rewardStyle + LIKEtoKNOW.it : How To Use It

For those of you who have been reading my blog since at least last month, I'm sure you have noticed that in my little post script notes, I mention two of my affiliates rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it. I'm sure you've also been wondering what's up with the little heart emblems that have been showing up in the corners of my more recent Instagram posts:

So, even though I generally leave you guys little links that takes you to each party's respective page, I've never actually went over what each of them are and how to use them, and due to some recent changes to LIKEtoKNOW.it (like, they have an app now!) I figured I would do a quick little post about this topic today, just to clear some things up!

First of all, what is LIKEtoKNOW.it?

For you non-blogging readers, LIKEtoKNOW.it is an awesome service that is here solely to make your life easier (or your shopping addiction worse--but I promise, I'm not judging!). The thing that makes LIKEtoKNOW.it so nifty is that if you see a photo of mine on Instagram that you just absolutely adore, whether it be an outfit or lifestyle post, all you need to do is "like" my photo and you will have my whole outfit/post content delivered to your email inbox complete with shoppable links! How does this magic work you ask? It's easy! Just follow these steps below:

1. Head on over to www.liketoknow.it and watch the little tutorial video that pops up when you first enter the website, just so you can get a quick feel for how to use the service.
2. Next, if you decide that this awesome shopping tool is for you, simply register and set up an account--this is 100% free, by the way.
3. Next, you can start liking mine as well as other blogger's Instagram posts who are sponsored by LIKEtoKNOW.it and get the shopping deets delivered right to your inbox within five minutes!
4. You can also shop directly from LIKEtoKNOW.it via your "my likes" or "my screenshots" (I'll get to that exciting news next!) tab, or if you want to shop a specific bloggers feed, all you need to do is add their handle after LIKEtoKNOW.it's website (E.G. to shop mine you would go to www.liketoknow.it/starkravingchic, or you can just click here!)
5. Lastly, LIKEtoKNOW.it also has an app now with new screenshot technology that allows you to shop your screenshots! All you need to do is screenshot photos that you like on social media (As well as all over the mobile web!), and  the app will send a push notification to your phone with all of the shoppable links in one place — no matter what platform or site your screenshot comes from. Pretty rad, right?

So now that I gave my non-blogging dolls all the details that they need to use LIKEtoKNOW.it, I'm sure my fellow blogger babes want to know how they can become a member and utilize it as well, and here's how!

LIKEtoKNOW.it For Bloggers

So I gotta admit that utilizing LIKEtoKNOW.it as a blogger isn't quite as simple as it is for our audience. In order to make your own posts shoppable through LIKEtoKNOW.it, you first have to apply as an influencer through the company rewardStyle. And though I can't tell you the exact steps as to how to get accepted in to the program, here are a few tips of my own:

1. Quality not quantity: Though this is something that I covered in my blogiversary post last month, I have to stress that quality writing is more important than the quantity of your posts. Sure, you can write 5 posts a week, but if they are riddled with grammar and spelling errors, or have little depth, they won't be attention grabbing, thus making them unimpressive to brands and/or potential sponsors. Which leads me to my next point...
2. Consistency: This is a topic I actually covered last week in my editorial calendar post, and much like providing your readers with a consistent schedule, brands like to see that as well. Like I said last week, don't post non stop for seven days and then go silent for three months without warning or explanation, simply because it can make you lose readers and make potential sponsors/brands question your ability to stay on schedule.
3. Quality Photos: Another point I covered in my blogiversary post, but still is just every bit as important here and that is quality photography! If your photos look sloppy and poorly put together, chances are brands will think that is how all of your work is and will not want you representing them.
4. Professionalism: Lastly, one thing I have noticed about rewardStyle is they seem to consistently work with blogs that are clearly treated like a business. Sure, sure, I slip up and have an occasional curse word in my writing, but never to the extent of throwing them around in every post. This also goes hand in hand with yet another point I made in my last blogiversary post, and that is be kind to your fellow bloggers and radiate positivity. Nobody wants to work with a grump.

So everybody, do you use LIKEtoKNOW.it or are you a member of rewardStyle? Let's chat about it in the comment section below, or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

#OOTD: Delightfully Detailed (Feat. StyleWe)

Ever since I was a small child, I always enjoyed going to the theater. Some of my fondest memories from my childhood involve a "girls day out" with my mum, grandmother, and cousin Kelly, where they would take me downtown so see a ballet or play. Much like when I was little, I still have such an admiration for thespians and dancers, and also like when I was kid, no matter how many times I attend a show at the Benedum Center or Heinz Hall, I am always in awe of each of these historic play houses baroque architecture and all over charm.

Fit For the Theater 

Though this past weekend I did not attend any shows at either theater, I did have the opportunity to attend a lovely brunch/question and answer session at the Carnegie Museum of Art in order to cover a story on the Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibit. So, though most of my morning was spent in Oakland at the museum, I decided to head to the heart of downtown for the afternoon to enjoy the warm weather (though it was a bit grey), and take a stroll down Penn Avenue and have a quick drink at Six Penn. And while I was walking around the cultural district, I also too the time to admire the familiar and gorgeous Heinz Hall.

Due to my brunch event at the museum earlier that day, I decided to finally wear this gorgeous dress I received from my sponsor StyleWe mid last month. The reason I had not worn it yet was due to the fact that it is on the more formal side, and I simply did not have an event to wear it to until my CMOA brunch, and I have to say, this dress was quite the hit at both the museum and downtown! The first reason why I love this dress so much, is due to its style which is reminiscent of the 1920s. I also just adored the delicate yet detailed embroidering on the dress' bodice, neckline, and sleeves.

To style this pretty, feminine piece, I decided to keep it classic and went ahead and paired this dress with some simple white opal earrings, my black chained clutch from SheIn, along with some simple black pumps with minimal gold detailing. The reason I chose these accessories to go with this outfit is because though they are simple and do not take away from the dress itself, they also add a touch of shine and sparkle, giving the demure and classic look a bit of a more modern feel.

One Last Look

What are some of your favorite outfits for more formal occasions? Let's chat about it in the comments below of you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a pretty outfit that you've been dying to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here! Or you can wait and check out my post about LIKEtoKNOW.it and rewardStyle tomorrow.

#OOTD: Crazy About Kitties (Feat. Light In The Box + SheIn)

As I've mentioned in some of my past posts, spring has seemingly sprung in the 'Burgh and I am thrilled! This means my second favorite season, summer, is just right around the corner meaning I can partake in some of my favorite activities! Such as basking in the sun down by the point, playing on the river rocks on Northshore (judge me), and of course strolling around the local shops downtown and in Sewickley. So today, I did just that while styling some new spring and summer pieces from my sponsors Light In The Box and SheIn.

Purrrfectly Poised

Since the weather was absolutely beautiful here today, I decided to celebrate by heading to my favorite suburb, Sewickley. As I'm sure you know from my past posts, downtown Sewickley is full of awesome little shops ranging from clothing to skin care, they even have a doggy bakery so you can stop and get a treat for your four-footed friend! Sewickely also has a ton of awesome places to eat for both lunch and dinner, so today after my shoot, my mum and I decided to grab lunch at the little local pub, Sidelines, and though all of their food is delicious, I gotta say they have the best fries I have ever had!

Since the weather was so warm today, though it may be a bit early, I decided to break out my cutoff shorts from SheIn, and paired them with this chic, yellow, leather jacket and adorable cat print tee shirt from Light In The Box. Aside from having a touch of spring fever and wearing some shorts, the reason I chose to style these pieces together is because I love how the yellow jacket and graphic tee complement each other. And to top off this fun, relaxed, spring look, I decided to complete this outfit with a pair of classic white converse.

After wearing this outfit for a day of fun in the sun, I have to say, much like every other article of clothing I have received from both of these company's, each of these pieces are incredibly comfortable and well made. The reason why I chose this adorable tee from Light In The Box, is because if you follow me on Instagram, you know that along with my two pups Rollie and Moses, I also have a Maine coon cat named Lola. And I was just tickled by this particular tee because if Lola were technicolor, she'd look pretty similar to the feline!

Next, the reason why I chose this yellow leather jacket, is because though I have my old faithful black one from Wilson Leather, I figured I needed something a bit lighter for spring, so this jacket was a great addition to my wardrobe! This jacket is also pretty warm for being light weight, which is great for when it gets chilly in the evening. I also chose these shorts from SheIn because I actually only had two pair, and with spending so much time in Florida as well as the weather warming up here, I decided perhaps I should start a new collection for next year before heading back to campus!

One Last Look

Do you also have a case of spring fever, if so how have you been styling for it? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have an adorable, relaxed spring look that you'd like to show off? I'd love to see it! So feel free to tag me in a post or on your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here! Or you can check out my up coming post about it, this Wednesday!