Brandi Kimberly Style

April 16, 2017

The Truth About Blogging!

Let’s be real with ourselves, owning a fashion blog is no joke! I started doing this about two years ago with the intention of making a little bit of money as a hobby and sharing the joys of fashion! Did I think this was going to be easy? Sometimes I did! A lot of these talented, successful bloggers make fashion blogging look so easy but deep down I knew that hard work paid somewhere. In this post, we will take a hard look at the truth behind blogging!

There are pros and cons to this amazing lifestyle. We will end things on a positive note so let’s get into the bad and absolute truth behind blogging!

The Hard Truth About Blogging!

Reason #1: Most of your followers are fellow bloggers trying to do the same thing as you.

When I became a member of the LiketoKnow.it affiliated program, I realize that most women who liked my stuff and got emails from me were affiliated themselves! They may not buy from me because they have their own accounts and commission to think about. If buying from each other is a thing, I am interested! Let me know and leave a comment below.

Other parts of my following are fashion bloggers who aren’t in the affiliated program. Some of these bloggers either don’t like the LiketoKnow.it and of that group some will support it, others might not. Another part of my following does not monetize at all and they fashion blog for sheer enjoyment.

Reason#2: Knowing your audience and keeping them coming back to your blog is hard

Each and every one of your readers has different reasons why they read your blog. You must keep up with your niche so you don’t lose your audience.

Take note of the post that pulls in most readers. Even if it’s something you don’t want to focus your blog on, it is something your readers want to read.

Reason# 3: When shopping you must choose wisely on what to buy!

So, I was at the store the other day and I saw this beautiful lace cardigan and I wanted it so bad but it is hot outside. Then I thought, I could buy it for the fall! However, if I try to do a post around this cardigan in the fall, it won’t be available to monetize, and finding similar items is no fun.

Monetizing my blog has seriously turned my shopping life into, “Can I blog about this?”

Pay attention to the demand for the item and how fast things sell out. There are countless times that I buy something, waiting for the right day to shoot it and blog it, and it sells out. I always have to resort to Similar Items. If the item is a hot trend, blog it ASAP!

Fun Truth

1: Meeting so many other talented fashionistas from all over the world.

Fashion blogging is a great community, you meet a ton of well-dressed and interesting ladies like yourself.

The best part is collaborating with these fashion babes and they keep you up to date with the latest trends.

2: A chance to make money and build your following is out there you just have to invest a ton of hard work, time, and energy into your blog

3: Well, I haven’t quite gotten this far but sponsors will send you a ton of fun stuff to try and sample.

4: It is a great creative outlet to express yourself and your sense of style.

Overall, I am glad that I am doing this because the possibilities of getting creative are endless.

Currently Wearing

This Daring top is from JC Penny’s and it comes in white and this pretty blue stripe one that I have on. Cold shoulders are so darling!

I’m wearing my light pink Bauble Bar tassel earrings, blue and pink are a lovely pair!

These new cat-eye sunnies and saddlebag purses are from Francesca’s! It is such an amazing boutique, you got to check it out!

My heels are from Target, I was there yesterday and they are currently having a BOGO 50% off sale!

About the Fit!

Top (M): http://rstyle.me/n/cj7bteb98cf

Sunnies: http://rstyle.me/n/cj5z2wb98cf

Earrings: http://rstyle.me/n/ciwa9wb98cf

Bag: http://rstyle.me/n/cj5zxdb98cf

Heels (8 1/2): http://rstyle.me/n/cipmjhb98cf

All in All, fashion blogging is fun! It is a challenge to make money off of it but if you put your mind to it, invest a lot of time and energy into your goals you may go far! Thanks for stopping by! Let me know if you have any further insight! I would love to read your thoughts!

Happy Easter!

April 9, 2017

This Ella Off The Shoulder Top 40% Off + Life currently

If you are looking for the perfect off the shoulder top for the spring/summer, look no further because this Topshop Ella Off The Shoulder Top is worth every penny and the best part is that it’s 40% off!

Head down to Nordstrom, I have seen this Ella top in other colors. Online, they are only offering black and burgundy. I personally love the burgundy one. I’ve seen this top in light blue, white, and in the pink color that I am wearing for this post.

Off The Shoulder Top & Outfit

This top is perfect because of the way that it’s made, it stays off the shoulder! Linked below are a couple of the shoulder tops that I love along with this one. Keep in mind, this top was $65.00 and is on sale for $38.98!

Since pink and black make a great combo, I decided to pair this top with one of my new favorite BaubleBar pieces. These earrings look fantastic with this pink top. I am also rocking my Steve Maddens, perfect for the season!

About the Fit:

Top Size 8: http://rstyle.me/cz-n/cj6i3hb98cf

Sunnies: http://rstyle.me/cz-n/brsbbrb98cf

Earrings: http://rstyle.me/cz-n/cg47wmb98cf

Steve Maddens Size 81/2: http://rstyle.me/cz-n/cg35d6b98cf

Life Currently

I’m currently going through my Advance Leader’s Course for my job in the Army. There is a ton of stuff for me to work on for this course so I’ve been a little MIA from the fashion world. I will do my best to stay on top of my blog but right now my schooling is a priority.

My hubby is with the dogs. I miss him every day! Bug! I miss my little sidekick so much. She helps me with all my fashion decisions 😉 She adds cuteness to my blog! I cannot wait to see her again.

P.S. This is the first time I used my tripod and remote for my photos with my new lens. It is harder than I thought to achieve the bokeh effect. If you have advice, I need heeeeeelllp!

Wish me luck!

& Keep Living the Dream!

April 1, 2017

One way to Grow Your Audience on Your Blog + Instagram

How to Grow your Audience

Let’s talk about How to Grow you Audience as a blogger! Fashion Blogging is not easy. From an outside perspective, people might think blogging is a waste of time and that no one reads blogs. Let me tell you that there is a huge community of bloggers and readers; you just have to put yourself out there. However, this is easier said than done.

If you would like to learn one way to grow your audience on your blog and Instagram, keep reading

Since 2015, I have been struggling with “putting myself out there.” I am happy to state that I have come a long way and I don’t beat myself up too much with my progression. I understand that I do have a full-time job commitment, plus I was a part-time student on top of my blogging. Blogging is a great hobby to pick up! If it is for you, I encourage you to do it!

For more tips, check out my How To Fashion Blog series – ‘Fashion Blogging For Beginners: The Mistakes I Made Starting My Fashion Blog.’ In this post, I am going to talk about how:

– I did not stay active and post enough content

Growing your Audience

What’s the real story here?

For years I’ve been listening to bloggers who give advice and one of the tips they commonly share is that fact that you need to post regularly and you need to post quality content. In fact, this is something that I’ve needed to improve on for a long time because school and work always dictate my blogging.

I decided to write a post about this issue in particular because I am currently away from home in Alabama going through my Advance Leadership Course. I am so busy; I can’t seem to find the time for Instagram or my blog and the numbers show. My audience does not grow!

When I don’t post regularly on Instagram or my Blog:

– I get fewer likes/ comments than usual

– I don’t keep a strong presence on my platforms by putting myself out there through comments and likes so I get less engagement

– I honestly see how many true followers I have

– I don’t have new content to share so I fall behind on my fashion ideas

– When I try to set a trend, everyone has already beaten you to the punch!

Should you post regularly?

Yes, because your followers get used to your postings, they are eager to see what you have next! Your fashion sense and inspiring posts are the reason why they follow you and they expect to see more. If you choose to stay out of the game for too long, there is a chance you will lose some of your following, hence your audience will not grow

Do some of feel like you lose followers by frequently posting? I know I do. It’s a strategy that I still feel like I am trying to master but you should always pay attention to what your followers like. It’s true, “content is key.” It’s not the only thing you need for a successful blog or Instagram but it plays a huge part in it.

Do you guys have any thoughts or experiences to share on this subject? I’d love to hear it!

Get the Apps!

Let me share with you some of the apps I like to use to help my Instagram content stay consistent. Here are the three I am currently using:

Planoly- This is a great app, I use it before I post anything into my IG. It allows you to see how the content flows before you share it.
Snapseed- To edit my photos so that they are consistent in theme
Notes- This app is to pre-write out my hashtags before I post my content

Other apps that I’ve used in the past and I like:

VSCO
Layout
ColorStory

Apps I use in general:

Bloglovin
it- Shop other blogger’s outfits
WordPress
RetailMeNot- it’s a great shopping app, that will show you what stores have sales and discount codes.

To wrap things up, I hope that this post was accommodating in helping you out with your blogging endeavors. I enjoy sharing my experience to help others and in a way, it helps my blogging outlook as well. If you would like to share your blogging experiences, feel free to leave a comment!

Keep working for your goals and challenge yourself!

March 23, 2017

Graduating From UIW 2017 + What To Wear With Your Cap & Gown

I recently graduated from the UIW- the University of the Incarnate Word and today I am going to share with you ideas of what to wear with your cap and gown! But First, a little back story.

Before Graduating UIW

Those who know me know that my life story is a little unorthodox. Naturally, I am traditional and would have chosen the road that everyone thinks they are supposed to be on. This life choose me! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made my choices; I slacked off, I worked hard, I put in the effort or I didn’t put in the effort at all. I choose to be an adult early in my life not knowing what all of that entailed. All of the sequences of events in my life were because of my choices however, I am living the life God had intended for me.

In high school, I struggled in every aspect but I graduated with my High School Diploma! Next, I became a mother at 19 years old, making me a single mom for most of my son’s life. At 22, I was a struggling college student and I worked at Sonic Drive-In so I can get an education and support my son. In 2007, I fought to find a good-paying job that would provide me experience and failed miserably. One time I laded a job as a sectary. I had no experience. The fire alarm company advertised that they were willing to train. They fired me within a week and it was because I did not catch on fast enough. That crushed my confidence in my ability to find employment.

The Army

I knew where I wanted to be in life and it was time for me to buck up and try something more challenging. At the time it was the last thing I would ever do but, I join the military for college opportunities and money, on top of providing for my son. The perks, I had travel opportunities with my first duty station in Germany and two deployments. I had challenging opportunities when I dawned on my Drill Hat in 2013. The Army has given me so much and I have no regrets. I also met my husband! Now, I have achieved my long-term goal of obtaining my BA in Business Management! It may have been a long road, and it was harder for me than the next person to get where I am, but that did not stop me. I did not allow anyone or anything to deny me opportunities to succeed.

Setting Goals!

Today, I am a Sergeant in the Army by day and a Fashion Blogger by night. I have a 15-year-old son who amazes me every day. He is so smart! On top of that, I have my degree! I will get promoted this year, (insert fingers crossed emoji). I want to achieve so much more!

Setting goals is a healthy habit. I thrive off of it! In my New Year post, I talk about making a list of goals – HERE!

There is nothing more satisfying than going back to my list of goals and crossing off my accomplishments.

What to Wear with your Cap and Gown

My commencement ceremony is in May and I won’t be able to make it. Unfortunately, I will be checking into my new duty station during that time. I cannot wait to actually hold that piece of paper in my hands!

I looked at so many dresses to wear with my cap and gown. Below, I provided some ideas; May will come faster than you know it.

Originally, I was looking for a red dress or white since my cap and gown are black. I’ve been obsessing over Topshop this spring and I found this black and red, floral dress. This dress is perfect! I suggest you go with colors that compliment your cap and gown color.

Lastly, these heels from Target are an exact replica of the BP heels at Nordstrom and are around $10 cheaper. I have to say, I am loving them and cheaper is great!

About the Fit

Dress (38)

Mossimo Heels (8 1/2)

This blog post is a little long-winded and if you read it all, thank you for your support! This personal accomplishment deserved a little back-story and I wanted to share with you guys that it doesn’t stop here for me. I have many other goals; I would love to one day own my own business.

All and all, if you have dreams, goals, desires, I encourage you to explore it! Find out if it is what you really want. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and if you get rejected, plan another route and try it again, “Adjust Fire” as we like to say.

Thanks for stopping by,

XoXo

March 19, 2017

Springtime Tops at Nordstrom

Spring is here tomorrow and I am more than ready! Since I’ve come home to the states, I’ve been shopping all of my favorite stores for springtime items.
Normally dresses are my springtime go-to items but lately, I have been obsessing over some of these darling ruffle tops so I decided to save the dress post for another time.
Are you looking for spring tops that will have you ready for the season? Well, you’ve come to the right place because I am going to share with you all of my favorite tops for spring.

Shop These Spring Tops at Nordstrom

In my last post, I’ve mentioned that I adore off-the-shoulder tops but I can’t stand how some of them do not serve their purpose; you can read about it here! Currently, I have found a new love for cold shoulder tops! Cold shoulder tops are darling, they are flirty and they expose the shoulders without having to worry about them riding back up over your shoulders.

Currently Wearing

I am wearing a cold shoulder top from Topshop that I bought at Nordstrom. This darling top is a great color- Ivory, perfect for spring and I love the ruffled cuffed sleeves. This is definitely my new favorite top!

I decided to pair my top with blue jeans and my current favorite- Steve Madden wedge heels that I bought from DSW in the color Cognac.

My earrings (here) and clutch (here) are both from Red Dress Boutique. The Red Dress Boutique has been one of my favorite places to shop for about 3 years. I have been talking about this boutique in my blog from the dawn of time! I have been desperately looking for a leopard clutch in this blown color with this style spotted print. There are a few at Nordstrom but they were not in the price range I was looking for. Luckily I came across this one at a reasonable price of $36.00.

My 50mm Mirror Squared Sunnies are BP brand. I got them at Nordstrom for $12.00!

About the Fit

Top (M)

Pants (size 6)- Express

Steve Madden Wedges (8)

Botanical Gardens & San Antonio, Tx

I am home!!!! After a year in Korea, I am finally home to see my family and chill out for a while before I set out to do more challenging things. My sister and I decided to visit the Botanical Gardens since it’s a beautiful place to take pictures. Every time I go, I am never disappointed. If you are ever visiting San Antonio, I highly recommend that you see the Botanical Gardens and see that whole area, it is divine. If you go at this time of year it is perfect because of all of the bluebonnets, they are my favorite. They are actually in the process of adding more to the Botanical Gardens and should be complete this year.

To conclude my post, check out my favorite Springtime Top Picks. Share with me what you think or if you have any other favorites to pass along to my readers, I would love to hear about them as well. Lastly, If you are in the San Antonio area, the Botanical Gardens is a must-see.

Happy Spring and Enjoy!

March 14, 2017

The Perfect Off The Shoulder Top For Only $24.99

Are you looking for the perfect off-the-shoulder top, one that doesn’t ride up over your shoulders? The whole point of an off-the-shoulder top is that it stays off your shoulders, right?

This trend is one of my favorites but let’s face it, most of these tops do not serve their purpose. I don’t like buying these kinds of tops online because you never know how well the OTS top will fit.

Perfect Off The Shoulder Tops you will want!

Recently I tried on a couple of OTS tops from Topshop and both of these are perfect! They did not ride up over the shoulders and fit exactly how they were intended to. I highly recommend them! The only thing, when you raise your arms a little tummy will show. If you are not embarrassed to show a little skin then these OTS tops are the ones for you.

Currently Wearing

Vertical stripes are very trendy and this bohemian off-the-shoulder top is a great color, and I adore the cute tie sleeves that come along with it. I bought this top at Kohl’s for $24.99- a great price! I was a bit worried that it was going to fit all wrong. To my surprise, this top actually fits perfectly! This top stays off the shoulders, even when I raise my arms. I would have styled this top with my new wedges but it was 20 degrees in Grayslake, IL so I am wearing my ADIDAS instead.

Another fun addition to my bold statement jewelry collection is these fun Panacea Fringe Earrings that I bought at Nordstrom. They are not my usual go-to Baublebar brand but Panacea also has a ton of great statement jewelry too! Check them out by clicking on the pictures below.

About the Fit

Top (M) – It fit a little big on me until I washed it, now it fits great

Pants (size 6)- Express

ADIDAS (size 8)

Currently

I am still traveling, these pictures were from when I was in Illinois visiting my Husband’s family. I am now in San Antonio visiting my family. Stay tuned for more updates!

All in All, OTS tops are great; make sure you know about the fit before you buy them online! If any of you ladies know of any other OTS tops that work great please share by commenting below!

Check out Sincerely Jenna Marie for some Wardrobe Workhorse inspo!

Check out More Pieces of Me for some Packing Tips!

Enjoy!