Brandi Kimberly Style

July 4, 2017

Getting Ready for Nsale 2017

We are about a week away from the start of The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You can check out the details HERE! Last year I did a post all about this major event and you can read it right HERE! ! Today I am sharing with you all the details of this big event for 2017!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale features discounts on brand new fall merchandise for a limited time. Take advantage of this amazing sale because after August 6th they will jack the prices back up to their original price!

How to get Early Access

Early Access starts on July 13th! In order to gain early access, you need to apply for a Nordstrom Credit or Rewards Card. You can apply for a card HERE and get the first pick on all the great items.

Apply Now

Get up to a $20 Note to Nordstrom when you get approved for a Nordstrom credit card by July 9th and make a purchase the day you’re approved.

I am personally not into credit cards and Nordstrom also offers the Nordstrom Rewards! Get a $10 Note when you apply! For more info, check out Nordstrom’s page HERE!

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

July 13th at 12 AM PST- Early Access to Cardholders
July 21st – The Sale goes public
August 6th, 11:59 PM PST- The sale ends

You can get a preview of what to expect with the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Catalog right HERE. Be on the lookout for all my top picks come July 13th!

I can’t wait to shop!

DISCLAIMER:

Graphics and banners in this post are not my own, they come from the Nordstrom website. This is NOT a sponsored post! All opinions are 100% my own. Brandi K’s Dose of Inspiration is a part of some affiliate advertising programs and if you click on certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission.

July 3, 2017

Giveaways & What I’ve Learned About Them + Palm Print OTS

Remember a few months ago I talked about how I started doing giveaways as a tactic to help me gain followers? You can read all about it in this post HERE!

At first, I viewed giveaways as a fun inviting way to gain followers while giving them an incentive for following your content. Now that I have a little bit of experience with giveaways I can give you an honest assessment of my experience.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Style Collective came out with a podcast about “Why Loop Giveaways is Hurting Your Brand,” this also gave me some insight into everything I did wrong.

My First Giveaway

I did a little giveaway with JORD watches last summer, you can read the post right here! Unfortunately, that giveaway was a complete flop! I had 3 submissions total. That’s when I decided that I should never do a giveaway on my own ever again.

I have a few theories as to why my giveaway was so unsuccessful:

By the time I started collaborating with JORD, most of my fashion followers had a collaboration of their own with them.
I did not have a strong enough following/engagement at the time
It is possible that I did not promote the giveaway using the best tactics.
Lastly, the timing could have also been a huge factor. At the time, I don’t believe I had a fresh following of people interested in wood watches.

What is Wrong with Loop Giveaways?

It sounds like a great concept, right! You team up with 30-40 other Instagram accounts to give away something special to your audience. You do have to pay a fee for your spot in the giveaway but it is your opportunity to expose yourself to bloggers and non-bloggers. You gain a mass amount of followers during the loop giveaway but there is a flaw with a majority of these followers.

Most of the participants are not loyal followers and will unfollow you as soon as the giveaway is over.
The Majority of the participants will not engage with you leaving you with a huge following and little engagement.

The Truths of Loop Giveaways

Last fall, I started doing these Loop Giveaways and I went from 2000- 5000 followers in a 4-5 month period and that’s with co-hosting 1 to 2 giveaways a month. During December I hosted 3. I used to view Loop giveaways as an opportunity to expose my Instagram and gain a better audience. Through experience, I am here to tell you that I was completely wrong! Loop Giveaways did not help me with engagement at all and I do not recommend them.

What Your Follower Might Think

I have also heard people describe Loop Giveaways as “paying for your followers,” and people will question your credibility as a blogger, seriously.

A few good followers may have come out of these giveaways but the majority are:

Never on Instagram
They trickle off my Instagram.
They might be fake accounts
And they do not engage or are not interested in engaging with me

Future Giveaways

I stopped doing the mass Loop Giveaways and should see my true following adjustment in the next few months. That’s the hard truth, but I want an authentic following.
Don’t get me wrong, I think giveaways are fun for your followers, and as soon as I have a good experience with one, I will tell you all about it, providing tips and all.
Gaining the proper engagement is an enigma to me. Ladies, if you have it figured out, please share! I would love to hear your thoughts! I have some ideas of what prevents us from growing, but I will leave that for another blog post.

Currently Wearing

Palm Print is my obsession this summer season and I cannot get enough!

Top (M): Shop Here

Earrings: Kiwi & Ellie 20% off with code Brandi20

Espadrilles (8): Shop Here

Pants (8): Shop Similar Here

Have a Great 4th Weekend!

June 26, 2017

Rompers for Summer + Kiwi & Ellie

Rompers for spring and summer! How daring is this Romper? I am always on the hunt for the perfect romper during seasons like spring, summer, and fall. This cutie romper is from Showpo.com. It is the perfect romper for the beach or pool days because it is so lightweight. It is wildly romantic.

Shop down below all the rompers I am currently crushing on for the summer! I love rompers because they are so effortless and leave you feeling gorgeous. Personally, how do you feel about rompers? Do you love them or do you hate them? I also love how they can dress you up while leaving you feeling casual still.

Currently Wearing

I am wearing my newest Off-the-shoulder Romper from Showpo.com along with my favorite accessories.

My espadrilles are the espadrilles of the season from DSW

My Pom-pom clutch and earrings are from my newest favorite boutique called Kiwi & Ellie.

Romper (M): Shop Here

Shoes (Size 8): Shop Here

Earrings: Shop Here

Clutch (Sold out- Very Similar): Shop Here

Kiwi & Ellie

A few weeks ago I was offered the privilege to collaborate with Ann, (the owner of Kiwi & Ellie). She is the sweetest person! This blog post is not part of my collaboration with her- (Except for the pictures). I am simply sharing my experience. When I first came upon her store, it was to buy the Lindsay Pom Keychain and I loved all the items she had in her boutique. Lindsay is one of my Instagram fashion friends and inspiration. She helped me get connected with Ann and it’s been fun getting to know her along with Donna.

Saving Money

Let me share with you a little bit about Ann’s store. She has a ton of statement jewelry/accessories and she sells them at a great price. This past weekend, I did a whole Instagram story, comparing prices with basically the same jewelry you will get for $50 elsewhere you can get for $20, $15, or even $10 at Kiwi & Ellie, with good quality. Be on the lookout! I will do another Instagram story this weekend.

Any of the links you click on here for Kiwi & Ellie, I don’t get a commission for. However, if you want to save money and help a blogger out you can save 20% off your purchase with Kiwi & Ellie using code: Brandi20

Follow her IG here and be on the look out for more promotions and if you want to give me credit, just let her know I sent you her way!

Enjoy the Sun!

DISCLAIMER:

This is NOT a sponsored post (except for the pictures I did for her on IG)! I am not reviewing any items she sent me. All opinions are my 100% own. I am writing at my own leisure and I am sharing my experiences with Kiwi& Ellie. I am also sharing my Promo Code in case you guys want to shop and save money on her amazing items.

Brandi K’s Dose of Inspiration is a part of some affiliate advertising programs and if you click on certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission.

June 19, 2017

Instagram Roundup

It is time for a little Instagram Roundup! Happy Monday! What a great way to start the week off with a little Instagram roundup of all the outfits I have been wearing lately. Summer is about to start with a bang on June 21st and I am selecting all of my favorite summer looks for you guys! Don’t forget to follow along @cutebrandik for your dose of inspiration.

My Instagram Roundup

Summer is in full force and I am all about dresses, shorts, and fun tops. Down below I linked every outfit. My favorite is this pink off-the-shoulder dress. What I love about this dress is the fact that it will stay off the shoulders even when I raise and hand ups. I am also still about pompoms and colorful items.

This bag is another one of my favorites! It is a dupe of a designer bag and the quality is fantastic.

Life Lately

We are pretty much settled into our new home. I love that I get to see my best friend Lauren because she recently got stationed here as well.

I’ve been working like crazy in my new job. I work so hard, I lack energy when I get home. So, I am on the fence right now on a major decision in my life to either stay in the Army or get out! I find myself going back and forth with this every day!

Hope you enjoyed the roundup and that you found some great inspiration.

Have an amazing week!

June 18, 2017

30-Something Problems Part I

I took the time to generate an entire list of issues that I face while being in my thirties. I am going to share my personal 30-something problems with you, however, I will only share 5 of those issues at a time. This will become a little blog series of mine where I discuss 30-something issues and the solutions I intend to find. Also, I will share the solutions I did find. I know that not all women go through the same issues. The Dirty Thirties play out differently for everyone. These are just some of the issues I’ve noticed in me and if you guys have any beauty issues of your own and any solutions, please share! I love the engagement!

Five 30-Something Problems

It is undeniable that there is a huge difference between your 20’s and 30’s. It may not hit you all at once but it certainly felt like it did. Not all of these changes happened as soon as I hit 30, but they gradually revealed themselves. I remember reading somewhere that your Thirties will be the best years of your life. You are finally an actual “Adult, Adult,” and you have life figured out. Don’t let these minor beauty changes get in the way of living life in your thirties.

Unmanageable Hair!

Honestly, my hair is just not what it used to be. I used to wake up, brush my hair and I was ready to go! Today, I have to take a hot tool to my hair in order to keep my hair looking decent. If I don’t straighten or curl my hair, I have to put my hair up in a bun. No fun for me because I have to do that for work anyway.

Use Heat Protection Before Using a Hot tool

Hair Mask Once a Week

Hair is Not As Thick and Full

The Hair Dressers who cut and dye my hair tell me all the time, “You have so much hair,” but let me tell you, my hair is not the same as it was before. I notice a loss of density in my hair right before I turned 30. I am grateful for what I still have to work with and taking care of my hair is something I value more and more.

Don’t Wash every day for shine

Use volumizing products

Find a good hair routine

More Gray Hair

I’ve had gray hair since I was 15 and it progressively got worst over time. Now I have enough gray around my crown area to have that sophisticated salt and pepper look and a Rogue-(X-Men), white streak in my bangs. Problem is, I feel much too young to let it all go so I dye it. I’ve always used box dye and over time it damaged my hair. Beauticians tell me all the time to get my hair dyed at salons because the chemicals are not as harsh. I am telling you, box dyes have done nothing good for my hair.

Go to the Beauty Salon to Touch up roots from now on

Experiment with other Methods

Changes in my Hands

Moisturizer is a MUST at my age! I don’t only use it on my face; I’ve learned that I should moisturize my neck as well as my hands!!! My hands are super sensitive and they get really dry. I used to work outside for hours and hours and I would put sunblock all over my face, neck but not my hands. Causing my hands to look more weathered than they used to.

Carry hand lotion and apply regularly

When in the Sun, apply sunblock to back of your hands

Adult Acne

Some of you guys might know this. At the age of 31, I developed Adult Acne and it lasted me two years. I seriously spent time at Ulta trying to find the right solution to my Cystic Acne but the problem only got worst. A few times I consulted a family doctor and we tried different avenues that did not work for me at all. The problem continued and it started to leave a few scars, even when I did not mess with my zits. I felt like an awkward teenager going through hormone changes. It was bad! Finally, after months of me begging, my family doctor referred me to a Dermatologist. He prescribed me rental-A and advised me to use Cetaphil with it and within a month I saw results. After using Retinal-A. I can say I’ve only had two minor outbreaks and overall I am happy to say I am acne free 🙂

Use Retin-A when I notice a zit

Continue to use Cetaphil

Continue to be cautious of what I put on my face

Currently Wearing:

Ruffles are my summer fling! I am obsessed with this top and I love how it compliments my earrings, which I got from this adorable boutique called Kiwi and Ellie. I do collaborate with them but I am telling you I would not collaborate with them if I did not love their stuff. By the way, purchase from Kiwi and Ellie today and get 20% off your order using Brandi20. What is your summer obsession?

Have a Great Week

May 30, 2017

Tobi’s Off The Shoulder Dress For Less Than $40

Shop Austin Earrings Charming Charlie | Shop Maeve Gladiator Sandals Target

How daring is this Off-The-Shoulder Dress? I’ve noticed the trend of Off-the-Shoulder, Flanked Sleeved tops and dresses popping up everywhere this season. This dress is wildly romantic and it will make you feel gorgeous.

Unfortunately, it’s the last dress for my collaboration with Tobi.com and you most defiantly need to check them out for yourself. I will say that I am completely satisfied with all three dresses they sent me. Tobi.com has lovely clothes that are reasonably priced and I must say that I will be shopping with them in the future.

Tobi’s Off The Shoulder Dress

This dress is called the Ellie Rose Skater Dress and it comes in 4 different colors. I love this pink Rose color! They also have a fun Rust color, Black and Light Yellow. Sizes are XS, S, M, and L. This dress is originally at $74 but today you can get it for $37 with code: BT50

Check out the Dress for yourself down below!

SHOP this Pink Dress Here!

How The Dress Fits

Tobi sent me a Medium in this dress and it is the perfect fit, meaning this dress fits true to size. Check out my sizing details on my About Me page!

I have a 32” Bust area with a B cup, I added that extra detail due to the style of the dress.

Comment below and let me know what you think of Tobi.com and this dress!

So, there was a 4-day weekend this past weekend that flew by too fast! I had a lot of unpacking to do and my “Blog Room” is still a mess! Sometimes I feel like I am working even when I am not at work, lol!

Enjoy the week!

DISCLAIMER:

This is a sponsored post however; all opinions are my 100% own. I am sharing my experiences with tobi.com in this post. Brandi K’s Dose of Inspiration is a part of some affiliate advertising programs and if you click on certain links on this site or any related social media platforms, I may make a commission.

How to get Early Access

Apply Now

My First Giveaway

What is Wrong with Loop Giveaways?

The Truths of Loop Giveaways

What Your Follower Might Think

Future Giveaways

Currently Wearing

Currently Wearing

Kiwi & Ellie

Saving Money

My Instagram Roundup

Life Lately

Five 30-Something Problems

Unmanageable Hair!

Hair is Not As Thick and Full

More Gray Hair

Changes in my Hands

Adult Acne

Currently Wearing:

Tobi’s Off The Shoulder Dress

How The Dress Fits

Follow Me