Ask Jess–Bachelorette Party Dresses, Blogging Tips and More

Above: striped top and red bottoms– both from Aerie! 

This is maybe awkward, but can we talk about bikini lines? I feel like there are a few options that aren’t the BEST and I never really know what to do.

Haha! I’m not sure if you’re referring to the actual CUT of the bikini lines that are everywhere these days (what’s with the return of Baywatch!?) or the actual issue of waxing/laser hair removal, irritation, etc that comes along with bikini lines–so I suppose I will address both ?

First, as you probably can guess, I HATE the high leg/high cut trend happening right now, but Aerie has a lot of really great bikinis and an awesome mix and match feature to where you can choose the cut of your bottoms. Baywatch crisis averted!

Second, I’ve been getting laser hair removal from Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique and she’s amazing. I’m on my fourth session and it definitely made it a lot finer so I don’t get razor burn anymore! I would probably say this is equal on the pain scale to waxing, but it’s a permanent reduction of the hair, which is amazing. (Contrary to popular belief, it is never true REMOVAL. Hair always grows back due to fluctuation in hormones, however, it is a permanent REDUCTION in that when the hair does grow back in, it’s super fine, and dramatically reduces how much you have to shave.)

If you live in Chicago, Leah offers major discounts for my readers–just call and mention my name!

I have a lot of upcoming bachelorette parties where I need some cute going out dresses (some should be black)–what can I wear that is suitable for places like Vegas (don’t want to look like a Grandma but also don’t want to look like a show girl) and ideally something I will wear again? 

Yes! I have turned SO many people onto the ruched Leith dress. I own it in the long-sleeve version but the sleeveless version is just as cute and great for summer but you can wear it year round, make it look super sexy with stilettos or super casual with sneakers. Seriously, you will get so much wear out of it! They also just came out with this strappy sweetheart version that I’m in love with!

Also, a major dark horse is French Connection! They have a lot of really cute dresses that are tasteful yet sexy and suitable for anything from a bachelorette party to a wedding! Depending on the color, you could totally wear any of them year round!

Shop more bachelorette party dresses: 

Favorite underwear for no VPL (visible panty lines)? 

There are a ton of brands that make seamless thong underwear that is made of a super thin fabric and no elastic, so there’s no bulging or any line of any kind! I like the Commando brand but there are tons options on Amazon!

What was your FIRST step towards making money on your blog? Did you reach out to people yourself or wait for them to come to you? Also any tips for gaining instagram followers? I’m only a few months in but am LOVING working on my blog. Thanks! Love your stuff and seeing a real down-to-earth blogger being successful.

First off, congratulations! Starting a blog is NO small feat! You should be so proud of yourself!

To answer your first question, I think the biggest mistake bloggers make is that they want to make money as soon as possible. I’ll be the first to tell you–do not start a blog to make money. Blogging is hands down the HARDEST job I have ever had. If I got paid an hourly wage for all the hours I work every week, I would be a millionaire ?.

I didn’t make money on my blog for a really long time–I have always focused first and foremost on catering to you guys, making my content as helpful, inspiring, fun, and relevant to you as possible. The money comes second. I turn down probably 90% of the brand collaborations that I get pitched–most because I don’t use the product in real life or wouldn’t spend my own money on it, others because the brand wants me to promote their product in a way that doesn’t feel organic to me and feels like an advertisement.

I think this is the #1 decision that has been most helpful for me in my blogging career and one of the biggest pieces advice I can give. So many bloggers just start taking as many collaborations as they can get (and most of them are really awful, not organic, and crappy products!) I know it’s tempting, but don’t chase the money! You have to look at the big picture. Playing the long game will get you so much further!

Your brand is not ad space to be bought. Focus on building your community and add value to your readers–always. Once you figure that part out, the money and brand opportunities will come!

Also, regarding gaining Instagram followers– my biggest tip is to really figure out what your brand is and isn’t, and really do the work to understand your audience and exactly who you’re talking to.

Do as many reader surveys as you can, use instagram polls to ask your followers what they want to hear from you, and their preferences under that big umbrella!

Let’s use fashion as an example–say you have a fashion blog, you should be asking the following: How much do they prefer to spend on a particular item? Where do they like to shop? What are their pain points that you can help solve? How can you most add value to them? What kind of lifestyle do they have? Are they moms? Are they students?

Based on all of these insights and what YOU love and are passionate about, this should be the heart of your brand. Based on that, create a mission statement of sorts. Refer back to that with each photo that you post–does every piece of content ladder back up to that brand mission statement? If not, don’t post it.

What your brand IS should be very clear to your readers and written in your instagram bio–you want your ideal reader to see it in one second and know that your content is the right fit for her. You have everything it takes, it’s all about making sure the message is clear. I hope this helps! 🙂

I hope this was helpful 🙂 Do you have an Ask Jess question? Submit it through the form right over here!