Belk Fall Fashion Preview for Style Bloggers

Last month I had the opportunity to join several local style bloggers at a fall fashion preview event hosted by Arlene Goldstein of Belk. Goldstein, vice president of trend merchandising and fashion direction at Belk, was there to help us "find our fabulous," which was the theme of the evening. She told us all about Belk's style statements for the upcoming season and how best to rock these looks. The evening also gave me the chance to chat with a few Birmingham bloggers about their favorite fall fashion trends. 

If you're a style blogger, here are three looks that should be on your radar for fall: 

Complex Simplicity 

This look is all about new proportions and shape shifts, Goldstein said. From oversized and boxy silhouettes to exaggerated sleeves and new age layering, this is an ultra modern look. Playing with textures is key while extreme coatings, metallic finishes, trapunto stitches, and new knits will ensure that your look is far from ordinary. Goldstein recommends sharpening this look with edgy accents, including statement jewelry in architectural shapes, structured handbags, sleek ankle boots, and the always-chic over-the-knee boots. 

This look was a favorite Abby Hathorn of the blog Vintage Inspired Passionista. "I love that this look is all about the details," she said. 

Abby Hathorn with Arlene Goldstein

His Is Hers

Hathorn said she also likes the His Is Hers style statement because of the classic colors like brown and tan. "It's a very classy style," she said, adding that it reminded her of style icons like Katharine Hepburn. 

For this look, ladies, we're going to borrow from the boys. Expect menswear inspired layers: trousers, crisp white shirts, vests, midi skirts, very important sweaters and more. Plan on pattern mixes as new argyle, herringbone, houndstooth, and animal prints are reinvented and reworked. In fact, just consider these new neutrals. Look for a penchant for plaids, too. Accessories to complement this trend include felt fedoras, satchels, scarves, bold gold chains and statement necks. 

Erica Bunker of the sewing sartorial blog Erica B's DIY Style said this look was her favorite. "I like the juxtaposition of menswear fabric with feminine style," she said. "I like the classic fabrics but I still want to look like a woman. With this trend you have serious fabric with a flouncy look."

Erica Bunker of Erica B's DIY Style

Jeniese Hosey of The Je ne sais quoi  blog, is a fan of this trend too, but she didn't need permission to wear more animal print. "I pledge allegience to leopard print," she said. "Leopard print is my neutral. I'm the girl who wears leopard print shoes instead of black shoes." 

Jeniese Hosey with Arlene Goldstein

Rebel, Rebel

Hosey said she also likes the Rebel, Rebel trend because it's feminine but edgy. 

Just as the name suggests, this trend is about getting you out of your comfort zone. This look pushes you to break the rules with unexpected pairings like leather and lace, winter florals and British plaids, feminine silhouettes and moto detailing. With this trend you'll see studs, nailheads, zips, quilting, and new chain treatments.  Sheers, pleather, dark denim, double-knits, and tweeds are a few of the textiles that will help you send that street-smart message this trend aims to convey. Accessories to enhance this look include chokers, bold statement necks and cuffs in burnished metals, studded and belted ankle boots, and over-the-knee boots.

Buffy York of The Style Gathering was a fan of this style statement, too. She especially liked the open-toe ankle boot and the chic, fashionable twist on the track pant. With this look, she said, you can be fashionable but "it doesn't come off as stuffy or uninviting." 

Buffy York of The Style Gathering

If all the elements of these style statements seem a bit overwhelming, don't fret. Goldstein also gave us a checklist of must-haves for fall, making updating your look for the new season much simpler. 

Belk's Most Wanted List for Women

• Soft Pant
• Longer Skirts
• Creative Cardigan 
• Novelty Vest
• Fashion Sweatshirt 
• Tunic Top 
• Midi Length Sheath 
• Statement Neck 
• Over the Knee Boots 
• Satchel 

5 Reasons You Should Attend WordCamp Birmingham

Jane needs a makeover.

In the next month or so SeeJaneWriteBham.com is getting a major redesign. Part of this website overhaul will include changing platforms: I'll be moving See Jane Write from Blogger to WordPress.

For years I was fiercely loyal to Blogger. And even though last year I launched See Jane Write Magazine using WordPress.org and my portfolio website, Javacia.com, using WordPress.com, I still had a soft spot for Blogger. I couldn't help it. It's so easy to use and it's the platform with which I started my very first blog.

Then I attended WordCamp.

WordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences that cover various topics related to WordPress, the free and open source publishing software that powers over 75 million websites. 

At last year's WordCamp Birmingham, Sara Cannon -- one of the event's organizers and speakers -- said something that was music to my ears: "You can do anything with WordPress."

I was sold.

I have big plans for See Jane Write and most of those plans will rely on having an amazing website. And so I'm making the move.

This year's WordCamp Birmingham is set for Saturday, August 16. I'll be there, of course, and I would love to see some See Jane Write readers there too.

So I'm here to convince you to join me. This isn't a sponsored post -- WordCamp is paying me to sway you. I just really believe that whether you run your blog on WordPress or not, you could learn a lot from this event.

At WordCamp, you'll learn a lot and get a cool t-shirt!

I recently had a chat with my pal Williesha Morris, who's on the marketing committee for this year's event, and asked her to give me five reasons Birmingham-area bloggers should attend WordCamp Birmingham. Here's what she had to say:

1) At $20, it's a steal: you'll get lunch and snack tickets, a fabulous tee, plus an incredible WordPress education.

Williesha is right. Most blogging conferences will cost you $100 or more. At $20, I was not going to miss this. And I've already prepared a list of questions about WordPress that I hope to get answered.

2) There are sessions and workshops available for all levels of WordPress users, from newbie to expert developer.

And there are sessions that would be valuable to you even if you don't use WordPress. I'm especially looking forward to Carrie Rollwagen's presentation titled "Drive Blog Traffic Without Driving Yourself Nuts," Reneta Tsankova's talk on brand building and Kathryn Lang's talk titled "It's All About Relationships." 

3) You'll get to hang out with WordPress lovers from all over the country and have access to speakers, who are leaders in their field. 

I'm always looking for an opportunity to do some networking and if you are too, WordCamp is a great chance to do so.

4) It's packed into one day instead of the whole weekend, saving you time.

Attending a conference on a Sunday can be tough as that's usually the day many of us set aside for church, family time, or getting ready for the week ahead. I'm glad all the sessions will be offered on Saturday.

5) This year's afterparty is at Rojo, so there will be plenty of options for foodies, drinkers and non-drinkers.

I can taste the queso as I type this.

Hope to see you Saturday!

For more information on WordCamp Birmingham and to purchase tickets visit 2014.birmingham.wordcamp.org.

6 Game Changers For Your Blog, Brand or Business

At See Jane Write’s Bloganista Mini-Conference our closing keynote speaker Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Southern Femme talked about things that were game changers for her blog and her business – things like better promoting her newsletter, getting a new logo, and moving into an office space.

For those of you who attended, my hope is that the Bloganista Mini-Conference was a game changer for you. I hope you left with the information and the inspiration you needed to take your blog, business, or writing career to the next level.

If you want to review some of the highlights from the conference, check out my recap post.

Here are six additional game changers for your blog, brand, or business.

1. Join See Jane Write.  Over the next several months, most See Jane Write events will be for members only. If you don’t want to be left out, became an official member of See Jane Write today. Basic membership is only $25 per year. Click here for details.

2. Learn the game of golf. You may be thinking, “What on earth does golf have to do with my life as an entrepreneur?” Plenty. We all know that men make business deals out on the green. It’s time you join the boys club by picking up some clubs and learning to golf. Shella Sylla of SisterGolf is offering a $50 discount off her upcoming Introduction to Business Golf for Ladies Class.  

Click here to register. The promo code is SJW14.

3. Write for your life. At the Bloganista Mini-Con our morning keynote speaker Alexis Barton of SameChicDifferentDay.com confessed that before starting her blog she had become a writer who didn’t write. Last week while at BlogHer’14 I realized I was becoming a blogger who didn’t blog. But then I learned of so many women who shared stories on their blogs that saved people’s lives! And sometimes by sharing their stories they saved themselves. So make a commitment right now to write as if your life -- or someone else’s -- depends on it, because it might. (You can read my BlogHer ’14 recap on my personal blog, WriteousBabe.com.)

4. Get a new logo. Chenoweth said getting a new logo was a game changer for her and it could be for you too. Aly Hathcock, a graphic designer who attended the Bloganista Mini-Con, would like to offer a discount on logo designs for anyone who attended the event. 

You can check out her portfolio at alyhathcock.com. If you're interested contact her at alyhathcock1@gmail.com. 

5. Write an e-book. An e-book can be used as incentive for folks to join your email list or can be used to help you establish yourself as an expert in a particular arena. An e-book can also be a way to generate extra revenue by selling your book with a company like Shebooks, which publishes short e-books for and by women. (Now through July 30, get a free book from Shebooks.net with the promo code FREEBOOK.) And check out my post at WriteousBabe.com on 3 reasons you should write an e-book.

6. Get in shape. I always say that you can’t write the new great American masterpiece if you’re dead. So take control of your health! Inspire Fitness wants to help you with that. Kelly Creel of Inspire Fitness, one of our awesome conference sponsors, will give Bloganista Mini-Con attendees 50% off any group class package. All you have to do is use the code SEEJANEWRITE2014 (it is case sensitive). This coupon code expires Sept. 30. 
Visit inspirefitnessbirmingham.com to order your class package today.

I’d love to hear about what changes the game for you! 

Every Bloganista Needs a Game Changer

On July 19, See Jane Write hosted its first mini-conference.  Seventy five people showed up for our  Bloganista Mini-Con. I count it as a major success and not simply because of a packed house.

I believe the Bloganista Mini-Con was a success because so many people left the event feeling inspired. 

I was so inspired by #bloganista that I am, as of RIGHT NOW, starting my new blog on @Squarespace! #sjwbhm @seejanewritebhm More to come!
— Mandy Shunnarah (@fixedbaroque) July 20, 2014

Tweets like the one above made my day. And days after the conference I ran into other attendees who told me they left the conference so motivated that they've been on Cloud 9 ever since. 

And I left the conference feeling just as inspired as they did.

Megan LaRussa Chenoweth (left) of SouthernFemme.com gave an amazing closing keynote!

The day ended on a perfect note with Megan LaRussa Chenoweth of Southern Femme sharing the story of her success and urging us to all be more than stylish fashionistas but smart businesswomen too.

Chenoweth sees fashion as a form of social communication, as visual currency, she said. The way you're dressed, for better or worse, can tell people something about who you are before you ever open your mouth. But Chenoweth believes that when she helps her clients revamp their wardrobes she's giving them more than clothes; she's giving them confidence.

Chenoweth discussed the things that she felt were game changers for her, her blog, and her business such as getting a new logo. A logo is like clothes, she said. It tells people something about your business or your blog. Other game changers for her included launching a newsletter, offering a free gift to encourage folks to sign up for this newsletter, and getting office space. 

My hope is that the Bloganista Mini-Conference was a game changer for the women who were there.

Stop being a writer who doesn't write.

Alexis Barton of SameDayDifferentChic.com giving her inspiring opening keynote

The day began with an opening keynote from Alexis Barton of Same Chic Different Day. Barton confessed that there was a time when she was "a writer who didn't write." But then she started her blog and that all changed.

"Stop waiting for a fairy godmother to tap you on the shoulder and declare you a writer," she said.

And once Barton started her blog the opportunities she longed for began to land in her lap -- speaking engagements, freelance writing gigs, and offers for television appearances.

But Barton said there is no magic formula for gaining the opportunities she's enjoyed.  Consistency and authenticity are key, she said, but there's more.

In her talk, Barton told us that her theme song is "The Glamorous Life" by Shelia E. and she also told us about the not-so-glamourous side of fashion blogging. She told us about how hard she works to keep her blog updated and juggle those freelance writing gigs, speaking engagements, and television appearances  all while maintaining a full-time job.

"Keep going," she said, "That's the secret."

Conference attendees were filling their notebooks with new ideas throughout the day.

Words With Friends 

Our How to Be a Bloganista panel discussion featured (l to r) Erica Bunker of Erica B's DIY Style, Bertha Hidalgo of Chic In Academia, Vanessa Culpepper of Budding Fashionista and Heather Brown of My Life Well Loved.

After Barton's opening keynote we heard from Heather Brown of My Life Well Loved, Erica Bunker of Erica B's DIY Style, Vanessa Culpepper of Budding Fashionista, and Bertha Hidalgo of Chic In Academia for the How to Be a Bloganista panel.

One of the greatest takeaways from this discussion was regarding social media. Brown mentioned that many bloggers and small business owners make the mistake of signing up for every social media platform there is only to not use any of them well. Instead, she suggested, choosing two or three platforms you actually enjoy and staying highly engaged with your followers or customers through those.

And speaking of engagement, our panelists said that building relationships and collaborating with other bloggers can be a great way to increase your reach.

Later in our Beyond the Blog panel, which focused on how to use your blog to gain freelance gigs and other opportunities, Williesha Morris of My Freelance Life also recommended guest blogging and leaving meaningful comments on other blogs to increase your readership. 

Stand Out and Show What You Know

The bloganistas also discussed ways to monetize your blog, which you can do through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate links. If you're really ready to monetize, start approaching the brands with which you'd like to work. But first create a media kit. This could help you stand out from other bloggers. This could show you're really serious about turning your blog into a business. This could be your game changer. 

During the Beyond the Blog discussion Carla Jean Whitley, managing editor of Birmingham magazine, stressed the importance of positioning yourself as an expert. If you want to secure a job writing for your favorite magazine, use your blog to prove that you are the perfect person to tell the stories you want to write. 

And remember your blog is like your portfolio, so be sure it's filled with high quality posts.

Be True, Be You

Our Beyond the Blog panel discussion featured Carla Jean Whitley of Birmingham magazine, Tanya Sylvan of All in Stride, Williesha Morris of My Freelance Life, and Alexis Barton of Same Chic Different Day. 

The one thing that I hoped everyone would take away from the conference was to simply be true to their interests and passions. The charge to be authentic was repeated again and again by speakers and panelists. Being authentic is what Tanya Sylvan of All In Stride believes made her stand out to a blog reader who eventually offered her a job at a local publishing company. Being authentic, Bertha Hidalgo said, is what will help you choose the best brand partnerships and keep you from writing sponsored posts that go against what your blog stands for. And when you encounter what Erica Bunker called "internet thugs" being authentic can help with that too. Vanessa Culpepper agreed, adding that if you stay "true to yourself and what you're putting out there" you will have the confidence to press on despite the naysayers.

For more conference highlights, check out the hashtags #sjwbhm and #bloganista on Twitter.

Special thanks to our sponsors who helped make this event possible: Sol's Sandwich Shop & Deli, Church Street Coffee and Books, Collage Designer Consignment, Urban Cookhouse, Hamer Law Group, WBHM 90.3 FM, Inspire Fitness, and Sisley Paris available at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham.

What was your biggest takeaway from our Bloganista Mini-Con? 

View more pictures from the conference here on our Facebook page. 

Hear Jane Speak on Biz Talk Radio

In the WAGG studio with Roy Williams recording my segment for Biz Talk 

Be sure to tune in to WAGG Heaven 610 AM today from 3 to 3:30 p.m. I'll be on Roy Williams' radio show Biz Talk discussing blogging, See Jane Write and the upcoming Bloganista Mini-Conference.

You can also stream the show at www.610wagg.com.

If you haven't registered for the conference yet, don't delay. We have less than 20 tickets remaining.

You can get your tickets today at thebloganistaconference.eventbrite.com.

Check out Meet the Bloganistas to learn more about our speakers and read about our sponsors to learn what door prizes you could win at the event.

Jane About Town: To Kill a Mockingbird at the Alabama Theatre

Gregory Peck (center) as Atticus Finch

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books of all time. Set in Depression-era Alabama, Harper Lee's novel follows the story of Atticus Finch as he defends a black man against a false rape charge and strives to shield his children, Scout and Jem, from prejudice and hate. 

As an English teacher I have the privilege and pleasure of leading a group of 8th graders through a reading of this book each school year. And after we finish the novel we watch the 1962 film adaptation of the book, which in my opinion, is a classic in its own right. 

This Sunday, July 13, from 2 to 5 p.m.,  I'll have the chance to see To Kill a Mockingbird on the big screen at the Alabama Theatre as part of its 2014 Summer Film Series. 

Beginning at 1 p.m., author Beverly Crider will be in the Alabama Theatre lobby signing copies of her new book, Legends & Lore of Birmingham and Central Alabama.

Doors will open one hour before showtime. Tickets are $8 and will be available at the door or in advance through Ticketmaster.

We Love Our Sponsors

Next week's Bloganista Mini-Conference wouldn't be possible without the support of several sponsors, who will be contributing food, drinks, and awesome door prizes to the event. 

With a focus on families and businesses, Hamer Law Group is a Birmingham-based law firm seeking to provide candid advice, creative solutions, aggressive representation and results to clients across Alabama. Hamer Law Group is committed to helping small businesses, including See Jane Write LLC. Hamer Law Group sponsored last month's Bloganista Mixer, which served as a preview party for the Bloganista Mini-Conference. If you had a blast at that event, you definitely don't want to miss this month's conference. 

Sol's Sandwich Shop & Deli, located in downtown Birmingham just off 20th Street North, is all about fresh and local. All of their burgers, hoagies, wraps and sandwiches are made to order with great ingredients and generous portions. At the Bloganista Mini-Con, Sol's will be providing breakfast snacks for the Morning Mingle.

Church Street Coffee & Books is located in Crestline Village in Birmingham, Alabama. Church Street sells books, coffee, pastries and tea and hosts book clubs and a number of other community events. The staff at Church Street also publishes a book blog called PostScript. Church Street will provide coffee for the Morning Mingle.

Urban Cookhouse  is a vibrant, bustling restaurant that consistently serves excellent tasting food with exceptional customer service. The folks at UC use the freshest ingredients available with an emphasis on supporting the local farmer. In fact, they not only buy local produce for use in their kitchen, they also sponsor and manage the Homewood and Summit Farmer's Markets. Conference attendees who register by July 10 will receive an Urban Cookhouse gift card. 

For more than 20 years, Collage Designer Consignment has outfitted some of the best dressed women in Alabama.  With locations ‘On the Curve’ in Downtown Homewood and at the Vestavia City Center, Collage has been voted ‘Best Women’s Boutique’ by readers of Birmingham Magazine and ‘Best Consignment Shop’ by many publications and ‘Best of Birmingham’ year after year. A representative from Collage will be present at the Bloganista Mini-Con selling clothing and accessories so the fashionistas who attend can do some shopping while they're learning more about blogging. Collage is also giving away a jewelry set to one lucky winner. 

Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM, a listener-supported service of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, is “Your NPR News Station” and home to the Alabama Radio Reading Service for the blind and print-impaired. WBHM programming and award-winning regional journalism also can be heard in North Central Alabama on WSGN 91.5 FM through a partnership with Gadsden State Community College. Listen and give online at wbhm.org and follow the station on Twitter @WBHM and on Facebook. WBHM is our media sponsor for the Bloganista Mini-Conference. Be sure to tune in to hear announcements about the conference. Also, at the conference you could win a WBHM lunch bag filled with goodies like a WBHM French press travel mug, a Radio Lab t-shirt and an Eric Essix CD. 

Inspire Fitness is a locally-owned fitness studio that offers Spinning, yoga, and strength conditioning classes as well at personal training. The coaches at Inspire Fitness are passionate about helping their clients meet their personal fitness goals and give them personalized attention to help them do so.  At the Bloganista Mini-Conference, one lucky attendee will win a free functional strength screening ($60 value), plus a 3-class package ($30 value) from Inspire Fitness. 

In the area of skincare for the face and body, Sisley's expertise is well known.  Sisley Paris, available in Birmingham at Saks Fifth Avenue, offers a complete line of products to meet the needs of different skin types and various issues including makeup removal, hydration, anti-aging, sun protection and hair care. One lucky conference attendee will win a Sisley Paris spa experience.