New Blogger Tips & Intro to Blogging Greatness

As some of you know, I recently finished up teaching a course for beginning bloggers. It was a great experience for me, I met some awesome people and got them to revamp their blogs and some just start out. But I feel like in blogging, you are always learning. It's an every-growing community and as we established these blogs, I feel like I learned just as much from my students. Especially one student, Nan, who started writing a comedy blog for the 65+ crowd. She's hilarious and so insightful and I'm excited to see where her blog goes.

With that in mind, I think the November Blogathon prompts for Thursday and Friday (both of which I'm doing today) were right on point to what I've been thinking a lot about recently when it comes to blogging. So here we go!

If you could tell your novice blogger self 3 tips...

1 - Build a community.
I really just started writing this blog so my family and friends would read it and know that I was having fun and was safe while living in downtown Pittsburgh. I have had other blogs before and this one was not started to get lots of page views, it is not created to be SEO friendly, even though at the time that's all I was doing in work. But when the greater Pittsburgh community started to catch on to what I was writing and more people became followers, it started to find a bigger purpose for this space. Which was nice and I'm glad to see that a lot of those early followers continued to read even when I moved out of the city, because my content has certainly changed since then. But those followers, bloggers and non-bloggers, have really opened a lot of doors for me and while that wasn't my intention, I really appreciate it.

2 - Fellow bloggers are not your competition.
I do not like that a lot of bloggers are just in it now to monetize and a lot of "How to Start a Blog" posts are dedicated to making money off your blog right away. I feel like doing that leads to you being unauthentic and leads you to not make friends with other bloggers because you view them as your competition. That is dumb. Blogging is supposed to be about the community not the advertising dollars, and while those are nice, hating a fellow blogger in your niche is pretty lame.

3 - Allow yourself a break whenever you need it.
I hear about blogger burnout too much. If you've followed along here for a while, then you know that I believe in giving myself mini-breaks from blogging whenever I feel like it. I wish more bloggers were like that, because readers can tell when your heart isn't into it and I never want that feeling to come across to my readers. Give yourself time off if you want/need it.

Now skipping over to Friday's prompt - Introduce 3 bloggers you follow and why.

Sarah Hartley | Midwest Muse | Sincerely, Sara
Photos are the property of Sarah, Jessica, and Sara, respectively.

Sarah Hartley - Sarah has made an appearance here a couple times, and she will always be my first blogger pick. She's one of the first bloggers I really started to follow consistently and I like that she's built a community that has followed her from fashion blogger girlfriend to mommy of the cutest little boy, with the perfect husband. I like that she's become more open over time to sharing about herself and now I cannot even believe how transparent she is with her readers. She's really grown and it's been an amazing journey to watch unfold over the screen. She's got great style, a fresh sense of humor and plenty of baby pictures to show off her cute little man.

Midwest Muse - Jessica is amazing. She has the best style that I have ever seen, has the best taste in music and generally just doesn't give a shit what people think, and I LOVE it. Jessica takes a week off from blogging and doesn't really need to give an excuse as to why because her readers pick up right where she left off. She changes her hair drastically on a whim and still knows how to style it better than anyone who has had that hair for years. She's basically a unicorn living in Ohio and I cannot get enough of her and her blog. Also, her photographer boyfriend takes the most gorgeous pictures of her that her whole blog just looks like an indie magazine you need to be reading.

Sincerely, Sara - I found this Sara through reading Sarah Hartley's blog and have to say that I'm glad I did. Sara is someone I admire because she is so consistent and her blog reads like she wrote it just to you. She has clear goals about her future and her blog, she tells you upfront what she blogs about and when, and she is always producing quality content in her niche. She's making the rest of us mid-twenties bloggers look unorganized and I actually love it because she is just so good. She's also a bookworm, so always one to recommend good reads.

So, who are your favorite bloggers?

And what wisdom would you share with new bloggers?

November Blogathon: 30 Things About Me

If you haven't noticed, I have been in a bit of a blogging funk. So to remedy that, I'm joining in on the November Blogathon Blog Challenge, hosted by Kristen of the MRS. & the MOMMA. She has set up prompts for every weekday of November and while I won't be using all of them (because I want to still continue with Chels Wears and Fashion Forward Fridays) for the most part, I will be following along!

Her first prompt is: There are 30 days in November, share 30 facts about yourself!

I really like this prompt because I always like to know more about who the person behind the blog is,

so here's some things about me that you might not know!

Photo by Maddie B. Photography

1. While typing this, I'm watching the Steelers game and it's really hard to pay attention to things about me, but I'll try my best.

2. Everyone says I have the wine taste of a 90 year old woman. I like the super dry stuff.

3. Three is my favorite number.

4. That is only significant because I really only like numbers that end in 0 or 5 because I have OCD.

5. Marion Claire Stationery is my pride and joy and seriously a dream come true.

6. I remember specific moments of my life by what I was wearing while they happened.

7. Pinterest has really made me start to enjoy cooking and I wish I didn't work so many nights so I could cook more.

8. I have been to Consol so many times since it opened and yet, not one of those times has been to see the Penguins play. #badyinzer

9. Every time I hear Wannabe by the Spice Girls, I think about my friend Katie from elementary school and dancing around her basement after school to that song.

10. I still have the Gettysburg Address memorized from when we had to recite it for credit in 7th grade.

11. I wish I lived closer to Seton Hill just so I could have an excuse to drive up that beautiful hill in the fall more often.

12. Anytime someone tells me they are not a feminist I feel like they really just need to be told what the word means. Equality. That's it. Not a battle of the sexes.

13. I'm a huge fan of indie movies. So much so that my Family Video staff calls single-title new releases "Chelsea movies" when explaining them to customers. (I have good taste, this usually creates a sale.)

14. MJ and I will celebrate our 5th anniversary on the 14th of this month.

15. I love roller coasters and have ever since I hit the height requirement.

16. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Let the countdown begin!

17. I started my first blog when I was 13.

18. I actually really like bartending but I wish the general public knew how to properly treat and tip anyone in the service industry.

19. My favorite part of Christmas is wrapping the presents.

20. I love wrapping presents so much that every year I consider starting a babysitting business that allows parents to drop off their kids with me to go shopping and then when they're done, drop off their presents with me and take their kids while I wrap their gifts for them. (I'll do this for people I know but if anyone steals this idea for a real business, please hire me.)

21. I tried on four outfits this morning (Sunday) before deciding on wearing the first thing I put on.

22. Facetious is my favorite word.

23. I always give a children's book with baby shower gifts.

24. I want few things more than I want to see the Pirates win the World Series.

25. Just realized I mentioned all three Pittsburgh sports teams in this.

26. I miss being a camp counselor, but could probably never live like that for a whole summer again.

27. I'm really proud of the students in Blogging Basics class and cannot wait to see how their blogs grow now that they're all ready and set up. Our last class meeting is this Thursday.

28. I almost hate to admit how much I like rap music.

29. To be fair, I love all kinds of music, I just think rap is such an art. People talk/singing really fast is impressive.

30. I hate how many of these sentences I started with I.

Chels Wears: Warm Autumn Pattern Mixing

Bag, Jeans, Scarf, Necklace & Ring: WalMart | Top: Peebles | Boots: Urbanog

So recently, it has been pretty warm for fall around here. I don't mind because I heard that this winter is supposed to be the worst ever for this area (trusty Old Farmer's Almanac), and I thought last year was AWFUL. I hate snow and ice. But I really do like fall and the slight crisp feeling in the air, so it can start to ease it's way back in, just not full blown winter yet, please!

I have been in love with this top since I laid eyes on it. I really like the little zippers on the shoulders and the high-low look. Not to mention, it's really easy to do simple pattern mixing because the back has stripes but the front is plain. I'm a big fan. It's one of the only items I've bought from Peebles that I've been overwhelmingly pleased with. Usually I get something from there and, while it will do, it just slightly misses the mark for me. To be frank, I've bought a good bit of times from them, yet can only think of four items I have in my closet and actually love to wear from them. That's actually pretty sad, considering I have more items from the dollar store that I consider to be better clothing. Time to up your game, Peebles.

What favorite pieces have you fallen for recently?

What's In My Bag: Everyday

I've seen a good number of these kind of posts and have to say that I'm obsessed with them. I'm a pretty nosy person in general so seeing bloggers post about stupid stuff like what's in their purses is right up my alley. So I thought I'd share the same with you guys today. This will be a super-mini series, but I'm hoping you'll think it's fun! To start us off I did the everyday bag because it's the most essential. I usually mix up my bag every other week or so, but the contents are always the same. However, not pictured is a water bottle from Victoria's Secret. It was taking up too much room in my photos so I decided to take it out, even though I don't go anywhere without one!

As you can see, I've got plenty of reading material! I have recently canceled all of my magazine subscriptions, so I only buy them now if someone I really like is on the cover, which seems to be less and less, haha. This is the first ever issue of Vanity Fair that I've bought and it's all because of that stud, Jon Hamm. And I always have a book and the current month's Family Video release list, I feel like I always have to have it on hand. People know I work there and will ask me randomly if anything good is coming out soon, so I like to be prepared. Besides that, I feel like everything else is pretty standard; wallet, keys, phone, bobby pins and hair ties, pens and highlighters (I highlight my planner), eos lip balm (I'm obsessed!), planner, headphones, tampon case cleverly disguised as a makeup bag, a little mist, glasses case and of course my checkbook in a Steelers cover. Who doesn't have one of those?

What's in your everyday bag?

Blogger Q & A: from Jess

A blogger friend of mine, Jess, has tagged me in a Q&A post, which I love! I always like when bloggers do these kind of posts because you get to learn more about the person behind the blog, which is important. So I will continue the tag as well, for any of you interested in possibly filling this out as well, the ones I've tagged will be at the end of this post! Otherwise, grab some coffee, sit back and get to know me a little more!

01// If you could live any place in the world, where would it be?
Washington D.C. - I love every time I've been to D.C. and would love to live there.

02// What do you miss most about being a kid?
Every day dance classes. I took these for granted sometimes when I was younger and I really miss them now.

03// Who or what inspires you?
Varies Bible verses. I always see them pop up in my life seemingly in a random way and know that God has a plan.

04// Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Let's see, 34. Hopefully a successful career, married to MJ and with a couple of cute little brats.

05// Your 50th birthday party- who's invited?
Anyone who wants to be there, hello, 50 and fabulous!

06// What are your strengths?

Getting to know people on a personal level, even when just meeting them. Honestly, this is my biggest strength. I don't know what it is about me, but people seem to want to tell me all of their business even when we have just met. I've been on interviews where I learn more about the interviewers extended family then I'd ever need to know. I don't judge people by the junk in their life so I think it makes them feel comfortable to talk to me about anything.

07// What are things you want to improve on?
Patience. 

08// Places you've traveled to?
All within the U.S. and Canada but oh, the places I wish to go!

09// What is a routine you could never do without?
Honestly, waking up and brushing my teeth is the only routine I rely on, after that, my days are never the same or have any kind of routine to them. 

10// What was an act of kindness shown towards you that caught you by surprise?
Recently a customer yelled at me at Family Video because they had a re-rental fee on their account, there is literally nothing I can do to take that off, you must pay for it. She stormed off and the guy behind her just came up to the counter and said, "some people suck, brush it off." It wasn't much, but it's what I needed in that moment.

11// List some of the best times in your life in less than one minute. ready...go! (don't cheat!) 
Sundays at Gram's house, Disney World, Niagara Falls (both times), New Orleans mission trip in 2007, Seton Hill...all of it, Living in downtown Pittsburgh, Steelers game with Eric and any Pirates game I have ever been to.

And I tag: Sara, Setarra, Toni, Nicole, Danielle, Lauren,

Elizabeth, Kristin, Callie, Rachel, and Anna Belle.

Have fun, ladies!

Fashion Forward Fridays: Reader Submitted - Meet Denise!

Happy Friday! I'm very excited to have a reader submission for today's Fashion Forward Fridays since I haven't had one for a while! Today I'm introducing to you a friend of mine from Seton Hill, Denise. She's a great girl and has recently launched her own blog, Beauty Beyond The Scale, so I was very excited when she submitted photos because I knew this would be a great time to introduce you to her blog as well. I hope you enjoy her interview and sense of style!

How would you define your style?
My style is very modest, professional, & dressy. Nothing is too formal for me. I like skirts, dresses, & fancy blouses. I especially love layering. Black leggings, cardigans, & big, chunky statement jewelry are a staple in my wardrobe. Also, I love black clothes & that's what most of my wardrobe consists of.

Where are you favorite places to shop?
Honestly, the majority of the pieces I buy come from thrift stores. I love that I can find unique things there, save money, recycle, & put my money toward charity all at the same time. There are a lot of great reasons to shop at thrift stores. Other than that, I'll shop anywhere I see something I like. I'm not picky at all.

If someone asked you for fashion advice what would you tell them?
Wear whatever you want. Do whatever makes you happy & confident. Honestly, don't ever worry about what other people think. I can't stress that enough. You don't want to live your life doing things just to please other people. There's nothing wrong with breaking "rules" when it comes to fashion, makeup, & beauty.

Tell us a little bit about your blog and why you started it.
 I love makeup, fashion, & all things beauty. I also struggle with my weight. I am currently implementing lifestyle changes to put an end to that struggle. Over the past year, I’ve lost 40 pounds and plan to continue losing weight & becoming a healthier person. In the summer of 2012, I started having health issues, no doubt because of my unhealthy lifestyle & food choices. I developed a stomach ulcer, Acid Reflux Disease, & became really depressed about the state of my health & overall self esteem. I set out to teach myself how to be a healthier person & to try & cure myself without having to start a course of scary medication at such a young age. Since then, I’m happy to say that I have cured my ulcer, have far less severe episodes of Acid Reflux, & have changed my attitude about life completely. With my blog, I want to share the things I have learned so far that have helped me, as well as things I am currently learning. I’m by no means, a health expert, but I have learned a tremendous amount of things that have helped me & my health. On my blog, I discuss healthy eating, exercise, makeup, fashion, & anything else that I have learned to help me build my self esteem & appreciate my own beauty beyond the number on the scale.

What do you hope to accomplish as a blogger?
I realize that there are so many blogs in the beauty, fashion, & health community that having your voice heard is hard. That's fine. I don't have to receive millions of views. If I can have even a few people read what I have to say & take away something positive that might help them, I've done what I'm here to do. 


Anything else you'd like to add...
Love yourself as you are now, today, just as God loves you. Express yourself & be unique. Otherwise, you're denying both yourself & everyone around you.

Hope you enjoyed reading through her interview as much as I did! Such good advice and inspiration. If you'd like to be featured on an upcoming Fashion Forward Fridays Reader Submitted post, email me at chelsandthecity(at)gmail(dot)com

- whether you're a blogger or not, I'd love to feature a fellow fashionista! 

Happy Weekend!

Fashion Week: Wrap-Up & Winner Announcement!

I hope you all enjoyed the 2nd Annual Chels & the City Fashion Week! I have really enjoyed hosting Sara, Toni, Danielle, Jessica, and Meagan. Thank you, ladies for allowing me to interview you and being such a vital part of this week. You five are amazing and I am so glad that I am able to call each of you a friend. I really mean that. These five and the relationship I've built with each of them over the last year or two has been incredible and just goes to show how great blogging can be if you put in the time and energy it deserves. 

And thank you, sweet readers, for sharing this week with your friends, coming back everyday to see the next featured blogger and interacting with us through commenting and entering in the giveaway. You all are what makes blogging worth while and I'm sure I can speak for all of us in saying thank you so much for following along this week! But now onto the part you all have come here for, the winner of the $50 Target gift card is....drum roll, please...

JENNA DILLON! CONGRATS!

Please email me at chelsandthecity(at)gmail(dot)com by Sunday at 11pm to claim your prize!
If prize is not claimed within this time frame, a new random winner will be selected.

Thank you to all who entered for making this week such a success! Have a great weekend!

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Fashion Week: Meet Meagan of Because of Jackie!

Happy Friday! I hope you all have enjoyed Fashion Week and are entering the giveaway so you can get a jump start on your new spring wardrobe! Today's featured fashion blogger is Meagan from Because of Jackie. 

I've been following Meagan's blog for about a year or so now and have been boundlessly inspired by her blogging and fashion advice, and how she is able to be such a great mom to her two littles while taking her blogging further and further as a business. She's super serious about blogging and I love that she shares that passion and professionalism on her blog and really, I think, inspires the rest of us to take it to the next level. I also love that Meagan is not afraid to mix it up with different colors and patterns and doesn't limit herself to one style. She's bohemian one day and rocker the next, and she looks awesome in it all. Hope you enjoy her interview today and her fun style!

All photos provided by Meagan.

How would you define your style? 

I like an edge to what I wear, but with some feminine touches as well. I love studs, fringe, black and gray, but also enjoy floral headbands and a boho sensibility. I feel my best in those two styles and I sometimes mix the two as well.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

I love Target for the price point and the constant new styles, I also really enjoy browsing Asos and Forever 21 online.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet? 

I love Target's boyfriend tee's. I buy an XL for the slouch factor and constantly buy the white, black and grey versions when my old ones get worn out. I also have a pair of black, buckled ankle boots from Target that literally go with everything. 

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

I like to browse Pinterest for different looks to try, and often recreate a theme or look I find on there. A lot of times I find when I am in a rush I pick some fun looks because I don't have time to edit or second guess myself. This can either go really well or terribly wrong;)

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them? 

I think the best advice is to dress in a way that makes YOU happy. Don't worry about what other people will think, just wear things that put a bounce in your step and smile on your face.

When and why did you start fashion blogging? 

I started three years ago after finding a popular fashion blogger on Pinterest and was so intrigued! It has been a great journey of experimentation for me and finding myself after haven two kids back to back.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging? 

I think I am more fearless in trying new styles and looks. I don't care as much about my "fails," because I just don't take it all that seriously. I also try not to get sucked into the trend game, I dress for me and like to let me own personality show and no one else's.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out? 

I think new bloggers should work on their photography and layout skills. Please! No inside photos, or photos in your front entry (I've done both!) Location and posing is more important than you think. As is photo quality, size, and your blog design and layout.

Anything else you'd like to add…

Every blogger starts out with 1 follower and awful photos (I sure did.) The main point is to grow and learn from your mistakes and take it one day at a time!

Because of Jackie | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram

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Fashion Week: Meet Jessica of Midwest Muse!

Hoping you all are having a fantastic week! With Fashion Week winding down, I just want to thank you all for following along so far and remind you we're not done yet! And the giveaway winner will be announced on Saturday so be sure to enter to get some great new pieces for spring!

Today, I'm so excited to introduce you to Jessica of Midwest Muse! I honestly don't know when I started to follow Jessica because it feels like I always have. She is easily one of my favorite bloggers and I think her style is unparalleled. How she combines feminine and edgy pieces blows my mind, seriously, she's amazing. I gushed about her in a post last week and have to say it again, she's making Ohio look cool. (That's a big thing for a Pittsburgher to say!) She also has a fantastic taste in music, if I do say so myself, considering we like a lot of the same bands. I feel like had we met in high school, we would've been friends to this day. I hope you enjoy meeting her today and checking out her impeccable style.

All photos provided by Jessica.

How would you define your style? 

I would define my style as being feminine yet edgy.

Where are your favorite places to shop? 

I will shop anywhere with a sales rack and the thrift store. I am so beyond thrifty with my clothes. I like to look great, but I also don't like to spend too much money. Thrifting and sales are perfect for this. Of course, I make exceptions, but it usually involves a lot of waiting and making sure that I NEED a piece over $40 or whatever.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet? 

Dresses. Dresses are my go-to. This sounds generic, but basically any dress that is easy to put on (doesn't require someone to zip, complicated buttons) or skirts + band t-shirts. That's been my main winter go-to. I like to keep it simple.

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

My style is completely based on my moods and practicality. I am always out and about and I want to be comfortable yet stylish. It's sometimes a hard line to balance, but it's necessary. I am also inspired by the weather (duh), my friends, and colors. Inspiration is everywhere if you understand how to interpret it.

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

Style isn't what everyone else is wearing. Style is what you want to wear. What you feel good in. What you love. Take whatever that is and own it. Even if it's not what the masses are wearing/loving. Seriously. Just be you and your confidence will be enough to make everyone believe in your choices.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I've been into the Internet since I discovered it in middle school. I started off on Livejournal and have been on various blogging platforms before blogging was a term. For my sixteenth birthday, my Dad got me a digital camera (when they were first become affordable) and from there my love of cameras blossomed. I eventually upgraded and started taking self-portraits. My style was evolving and while my portraits were more "artsy" I really enjoyed it. This is about the time that style blogging became a thing. I read a lot and I was like, "I can do this!" So basically, it was me combining my love of photography, blogging, and style. It was a perfect creative outlet for me. Though I had no idea what I was doing when I started. I think this was 2 1/2 years ago.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

I think my style was much more basic when I started. I wasn't sure how to put together outfits or what I liked beyond dresses. I think my style has evolved into my style. Does that make sense? At first I just liked clothes and now it's a lot more than that. I know exactly what I like and why I like it. I know what works and what doesn't. Which I think just means that I've learned to understand how to dress my body better. Which is to say, I'm sure there are outfits in my archives that I am ashamed of.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

My advice is this: look around at the blogs you love, at blogs that make you want to blog, think about why you like these blogs. Is it the style? The photography? Their lifestyles? The articles? The design? Take that in, make note and decide which part of those you want to document and which align with your life. Make realistic goals. Realize that your blog will not be a success overnight and that you must cultivate it. For me, coming up with a good name & design are the first steps. Everything else can be built around that. Your goals and ideals will change once you start blogging, but it's important to start off with the right ideas.

Also I think it's important to note that you don't need fancy cameras, expensive software, designer clothes. Just be you and use what you have. You will learn so much just from blogging. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you do, everything else will eventually happen if you work hard.

Lastly, network, network, network. Building and fostering organic relationships is the most important. The big bloggers you admire aren't going to come to your blog (probably), but other bloggers most definitely will. Some of the best people I know I have met from fashion blogging and met them in real life. It's that AWESOME.

Midwest Muse | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

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Fashion Week: Meet Danielle of Goodwillista!

We're halfway through Fashion Week! I hope you are all enjoying it so fair and are being inspired to refresh your wardrobe through these lovely ladies and our giveaway! Today's featured fashion blogger is Danielle of Goodwillista!

I'm so excited to have Danielle on my blog today because she is just a little ray of sunshine! Every time I visit her blog, I am so inspired but her outfits and her positive outlook on life. I feel like I've been following along with her blog from the day she started it and it has been a joy to see her blog grow because if anyone deserves some recognition, it's this girl! Danielle is a southern girl and that charm just shines through her writing and (more obviously) her great smile. And she is also one of the thriftiest ladies I know, hence her blog name. I'm always so impressed by how little she spends on an outfit but how fabulous she always looks. She was even super thrifty with her wedding and all the details of it blow my mind. Luckily for us, she always shares some great thrifting tips too! Enjoy!

All photos provided by Danielle.

How would you define your style?

I always struggle with this question! I would say that I'm a touch of girly mixed with simplicity.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

Goodwill, Plato's Closet, Old Navy, and Kohl's

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

My lace blouse, coral blazer, lace dress, cognac boots, and my newest love, my fur vest. 

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

Most of the time I just wear what I like and feel good in, but I definitely get a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and other bloggers. When I'm feeling stumped on a new way to wear something, I'll go to Pinterest and search the item I want to wear or I'll go stalk a blogger who I know has a similar item!

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

Dress in way that makes you feel confident in your own skin! You can try wearing all the trends in the world, but if you don't feel comfortable in them, they're pointless! My best days are days when I'm wearing an outfit that I am completely in love with. If you don't feel like you in something, I say get rid of it.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started blogging the summer of 2012 after realizing a trend going on… Someone would tell me that they loved my shirt/pants/scarf/etc., and naturally I’m one of those people who has to tell you where I got it, so I’d tell them, “Goodwill!” and they were always in shock! So, I decided to start a blog to inspire others that you can still look great without spending a fortune!

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

I'm definitely more aware of trends now. I also learned the power of remixing my closet. I now try to find many different ways to wear different pieces in my closet! (I have a link up each month called Many Days, Many Ways ... come check it out!)

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Just be yourself! Don't worry about what other's may think about your writing, iphone pictures, or wrinkly shirt. I've figured out that most people don't even notice, and readers will stick around simply for YOU.

Goodwillista | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin

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Fashion Week: Meet Toni of The Love Hanger!

Moving right along...I hope you all are excited about Fashion Week and are so far enjoying the opportunity to meet some new bloggers! (And win a gift card to update your wardrobe doesn't hurt either!)

Today's featured fashion blogger is Toni of The Love Hanger! Since I started Chels & the City, I don't remember a time when I was not following along with Toni's blog. She's one of the main reasons I decided to start doing more fashion posts too because she makes high fashion looks seem so effortless and affordable. Toni is a super thrifter and is able to look expensive while staying on a budget. She recently moved to Portland and it has been fun to see her keep up with the changing seasons while remaining fashionable. Not to mention, she's a mommy to a cute little guy and loves to show him off sometimes too, but who could blame her! I honestly cannot talk enough about how great I think she is so I hope you enjoy her interview as much as I enjoy having her here today!

All photos provided by Toni.

How would you define your style?

I would describe my style as feminine and trendy mixed with a little bit of vintage.  I love a flirty and girly silhouette and I love textured fabrics like lace and tweed.  I also like to incorporate a lot of bright colors and fun prints in my looks.

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I'm a bargain shopper at heart, so I love stores like Target, H&M, and Forever 21 for trendy items.  I find my unique pieces at thrift stores and recycled clothing stores like Crossroads Trading Co.

What are some of your favorite pieces or go-to pieces in your closet?

When I can't decide what I want to wear, I always pull something girly from my closet.  I feel most confident in feminine pieces, so an easy outfit for me is a skirt and silky blouse or a vintage dress with a tall pair of heels.

Where does the inspiration for your outfits come from?

My biggest source of inspiration is other bloggers.  I especially love reading blogs of other women whose style is totally different than mine.  I know what works for my body type, but admiring other styles that I don't normally wear give me ideas for how to incorporate bits and pieces of it into my wardrobe.

If someone asked you for style advice, what would you tell them?

My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace your body type.  Don't let other people tell you what you can and can't wear.  There are so many "rules" for petite women, tall women, thin women, and curvy women.  Knowing what looks best for your figure and feeling confident in it is what creates personal style.

When and why did you start fashion blogging?

I started The Love Hanger in October of 2011.  I had a personal style blog in 2009 before blogging had really taken off, and then I took a break when I had my son.  Once I felt confident in my skin again, I began the blog I have now.  I've never had a lot of girlfriends to talk fashion with or go shopping with.  Blogging allows me to become friends with other women who love clothing and accessories as much as I do.

How has your style grown or changed since you began fashion blogging?

As I've gotten older, I've really figured out what I love to wear and what looks best on my body.  In high school, I used to raid my dad's closet for his cool geometric looking polo shirts, and 70s style leather belts.  I've taken my love for vintage and retro clothing and have mixed it with more modern, feminine pieces and have created my own style that I feel confident in.

What advice do you have for bloggers just starting out?

Having an organized and visually appealing blog layout is key!  Make your blog user friendly and accessible and I guarantee readers will come back.  Photography is also huge.  Brush up on photography basics like lighting and depth of field, and if possible, invest in an SLR camera.  It makes a huge difference!

Anything else you'd like to add...

With so many people starting fashion blogs out there, it can be hard to get noticed.  Just remember to stay true to yourself and don't worry about keeping up with the other blogs.  Be unique, produce great content, and network in a friendly way.  Soon, you'll be an inspiration for many!

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