How I Became A Blogger: Ashley’s Story

Hi Babes!

I’m Ashley from @adamronnn on Instagram! I’m from Columbus, Ohio and still call it home. Fashion has ALWAYS been a huge passion of mine ever since I can remember! I decided to go to school to study fashion and retail at The Ohio State University and I’m getting my degree this upcoming December! Being able to study and learn new things about trends, designs, and the retail world every single day makes my heart SO full. My passion and goal on Instagram is sharing style ideas for the twenty something year old girl on a budget.

So, how did I get started? Fears?

I knew as early as my junior year of high school, when deciding on a college major, that I wanted to be in the fashion industry when I grew up. I have ALWAYS enjoyed expressing myself through clothes and accessories. I also may have a small shoe addiction…whoops. I used my Instagram as a social platform to post photos of my friends and family up until a year and a half ago. I would always get questions on where I got my clothes and decided where my passion was. I loved the feeling of helping my followers find cute and affordable pieces. I started to post more about my outfits and created my page into more of a personal blog/personal brand. I was absolutely terrified of failure when I started using this platform. I worried about what others were going to think of me for putting myself out there on the Internet. Knowing the fashion industry on Instagram is SO saturated. Will anyone discover little old me? It’s such a scary thing. I’m the type who over thinks and worries about EVERYTHING. It’s a really annoying trait that I have, unfortunately. I decided to put all of my insecurities, doubts, and worries to the side and do what makes me happy. I’m SO glad I did because I have never been happier! This whole fashion blog started off as a hobby of mine and has turned into a part-time job. I am so unbelievably grateful that I decided to follow my heart and do what makes me happy! If you’re thinking about starting a blog about anything, not just fashion, DO IT! I highly encourage you to start. There isn’t much to lose! Do what makes you happy and create a creative space to express yourself.

One thing that will always be hard is comparing yourself to others on the Internet. In this day and age, it’s hard to get caught up in the social media world and the perception of being “perfect”. Nobody is perfect. Nobody. I often find myself finding other fashion bloggers on my popular page and thinking, “Man, they’re so skinny.” “Their clothes look so much better on them than they would on me.” It’s called genetics…most of the time. I have always been a short girl with curves. I don’t look like the typical “LikeToKnow.it” blogger. I don’t have long skinny legs. Ya girl has always struggled with her weight and being 5’3” doesn’t help! I realized that I’m never going to look like other women on Instagram and that is totally fine with me. I have my days here and there but I have began to love myself. Flaunt whatcha momma gave ya, gf. Be you. Be confident. That’s one of the best qualities you can have. I believe in you.

Xoxo,

Ashley @adamronnn

 

I Asked For Your Thoughts On Confidence: Here’s What Happened

Hello Lovelies!!

Earlier this week I asked you all for some input on a topic that is extremely important to me: confidence. For starters, I was pleasantly surprised to find such a range of responses! It is so wonderful to see how each of you thinks about confidence and what practices you implement in your lives to remind yourselves of your self-worth. I asked the simple question, “What makes you confident?” and the themes of your responses range from daily routine, to physical appearance, to reminding ourselves the necessity of self-love.

So, here’s some confidence-boosting inspiration to brighten your hump day!

Self Love is Self Care

“I think my confidence comes as an outcome of my past experiences. We all go through hell-ish times or overthink the looks of others as judgements, but I think I really gained confidence when I took myself out of those situations, refocused my intentions of an empowering solo movement of self love and self care. Self love made me realize of what I was capable. Confidence really stems for me from my morning routine- starting my day off right: face wash, yoga outdoors in my backyard, making my breakfast and eating it outside with my dog. My setting a mood and aura of positivity and health, I am able to be confident.” – Amanda (@typeone_geologist // www.typeonegeologist.com)

Lipstick Lady

“Popping on some lipstick – even if I don’t have the rest of my face on – it makes me feel a bit more put together as though I can walk into any room confidently!” – Megan  (@megan_leblanc)

Positivity and People

“Surrounding myself with encouraging, positive people who build me up and support me.” – Miranda (@mirandaoates // memyselfmiranda.wordpress.com )

When Clothes Fit YOU

“A nice pair of jeans – or when my hair is done” – Cheyenne (@cheyennewood96)

Teach Others to Do the Same

“My two young boys. They have taught me to show that even when you’re not feeling confident in yourself, you should exude it for those around you! Teaching them that how we think and what we tell ourselves is extremely powerful.” – Courtney (@sultryinsuburbia)

Plain and Simple

“A good outfit day” – Courtney (@courtneymbells)

Love Yourself Without Apology

“The only ‘reset’ button you should be pushing today is the one labeled SELF LOVE. No matter what happened yesterday or the day before or last week or last year. No matter what. Every day is a new opportunity to love yourself fiercely and without apology. Because you’re worth it. You’re so so so so worth it.” – Gina (@nourishandeat)

Thank you for reading!

xx,

A

Favorites: April 2018

Hello Lovelies!!

I have compiled a list of my absolute FAVORITE products and brands across multiple markets: beauty, jewelry, accessories and more! I am SO EXCITED for this post, so without further ado, here’s my current list of favorites for April 2018!

  1. Mara Beauty

    This new face oil is a game changer! I’ve been testing this product for a while and I am so in love! I have noticed a visible change in my skins moisture as well as improvement regarding my personal concerns: redness and discoloration. The best part is that the product is made from 100% natural ingredients! The brand is also preparing to launch more skincare products and I am so excited!!

  2. JORD Watches

    I received my new JORD watch in the mail a few weeks ago and I haven’t taken it off since!! The brand specializes in luxury wooden watches for men and women, and trust me, the experience is luxurious!! The watch comes in it’s own wooden box with extra compartments for accessories to maintain a gorgeous wood finish! I chose the CORA watch in Koa and Rose Gold and it is the perfect warm timepiece for spring and summer! I cannot wait to share more about this experience on Instagram! Also, get ready for a JORD GIVEAWAY coming this week!!

  3. Glossier

    Glossier has essentially taken over the internet and this month I finally got to try my new FAVORITE brand for everyday, effortless makeup. For my glossier-inspired look, check out this video!!

  4. Pieces of Me

    This new brand of personality-inspired jewelry is gorgeous!! Once you complete their personality test, you get to pick from their wide selection of personalized, affordable pieces! I love my “Confident” bracelet as it is my personal reminder to flourish in everything I do!

  5. 28Litsea

    This recently re-vamped skincare line is my everyday obsession!! I love their body scrubs, but my FAVORITE product is their petala lip balm!! I carry mine everywhere can cannot leave the house without it! Did I mention that everything smells AMAZING!!

  6. iDeal of Sweden

    I can’t help but say “SO CUTE” every time I see a new case from iDeal of Sweden! My favorite is my new magnetic wallet! It comes with a matching case and is so easy to use! You can get yours 20% OFF with FREE shipping using my code: ADELIA at checkout!

  7. Summer Fridays

    Best. Mask. Ever.

  8. Fandangle

    Noticed those bobble earrings I love? They’re all from Fandangle! I love how easy it is to make a statement with any of their colorful earrings!! And if you use my code ADELIA at checkout, you can get an extra 40% OFF!!

  9. Capri Blue

    These are my favorite candles EVER and they just came out with a new line of soaps and lotions!! They are available at Bluetique stores and my FAVORITE new scent is available online at ShopBluetique.com!! Remember you can get an extra 15% OFF online and in-stores with my code ADELIA15!

  10. Little Sky Stone

    Finally, I have been OBSESSED with my new rings from Little Sky Stone! I love how these pieces add a little flare to my favorite outfit for a minimal, yet put-together look! Also, be on the lookout for a GIVEAWAY coming soon!!

Hope you all enjoyed this list!! What are your current favorites?

xx,

A

The Only Dress You Need for Your Next Getaway

Hello Lovelies!!

Last week, I flew down to visit my family in Virginia and per usual, I struggled to fit all my outfits in one suitcase! Luckily, I only needed to pack one dress perfect for both casual walks around town as well as family dinner.

To find the one dress versatile for daytime and evening, comfortable for an extended trip, and modest for family events, I visited Virginia Dare Dress Company and found EXACTLY what I needed!

I LOVE the Emma dress! It is so well made with fabric perfect for warm or cold weather. This solid green dress is perfect to dress up with heels and jewelry, though it can also be dressed down with flats and a blanket scarf!

I am wearing an XL petite and am loving the comfortable fit! All of their dresses are currently available in sizes XS to XL, petit to tall, and I am happy to say that they are expanding their size range to include more plus-size women with 2XL dresses!

Did I mention it has pockets?!?! Thank you Virginia Dare Dress Company for exceeding my expectations!

If you would like to see more about my experience with the brand (like their amazing product packaging) visit the Instagram link below and check out my PR story highlight!

xx,

A

 

Spring Break 2018: Beauty Essentials!

Hello Lovelies!!

Whenever I have a trip coming up, I always like to plan my packing ahead of time, and lately my goal has been to pack as lightly as possible (quite the challenge for a beauty blogger!). Here are a few space-saving tips and my own makeup/skincare/haircare/toiletry packing list!

Sized to Travel

It can be expensive to buy both full sized products AND over-priced travel sized versions. To avoid the extra cost, here are some of my life hacks!

  1. if you are testing out a product, or know that you will take a while to use it up, buy the travel size! I usually do this for powders, bronzers, and blushes as I use these products sparingly (the powders and blushes featured were purchased a year ago!).
  2. Samples!! There are a number of ways I will get sample sizes, usually this is from subscription boxes or redeeming rewards. I mostly do this for the skincare featured like Tatcha or Clinique. I also collect samples of other makeup like blush/highlighter sticks to save for travel! Pro tip: save old sample-sized bottles and refill them before a trip! I also refill travel-sized bottles of my shampoo and conditioner!
  3. I love to pack single use products in my carry-on for in-flight skincare or haircare!

Gallery: The Packing List

The final photo shows all my products packed and ready to be stored in various bags depending on how long I will be traveling!

Thank you for reading!! Please visit the drop-down menu to the right and subscribe to see more content each week!

xx,

A

Spring Break 2018: The Look Book

Hello Lovelies!!

I am so excited to escape Ohio for a warm, relaxing spring break! It is so fun to put away my parka and pull out fun, new pieces to style for the week! Here is a look at a few of the  pieces I plan on wearing for this highly anticipated vacation!

Beach-Ready or Dinner-Ready Jumper

I love this jumpsuit from Bishop and Young! I am so glad it fits my hips AND IT HAS POCKETS!!

Breezy Dress

This dress from Anthropologie is the perfect lightweight style an effortless yet put-together look!

Comfy Pullover

This fun top is from Bishop and Young, and I love pairing it with dark wash American Eagle Jeans, Madewell shoes and a cute tote from Bluetique!

Easy, Day-to-Night Top

This poet top from Bishop and Young is so cute and easy to wear with almost any outfit!

Travel-Ready Essentials

LOVE this comfortable top from Bluetique! It is perfect for traveling but still has the “i tried” vibe.

Thick Thighs and 70’S Vibes

Lastly, this figure flattering top from Bluetique adds enough fun and flare for a nice 70’s vibe!

xx,

A

Blogging 101: Brand Ambassadorships, Collaborations, and Media Kits!

Hello Lovelies!!

I may be a newcomer to the blogging industry, but in the last few months I have learned a lot about personal marketing and working with a variety of different brands! Over time, I have seen my blog and social media grow with hard work, consistency, sponsorship, and collaboration. So, here are some of the most important skills to get started as a blogger, influencer, and brand ambassador!

Being a Brand Ambassador

Anyone in the industry can be considered an influencer, but to be a brand ambassador is a completely different endeavor. Brands are almost always looking for ambassadors, and oftentimes they will select multiple influencers to work as a team to promote the brand. With most of the brand ambassadorships I work with, they would advertise the opportunity on their website or social media and accept applications through an online form. After completing the application, I would hear back from them within a week or so. By this point the brand would send out a detailed list of responsibilities and benefits including posting requirements and compensation! If a brand is not advertising a brand ambassador program, you can always email them asking if they offer positions or if they are interested in a collaboration.

Collaborations and Sponsorships

The biggest advice I can give regarding collaborations and how to get sponsored is to pick the brands you are passionate about, engage them on social media, and send an email!! You are not always going to have brands reach out to you, but it means A LOT to a brand to receive a personal message from an influencer willing to support them. Be sure to quickly mention who you are, why you like their brand, what you are interested in doing for a collaboration, and the best way for them to contact you. You may not hear back from everyone, but this is a great way to get started and gain experience!

Creating a Media Kit

Once you have some experience working with a few brands, the best way to find more opportunities is to organize your affiliation and experiences into a media kit! This can act as a resumé to share with future collaborators, and working with similar brands is a great way to maintain a consistent brand! Post your media kit on your personal site, link it to your social media, and be sure to share it when emailing for any potential brand collaboration. I created my online resumé/media kit (featured below) using Canva. This site is great for any kind of visual marketing!

Thank you for reading!

xx,

A