Atlanta Content Creator Inspiring [life] style

Friday, March 29, 2013

How About Some Insight?

I want to preface this by saying this has nothing to do with any particular blogger, but everything to do with blogs in general (written more than a week ago because today I'm actually on vacay in Austin).

Yes, I am a fashion blogger, but I'm more than just that. I'd rather read mysteries, watch dramas and comedies than go shopping in a mall...but that doesn't mean I don't go shopping. Don't even try to call me if I'm watching Scandal, Miami Heat basketball or Devil Wears Prada. I'm short and slender, but I'd still like to have some abs. Will I ever be bikini-ready? Probably not. But that doesn't matter because I'm totally gushing over boyleg maillots anyway. And I do love my legs...cuz I get 'em from my mama.So it seems fashion blogging just ain't what it used to be, according to articles by fashion bloggers, articles by people who don't get fashion bloggers, and articles by people who wish they were fashion bloggers. But I'll let you in on a little secret...these same articles were written three years ago. As far as I can tell, there aren't really any concrete rules on what a fashion blogger is, so I'm tired of everyone trying to label them us.

If you're a fashion blogger and you're tired of being one, then stop already. Go outside. Have a drink. Catch a show. Roll down the side of a mountain. I hear it's beautiful out. It's not that difficult to be a fashion blogger. Someone is already in line waiting to take your online space. It's only difficult to be a good fashion blogger. And if you're still into blogging after all these years, then that's already longevity...but if you're thinking about putting an end to it, then make a clean break--no dilly dallying.Some fashion bloggers have way too much clout as it is, imo. They don't all deserve to be the face of a brand, an it girl, or front row at NYFW. This isn't open-heart surgery. You're not saving the world. You're wearing clothes. Forget the ego and remember the id. Your blog should inspire. Make someone smile. Make someone feel better about who they are by being more confident in what they wear. Tell them the difference between cerulean and lapis if need be. Just do me a favor and stop buying stuff with your own money and then pretending it's c/o swag. That's when your transparency becomes truly opaque.
~~~
And now time for some shameless self promotion: Until I decide to stop blogging, you can follow me on Bloglovin or Google+ since Google Reader is going the way of the dinosaur.
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15 comments

  1. Agreed doll! I don't see anything wrong with being a fashion blogger or style blogger as I like to see it as I feel everyone (well everyone that stays true to themselves) is presenting 'their' style, what they like to wear & there isn't anything wrong with that! Some say these types of bloggers don't have brains & for some I'd have to agree with them, but I think it's more because they are riding the wave of everyone else and not really staying true to what they actually like to do. If a brand choose you because they like your style & think it fits what they represent, then why not take the helping hand because your helping them at the same time. I don't know about the ones that buy the stuff then say they were given it, hahahahahah. That actually makes me laugh...I feel sorry for them, I hope they gain some confidence and just learn to be themselves. If you have a true passion for fashion, then one should be able to express it. And the people that fashion blog are more than just fashion. I think every blog gets this stigma, if you blog about mainly one thing or close to just one thing, people think that's all you enjoy. But, everyone has different sides and likes, so they should just get over themselves and get a life!! Just be and do who you are & what you are!! There's no shame in that...only if you try to hide it & act like something your not! Anywayssssss....Have a wonderful holiday time & Easter with family & friends!!! :)))

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  2. Hear hear, Cheryl! I read that article by Suzy Menkes, and as much as I love her, I didn't agree with all that she wrote. I'm not a big name fashion blogger, nor do I do I aspire to be one. I do what I do coz I like it, just as you and most of the ones I know do. Bloggers are the NEW MEDIA...that's just the fact.

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  3. This was really interesting to read - especially all the links the provided. I personally blog because I like connecting with other people who like fashion and have an interest in it and because I like having the diversion from my real life job. This is not a job to me. And I never want it to be. It's a hobby that I enjoy. And as soon as I know longer enjoy it, I will stop. Just like when I stopped knitting and oil painting. Have an awesome long weekend!

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  4. Totally agree and love this post! "You're not saving the world!" People need to remember that one, haha! Honesty is always best! Happy weekend! xx/Madison

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  5. I think the fashion blogging world is one of the most dissected of all communities. It's just so fascinating because it's really taking OVER.

    I don't think we have any real solid idea of where the future of fashion blogging is headed. I think it's going to morph into something that we simply can't comprehend right now. And that's what makes it exciting. It's become a revolution, so I definitely don't think it's going to go away. The masses have taken over and they're not going to let go of the reins! I think it's actually the fashion magazines that are questioning their future and what role they will be playing some day.

    Well written, Cheryl. hope you have a fabulous time in Texas! xox

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  6. Happy Easter Cheryl! Have a fabulous time on vacation.

    Love this post! The competiveness in fashion blogging is so fierce that it sometimes gets nasty. HaHaHa As you know, I talk about an array of topics on my blog. I just can't commit to one genre. Personally, I get bored. Some bloggers have taken the JOY out of blogging. It's like you have to follow me etc and if you don't screw you! HaHaHa Another thing is people aren't reading anymore. They're mainly making an assumption based on the pictures you post. Very few care about what you have to say or for you for that matter. I'm finding more and more bloggers getting disgusted about things. All I can say is do what you love, talk about what you love and keep moving forward. At the end of the day, your blog should be about you and what you like :)

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  7. Totally get where your coming from. A while ago I wrote a post about a tweet some yournalist retweeted by a succesful fashion blogger saying she hated all these 18 year old super skinny brainless fashion bloggers. Which I still think is weird, we're all born naked and have to start some where. So if no one gives you stuff just wait till they will (or if they don't just blog about the stuff you buy and be honest about it) and if you want to stop, just stop. And if you don't like reading fashion blogs, don't. Life is way to short to be someone your not or do things you don't like.

    xx

    liquoriceandpumps.blogspot.com

    PS: That swimsuit is super stunning, go for it!

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  8. I am so tired of talking about this and I totally agree with you its not like you are an a world salvation mission so yes blogger should stay true to ourselves.
    Make it fun and inspirational not all 'made up: and be a "sell out".
    Have a lovely Easter and enjoy your vacation.

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  9. Thanks so much for posting this! I'm not a fashion blogger but I understand where your coming from on this. It's really about connected to others sharing what you have a passion for, not some fierce competition.

    Thanks, Cheryl! + Happy Easter!

    -B

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  10. I love how you write sweetie! I too have a life outside blogging - a busy one at that. I love what you say about blogging, it should be inspiration, not a business model.

    I really blog because I love dressing up and before blogging there was no one to show it to, no reason. So now, it does =) Thanks for the refreshing words sweetie, they really hit home.

    - Che

    style-che.blogspot.com

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  11. SPEAK!! so true
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  12. I completely agree! It's hard to keep that same love for blogging when people are all uppity for some made up blogger fantasy life that we are "supposed to have". Yeah right I am key word independent fashion blogger. There are no rules. Btw I'm a heat fanatic as well! :)

    xoxo
    Chachathefashiongenius.blogspot.com

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  13. Thanks for posting this! As a small blog I believe if you stay true to who you are and you really love what you do then the results will come. Cheryl you sure got it right "it's not difficult to be a fashion blogger. It's only difficult to be a good fashion blogger."

    www.palmerwilliamsconsultingmag.com

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  14. PREACH! "Fashion bloggers" seems to be a like a pop culture fad right now. Brands are gobbling them up and spitting them out. Blogging used to be about sharing your thoughts with a likeminded community.

    I wrote my blog long before anyone paid me to write post so that's why I keep going... I love it. I love writing. Despite all the bs. However, I hear so many people wanting to get into it for money... uhhh blogging makes you no money. Getting to work with a brand makes you money lol

    I love that you said your blog should make someone smile :) Keep it up!

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