sleep with you, it’s time to establish boundaries and get back to those good ol’ books. Or get a kindle! No excuses.

#4 Tell them you love them.

You parents, your friends, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your hairdresser – anyone who matters. If there’s someone you’ve been meaning to tell I love you, get on with it. The worst that can happen is getting shot down. But the new year is right around the corner, and it will all pass.

#5 Travel.

It might seem impossible, but I have lots of friends who still have plenty of trips planned this year. If you have a full-time job and have already maxed out your vacay, make the most of your holidays and weekends. I love a good weekend getaway with someone special. It gives you a break from the bolstering city life.

#6 Goals.

Whatever your goals are, except running the NYC marathon (which is one week away), you can always achieve them. It’s not necessarily easy, but life never is. You just have to get in the right mindset, body over matter (not mind over matter), and get into the motions.

What’s on your list that you still haven’t done in 2016? I’d love to know!

X Eduarda

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You Should Also Read:

The Most Important Lessons I Learned in 2015
How You Can End 2015 With a Bang!
Goals to Make 2016 Your Best Year

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