monday musings 005Blog Party.

A little bit of blogging etiquette this week - who uses IFB? I jumped on that bandwagon when I first started out. I was that inevitable naive newby we all evolve from on joining blogger. I thought that blogging 'stardom' happened overnight.

It doesn't.

What's my beef??

In a word - NOIWONTFOLLOWYOURFUCKINGBLOG.

I have been inundated with whiney follower requests this week, primarily from the aforementioned promotion platform. The standard, probably copy and pasted to a million others job, reads along the lines of - Love yours, follow mine in return? I doubt their senders have even checked this page or the others. A more likely situ reads like this; these so-called 'fans' probably clocked my friend grid on IFB and thought 'Ooh, popular' which opens them up to a honey pot of potential new readers. It reminds me of the myspace times. The whole pc4pc mantra. #Inot16nomore. Straight in the little trash can.

So, for future reference and for the sake of your unique users / traffic / followers and all those insignificant statistics. Just don't ask. It defeats the point. I am of a mature enough disposition to be able to decide for myself. Sprinkle your link in comments & tweets instead. You'll thank me for it in the long run.

Leaving the hating for the rating..

Onto the pardee - some sweet blogs I've recently discovered:

http://basicappeal.blogspot.com

Rating on the delectable Stevie-Rose and her capsule wardrobe. So much so that I dedicated my weekly Notion column to the lovely lass. Go check out her basic appeal (ba dum bum).

http://struttlamode.blogspot.com/

See Charlene strutting her kooky stuff in her off-beat take on transeasonal trends. Individualism at its finest. She has lush hair too which I would quite like.

http://lolitasaysso.blogspot.com/

Emma is a self-confessed lolita and free souled freelancer. Her beautifully captured daily wearings and relatable tone make for an entertaining read as well as a pretty stylish sight - a combo hard to come by in the world of fashion blogging.

http://sarah-wynne.blogspot.com/

Sarah is a native born Canadian with a penchant for short hems and high collars (new best friend?). Plentiful prettiness of outfits du jour and inspiration of all sorts stream her blog roll. Admittedly, a little M.I.A as of late, delve into her archives to warrant the wait for her return.

x

blogiversary.

The world of blogging comes with its own dictionary. 'Blogiversary' is pretty self-explanatory; Are you dressing up or dressing down? reaches the grand old age of one today. Who'd have thought it. Not me, that's fo sho. If only you got presents like real birthdays.

This thing has gone ten fold, especially in the last month or so. I am thrilled at the addition of each and every new follower. Daily stats, comments and general feedback I get is insane and suprise me on the regular. Just a few weeks ago someone named dropped my blog on campus. It's unreal how far a fashion blog can reach.

I merely started it up to keep my creative juices flowing over the three month summer break last year and to proverbailly 'pimp' my CV. It may be cringe  / lame / gay but I couldn't have got through third year without it. It's been my outlet of sanity. I cannot reccommend it enough if you want to go into writing, its more of a must these days than an added bonus.

Thank you all for the continued support. Keep on reading, commenting, following and enjoying.

Here's to many more.

x

stylish blogger award.

I've kindly been nominated for something called 'Stylish Blogger Award' by the lovely India.B you should definitely take a deeks over there, it's a very cutesy blog, even if its just to look at her lush outfits or watch her videos. To be honest, really didn't know what this crack was about but after doing some light googling all was revealed. Pretty much someone will nominate you, you then have share seven facts about yourself, nominate a handful of other blogs then mention your nominater (word?) in the post. It kindof goes round in a massive circle. Kanny.

So let's get personal..........

1. I earnt the nickname 'Crazy Helen' on the first night of freshers, it still haunts me to this day. Two years on.

2. I wish I could spend all day, everyday going for lunch. I have the world's biggest appetite serious. I'm one of those bitches who is naturally a bit on the skinny side.

3. I have already picked out what my first proper adult wage will be spent on - this and this.

4. If power naps didn't exist, I probably wouldn't. I sometimes wonder if I'm narcoleptic. Jokes I'm not that bad.

5. I find most things in life a proper joke. I laugh at everything. My repsone; it's better than crying.

6.  The Geordie accent used to make me cringe but nothing beats coming back to Newcastle and hearing "y'alreet pet?"

7. If I could swap lives with anyone it'd be a choice of Alexa Chung, Iwan Rehon's bit stuff or Our Cheryl(Cole obvz).

I never set out to make this blog all mememe but I suppose its what people want to hear on the occasion right? Get to know the author and all that. So there you are.

Here are my picks:
arty farty fashion party
fromage brie de la mer
hello you look pretty
suyinsays

Definitely check all of the above out and India.B of course. Massive thank you to her again.

bloglovin' friday / happy new year.

 Image: http://thepoliretrostation.tumblr.com/

That pretty much sums up my thinking.

I've kindly been mentioned in Toni's lastest bloglovin' friday feature at ssssht.com.

The question was - What do you want to see / afford / wish / whatever for in 2011?

Very apt considering its the last day of 2010 today. People keep asking where the year has gone, I think the whole decade has flown.

I still need an outfit for tonight. The clock is ticking.

Have fun whatever you get up to.

x

under construction.

As the observant amongst you have probably gathered, the blog is undergoing a few urgent aesthetic changes.

It's all well and good having amazing content but it has to look a bit pretty too.
This is where I struggle.

Who's the lucky girl whose best friend is the most creative lady around and just so happens to be trained up in website design?

Yes, that's me. Score. You can find / follow Megan on twitter at @PrettyEvents

We're going to get exams out of the way first, then have a proper brainstorm to make the blog a bit more cool.

Fingers crossed by the end of January you will looking at the new and very much improved are you dressing up or dressing down?

It's about time. I have high hopes.

I cannot wait.

Back to the books for now, urgh.

x

blogging interview debut.

The guys at okreko.com emailed me over the weekend saying how they loved my blog and would like for me to feature in a blogging-themed interview on their site. I was flattered. An offer I couldn't refuse.

It went a little bit like this...

When & why did you start blogging?

I started blogging in July 2010 so I by no means consider myself a dab hand at this. I had moved back home from uni for the summer holidays. Friends and family had nagged constantly as they knew of my burning desire to become a fashion journalist. Up until then, I had been too lazy to get the ball rolling. I wanted to channel my thoughts and energy into something constructive. It acted as the pefect distraction from the split with my ex. So, with too much time on my hands, I finally made the move.

Why do you like blogging, and what makes you post?
To be honest I don't think I can pin-point why I enjoy blogging. I've always loved writing and fashion so having a fashion blog let's me fufills both these interests. I find the fact that people actually readamazing. I would've never have thought.

Most bloggers find it hard to get an audience, whats your advice?

That's no secret, it is hard and very time consuming. You have to be committed and a lot more goes into it then simply posting decent content. You have to NETWORK. Having a strong presence on the blogosphere is the best piece of advice I have ever been given. It is a cliche but it's a simple case of getting your name out there. Easier said than done right? Not strictly. Post your link on facebook, comment on forums, join networks - IFB and LOOKBOOK - participate frequently with genuine, related comments. Build relationships with fellow bloggers by commenting on their posts - show that you've took time to read the post.
Get Twitter also - I'm still struggling with how to work it but its handy to have.
It won't happen overnight but it'll be worth the wait.
A few other hinters - be original, have readable content and a personal writing style. 
Your blog should reflect your personality to some degree so don't go copying other's hardwork.

Why should okreko readers follow your blog?

I'm not a big believer of the philosophy 'follow me and I'll follow back'. It defeats the point of blogging, I feel.
If opinionated insights, fashionable experiences and interesting articles are your cup of tea then check me out.

Whats a typical day like in Helen's life?
Right now my days are mainly taken up by uni work or Christmas present shopping, followed by light blogging duties and catching up with my girls of an evening over a few glasses of wine.

Whos your favourite designer?

It would have to be Chanel as it is so effortlessly classy. My new obssession though is the duo that makes up Meadham Kirchkoff. Check them boys out.

Who or What is your biggest style influence?

Two words - Alexa Chung.

Street style is amazingly inspirational too.

If you had a fashion label what would it be called?

Eek, that's a toughie. It took so long for me to come up with a blog name, it'd take lifetime to do that.

What item of clothing do you wish more people wore?

Boys in desert boots and caps.
People need to learn to buy decent fitting jeans.

What item do you think is a must have right now?

A shirt and bow-tie combo.

Describe yourself in one word.

Excitable.

I really do love doing what I do but it makes it even more worth the while when people actually read it and I get so much positive feedback. I couldn't extend my gratitude far enough.

Thank you all.

x

blogging bug.

The Internet is bursting at the seams with online reads; from trivial insights to in-depth tutorials. If someone has an idea, there probably exists a blog to accompany it. The world of fashion is no exception, in fact, it is the most covered subject in the blogosphere. And what with the new craze of tablet technology (over sized iPhones) at our disposal, it is becoming even more the main to: blog, update, follow, like, tweet etc. on the go. 
Helen Turnbull spreads the blogging bug.

There exists an unwritten rule book for online bloggers. In a nutshell; its nothing you don’t already know about simple I.C.T design and online communication. Here are my top four be’s for getting your foot in the blogging door.

1. Be Original
With an umpteen amount of fashion blogs to compete with, it can be difficult to think up purely original content. The horrid truth is that someone, somewhere has probably already covered it. The key is to find a new angle, communicate your own unique perspective. People don’t want to read the same thing over and over again, that speaks for any sort of written publication. Big newsworthy posts are time-sensitive so be sure to post as quickly as possible. Vary your content, employ a few monthly regular features to facilitate consistency. The most influential and style forward blogs are those who not only offer consistent, original content – but exclusive stories, interviews and images which set them apart from the growing number of sites begging for your readers attention. Find your niche and run with it. Great content reaps the rewards; followers will literally follow.

2. Be User-friendly
Great content needs to go hand-in-hand with a user-friendly design. Blogging has fallen sin to the laziness of the human race. In the modern world, people no longer have the time or patience to trowel through pages of text. They come to the Internet for usability. You needn’t be a html guru. Google’s blogging platform, Blogger, is adequately equipped for blogging newcomers. Like anything, it comes with practice. Balance and consistency should be your main priorities.

3. Be a Self-promoter
You may be blissfully unaware but a decent site is only the beginning to securing a firm following. There exists a  plethora of social media platforms dedicated to fashion; a fashion facebook if you like. Lookbook.nu and Independent Fashion Bloggers are amongst my favourites. They allow you to upload, vote, fan, discuss comment, love, hype. You name it. Which all equate to building relationships with other bloggers which hopefully increases traffic and consequently, your fan base. It's a question I get asked time and time again; "how do you gain followers / rep / hype" etc. The honest truth is; establishing concrete relationships with fellow bloggers is the key to acquiring an enviable blogging rep. Promote yourself professionally. I, for one, am not a believer of the “follow me and I‘ll follow you” philosophy. In my eyes it defeats the object of blogging. The way I see it; drop your link here and there (social media forums, fashion articles, other blogs) with a genuine, relevant comment. Avoid the standard “I love your blog / outfit / shoes”, at all costs. This is  UNprofessional and only demonstartes that you're capable of using copy and paste. People make up their own mind whether they’re going to visit your page in the first place, never mind follow it.

4. Be a Frequent Poster
Don’t feel you need to post every single day, it’ll soon take over your life. There is such thing as blogging addiction. Three to four weekly posts is sufficient. Your dedicated followers will expect to be updated often but you do not want to bog them down with too much to keep up with.

A perfect productive procrastination. What are you waiting for? Go get your blog on.

Sorry for the longg post. Do realise I've totally contradicted myself in that this is def not a balance. Thought I'd share it nonetheless.

x

001 Ones to Watch - November.

Going to have a ones to watch - as in a handful of blogs to follow each month. Couldn't decide whether it was best to post at the start or the end of the month. Here it is now as proper blog posts are few and far between these days. I have a very welcome reading week next week so I'll be sure to be investing some time into some decent, reader worthy posts.

1. Style Scrapbook

Professional blogger, Andy Torres, shares outfit inspiration at www.stylescrapbook.com with her daily look posts. She complements the highest of high end with high street pieces. Andy, also gives informative reports of the latest runway shows she’s attended. A definite blogging pin-up, she shows how a passion like fashion blogging can be transformed into a very worthwhile, fulfilling career.
    

2. Ring My Bell

Secret Diary of Call Girl actor, Ashley Madekwe offers realistically affordable styling ideas at www.ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com. Ashley’s favourites include Topshop and ASOS amongst the Miu Miu freebies. Her shoots are adorable.

3. LLYMLRS

Graphic student, Lily Melrose, the brains behind www.llymlrs.com, illustrates just how easy fashion blogging can be. Her recommendations and reviews on all things high street are invaluable. With a generous wealth of followers, Lily has earned an extremely credible reputation in the blogosphere.

4. Thrills and Frills

The twenty-something author shares her stylish musings at www.thrillsandfrills.blogspot.com picking out quirky fashionable finds. The amateur photography is a refreshing difference to the staged, edited illustrations that fill most fashion blogs. There’s a fine line between fashion and photography blogs these days.

5. Suck My Savy

Graham Haynes at www.suckmysavvy.blogspot.com provides a kooky style inspiration fix for the boys without being queer; a rare find in the male fashion blogosphere.

If you’re serious about fashion blogging and need a heads up don’t hesitate to email any of the above authors. In my experience, they’ve been pretty willing to offer their advice.

x

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Pretty please.