Photo courtesy of Cait Weingartner
When Cait Weingartner decided to launch a blog, she wanted it to be something to showcase her inspirations and passion for the beauty in life. Two years later, Pretty & Fun has become just that: a blog celebrating style, fashion, beauty, and decor in a way that mirrors Cait’s own lifestyle. Here she gives us a look at the brands she’s worked with, tips for PR pros who would like to collaborate, and a glimpse into what she’s learned along the way.
Q: What motivated you to launch your fashion and lifestyle blog, Pretty & Fun, in 2011?
A: After years of obsessively reading blogs I knew the blog world was something I wanted to be part of. After a ridiculous amount of planning I took the plunge and launched Pretty & Fun as an outlet to share all that inspired me, which happened to be all that is pretty and fun.
Q: By day you are a digital strategist here in Chicago. So where did your love for fashion come from?
A: I’ve always loved clothes (sorry mom!) and while I’ve never gone out of my way to follow the latest trends or make sure my closet is full of the season’s “must” pieces, I love the thrill of a great outfit. Working in an office by day definitely influences my style – I tend to stick to the classics and focus on versatile pieces that can transition from work to weekend to blogger event with just the help of a few accessories.
Q: You’ve been blogging for a couple of years now. Have you noticed any changes in the fashion/beauty blogging world in that time?
A: I’ve noticed the blog world change quite a bit over the past few years, from both a blogger and a brand perspective. Working with bloggers was initially an add-on to campaigns–now it’s a must, with many brands truly placing bloggers at the center of their marketing efforts. On the blogger side of things it’s definitely become a very saturated space; there are just tons of blogs out there now. I think it’s more important than ever to be authentic and find your voice/angle in order to stand out among the masses.
Q: If you could, would you blog full time? Or do you like the change of pace?
A: Blogging full time has never been my goal and I doubt it ever will. I love the fact that my work and blog worlds remain separate but with some serious overlap (my blog is bullet point #2 on my resume). I like being part of the blog world without drowning in it and I’m fortunate enough to say that I truly love what I do full time, so I’m stickin’ with it.
Q: Do you mostly focus your coverage on the Chicago area, or do you consider fashion and lifestyle topics from other areas around the country?
A: I tend to keep my content at a national level with some bits of Chicago life sprinkled in. I know my readers live far and wide, even internationally, so it’s my goal to share posts that are relevant no matter where you’re located.
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
A: I’ve picked up the little hobby of marathon running over the past two years and just crossed the finish line of my second Chicago marathon a few weeks ago.
Q: What are some of the best opportunities you’ve had as a fashion blogger?
A: I still pinch myself regularly over the incredible opportunities that have come my way through blogging. Highlights include my apartment tour on The Everygirl, styling with Nike Training Club and shooting for Refinery29′s Real Girl Real Beauty feature, among many others. I’m so grateful to have been able to work with some of my favorite brands and discover many new favorites along the way as well.
Q: What are some of the most challenging aspects?
A: Sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Balance is something that is a constant struggle for me and I do my best to stay on top of things by planning ahead and being extremely organized. I’ve found it’s also important to remind myself that it’s okay if I miss a post or skip out on an event; it’s about doing the best you can and being okay with that.
Q: What are your PR pet peeves?
A: Oh man, bad PR drives me crazy as I started my career in the PR world. I hope to soon see a day where mass pitches without a call to action are no longer. Please, just take the extra time to do your homework and craft a pitch that makes it clear what the desired next steps are and what the benefit to the blogger is.
Q: Any tips for PR professionals who want to get in contact with you?
A: Shoot me an email! Say hello–I always appreciate an introduction email and love working with PR teams to determine how I could help support their program. It’s always fun to be involved and get creative on ways that we can work together.
Find Cait on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and at her site, www.prettyandfun.com.
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