Independent Fashion Bloggers

February 9, 2013

Independent Fashion Bloggers 2013 Conference Rundown

Dressed to the nines and ready to learn, network, and indulge in sponsored services such as hair and makeup, the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference had all of the elements in place for a memorable and meaningful event. We summarized some of the most important tidbits of info to come out of the conference, so that newbies and seasoned bloggers alike can consider some new pointers to boost the business of blogging.

Content is EVERYTHING This point holds true whether are you just beginning your blogging career or you have been writing a blog for a few years now. During the panel, “Business in the First Year of Blogging,” the main focus was to understand why content trumps everything else on your blog, and the answer is quite simple. Your ideas, thoughts, and opinions is all you have to establish an authoritative voice, while gaining loyal readers who value your opinion. You want your readers to keep coming to your site and see what you have to say on a certain topic or issue. BUT another important thing that was stressed is to always be true to your opinions. Don’t just say something because you think this will be what your readers will want to hear.

[The MailChimp newsletter subscription service was a sponsor (and had these adorable hats!)]

Be Selective with Affiliate Brands You always want to think about your audience when it comes time to working with affiliate marketers for your blog. Stick to working with brands that highlight the style and voice of your blog. Your readers are your first priority and want to work with brands that have something to contribute for conversations between you and the reader. As it was said at the conference, you are allowed to say “no” to brands that don’t fit.

Crisp Pictures is Essential Continue reading…

September 26, 2012

Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference 2012 Recap!

by fashion pulse contributor

[Image via heartifb.com]

Ever wonder about the behind-the-scenes inner-functioning and operations of the blogging world?We attended the two-day Independent Fashion Bloggers conference, affectionately referred to as IFBCON, in order to share the ins and outs of the business side of blogging as well as how to expand (or create) your site and brand.

What we learned:

1. Having an agent: As a blogger, having an agent can be helpful for establishing partnerships and ensuring a check arrives in the mail every month, but it is by no means a necessity to have a successful blog. In some cases it can even be damaging. No one knows what is best for your site better than you. Its important that you partner with companies that fit with your blog and honor your creative vision. In regards to contracts, you should only seek advice from an attorney. They can help you negotiate deals and protect you better than an agent. As long as you stay true to your blog and have confidence, there is no reason you can’t succeed on your own.

2. Controlling Traffic: The recognition your blog receives is entirely dependent on how you post, rather than what you post. Posting during peak internet hours is key. This means that posts should be published when people are most likely to be online. Also, be sure to share your site and update followers on all social media platforms. Take a look at your analytics and see where your posts are receiving the most views and how viewers are being directed to your site. By giving credit to different brands you feature, companies you worked with, etc. is a great way will expand your reach. However, be sure to incorporate the credit naturally – no reader wants to be bombarded with featured products and partnerships.

3. Compensation: This is probably the most difficult and confusing aspect for bloggers. How do you get paid?! Being a fashion blogger, it typically comes from avenues such as giveaways from brands, designers etc., but the promotions you do with these products generally doesn’t involve payment. However, establishing partnerships with companies can often lead to special projects and campaigns, which definitely deserve compensation. Time is money, so don’t be shy about ensuring you’ll receive payment and make sure you have a contract in place to protect you and your work.

4. Iman: as the keynote speaker of Day 2 at IFB CON, Iman offered incredible tidbits of information, perfect sound bites, and useful advice that anyone can consider to better themselves in their career and their brand. Iman, who recently started a blog, which operates like an online magazine (DestinationIman.com), discussed her move from modeling to cosmetics, and now has a line of apparel and accessories at HSN. Some of the best quotes from her from the panel: “I stopped modeling and attending fashion shows so that I would be taken seriously,” “any self-respecting model of color carries their own foundation with them to jobs,” and “Make yourself irreplaceable and indispensable.”

-Danielle Sepanek & Julia DiNardo

Subscribe to Fashion Pulse Daily

April 23, 2010

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

by fashionpulse

Fashion has Brains

Edited by Ashe

Every week I am always surprised by the selection of posts we receive here at IFB. I think back to before I started my blog, the discrimination I felt working in retail and adoring fashion, because it was shallow and it wasn’t academic. Now I look at the community I am a part of and think– how could anyone accuse fashion enthusiasts of being shallow? Or fashion designers, lovers of style? Indeed, like any frowned upon medium or niche, fashion has brains; it has ingenuity, it has controversy, it has creativity, and it has depth.

This week I want to celebrate those putting fashion and intellect together, to show that there’s more than meets that glittering eye…

Oh, and if you’re looking for something to do this summer… IFB is looking for interns!

Links à la Mode : April 22

Agent Lover: – On The Search For The Perfect Retro Bathing Suit!
Alice in Stilettos: – Interview with Edgy, Up-and-Coming Designer Chelsea Sutrisno
Bay Area Style File: – Interview with Model turned Eco Friendly Beauty Brand owner Josie Maran.
Bobbins and Bombshells: – Fashionable History: Lilly Dache – A True Fashion Success Story.
Denim Debutante: – Meet US-Made NAEM Denim and Win Your Own Pair
dramatis personae: – Back to the Future
Fashion Pulse Daily: – Cynthia Rowley for Roxy Spring 2010
For Those About to Shop: – Crystal Renn’s inspiring story of transformation may make you think twice about modelling industry:
krameymartin: – Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your fashion sense. Check out this post to learn how to jazz up simple maternity pieces.
La Chanelphile: – “The Allure of Chanel” by Paul Morand with Illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld
M.I.S.S.: – The Rag Trade: The Sale Mentality. This week’s article looks at how we will get consumers to break the sale mentality and pay full price again.
Night Watch: – DIY Tutorial: Burberry Prorsum F/W 2010-11 Inspired Blazer
Oh, the Places You’ll Go!: – ASOS Curve Models – Plus, or not plus enough?
Oranges and Apples: – Some thoughts on weight, fat activism and health
Poetic & Chic: – Hamish Bowles, European Editor at Large for Vogue, visits the de Young in San Francisco to announce a new Balenciaga retrospective slated for spring 2011.
Retro Chick: – Made To Measure – Dresses for those who aren’t a standard size
shrimp salad circus: – DIY Spring Flowers Headband/Belt for Under
The Coveted – Craving Miu Miu Clogs?
the fashionate traveller: – Discovers the emerging Japanese fashion trend Dolly Kei, as seen through a visit to Grimoire, Shibuya’s premier vintage store.
The Fashionista Lab: – I gave up shopping and gained a new perspective on using and building my wardrobe (hint: shoes are important)
True Queen: – Warning: Men In Skirts – Examining a taboo trend that attempts to go mainstream

March 19, 2010

Links à la Mode : The IFB Weekly Roundup

by fashionpulse

Rants & Raves

Edited by Ashe Mischief

I was taken aback when going through the submissions this week– there were so many powerful, strong, opinionated pieces that I felt really taken aback. With overwhelming positivity or negativity, the fashion community is finding it’s voice– and making themselves heard!

The fashion community is great at sharing the voice of others, and we’ve got several fabulous interviews to prove it. From Derek Lam at Poetic & Chic and White Rabbit’s interview with Irish woman Sinead Doyle (along with my own interview with Amelia Arsenic at Dramatis Personae), there are voices for everyone. We’ve got bloggers ranting on the lack of premium denim in plus-sizes at Denim Debutante (hell yeah!), and some showcasing inspirational figures like KOOS (at M.I.S.S.), Philip Crangi (at Eternal Masquerade), and Maria Felix (at Jewelry Whore).

There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing ofLinks à la Mode here.

Links à la Mode : March 18th

Bachman’s Sparrow – DIY post on how to use bleach to revamp your “unloved” clothes!
blackdog finds: – How To: 10 Creative Ways to Revive Less-Than-Loved Clothing
Denim Debutante: – Guest Blog: Is there Size Discrimination in Premium Denim?
dramatis personae: – Amelia Arsenic’s Miss X Aesthetic Laboratories & Interview
Fashion Hippo – Win Marc by Marc Jacobs Leola Bow Wow Handbag
Fashion Pulse Daily: – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans: Fit for a Mother AND a Daughter?
fete a fete: – Whiisical spring designs from Camper shoes
Forty Not Out: – Louis Vuitton – Fall Winter 2010/2011
Grechen Blogs: – are you incorporating video into your blog? how is it working for you?
Independent Fashion Bloggers – A New Map of the Two-Way Street: Why Giving Back to the Blogosphere is Key to Growth
jesse.anne.o: – How do you swap, thrift or buy resale and NOT get bedbugs?
Jewelry Whore: – “The Fabulous Jewels of Maria Felix, La Dona”
M.I.S.S.: – Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS.
Obsession: – How I Met Design Duo of Giles & Brother, Philip and Courtney Crangi
Oranges and Apples: – Sustainable fashion part 2: thinking about speed
Poetic & Chic: – A candid interview with Derek Lam, fellow San Franciscan and fellow high school alumni!
Pretty Shiny Sparkly: – It’s leather. It’s quilted. It’s a computer, for fashionistas.
Style Symmetry: – Interview with the Stylish Sisters of Beckerman Bite Plate
The Thinking Fashionista: – An in-depth, critical look at the Russian Futurist themes of Viktor & Rolf’s Fall 2010 show.
The Working Man: – Incorporating Spring Into Your Working Look
White Rabbit: – An interview with Irish fashion Designer Sinead Doyle and the inspiration behind her S/S 2010 collection.