We Are Moving Blogs!

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     I am so excited to announce I am moving over to WordPress by Friday the 13th. Hopefully I will have the site finished sooner, but that will give me leeway if need be. I purchased a domain name, and I've been studying hard about moving blogs and creating a WordPress blog. You can see some of those videos and such on my Twitter account @anotherusestore. I have a new Twitter for my new blog @dressdallas. 

     See you all over at my new blog! 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

How to Reach 2000 Instagram Followers

     I am so excited to share with y'all how I reached 2,000 Instagram followers. On Christmas 2014, I decided to turn my Instagram into a fashion, beauty, food, and lifestyle feed. I was able to reach 2,000 followers in just two months. Before I get started, I just want to make sure to mention results might be different for everyone. I cannot guarantee these methods will work for everyone, but it worked for me, and I believe it could be useful to many others.

     If you are interested in tracking your progress, I recommend creating an account at Iconosquare formerly known as Statigr.am. This will allow you to see how many followers you are getting each week, who is unfollowing you, which hashtags are working, and many more awesome stats. One of my favorite stats tells you when is the best time of day to post, each day of the week. I know when to plan my photos, and to rest at less ample times. You also get images like the one above at Iconosquare, which you can email yourself, and keep track of your progress in images. I am still a little new to Iconosquare, so I am probably going to skip over a lot of other benefits of using this site, but I will follow up later with a blog post dedicated just to Iconosquare. 

     I also did not understand very much about Instagram when I first started, but now it makes a lot more sense thanks to advice from other bloggers, such as Quick Sprout, in the article "The Science of Instagram: How to Get More Followers and Likes". Here, I discovered what are the most popular hashtags and filters. This is also where I discovered Iconosquare. There is so much information in this article, I highly recommend reading it thoroughly and bookmarking it, because you will be referring to this article over time. 

     If I were to give one tip to immediately start increasing your followers, it would be to like as many photos from other accounts as possible. I will warn that Instagram does have caps on how many followers, likes, hashtags and characters allowed per hour. You can read more about that here at Jenn's Trends. I discovered this one day when I thought following a lot of people would increase my followers. After so many followings, I had to wait until the next hour to add more. I suggest liking many photos before you spend time following a ton of people. You are also only allowed to follow 7,500 accounts on Instagram. The reason for this was to keep spammers to a limit. 

     Another tip I want to share is about learning how to target hashtags when you are liking photos. I am a fan of Ipsy and Julep. I get their monthly subscription boxes, and there are thousands of others with this same interest. What I like to do is go to these two hashtags, #ipsy and #julep, for example, and like as many of the people with similar stuff as myself. Or if I go on vacation, I will look for similar tourist photos under more specific hashtags, such as #worldaquarium. I find that I get a lot of followers this way, but I cannot say for a fact that it is more effective than liking random photos under the Discover or Populars page on Instagram. But I can say I get a lot of followers. I think you find more solid followers this way, than just liking popular posts. I find that accounts with less followers are more likely to follow back and stay a follower than more popular accounts, but it is not always the case. 

     Also, make sure you post high quality photos. I recommend posting a few photos throughout the day. I do not know how many is too many yet, but I myself post between three and twelve photos a day. Every now and then I find my less quality photos are still getting likes and comments, but you will get more followers if your lighting and focus is done well. The thumbnail of your image should be clear to make out from afar. I would recommend looking into online education for beginner's photography at websites, such as MOOC and Open2Study. I sell items on Etsy, and one of the benefits of doing that is the education available to sellers. My first product photos in 2009 looked nothing like they do now. I learned from taking many pictures, and reading advice from other sellers and bloggers, as well as these online education sites. Everything I know is self-taught. 

     I just want to leave one last word about how much time I spend on Instagram. Typically I am on Instagram between two and twelve hours a day. On average, I would say I spend six hours a day on Instagram. I also have other work, so the only way I am able to post so many pictures is to take pictures ahead of time, and release them little by little. When I first started posting on Instagram, I would post all of my pictures at once, and then have nothing else to post for the rest of the day. And this is not as effective. So make sure you build an inventory on your phone or elsewhere to post throughout the day, so that you can use Iconosquare and discover your best time to post pictures.

     I hope this article was useful. If there are any questions, please leave them below. I will follow up with another post if I get a lot of questions. If not, I will still write a post about Iconosquare once I learn a little more about it. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. I also have a YouTube channel, where I will also be posting a video about "How to Get 2000 Instagram Follower" in the next week or so. I'd love your feedback.

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award

     I am so excited to share that I was nominated again for another blogger award. Eclectic Feel was so kind to nominate me, and I would like y'all to check out her lovely blog. Thank you, Eclectic Feel!

The rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you and add their link to your blog.
2. List the award rules so your nominees will know what to do.

3. State 7 things about yourself.

4. Nominate 15 other bloggers.

5. Contact your nominees and provide a link to your post.

6. Display the award logo (button) on your blog, whether on your sidebar or about page, or special award page.

SEVEN THINGS ABOUT MYSELF

1. I am from Wisconsin.

2. I make jewelry and sell it on Etsy.

3. I have moved over 30 times in my life in four different states. 

4. I never lived in a big city (over 50,000 people) until I moved to Dallas and a half ago. 

5. I have never been overseas.

6. I don't like black licorice.

7. I love cheese!

NOMINATIONS

1. Fashion Need

2. The Little Blue Sailboat 
3. Pet Panda

4. Nora Coughlin

5. Grey Walls 

6. Loyal to Fashion

7. Color and Grace

8. Beyond the Velvet

9. Simple Synth

10. Vintage Curls

11. What Katy Knows

12. Elle Kate

13. Elise Anna X

14. The Berry Way

15. By Charlotte 

     
     Have fun everyone! I cannot wait to read more about everyone. Also, I will follow if you follow back. Thanks!

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Spring Inspired Office Outfit

     

     Happy 2015, y'all! I am so excited to be working on my blog basically fulltime right now. My creative juices are flowing, and I feel more inspired every day. If you are someone thinking of making a huge choice this year, such as pursuing your dreams, I say go for it! There is nothing better than being excited about what you do every day.

     I chose a burgundy pencil skirt from Nordstrom's, and an accordion sleeve type, keyhole top with a floral design from Steinmart. I tucked the top into the skirt, and I think it looked so elegant. The heels are from DSW.

     It's been pretty crummy in Dallas lately, so I have been thinking of bright and cheerful outfits to share. I hope you feel inspired. Feel free to share any of your outfits with me on Instagram @dressdynamicdallas. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Dot-Themed Christmas Tree Nails

     I finally tried my own manicure art again. It's been about two weeks, but that seems far too long, because I love trying new things. This design was inspired by some one of the dot-themed Christmas tree nails I saw on Instagram. I wish I could remember the person so I could credit them.

     The first thing I did was apply two coats of white satin finish nail polish from Julep. I applied a coat of fast dry, but it didn't dry as quickly as I hoped. Then I made little lime green dots of Julep nail polish with my dotter I purchased at Urban Outfitters online last Christmas. I then made dark green dots from another Julep nail polish. The red dots were last, and you might want to wait for the greens to dry for a few minutes, or else your red will smear with the green. The star is made with a gold color I used from a Forever 21 polish I bought earlier this year. The base of the tree is a dark brown or black color from Julep. It's hard to tell which color it is. Lastly, apply a coat of fast dry.

     These nails were so fun and easy to do. Making little dots is so easy, and if you make a mistake, it's hard to tell. Let me know what you think about this manicure, and if you have any manicure design suggestions for the future.

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Wednesday's Outfit

     

     So it's humpday. There are two weeks left in the year, and I am excited for what the next year has to offer. I don't always make resolutions, but I like to think of it as a new beginning. A new year of fresh things and ideas. 

     Today I tried something I have never done before. I saw an outfit on Pinterest that inspired me to put this together. Every time I use Pinterest for fashion, I get so inspired. 

     My top is a black, scoop-neck, crop top from Nordstroms. I bought it last summer to wear with a high-waisted, pencil skirt. I love how this crop top fits, but I don't think to wear it very often because I am shy to show my mid-region. I have on a white, long sleeve, button up shirt from Forever 21. It puffed out at the waist and sleeves, but I liked how it looked. I wish I would have ironed my shirt, but it always gets wrinkled from sitting in an office chair all day.

     I wore blue, pinstripe pants from Stein Mart. I wear these a lot because they fit great, and I like how they look for the office. I also bought a light blue pair, but they don't fit the same even though they are the same size and brand. 

     I wore these shoes last week, but I bought them from H&M last Christmas-time. This will only be the third or fourth time I've worn them. I lost them for awhile in my suitcase. Don't ask me how I missed them, but my suitcase has a lot of compartments. 

     Anyway, I enjoyed sharing today's outfit. When I wake up every morning, I look forward to what outfit I feel like wearing and sharing it with everyone. I've been wanting to do this for a very long time, so I hope my excitement and passion shows. 

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie

Tuesday's Outfit

     I had a bit of a hectic week so far, so I am posting two outfits today. The outfit above has a boho, streetstyle feel to it. My job allows what I call "cowboy casual," so I can get away with outfits like this.  
     
     I wear the fringe shirt all year long, and my mother bought it for me last year at Body Central. They have a lot of inexpensive items, so I really enjoy shopping there. Shoes and jewelry are especially a bargain.

     The booties I also bought on a trip home to see my family. I can't remember what the name of the shoe store was called, but it was basically like a DSW store. The booties are just basic tan and zip up on the side.  

     I bought the tank top at Ruche. It has such beautiful embroidery, and I like the way it hangs in the front. I like to purchase items from the sale section at Ruche. Every now and again you can find some steals.

     I also found my pants at Forever 21. They are a greenish brown color. I happen to purchase a lot of Forever 21 pants. I like the price, but I often have issues with the length since I'm short. They are worth it when you get a pair for $12, though. 

     Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this outfit. If you have any questions or requests, feel free to leave a comment below. I also love suggestions. Have a blessed day!

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Monday's Outfit & Christmas

     My Monday was a nice mellow day like I like em. I put on this adorable outfit I love to wear all year round (w/ shorts in the summer and boots), and I stopped into Top Pot Doughnuts to pick up some treats for everyone in the office. I ordered the peppermint chocolate donut, which I found interesting yet tasty. The coffee is also DELISH! 

     The sweater wrap I bought at Tobi a few years ago, and it ties around the waist, but I like to tie it behind my back. It looks cuter. Similar here. My sweet boyfriend also let me use his gift card a few years ago to Marshall's where I scored these adorable booties. Similar here. You can see a bit of my purple socks peeking out, but that wasn't intended. My pants are from Nordstrom's. I also wore a black t-shirt under the sweater wrap.

     I snapped the picture above quickly out on a walk with my dogs, Tiki and Odessa. I just love these shoes, and I never think to take pictures when I'm out walking my dogs. I'm sure I look funny, but it kills two bird with one stone, as they say. You can see the booties are a little beat up since I wear them so much in the fall. They are very comfortable. 

     This week is off to a wonderful start. I began my Christmas card adventure tonight. It's not something I remember to do every year, but this year I want to remember everyone. I also put my first Christmas present under our cute little tree. There is a Christmas party on Thursday I am invited to attend, so I was excited when the package arrived today with the hostess's gift. She will be so pleased! I hope everyone else had a wonderful Monday, and I look forward to what the rest of the week has to bring. 

     -xoxo-

         Stephanie

Glittery Christmas Inspired Nails

     This nail design was inspired by those glittery Christmas ball ornaments with two colors. I chose a light gray and a deep forest green from Julep. The top coat is also a super sparkly gold glitter polish from Julep. 

     I applied the deep forest green nail polish first and allow to dry for a few minutes. I then randomly applied pieces of scotch tape to each nail, and painted two coats of the gray on top. Lastly, I applied two coats of the glitter polish. Make sure to wait for the gray nail polish to dry for a minute or two before removing the tape, and be sure to pull the tape away from your body. 

     I had a lot of fun with this nail design because each of the nails can be made to look just a little different. I'd recommend using a fast dry top coat, but don't plan on doing much with your nails for a few hours. Also, get the tape ready before you start painting each nail. 

     Have fun with these!

     -xoxo-

        Stephanie