This was a really difficult decision to make. I still love the concept–there’s so much talent in the fashion blogging community and I do feel there’s a need for a showcase of sorts. Unfortunately, as a freelancer, it’s no longer viable for me to spend so much time and energy on an unpaid project without steady income to back it up.

To be honest, the last two issues almost didn’t happen. Putting together a magazine is a LOT of work! We went from 16 pages in the first issue to 62 in the last, without adding any additional editorial/design staff. When I say “We,” I mean it in the sense of the royal plural. It really just means “me.”

I could not have completed even one issue without the wonderfully talented writers, artists, photographers, designers, and bloggers who contributed to the magazine. I started SSM as a platform for fashion bloggers, who continue to impress and inspire the world with their creativity, ambition, and style every day. I know this community will continue to thrive.

Previous issues will still be available online and in print, though I’m not yet sure what will happen with this site. I think (hope!) there’s some good info here, so I’ll do my best to make sure it’s available on the internets for as long as possible.

Thank you so much to everyone who read, linked to, tweeted, skimmed, purchased, or supported this little project. You’ve helped make this girl’s dreams a reality.

Tamia

1. Don’t miss a post: Create and editorial calendar for your blog

Make it easy to post regularly by creating an editorial calendar for your blog.

2. Free photo editing sites you must try

Tiffany of I’m a Shoe Whore shares some of her favorite image editing sites.

3. How to write a media release Part I and Part II

If you’re treating your blog like a business, a media release might be just the thing to help spread the word.

4. Five ways to promote your blog in real life

People are much more likely to check out your blog if they’ve met you in person, so get out there and promote yourself!

5. Developing relationships with retailers

For aspiring stylists, forming relationships with boutiques can help you create a base of stores from which to pull clothing and accessories for photo shoots and fashion shows. Here’s how to start.

6. How to create your writing portfolio and Setting up your online portfolio

Some of the best options for online portfolios for writers and visual creatives.

7. Five ways to increase your Twitter followers

One way to complement your main blog is to use microblogging service Twitter, which offers an easy way to connect with online friends, network with people who have similar interests, broadcast to your audience, and keep up with events happening around the world–all in real time. So how do you get people to actually follow you?

8. Eight Fashion + Interior decorating blogs to inspire you

Given the similarities between the highly stylized worlds of fashion and home interiors, it’s not surprising that people interested in fashion are often intrigued by interior decorating, and vice versa. Here are some well-edited blogs that address both disciplines–with beautiful results!

9. How to prepare for a career in fashion journalism

Fashion journalism remains an increasingly competitive career to enter and takes a lot of preparation. But if you’re ready to put in the hours, hard work, and a little free labor, you can certainly make your way to the top!

10. What to include in your blog’s media kit

In issue 10 of Style Sample magazine, there’s a handy list of the 5 things you must include in your media kit. However, there’s always room for more!

What is mobile optimization?

Mobile optimization reduces the time it takes for your site to load on cell phone and iPad browsers and configures your site to look good on those devices. So, how do you make sure your blog is mobile-friendly?

Blogger

Google’s Blogger recently introduced a set of mobile templates, which re-format your blog when it’s accessed from a smartphone. To activate mobile templates on your site, go to Dashboard > Settings > Email & Mobile tab, then check the mobile template option and save.

WordPress

WordPress.com blogs have the advantage of two mobile themes that will automatically display when your site is accessed from a mobile device. Visitors will be able to see your posts, pages, and archives, as well as leave comments. You can access the settings from your Dashboard under Appearance > Extras.

Self-hosted (WordPress.org) blogs have a number of options for plugins that make a site mobile-ready. Some of the most popular include WordPress Mobile Edition, WordPress Mobile Pack, and MobilePress.

Tumblr

Mobile themes help your site load faster and display as much information about your site as possible on small phone screens.  If you haven’t already, take a look at your site on a mobile device (the Apple Store is always a fun place!) and see if you need to do anything to improve your readers’ experience.

What to include

1. A list of the ways you earn compensation–usually in the form of gifts and money–from your site. This could include advertising, product reviews, affiliate programs, etc.

2. Whether or not your content is influenced by advertisers. If you post about certain topics, shops, or products solely because you’re being compensated to do so, that should be clearly stated. It is considered ethical to mark those posts as “Sponsored” or “Paid content.”

3. If and how your opinion–not your content, but the way you feel about it–is influenced by paid advertisers or free gifts. If an advertiser is telling you what to say or insisting you use certain keywords in an editorial post, your “opinion” is being influenced. This is strongly discouraged because it’s often the result of a blogger being taken advantage of by a company. It’s best to say no to these types of offers!

4. Whether any affiliations–your employer, organizations you’re a part of, financial interests, family ties–influence your content and opinions. Many bloggers list the organizations and brands that might present a potential conflict of interest in the disclosure policy.

On GP

• Label ad space as “Advertising” or “Sponsors” so readers know who is paying you for space on your blog. If you mention sponsors and advertisers in a post, it’s good practice to note that in the post–it could be as simple as adding (sponsor) behind their name.

• In the case of product reviews and the like, it’s best to remain as impartial as possible. However, if someone is sending you free stuff, it can feel weird to say something negative. This is where a policy of only endorsing brands you really like–and preferably use–comes in handy.

• Post the policy on your sidebar, About page or add a separate Legal page–whichever works best for your site.

The easy way

Don’t feel like wading through all the legal mumbo-jumbo? Yeah, us either! Luckily, Disclosurepolicy.org has made it simple to generate a basic disclosure policy with a few clicks.

For the always-sparkling, always elegant friend like Kelly of The Glamourai, try:

1. Amilka Justice.Art print, $25  This black and white print of an original drawing is an old-Hollywood take on artistic grace.

2. Comet Salvage vintage leopard print faux fur coat, $98  To a true glamor girl, animal print is a neutral and works with both dressy and casual ensembles.

3. Elegantly Untamed Alonya iPhone cover, $300  Hi-tech meets haute glamour. Brilliant.

If you have a friend with colorful, feminine style like Kendi of Kendi Everyday, try:

1. Petette “Birds on a Branch” throw pillow cover, $24  Raspberry red suede with handcut bird appliques add cheer to any room.

2. Verabel The Color Study II locket, $54  This authentic vintage locket features original illustration “Color Study” by artist and designer Alyson Fox.

3. Laura Amiss “Never Enough” print, $13.50  This bright and bold print based on an original illustration says what we’re all thinking.

If you know a guy who appreciates modern, preppy style like Isaac of Isaac Likes, try:

1. James Anthony “Dirty Knees” print tee, $46  Skeletal figures from an 18th century book of human anatomy illustrations add edge to this tee.

2. Artfully disheveled Six Shooter tie, $89  From far away, it looks like a traditional print tie, but up close, the pattern reveals a series of guns. For the elegant gangsta.

3. Pulp Designs Mystery Man Shaving Kit, $38  Equipped with homemade cinnamon goat milk shaving soap, travel-size moustache wax, and an old-fashioned shaving brush, it’s perfect for a mustachioed mister.

Finding markets

Search the ever-helpful internets for “(your city) holiday market”, check with your local etsy street team, Yelp, and Craigslist, event listing sites like Festival Network Online and FairsandFestivals.net, or even your local Chamber of Commerce.

Fees and traffic

Most markets charge a fee to participate, usually anywhere between $15-$700. Smaller markets will charge a lower “booth fee,” while larger, more established events–which usually draw more traffic–charge more. If costs are high, see if the event will permit you to share a booth and split the rental fee. Ask the market organizers to provide statistics about past and projected attendance and average vendor sales if available.

If you’re in the US, you may also need a license or permit to sell–check with the local government to determine the requirements.

What to bring

Besides merchandise to sell, there are other things you’ll need to bring to set up your area.

Set-up

Most markets that take place this time of year don’t require a tent, but a table and chairs, rolling racks, and collapsible shelves are inexpensive basics for setting up. Make sure to bring bags for customers to carry your products home in!

Administrative

Since this is a sales venture, you should bring plenty of business cards, a calculator, pen and pad, a cash box and cash (for change). Each individual piece of merchandise should be clearly priced, and it’s a good idea to bring a mailing list sign-up so you can keep in contact with people interested in your stuff.

Help

You’ll need at least one other person to help take care of customers and watch the booth when you need a break. Portable snacks and a water bottle always come in handy, too.

Make it look good

This is the fun part! The type of merchandising permitted may change depending on the market’s rules and the amount of space available, but remember to stay true to your branding–use your logo and the colors on your site in your decor.

Signage

Make sure your business’ name is clear and legible from a distance. Try to hang the sign with your business name and URL above your table or booth so it’s visible regardless of the crowd.

Displays

If you sell clothing and accessories, display pieces on a dress form or mannequin, or prettify your set-up with colorful table cloths, baskets, boxes, or a backdrop. The more it looks and feels like an inviting boutique, the more people your booth will attract.

Stand out!

Nancy of brick-and-mortar shop Talk of the Town Vintage started out by attending markets and fairs, and often received attention for the hats she’d wear. People would stop by her booth just to see “the Hat Lady.”  You don’t have to have a gimmick, but a unique feature that draws attention never hurts!

Follow up

You’ll make contacts with customers and potential customers, in addition to connecting with other vendors–who can keep you in the loop about future opportunities. Keep in touch with your fellow vendors! Send a follow-up email, comment on their blog, friend them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, or arrange to chat over coffee. Networking contacts are invaluable.

Mailing list

If you collect emails, add them to your mailing list and send a message welcoming new subscribers and asking them to join you on social networking sites. It also helps to remind new subscribers that they’re on your mailing list because they signed up at XYZ market.

Special projects

If people ask you about custom orders or special projects, make sure follow up with an email or phone call. They could turn out to be your best clients!