Recently I had an interaction with a brand for a potential collaboration. What transpired is something that I believe all bloggers need to be aware of…
THE STORY
…On Monday I received an email from the brand inquiring about a potential collaboration. As per usual, I checked out their website. That includes perusing the products as well as reading their “About” and “FAQ” pages. I also googled them for reviews/information which I always do if the brand is not one that I already know about. That’s something that I recommend you do as well. If there is a high number of credible negative reviews, I walk away. I can’t in good faith recommend a company to my readers if the internet is blowing up with bad reviews. It reflects poorly on my blog and myself personally. The fact that all of you trust my word means the world to me.
Anyway, back to the brand. They checked out in that I didn’t find anything negative. I liked the fact that the company had been started by a woman who was looking to fill what she saw as a deficit in the women’s clothing market. I was also intrigued by the products; a line of shape wear in the form of leggings, skirts and tank tops. Several pairs of the leggings had really cute details and they appeared to be well made. Therefore, I emailed back stating that I’d love to collaborate because the products seemed to be a good fit with my blog and my readers.
A short while later I received a response. It was the usual “We’re so excited to work with you! We really think that you’ll love our products…blah, blah, blah…” But tucked discreetly in the middle of all of the gushing was this statement:
“Just a small note, would it be possible to have the link in the post a follow link to……under the anchor text “shapewear leggings” ?”
Just “a small note”? Are you kidding me? Using a follow link for a product that was gifted to you for review or for which you were paid is no bueno friends. It is a violation of FTC guidelines and it angers the Google gods.
I decided to give said brand the benefit of the doubt and responded with the following:
Hi ……….,As I said I would love to work with you, but I cannot/will not include a follow link. My sponsored post/ collaboration links are always nofollow.Using follow links in compensated posts violates FTC guidelines, and can get both of our sites flagged for spam.If you’re agreeable to the link being nofollow I’d love to move forward with the collaboration.Debbie
THE OUTFIT
Okay friends, can we all take a moment of silence for this off the rails gorgeous mixed print kimono? I became obsessed with it (along with a dress from the same line) about two weeks ago after I spied it on social media. As fate would have it, it was a brand that appears to be only available in Australia. After much searching, some direct messaging, and some more searching I found it on St. Frock. They are an Australian based retailer, but they ship worldwide with reasonable rates. Bonus points because my package arrived within 5 days! From Australia? Impressive considering plenty of U.S. based companies can sometimes take weeks.
I realize that the crazy hodgepodge of prints and bright colors might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for me, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. The dress is the same way; an explosion of beautiful prints and colors. While that might make it intimidating, that is also what makes it so versatile. I love how I was able to take a simple black slip dress and turn it into something extraordinary simply by throwing on this mixed print kimono. I can’t wait to try pairing it with my black and white striped dress…and shredded jeans with a white tee…
THE TIP
If you’re looking for some unique and beautiful boho style pieces for your wardrobe check out some of the Australian based boutiques on Instagram. Just be sure to calculate the cost of the items and the shipping in US (or whatever country you are from) dollars.
Bonus tip: If you don’t own a simple black slip dress, you should. It is the perfect plain canvas to build a stand out look on. Here I wore it as a tunic layered over and under other pieces. The options are really endless.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Kimono: St. Frock; Dress: H&M (Similar); Sandals: Payless (Similar)
