Merry Merry. Merry Merry.
Who is panic wrapping??? Who is panic wrapping???
If it’s going to be 80 degrees for Christmas I’m a If it’s going to be 80 degrees for Christmas I’m asking Santa for a spray tan gift card in my stocking.
As my boys have gotten older there is almost alway As my boys have gotten older there is almost always a friend eating dinner at my house or spending the night. The weekends are reserved for a driveway full of bikes and basketball. This year, in my haste to make my @shutterfly card I accidentally added a picture with one of my bonus kids in it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #themorethemerrier
You are not shadow banned. Your content is not bei You are not shadow banned. Your content is not being hidden. Most of the time, it simply is not resonating with your audience anymore, especially if you are using the app correctly, which I will explain at the end.

People blame “shadow banning” when they see a drop in engagement, but when I look at their metrics, I can usually see small declines long before they noticed them. Social media platforms have millions of users. They are not punishing you because you took a week off.

What actually happens is this. Your audience stopped engaging with your content, and when you took a break, they filled that space with other creators. When you returned, the algorithm showed them the accounts they interacted with most, which was not you. They were not looking for your content because it was not relevant to them anymore. I see this over and over.

There is one real caveat. How you are using the app. If you upload unlicensed music, follow and unfollow in large numbers, run giveaways that break platform rules or respond to comments in negative ways, you can hurt your reach. That is not a shadow ban. That is violating the service agreement.

A case study. Someone told me they was shadow banned. When I looked at their account, a few things stood out.

1. There was no aspirational layer to the content. It was a business that relied on people physically coming in, yet nothing showcased a luxury experience, or a story people could connect with. Photos were blurry, captions were minimal and there was no searchable language to help people discover her business.

2. There was no engagement back to the audience. Not responding to comments is one of the fastest ways to lose your community. People want acknowledgment. If they do not get it from you, they will give their attention to someone else.

3. They were not using the app like a real user.  Instagram and TikTok know you are a business, but they still reward accounts that behave like humans.  Comment, watch stories and sending DMs. That signals genuine activity and community building.

Most of the time the issue is not a shadow ban. It is content, connection and consistency. And the good news is all of that can be improved.
Candy cane bow tutorial!! #chrismas #christmasbaki Candy cane bow tutorial!! #chrismas #christmasbaking #christmascake #christmastreat #holiday #holidaytreats #coquettechristmas #twee #coquetteholiday
Coffee with my favorite collaborator… Coffee with my favorite collaborator…
Shop local gift guide @shopstelladallas!! Shop local gift guide @shopstelladallas!!
Last Christmas, we took the Annual King Cookie Par Last Christmas, we took the Annual King Cookie Party in a whole new direction and it ended up being one of my favorite versions yet. I invited some of my closest friends to Kismet Cosmetics, decorated gingerbread houses, and made our own lip gloss and face glitter. It was such a fun way to reconnect with my friends during the busiest time of year. The full recap is on the blog now. Link in bio.
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Style, Swim · July 15, 2024

What to bring on vacation

We just returned from vacation—7 days at the beach—and it was simply not enough. However, we were ready to come home because, long story short, we missed the cats. As the boys get older, they are getting busier and have friends they want to spend time with outside of our house. This means there is less one-on-one time with them, so I was looking forward to vacation just to spend some uninterrupted family time together. The beach is always a wonderful place for some intimate time.

When it comes to packing, I learned long ago that less is more. One of my first jobs out of college had me traveling a decent amount, and I learned then that light packing is the best. So many times, we want to bring extra “just in case,” but more often than not, you are not going to need it.

For this trip, this is what I packed:

  • 3 Swimsuits
  • 3 Coverups
  • 3 Dresses
  • 2 Skirts
  • 2 Short Sets
  • 2 Loungewear Sets
  • 2 Tank Tops
  • 1 Jean Short
  • 1 Nightgown
  • 1 Long Sleeve

In all honesty, it was still too much. I didn’t wear two of the dresses, one of the loungewear sets, one of the skirts, and one of the tanks.

Packing is about maximizing what you have by creating multiple opportunities to wear the same pieces more than once. Here are a few of my must-haves:

A cute swimsuit

A cute swimsuit is non-negotiable. Whether you prefer a classic one-piece or a trendy bikini, make sure it makes you feel fabulous. Look for styles that highlight your best features and offer support where needed. For me, a vibrant, patterned bikini with a supportive top and cheeky bottoms is a must—perfect for lounging by the pool or diving into the ocean.

Tiffany in a swimsuit from Chic Soul

A Chic Coverup

A chic coverup is essential for transitioning from beach to brunch without missing a beat. Go for something lightweight and stylish, like a sheer kimono or a flowy maxi dress that adds a touch of elegance to your swimwear. It’s all about ease and grace, giving you that effortlessly put-together look as you move from sunbathing to sipping cocktails.

Tiffany in a Chic Soul swimsuit and Coverup from Stella Dallas

Denim shorts

No vacation wardrobe is complete without a pair of trusty denim shorts. Choose a high-waisted pair that accentuates your curves and offers that laid-back vibe we all crave on holiday. They’re easy to throw on over your swimsuit or pair with a cute top for an effortless, casual look. I adore distressed denim for that added edge.

Tiffany in a yellow lace maxi with denim shorts

A Matching Set

A matching set is a game-changer for vacation style. Think coordinated top and bottom in a fun print or bold color that makes you look instantly polished. Whether it’s a comfy shorts and top duo or a sophisticated skirt and blouse set, the key is cohesion. I’m obsessed with sets that can be dressed up with accessories for dinner or worn as is for a day of exploring.

Tiffany in a mint green set from Denim Bar

A Tank & Skirt

A stylish tank and skirt combo is perfect for mixing and matching. Opt for a neutral tank that pairs with everything, and a fun, flirty skirt that adds a pop of personality to your outfit. I love a breezy, high-waisted skirt that hits just above the knee, giving you a playful yet sophisticated look. This combo is ideal for exploring local markets or enjoying a casual lunch by the beach

Tiffany in a skirt and tank from Target

A must have dress

A must-have dress is your vacation MVP. It’s that versatile piece you can dress up for a romantic dinner or down for a day of sightseeing. Think lightweight, breathable fabric in a fun print or classic solid that makes you feel effortlessly chic. My go-to is a flowy midi with a flattering cinched waist—comfortable enough for all-day wear but stylish enough to turn heads.

Tiffany in a black and white dress from H&M

Packing for vacation doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By focusing on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, you can create a stylish and functional wardrobe without overpacking. Remember, the key is to bring items that make you feel confident and comfortable, allowing you to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Our beach vacation was a wonderful reminder of the importance of quality time with family. Despite the busyness of everyday life and the kids growing up, these moments of togetherness are priceless. So next time you’re packing for a getaway, keep it simple, stay true to your personal style, and most importantly, cherish the memories you’ll make.

Happy travels, fashionistas! Until next time, keep loving your body and wearing what makes you feel fabulous.

XO,

Tiffany

In: Style, Swim · Tagged: packing light fot vacation, vacation looks, vacation outfits, vacation packing, what to bring on vacay, what to pack

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I'm Tiffany. Although some of my favorite people call me Tippy. My favorite color is pattern. Seriously, I've never met a pattern I didn't like. My style is as bold as my personality and you should never trust my hair color. I am all about size inclusive style on a Nordstrom Sale budget.
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Merry Merry. Merry Merry.
Who is panic wrapping??? Who is panic wrapping???
If it’s going to be 80 degrees for Christmas I’m a If it’s going to be 80 degrees for Christmas I’m asking Santa for a spray tan gift card in my stocking.
As my boys have gotten older there is almost alway As my boys have gotten older there is almost always a friend eating dinner at my house or spending the night. The weekends are reserved for a driveway full of bikes and basketball. This year, in my haste to make my @shutterfly card I accidentally added a picture with one of my bonus kids in it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #themorethemerrier
You are not shadow banned. Your content is not bei You are not shadow banned. Your content is not being hidden. Most of the time, it simply is not resonating with your audience anymore, especially if you are using the app correctly, which I will explain at the end.

People blame “shadow banning” when they see a drop in engagement, but when I look at their metrics, I can usually see small declines long before they noticed them. Social media platforms have millions of users. They are not punishing you because you took a week off.

What actually happens is this. Your audience stopped engaging with your content, and when you took a break, they filled that space with other creators. When you returned, the algorithm showed them the accounts they interacted with most, which was not you. They were not looking for your content because it was not relevant to them anymore. I see this over and over.

There is one real caveat. How you are using the app. If you upload unlicensed music, follow and unfollow in large numbers, run giveaways that break platform rules or respond to comments in negative ways, you can hurt your reach. That is not a shadow ban. That is violating the service agreement.

A case study. Someone told me they was shadow banned. When I looked at their account, a few things stood out.

1. There was no aspirational layer to the content. It was a business that relied on people physically coming in, yet nothing showcased a luxury experience, or a story people could connect with. Photos were blurry, captions were minimal and there was no searchable language to help people discover her business.

2. There was no engagement back to the audience. Not responding to comments is one of the fastest ways to lose your community. People want acknowledgment. If they do not get it from you, they will give their attention to someone else.

3. They were not using the app like a real user.  Instagram and TikTok know you are a business, but they still reward accounts that behave like humans.  Comment, watch stories and sending DMs. That signals genuine activity and community building.

Most of the time the issue is not a shadow ban. It is content, connection and consistency. And the good news is all of that can be improved.
Candy cane bow tutorial!! #chrismas #christmasbaki Candy cane bow tutorial!! #chrismas #christmasbaking #christmascake #christmastreat #holiday #holidaytreats #coquettechristmas #twee #coquetteholiday
Coffee with my favorite collaborator… Coffee with my favorite collaborator…
Shop local gift guide @shopstelladallas!! Shop local gift guide @shopstelladallas!!
Last Christmas, we took the Annual King Cookie Par Last Christmas, we took the Annual King Cookie Party in a whole new direction and it ended up being one of my favorite versions yet. I invited some of my closest friends to Kismet Cosmetics, decorated gingerbread houses, and made our own lip gloss and face glitter. It was such a fun way to reconnect with my friends during the busiest time of year. The full recap is on the blog now. Link in bio.
I have been creating online for almost a decade, a I have been creating online for almost a decade, and the landscape has shifted in major ways. These are the changes that matter right now.

1. People don’t want to be influenced. They want to be educated. Audiences want content that improves their life, solves a problem or teaches them something useful. Value builds trust and trust builds connection.
2. Organic engagement is no longer the only metric. Paid reach is a smart tool when you know your audience and use the right placements. Sometimes your best content needs a push to reach the right people.
3. Community requires evolution. As you grow, your audience grows. Their needs change. Listening to what they save, ask for and respond to is how you stay connected.
4. Personality is the new niche. People follow people. Your voice, humor and perspective are what separate you from everyone else in your category.
5. Consistency matters, but sustainability matters more. Batching, content silos and systems help you show up without burning out.
6. Social SEO is essential. People use Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest like search engines. Keyword dense captions, clear hooks and intentional hashtags help your content get discovered long after posting.
7. Community is more important than virality. Viral moments fade. A loyal audience stays, engages and converts.
8. Creators are becoming brands and brands are becoming creators. Storytelling, personality and real time content now matter more than being perfectly polished.
9. AI isn’t replacing creators. It supports them. It frees up time so you can focus on creativity, connection and strategy.
10. Transparency matters more than perfection. And transparency isn’t the same as authenticity. Transparency means not gatekeeping and letting people into the process so they feel empowered.
11. Growth isn’t just about new followers. It’s about nurturing the audience you already have. Engagement and trust will take you farther than any number at the top of your profile.

The creator space is evolving and so are we. Staying curious, adaptable and connected to your community is how you grow long term.

#personalbranding #contentcreatortips

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