GENERAL
What does LLYMLRS mean?
LLYMLRS is my name (Lily Melrose) without vowels.
How old are you?
I'm 23, My birthdays April 20th.
Where do you live?
Since January 2012, London SW12
How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
I'm 5ft5 and I'm a Size UK10. I've also been a size 8 to a size 14 since starting this blog. I normally wear a 8 in ASOS and Primark and then I wear 10's in most other shops. I usually buy whatever looks like it will fit rather than look at the size. Size is only a number at the end of the day.
Do you have a Twitter?
Yes, @llymlrs
What did you study at university?
I studied graphic and media design, this has no bearing on my future career choices and I genuinely regret following through with doing the course. As much as I love design and art the actual making in graphics doesnt interest me. My blog is nothing to do with graphic design and I have not studied fashion!
What is your job?
I'm a full time blogger and do freelance social media consultanting. I don't work in the fashion industry, although a lot of people presume I do, I generally work for non-fashion clients assisting with social media and behind the scenes stuff. Before that I worked in New Look as a visual merchandiser, and before that a bakery. Im self employed- I simply see what I do as a mix of freelance writer for my both my websites (not that I claim to be very good at it) running my own social media channels and creating content. I don't plan on blogging forever, I can see myself switching and going into social media in the next few years and do blogging on the side rather than the other way around. And for the record I don't live off "Mummy and Daddy" and never have done.
Why haven't you replied to my email?
I try and reply to as many as I can, but being human I do miss emails and questions quite alot as I get alot of spammy emails into the same inbox. Most of the time I can reply within 1-3 days. I reserve the right not to reply to things I dont want to for example if Im asked something personal and I deem it to be inappropriate to talk about I wont answer it. I don't give style advice either unfortunately, I wouldn't feel comfortable saying "wear this wear that" when I can only really judge from my own personal style, which no matter if you think our styles are similar I can't really say what will look good on you or will suit your tastes and personal style.
BEAUTY/HAIR/CLOTHES
What makeup do you use?
You can view a post on the makeup I use daily here and I have a beauty blog here.
How do you do your nails?
I either use Nailene 200 full cover nails in active square or these from ebay. The Nailene ones dont need any prep as they are small and easy to stick on and go, but the cheaper ebay ones require alot of effort to shape them. Its so easy to do nail art on the eBay ones, as I tend to paint them before I actually put them on, saves having to wait for them to dry! I use Nailene Quick Dry Nail glue on them, I change them every 5-7 days. My nails are ruined from years and years of acrylics, so I've not noticed any difference since using them. Since April 2013 I've had acrylics again.
How do you do your eyebrows?
I've done a post on them here.
What skincare products do you use & whats your skin type?
I really dont have perfect skin, Its just the makeup that covers it! Im not spotty, and I've never had problems with acne or any other skin complaints. I have very pink cheeks, with a very yellowy/grey cast olivey skintone! My skin is oily-combination, depending on the time of the year! Here are some skincare reviews I've done in the past.
What do you do to your hair?
You can read a post here. The fade in my hair is called "ombre" which I did myself using a Loreal highlighting kit, You can watch the video on how I did it here. The brighter Ombre I've had since July 2011 was achieved using a Jerome Russell BBlonde kit. I dont use any products on it apart from hairspray on the odd occasion, I don't stick to any brands of haircare. Recently I get my hair done at Lisa Shepherd London which you can read about here. I use a Enrapture Totem Styler on 1-1-3 to style my hair. It's naturally straight.
Where do you shop?
I'm surprised how much I'm asked this as I think the answer are pretty obvious because I always write the names of the places where I buy my clothes from underneath each outfit post. H and M, Primark, New Look, River Island, Topshop etc etc!
How much do you spend on clothes a month?
As much as I can afford and choose to spend, I only buy things that I do genuinely want and like, some months I spend alot of money some months I spend very little. It really does vary. I go shopping alot but dont really buy anything because I like browsing. I also buy little and often rather than massive hauls!
BLOGGING
How did your blog get to popular?
I really don't know, It just sort of happened. I hardly had any followers (about 100 or so) at the beginning of 2010, and it all sort of exploded from there! I just found my niche and then ran with it! My blog wasn't a overnight success and I think you must try and be as patient as you can and keep going and working hard at achieving your goals.
Can I use your post ideas/photographs/features?
Of course, as long as you link back (credit me!) or just let me know! As long as I know somethings going on I'm cool with it, Im more than likely going to be okay with it, Plus I love seeing what people do with my things!
What camera do you use?
I used a Canon 1000d till November 2011, you can see a full post on it here. I now use a Canon 500d and a post on this here. As of July 2013 Ella Tebbutt takes the majority of my outfit photos.
Can you help with my dissertation?
Feel free to email me about interviews but I cant garentee I can do all the ones I'm requested! I try and do as many as I can but because they normally cover a wide variety of subjects its hard to answer alot of them! I do them in order of when they come in, if and when I have time to spare. I wish I could help everyone but I just can't.
Can you give me any tips or advice on blogging?
Honestly no, I dont have any tips or tricks, blogging is just a game of hit or miss. Its a really over saturated market so the best thing you can do is offer something different and new to your readers, dont copy the popular bloggers, you're never going to be the next "insert top blogger name" and work making YOU the next top blogger! I didnt start my blog thinking I'd be the next big thing in fashion and Ill be FROW-ing at fashion week, I know i'm never going to reach those levels I just try and be the best i can be with the means I have!
Can you critique my blog?
Im sorry but I wont do this, I dont want to be negative about someones blog at all. Its unfair and unnecessary. I understand why people want me to look at their blog and tell them what to improve on, but my biggest piece of advice in this area is to just look at what you like in a blog (ie quality/layout/content) and try and emulate (not copy, just use this as a key point to define your own style!) what makes your favourite blogs your favourite blogs! Dont be half assed about it if your serious about blogging, dont just post for the sake of it, dont post things you think are bad, quality over quantity always etc etc, all starting to sound like advice, but seriously do what you want as its YOUR blog!
X blog is like yours! COPY CAT! COPY CAT!
I get this a hell of a lot, I know there a re bloggers out there who have a similar style to me clothing wise and layout wise. I cant say I dress uniquely or different from the rest. I have a pretty generic 20-something year old girl style. I am aware that there are bloggers out there who people accuse of "being like me" and I do feel really sorry for them because its not fair on them. People "report" others to me who use the no vowel thing on their blogs too, honestly I dont care, its one of those things again that will again make people compare that blogger to another, which personally i don't think it does them any favors. I think a unique and different blog name is quite important, but if people want to use it they can, not like i invented it!
How do you get invited to events/press days?
Typically PR's just get in touch with you and ask you if you want to attend. Again I dont know how to get noticed by PR's most of the time they contact you out of the blue. I do think that talking about brands can help you get you on brands radars, I recently talked about Origins on my blog and then a few weeks later out of the blue they contacted me. Talking about your favourite brands might help you get more noticed by their PR's rather than just waiting for them to find you! Just a thought! But at the end of the day I have no idea. I don't really ask for products from random PR companies that I don't have a prior relationship with. However it seems its more acceptable to contact them nowadays, but I don't agree with that.
I've seen your photo on eBay! Is it you?
No, I do not sell my clothes on ebay regularly, People search for the items Im wearing and they come up in google and people use them. PLEASE DONT THINK ITS ME! I had someone once email me telling me how awful I was because "I" sent them something shoddy, but it wasnt me. I do not have a ebay sellers account! Ebay does nothing about these listings so I dont report them. My Ebay account is ETCLLYMLRS.
Are you paid to wear clothes?
No. I have not and will never accept payment to wear a specific brand or an item.
How do you paid to blog?
Its a common misconception bloggers are paid to blog. I don't get paid to blog, I get money because I post on this blog, the advertising is second to the actual content. I'm fortunate to have the traffic to be able to monetize successfully through mainstream adverts from a advertising network (I personally don't think this is a good way to monetize smaller blogs as you literally get pennies! try indie/small buisnesses/blogger ads instead). The three advertising units (top, sidebar and then the lower side bar ad) on my blog through Glam Media . I also monetize through affiliate marketing through the Skimlinks network. I don't really accept sponsored posts on this blog, I do on ETCLLYMLRS when I feel like its relevant to my content. I always disclose if Im paid to mention/wear/use anything specific (which to this day, April 2nd 2012 is never). I've monetized my blog since June 2011 (almost a two years since I started blogging), prior to this I made no money at all.
What does LLYMLRS mean?
LLYMLRS is my name (Lily Melrose) without vowels.
How old are you?
I'm 23, My birthdays April 20th.
Where do you live?
Since January 2012, London SW12
How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
I'm 5ft5 and I'm a Size UK10. I've also been a size 8 to a size 14 since starting this blog. I normally wear a 8 in ASOS and Primark and then I wear 10's in most other shops. I usually buy whatever looks like it will fit rather than look at the size. Size is only a number at the end of the day.
Do you have a Twitter?
Yes, @llymlrs
What did you study at university?
I studied graphic and media design, this has no bearing on my future career choices and I genuinely regret following through with doing the course. As much as I love design and art the actual making in graphics doesnt interest me. My blog is nothing to do with graphic design and I have not studied fashion!
What is your job?
I'm a full time blogger and do freelance social media consultanting. I don't work in the fashion industry, although a lot of people presume I do, I generally work for non-fashion clients assisting with social media and behind the scenes stuff. Before that I worked in New Look as a visual merchandiser, and before that a bakery. Im self employed- I simply see what I do as a mix of freelance writer for my both my websites (not that I claim to be very good at it) running my own social media channels and creating content. I don't plan on blogging forever, I can see myself switching and going into social media in the next few years and do blogging on the side rather than the other way around. And for the record I don't live off "Mummy and Daddy" and never have done.
Why haven't you replied to my email?
I try and reply to as many as I can, but being human I do miss emails and questions quite alot as I get alot of spammy emails into the same inbox. Most of the time I can reply within 1-3 days. I reserve the right not to reply to things I dont want to for example if Im asked something personal and I deem it to be inappropriate to talk about I wont answer it. I don't give style advice either unfortunately, I wouldn't feel comfortable saying "wear this wear that" when I can only really judge from my own personal style, which no matter if you think our styles are similar I can't really say what will look good on you or will suit your tastes and personal style.
BEAUTY/HAIR/CLOTHES
What makeup do you use?
You can view a post on the makeup I use daily here and I have a beauty blog here.
How do you do your nails?
I either use Nailene 200 full cover nails in active square or these from ebay. The Nailene ones dont need any prep as they are small and easy to stick on and go, but the cheaper ebay ones require alot of effort to shape them. Its so easy to do nail art on the eBay ones, as I tend to paint them before I actually put them on, saves having to wait for them to dry! I use Nailene Quick Dry Nail glue on them, I change them every 5-7 days. My nails are ruined from years and years of acrylics, so I've not noticed any difference since using them. Since April 2013 I've had acrylics again.
How do you do your eyebrows?
I've done a post on them here.
What skincare products do you use & whats your skin type?
I really dont have perfect skin, Its just the makeup that covers it! Im not spotty, and I've never had problems with acne or any other skin complaints. I have very pink cheeks, with a very yellowy/grey cast olivey skintone! My skin is oily-combination, depending on the time of the year! Here are some skincare reviews I've done in the past.
What do you do to your hair?
You can read a post here. The fade in my hair is called "ombre" which I did myself using a Loreal highlighting kit, You can watch the video on how I did it here. The brighter Ombre I've had since July 2011 was achieved using a Jerome Russell BBlonde kit. I dont use any products on it apart from hairspray on the odd occasion, I don't stick to any brands of haircare. Recently I get my hair done at Lisa Shepherd London which you can read about here. I use a Enrapture Totem Styler on 1-1-3 to style my hair. It's naturally straight.
Where do you shop?
I'm surprised how much I'm asked this as I think the answer are pretty obvious because I always write the names of the places where I buy my clothes from underneath each outfit post. H and M, Primark, New Look, River Island, Topshop etc etc!
How much do you spend on clothes a month?
As much as I can afford and choose to spend, I only buy things that I do genuinely want and like, some months I spend alot of money some months I spend very little. It really does vary. I go shopping alot but dont really buy anything because I like browsing. I also buy little and often rather than massive hauls!
BLOGGING
How did your blog get to popular?
I really don't know, It just sort of happened. I hardly had any followers (about 100 or so) at the beginning of 2010, and it all sort of exploded from there! I just found my niche and then ran with it! My blog wasn't a overnight success and I think you must try and be as patient as you can and keep going and working hard at achieving your goals.
Can I use your post ideas/photographs/features?
Of course, as long as you link back (credit me!) or just let me know! As long as I know somethings going on I'm cool with it, Im more than likely going to be okay with it, Plus I love seeing what people do with my things!
What camera do you use?
I used a Canon 1000d till November 2011, you can see a full post on it here. I now use a Canon 500d and a post on this here. As of July 2013 Ella Tebbutt takes the majority of my outfit photos.
Can you help with my dissertation?
Feel free to email me about interviews but I cant garentee I can do all the ones I'm requested! I try and do as many as I can but because they normally cover a wide variety of subjects its hard to answer alot of them! I do them in order of when they come in, if and when I have time to spare. I wish I could help everyone but I just can't.
Can you give me any tips or advice on blogging?
Honestly no, I dont have any tips or tricks, blogging is just a game of hit or miss. Its a really over saturated market so the best thing you can do is offer something different and new to your readers, dont copy the popular bloggers, you're never going to be the next "insert top blogger name" and work making YOU the next top blogger! I didnt start my blog thinking I'd be the next big thing in fashion and Ill be FROW-ing at fashion week, I know i'm never going to reach those levels I just try and be the best i can be with the means I have!
Can you critique my blog?
Im sorry but I wont do this, I dont want to be negative about someones blog at all. Its unfair and unnecessary. I understand why people want me to look at their blog and tell them what to improve on, but my biggest piece of advice in this area is to just look at what you like in a blog (ie quality/layout/content) and try and emulate (not copy, just use this as a key point to define your own style!) what makes your favourite blogs your favourite blogs! Dont be half assed about it if your serious about blogging, dont just post for the sake of it, dont post things you think are bad, quality over quantity always etc etc, all starting to sound like advice, but seriously do what you want as its YOUR blog!
X blog is like yours! COPY CAT! COPY CAT!
I get this a hell of a lot, I know there a re bloggers out there who have a similar style to me clothing wise and layout wise. I cant say I dress uniquely or different from the rest. I have a pretty generic 20-something year old girl style. I am aware that there are bloggers out there who people accuse of "being like me" and I do feel really sorry for them because its not fair on them. People "report" others to me who use the no vowel thing on their blogs too, honestly I dont care, its one of those things again that will again make people compare that blogger to another, which personally i don't think it does them any favors. I think a unique and different blog name is quite important, but if people want to use it they can, not like i invented it!
How do you get invited to events/press days?
Typically PR's just get in touch with you and ask you if you want to attend. Again I dont know how to get noticed by PR's most of the time they contact you out of the blue. I do think that talking about brands can help you get you on brands radars, I recently talked about Origins on my blog and then a few weeks later out of the blue they contacted me. Talking about your favourite brands might help you get more noticed by their PR's rather than just waiting for them to find you! Just a thought! But at the end of the day I have no idea. I don't really ask for products from random PR companies that I don't have a prior relationship with. However it seems its more acceptable to contact them nowadays, but I don't agree with that.
I've seen your photo on eBay! Is it you?
No, I do not sell my clothes on ebay regularly, People search for the items Im wearing and they come up in google and people use them. PLEASE DONT THINK ITS ME! I had someone once email me telling me how awful I was because "I" sent them something shoddy, but it wasnt me. I do not have a ebay sellers account! Ebay does nothing about these listings so I dont report them. My Ebay account is ETCLLYMLRS.
Are you paid to wear clothes?
No. I have not and will never accept payment to wear a specific brand or an item.
How do you paid to blog?
Its a common misconception bloggers are paid to blog. I don't get paid to blog, I get money because I post on this blog, the advertising is second to the actual content. I'm fortunate to have the traffic to be able to monetize successfully through mainstream adverts from a advertising network (I personally don't think this is a good way to monetize smaller blogs as you literally get pennies! try indie/small buisnesses/blogger ads instead). The three advertising units (top, sidebar and then the lower side bar ad) on my blog through Glam Media . I also monetize through affiliate marketing through the Skimlinks network. I don't really accept sponsored posts on this blog, I do on ETCLLYMLRS when I feel like its relevant to my content. I always disclose if Im paid to mention/wear/use anything specific (which to this day, April 2nd 2012 is never). I've monetized my blog since June 2011 (almost a two years since I started blogging), prior to this I made no money at all.