Tips on dressing like a Parisian Woman
I admire French women, from their beauty routine to their easily pleasing aesthetic style. French women just know how to dress, and so far their minimal style with key pieces is something that I'm constantly lusting over. It's not over the top, but not underdressed, it's simply just right. The French women have perfected the everyday outfit with effortless style from top to toe.
These are the following key investment pieces I swear by when creating your Parisian capsule wardrobe with a little spin on my own taste.
The investment blazer
Having a blazer is key essential to any Parisian inspired outfit. It's a key investment piece. Finding the right one for you depends on your own colour/style. I personally love this one from Viktoria and Woods, the gold detail on it just finishes nicely with any outfit. I've worn this blazer a lot, it's a great investment piece. I also think tartan/checkered blazers are très chic also, so find one you'll fall in love with that'll suit your style.
The straight denim jeans
Ah! How times have changed, remember when we wore skinny leg jeans? Well wearing straight legged jeans are in! Investing in a good pair of denim jeans is a must I also find this style is way more flattering on me since I'm hourglassed shaped. I also love wearing these with a belt or belting up my blazer. If you don't want to spend too much, check out the outnet.com for a bargain designer jean. These ones are from Acne.
Stack it up, dainty gold accessories.
I'm so in love with accessories now. I use to be really lazy and forget to wear my rings and necklaces, but I've made it my mission to remember! It's amazing how it can just instantly change up your outfit, especially layering your accessories gives it that French street style vibe. Pandora has the chic's rings and pendants.
Flat Shoes
Although French women are renowned for kitten heels, the laid-back French style go-to is a pair of flats! Especially if you're running errands every day. For when you're on the go, these little babies from hush puppies feel so comfortable and supportive, but still so stylish.
The bum bag/ micro bag
Ah, honestly, this trend was hard for me to adapt to, but that was until I found the perfect little bum bag from Mimco! It works as a belt strap too. If you're going to Europe this is best to invest in one, so you'll have your bag right in front of you at all times. I like to also wear this as a cross body bag, it also works as a nice accessory/belt too, giving your outfit that "extra" style to it.
Till next time Foxes... Stay Foxy!
xxx
*Note hush puppy shoes & Pandora jewellery were gifted & and written under my own accord and discretion.
The Pros and Cons of putting my life online
*These are my own thoughts and words, none of this is scientific, and by no means, I'm not complaining, I love what I do and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Way back when I first started my blog, I didn't really think much of others about posting my life online. I just wanted to share content with everyone and for people to enjoy my images online that I'd post from a runway show, to outfit photos. Although back then I'd only get three to seven likes. I'd put all my heart and soul into it, and still, do now.
Now, four years later, a single photo can get over 600 likes and I have over 100k reach via instagram and website. It's a very different aspect online. I share snippets of my life with people who I've never met and those who can find me under a simple hashtag. I've been found on google over 80,000 + times by people looking at images online or key word search. My images have been re-pinned, re-grammed and I've been blogged about by others, it's safe to say internet knows my every move and I sold my data soul a long time ago.
Exposing my life online is by choice, I enjoy creating content, creating media, giving reviews and posting outfit photos. I don't overshare every little detail, but I am online and this is my choice.
I wanted to give you all a little insight into the pros and cons of posting myself online, it's been requested a lot!
So without further adieu listed below are my Pros and Cons aka The Advantages and Disadvantages.
Pros
Having an amazing following who read and message me and come up to me in public to say hey! You Foxes are THE BEST. I love how you inbox me, send me emails and comment on my photos. I do try to respond to everyone on time, but I do reply! You are all so beautiful each and one of you.
Working with brands that I never thought I'd ever work with in my dreams! I've had some amazing opportunities with collaborations with brands, a lot of 'pinch me' moments too. If I didn't create my blog, I wouldn't have had those opportunities; I've worked with globally recognised fashion and beauty brands. This is something I wouldn't of been able to do without posting online and exposing my online persona.
Turning a hobby into a freelancing career. I've been able to gain industry experience, gain knowledge and be as creative as I want. I'm my own #BOSS.
Experiencing some amazing events, ones I'll never forget. This is from putting myself online, being passionate about what I do and creating content really pays off for moments like that.
Giving lectures, guest speaker talks and having my own seminar. This has been amazing, giving my own advice in what I'm passionate about, showcasing my own personal research about social media and teaching others about the digital sphere.
Meeting other amazingly creative people, it's great to interact with others who also share the same passion for beauty and fashion!
Meeting celebs! haha, this has become an everyday thing, I no longer get 'star shocked' but it's pretty cool!
Cons
People judge me in an instant by just viewing my photo, they automatically assume, well some, that I'm this self-indulged, narcissistic, bimbo person. It's hard because my photos can't speak in the form of my personality whole. My photos are a creative expression of what I love to wear, with a short caption. That's why I enjoy doing Instagram stories, helps others understand who I am, I'm a funny, chilled and loving person.
The thought of how many people have screenshot my photo and sent to their friends kinda gives me the creeps.
People will speak about you, no matter what. They'll speak about how good you're doing, how shit your doing and how they just dislike you for no apparent reason. I'm putting myself online, I knew I had to accept this, and that's ok. I usually block out this shit, because those who speak about others are just shit themselves.
People not crediting your work and Googling yourself and finding images on other peoples sites!
Taking photos in public and being laughed at, it's not really a con to me, but I've had people mock me in the streets. I keep in mind while shooting that I'm creating what I love doing, so screw you, random person.
People not understanding what you do and the stigma of saying I'm a fashion blogger can give some snarks and remarks by others. Some people think blogging is a joke, but it's no joke. It's a full-time job and I love every minute of it.
Going over my phone bill monthly, it can be really costly scrolling on Instagram all day if you're not connected to wifi!
Not showing every detail, some days I actually do get down about life, and I can't write about that because I don't want others to be down or feel sorry for me because there are worse things out there than me just having a bad day. Sometimes i'm just too hard on myself.
In the end of the day, the Pros outweigh the Cons any day! But, I wanted to give you an insight to my own thoughts about online life, let me know in the comments below your thoughts about social media! Style notes are listed below..
Till next time Foxes
xx
Style Notes
Jacket: Joseph
Top: Ganni
Jeans: Anine Bing
Watch: Nixon
Shoes: Next Au
Rings: Pandora
Belt: Gucci
Sunglasses: Prada
I want to be a blogger too. PART 1
Disclaimer: Everything written below are my own words based on personal experiences
Fashion blogging, travel blogging, review blogging, blogging. It's hit an all-time phenomenon and every single one of us can be a blogger. We hear how saturated the market is, how it's 'too hard' to break into it, but if you're passionate about it and you just want to write to get your digital voice out there, then you're on the right track.
Creating a blog with the one aim to be 'insta-famous' is not the way to go, it's a cool ambition, but these things do take time and honestly, after four years I still feel like I'm trying to break the ice on the interwebs.
So you want to be a blogger?
Firstly pick a niche market that you're interested in. Chances are, out of the millions and billions of people out there, they'll be interested just as much as you are. Once you've identified what you want to write about pick three social media platforms you want to dish out on.
If you're wondering why I'm writing this and saying "Aren't you scared of competition?" No, not really, because we're all different and we all have a different tone of voice.
Social media platforms.
Think, do I want to use Instagram? Pinterest, Youtube, Tumblr, WordPress, Squarespace, LiveJournal, facebook?
Pick only three of these platforms, that you want to focus your energy on, or even two when you're just starting out. This will keep up your personal motivation, you'll be able to focus on your main platforms. Sometimes you might not see results within a week, a month or even a year. But if you pursue, and keep writing and posting your content, eventually you will be found, heard and read.
Proofread your work.
Having someone read over your work is the best way to not only make sure you have zero errors in your work, but it also helps you learn and grow and to accept constructive criticism. It's OK for your proofreader to have an opinion, don't take it to heart just take everything as advice. Get your mum, friend, boyfriend, girlfriend or even your grandmother to have a read over it. They don't have to be professionals, as long as they understand your work, then the rest of the world will too.
This can be hard because sometimes you might not feel comfortable having a friend read your work. I like to use Grammarly to help me with correcting my work on my own. I also will take a break from my work for a few hours, watch Netflix and then I'll come back to my piece and read it out loud. I try to get out of my mind, so to speak when correcting my own piece.
Structure your blog posts, have flow in your writing.
You literally have less than 5 seconds to grab someones attention with your writing, so kick start your piece with something exciting, punchy and entertaining. You don't want to read a piece that drains you right? So don't post up that one up! Use adjectives describe every moment, let your words sing.
EXAMPLE
What we don't want.
We went travelling, it was fun. Saw big rocks, they were cool.
What we want
Today we went travelling, it was the first time in ages I could wear a t-shirt, I could feel the hot air skim my shoulders whilst we trekked the hike. The view was phenomenal, I felt the world under my feet as i glanced at the never-ending blue sky.
See the difference?
Content is the key!
You want visually appealing images with your blog posts. They both work hand in hand with each other. Now at first, you might not have a crazy expensive camera, using your iPhone is just fine! Or, if you're looking to splash a little cash, then have a read on my Olympus camera review, because this little baby does the job.
When you feel confident, then I suggest investing in a DSLR camera. I use the Canon 6d.
Post constantly.
With this new kind of articles, I'll be able to post twice a week.
Try to aim twice to three times a week on your site for posting. If you can't do that. then at least try to post up once a week.
Then share your links through your two-three media platforms.
Hope you enjoyed part one, tune in next week when I post part two!
I've cut this up into sections because I don't want to write a mouthful. Also if you have any q&a you'd like to send me, feel free to shoot me an email leblondefox@hotmail.com, and I'll answer your question in the next post.
STYLE NOTES
Earrings: By Saints Official
Shirt: BA&SH
Trousers: Otto Dame
To find out where stocks them In Australia contact H&B FASHION
Shoes: Gucci
Till next time Foxes...
xxx
What's NEXT: 2016 thank you.
As another year comes to a close, I reflect back on what an exciting year I've had. The achievements, the experiences and my foxy fans growing.
This blog gives me great joy to my life, it's helped me grow, understand and learn about the social media world. It has given joy to others, students and fashion lovers around the world.
I'm proud that I can give social media talks to others who are intrigued about this fashion media world, and the emails I receive from readers who I've inspired. It gives me great enjoyment reading those emails it also reminds me why I started this in the first place.
There comes a time in a creative person’s life when they just need to sit back relax and take a break. That’s where I’m at right now. I love blogging, I love creating, I love how I get to inspire people with what I do.
But I can't keep being creative without a break, a step back to work out what I should do next with this amazing personal creation. I want to create content that you'll enjoy reading and that gives my 100% attention to all of you.
I'll be back in early Jan and late February with more content than before, interviews and fun exciting things that I get up to. Whether it's travel, food and of course fashion. I'll always keep you updated. Until then, you can keep updated with me on Instagram. @leblondefox
I can't thank you all enough, and I can't wait to show you what I have installed next year...
Till then Foxes... stay foxy
Dress from Next Official
Hat from Morgan & Taylor - discount code 15% off is LEBLONDE15
NIXON WATCHES x le BLONDE FOX: Customisation bar
Nixon is a highly respected brand since 1997 and is US family owned and I was honoured to have the opportunity of creating my own custom Nixon watch.
There is only one in Australia and it's located in Melbourne, at Chadstone. It is Australia's only one customisation bar and that's why it is so special. Being only one of five customisation bars which are globally located in Paris, London, and New York.
Giving you a chance to become the creator. Customers can customise each piece, case dial, and band. The custom bar range includes popular colorways that are available, including the premium Horween Leather bands. Additionally, you have the option of engraving on the case back. Options include a unique Nixon logo or your own message to yourself or loved one great for those special occasions! The whole process takes around about an hour.
THE PROCESS
It's definitely a memorable experience and timeless moment you’ll never forget when creating your very own unique watch.
Inside you'll be greeted by their friendly staff, and a coffee to help you with your big decisions!
You sit with the talented watchmaker Chloe, who has had years of experience in the field.
There are three models you pick from
51-30 chrono
Sentry
Time teller
Prices are above
I went with the 51-30 chrono, it's striking yet elegant in design. It's perfect for the stylish woman who loves a statement.
Once you've picked your design is when the fun begins. There is a large amount of choice with the 51-30 chrono. During the process, I switched different bands, to different faces and trying out all sorts of colour ways with the watch until I felt it what one really suited my style.
I have to say, once my watch came together my heart fluttered with excitement. I went for silver and rose gold because I love rose gold and the final look of watch aesthetically was the most appealing to me.
During this time, I asked Chloe a few questions
How long have you been watchmaking?
Working with watches is really special to me as it reflects on my childhood and family life.
I have been around watches and watchmaking since I was very young, always being in my dad's workshop. I worked with him for 5 years. I really enjoyed learning a skill that isn't a common skill, especially for a female.
I then furthered my watchmaking skills from another retired watch maker in Geelong. I really enjoy working with small mechanical parts.
Tell us about your time so far working for Nixon?
Once I began working for Nixon, it was really special as there is no job like it. Watchmakers are becoming a rare breed, so Nixon having a custom bar is really exciting for the industry.
How did Nixon train you to become one of their watchmakers in customisation?
I was flown to Paris to work and learn from the Guru Nixon custom bar manager. I learned everything from Quentin, it was an amazing opportunity to be able to work overseas and learn from him.
He showed me all processes for putting together the watches and how to do it with style.
Quentin and the Nixon team have been really amazing in the way they have made the Custom bar as a real experience, making the customer feel premium and valued while they are making their unique piece.
Having this opportunity within Nixon is really amazing.
After your watch has come together Chloe puts the pieces together for you, and soon after your watch is lasered engraved with your choice of wording or Nixon unique logos.
It's a fun process to watch, it's almost magical as the laser beams down and infuses your words onto the back of the watch.
It really brought me so much joy that I created something.
It's a timeless piece and knowing something so special is on your wrist.
What are you waiting for? There's no time to waste, become a creator today at Nixon's customisation bar.
Special thanks to NIXON
xxx