October 2018 / By Erika Batista

LET'S BUILD WINDOWS + VOTE

October 25, 2018

Being a Latina, gives me great pride and joy, and I am sure you’ve noticed. October has been a really important month for me, whether I am talking about Breast Cancer Awareness, sharing my story. Or I am speaking about Hispanic Heritage Month and what it means to me. Or voting and why it’s so important to get your voices out, loud and proud. It doesn’t matter who you are voting this November 6th, as long as you vote, show up and vote.

You know I love using my platforms to share fashion ideas, beauty tips, home decor and motherhood, of course, but I’ve always been very vocal about sharing my pride in being Latina, social and political issues and doing good for our communities. I think it’s important to share our opinions while respecting one another. Which is why I wanted to write this post and urge you to make sure that you vote!

We can’t complain about issues we don’t agree with if we are not doing anything to change them. Do you know how many times I’ve been in a room full of people, yet just one of a few Latinas? Many times, especially in this industry. But guess what? I show up. And we all need to be showing up to the events, the campaigns, the rallies and the polls! If you want to see change, start changing… so many people have this “1 vote doesn’t make a difference” attitude but that’s so far from the truth. Think about it for a second, if 100,000 people think the same way and don’t vote because of that reason, then we are down 100,000 votes.

Let’s be the leaders and let’s show up! Not just to vote but to the events, to the school meetings, to the boards, to the panels. I know a lot of these things can be intimidating, trust me, I’ve been there. But you can’t let fear dictate our legacies and our lives, as women and as Latinas. We have to pave the way for our daughters and granddaughters… as an Ecuadorian-American woman, I am very proud of every single step my mother took to give me the life I get to live today but there is so much more that I’d love to do and guess what? I am building that for myself and my family, brick by brick. How? I always ask for what I want… whether it’s a pitch, email address, favor from someone, even a promotion😉 what’s the worst that can happen? You get a no. And that’s ok at least you tried and then you move on to the next person. Someone has to say yes and a door has to open, if it doesn’t, you build a window.

This is how we become leaders and how we teach our children to speak up, show up, stand for what they believe in and to always VOTE. Not just during a presidential election, but vote in the classroom, at work, vote during family gatherings… simply speak up.

So I urge you to visit influencetheelection.org and pledge that you will vote on November 6th then share it on your Instagram, spreading the word will 100% get more voters out there but we have to be the example, the leaders, so help me along the way.

I have this platform and I want to use it for things that matter, today, I use it to get you to vote in the upcoming elections. I am positive that my influence can help change the world, I believe that wholeheartedly. If I can influence you to buy my favorite shoes, lunch bag and moisturizer, I hope I can influence you to vote (and spread the word) for the most important elections of our children’s lives.

PHOTOGRAPHY: GERI TORRES

fall outfit ideas fashion forever 21 lord & taylor style zara

REINVENTING OLD PIECES IN YOUR CLOSET

October 18, 2018

Last week I went to the mall to see if I could find some cute fall pieces to wear to NYC the two days I was going to be there. I had zero luck and actually ended up wearing old pieces on both days of the conference. Which I am totally fine with because I saved a little bit of money. I love going through my closet and re-inventing new outfits with old pieces.

Hat: H&M | Top: Forever 21 | Jeans: Wild Fable via Target | Bag: Lord & Taylor | Shoes: Zara

Whenever I have an event or conference, I literally go blank for a couple of days and have no idea what I want to wear. So my source for inspiration is always my IG saved "Outfit Inspo" files or Pinterest of course. I find that looking only for a little inspiration sparks my creativity instantly. And I know that for me, wearing old pieces different ways, takes my confidence from 0 to 100 in no time.

Here are some tips when you are feeling in a rut and how to create new outfits using old pieces in your closet:

1. Think outside the box. I am talking wear summer dresses with turtlenecks... oversized jackets and over the knee boots. Mix it up and be creative!

2. Get on Pinterest and search for the occasion - i.e.: Casual Fall Outfits or Skirt with Over the Knee Boots... the results are almost endless. I can guarantee you will have at least 2 pieces to a look.

3. Think basic! And I don't mean be a basic bish! Think basic pieces... solid turtlenecks for fall, white tees throughout the year and of course denim, denim and more denim. Whether you are think denim skirt, jeans or dresses - possibilities are endless.

4. Blazers save lives! You can take an outfit from meh to "woah baby okuurr!" in no time with a nice long-ish blazer. I love them because you van wear them in so many ways. Think over dresses, with the white tee and jeans and even for the office. Blazers are such great investments and don't be boring, mix it up with color and print.

Don't be afraid to dare. My 2 looks at the conference were completely old pieces and honestly I loved them both so much! So always take a breather and rethink, the possibilities are endless my friends!

blogger tips blogging conference fohr for u conference networking

BLOGGER TIPS: FOHR U CONFERENCE

October 15, 2018

On Friday, I attended the Fohr U Conference at the amazing Crosby Street Hotel and it was exactly what I needed after feeling in a creative rut. I wanted to share some things I learned as well as my take on why you should be going to these conferences/events in order to grow your blog and brand. For me, it was honestly a breath of fresh air and I'll tell you why below... so keep on reading.

James Nord, one of the founders of Fohr.com and the narrator of A Drink with James has always had my attention. There is something about his very real and raw industry advice that always brings me back for more, so when the Fohr U Conference was announced, I registered without a doubt. I honestly didn't think twice about it and purchased my ticket and I am so happy that I did. One of the things that stood out most for me was that this was a no bullshit conference. Now what do I mean? This wasn't a conference where I was there to here "be you, be authentic" for the 1000th time. If you are a blogger or influencer, we hear this more often than I'd like to even admit. For me, I wanted to go to a conference where they would tell me exactly what I needed to do to have better partnerships, how to create better content and especially what I needed to do to create long lasting and powerful relationships with the brands I love and work with, and of course how to get the attention of those that I want to potentially partner with. That's exactly what I got from Fohr U.

The speakers were amazing, I loved the variety of topics they covered, but mostly, I loved the diversity and inclusion of all sorts of different influencers. From Sai De Silva to Nigel Sylvester and Tezza! To Arshia Moorjani, who I just started following and love. And who remembers OscarPRGirl? from back in the day... also known as Erika Bearman. Every single panel was full of great information and they each shared their story and secrets to success, each individual way and what I loved most from their own perspective and not blanketed or general advice.

Here are some of the tips I wanted to share:

1. Show face! And I am not talking just showing up to events. Meet up with the brand, grab the phone... put a face to a name, basically make yourself memorable. So many of us get caught up on the emails and barely ever meet the publicists and brands. Go grab coffee or lunch and start building a more meaningful relationship.

2. Don't take shortcuts! Yes buying likes and followers is the easy way out... but build a brand that is reputable and pay your dues. Work, work and work some more. It is the longer route but it's totally worth the reward. The truth is that success doesn't happen overnight.

3. Stop worrying about the numbers! I know I am guilty of feeling some type of way over this too. But I love that agencies like Fohr are rooting for us little guys and pushing for brands to focus on ENGAGEMENT rather than likes or followers. I was so excited to hear it from the man himself. It's nice to know they are pushing for authenticity from all angles. Thanks James!

4. Don't be afraid to change things up a bit. If you listened to Episode 119 from A Drink with James, he mentioned changing things up, trying new things and simply testing new outlets. You don't lose a thing and might gain knowledge and extra love and exposure by stepping outside your comfort zone and switching it up a little.

5. Set yourself apart! One of the things that stayed with me the most was at the end of the conference where he said "be the person that your friends are speaking to other friends about during dinner". Use Instagram to your advantage, take that photo to the next level, write great captivating captions, make them stop scrolling when they come to your picture that day.

If you get a chance, make it a priority to attend next year. And if you are near the city, Fohr also offers classes once a month. But you can always listen to the podcasts or watch the episodes on YoutTube. There is no excuse not to learn and continue to be inspired to grow and evolve. I hope you guys enjoyed this little recap about my experience at the Fohr U Conference 2018.

Thanks of my friend Claudia for being an amazing friend + photographer during our stay in NYC. Love ya! Guys, go Follow Claudia on IG (@miles.and.smiles) because she will be posting a video recap on her IGTV soon!

fashion otk boots style

BEST OTK BOOTS FOR UNDER $150

October 8, 2018

So one thing is for sure, I love my OTK boots or "over the knee" boots as we all might know them. Fall style is my favorite style because boots are probably my favorite type of shoe. So for today's post, I wanted to share some inspiration if you are going out to take advantage of the Columbus Day Sales! So I've gathered my favorite OTK boots under $150 that you can rock this season. Rock them with skirts, shorts, leggings and denim of course.

This outfit was inspired by Kyrzayda months ago and I got to shoot it with Geri last month and loved the turnout. These are all easy pieces that you can transition all year long and truth me told, not one of these pieces is new... always dig through your closet and get creative. For this season I would mix summer and fall pieces, like you see here... denim shorts and this amazing long sleeveless jacket. Add some fun accessories and you're golden.

Beret: Forever 21 | Jacket: Boohoo | Shorts: Zara | Boots: Nine West

As promised, here are some of my favorite boots under $150 for this season. I like to mix it up between heels and flats but they can instantly dress up any outfit and this selection has some amazing colors, quality and amazing prices. I think I'll have to do some shopping too, to take advantage of the Columbus Day deals:)

blogger tips Hoboken metuchen montclair where to shoot blogger pictures

WHERE TO SHOOT BLOGGER PHOTOS: 3 TOWNS IN NJ I LOVE

October 1, 2018

So, if you are a blogger you are probably wondering "where should I shoot my pics?", especially because winter is coming! Don't you worry friend, I got you! If you've been following me for a while then you know that my husband used to take all my photos for a long long time. Up until recently I hired Geri from geritorres.com – and I’ve never looked back. I love her and you should check her out.

For today’s post I wanted to share a few locations that I love shooting at in or around New Jersey. For me, I like to find places near where I live so that it’s just easy for me to get to. My recommendation is to look for cool walls, doors, colors and cute restaurants and coffee shops. I always ask for permission to shoot if we are doing so indoors, so just be sure to be courteous. I’ve never been asked to leave anywhere but I do hear that some people have. We shot these pictures a few weeks ago and we happened to find this cool cab right on the train station parking lot. So you know we had to take pics! We shot pics in the train station as well as the lot. These are some of those pics. For now, here are 3 of my favorite New Jersey towns to shoot pics in.

Sunnies: here | Dress: here | Boots: similar here | Jacket: similar here

Metuchen, NJ

I love this little downtown because it’s charming, small and offers a variety of scenes especially if you shoot street style content. I’ve done pictures in several of Main Street shop fronts and even indoor some of their coffee shops. If you are in central NJ I recommend you check it out not only for blogger photos but for a fun day or evening, they also have some really fun events catered to families and really delicious restaurants.

Montclair, NJ

This town is a little further from my house but it’s totally worth the 35-40 minute drive. I love it. It actually has some greeeat restaurants – hello Cuban Pete’s! And my favorite is the cobble stones on Church Street. I’ve shot on the entrance hall to Cuban Pete’s as well and we have some fun pics there. I love the colors and how picturesque that little walkway is. You can truly spend a whole afternoon there. So many cute doors, walkways and coffee shops.

Hoboken, NJ

If you are from New Jersey, you know Hoboken has some amazing spots. You can find cool bars, amazing restaurants and the skyline of the city from River Street and Sinatra Drive is everything. What I like most about Hoboken for blogger pics is that you can go all year round and all year round is visually appealing. You can literally spend a whole day here, trust me, I have. From Charritos to One Republic and Sunny Side, you can eat your way through this charming little town. Best part? You are a short 10-minute train ride from NYC.