Blogging Beauty - Paper Meets Pearl



Today I have a treat for you! The lovely Kelly of Paper Meets Pearl has answered some fun questions.  So have fun getting to know this sweet girl and hopefully some of you will learn something about blogging from her!

  1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello! My name is Kelly and I’m the blogger behind Paper Meets Pearl! My blog is a fashion/lifestyle blog based out of gorgeous Charleston, SC. By day I’m a marketing/social media guru and by night I’m a blogger and fashion stylist!
  1. How did you first get involved with blogging?
I first got started back in January after making a New Year’s resolution. I honestly owe a lot of my blog’s start to my supportive boyfriend for challenging me to do it. I’ve always loved fashion and writing but was always told that it wasn’t a viable option. Ever since I got started I’ve been able to meet some amazing ladies (like Katie!) and work with terrific brands.

  1. What do you find most challenging about blogging?
Oh gosh! That’s difficult because there will always be challenges with blogging. I would have to say staying motivated and inspired to come up with creative content. I try to keep a notebook handy so I can jot down an idea so I don’t lose it.
  1. How would you describe your personal style?
I would say it’s a cross between minimalism and boho. I love simple styles and patterns but also love a good flowy dress! My favorite type of clothes to wear are midi dresses with either heels or slide sandals and very simple jewelry.
  1. How do you keep coming up with content for your blog?
Write down everything! Every little thought I have I write down, no matter how crazy it is! It keeps me going and some ideas can really become great ones when I start putting more thought into them. Flipping through magazines also helps too, especially with my job as a stylist.
  1. What are your favorite upcoming trends for Fall/Winter?
My favorite trends I’m seeing right now are shearling vests (I just received an incredibly soft one from Entourage Clothing!) and lots of 70s vibes. My favorite boutique, 7 Gypsy, just got this amazing suede fringe skirt that I’m dying to try!

  1. What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your wardrobe right now?
That’s so hard for me! I would have to say my favorite piece is this forest green tunic I recently got at Forever21. It’s a great summer to fall piece because it has thigh high slits so I can wear shorts under it, then in the fall I can wear leggings and a leather jacket!
  1. If someone was interested in blogging, what would be a few things you would suggest?
Join a community! I joined Charleston Bloggers and Southern Blog Society and both have been a great way to meet new friends, collaborate with bigger brands, and learn how to be a better blog. Also, don’t be scared to put yourself out there! Take risks and see how they play out. You may be surprised!
  1. What do you think is the best strategy to get more traffic to your blog?
Besides creating useful content, I would say really utilize social media. It’s such an easy tool to really drive traffic to your blog. Each time I create a new post, I post a link to it on my Instagram in the bio and all over Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
  1. What do you do in your spare time?
I live in a great neighborhood close to a Green Way so I like to go on long bike rides and run through there. If I’m not biking, I’m typically at the beach surfing with my boyfriend (I’m still learning!) or catching up with friends at a local coffee shop or wine bar.
  1. Where would you like to be in blogging five years from now?
I would love to be a full-time blogger and make my income doing that. As for now, I’m really happy where I’m at and enjoy seeing where it’s taking me! I’m incredibly thankful to be able to do what I love.
  1. Tell me about your proudest achievement?
I would say the day I got asked to start running a weekly fashion show. I truly felt like I was being seen and people wanted to see more of it! It’s starting to drive more traffic to my blog and such a great output for creativity.
  1. Who was your first style icon?
My first style icon was Audrey Hepburn and still is!
  1. What are your favorite places to shop?
I can’t say no to a good vintage or thrift store! I’m always on the lookout for some great pieces. I also like Nordstrom Rack, Forever21, and The Gap.
  1. If you could splurge on one item, what would it be and why?

I’m not too sure! I would have to say something from either Chanel or Chloe. I love both of these brands and how timeless they are.
  1. Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
Coco Chanel said it best, “Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance,” and I completely agree with her! A perfect outfit is one that is balanced and only uses touches of accessories to highlight the overall outfit itself. This is something I try to use every day when I’m either styling myself or my shows.

Thanks so much for collaborating with me Kelly!  Make sure you follow her on Instagram - she posts some seriously fab fashion pics!

Read my answers to the questions on Kelly’s blog!

Don't forget to Sparkle!
XO ~ Katie


Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale - Favorites and Finds


Another one in the books!  A Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale that is.  I can't believe that a few short years ago I had no Lilly in my closet.  I don't even know if I really knew what Lilly was all about!

For my wallet that is an amazing thing, but for my heart that just hurts.  I have found so much love and friendship through Lilly Pulitzer!  I know that sounds crazy but it is completely true!  I went from 0 to #obsessed in a few short months but I am so happy I know what it means to be a Lilly girl and for those  of you who purchased your first Lilly at today's sale - welcome to the family!

Now make sure you share what YOU got in the comments below!  I don't want to make it all about me on here ;)

If you read yesterday's post, you know my #1 item was a romper.  Well.....

I got one!  Rompers always fly during the APS but there were actually quite a few to choose from this time around!  I got the Deanna romper (my absolute fav!) in Scuba to Cuba. 

Can't wait to get this baby:


That right there blew my planned budget.  But the sale was SO good this year I could have spent *literally* over $1,000.  Which is insane and I would never do.

If you know me personally I am a *bit* of a goody two shoes.  And I'm perfectly happy with that title, but just wanted to give you some context so when I say I "went crazy" you'll see that means I bought two more items.  :D

First of my two impulse buys are the gorgeous Dennie shorts in First Impressions.  I love this print and can't wait to finally own a little bit of it!


My final item is the Andie top in Back It Up.  I never like to buy tops because I think they are expensive for what you get but I am trying to build my collection so I got this.  I don't have a ton of cold weather Lilly so I think this will be perfect for fall and winter!


If I did go actually "crazy" here are a FEW of the things my heart desired but my head said "NO WAY!"

I can not wait to style these things and share them with you all!

Don't forget to Sparkle! (and tell me what you got below!)
XO ~ Katie


Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale 2015 - FAQ - New Rules!


The best email of the year made it to my inbox this morning!


If you're a Lilly lover than you are super excited and getting prepped for tomorrow.

Last year I wrote these tips for the sale, but Lilly is changing up the game in what seems to be an attempt at making the sale more enjoyable for more people.

These are the new rules:


How are they different, you ask?

1.  They tried the virtual line thing last year, which worked pretty well and caused fewer crashes on the site from what I could tell.

2. Items in your cart have never been reserved, so that isn't new news either.

3.  You will be placed at the end of the "line" after you check out.  This is new and a bit of a game changer.  Now you will have to shop faster than ever because you can no longer check out after each item.  Well you can but you'll go back to the end of the line so that method is not advised any more if you ask me.

So how can you be successful during the sale?

1.  Go on today/tonight and set up your account complete with payment information.  You could be loosing items while you set up your account if you wait until tomorrow!  No good!

2.  Know what you want.  Browsing is not a great idea during the sale.  During my first sale I didn't buy the first thing I liked and by the time I went back to it, it was gone.  

3. Prioritize.  A romper is number one on my wish list so I'll be looking for that first.  See below for other wish list items of mine!

4.  Balance.  This is new "advice" due to the rule change.  You have to balance your time now.  You don't want to check out after every item or you'll constantly be stuck in the "line", but you also don't want to add everything to your cart and then check out or you'll likely loose out on something.  You'll just have to decide how important certain things are, for example I may check out right away if I snag a romper but then take my time and add a few things to my cart when I get in the sale a second time.

Sounds pretty crazy, what if I'm not up for it?

The sale lasts for two days and only the first morning will be cray-cray.  If you don't have an intense want for something specific, I'd suggest waiting until tomorrow afternoon.  You might miss out on the "holy grails" but you'll be able to get into the site no problem and have a more relaxed experience.

Plus if you wait you won't clog up the site for the rest of us crazies ;)

Let me know if you have any other questions!  Get excited!!

Don't forget to Sparkle!
XO ~ Katie


Illustration

If you're on Instagram then you have probably followed or at least seen some pretty awesome artists.  Well I was lucky enough to be able to work with one of them, Caroline Bogush!  She drew ten of my favorite things and I love how they turned out!  Check out more of her work here.  P.S. these are in no particular order, I love them all!


1. Tulle Skirts!  See my photos here to compare to Caroline's amazing drawing!

2. Kate Spade bags!

3. Hunting for sea shells on the beach 

4. Bow Bikinis!  I also think this one kind of looks like a mermaid so thats doubly awesome, right?




5. Jack Rogers!  Especially gold ones! This drawing is so realistic, I am in awe!

6. J. Crew scallop dress, especially in pink ;)

7. Makeup! Side note: I wish blogger had emojis because they just express my emotions so well!


8. Flowers!



9.  Fun quotes


10. Working out - gotta stay fit and make fitness fun with pink equipment!


Hope you all enjoyed and go check out Caroline's website!

Don't forget to Sparkle!
XO ~ Katie