Bloggers Benefit: Fashion Blogger Simone Danielle on Spreading Breast Cancer Awareness

Beauty is her passion, style is her talent, and blogging is her professional habit. Yes, these are all things you could say about beauty and style blogger of Fashion Runs the World, Simone Danielle, but there is more to this stiletto clad maven than meet the eye. Her real love is put into trying to spread awareness for breast cancer. With a personal connection to the cause, Danielle spends time not only posting about make-up tips or what trends are currently making history, but supporting breast cancer awareness though foundations such as Susan G. Komen and movements like The Making Strides Walk. 

Danielle is the second Ambassador for Bloggers Benefit and one to be certainly proud of, due to her inspiring work ethic and strength against the overwhelming power of cancer on today's society. I met her a year ago when I hosted a fashion week lunch and to this day she has become a close blogging acquaintance as well as good friend. Between our conversations about running on no sleep at fashion week, to the politics of style as sex, Danielle and I always know how to have a fun time no matter what the environment. Because, like Danielle's natural knack for beauty and style, her loyalty and caring persona shine bright like the earrings camping out on her ears. It's no surprise that one day her contributions to the world not only fashion wise, but breast cancer awareness wise, will run the world. (pun totally intended) 

We have known each other for quite sometime now and I'd like to think we are blogging buddies. (laughs) Having you participate in Bloggers Benefit is special because you and I have watched each other's sites grow and and become better over time. Am I being sentimental here or do you feel the same? (laughs) 

I do feel the same way! You were one of the first people I actually met through blogging and I'm happy we did because we are good friends. I wish we would see each other more often. But yes our sites have grown since we met each other and it's only going to get better.

Last time I saw you was during September's New York fashion week and we were parting ways on Columbus Circle. Aside from attending a baby shower that day, what else has been going on with you and your fashion based world?

I've been working as well and looking into to getting my Masters degree in Marketing or Communications. I've been thinking about continuing my education for awhile and I can use either of these degrees in the fashion industry, so I'm excited. Plus I've been working on my site and looking for work within the fashion industry. I'm also going to the gym to lose some weight but I looovvveee food so much! It's been a bit of a struggle, but I do want to eat healthier.

On your blog you feature everything from make-up to street style. What about it is your favorite? 

I just love sharing two things that I'm passionate about with my readers. I like staying on top of trends, seeing what's new in fashion and I like those aspects and interoperate that in my outfits. With makeup, it's just so much fun. I wasn't always into it but watching YouTube changed that for me. I enjoy putting on makeup and sharing some of the tips I've learned or the newest lipstick I bought with my readers. It's fun. And my favorite part about it is that it is all subjective. What I like or think is trendy maybe different to the next person.

What made you fall for fashion and beauty?

I've always been into fashion since I was little. I would watch all the red carpet shows before the Oscars, Grammys, etc. to see what everyone is wearing, including the reporter. While I was watching it, I would critique each look especially the ones that were not good. Also, I watched America's Next Top Model a lot and thinking how I wanted to be apart of that world. For makeup I got into it when I was working at a CVS Pharmacy when I was 16. I was into little things like eyeshadow, but I really got into it when I was 23 and starting watching YouTube. I like that makeup enhances a person's beauty and it's fun to create different looks.

Right now, you only write for your blog. Would you ever consider starting a vlog or is being on a video a terrifying feat for you? 

I do want to start a YouTube channel. I am looking into purchasing a new camera that is good for taking video. I don't think I would do makeup tutorials but my channel would be about style, fashion and beauty. I won't lie starting a YT channel is a bit daunting for me because it's over saturated. Everybody is a fashion blogger or a YT vlogger so its hard to stand out amongst the crowd, but I'm willing to take on that challenge.  

Are the goals you had then for your site the same as they are today or have they changed over time?

They are the still the same for the most part. I decided to write my blog as a way to break into the fashion industry. That is the main goal for my blog, but over time I realized that I can make money from it so I'm looking into that. Because of my blog I am able to attend NYFW, but I want to see if I can go to London and Paris fashion week as well. That's my next plan. We should plan something. 

Speaking of goals, I started Bloggers Benefit to spread awareness for charities and campaigns through the influence of bloggers. Why did you decide to be apart of this movement?

I think this is a really good movement and it helps people become aware of the different organizations that are out there. Plus, as bloggers we get to share a piece of our personal life with our readers, which is a great thing as well because we could be helping someone who could be affected by any one of these diseases.

There is an endless amount of charity organizations out there, but you chose to represent The Susan G Komen association for breast cancer awareness. Was there a personal reason behind your decision? 

Yes there was. I lost my mother to Breast Cancer in 2010 and my grandmother (my mom's mother) to the disease as well when I was about eleven or twelve years old. When I lost my mom, however, it changed my whole life.

Along with the Susan G. Komen association, what do you do on your personal time to help with the cause? 

I'm going to be honest, I'm not as involved as I should be which is something I am working on. I want to participate in the walks and raise money for the cause not just during the month of October.

Has there ever been a point where you felt like you truly made a positive difference with it? Your Ah-Ha moment as Oprah would say.

No not really. But by sharing my story with my friends and telling them what I've learned through my loss; I think it has made them see certain things differently.

In the past couple of years the Susan G Komen charity has come under fire because it was discovered that the CEO, Nancy Brinker, was receiving a higher salary than the amount of donations used for actual research. How do you feel about this issue? Does it taint your belief in this particular company? How can you reassure others that the charity is still worth it?

This is the first time hearing of this and it's pretty messed up. However, I do believe in this company and think people should still donate to the cause. There are also other organizations that support Breast Cancer research such as Avon and Making Strides, where a person can donate to a team or to an individual person if they aren't comfortable with donating to Susan G. Komen.  This foundation still raises the most money for the cause though and I do hope that they do lower her salary and use the extra money to fund some more research.

What is your greatest advice for women to avoid getting breast cancer? 

Make sure to get a mammogram and look into seeing if the cancer runs in your family. If it does then its possible that you might get the cancer. Do your research. It is always better to catch the cancer early on than later so make sure to get your breasts check.

Is there a misconception about breast cancer? If so, why do think so many believe this? 

Well, I didn't know that there are different types of breast cancer. My mother had a form of breast cancer which is called Triple Negative. It is an aggressive form of breast cancer that is more likely to affect African American and Hispanic women. I didn't know that there was different forms of breast cancer. I just thought there was one type so I think that's a big misconception. Another misunderstanding is that it can be genetic. Before my mother passed away, she told me there is a test that I can take to see if I have the gene for breast cancer. Since my grandmother and my mom had it, it's probable that I might have the gene as well. If I do have it then I have to start getting mammograms early and take preventative steps to make sure that I can beat it. Also, most people think men can't get breast cancer but they definitely can. It's not just an issue that only women face. Men can get breast cancer too. You don't see a lot of men get the disease. Therefore, it's easy to not think they do, but with research you find these things out. 

If one cannot afford to donate financially, what are other ways to get involved and make a difference? 

You can volunteer during the walks or other events they have. Don't forget that sharing what you know about the disease to other people can help too!

What's the most inspiring thing you have ever been told that you would like to share with those dealing with breast cancer?

This isn't something that I have been told, but it is something that I tell myself.  No matter what, always be strong. It's hard to be strong because you want to break down and cry and it's okay to do so, but after you got it out of your system, you have to continue to fight and be strong.

Ensemble Details

Top: H&M

Skirt: Asos

Shoes: Zara

Bag: Zara

Beanie: Brooklyn Industries

Accessories: Forever 21

Watch: Michael Kors
Jacket: Forever 21

Get Involved with Breast Cancer Awareness by participating or donating to these two organizations! 

Making Strides Walk

Susan G. Komen

Pigtails and Platforms: Celebrating "Baby One More Time's" Sweet 16 with its Memorable Fashion

"Baby One More Time" has turned 16! Do you feel that too..shivers of feeling old suddenly passing through your body? Well, don't worry we are all on the same page with this one. I was six years-old when this famous music video appeared on television. I couldn't look away and it was mostly because of how cool I thought that new girl looked with her pigtails and school uniform. I wanted to dance in the middle of a school hall like nobody was watching while simultaneously pulling off furry pom poms in my hair. Whatevs, it was the late 90s and at the time this was as daring as it got in the pop world. Maybe in another 16 years we can talk about Miley's fascination with a wrecking ball and finally feel like it wasn't a big deal, but a revolutionary moment in pop history. Actually, scratch that. I don't think that video will ever not be shocking. Yes I used a double negative. 

To celebrate "Baby's..." sweet sixteen here are some GIFs capturing the video's epic costumes that will forever rule adult Halloween parties, men's fantasies in the bedroom, and well our hearts in general. Whether you admit it or not, this song put Britney on the map and made her the pop princess she is to this day. Sure she has had her ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I still love that teenage girl who danced into my television screen sixteen years ago, held a snake like a boss while performing, and made a comeback after a few years of craziness like it was her job. 

Fun Facts About "Baby One More Time"

1. That iconic schoolgirl ensemble was actually from KMart and Britney's idea.

2. No item of clothing seen in the video cost more than $17. 

3. Does the school look familiar? That's because it is Venice Highs School where Grease was    filmed! 

4. How about those backflips? She was an accomplished gymnast by the age of 9. 

5. Her love interest in the music video was actually played by her cousin while the teacher was    portrayed by a close childhood friend. 

6. It makes sense Britney has scenes in a gym with a basketball, since she played the sport in high   school. 

Gif and Photo Credit: Google Images

"Facts" Credit: PopSugar 

The Italian Job: How Reviewing VienneMilano Made Me Fall in Love with Stockings All Over Again

It seems these days that women using pantyhose isn't exactly as popular as the self-proclaimed "selfie" or annoyingly addictive hashtags. However, like a really delicious egg roll, stockings do pop up once in an while and when they finally make an appearance, they tend to be as awesome as you would have hoped for. This was the case with VienneMilano's line of women's hosiery.

When I received my pair of VienneMilano thigh-highs in the mail, the first thing I fell head-over-heels for was their packaging. I mean come on now, it was purple with a pretty cut-out heart and adorable notes. Still as impressed as I was that it came in a gorgeous box and dare I say... they are made in Italy, I needed to try these pantyhose for myself to see if they were worth the price they are charging and worth the time of me conducting this review.

Although I was given my pair for free in return for an honest opinion of their brand, the prices of their stockings do vary and my pair, retail wise, costs $45. Sure, I know what you are thinking. That's a lot for somethings that tends to rip quite easily, but from what I noticed while wearing them, is that they are worth it. Yes, I do believe the prices should be more affordable, but they are in fact durable and extremely well made. Usually stockings tend to slip and these don't. They each lye comfortably and firmly on your legs like a pair of well fitted gloves. At the top, they feature a non-slip grip so that wrinkling or falling are practically impossible. I felt pretty confident while wearing them and never worried that they may come running down to my ankles. Not to mention, they give off a little bit of a flirty mysterious vibe to your entire look.

The only downfall I have with their product is they come up my leg a tad way too high. I know that they pride themselves on this little fact, but I'm an average size woman and these came all the way up my thigh making me feel as though they created them for a tall model's legs and not someone with an average height. None the less, this was the only negative comment I have about them. Other than that, if you are looking for long lasting, excellently made, comfortable, and non-slip stockings, VienneMilano is the way to go!

With that said, I don't have to prove to you how fantastic this company and their products is because the creator herself,Vienne Cheung, shows you just that on her own. After years of traveling, she worked through many obstacles and decided to persevere and bring Italian-made women's hosiery to the United States. Leaving her corporate job to work full-time on her vision of making a wide variety of luxury stockings available to clients, within a year VienneMilano was set to go. Proof that like Cheung, a pair of thigh-highs can change a woman's life and with VienneMilano this is practically expected.

Bringing Cuteness to the Met Ball: Instagram Star Mayhem Poses in Past Gala Gowns

With followers on Instagram well up their in the six-digit figures, there is one young starlet of social media that is making quite a name for herself. Mayhem is a 4-year-old with sass, vogue like posture, and style. By sporting various red carpet looks, made by construction paper and other craft materials, Mayhem and her mother have taken the social network world by a cuteness storm. She's worn get-ups similar to those of Katy Perry, Disney's Frozen, and Lupita Nyong'o. This time, this photogenic child is showing off her best Met Ball ensembles. 

The minute I laid my eyes onto her pictures, I was soon reminded of why I love fashion so much---the fabulous and energetic influence it has on so many. She captures some of the Met Ball's best outfits in the most fun, creative, and adorable of ways!  

Photo Credit: Fashion by Mayhem / Getty Images 

Pink Shirts and Burn Books: Miniskirts $50 or Less in Honor of Mean Girls

If there is one item in the Mean Girl's wardrobe that can be called the official mascot for the Plastics, it would have to be the miniskirt. These tiny additions to their ensembles were seen on Gretchen, Regina, and Karen more times than Coach Carr had fun in the projection room---if you know what I mean. In fact, after Cady starts to become a little too good at pretending to be a plastic, her three new frenemies give her a makeover. The next day, as a symbolic initiation of some sorts, Cady walks alongside them with a new look and what seems to be a plaid pastel miniskirt. Yup, like Andy did with her Jimmy Choos in The Devil Wears Prada, Cady sold her soul the minute she slipped into that its-bitsy article of clothing. 

Of course, don't be turned off by them just because they were once donned by evil. Miniskirts can be lots of fun to pair up with various tops and shoes. They come in an array of colors and prints and can always add a bit of zestiness to your outfit. Therefore, here's a list of ten skirts, all for $50 or less, to fill that flirty yet chic fix of yours. Just a warning, don't bend over! 

ASOS Mini Skirt With Scallop Hem $37.93

SCUBA MINI SKIRT $34.90

AE DESTROYED DENIM MINI SKIRT $39.95

Petite Daisy Pep Hem Skirt $17 (Sale Price)

PINK FLORAL PRINT MINI TUBE SKIRT $32

BLUE DIAMOND JACQUARD MINI SKIRT $50

Pleated Chiffon Skirt $17.80

Flower Pattern Miniskirt $21.90

BLUE FLORAL PRINT SKIRT $50

  Lace-Trimmed Miniskirt $17.80

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pink Shirts and Burn Books: The Power of Pink in Honor of Mean Girls Anniversary

Thanks to Karen Smith saying, "On Wednesdays we wear pink," ten years ago today, it is undoubtedly one of the most used quotes from Mean Girls. It has become apparent, especially now with social media, that this line will never die, but rather reign on in all its bright hued glory. For instance, people have hashtaged this one particular quote almost 74,000 times on Instagram alone. Yup, I guess it has just as much power over people as Regina and her plastic minions did on their high school.

While some may ponder as to why such a simple line could receive so much attention and nostalgia, I have come down to the conclusion that it has to do with more than just the way Amanda Seyfried utters it in perfect childhood excitement. It's about the color itself. Pink has been ingrained in most females since childhood to be the "girl" color, such as blue for boys. Sure, there are many who speak against this view. I don't mind it as long as you like the color. Heck, my favorite is green and my room is painted lavender, but I also like to sport a nice pink accessory or outfit on the occasion. It's a color that can be worn by almost anyone brave enough to don such a standout hue. That's why, although it has its haters, pink certainly can hold its own as a dominant color. After all, it is also the symbolic hue for Breast Cancer Awareness. 

In the film, they may dress in it on Wednesdays, but pink has been making a name for itself long before the hit comedy and still carries on screen today. Therefore, to continue this weeks party in honor of Mean Girls 10th anniversary, we use today (Wednesday), to look back at some of the most memorable pink ensembles to grace film. Proving that pink isn't just for plastics and specific days of the week, it's a color for strong, funny, and leading ladies too.

Photo Credit: Getty/Google Images