Ask Mara


questions, thoughts, suggestions?
I’m so curious to know the ratio for you of pitching brands or getting opportunities pitched to you. Do you find that as a prominent fashion and lifestyle blogger, you still have to put yourself out there and pitch brands, or do a majority of your collaborations come to you from the brand itself?

Hi!  Thanks  so much for your question! Currently, I don’t do a lot of pitching- mainly because I haven’t had the time and also because it makes me feel a little strange for some reason. I’m not the most forward person when it comes to putting myself out there,  although I know there’s no harm in trying.  I’ve been really lucky to have had brands reach out to me directly, or through an agency, and from there we plan a collaboration. Sometimes they’ll see that I mention/use the product and that will spark a conversation. So while that’s not me actively pitching, I guess I still initiate it sometimes.  I would love to have more time to actively pitch brands that I would love to work with and brainstorm something fun! Some of my readers say I should work with Trader Joe’s because I mention them so much! That would be fun!

You mentioned also a full time job? What do you do? How do you juggle everything? Any advice?!?

I’m currently not working full-time, unless you count being a mama! Since having Augustine I’ve been at home with him, but I also work on my blog. I really loved working in the fashion industry but love that I still have some part of it through my site. My best tips for juggling multiple things are to prioritize and ask for help when you need it. I have to start each day with a complete to do list. I prioritize the most important 3 things and get those done and out of the way first. This helps me a ton so that I don’t get caught up with other tasks that aren’t the highest priority. I hope that helps!

I’d love to know more about your Portuguese heritage! What region is your family from?

Hi! My Dad’s family is from Lisbon and the Azores. Matthew and I went a few years ago and had the most amazing time. You can see some of the posts I did here! Would love to go back with my Dad and explore more. It really is such a beautiful country!

Any tips for getting into the fashion industry?

Intern! Once I realized I wanted to go into fashion I interned for a small fashion magazine. I learned so much information that I still apply in my job today. It’s important to try to get your foot in the door however you can. Even if you’re not making money, hopefully the experience you’ll be gaining will be even more valuable. I do think it is hard to get into the fashion industry without having a lot of experience, but once you’re in, you’re in. It becomes a very small world, believe it or not! You could try working for a shop or showroom and that could lead to some buying and styling experience. Don’t feel bad to put yourself out there. It goes a long way and you’ll benefit from it in the long run. If you’re interested in buying in particular, and you’re still in school, I’d recommend taking some math classes because buying deals with a lot of numbers. You’re constantly looking at your budget, making projections, and also analyzing your current sell-through. Taking a job as a Buyer’s Assistant will teach you a lot of valuable information, while allowing you to learn from an Assistant Buyer, or maybe even the Head Buyer. It would be a perfect way to find out if it’s a career you’re interested in.