Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Fashion Opportunity in Manchester


What do I learn from being a Manchester blogger based? It has been a year since I touched down in this city, and I think a year is more than enough to experience the culture and Northern British accent. Many people asking me how the fashion scene is like in that city? Are there a lot of opportunities for blogging? And how the people are like? Here are the honest answers from a stranger living in Manchester like me.  

I have heard so many people saying London is the best in terms of the opportunity in the fashion industry, also the fashion scene, which I think it is true. I love the variety of the styles in London more than here because you can actually see the street style people, though they are not a fashion blogger. However, Manchester is alright too! Compared to where I am from, fashion blogging industry in the UK is 100% better. I think the opportunity is everywhere if we really 'want' it. 

I have heard a lot of complaints like "Why it is so hard for me to become a blogger? How come I haven't received any emails regarding the collaboration? OMG I am so bored with this industry!" Whenever I hear these words, I just stay silent because I have nothing to say. The question is "Have you tried your best yet?" If you cannot answer this question, then it means you haven't. It is important to bear in mind that fashion blogging in the UK is very competitive, and it is vital to be different in order to stand out from the crowd. 

The blogger community in Manchester is very lovely, you will be able to find a lot of great people. It is normal to come across both genuine friendly fashion bloggers, and those who always there for freebies and fame. Actually, they are everywhere in this blogosphere, who wouldn't love freebies!? It sounds harsh, but as you know I am not gonna lie and say everything is so perfect, everyone treats me like I'm a princess or something like that, it's bullshit. I don't really participate in the community that much because I am quite busy with my MA and other things that I have to do. However, I join some of the events, as well as, take a photo for some bloggers who reach me. I always up for the photo shoot for bloggers because I am freelance photographer, and I love taking photos, so they know where to find me. 

In terms of the collaboration, personally the best advice I can give is to be 'different' You just have to find your unique voice, and photography style. If you can make your blog become interesting, I am sure that you will receive lots of emails sent from the brands who want to work with you. You can reach them first by sending them an email that you are very interested in working with them, BUT not like "Hi, my name is xxx I have 10k followers and I wanna work with you, here is ,my blog. Thanks" This type of message always puts me off because it sounds like a brat to me. It is not about bragging how many followers you have, it is all about showing what you have got! Introducing yourself, and showing them what you have done in the past. That is probably better than trying to tell how big you are. There are a lot of big online pure players based in Manchester including Missguided, Pretty Little Thing, and Boohoo, also a lot of PR companies who always host the fashion events for bloggers. I think the opportunity is quite great! But remind yourself that, the fashion industry is a bit stingy, so you may not be able to get the cash in hand. 

What about working with the media agency? Most of the agency I have worked with are either in London or oversea. The agency is a group of people who find the bloggers for their clients. If your blog meets the criteria of them, chances are, they may drop you an email. I love working with some of the agencies because I get paid. Some might pay you in cash, while some may give you the vouchers to purchase the clothing brands of your choice. 

However, the quickest and effective way to work with the brands is to "find your style, and be who you really are


49 comments :

  1. You look amazing in that color great style.

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  2. You asked the right question :) And I'm happy with you that Manchester also turned out as a good town for a blogger and that you are so successful with your blog. You definitely deserve this and as usual I love your perfect and stylish look <3
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

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  3. I looove this dress! I think Manchester/Liverpool is great for bloggers, Bristol is tiny but we're trying to put ourselves on the map!

    Tara x

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  4. This dress is super gorgeous !

    Sara,
    www.thecrimeofashion.com

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  5. OMG, I totally understand your point of view, Gail! Very intersting to read what other bloggers have to say concerning blogging and coperations. Being yourself is definitely the best advice I would give as well. Thank you for sharing your tips, lovely!

    xoxo Ira
    JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

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  6. You are amazing, thanks for such a great article and another perfect look! STUNNING!

    Don't forget to smile today!
    With love,
    Suzy ( ˘ ³˘)♥

    THE KAWAII PLANET

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  7. Great words of advice girl, it's important to stay true to ourselves in this industry. This colour on you is very flattering and I love the fringe detailing of the dress and your pairing with the leather jacket.
    Princess Audu

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  8. Thanks for this great advise. The colour of that dress is perfect on you. love this look.
    www.effortlesslady.com

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  9. Hi Gail! Great advice about focusing on what makes your blog unique rather than followers. This fringe suedette dress is incredible and you look lovely as ever :)

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

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  10. Perfect fall look! Love your dress :)
    Xoxo

    http://flashforwards.blogspot.de/2015/09/gingham-black.html

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  11. amazing Dress andlook
    love this oneso much
    you are so pretty

    with love your AMELY ROSE

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  12. Lovely tips, thanks for sharing :) I like your necklace, it's so cute :) xx

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  13. You look so great here, Gail! I love these photos and your outfit is amazing! You are right, you are an inspirational blogger!

    Laura xx

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  14. You've made some brilliant points in this post Gail - it's true, opportunities are everywhere! I agree that having a distinct voice is essential in any area of blogging :) On a different note, these photos are fantastic! The fringing on the dress is making me regret not picking up a similar black one I stumbled across at the weekend...

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

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  15. I love the fringe!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  16. Such a great read and I agree that although the freebies are there, it is up to the individual bloggers to present their own style. Unfortunately, it is the numbers sometimes that gets people in the door. I am really digging your fringed dress with the jacket. Such a great style.

    xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

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  17. This is such a cool look, I absolutely love it! Awesome dress!

    Bella Pummarola

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  18. so great. the topics were on my mind too. Love the fringes, and especially the fact that tan is my fav too.
    ✿thefashionflite
    ✿twitter
    ✿Bloglovin
    ✿FaceBook

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  19. I really like this a lot!

    ** I'm inviting you to join Love, Beauty Bloggers on facebook. A place for beauty and fashion bloggers from all over the world to promote their latest posts!

    xoxo;
    BEAUTYEDITER.COM

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  20. fabulous outfit and hair :)
    fashionphases.com

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  21. I LOVE this post! What you wrote here is true, and I know you've wrote it with honesty, which I loveeeee! <3 I almost bought a similar dress to the one you're wearing here, but then the weather changed my mind.. ughhhh! Take care, lots of love

    Boonya
    xxx

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  22. Your outfit choice is very very well. Especially jewelry and shoes complementing you. XOXO http:// takimodam.blogspot.com.tr

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  23. Your outfit choice is very very well. Especially jewelry and shoes complementing you. XOXO http:// takimodam.blogspot.com.tr

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  24. I've never been to Manchester! I lived in London earlier this year and I agree, street style is amazing! But Manchester sounds awesome too :) I love this look!

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  25. I'm loving your fringe dress! The caramel/brown looks so good with black!

    Tina
    www.justatinabit.com

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  26. Wow!! I love that dress!! kisses
    El blog de Sunika

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  27. That's a pretty outfit, dear! Like you, I don't really participate in the communities but for a different reason. I don't like to socialize, hence I don't participate in those annual blog awards as well. I'm relatively happy with my blog traffic & doing all the paid reviews. Maybe one day I'll join, when my traffic drops. Hahaha! I enjoy blogging; there's a lot of fun! xoxo

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  28. well said, honey! you've been doing so many collaborations since we've met through blogging, and I am truly impressed! all the hard work pays off:)
    www.samanthamariko.com

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  29. Thanks for your interesting comment, happy weekend! xx Rena

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  30. I am totally agree with your words, the last sentence is very important, we must be who we really are.
    Your dress is gorgeous, I really love this style. Kisses and have a lovely week :)

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  31. You know what? That is the best advice I have heard in a long time. No lie here. I underrstand what you mean by bloggers sounding like brats because of their huge following. They may have even bought their follower, but most of the big bloggers all have the same style. Bloggers like you have your own unique style and like you said, your own voice. Most of the bloggers now-a-days just write a load of rubbish about a brand just to please them as they sent them some items. that shows they are not true bloggers and don't actually give their full opinion. So on this point, I definitely understand your point of view here.

    Isobel x
    New post - http://www.fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/luxemme-suede.html
    Blog - http://www.fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk
    Instagram - https://instagram.com/isobelceline/
    Bloglovin' - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/fashionistachic14-12984939

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  32. Forget to say! Love your outfit by the way with the suede and fringing going on! LOVE it :D

    Isobel x
    New post - http://www.fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/luxemme-suede.html
    Blog - http://www.fashionistachic14.blogspot.co.uk
    Instagram - https://instagram.com/isobelceline/
    Bloglovin' - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/fashionistachic14-12984939

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  33. fabulous post and pictures my dear, love it!! you look gorgeous <3 xoxo

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  34. This was a very great post, filled with extremely helpful tips and advice. I think you've done really well in terms of being a fashion blogger so far <3

    http://www.kyroandstyle.com

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  35. Your message is so true!
    That fringe suede dress is elegant:)

    akiko

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  36. Thanks for the great tips Gail. I relate to most of them.
    http://fashionablyidu.blogspot.com/

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  37. You look fantastic!

    Have a great day,
    -Kati

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  38. I love this dress!!!
    Melanie @ meandmr.com

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  39. stunning dear
    love that dress and your hair is on another level

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  40. I think it's better to sometimes blog and stay true to yourself and not get into blogging for "freebies and fame", I think too many people automatically think "oh I'll start a blog and get loads of free clothes" but that's certainly not how it works, so I think if you write about what you love and with passion that comes across to the brands. I love this outfit, you look great!! I'm obsessed with suede at the moment :) xx

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  41. I love how you are incorporated a lot of the fringe trend in your outfits!! looks great :)
    www.samanthamariko.com

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  42. A very unique dress of its kind. A casual party wear with bold look. James Bond Jacket

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