Hello 2017! Out with the old, and in with the new! I’m convinced that 2017 is going to be an exciting year for all of us bloggers. Big things are happening, and you know what they say, a well prepared girl is a successful girl. I want to share my favorite secrets with you guys, so I’ve outline my blogger must-have’s for 2017. Blogging isn’t as easy as people might think, but having the right tips, tricks and equipment can make it so much easier. Check out my list of 15 blogger essentials to ease your way towards achieving those goals and improving your blog.
S’well Bottle
Hydration is key! Water is one of my top secrets for everything from glowing skin to energy and weight loss. Swell bottles happen to be my new favorite water bottle, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love ice cold water. Not even exaggerating, I’ve taken my Swell bottle on hot and sweaty 2 hour hikes in LA and it’s been ice cold at the top. Stay hydrated for better looking skin, less dark eye circles, shiner hair and a trimmer figure. Be photo ready, always!
Living Proof Dry Shampoo
Let’s be real with each other here, having perfectly groomed hair 24/7 isn’t just hard, it’s unrealistic. I live and breathe by Living Proof dry shampoo. I always have it with me in my purse to give some life and shine to my hair. I always work out mid-day with no time to wash my hair afterwards and dry shampoo helps my hair to be photoshoot-ready fresh out of the gym.
DSLR Camera
It’s no secret that all of those perfectly crisp photos of your favorite bloggers aren’t taken with iPhones. My DSLR camera changed my life and obviously brought my blogging to a new, more professional level. I swear by my Canon 6D, though many bloggers use Sony and Nikon cameras. I prefer a 35mm or 50mm lens for street photography. I promise that professional-looking photos help everyone to take your blog more seriously and pay more attention to your content.
M.A.C Mineralize Charged Face Mist
I first got turned onto face mist by Aimee Song, ultra-famous blogger from @SongofStyle. I promise you that face mists aren’t a gimmick. They actually really help to freshen up dull and tired skin and give you that dewy glow we all envy. Keep it in your purse on photoshoot days to give your face that glamorous boost.
Photo Editing Software
Bottom line, you need a good editing software. Our favorite, most famous bloggers have a certain style and aesthetic to them that draw us to their content. For example, @sincerelyjules and @mikutas have distinct filters used on all of their photos for cohesiveness and style. Programs like Lightroom, Photoshop and VSCO make this super easy and achievable. Best of all, they help to further express your inner creativity.
Trend Forecasting Service
One of the most important parts of being a blogger is being on-trend and being able to anticipate and showcase the new and upcoming trends. Bloggers have becomes the ones to pave the way with trends, so it’s important to be informed and on top of your game. Trend report accounts are costly, but really useful tools for finding new and upcoming trends out there in the market and on the streets. If those services aren’t within your budget, magazine subscriptions that feature trend reports will do just fine. My favorites are W Magazine, Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily.
White Blank Space
I’ve only just recently realized the necessity of a plain white surface to shoot with. Flat lays aren’t the same without a plain white surface and white walls do wonders to showcase outfits without the distraction of a busy background. They also help to add some brightness to your Instagram feed and blog pages. Locate a white brick wall in your city or a blank wall in your home and make it your best friend for photo shoots. I promise you won’t be sorry.