Happy Sunday my dolls!

This is just a very quick post - photos are taken during the recent UNIQLO PHILIPPINES launched of their Spring / Summer 2013 Collection last February 7 @ the Venice Piazza. This is my second time to be here at Venice Piazza (yeah the first time is during the Meet and Greet with Connie Talbot). I instantly fell-in-love with this place because of its Italian-inspired design. I am so excited about their soon-to-open park, with gondolas! It's still under construction, but soon to open this year so fingers-crossed :D

I chose for this red-and-black dress and paired with my black pumps, that I've both got from Miphosis (located at Greenbelt 3). I've bought it last November, and now got a chance to wear it. Then I've chose this  black Hermes bag for the occasion coz I find it chic and perfect for the launch. I didn't wear much make-up, just some hint of liquid foundation from Maybelline New York (which reminds me I will make a review on that). No other accessories, just my mundane ring and a pair of gold heart earrings.

Email me at blair.villanueva@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter | @LegazpiFabModa

Follow my Facebook Page | Legazpi Fab Moda 

Email me at blair.villanueva@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter | @LegazpiFabModa

Follow my Facebook Page | Legazpi Fab Moda 

****

dress, shawl, necklace - Random Brands | Hair and Make-up - Self Styled using Maybelline products | Hand Bag - Chanel | Shoes - Parisian 

Have a lovely weekend!

Email me at blair.villanueva@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter | @LegazpiFabModa

Follow my Facebook Page | Legazpi Fab Moda 

****

"Please follow me and I’ll follow you back. Have a good day.”

Does this sound familiar?

We are talking about the “follow me and I’ll follow you” comments that often fill up under a post, your email box, Facebook and Twitter notifications.

I can understand why some of you are vocal about your frustration with this tactic — and I’m here to say I agree with you. While self-promotion is a part of the blogging game, sending out floods of mass, impersonal messages could actually hurt your blogging reputation more than help.

Here's our top reasons WHY?

First, and most importantly, you should really only follow and promote blogs you genuinely enjoy. Readers pick up on who you are endorsing and, in a way, it’s a reflection on you. Stay true to what inspires you and save your “follows” for bloggers who actually matter to you.

The “I’ll follow you if you follow me” tactic may get you a sweep of initial followers, but the reality is that it’s not a long-lasting plan, especially for engagement. Sure, they may “follow” you, but are they commenting on or sharing your posts? Are they offering advice and engaging in conversation? Probably not. In fact, if they aren't even reading your blog, you’re not even getting more page views. What’s the point of having a follower if they aren't a genuine reader?

For the people you are messaging, it may feel like spam or disingenuous. When you are constantly bombarding people with vague “follow me!” messages, it leaves a sour taste much (akin to junk emails). However, if you are genuinely interested in collaborating with a blogger, write them a well thought out email about why you like their blog, what your blog is all about, and why you two would be a good fit to work together. This way you are building an organic relationship that could be lasting over time, not just a temporary boost.

Have you tried the “follow me and I’ll follow you” tactic? What do you think about it?

In a typical “day job” you have co-workers, a team, a boss — and everyone has to answer to a higher authority. But being a independent fashion blogger means you are your own boss, and for many, the whole team. So while you may not have someone checking your work or reprimanding you when you over sleep, you also don’t have someone rewarding your jobs well done. You may soon realize that you are a tougher boss on yourself than you might have expected.

Being rewarded for good behaviors is just as important as being tough on yourself. We’ve talked about how goal setting can be the most efficient way of getting your blogging business started (and maintained). But rewarding your progress along the way is just as vital to keeping your sanity — you don’t want to end up feeling like you are constantly running up hill. Take a breather. Reflect.

Maybe you exceeded your monthly traffic goal, or maybe you landed an awesome campaign, (or maybe it’s just Friday!) — whatever the reason is, giving yourself a little pat on the back for your accomplishments is imperative to from keeping yourself from having a blogger burn out. 

Whether it’s a manicure, brownie, a day off, or a little retail therapy, it’s healthy. Giving yourself rewards is a way of keeping yourself motivated, especially when there’s no one else motivating you.

How to Reward Yourself for Your Accomplishments

Think about things that really relax you or items you may want to purchase, and write them down so you have a tangible list. Make one column for “big ticket” items (like a vacation) and one for smaller treats (like a new pair of heels). Making your rewards tangible will help you remember to treat yourself (it’s easy to forget).

Rewards work best when they are realistic. For instance, don’t promise yourself a trip to Paris if you can’t afford it. If a cupcake is more your budget, take that into account.

Now go ahead, treat yourself.