Friday 18 October 2013

Pinktober

Ever so often we need to take a break from being who we are-fashion designers, journalist, bloggers, PR Executive, Lawyer, etc…- and come together for a cause that unites us all.

Last weekend, one such cause made most Bombay fashion bloggers cut short their quality time at the newly launched Forever21 store in Goregaon and head all the way to South Bombay for Elle-Ogaan Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign at Hard Rock Café.
Titled ‘Pinktober’, the main aim of the event was to create awareness about breast cancer.

[Outfit Details: Top-AND, Pink Jeans-Marks & Spencer, Sandals-Forever 21, Necklace-Pink Feather, Watch-DKNY]
Take it from someone who spends a good amount of time on WebMD, this event was an eye opener. From busting myths to making us aware of the right way of examining our breast, the doctors at the event helped us understand the disease better and how we each in our own was can prevent it.


As fashion bloggers, our blogs our are workplace. This post is my contribution to ‘Wear Pink to Work Day’ (an annual program by 
Ogaan Cancer Foundation and the ELLE Breast Cancer Campaign) as well as my pledge to support and spread the knowledge of breast cancer awareness more aggressively.
While the event is all about breast cancer awareness, we bloggers decide to add some spunk and quirk to make sure the message gets all the attention it needs.
Here are some fun snap shots from Pinktober.

Anyone who knows me, knows, I am obsessed with how my hair look at all times. But for a cause this noble I was ready to wear an all-eyes-on-me shocking pink wig!! 

With Kavisa{EpicChic} and Ritcha{Ri(t)chStyles}

Let's be honest-Being a drama queen is kinda my thing, plus it suits me real well. 

Here are a few important Breast Cancer related FYI's:
1. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women. (Cervical cancer being the first)

2. Now there is a vaccination available for the prevention of cervical cancer. This vaccination is best administered between the age of 9-16 years.

3. The whole idea that tight bra or underwired bra gives cancer is a big fat MYTH. It is advisable to wear a bra that is the right size and gives good support.

4. Since you know your body best, self -breast examination is the best form of examination. One should start giving themselves a self-breast exam from the age of 25.

5. While there is no known cause or reason for best cancer, the best way to prevent it is to have a healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise.

As a fashion blogger I have shared about all thing fashion, lifestyle and beauty.
As a woman I wish to share all the knowledge that I have received about breast cancer. I strongly recommend you all pass it on to every woman you know. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we can create and help women fight breast cancer.

This post by Fashionopolis is dedicated to all the fighters and survivors of breast cancer.

Till then, tra-la,
 Amena!!
 Connect With Fashionopolis on FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe
Instagram: 
@a_fashionopolis
email me- 
a.fashionopolis@gmail.com

Wednesday 9 October 2013

The Five W's Of Fashion Blogging

On the last day of the first week of fashion school, our HOD wrote these words on the board: WHY, WHAT, WHO, WHEN, WHERE (and HOW).
She pointedly stated that finding the meaning to these words is the key to finding out what we wish to achieve from our chosen field. What started as a simple exercise at the beginning of fashion school became a way of life. 
For me, at the beginning of a new endeavour or while celebrating a milestonethese five interrogative pronouns come to mind.

On 4th October, Fashionopolis celebrated its 2nd blogoversary. While I could have done a regular run of the mill celebration post or giveaway (coming soon), I wanted to share something that has helped me from the beginning of my blogging (and fashion) journey. 
Every few months I keep asking myself these five questions. The answer to them help me figure out If I am on the right path or do I need to change course.


WHY did I want to start a fashion blog?
When someone asks me, “Why did you start a fashion blog?” I have my answer at the tip of my tongue. The answer to this is the building block of your blogging journey.
After spending years as a fashion designer, I wanted to express my views and love for fashion beyond the designing board. 
As someone who has studied and worked in the fashion field, plus has a passion for writing, starting a fashion blog was a natural progression into trying out something new but not unfamiliar.

WHAT kind of a fashion blogger am I?
When I started my blog I knew I wanted it to have an editorial look and feel. My aim was not to showcase my personal fashion or comment about celebrity fashion. I wanted to be a fashion blogger in the literal sense. Someone who wrote about all things fashion.
While my blog by large is true to its original format, I have managed to occasionally incorporate my personal style as well as red carpet events.
Once you have figured out what kind of fashion blogger you want to be, this will make it easier for you to connect with the right target audience and brands.

WHO are my readers and target audience?
A lot of times brands ask bloggers, “Who is your blog’s target audience?”
Before we can answer the brands, we need to be sure of this ourselves.
 Knowing your readers gives you a good amount of clarity in understanding what works for your blog and what does not. This will also help you connect with the right brands.
If you are looking at blogging from a professional angle, your target audience can literally make or break your blog.
The reason why Miss Malini or Prez Hilton or Bryan Boy have managed to make it big, is, because they understood their readers really well and gave them just what they wanted. 
Once you know your audience it becomes very easy for you to select your subject matter and tone of writing. 
Keep in mind: ‘Who’ must come after ‘What’.
 First, figure out what kind of a fashion blogger you want to be, then find the right audience for it. Doing it the other way round is not only risky but can backfire.

WHEN do I start my fashion blog?
A lot of readers and friends ask me this question:“Amena, when is the right time to start a fashion blog?” 
Honestly, you can start one tomorrow. I took three months to research the Indian and international fashion blogging market before starting mine. 
From selecting a name that will convey my blog message to picking the font, layout and deciding on my writing style, I looked at every aspect before I launched Fashionopolis.
Since I belong to the fashion field I was well acquainted with the fashion lingo and terminologies. 
Basic understanding of the subject matter before you start your blog is always very helpful.

WHERE do I host my blog & HOW do I reach out to my target audience?
Before I started my blog, I looked at both, Blogger and WordPress.
Initially, selecting the right blogging platform may seem insignificant, but in the long run it makes a whole lot of difference.
The idea of starting a blog is to connect with like-minded people. Be it a personal or professional blog, the aim is to reach out to people. How does one go about reaching out to the right audience? 
While Facebook helps me promote my blog to a larger audience, Twitter makes it easier for me to connect with my readers and have a one on one equation with them and Pinterest is a great platform to showcase my collages, inspiration and creative.
For people to know about your blog you need to spread the word about it. How you do it and which social media platforms you engage in depends on your target audience.
Whether you are a newbie fashion blogger or a seasoned one, these five question are a must be asked time and again.

Till then, tra-la,
    Amena!!
Connect With Fashionopolis on 
FacebookTwitterPinterest, Bloglovin' & Subscribe

Instagram: 
@fashionopolis.in
email me- a.fashionopolis@gmail.com