An Update From Midwest Bloggers

Hey Midwest Bloggers!

First off, we wanted to say, “Hi!” We know it’s been awhile since we last chatted, so we wanted to give you all an update about the Midwest Bloggers Network – and most importantly, thank you for being a part of it!

You may have noticed that things have been a little quieter than usual over the past few months around the Midwest Bloggers social accounts. While we love social media as much as the next gal, sometimes we need a break too! We wanted to take some time to figure out the future of Midwest Bloggers as well as determine what we think would add the most value for our members. After taking a little break we came up with some ideas and we’re hoping to implement them in the coming months!

To give you a little background, when the co-founders first got together, we anticipated bringing a group of 50 or so bloggers together – not knowing that the network would quickly grow to 500+ in just a few short months! It’s been a wild ride, and we’ve been so excited to be able to connect so many fabulous bloggers together while bringing more awareness to just how fashionable and creative us Midwesterners truly are. However, we also realized that managing so many updates, changes, new bloggers, etc was a bit more than we anticipated – so moving forward we’re making a few changes to make things easier for you, and ourselves. If you’re still interested in keeping up with the Midwest Bloggers, we’d love to have you add your information in this link right here so we can keep better records on our end (which also makes it easier for us to not have to add bloggers more manually!) While we totally get that people take much needed time off, we just ask that you have updated your blog in the last month or so to ensure that our membership is active. 

Additionally, once we’re able to revamp our list, we’re hoping to build more opportunities with brands, publications, etc! If you’re interested, please stay for the ride – we’re hoping it’s a good one :)

And finally, THANK YOU so much for your continued support and for being such an important part of this network. We love seeing your #MidwestBloggers posts across social and all the amazing content our network continues to share. We can’t wait for what the future holds as we continue to serve our members better and we truly thank you for your involvement. 

Best, 

The Midwest Bloggers Team

Midwest Bloggers Love: Kuhfs

 This has seemed like the longest winter ever (how much snow did you get this weekend?!).We know how tricky it can be to add a stylish touch to your outfits in the winter time. Kuhfs, handmade boot cuffs designed by Amy Olson,  are the perfect solution!

 

We love highlighting fellow fashion brands- especially ones that are based right here in the Midwest. Kuhfs can be worn on any almost boot you already own- and can be paired with jeans or even your yoga pants.

 

Each of our Midwest Bloggers co-founders is sharing how they're put their own spin by styling their Kuhfs in their latest outfit posts.

 

 Katelyn wearing an animal print pair of Kuhfs

 Maya wearing the "New York" Kuhfs

Lauren wearing the "Boulder" Kuhfs

 

Kuhfs are kept in place by applying the slide pin over your boots or  pants and then into the pre-sewn slide pin pocket. All Kuhfs are lined  with silicone to keep them in place! We are all in favor of any fashion accessories to add a little extra something to your look! They're all homemade by mom & entrepreneur, Amy Olson, who is based in Illinois.

 

Be sure to check out Kuhfs for even more fashionable boot cuff styles!



One Piece | 4 Ways: With Grace & Gold

We're so excited to share a one piece, four ways post featuring prints from the shop of the beautiful new branding company & print shop, With Grace and Gold. We each styled a print from their new print collection in our homes. We love the special little touch that each adds and are an affordable way to update your décor.

 

 

 

1. Bed Print - The Brunette One | 2. Heart Print - Katalina Girl | 3. Everything Print - Charmingly Styled | 4. Lipstick Print - La Petite Fashionista

 

With Grace & Gold was started by two Midwest Bloggers, Kelly and Andra, and we love their inspiring story!  Be on the lookout for a Behind the Brand story from them coming soon.

Friday Favorites Link Up, V19

Happy Friday everyone & welcome to another Friday Favorites link up! I'm Lauren, one of the founders of Midwest Bloggers & I blog at La Petite Fashionista & do freelance social media work at LPF Media and live in Wisconsin! I'm not a born and raised Midwest girl- but I seriously love it here. I've fully embraced the Midwest Summer- seriously- is there anything better?! Today's roundup of my fave posts are exactly what I'd like to be wearing (& eating!) all summer long!

Be sure to share your favorite post of the week in the link-up below.

1. Samantha at Gold Coast Girl  is giving me some serious style inspiration for well accessorized maxi dresses in one of her latest posts.

2. I've been dying to whip up these Boozy Roasted Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles ever since I saw them on the Badger Kitchen- what a perfect summer treat.

3. My boyfriend and I LOVE Mexican food & I was dying over this adorable printable Taco Score Cards from Design Eat Repeat- definitely on my summer to do list!

4. I'm a huge lover of monograms, so Laura at House of Charms' perfectly preppy ensemble is right up my alley!

Now it's your turn! Share your favorite post from your blog this week & be sure to stop by and show your fellow Midwest Bloggers some love!

Le Tote: The Answer to Your #FashionBloggerProblems

As bloggers- our closets tend to get a little bit ridiculous. It's hard to resist a good Shopbop sale, we're suckers for the latest trend, and hate being photographed in the same outfit twice! Meet the answer to all your #fashionbloggerproblems: Le Tote. This fashion service is like Netflix for clothes- deliveries of clothes & accessories curated specially for you each month. 

Samantha, Katelyn, Maya & Lauren all tested out the service and are showcasing how they styled their latest Le Tote delivery. Be sure to check out the details below about how you can see how you can try it out for yourself!

What We're Wearing: Samantha- Top & Statement Necklace via Le Tote | Katelyn- Top via Le Tote 

Maya- Top & Necklace via Le Tote | Lauren- Dress & Bracelet via Le Tote

Here's how Le Tote works:

1. Like all of your favorite pieces by clicking the heart and adding them to your closet.

2. A Stylist will curate your tote with items in your closet and items that fit your style.

3. Wear your tote (3 garments, 2 accessories) for as long or as little as you want! 2 weeks, 2 days, whatever you please. 

4. Send the whole tote back in the prepaid envelope and get a new tote.

5. Loved something? Hold on to it and send everything else back. This lets us know that you'd like to purchase it! We'll charge the card on file and send a new tote- aka LE TOTE = unlimited apparel and accessory rental for $49 / mo (with highly discounted member prices if you want to buy anything!)

Their program is a great way to try out trends, especially if you're always taking outfit pictures for your blog - because you'll always have new pieces to photograph. 

If you're a fellow blogger interested in reviewing Le Tote for your blog, reach out to bryn@letote.com

Like we said.. we're obsessed!

Brittanie's Thyme- Midwest Based Organic Skincare

We love to support & spread the word about Midwest based companies that have brands that we believe in! We're excited to share a review of Brittanie's Thyme a Michigan based Organic Skin Care company. Their products are USDA certified, non-gmo, vegan and gluten free and we had the honor of testing them out and reviewing them.

Check out each Midwest Bloggers' founder review of their organic skin care product line below:

Samantha, The Brunette One: Brittanie's Thyme Organic Eye Oil

"As I get older, skincare has become much more important to me. Between what I use to remove my make up to the moisturizer and SPF I use, I am very conscious of what goes on my skin. I particularly love the eye oil. My favorite part of my face to play up with make-up are my eyes. Which means primer, concealer, highlighter, eye shadow, liner, plus mascara. While this eye oil not only protects the precious skin under my eyes (aka the bags), it also gently removes my eye make-up. A double-whammy product. I also love that it's organic, I can read the label and know exactly what was used to create the product."

Maya, Charmingly Styled, Brittanie's Thyme Organic Balancing Toner

"As someone with self-proclaimed problem skin, I'm always looking to try new all-natural products. While my skincare routine usually involves cleanser, moisturizer and acne spot treatment, I've loved adding some toner into the mix. Usually toner makes my skin burn, but Brittanie's Thyme is actually totally refreshing! Plus, it smells like peppermint which I love, especially before going to sleep."

Katelyn, Katalina Girl, Brittanie's Thyme Organic Everyday Moisturizer

We all know that moisturizer is one of the most important finishing touches to our skincare routine and it’s OK to be picky about which ones we use—I know I am. I tend to have combination skin meaning I breakout out but my skin can also get really dry and having both at the same time can get really confusing. Do I use drying acne medication or moisturizing lotion? #HELP I was extremely excited to try Brittanie’s Thyme Organic Everyday Moisturizer because I’ve been jumping on the all-natural bandwagon lately.+

  The consistency was not too thick and not too then, but just right to soak into my face and nourish my skin while helping maintain its natural balance. I’m definitely a huge fan of it and at $20 how can I not be. I’ve spent A LOT more on other products that are just so-so. I love it so much that I’ve been adding a little to my foundation or I use it in the morning as a primer. The silk-like texture creates a smooth canvas to evenly apply my makeup. 

Lauren, La Petite Fashionista, Organic Citrus Facial Cleanser

I've slowly been trying to transition my beauty & skincare regimen over to all natural & organic products and it makes a world of a difference (& gives me some added peace of mind)! I was excited to try out Brittanie's Thymes product because they're based out of the Midwest and have all of the qualities I care about. The facial cleanser was right up my Florida girl alley because it had a faint citrusy scent. I loved that it felt lightweight without any tingling and still made my face feel so fresh and so clean (clean)!

Everyone be sure to check out their site & help support Brittanie's Thyme- a  fantastic (& fantastic for you) Midwest organic skincare brand!

Tasty Tuesday Link Up: 2/11

One of our biggest missions is to make our Midwest Bloggers feel more connected,  have a chance to share their content and help support other bloggers! We'll be starting a couple of bi-weekly link up series, starting with Tasty Tuesday!

An InLinkz Link-up

New: Midwest Blogger Resources Pinterest Board

We're so excited to have launched a new Midwest Blogger Resources board on our pinterest site! If you're not following us already- be sure you follow us here. Also,if you're interested in being a pinner on our "state boards" leave us a comment blow!

This board will be your ultimate guide for blogging tips, tutorials & resources that every Midwest Blogger could find handy!

Also, be sure to leave a link below if you have any great blogging or social media tutorials or tips on your blogs, we love to promote our network!

Guest Post: Catherine of My Inner Fabulous

Catherine, Minnesota blogger from My Inner Fabulous is sharing a guest outfit post with the Midwest Blogger group today! Hunter boots are the perfect fall footwear and we love the bright red!

Jeans: Banana Republic. Chambray: J. Crew. Vest: Gap (old). Boots: Hunters. Watch: Fossil.

I love these boots so much I have no apologies for wearing them when it's sunny out. Lucky for me though, we're in for a rainy week :)

xo Catherine

Interested in guest posting? Check out the details on our Contribute for MSB page!

Kansas City Fashion Week// Trend Takeover

Today, Mary Kate from Trend Takeover is sharing her photos & recap of Kansas City Fashion Week. Check out her blog post to see even more pictures & fabulous fun. We are so impressed with the talented designers based in the Midwest! Check out her fashion week musings below:

I am still humbled by the fact I was asked by the people of KCFW to attend the event. Friday night was a lavish evening of talented designers, fashionable crowd members, and an atmosphere that, in my eyes,  surpassed the most elite designer shows I’ve seen on YouTube. Reporting on the fashion alongside many talented bloggers left me starstruck, overjoyed, and craving more. It truly was an event.

Katie Lee

Katie Lee

Cass and Britte

Bridget Julia 

Cass and Britte

The Friday night show was exceptional. Jessi and I raved for hours about the location, mood, and designers from the event. Fashion was in the air at Union Station that evening.

Interested in guest posting? Check out all of the details here: Contribute to MSB!

Midwest Bloggers Take on NYFW!

Quite a few of our Midwest Bloggers had the chance to attend the recent New York Fashion Week! We loved following their blog posts & pictures on social media. What an amazing experience to see the shows up close, attend some fabulous events & meet some equally as fabulous bloggers. The SS14 runways looked amazing & they always leave us feeling so inspired! Way to represent the Midwest in style ladies!

Be sure to check out their coverage of the events on their blog pages!

The Sweetest Thing // Katalina Girl // The Brunette One // Ruby Girl

Katelyn & Samantha are also doing runway recaps & street style posts for Divine Caroline!

Did you attend NYFW as well or recap the fashion week shows on your blog? Leave your link in the comments and will add you to the list!

One Look: Four Ways // Vita Coco

The Midwest Style Bloggers are savoring every last bit of Summer and this Midwest heat waves with fun colorful outfits, our favorite bright jewelry & Vita Coco Coconut Water.  While we're excited for the start of fall fashion- it makes us sad to put away our sundresses for the rest of the year!

Check out each of our outfits inspired by the four fruit flavors- a tasty drink makes the best accessory!

The Midwest Style Bloggers representing our outfits inspired by the four vita coco flavors! 

Lauren:Tropical Fruit // Samantha: Peach & Mango // Katelyn: Pineapple // Maya: Orange

How are you celebrating the last remaining days of summertime?

One Piece // Four Ways: LWD

The Red Dress Boutique sponsored this month's One Piece// 4 Ways Post with the Midwest Style Bloggers Founders! Each girl styled their little white dress in their own unique way whether dressing it up with colorful accessories, snakeskin, sneakers or denim jackets! 

We love this series because it shows how individual style is & how each person can make a trend their own!

Lauren // Katelyn // Samantha // Maya

Be sure to stop by the Red Dress Boutique for tons of affordable fashion finds; we are obsessed with all of the cute dresses, trendy tops & game day looks! Check out the LWD we're wearing here.

Do you have any posts rocking a little white dress? Leave your links below!

Win a "Land I Love Best" Midwest Tank from Flyover Press!

We are so excited to be hosting our first giveaway-featuring a Patriotic Midwest Unisex Tank from Flyover Press & created by Midwest blogger, Nick of Great Lakes Prep. The giveaway sponsored by Made in the USA online shop The Pearl Connection). 

We love this patriotic Midwest Tank & it's perfect for repping your favorite place during your end of summer cookouts or tailgating for a football game!

a Rafflecopter giveaway featuring The Pearl Connection and Flyover Press

Good luck to all the entries fellow Midwest bloggers!

15 Key Pieces for Fall via Everyday Fashion & Finance

It may still technically be summer but that doesn't stop us from making our fall fashion wish lists! We love this post from Everyday Fashion & Finance blogger, Meghan!

She shows 15 key pieces and dozens of different ways to mix and match them to create new outfits!

Be sure to check out the Everyday Fashion and Finance blog for more budget friendly fashion finds and advice! (How cute are those leopard heels?!)

Perfect Picnic // The Lady Jane Blog

We loved this post from one of our new Wisconsin members, Emily, at the Lady Jane Blog! Picnics are one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon with good friends, good food & good weather! Obviously a chic picnic basket is a must have too. 

See more summer picnic fun & personal style over on Emily's blog post.

photos via OlsonDesign

What's your favorite picnic food? In Wisconsin we're partial to squeaky cheese curds!

Midwest Style Bloggers is on Pinterest!

We have exciting news! The Midwest Style Bloggers group is now on pinterest! In addition to our shared Midwest Blogger Love board, we are looking for guest pinners of boards for each Midwest state. The guest pinners will share their favorite shops, restaurants, local sights & style!

Be sure to follow the Midwest Style Bloggers pinterest page & comment below or send us an email to let us know if you want to be added as a guest pinner to represent your state!

What else would you like to see from our pinterest page?

Let's Hear it for The Boys!

In case some of you didn't know- Men are more than welcome to join the Midwest Style Bloggers group as well!  We wanted to highlight one of the male bloggers in the network - Nick, at The Great Lakes Prep as well as a fun event hosted by him this weekend!

Check out the details for the Locally Brewed Tour over on the Great Lakes Prep blog!

Feeling that there was no niche for the prepsters not living in the deep south or in the heart of texas- he also launched a brand with some Midwest flavor, Floyver Press, featuring Midwest-centric apparel, accessories, koozies & prints.

Be sure to check out the shop & stop by the event if you're living in the area to support our talented network of Midwestern bloggers!

Raspberry Lemonade Cocktails via Hello, Mr Rabbit

If this tasty homemade cocktail isn't the epitome of summertime, we don't know what is! Check out this  cocktail & made from scratch raspberry lemonade recipe from Missouri blogger, Hello, Mr. Rabbit. 

They're perfect for a summer picnic, just pack away in individual mason jars!

Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail via Hello, Mr. Rabbit

What's your favorite summer beverage?

Exploring Local Festivals w/ Mindful Closet

One of the BEST things about living in the Midwest are all of the local festivals. We love this post from St. Louis blogger, Mindful Closet about  a mini roadtrip to Southern Illinois' International Horseradish festival. Whether it's a local delicacy, bands, or carnival rides- this is what summer in the Midwest is all about!

image via Mindful Closet

What are your favorite local summer festivals? In Wisconsin we love bratfest & summerfest concerts!