PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

This week we’re bringing you another look for less, based on this top performing pin from Pinterest. (In case you missed the first one, check it out here.) Fall is in full swing, and I’m feeling inspired by chunky, oversized knits. They’re not only comfortable, but super easy to style with just about anything. The sweater pictured in the image below is currently selling on Lulu’s for $129, not exactly budget-friendly, I know. However, you can still get the same look with the “outfit hack” below!

Tilly’s Cat Eye Sunglasses – $9.99

Amazon Watch – $7.79

Oasap Sweater – $25.99

Boohoo Fold Over Clutch – $26

Glamorous Skinny Jeans – $44.98

Forever 21 Booties – $32.90

Total: $148

How will you be styling your chunky knits this fall? Tell me below in the comments or tweet me @avestyles!

Styling Food for Pinterest - Do's and Don'ts

Just because a picture is super successful on Instagram doesn't mean it will be engaging on Pinterest, and just because a picture is really pretty doesn't mean that it will be clicked on. When creating content for the web you always have to keep in mind a couple of things: 1) Where is this content going to live? 2) Will people click on the image? We ultimately want to capture viewers so that our voices can be heard above the noise, but too often I see people creating pretty things thinking that's enough to engage views. The reality is there's a lot of pretty out there to compete with, and not all of it gets the views it may deserve.

I think many people have the taste level and eye to style a pretty photo, but knowing what's pretty and what drives traffic are two different things. I see many photos on Pinterest that are drop dead gorgeous, but will I repin all of them? No. And will I click to view the photo on a blog? An even slimmer chance, unfortunately. So, what makes an image on Pinterest engaging and/or clickable? That's the big question! In order to answer this big question we need to break things down by subject. Let's start with food. (I'll tackle fashion next!)

Pinterest Food Styling Comparison

I did a little experiment for you guys and styled the same latte recipe three different ways. I kept certain elements the same, however.

Controls: Latte recipe Light Location Pinned to the same board

Variables: Cups Placement Text placement Font Pin description

Can you guess which photo performed the best? The answer surprised me at first, but it makes sense as to why. Latte A received the least amount of traffic with only 39,000+ impressions and only 127 clicks. Latte B received 58,000+ impressions with 197 clicks, and lastly, Latte C (the winner) received 63,000+ impressions with 213 clicks.

Why is this the case? When styling food people want to be up close and personal with the subject. Being able to see the drink through the glass matters. Photo C also has the best view of the donut even though that is not the star of the show. The donut adds an additional enticing factor for sure, so think about what complementary foods or ingredients can be added to your shots. Also, the text on this pin is the most readable, and I have the color black to thank for that.

Are all of these photos pretty? Yes, you an even view more photos from this post here to see what I mean. Readable text and being SUPER close to the subject your shooting so you can almost taste the latte matters as much as good light and photography.

For more Pinterest advice, check out these posts:

Under the Radar Pinners

How to Use Group Boards Effectively

How to Brand Your Business on Pinterest

Spooky Witches' Fingers Halloween Recipe

With the first day of fall already behind us, Halloween is quickly approaching. Instead of bombarding you with another sweet, pumpkin-flavored recipe of some sort, I wanted to share with you a healthier fall recipe that's just as fun. My friends over at Spork Foods have crafted these spooky pistachio witches' fingers which would make a perfect healthy Halloween party snack for everyone to enjoy! Pistachio Chewy Bite Witches’ Fingers

Yields 6

Ingredients:

6 Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

1/4 cup almond milk

1/2 cup non-dairy dark chocolate chips

Dash sea salt

12 dried cranberries

1/2 cup Setton Farms Roasted Pistachio Kernels, finely ground

Directions:

Unwrap all chewy bites and cut each chewy bite in half lengthwise. Gently press the two halves together, with the stickiest sides facing each other, creating one long strip. If desired, to create thumb and pinky finger, leave two halves short.  Set aside.

Place chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.

In a small pan, bring almond milk to a boil.  Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for about 20 seconds to melt chocolate.  Add sea salt.  Whisk until smooth.

Dip long Pistachio Chewy Bite strips into chocolate mixture and then sprinkle or roll in pistachios immediately. Place on wax paper lined plate and top each strip with 2 overlapping dried cranberries at the tip.

Set aside for about 20 minutes to firm up.

Recipe created by Spork Foods.

Pinterest Look for Less

Pinterest is a treasure trove of inspiration. But, have you ever come across an outfit you loved, only to realize you have no idea where to buy it? Or, maybe the items are linked, but they're way out of your budget? Well, that's exactly why I'm introducing a new monthly feature: Pinterest Look for Less. I'll be taking some top performing style pins, and showing you how to recreate the same outfit for under $150.

First up, is this cozy fall ensemble, which has been pinned almost 400 times.

Forever 21 Felt Hat

 - $17.90

Mango Cardigan

- $59.99

Uniqlo Striped Tee

- $19.90

She In Distressed Denim

- $18.20

Boohoo Block Heel Sandals

- $35.00

All for under $150. Happy Shoppping!

Fall 2015 Fashion Trends

Last week I talked about how to transition summer styles into fall, and while re-working pieces within your existing wardrobe is great, it's impossible to ignore the excitement of a brand new season and a whole new set of trends to experiment with. After scouring the Fall/Winter 2015 Runway shows and stalking all of my favorite street style stars, I've compiled a list of the 5 must-try trends for this fall.

70's Revival

featuring

brown leather handbags

Hat

Scarf

Jeans

 Blouse

Earrings

Sunglasses

Boots

Bag

Put on your favorite Fleetwood Mac CD and pile on the fringe, because the 70's are back in full swing this fall. We’re talking cinched waists, big flares, flowy bohemian tops, tonal patchwork, skinny scarves and suede galore.

70's REVIVAL (2)

Schoolyard Chic

retro shoes

Sweater

Hat

Backpack

Shoes (Similar)

Watch

Skirt

Take a classic school uniform, add some unexpected athletic twists, and a big dose of style for this next trend. There are quite a few elements which make up this look, and they’ll all be big players for fall: 1. PLAID. It wouldn’t be fall without plaid, would it? 2. Chunky Knits. (Turtlenecks are all the rage.) 3. Edgy yet classic accessories. Swap your everyday purse out for a sleek backpack, put a spin on loafers by opting for a pair with a lug sole, or simply break out your favorite baseball cap that’s been hiding in the back of your closet.

70's REVIVAL (3)

Caped Crusaders

urban outfitters jeans

Tee

Cape

Jeans

Boots

Sunglasses

Bag

Bandana

Hat

Who doesn’t want to parade around town in what is essentially, a giant blanket draped over their shoulders? Give your traditional coats a break this autumn and opt for the coziness and comfort of a cape. Choose between a blanket-like, poncho style for casual days, or a more structured version like the one above to replace your favorite peacoat.

70's REVIVAL (5)

Neo Victorian

by

alamilena

featuring

Topshop

Crop

|

Necklace

|

Clutch (Similar)

|

Earrings

|

Culottes

 |

Heels

Lace and ruffle aficionados rejoice because this next trend is taking us back centuries. Dabbling in different decades is fun, but this autumn prepare yourself for some major 19th Century drama. Neo Victorian has all the elements of classic Victorian elegance, only with a modern spin. Give it a try by matching a high-neck, lace blouse with edgy culottes and jewel-ridden accessories. If you need more inspiration, check out the

FW15 Alexander McQueen collection

.

70's REVIVAL (7)

Sky High Boots

by

alamilena

featuring

black high heel boots

Sunglasses

| 

Dress

|

Coat

|

Scarf

|

Earrings

| 

Bag

 |

Boots

Don't count this trend out just yet. When I say sky-high, I'm not referring to the heel height of the boots. More accurately, this fall's "it" boots are actually thigh-high, and typically flat or found with a chunky block heel. Longer boots are great because they allow you to continue to wear your shorter dresses without being bare-legged. You won't even need tights. (Although tights are having a big moment this fall, too.)

Which of these fall trends are you excited to wear? Leave a comment below & pin your favorite!