Sensible Stylista

Bonnie Cribbs on Social Media - Part 2

For today's post, Bonnie Cribbs will be guest-posting on my behalf.  I actually featured him on Sensible Stylista last week.  He answered a slew of  important questions regarding social media.   Click HERE if you want to know more about develop a bigger following!

How do I engage FB “fans”? 

Ask questions. Start conversations. Follow up questions.  Extended conversations.  Follow up comments. Once you can get conversations started with a few, more people are more likely to join in the conversation. 

It may serve you and a few friends to get together and comment and engage on each others’ blogs and facebook page.  This will entice others to join in.  No one seems to want to comment on a status that hasn’t been commented on before until you are viewed as one who has lots of comments.  Odd isn’t it?

How often should I tweet?


This is another one of those million dollar questions.  Every blog and every marketer on twitter should have a target audience and should know the demographics of their following.  Do your followers (as a whole) follow a lot of people or do they follow less than 250?

A tweet only has a shelf life of 10-15 minutes for most users.  If most of your followers follow more than 500 people, that shelf life is much shorter, so it’s ok to tweet frequently.  If you have followers who only follow 20 people, then their twitter feed isn’t seeing a lot of activity and most likely they are not checking twitter much.

I tweet about once an hour.  Most of my followers have 500+ people they follow so my tweets are rather hit or miss for a lot of them.  But for those followers who follow less than 100 people I’m sure I annoy the heck out of their twitter feeds.  My target market includes influential people who are well connected, so even if I am annoying some people it’s ok, because most likely they do not fall in my target market.

All that said, you have to know your target market to make this determination.

The better question to ask is how engaged are you on twitter?  If you are very well engaged and having conversations you are doing the right thing!

How does one manage their time effectively? 


It’s much like managing your money and being on a budget.  You have to tell your time where to go and how its going to be used. 

From your goals you should have a set of tasks and activities that you need to do in order to reach your goals. Start by taking those tasks/activities and plugging them into your schedule.  This way you have on your calendar the things you must do in order to reach your goals. 

Just this week I wrote a post on time management and how to effectively use your time.  Actually, Kim’s question prompted this post - Here is the link to it.

If you do not control your time, it will control you.

I do a ton of Internet Marketing on several social media platforms.  So I have to schedule time that I will be on each platform.  I also have to be disciplined enough to stay focused and work and not play.  Social media can suck hours out of your day, or it can be incredibly beneficial - it all depends on how you use it.

A daily routine that is scheduled out telling your time how it’s going to be used will help you get your time deficit under control.  You have to have a balance of work, relaxation, exercise and fun.

This could have been summed up with one word: Discipline.

Which social media platform do you find to be most “effective”?

The beautiful thing about social media is all of the major platforms are highly effective if used properly.  I believe the answer to this is up to the user and what they enjoy the most.  I always suggest you find a platform or two and master them instead of having 7 different accounts and do none of them well. 

A laser focus on one platform is much more effective than being on multiple platforms and not doing any of them well. Engage & provide value - it’s the key to all of them.

What makes a blogger go viral? 

I believe it’s rapport, like-ability, outstanding content or something so absurd it has to be shared or talked about.  But the latter only has a short term life.  Being a person people connects with seems to be the biggest indicator.  And typically people connect well with great story tellers.

If ya'll want to learn more about social media, make sure to check out Bonnie's blog.  He's also a very active tweeter, so click HERE if you'd like to get in touch with him personally.

How-to: Rock an Embellished Collar

For today's post, I'm featuring a classic black & white blouse courtesy of Chicwish.  I kept it simple and paired it with black skinnies and lace-up wedges. As ya'll can see, the top already has an embellished collar, therefore I went easy on the accessories - I skipped wearing jewelry altogether and sported a statement belt instead.   
The bag adds just the right amount of color - the electric blue stands out beautifully against the black & white.  
Bag:  The Quiet Riot ($62 - won in a giveaway)
Skinnies:  Vince via TJ Maxx ($29 - originally $195)
Belt:  Michael Kors via TJ Maxx ($20)
Top:  c/o Chicwish ($36.57)
Shoes:  Simply Vera Vera Wang via Kohl's - old
Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet - old

Q & A with Bonnie Cribbs, a Social Media Wizard


For today's post my good friend, Bonnie Cribbs, will be guest posting on my behalf.  I'm so thrilled to introduce him to ya'll. I frequent his blog NUMEROUS times daily for incredible social media tips, and his advice has helped me so much.  I know you guys will really benefit from his knowledge.  On top of it all, he happens to be one of the sweetest people I know.
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How do I use Pinterest to drive more traffic to my blog?

Pinterest is a perfect social media platform for most bloggers because most blogs incorporate quality and appealing graphics, making Pinterest a powerful tool to drive traffic to your blog...plus it’s a ton of fun too!

The first step is to use high quality graphics on your blog and make the graphics easy to share on Pinterest by using a plugin or code.  People pin graphics that are visually appealing or that lead to information they are interested in, so make this easy for people by providing top notch graphics.  Think about it this way, would you pin your graphics if you saw them on Pinterest?

If it’s a how to, DIY or recipe be sure to include details in the graphic that will auto populate when your reader shares your graphic on Pinterest.  In the descriptions use language that will entice pinners to want to learn more and cause them to visit your site.

I also suggest that you have a Pinterest Board that provides links to all of your social media accounts like this one.

I created a training video several months ago that can be viewed here.  It goes into detail about how to use Pinterest for your business and blog.  Matter of fact, that particular post has about 25 tips for using Pinterest and driving traffic with Pinterest.

How do I develop a bigger following?

Isn’t that the million dollar question?  By providing value you keep your readers coming back.  “Value” will be defined by what your target audience is looking for and you need to know your target market like they are your best friends.

By engaging with your followers you build a tribe of loyal followers who will share your content and spread the word about your awesomeness.  It really comes down to the ripple effect and you start the ripple by connecting with a small crowd and from there more people find out about you. 

By getting in front of new audiences you introduce new people to you. In the blog world, guest posts are an ideal way of how to do this.  Networking online follows a lot of the same principles as networking offline.

By using Pinterest above there are always new people coming to your site.  I believe one of the biggest keys in developing a bigger following is by consistently being seen, helping people and showing up in new places for people to find you.

Here is a post that shares some ideas about networking your blog and some of the things you can do to build traffic and a loyal following.  Trust me, it takes time so do not give up and give your following time to develop.

Do numbers really matter?  How and why?

I’m a numbers guy, so to me numbers definitely matter.  If you’re trying to attract sponsors or brands, they’ll want to know your traffic numbers.   They’ll want to know who your target market is and how you are attracting them.

Be honest about your numbers!

It’s always interesting to me the numbers that bloggers decide to share.  You may have a HUGE facebook following, but unless you are promoting your sponsor on facebook, the huge facebook following is of no use to your sponsor.  It may give a blogger more people to promote your brand to but it does not necessarily translate into page views on your blog unless you are being very intentional to drive people to your blog.

Most savvy sponsors and brands will want to know the number of page visits that you have on a daily basis and your monthly average.  I’m always interested in the number of email subscribers you have to whether or not your email subscribers are going to your site to read your blog or if they are getting the full article in the email. 

Ideally, a blogger is growing their email list but that is only helping a sponsor out if you are sending your subscribers to your page.  Again, it comes down to page visits for most sponsors.  But for the blogger, you want to know your overall reach.

Wait, this question was about numbers and whether or not they are important.  They are to sponsors so if you are trying to attract them, yes. If you’re trying to generate leads or traffic to your site, then yes.  If you’re just blogging for the fun of it and don’t care if anyone is seeing your pages or not, then no, they are not important.

What’s the most effective way to promote a post?

IF you have captured the email addresses of your blog followers (and you should be doing this), email is the best way to promote your post.  Your existing readers are the ideal and best audience and are the easiest audience to engage with. 

There is a saying in marketing that says “the money is in the list.”  If you’re growing a blog and building an audience, you need to build your list.  By that, I’m saying you need to begin collecting email addresses of your followers.  You may change blogs, you may change companies you work for, blogger or wordpress may shut down.  You want to have easy access to your list.

The best way I’ve found to keep a post alive is through a wordpress plugin called “Tweet Old Post.”  It does exactly what it sounds like it would do, it automatically tweets old posts and keeps them alive.  Your post will continue to generate readers long after you have forgotten about it!

You have to think long term and several moves ahead.

Here is a very interesting infographic on one of my Pinterest boards that will tell you what you need to do on social media for each post.  Outside of your email list, promoting your post in as many places as possible will gain traffic. 
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I hope ya'll found this post as helpful as I did. I'll be featuring him again next week, so make sure to check back!  For more amazing posts, check out his blog by clicking HERE.

50 Shades of Blue

For today's post, I've featured a funky blazer courtesy of SheInside.  
I went all out and sported an all-blue ensemble.  I actually showcased a similar look a couple months ago - clicky HERE to access the aforementioned post.  Which look do you guys prefer? 

My heels and bag match!  OH, I totally forgot about THIS look -  It's another denim-on-denim outfit post, if you're interested!
Dude, my hair looks cray-cray in this photo.  I look like an asian lion, bahaha
My necklace (very conveniently) contains all the different blues I sported in today's ensemble, tying the look together beautifully...

Bag:  Kate Spade
Top:  Mudd via Kohl's ($26)
Necklace:  J. Crew Factory Outlet
Blazer:  c/o SheInside ($35.34)
Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet - old
Shorts:  AG via Off Saks Fifth - old
Shoes:  Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx ($30)

Some more options if you'd like to shop my look...

PS.  Have you checked out my newest giveaway?  Clicky HERE to enter.  You could win a fab Betsey Johnson gift set...

Polka Dot Madness

I bought this adorable polka-dot top at Forever 21 a couple weeks ago.  It was originally $16, but I got it on sale for $13. 
I was super tempted to style it with a high-waisted skater skirt, but decided to pair it with this form-fitting pencil skirt instead.  The top matches the skirt PERFECTLY - it almost looks like a dress.  
TIP:  When sporting a bold print from head to toe, accessorize wisely.  Let the print shine by wearing pieces that complement the pattern's color scheme.   
Oh how I wish this was my Chanel bag...
Top:  Forever 21 ($13)
Skirt:  Forever 21 - old
Bag:  Chanel - borrowed
Necklace:  c/o Chicnova ($10)
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
Bracelet:  c/o Brighthouse Baubles ($26)
Shoes:  BCBGMaxAzria via TJ Maxx ($40)

How-to: Style a Crochet Skirt

I'm loving this girly color combination:  mint + peach.  Ya'll know how much I love experimenting with different hues.  I actually don't think I've paired these shades together before.  What do you guys think of this color scheme?
TIP:  Don't be afraid to experiment with texture.  Imagine how different this ensemble would have been if I had styled a leather skirt instead of the crochet pictured above!
I got this adorable crossbody bag on sale for $130 at Nordstrom - it was originally $300.  I wasn't planning on buying another investment bag, but I just really fell in love with the color and design - the tassels are just too cute.  
 Skirt:  Forever 21 - old
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's 
Necklace:  c/o Statement Baubles
Earrings:  c/o Episkey Artful
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
Top:  BCBGeneration via BCBGMaxAzria Outlet ($10)
Bag:  Coach via Nordstrom ($130)

Fall Must-have: The Graphic Pullover

Did you guys know that the graphic pullover is making a comeback this Fall?  Apparently it's one of the hottest trends this season.  Well, you don't have to tell me twice - I'm definitely on board.  Cute AND comfortable? Uh, yes please.    
Anywho, ya'll will see me pairing it with skinny jeans and chunky jewelry once it cools down a bit.  Yeah, the top makes a statement on its own, but why not throw on some bold jewelry anyways?  Go big or go home. 
I didn't really accessorize much today, but sa'll good because I threw on some chunky platform heels to turn up the heat. Sport sky-high heels to turn heads and break necks.  Now, if only I could learn to walk in them properly.  Hm, I'm definitely gonna work on my strut, ha!  Yeah right.
Belt:  Apt. 9 via Kohl's 
Shoes:  Aldo Factory Outlet - old
Sweatshirt: everette bleu via TJ Maxx ($24)
Shorts:  Almost Famous via TJ Maxx
 Bag:  The Quiet Riot (won in a giveaway)
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx ($15)

Floral Peplum: Three Ways

For today's post, I've re-styled my Forever 21 floral peplum skirt.  I know I've already featured this piece on my blog twice already, but ya'll know how much I love remixing pieces.  Which look do you guys prefer?  
Today's Look / Remix: The Floral Peplum Skirt / Styling Bold Patterns
I paired my peplum skirt with a khaki top to create a neutral canvas for my shoes.  

Playing with Color: Blush + Orange

For today's post, I've featured a super chic dress courtesy of Line & Dot.  Don't you just love the color and shape?  Well, you should because I do - hardy har har! 
ANYWHO, I styled the dress with a girly pale pink & sherbet statement necklace because I wanted to color coordinate my bag + necklace.
I bought these shoes at Kohl's a couple years ago for $14.  They're definitely one of my favorite bargain finds.  Super cute, comfy, and cheap kicks that happen to match my dress perfectly.  
My new Coach bag <3 isn't it just darling?  FYI:  I recently opened a store where ya'll can shop pieces I've featured on Sensible Stylista and also snatch brand new designer pieces for a fraction of the price.  When I saw this bag on sale at the factory outlet, I quickly grabbed the other available piece for my shop.  I'm currently selling it for $395 (originally $689), but as a bonus, the first person who emails me - sensiblestylista87@gmail.com - will get an additional $25 off.  Clicky HERE if you'd like to check out my store...
Dress:  c/o Line & Dot via Bollare
Necklace:  c/o Brighthouse Baubles
Shoes:  Mudd via Kohl's - old
Bag + Sunnies: Coach Factory Outlet

Wardrobe Staple: The Statement Necklace

For today's post, I've featured an edgy skater dress courtesy of Deb.
Although the dress itself makes a bold statement with its faux-leather bodice, I accessorized with an eye-catching necklace from Stella & Dot.
I won this gorgeous piece of jewelry from LaBelleMel - I was SO stoked when she told me I was the lucky winner of her fab giveaway.  Ya'll know how much I love free swag! If you guys like entering giveaways as much as I do, make sure to check out my "Free Swag Sunday" series! 
Dress:  c/o Deb
Bag:  Prada - gifted
Tights:  Talbots Factory Outlet
Belt:  came with an H&M skirt - old 
Necklace:  Stella & Dot c/o LaBelleMel
Shoes:  c/o Deb ($25.83)

Remix: The Oxblood Skater Skirt

For today's post, I've re-styled my Forever 21 oxblood skater skirt. I actually featured it quite recently, but if you missed the blast, clicky HERE! Which look do you guys prefer?
Anywho, I styled my high-waisted skirt with a form-fitting cropped top to show just the right amount of skin. Pairing a cropped top with a high-waisted skirt is fashion 101.  It's pretty much a foolproof formula. 
If you're worried about baring too much skin, experiment with outerwear. Don't be afraid to mix & match.  Remember, it's all about juxtaposition. Contrast is key!  TIP:  Wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself.  If you're confident, others will find you damn sexy by default.  
Isn't the back absolutely adorable?  FYI:  There are three other colors available, and they're only about $10 a piece.  I'm seriously thinking about buying one of each, haha!
A closer look at my regal Taara necklace.  Jewelry fit for a queen!
Bag:  Tory Burch - old
Wedges:  c/o Deb ($35.90)
Necklace:  Taara Jewelry c/o Cult of Progression
Skirt: Forever 21 ($10.80)
Top:  c/o Deb ($10.43)

Occasion: Back-to-School

For today's post, I've styled a super casual look featuring pieces courtesy of Deb & Aeropostale. Ya'll probably don't know this about me, but I used to be a HUGE tomboy back in the day.  I LIVED in hoodies and baggy pants! I even thought sagging was cool in high-school. Yeah, definitely not.  I don't know what I was thinking...
Anywho, I thought it'd be fun to showcase a comfy yet cute ensemble for study sessions in the library, which reminds me... this is my FINAL year of doctoral coursework, WOOT! 
I started with a cute graphic tee and short-shorts.   I took it up a notch by throwing on a fierce military jacket - gosh, I absolutely love the contrasting sleeves - and wearing wedge sneakers.  The layered spiky necklace adds just the right amount of edge.    
Necklace: Baublebar - old
Jacket: c/o Deb ($34.90)
Bag:  Foley + Corinna (won in a giveaway - $395)
Shoes:  BDG via Urban Outfitters ($29.99)
Shorts:  AG Jeans via Off Saks Fifth
Tee:  c/o Aeropostale ($9)