Pinterest Tips

In the past month I have been asked quite a bit how I've grown my following on Pinterest, so I thought I would write a post sharing some simple tips based on my experience. First, I can honestly say I don't have a strategy in place other than I really focus on pinning things that ONLY fall in line with my personal brand. What do I mean by that? I only pin things that I REALLY love - that I would actually make or buy or own or say or do. I don't pin stuff that just sounds cool or that I think would get a lot of repins. That is the golden rule.

Some other simple tips are...

1. Pin every day. It's just like blogging. You have to keep your content fresh and use the tool every day to interact with your followers and get new ones.

2. Content is king. Again, it's just like a blog. New and original content is more likely going to catch someone's eye than the same image that has been repinned a bagillion times by people. 80% of the content on pinterest is made up on repins. Try to be the 20%.

3. Vertical images are more noticeable than horizontal.

4. People LOVE recipes and home decor!

5. Don't use silly phrases to label your boards. Just say exactly what the board is about.

6. When putting in a description don't write an essay. Just write exactly what it is, how much it costs and where it is from. It's more searchable that way. SO many people use Pinterest as an image search tool, so make your pins easier to find and you could end up with more followers.

7. Take time to edit your board covers. Make sure they are great representations of what your board is about and eye-catching images.

Continue to enjoy Pinterest as for what it is intended - a way to catalog things you love. Don't focus on numbers. Just have fun and enjoy it!

Fall 2012 Trend Watch

As I mentioned last week, stores are getting rid of their summer clothes to make room for pre-fall collections. Can you believe it?! So, what can you expect to see? Well, I was just chatting with a friend, and I mentioned to her that fashion has really gone in many directions this past year and will continue to do the same this fall. You can pretty much say there are 'no rules.' You'll still see chiffon, white, pastels, bright lips and even maxi skirts and dresses as the cooler weather rolls in.

So, I thought I would share with you some of the things that I am personally most looking forward to sporting and seeing this autumn.

1. Berry Lips - People with olive complexions are going to love this beauty trend. Purple tones always look beautiful with olive skin. I really love how Badgley Mischa and Louis Vuitton brought this beauty style to life in their 2012 Pre-Fall collections. (photo by Nasty Gal)

2. Nods to the 1920s - Just like Mad Men influenced fashion with its popularity, Downton Abbey and soon The Great Gatsby will have influenced fashion to repeat some styles of the 1920's. Drop waists, pleats, intricate beading, fur...You'll see all of those fashion traits pop up in retail stores. Alberta Ferreti and SportMax are great examples.

3. The return of green - Did you know that green happens to be my favorite color? Yep! It has been for many years, but surprisingly I don't wear it that much. I think that has more to do with the fact that it rarely is a popular color in fashion. This fall it's making it's way to the top though. Ports 1961, Doo.ri, Reed Krakoff and Derek Lam all used this pretty color in their pre-fall collections.

4. Peplums - I shared this micro trend this past spring, and it looks as though it has stuck around for fall and winter too. So, jump on the peppy train, and add some femininity to your outfits just like designers Rebecca Minkoff and Alice by Temperley.

Stay tuned for more, and until then, have fun stocking up on summer goods!

Details to Remember When Preparing for a Photo Shoot

I just had my maternity shoot with Gina Meola (sneek peak), and it reminded me to pass on little details that can really help make your photos a touch better.

1. Paint your nails - When a photographer poses you chances are your hands or feet are in the photo too. A pop of pretty color that is complementary to your outfit choice can be just the tiny trick to bring everything together.

2. Crest Whitening Strips - They really do work! A couple days before the shoot whiten your teeth a bit with some strips. It'll make your smile sparkle all of the more.

3. A flip of the hair - Just before the camera starts clicking away, flip your hair upside down and rub your fingers quickly along your scalp to give your hair some volume.

4. Dry Cleaning or Steaming - Dry clean or steam all of your clothes that you are going to wear for your photo session. It will ensure picture perfection.

5. Clean your jewelry - Grab an old tooth brush, some warm water and soap and clean those earring, rings and necklaces so that they sparkle in the light.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Summer Sales - Where to Shop

We just celebrated the 4th of July, and according to the fashion world summer is officially over now. Yep! It's over. Stores are putting all of their summer gear on sale, getting ready to bring in fall transitional items that will make you wish you were going back to school just so you can wear your new clothes for the first day.

By early September (just two months away), you'll start to see fall looks in full swing.

When you're sitting in 110 degree heat this seems absurd, but for the fashion lover like me I count down to this time of year. haha. It means MAJOR sale time, and a preview of the beautiful, autumn fashions to come.

First things first, where should you be shopping these major sales?

1. URBAN OUTFITTERS - They are having a crazy sale right now. I've never seen shoes SO cheap. This sale is happening in stores AND online. So, don't worry if you don't have a store close to you.

2. MADEWELL - This store along with J.Crew is my favorite of all time. It's just my style down to the T. So, of course, I'm super excited that ALL of their sale items are an ADDITIONAL 30% off when you use the code SALEAWAY. Right now they have some super adorable shoes on sale, as well as some sweaters and dresses that I've been eying for awhile.

3. ANTHROPOLOGIE - Ah yes, the store that has so many beautiful things at high prices...Well, now you can finally get your paws on the summer styles that you've been wanting without breaking the bank. Score colored denim, sequined skirts and silk blouses for under $100 with Anthro's summer sale. It's an additional 25% off the lowest price!!!

Go out shopping and stock up! Colored denim, button down shirts, exposed backs will all remain popular next year.

All photos from Anthropologie.

Americana

Happy 4th of July! I have some of the fondest memories celebrating America's Independence Day. Almost every year I have spent the 4th in New England - the most patriotic part of the U.S. In fact, did you know that Bristol, Rhode Island (where my mom's side of the family is from) has the oldest 4th of July parade in the history of the U.S.?

Every year we would wake up early to plant our lawn chairs on the side of the road to watch the parade go by. We would buy fresh lemonade from the food trucks and stuff our faces with clam cakes.

Then once it got dark, we would pack coolers with snacks and drinks and sit on the boat to watch fireworks blast across the ocean.

Maybe it's these fond memories of New England and the American spirit that has made me LOVE the preppy, all-American style.

I hope you have a fabulous 4th filled with family, friends and fireworks! Now, to start counting down the days until Halloween!!!

Sources: Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Best Fashion Blog, Brooklyn Blonde, The Best Fashion Blog