This outfit is a melody of love because I love the patterns and colors. This skirt is so versatile and a great statement piece. Perfect for a date or girl’s night out to see a show, fancy dinner, or smooth party.
Wearing: Forever 21 blazer, New York & Company blouse, Woodin skirt, DSW shoes
This is a typical outfit I would wear to take a study break, run errands, or hang out. Comfy sweaters are so easy to spruce up with a pair of jeans and fun flats.
Wearing: Marshalls sweater, New York & Company jeans, Dillards flats
Can I geek out for a moment? These photos look like an old advertisement…maybe if Target had its current brand in the 1990s. The angle of the sun coming from my window created those glare bubbles. This is not a filter! I was pretty excited while I was editing because I have never created that effect with my camera before.
Instead of Editor and Chief, this outfit is for the Vogue and Chief. She can wear this outfit to direct a fashion show, celebrate the launch of a fashion magazine, make a public appearance at a VIP luncheon, or even be interviewed on local TV. There are a lot of details in this outfit to appreciate, from the color scheme to the various patterns. Another bonus, the skirt has pockets.
Wearing: WHBM blazer, New York & Company blouse, Marshalls skirt, Shoe Dazzle shoes, Emma Bird Accessories earrings, Forever 21 necklace, Girl Talk watch
Ready for some more fabulous inspiration? We, a group of Houston fashionistas, are collaborating to bring you fun style challenges. Check out the Print Mix series and show them some love.
We are about our business. Blogging is a business. So, let’s chat. If you have been following my blogging tips or Pinterest blog ideas board, you know I have been working to create an enjoyable and substantial experience here. One of the things I enjoy about blogging is the endless possibilities it can branch out to. From content series, collaborations, and expansions, there is always some experiment to tinker with and share. For example, I have been pushing myself to incorporate more visuals in all of my posts and I am enjoying the challenge of thinking outside of the box when I write.
With that being said, as lovely as all of this content is, we all would like to be paid for our brilliance. Understandable. As the blogosphere has evolved over the past few years, I have noticed a trend for uniform monetization. Advertisements, affiliate programs, and sponsored posts are level 1 and webinars, e-courses, and e-books are level 2. Additionally, if you are not interested in being a life coach, blog coach, or some coach, you can sell mugs or planners with cute quotes. Now, I salute all the bloggers out there who are providing these services or learning how to provide these services. You are changing the face of entrepreneurship and dissolving barriers.
There are a few things I am not too keen about with this monetization trend. I feel like some of us have lost sight of the bigger picture. There are too many empty blog posts being written today. Must every post lead to a semi-sales pitch for a newsletter? Must all readers be lured as aimless consumers? Must all of our social media accounts be engaged robots? I think we need to create a balance.
As big as the web is, it has become saturated. As content creators, we are always thinking of the best way to share our work to reach the biggest audience. Even with the automated services, pre-scheduling strategies, and hashtag practices, are we willing to sacrifice our substance?
I do not have advertisements on my site (except for the little ones WordPress keeps to persuade me to upgrade to premium). The links in my life or style posts are not affiliated. I genuinely share other products or content because I think it is cool and figure you might like it too. My preference in monetizing, which might be influenced by my experience as a freelance journalist, is based on content and community. I prefer getting paid to produce work that is authentic to enhance my community. A digital influencer should not only direct you towards what to buy. The purpose behind our gifts stretches beyond that. The challenge is recognizing that value.
Again, blogging is a business. I am excited to see all the innovation growing from it. Maybe we can also re-define what kind of business it is.
What do you think about monetizing blogs? Do you treat your blog as a business? How do you balance the value of your content with the value of your profit? Let me know in the comments below.
This outfit has a modern and retro feel that is appropriate for work, lunch or tea with friends or co-workers, or a fancy visit to a bookstore. This is one of my favorite thrifted blouses because the colorful pattern balances the full button-up. It can be dressed chic or chill.
Wearing: Thrifted blouse, H&M blazer, J. Crew skirt, DSW heels
I am continuing to experiment with my photography. I found a wholesale fabric store and bought some colors to use as a backdrop. I like how it adds to the portraits. Now I need to master the right angle for my camera and this stool.
We have grown to see vulnerability as a weakness. It makes us cry. It makes us doubt our worth. It embellishes past hurt.
We see strength in facing our fears. Push beyond our doubts even if we are limping. Sacrifice in spite of the pain.
I did that. I’ve been doing that. As I continued to limp up that mountain of disappointment, the clouds grew thicker and the walls around my heart grew taller. I was not carrying baggage. Life is too short to hold grudges. But you cannot ignore scars that refuse to heal.
Thus, my inner ninja successfully keeps everyone at a safe distance. The walls around my heart turn into steel and the sparkle of laughter behind my eyes fade. I feel tired all the time. What is the point? A question that lurks in every corner of my mind.
What’s the point of striving with no recognition?
What’s the point of dreaming with so many people suffering?
What’s the point of giving with no reciprocation?
What’s the point of feeling with so little meaning?
I have grown to see vulnerability as healing. It will take time to dismantle the barrier I built and it is a constant inner-battle to keep the clouds away. Being vulnerable does not only pertain to emotions. I want to restore being open to the people, experiences, and good that I have earned. That mountain of disappointments I referred to earlier could be a simple hiccup depending on your perspective. I have the power to choose that perspective.
There is a lot of literature, songs, programs, etc about being happy. It is a pretty lucrative business. Why do you think that is the case? We are all searching for answers we believe we don’t have. Yes, I know I am the only one responsible for my happiness…but I also need a downloadable worksheet, an Instagram challenge to follow, and a periscope series to tune in. Sound familiar? We do not give ourselves enough credit. We are too preoccupied ignoring the answers within.
I want to restore my vulnerability to enhance my existence. For the past two weeks I have consciously altered my daily routine and habits to continue this process and I can already feel the difference. It is not perfect, but I do feel better. Here is what I am doing:
There are also a number of bloggers and writers I turn to for encouragement and inspiration with this process. Regardless of what stage I am going through, they always have something that resonates exactly with what I am feeling.
Tyece Wilkins – Her posts are witty and insightful that encourage you to be unapologetically authentic.
GG Renee – Her posts and newsletter explores the many layers of being a soulful woman and make you think and reflect on what you can do better.
Jen Carrington – Her weekly newsletter as a creative mentor are motivating and insightful.
Amber Janae – Her posts reflect on self-love and life balance with practical experiences and encouragement.
I hope you found this helpful. It was not easy writing this, but I feel better knowing that what I am doing is working and that this might help someone feeling the same way. What are you doing to restore your vulnerability? Let me know in the comments below.
Dagny Zenovia 