I have some super exciting news this week but first an apology (because I'm Canadian and we have a hard time doing anything without apologizing first!)
I'm slow, I'll admit it.
I'm slow at e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. - sorry!
I'm slow at life, I'm slow at getting ready in the morning, I'm slow at getting things started and generally speaking, I'm slow at getting them finished too!
I love taking my time, because I love to over think! The more I think about every decision, the more I feel confident in my choices and rest assured, even though it may look like I'm making a fly by the seat of my pants move, I guarantee you it is always the result of a long, drawn out process!
In any event, although I always feel as though I should be doing more and accomplishing more this week I can say some projects are taking shape and I wanted to share the exciting news!
The Italo Americano Newspaper
I am now an official writer/contributor for Italo Americano, an American Newspaper based out of California that is published two times per month with over 60,000+ copies monthly! One of the only newspapers completely dedicated to Italian lifestyle and culture, it is current, relevant and fresh!
They have an active website with over 800,000 pageviews a month and over 60,000+ unique visitors and they are absolutely open to my ideas, suggestions, articles and voice! #HELLOITALO !
It is no secret that I am very passionate about living in Italy and Italian culture so this is another great avenue for me to share with you! My first article comes out in the February 18th edition and I'll be sure to share it with you on my Facebook Page!
Belts, Brands, Bracelets and Bloggers!
As much as I want to share *everything* with you, I'm biting my tongue and smiling as things slowly come along for my brand and projects! I *hope* that for Milan Fashion Week I have my first bag prototype ready. The collection will focus mainly on bags, bracelets and belts but so far the only protos that are done are the ones I started a few years ago, because between modifications, alterations and leather sourcing creating a brand new 100% original collection is a LOT of work!
I've learned, however, that when it comes to fashion you either go with a slow and steady pace or you prepare to run out of resources!! I am planning a few different giveaways and would also love to have some of my products reviewed by bloggers. Let me know if you would like to participate in a group giveaway in the spring by e-mailing me [email protected].
I'm also working on a cool Men's Accessory line that my husband won't let me talk about yet, so shhhhh (but you'll be the first to know!)
Women's Fashion Week in Milan - #MFW
In the January/February RTD Magazine I mentioned that I will be going to Milan Fashion Week for the FIRST TIME EVER! I am mentally preparing myself for the rejection that comes when you are a small fashion blogger and not a super mega galactic fashion blogger, but I won't deny that I am so excited about the opportunity and experience.
I will be documenting everything and sharing it as a part of a new series (...keep reading to learn more!)
The RTD Magazine & Blogger Features
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who signed up for the Magazine!! It is a little side project to give me more space to go into trends, travels and interviews in-depth. If you haven't already signed up you can because the JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 issue will be RE-ISSUED this FRIDAY! The new issue comes out in MARCH and will have all new content, stories, trends and more!
The current issue focuses on Carpi, one of the central fashion cities in Italy (you've never heard of!) and I also look at a few trends that were not featured on the blog. In this issue I've also featured 5 real style bloggers to watch in 2016! These are bloggers who've linked up with me and I will continue to feature 5 in each issue!
The magazine is not mobile friendly (for now) but I will consider this as the advertising revenue increases! So for now the magazine is desktop-friendly and includes beautiful interactive editorials from Shopbop.com.
The Independent Fashion Bloggers
If you haven't heard of the IFB than you most likely aren't blogging about personal style or fashion!! The IFB is the World's BIGGEST fashion blogger community with over 60,000 members from around the globe but primarily based out of the US and Canada.
It is ever-expanding and provides support, resources and exposure for fashion bloggers of all levels. They just recently launched a PRO membership where you can access tips and tricks from industry professionals to up your fashion blogging game.
I became "virtual friends" with the editors when they contacted me about a feature last year.
Am I a big blogger? No.
Am I the most stylish shoe since leather slip on loafers? No.
And yet they noticed me just the same, and in this way they have also put the spotlight on hundreds of other bloggers throughout the years.
This is one area of the internet where you CAN get noticed for your writing style, fashion sense or helpfulness because the editors WANT to hear from you every week. In fact, if you join their Facebook page, you have the chance to submit one link a week to the "Links a la Mode" link round-up. This is not an everything goes type of round up, it is a highly curated list by their fashion insiders and they choose selected articles to feature every week. I'm proud to have been featured a few times including last weeks "To Fur Or Not To Fur" article and there are HUGE benefits to being chosen!
I'm happy to say that I'm now a regular contributor to the IFB Community and will be joining their team this month! Keep your eyes open for my first article about the Milan Fashion Week!
The #REASONSTODRESS Linkup!
Some of you may have noticed that the linkup has gotten a little sleepy compared to when it first launched. I started the linkup early last year as a way to showcase real mom street style, but at some point I realized I wanted it to be more inclusive and more about ALL women looking their best.
As I mentioned earlier in this post....I am SLOW! So after a few months of rethinking what I want to do with the linkup, what I aim to accomplish and why it should exist I present you the NEW #REASONSTODRESS linkup for all style bloggers - DRESS TO IMPRESS TUESDAYS!
I want to move away from the current "link drop in exchange for a comment" model and start to build a REAL community. A place where interaction occurs on social media between me and other style bloggers and normal women interested in personal style. I'm done with the superficial and want to create REAL engagement, and that means that I may not comment on every post you include in the linkup but I will happily follow your FB page for example and be your biggest Instagram fan or RT a great article.
THAT BEING SAID: PLEASE leave me a comment if you want me to follow you anywhere. Tell me your social media names and ESPECIALLY your Pinterst handle!!! Anyone can join into this linkup by including a Instagram photo or even via e-mail ([email protected]) !
You can find me on TWITTER / FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / PINTEREST / BLOGLOVIN'!
Co-Hosting and Blogger Interviews!
The new linkup is officially starting Feb 23rd and will have new creative plus I will feature a different weekly co-host that I will also interview and showcase in the RTD Magazine! I already have 8 co-hosts confirmed from February 23rd onward! If you are interested in being interviewed, co-hosting the linkup and having your best writing featured on my blog or in the magazine for my readers than please email me at [email protected] !!
I will send you all of the requirements and welcome you aboard with open arms!
In this post I'm wearing a traditional Russian scarf, H&M cotton knit sweater (jumper if you're from the UK!), Jeffrey Campbell rubber chelsea boots, Pull&Bear jeans, a belt from my new collection and a leather rucksack from La Vacchetta Grassa + no makeup because lately that's how I roll!
& now....onto your style!
REASONS TO DRESS - An Italian Lifestyle Blog About Fashion, Travel & Life in Italy
THIS WEEK'S BANNER / INSTAGRAM IMAGE :
- PLEASE : Linkup your STYLE related posts, new and old! Or Linkup a FASHION related picture from Instagram with the hashtag #REASONSTODRESS
- PLEASE: Add the badge or a link back to EITHER of the weekly hosts
- PLEASE: Follow each host on at least 1 social network , we're friendly, social and generally over-sharers! Let us know that you've followed so that we can share the love!
- PLEASE: Please be social and visit a post that interests you. Don't forget to use the #REASONSTODRESS hashtag to let people know how you found them!
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