Off Duty | Backpack Chic

Returning to work on Mondays can really put a strain on one's back and style (hello work laptop). However there is a way around it my friends.

My way around it is with this Sprayground backpack.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect backpack for a while now - nothing too bulky or pricey but with a touch of downtown appeal. This backpack has exactly what I wanted. It's been on my person Mondays through Fridays and takes gives my shoulder (rightie over here) a much needed break. 

I added this fun tassel from Shana Luther Handbags for easy access into the smaller pocket.

Another thing that has been on my person is this Out of Africa Shea Body Oil. Winters in the NE are brutally dry and to keep my skin soft and supple, especially my hands, I've been reaching for this again and again. The ingredients are 100% natural and loaded with antioxidants. If there's any scars or stretch marks you'd like to see gone, I'd recommend using this to reduce their appearance. 

If this piques your interest, keep in mind that twenty-five cents from every purchase will go towards the Benin Education Fund (#winwin). 

Jacket: Y-3 (similar style)  Shirt: J. Crew  Jeans: Levi's (similar style)  Necklace: Designz by Dez  Shoes: Shoes Like Pottery  Backpack: c/o Sprayground  Lipstick: Audrey via NARS  Body Oil: c/o Out of Africa

Overall, my off-duty Monday style consists of the classic cool pieces: boyfriend jeans, a striped top, and chic backpack. AND lots of coffee (not shown here). Make sure the pieces are well fitted and you're good to go. 

If you want a bit of pizazz, throw on a statement necklace. I reached for this piece from Designz by Dez.

Now excuse me, my coffee is calling!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Downtown Brooklyn Moments

The NE is currently getting pummeled every other day aka the shoes you are about to see aren't the most appropriate. Blame it on the cabin fever!

See what I mean? Haha, in my defense we shot a few blocks away from my apartment - so not super brutal. Just me needing a moment of chic. Lately, (minus the strappy heels) I find myself reaching for easy pieces like a sweatshirt and jeans with lots of stretch. Also known as my hibernation look. To transition my hibernation look to the office sphere, this faux fur vest has been getting a lot of screen time. In my eyes it adds a bit of polish to every look.

A red lip and a fresh mani don't hurt either. Right now I'm loving this shade from Bésame Cosmetics. The luxury line is inspired by old Hollywood glamour (think Marilyn Monroe and Dolores del Rio). So far, I love the formula behind the bold and brazen red + vintage packaging. One coat is all you need for full coverage. This is just one of their 14 shades but feel free to scope out the brand and learn more on their site (besamecosmetics.com).

Vest: Zara (similar style)  Sweatshirt: c/o Mother via Piperlime  Jeans: Vigoss  Necklace: Capwell + Co  Shoes: c/o Joe's Jeans via Piperlime  Lipstick: c/o Red Hot Red via Bésame Cosmetics

Speaking of snow, another great way to avoid cabin fever and a trek outside in heels. Online shopping. Previously, I vowed to become a conscious consumer but with Piperlime shuttering their doors (sad face), now would be an amazing time to save what you can and shop their site for investment pieces. I have my eye on a few pieces including this equipment shirt. 

Photos by Victor Cerejo.

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Blogging Basics 101: Keep Learning

Hey guys! This month's post is going to fall on the shorter but sweet side. But, as always today's handy tip will help you grow your blog and strengthen your base. 

Social media and the technology that goes along with it are continuously changing. Everyday something new emerges or a drastic change has occurred on of our beloved platforms. It's up to us as savvy bloggers to be able to understand it and use it to the best of our abilities. 

By giving yourself a continuous education (never stop learning yo) you stay on top of the game of the digital landscape. If you're new to all these techie + social things, now is the time to develop a firm grasp on the platforms you'll be using. If you're going to go all in, might as well do a fabulous job!

Here are a few of my favorite resources when it comes to blogging:

The B Bar

It's an amazing blog about blogging. The two ladies (Victoria & Meg) that run it are pros when it comes to marketing blogs and small businesses. Definitely head over to their space for really great advice, tips, and tricks on making your blog tick!

Lynda.com

Lynda has saved my butt time and time again. It's another great site where you can learn anything and everything. Photoshop, check. Wordpress, check. Digital strategy, check. If you can afford the subscription or get your employer to sign off on it - do it and watch a video a week. This week I'm learning all about Keynote so I can build an amazing media kit. 

SkillShare

Similar to Lynda, I go to this site to about things that pertain to the creative things in life (i.e. fashion photography, logo design, etc.). Sometimes they partner up with really amazing teachers, so I'd suggest signing up for their newsletters to stay in the know.

CopyBlogger

Besides taking a few writing classes, the next best thing is to read up on content marketing. CopyBlogger has been my go-to from the get-go ever since going digital at the agency. They will teach you the in's and out's of creating amazing and shareable content.

Blogging, social media, and tech go hand in hand. It's so important as a blogger to stay up to date. Even more important to have a solid base that will prove essential in the long run (i.e. HTML, Photoshop, Facebook Ads).

How do you guys stay fresh on the blogging + social game?

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Got a question or another topic you'd like me to cover next month? Shoot me an email, I'd be more than happy to help. Want to read what I covered last month? You can find that right here.

Photos via Pinterest.