Chimere Nicole

Beauty Fashion Lifestyle Blog

Mother And Daughter Outfit Check

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Did someone say mommy and me fashion? One thing about me, I’m gonna make sure I and my daughters dress alike lol. At least until they get tired of it which I believe in my heart that time is fast approaching. 

Every time we take photos together I forget how hard it is to get them to both pay attention, pose, smile, and look in the right direction. I feel like a school teacher directing a school play. It’s harder than these pictures make it look. But we’ve done it before successfully so I always have high hopes.

But I will do anything to have these moments in time captured. They are growing up so fast and soon they will want to take their own pictures without me. Queue the sad music. 

Until then, mommy will always be here taking pictures with them or of them. 

Previous here on the blog I’ve some mommy and me fashions as well as some wonderful stores to purchase matching outfits from. Here is a list of some of my favorite stores.

Mommy And Me Fashion Websites

Shein
Old Navy
Pink Lily
Banana Republic
JCPenney
Popopie
Doen

My Dress| Daughters Dress

Summer Satin Abstract Dress

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Hello queens. Are we enjoying this summer heat? I’m staying extra cool because outside costs too much. It seems like every time I step outside I spend $100 and the only thing I have to show for it is a coffee and a pack of gum. Nope, I’ll stay inside.

On those days where I need to step out I have just the dress to look amazing in. 

Get into this abstract. 

This dress was not only comfortable but eye-catching. Everywhere I went someone asked me where I got this piece from. So hey, I decided to share it with you all as well.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It’s less than $20. 

I’m telling you now, grab it here before it’s gone. That’s it sis, that’s the post. 

The Best 6 Pageant Autograph Card Websites To Visit

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So you’ve signed up for a beauty pageant and it’s time for you to start attending public events, appearances, and more. You want to leave a lasting impression with people and network during your reign. Traditionally, during this time queens are asked to distribute and sign pageant headshot photos also known as autograph cards. You may not be sure where to purchase your autograph cards from. Today, you’re in luck. Here is a list of my top five places to purchase pageant autograph cards.

  • Vistaprint -Templates and printing
  • Canva– Design and printing
  • Fiverr– Graphic design services
  • Zazzle– Printing
  • Etsy– Graphic design and printing
  • BONUS: Staples

One major tip I have for you is to design your pageant autograph card yourself using Canva. 

Now I know you may be like me and say, NOPE. I completely understand. I am far from creative when it comes to graphic design however it’s easier than you think. Again, I used Canva to design my own.

Once you design your card you can shop around some of the websites listed above to get the best price for printing. However, many of the sites I shared above are one stop shops for both templates and printing. 

pageant autograph cards

Here’s how I designed my own cards using Canva and Vistaprint. 

  1. Select your favorite pageant headshot and upload it to Canva.
  2. Decide what dimensions you want for your autograph cards. (I typically use the standard postcard size).
  3. Copy those dimensions into Canva in the custom template area on the top right of the page.
  4. Click and drag your image into the design area.
  5. Add your name and title to the bottom of your image. You can play with fonts until it’s to your liking. 
  6. Add your year as well. (Remember, most pageant systems prefer this). 
  7. Save file as a PNG image as its best for printing. 
  8. Then upload the saved file into Vistaprints ready to use templates. Again I use the postcard as I prefer this size.
  9. Save and order. 

What are pageantry autograph cards used for? 

You will get the most usage out of your autograph cards once you become a state and national titleholder. In the past I have been asked to sign and send cards to pageant enthusiasts and collectors. However, typically I keep a few inside of my crown case as a form of business card. They are also great to leave with community organizations and anyone you plan to partner with throughout your reign. 

You can also write custom messages on the back of them so make sure you always have a pen on hand. 

How many autograph cards will you need?

Since I use Canva to design my cards and Vistaprint to print them I typically only order 30 at a time. I like to keep 4-5 in my crown case at all times and a few in my car as backup. Unless you are attending a large event such as a parade or gala you will not need to order in large quantities. 

I am aware many people use them as keepsakes and distribute them amongst family and friends. During my reign as Mrs. New Jersey America 2020 I passed out exactly 27 cards the enter year. And I did a minimum of 4 appearances a month. So I personally would rather keep my quantity to a minimum. 

Who Will Be Mrs All-Star United States 2022

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Mrs All-Star United States 2022
Mrs. New Jersey All-Star United States 2022

Hi Queens.The countdown has officially begun. I’m on a quest for the crown. What crown you may ask? In less than 30 days I will be competing for the prestigious title of Mrs. All-Star United States 2022. 

If this is your first time here on my site, this is not my first pageant. In fact, I’ve previously represented New Jersey at Mrs. America in 2020. After taking some time off to focus on some personal goals and my continued work with my nonprofit #GirlYes I am ready to hit the stage yet again. 

This time with the goal of becoming a national title holder. If you haven’t heard of the All- Star United States pageant system let me tell you a bit about it. 

What is the All-Star United States Pageant System?

The All-Star United States Pageant is a strongly patriotic pageant system that provides a top quality pageant production thereby providing an outlet for the women of America to continue and advance their community service activities. The Miss All-Star United States Pageant believes in the empowerment and advancement of women across the country. The woman who does wear the crown must understand that it does not and will not end with the crown. 

She must use the crown to help promote her platform and charities along with the national platform. As a matter of fact, it is more important for her to stand strong and have a powerful support system to achieve all of the goals of the state and national pageants along with her own goals. 

Why Do I Want To Be Crowned Mrs. All-Star United States?

I believe representation matters as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. It is important that I use my platform in order to inspire the next generation of female leaders. As Mrs. All-Star United States it is my mission to continue to spread the #GirlYes initiative as well as advocate for the community based organizations I am an ambassador for. In addition, my goal is to promote the All-Star pageant system and national charity United States All Star Organization.

What’s Next If I Win? 

First I plan on taking a week to celebrate with my family. They have been very supportive throughout this process and it’s important that before I take the next steps in this journey that we celebrate how far we’ve come. After that, the sky’s the limit. I have a full schedule as Mrs. New Jersey so to be able to represent my platform as the new Mrs. All-Star United States would be an amazing achievement. 

One important goal of mine is to jumpstart my yearly “Girls On The Rise” conference tour hosted in high schools throughout the state. The planning is pretty intensive and includes guest speakers and breakout sessions for teens ages 13-19. We have structured learning segments focused on how to become more bold, ambitious, and beautiful, the #GirlYes way.

In short, pageantry can be very rewarding. This is dependant of what you invest into it. If you know why you’re taking this journey every phase of preparation will be rewarding. The “Why” helps you map out the “how”.

YES! It will be hard work and some days you will question why you’re putting yourself through such intensive self improvement. But trust me, by keeping your “why” in the forefront of your mind it will keep you aligned with the mission at hand. Pageantry is about presenting the best version of yourself. In order to effectively do this you must take the leap of faith for a dream only to can see.

It’s time to dust off the pageant heels and get to work. 

What Do Fashion Bloggers Actually Do

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Free clothes, photoshoots, flights to Paris, and front row during fashion week. The life of a fashion blogger seems so fabulous and exciting. Everyone wants to become a fashion blogger but do you know what a fashion blogger is or what they actually do?

 Most of the time people simply assume fashion bloggers play dress up and take pictures all day to post to social media. That could not be further from the truth. Fashion bloggers are working hard to give you the latest trends and styles you see in magazines, television, stores, and on social media. If you are thinking of starting a fashion blog you will need a better understanding of what’s required. Let’s discuss some of what a fashion blogger does and how to become a fashion blogger.

what do fashion bloggers do
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
  • Creates fashion-related content for various websites and social media platforms.
  • Connects brands with organic audiences to increase brand visibility.
  • Markets products and services.
  • Informs and engages audiences and influences buying habits. 
  • Teaches various categories within the fashion niche including styling, organization, money-saving, and more. 
  • Consults on various ad campaigns and product launches. 
  • Sets social trends.

Negotiations 

People are often surprised to learn that one of the things included in what a fashion blogger does is negotiations. Oftentimes when a blogger starts to work with fashion brands and ad agencies there are a lot of legalities that need to be worked out. Such as image rights, ownership of intellectual property, usage rights, and much more. As content creators, fashion bloggers are providing a service thus having to negotiate the price of those services, how they are to be used, and the length of time of usage.

Fashion Bloggers Are In The Know

One of the many responsibilities of a fashion blogger is to inform and report. Especially when they inform their audience of sales and promotional products. A part of what a fashion blogger does is engage their audience by sharing information relevant to their specific niche. Almost like a reporter. Following some of my favorite bloggers has allowed me access to exclusive sales, exclusive products, attending events, and more.

fashion bloggers during fashion week
Photo by Thai Tran on Pexels.com

Money Savers

My favorite part, saving money. One of the perks of being a fashion blogger is discounts and sales. Fashion bloggers will share promotional sales with their readers before it’s often released to the public. I call this being “tapped in”. Traditionally, fashion bloggers will showcase the item and give you various options on how to style it and even include affordable options to purchase. I happen to love showcasing fashion dupes for an affordable price like this post, HERE

How To Become A Fashion Blogger

There are a few simple steps you must take in order to start creating content like a fashion blogger. Yes, you can start by taking amazing photos and posting them online but in order to be successful, you need to set up your blog like a business. This includes having the following. 

  • WordPress Blog
  • Domain
  • Media kit
  • And more…

I have a in-depth post HERE that breaks down everything you need in order to become a fashion blogger.

The Power of Influence

A strategy is a powerful tool for a fashion blogger. We discussed this in a previous post HERE, wherein creating a content calendar and strategy allows bloggers and content creators to grow their audiences and influence them. How this pertains to a fashion blogger and what they do is their influence then becomes the authority. Influence has power.  

As you establish yourself within your niche your audience will adapt to the content you create and you become an authority in that category. A relationship of trust is built. This takes months even years to build and as a blogger, it is better than gold. Being able to honestly and ethically influence people is essential to being a fashion blogger, content creator, and social media influencer. Building trust with your audience is the most important part of this profession. 

It’s Not Always Sunshine 

Anything that involves posting on the internet can potentially be problematic. Some of the things content creators face are

  •  Negative and mean spirited comments.
  •  Unsupportive friends
  •  Being undervalued
  • Underpaid
  •  Stress associated 
  • Self esteem issues

All of these things can arise when starting a fashion blog. As a fashion blogger along with developing a following and viewership, I strongly advise working on developing self-confidence. More importantly, thick skin. This will come in handy on the days where internet trolls try and negative Nancy’s start interacting with your content. 

Accept early on that everyone will not like you or support you. It’s ok. This is totally normal and comes with the job. Your mission is to find the people who love you. Find your tribe. The people who genuinely like you and engage with your content. People want to follow people that they can connect with and people with similar interests. So the biggest piece of advice would be, show up as your most authentic self. Be genuinely and unapologetically you. Here is a helpful resource to use daily to tap into your inner queen.