How to Stay on Top of Your Game: 3 Easy Tips for Creatives

If you’re anything like me, chances are at some point you’ve fallen into a rut. Maybe you feel like your work just isn’t getting any better, and there’s too much competition, and you don’t even want to keep up anymore. I’ve been there…and back. Here’s what I’ve learned along that road:

PRACTICE MAKES BETTER

Yeah, yeah, we all know that 10,000 hours is supposed to make you an expert, but realistically, who actually has that much time at their disposal? Instead, I recommend practicing as much as you can without getting too crazy. I set a personal challenge to take one photo every single day. For the most part, I do pretty well (though there are some days I skip!). I feel so accomplished when I take the time to work on my skills, and that helps me avoid getting into a rut. When you’re not practicing on the reg, it becomes easier to let that inertia lead you so far down that you avoid your work. Keep at it, even when you don’t have clients or customers, and you’ll always be fresh and ready to go.

KEEP YOURSELF EDUCATED

Lots of fields, from doctors to hairdressers, require regular education. This way, they stay on top of best practices, and it’s why even if someone went to beauty school in the ’80s, she’s not going to give you a giant perm now. It’s no less important for creatives to make sure they keep learning. These days, thanks to YouTube, OpenCourseWare, and thousands of affordable e-courses, it’s so easy to stay on top of your game. I suggest setting aside an hour or two each week to learn something new. Every Friday, I queue up a module in SLR Lounge, and I take notes that I go back and review during the week to make sure I retained what I learned.

You never, ever want to fall into the trap of believing you already know everything there is to know about your field. I know an embarrassing number of photographers, for example, who brag about never shooting outside the golden hour because they think that’s the only time to get beautiful photos. In fact, they’re missing lots of opportunities because they don’t think they need to learn techniques for sub-par lighting scenarios. Don’t be like that. I don’t care how long you’ve been doing something—there’s always something new to learn.

GET A REPORT CARD

Ever thought about getting your work critiqued by your peers? Maybe you have, but the idea was too scary? I hate to say it, but the fastest way to get better at what you do is by having a peer (or better yet, someone whose work you admire) take a look at it. Often, they can spot things you’d never see in a million years, and you get immediate feedback that’s perfectly tailored to you. You don’t have to wait to stumble across some concept in a tutorial.

I joined Clickin Moms (I’m a dog mom; that counts!) a few months ago, and it has been a total game-changer for me as a photographer. I’ve improved more since I’ve started getting feedback than I have in the last year by myself. I learned how to avoid limb chops and green skin, and now I feel confident enough to critique others’ work.

When you’re ready, join a forum of professionals and see if they offer critiques. Or join a Meetup where you can workshop your ideas with your peers. Let other people help you!

 

When you want to stay on top of your game—no matter what you do—it’s so important to keep practicing, learning, and getting feedback. You’ll be amazed at the progress you make, so keep at it!

Outfit Remix: Red Dress Revisited

A while back, I did a remix post on this very dress.  I mentioned, then, that I wasn’t very satisfied with the ways I’ve styled it in the past.  However, after getting feedback from you (yes, you!), I started looking at this dress in a new way.  Here are two more ways I’ve styled it, both of which I really love.

Look 1

Taking your suggestions into account, I’ve kept it very simple here.  Just the dress, opaque tights, and black boots.  I like this one, but I do think I went a little too far in paring it down.  It needs a little more oomph, don’t you think?

Look 2

Which is why I love this version the most.  I think I struck a good balance between too many and too few accessories.  All the replacements have a little more personality–a scarf vs. a simple necklace, dotted tights vs. opaque ones, and (my favorite) Parisian-style ankle strap shoes vs. boots.

What do you think?  Which version is your favorite?

How to Deal with Brands that Take Advantage of Bloggers

Not long ago, I wrote a post about a brand that offered to “collaborate” with me–but in a way that didn’t benefit me at all.  They wanted me to put together a post to promote their product, but they wouldn’t give me anything in return.  It’s not fair, and it’s so frustrating when this happens.  Us bloggers pour our hearts and souls into this work, and it’s not right for a company to try to take advantage of our drive and passion.

So what should you do when this happens?  Well, there are a few options.  Let’s dive in.

1. Ignore it or say no.  If a brand reaches out to you with a collaboration proposal but doesn’t include any mention of compensation or a gift, there’s nothing wrong with deleting that email or responding with a polite “No.”  Write a template so you can have it readily available for this kind of thing.  All you need to say is something like, “Hi, Brand.  Thanks so much for reaching out.  Unfortunately, I don’t think this would be a good fit for me.”  Fluff it up however you want, but keep the sentiment the same.
2. Explain how it’s unfair.  You can also choose to explain further about why you’re declining the brand’s collaboration.  This is the route I normally take because I want to inform brands that their practice harms bloggers.  Be tactful!  You never know when this brand could become a good partner, and you don’t want to burn any bridges.  If you go this route, you can say, “I’d love a chance to work with you, but since putting together this post requires a bit of work on my end, I would ask that I’m compensated in some way.”  It’s polite, but it’s assertive.
3. Ask to get in touch with the sponsorship team.  Something I learned about the bra company (referenced in this post) is that their marketing department–the folks who sent the original collab proposal–is separate from their sponsorship department.  The marketing team may have no control over your compensation or freebies, so see if you can get in touch with the right people!  In this case, you can build off of step 2 and ask for some contacts on the brand’s sponsorship team.  You also might want to link to your media kit if you have one.

The only thing I’d strongly caution against is actually taking up the brand’s offer.  Doing so means you will be putting in hard work and getting absolutely no payout.

What do you guys think?  How do you respond to uncompensated collaboration proposals?

Links a la Mode, February 23

I’ve been featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers’ Links a la Mode again!  My post on how to get more comments on your next blog post was included with 8 others by some really talented bloggers.

If you’d like to get featured as well, here’s how it works: submit your post to the IFB Facebook page by Tuesday of each week.  The top posts will be chosen and rounded up on Thursday.  If you were picked, paste in the roundup on your blog (like I did below).  This means that not only are you featured on the IFB website, but you’re also featured on lots of other blogs!

Here’s this week’s list!

Links à la Mode, February 23rd

• Adorned in Armor: Fashion Week is Never Cancelled
• Bag Vibes Hermes Scarf
• Fash Chronicles: Pretty in Peach
• Hello Abella: What Being a Blogger Doesn’t Mean
• La Veine: Sartorial Interviews
• Lil Miss JBStyle: Navy Fur Stole
• Mox and Socks: How to Get More Comments on Your Next Post
• Saccharine Soul: 30 Blog Post Ideas for Fashion Bloggers
• With Wonder and Whimsy:  Pantone Spring/Summer 2017 Fashion Color Report

Links a la Mode: February 2

I’ve been featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers’ Links a la Mode again!  My post on how to curate your closet was included with 10 others by some really talented bloggers.

If you’d like to get featured as well, here’s how it works: submit your post to the IFB Facebook page by Tuesday of each week.  The top posts will be chosen and rounded up on Thursday.  If you were picked, paste in the roundup on your blog (like I did below).  This means that not only are you featured on the IFB website, but you’re also featured on lots of other blogs!

Here’s this week’s list!

Links à la Mode, February 2nd

• Aesthetic Distance: Why Cool Girls Are a Tragedy
• Bsulakshana:  Behind the Seams
• Distinguished Diva: Your Self Care and Creativity is a Form of Resistance
• Finite 1: Blush Wrap Gown With Flutter Sleeves
• Hello Alley: Valentine’s Date Night Ideas + What to Wear
• Jessica Sheppard: 3 Ways to Spring Gingham Into Your Winter Wear
• Lil Miss JBStyle: Swap
• Mox and Socks 3 Ways to Curate Your Closet
• Saccharine Soul: How to Stay Positive
• Style Mouse: Re-Wearing Clothes as a Style Blogger
• Writing Between Pauses: How to Start a Gratitude Journal

Tutorial: Easy Double Twist Bun

I was playing around with a version of this style that has braids instead of twists, but you guys!  I’m getting tired of braids!  I came up with something quicker that’s just as pretty, and I bet it’ll be perfect for that holiday that’s coming up in a couple of weeks…

Start by sectioning off the top half of your hair.  Leave it like that, throw it in a bun, whatever–just keep it out of the way.

Next, take a strand of hair from one side and start twisting it away from you.  As you twist, add more hair.  Stop when you get to the middle of the nape of your neck, and hold it in place with a bobby pin.  (I finally got blonde ones! So excited.)

Do the same on the other side.  This time, when you get to the middle, take the twists from both sides and pull them into a ponytail.

Repeat the last two steps on the top section of your hair.

Finally, gather up the top and bottom ponytails and twist them into a bun at the nape of your neck.  And that’s it!

What do you think?  Is this something you’d like to try?  Remember, you can mix it up by using braids instead of twists!

 

 

 

Outfit: Just The Same But Brand New

It seems like lots of bloggers have been taking breaks lately.  It makes sense–the holidays can leave you exhausted and yearning for some relaxation.  And it’s a whole new year, the perfect time to reflect on what you’re going to make of the next twelve months.

Like many of you, I spent a few weeks taking stock, which of course includes Mox and Socks.  Ever since I started this blog, something seemed off.  Not the photography; I’ve learned to become a decent photographer in the last two years.  Not the subject matter; I’m a good writer.  No, it was something more fundamental–the clothes.

We as style bloggers struggle more with the identity of our clothes than anyone else.  Our clothes mean more because we want them to mean more.  Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out what exactly we want to say, and I’ve had that problem for years.

I never really understood why I didn’t like most of my outfits.  I had all kinds of rules governing how I chose my clothes, and I thought those rules would make me happy.  When they didn’t, I started to copy other people, trying to capture whatever it was that made their outfits stand out.

It took me ages, but I learned some key points that helped me figure out what my style was.  A Clothes Horse’s outfits won’t look right on me because they’re not me.  But this outfit?  She’d never wear it, but it feels exactly right on my body.

In a few days, I’ll recap some of the things I learned in putting together a new wardrobe for myself.  I hope that if you’re having problems with the things in your closet, I can help.

I’ve collaborated with thredUP again, and that site has been invaluable in helping me rebuild and refine my closet.  They had all of the basics I needed plus lots of unusual statement pieces, like this beaded cardigan.  (Side note: that thing is so heavy that my back still hurts–worth it!)  thredUP is literally the only company I can think of that offers (by definition) ethically-sourced petite clothing, so I feel really good about adding to my closet with the things I’ve found there, plus I know they’re going to fit me.

If you’ve never shopped with thredUP before, I have a little goody for you.  You can get 50% off your first-time purchase on their selection of Free People clothing using the code FREEPEOPLE50.  It’s good for up to $50 off!  So go on, check it out!

 

Outfit: Trying to Care

I don’t really like the idea of New Year’s resolutions.  Telling yourself that you’re going to start making a change on some arbitrary day doesn’t seem like a good way to set yourself up for success, you know?  Like, if you really wanted to stop eating sugar, you’d do it now, not on January 1. (Or never, if you’re me and have a profound sugar addiction.)

That being said, there is something to taking a step back and looking over the things in your life that you want to improve.  Maybe you want to volunteer more, or take on a new hobby.  Me?  Well, I just want to care about other people.

I spend a lot of time in my own little bubble.  I do what I want to do, when I want to.  And if something gets in my way, I just hope someone will take care of things for me.  As much as I hate to admit it, I’m more than a little spoiled.

But I don’t want to be like that anymore.  I hate that I’m like that.  This year, I want to be different; I want to spend more of my time looking out for other people–having more conversations, baking more cookies, running more errands, helping out.  I want to be there for someone besides me.  I’m good at getting Poptarts for myself when I’m hungry, but what about picking up dinner for my parents?  I write in my journal for hours, but what about having a heart-to-heart with a friend?

Just let me finish this Poptart and I’ll be right over.

Outfit: Winter Blues

Today, I wanted to talk about something I briefly touched on in my last post.  I mentioned that it seems like every winter, right after we roll the clocks back, I start feeling a little blue.  Stress seems to affect me more when it’s cold and dark out, and sometimes I get bouts of anxiety that practically immobilize me.  When it gets bad, you’ll find me sitting in bed, wasting time on my phone because I can’t do anything else, like read or go out.  Nasty thoughts creep up on me, and they rattle around in my head, telling me I’m not good enough (for what??) or that I’m a loser.

But this year isn’t like that.  The anxiety is still there, but over time, I’ve figured out some ways to beat it down on my own.  I’m certainly not opposed to getting professional help (I’ve had both a therapist and a relationship coach this year) or using medication when it’s necessary, but I have some personal strategies that seem to be pretty helpful for when I’m down.

First thing?  No coffee.  For a while, I drank coffee like a Gilmore, but I gradually came to the realization that in addition to boosting my energy, it can also make me feel like everything that ever stressed me out is coming to get me.  These days, I drink lots of tea, but I do have a coffee now and then when I know my day is pretty clear of Things That Worry Me, like deadlines or chores or any little thing.

Speaking of Things That Worry Me, I’ve cut down on those, too.  Taking it easy with this blog has been such a huge relief, and I’m also taking it a little easier with dating.  Now I have more time for other hobbies that help me relax…

…Like working out!  I’ve been a big Blogilates fan for a few years, and now more than ever, I see how much of an effect Cassey Ho and her stupid-hard routines have on me.  Just half an hour every day will give me energy and clear my head until the next day when I get down on my yoga mat again and scream my way through eagle crunches and hip twists.  Sometimes (all the time) it can be really hard to motivate myself to put on my workout clothes, but when I remind myself how amazing I’ll feel afterward, I can endure thirty minutes of leg lifts and other torture.

Now, even with these strategies, I do still have “those” days.  In fact, I’m having one today, and it really sucks.  But I know I have some control over it, and you know what?  I’m gonna put on one of those Blogilates vids and crunch it out.

Links a la Mode: November 23

I’ve been featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers’ Links a la Mode again!  My post on how to take great outfit photos was included with 19 others by some really talented bloggers.

If you’d like to get featured as well, here’s how it works: submit your post to the IFB Facebook page by Tuesday of each week.  The top 20 will be chosen and rounded up on Thursday.  If you were picked, paste in the roundup on your blog (like I did below).  This means that not only are you featured on the IFB website, but you’re also featured on 19 other blogs!

Here’s this week’s list!

Links à la Mode, November 23rd

• April was Here: Black Friday Luxury Sale
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: Holiday Gift Guide Under 20
• Cover Mum: Chanel Jacket Dupes
• Elements of Ellis: Favorite Neutral Lipsticks
• Fashionista Momma: The Weekly Style Edit: Lace
• Finite1: Multi Colored Poncho for Fall and Winter
• Happy. Pretty. Sweet.: What to Wear to Thanksgiving Dinner
• La Veine: When My Hair Got Ruined
• Life in the Fash Lane: Luxury Holiday Gift Guide
• Middle of Somewhere: The Weekly Style Edit Link Up: Lace
• Mox and Socks: How to Take Amazing Outfit Photos
• Outfit Zest: Book of Deer Skirt
• Pudding Monster: How to Style Leather Jacket
• Simplistique: Boho Vibes
• Style Diary by Osy: Fall Hit List: Moto Jacket
• Style with Nihan: 4 Thanksgiving Dinner Outfit Ideas
• The Antisocialista: Have Less Stuff: An Anti Black Friday Gift Guide
• The Outfit Repeater: How To Use a Fashion Mood Board + Outfit Ideas
• Trendee Toad: 21 Little Black Dresses that are Perfect for your next Party!
• Vanity and Me: Havren Fit and Flare Dresses