How To; An Anniversary Post

Well everyone, I know it has been FOREVER since my last post, but I promise that this post will make up for my hiatus! 

First of all, let's all take a minute to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this blog! Yes, one year ago today, I posted my very first post, and life hasn't been the same since! I wouldn't be where I am today without this blog. I have met so many people and gotten so many opportunities from it! For example, I met some more people at church, and I had the opportunity to coerce guys into being in a post. What more could you want? I don't want to brag, but I've gained quite a following. My mom is still my number one fan, but all the people in my single's ward are also really big fans, which is way fun. 

Anyway, without further ado, let's jump into this post! I'll be talking about two different topics: some tips on how to be a successful fashion blogger, and tricks on how to wear leggings in various settings. 

Being a fashion blogger is hard work. I know what you're thinking... "Heather, all you do is take and post pictures of yourself!" But let me tell you, there's a lot more that goes into it! Choosing an outfit to share, picking a backdrop, figuring out how to pose, and writing up a post...I'm getting tired just typing about it! I am so excited to share my tips and tricks for anyone who might want to dive into the fashion blogging world! 

Let's start with the outfit. You know I LOVE neutral colors, so I usually will stick with colors like white, black, grey, or brown. Not only do these colors never clash with my background, but it also allows the reader to really focus on me and my photo. As a fashion blogger, you are sharing your outfits, but also it's a great excuse to post cute photos of yourself! ;) 

For this post, I chose to feature leggings, since they are my favorite article of clothing to wear, and a plain white tee because it offset the black of the leggings in such a great way. I wanted to make the outfit a little more interesting, which is why I chose to wear my new favorite pair of heels. 

The next thing I want to teach you all about is the background. The background is VERY important. This is because your outfit might be boring or ugly to some people, and you want to make sure that there is something else fun about your photo that will make people want to look at it anyway. 

For this post, I went all around SLC to find the cutest, most colorful walls to take pics in front of! It was the perfect way to make my neutral outfit more fun, and really pop! 

Next is probably the most important part of being a fashion blogger: the pose. As I've demonstrated in all of my posts, there are many flattering ways to pose that really show off your outfit. However, if you're just starting out as a blogger, you might not want to get too crazy. I am going to teach you two different poses that are easy and classic, and fashion bloggers' favs! 

The first is one I like to call the "Graceful Look at the Feet".

Let's walk through it together. 

First, hold onto one arm with your other hand. Keep your arms fairly relaxed. You want this to seem natural, like you stand this way all the time. 

Next, bend one knee. Doesn't matter which one, but I try to bend the opposite knee of the arm that is extended down. 

Last, look down towards your feet. Pick a spot on the ground, because if you look at your feet, your head will be too far down! Soooo unflattering, believe me, I've made that mistake before! ;) Keep your face relaxed. Again, you want this pose to look as natural as possible!

My other favorite pose is one I like to call the "Hair Brush". Not to be confused with an ACTUAL hairbrush! LOL 

This is one of my all-time favs because it looks so candid! It looks like you are totally just sweeping away your hair and someone happened to catch you on camera! Love! Little do they know that you really posed this way...but we'll let that be our secret. ;)

You also can do this pose as kind of a combo with the "Graceful Look at the Feet", as demonstrated above. But this is pretty advanced, so try to master the other two first before you try to combine them.

I think that covers it as far as my tips go. You are now ready to go out and conquer the fashion blogging world! 

Now...LET'S TALK LEGGINGS!

Leggings are incredible. They are my favorite thing to wear, because they are SO versatile! I am so tired of people saying, "Leggings aren't pants," or "Leggings should only be worn for working out." I am here to prove them wrong! Leggings are appropriate for many different situations, and I am going to show you how! 

Business/Interview/Work-Attire

With a pair of heels and a blazer, you are ready to rock the workplace or nail that interview! I went to an interview wearing this exact outfit, and I've been working that job ever since! 

Black Tie

I know what you're thinking...there's no way leggings work with black tie! But that's where you're wrong! Combine your black leggings with a black top, change to some fancier heels, and you've got yourself a very classy outfit. 

 Last but not least...

Swimwear

This is my boldest idea and I love it! Whether you are just hanging out by the pool, trying to avoid skin cancer without that nasty sunscreen, or just want an excuse to wear that cute swimmer that you just LOVE, this is the way to do it all! 

Well guys, I don't want to overwhelm you, and this post is already so long! But I just had so much to share and really wanted to make this anniversary post a special one. I hope you guys loved reading it as much as I loved writing it! See you next time! 

Leggings: Old Navy, $20

Tee: Target, $10

Brown Heels: Payless, $15

Blazer: DI, $10

Swimmer: Target, $20

Black Top: Ross, $10

Red Heels: Plato's Closet, $10

Photography by: Chelsea Chen

Be Mine

Hey guys! So I know it has been FOREVER since I last posted, but I promise that this post was worth the wait. I wanted to post something really special and meaningful because my readers are so important to me, and what is more special and meaningful than love?! Plus, with it being Valentine’s Day and all, I thought this was very appropriate.

So for this entry, I am going to be talking about love, giving you guys some dating/relationship advice, and we’re going to play a fun little game! But first, let me introduce my super hot models that I borrowed for this shoot.

Eric 

Elliot   

Lance

Adam  

Michael

Aren’t they major babes? As you read through this post, try to guess which one of them I’m actually dating… ;) you’ll find out at the end!

Unfortunately, not all of them were available for our couple's shoot. But they were all awesome examples of what guys should wear for any special occasion. Church, fancy parties, or Valentine's Day! 

Okay so let’s talk about LOVE. I think Dr. Seuss truly said it best: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” And let me tell you, being in love is just that. It’s all about the butterflies, the holding hands, the social media posts. Pretty much anything that lets the world know that you are in a relationship and it’s better than your dreams!

Which brings me to my advice for all of you lovely people. Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or even married, all of this can be helpful for you!

Sense of Humor

Make sure the guy you’re dating can make you laugh. But also, if he’s not that funny, it’s okay. Just laugh at whatever he says and he’ll feel so good about himself! That is key to having a good relationship or getting a guy to like you. Just laugh at all their jokes!

Height Differences

When it comes to height, I am a girl that strictly believes that a guy should be at LEAST 6 inches taller than you. That way you can wear heels whenever you want, and you get to feel small and protected by your man! However, there are some super cute guys who may be shorter than you. If they’re really attractive, the height thing can be overlooked. BUT it is extremely important that you never wear heels.

(Just look how awkward it was with me and Eric!) But the good news is that our photoshoot was fixed quickly just by taking off my heels! 

With every relationship obstacle, there is a quick and easy solution.

Fights

Speaking of obstacles, sometimes you’re gonna fight in a relationship. This is totally normal! There are a few ways that you can move forward from these. 

1. Ignore the problem, and learn to deal with it. This has proved to be very effective. 

2. Complain about it on social media, or to your friends and family. Sometimes you just need to vent! 

3. Talk it out and try to come to a compromise. This is always risky, but sometimes can work out for the best.

Whatever you decide, one of those 3 options is bound to help and you’ll be making up in no time!

PDA

PDA (or public displays of affection) is kind of a personal choice, but I fully encourage it. In fact, my motto is “the more PDA, the better!” Because like I previously mentioned, you want everyone to know you’re dating someone! 

Well, that’s about all the advice I can think of to give you all, and I know that if you put some of those things into practice, you will have super happy relationships!

Now let’s talk about my outfit.

What I love about my Valentine’s Day outfit is that it can be totally appropriate for any sort of date. Fancy or casual, all I need to do is change my shoes! For our shoot, I chose to go with fancy, because I really wanted a chance to wear my red heels. Now, you guys know how I feel about bright colors, and how I’m all about the neutrals. But for Valentine’s Day, all that goes out the window. The more pink and red you can put into an outfit, the better. You basically want to look like a walking Hallmark card. It lets people (and your date) know that you are fun, flirty, and LOVE love!

I chose my favorite Valentine’s Day shirt because it’s adorable and so festive, and when else can I wear it?

The pink skirt is one of my favorites, and I thought it looked so nice with my pink shirt. The two different shades of pink were exactly what I was looking for when I was picking out an outfit! The pleats give it a flirty vibe and you absolutely must be flirty on Valentine's Day!

I knew I wanted to wear my red heels, and obviously that meant red lipstick! Gotta keep with the theme. Plus, a red lip is just so classic. 

This outfit was just so much fun. I truly wish it was Valentine’s Day every day! 

Okay, so now that you’ve seen all of these pictures of me and these handsome men, it’s time to guess which one you think is my boyfriend!

Is it Lance? 

Elliot?

Eric? 

Michael?

 Adam?

It’s….. none of them! 

I’m actually not dating any of them, or anyone for that matter! Aren’t you surprised?! I know what you’re thinking, with advice this good, how are you still single? It’s a mystery to me, too. But trust me, I am so qualified to be giving advice on dating and relationships. I have many married friends and you know what they all have in common? Me as their friend! That can’t be a coincidence ;)

I had such a blast shooting with these cute guys. They were such good sports, and I couldn’t have asked for better models and pretend boyfriends.

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and that you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! LOVE you all! See you next time!

Shirt: $5 from Walmart, designed by me with a bleach pen
Skirt: $10 from H&M
Shoes: $10 from Plato's Closet

Photography by: Myself, Michael Bodmer, Elliot Holder

Special Guest: Fashion Blogger AdammaxLA