{Shirt: Banana Republic | Cardigan: Old Navy | Skirt: Loft | Shoes: Payless | Necklace: Thrifted | Bag: Foley and Corinna}
I've been a bit removed from the blogging world lately- hence, the lack of posts. I think it's fair to say that I had a case of the blogging blues.
I started this blog to help me think differently about my clothes and about how I wear them. In some ways, it's been a quick 4 months of success. I've paired items and created outfits that I never thought I'd wear before I threw my hat into this blogging business. In other ways, it's been slightly disheartening. I've felt compelled to buy more and to become someone that I'm not because of this blogging business.
Starting a blog made me realize how many other fabulous bloggers are out there. Everyday, I find a new one. And I am sure there are hundreds, if not thousands, that I have yet to discover. But after endless browsing, the message started to feel the same- you need more things, and you need better things.
buy, buy, buy. more, more, more.
I want to be a style blogger because I like making what I wear an important part of my life. I think it's fun and motivating to put together a stylish outfit and document it for anyone to see. What I don't want, is to further drive this constant need to have the best/newest/most stylish look and feel out there. So when I started to feel that way, I stopped posting. I took some time to reevaluate, and I am going to continue to strategize about what I want this blog to be.
Anyone else out there ever get a case of the blogging blues?
I can definitely relate. I used to get the blogging blues because I would lack inspiration, but lately I'm blue because of how much I've spent. I feel great in what I'm wearing and am happy with the outfits I'm putting together, but at what cost? I look to other bloggers for inspiration, but when I feel like I can't put together any more unique outfits with what I have, I cop out and get something new.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've come to realize is that we as bloggers have it rough. People see what we wear. If we repeat an outfit from head to toe within a memorable amount of time, we have committed the greatest blogging sin. In real life, though, no one would care (and no one would probably even notice). So rather than feeling shame from repeating an outfit, be content. A blogger once wrote that putting together a perfect outfit was always bittersweet for her; she felt so much joy in what she had put together, but felt sad that she wouldn't be able to wear that outfit for 365 days. Wait, what? No repeats? Yes. Seriously. We have our own philosophies, our own reasons for blogging. Reminding ourselves of that and rediscovering those reasons is key to keeping an even keel.
Setting a budget has also proven helpful. I started with $100/mo. and was pretty good about sticking with it, provided that I kept track. Find a budget you can stick with. The other thing that has worked for me is trying to fill the void with something else; when I find myself lusting over a dress with anchors on it, I do a load of laundry, or re-organize my closet. Sometimes a new perspective is all that one needs.
Good luck, and I hope you start feeling un-blue. I appreciate your candor and your blog.
{sorry for the ridiculously long comment. your post just stirred up a lot of thought.}
Have you considered posting only one or two outfits a week, and then doing something else the other days? That way you can showcase your best/favorite outfits, you don't feel any pressures, and you have a blog unlike anyone else's. You are Ms. Dream in Fashion... so tell us what you're dreaming about!
ReplyDeleteI definitely go in phases. Some days I find being a style blogger so exciting, and some days I don't even want to think about it - and it can be for the same reasons. I go through bouts of wondering why I'm even doing this and I need to refocus every now and again. You're not alone!
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I just started blogging (June) so I hope the blues are not here yet! I agree 100% that you don't want to go out and buy the latest and cutest trend out there - though it is tempting. I am personally have way too much clothes and realize that I need to work my closet just a bit more before going out to buy new things.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will get over the blues. One of the plus side of blogging for me is meeting new friends all over the world. Plus I get to use a bit of creativity (in clothes and writing) that I don't get to do with spreadsheets. :)
Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com
Thanks Jamie. It's always nice to have company in these things :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Melissa! I have definitely decided not to post everyday. Too much pressure! I'll work on adding more of my dreamings to the blog :)
ReplyDeleteKate! Thank you so much. This is just the kind of thing I needed to hear. I love your "fill the void" idea. I'll give that a try for sure. And maybe I'll even repeat an outfit or two! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally feel ya! I have also had to remind myself that I don't need to shop so much and if that means I don't always have the latest and greatest stuff then that's okay! You're definitely not alone :)
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