Monday Musings
Monday, March 11, 2013I'm going to ramble a bit today...
I've never been low on confidence when it comes to dressing myself, even in my pre-blogging days where I mostly walked around in a combination of tshirts, sweatshirts, jeans, Uggs, and the like. Sure, I own nicer things, but I've just been lazy about putting together outfits in the mornings, so it's easier to fall back on what's routine. I've always felt that if need be, I'm capable of making myself presentable.
This self-confidence is twofold. The first part is believing in yourself. The other is being comfortable in your own skin and not caring what others think (as much as possible anyway because we're human after all). I'm speaking about life in general, but it translates over to the fashion side too. Enjoy the hobbies you like, even if it's not "cool" in society's eyes. I get surprised looks whenever I mention that I eat at restaurants and watch movies by myself. It's not because I don't have friends (though I am an introvert) but if it's something I want to do, I'll do it. Other people coming along is a bonus.
On the fashion side, I'm still a bit surprised when people in real life offer a compliment. I remember when DH and I took my parents' friends out to dinner to celebrate our marriage, one of my mom's friends wanted to know every detail about my outfit (Zac Posen for Target dress, Valentino shoes, and gold jewelry). After the initial surprise, we chatted about where I bought the items, how much they cost, etc. She then turned to my mom, nodding her head and said, "C really has an eye for fashion." Her reaction stayed with me, but when I think about all the other times she's seen me in ragged jeans and a shirt, I can see how dressing nicer is a huge improvement. I may not have cared what others thought, but that won't stop them from noticing and judging.
When I started blogging, life was simple. I blogged about what I liked without a care in the world. Once I started getting followers, I kind of freaked out. Do I need to buy what everyone else is buying? Do I need to share outfits, fitting room reviews, and everything else under the sun? For a short time, I did it all (or tried to). It was during that time when I realized, what the hell am I doing. Whatever happened to being yourself even if it's not what everyone else is doing? This whole blogging experience has been an adventure, of self discovery, having fun, and spending money. If interested, I'd be happy to talk about personal finance. I lead a rather boring and simple life, so probably can't offer helpful advice.
After three years, I still haven't fully wrapped my head around blogging... and probably never will. What I have realized is that I may have finally found my niche. Constantly buying new things isn't me (though I can see how compared to an average person, I buy a lot). Neither is high fashion. I also still have lots to learn about fit and proportions. But what I am decently good at is mixing and matching items from my relatively normal-sized wardrobe (see examples). Re-wearing the same red turtleneck in consecutive blog posts? You bet. In a way I've come full circle. The self-confidence I've always felt I had is now just documented on a public blog.
Now on to more vain pursuits...
Use code GOODNEWS for an extra 30% off final sale items at J.Crew until 3/15. Items I've worn recently that have popped back in various sizes are:
- lustre lace mockneck tee (worn here, here, here) is now $69.99 with code
- collection circle skirt (worn here, here) is now $97.99 with code
- perfect shirt in ivory tartan (worn here, here, here, here) is now $48.99 with code
- tissue turtleneck tee (worn here, here) is now $6.99-$13.99 with code
27 comments
I'm really happy that you wrote about this, C. Finding yourself in the blogging world is really difficult. After almost a year of blogging I also struggle to find my exact niche and how I want to approach it. Financial planning is a KEY part of all of this and something that I think is drastically overlooked by many. Bloggers often feel the pressure to keep up with those high fashion gals while in the process sacrificing their own personal style, budget, and lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing and I hope you continue blogging because it is loved from this end :)
Thank you for the kind words, Lauren. I've never really understood why talking about finances has a negative stigma attached, especially when it's obvious money is being spent. I'll definitely be thinking about ways to incorporate it into future posts.
DeleteI've always promised myself that blogging should be fun. When it becomes a chore, then I'll know my time is up.
Well said, C! I've experienced the same things over the years of blogging. I was constantly shopping, taking pictures, sharing fitting room pics to the point that I was exhausted. It’s easy to compare your blog with others in the same niche and feel competitive against other blogs. I slowed down quite a bit after baby M was born (simply because I didn't have much time). Surprisingly, I found blogging is more enjoyable when I don’t think too much of it. The same goes for constantly buying new stuff. I don’t shop a lot to begin with. Though, before purchasing big ticket items, I've always asked myself twice – does it really suit my lifestyle? I still love blogging and will continue to blog. However, I certainly have other priorities in life that I need to invest my time/money in.
ReplyDeleteI feel ya. There are times when I have to remind myself to CHILL OUT. Blogging is a hobby and I should take it easy. Stop over-thinking things and be happy and grateful that I happen to be making some money doing something I enjoy. I do wonder what my life will be like in the future when I have other priorities in my life. Ahh, enough thinking for one day :)
Deleteso happy you started blogging b/c i really enjoy your blog!
ReplyDeleteit's so easy to spend way more money than what is necessary with blogging.. finance and blogging something i've yet to find a perfect balance in.
Me too, me too. Do let me know if you ever solve the secret to balancing finance and blogging ;)
DeleteI enjoyed reading this!! It is really hard sometimes not to cave in to blogger trends, and you know me - I fly by the seat of my pants, ha. I think the key is to enjoy blogging instead of it turning into an obligation, pay no attention to how many comments/followers/page views you get, & even take a break if you need one. That said, I'm really glad I stumbled upon the personal style blog world and met great inspirations/e-friends like you! :)
ReplyDeleteBack atcha, Caroline!
DeleteHaha, I'll have to put more effort into future blog posts. I envy how effortless and easy to read your posts always are.
Funny you see yourself as a flying by the seat of your pants kinda gal. Because DH says the same thing about me... though I'm not sure if I think of myself like that, lol.
Hi C! I've somehow stumbled onto your blog and found the world of 'style blogging'. From here I've ventured onto other blog sites and found that there are so many gals out there who blog!! Your blog has even inspired me to start my own (I am just setting my blog up) and I completely agree with you that you have to be yourself and blog about what you like and love, not what others are doing. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteAhh, such exciting times for you, Allison! Welcome to the world of style blogging :) Looking forward to see how you like it.
DeleteThis is a great post. Thank you for sharing. I just started blogging in July and it is about self-discovery. I don't take complements well either. Sometimes it does feel like a competition with other bloggers to have similar items. In my blog I try and do my own thing. I try not to pay attention to what other bloggers are wearing. I can't afford designer bag and shoes but that doesn't stop me from showing my readers other items. THank you for your candor and honesty.
ReplyDeleteAgi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Agi, it sounds like you've already learned so much about yourself in such a short time. I was nowhere close to where you are. Good luck and keep doing your thing :)
DeleteReally great post, Cee, because I feel the same way, and I'm glad that you've found your blogging niche. You seriously are a remixing and layering queen, and I love looking to your blog for inspiration on how to wear things multiple ways. I know I run my blog about my clothes and stuff, but when people IRL tell me that I have good eye for style, I totally get weirded out about it. I love your approach to life and not caring what others think, which is something that I need to work on.
ReplyDeleteAND, I love your outfit, as always. Of course :)
You'd think by now we'd be immune to compliments after blogging for so long, lol. Nope, not even close. I trust that you wouldn't hesitate to tell me if my ego every balloons :)
DeleteGreat read Cee! I wish there was some way to send this out to every new blogger and every person thinking of becoming a personal style blogger. Your blog was one of the first ones I came across when I started my journey of re-discovery...and it was love at first read. lol I think that there is so much honesty in what you post. It is so easy to lose your way if you come into blogging thinking it is a competition to outdress or outspend other bloggers. Crazy, right?
ReplyDeleteAnyway, awesome post!
Thank you, Tese. When I feel like I'm getting caught up in the "competition," I stop and remind myself that there's so much more to life and my bank account would thank me. Seeing hard numbers have a way of bringing me back to reality, haha.
DeletePS - I don't think I responded to your email, but I've referred you to RS. Hopefully you'll hear something from them soon :)
cee, i love this post! i'm not really sure what to post either. kinda just do whatever comes to mind now. isn't it funny that we feel a little weird posting the same item two days in a row? i wore the same leggings twice and was like, hmmm, maybe i should separate these posts. i didnt, lol
ReplyDeleteGirl, whatcha talking about? I didn't get a chance to comment, but I enjoyed your recent post comparing different affiliate companies. There were points I hadn't considered... and now I'm second guessing how I link things, haha. Thank YOU for a great post :)
DeleteI just stumbled onto your blog...but I gotta say I'm impressed that you are able to explore your style and have a completely separate day job (I'm also an Engineering grad but use my blog as a creative outlet!)...Keep doing what makes you happy!
ReplyDeleteB
thrulesyeux.com
It was so nice to see this post in my reader yesterday! Even though I only started my blog a couple of weeks ago, as soon as I told a few of my friends, suddenly the pressure was up. It's so easy to get sucked into the trap of thinking that you need more things and/or nicer things when looking at everyone's lovely pictures. But to echo several other comments above, I find your blog so enjoyable because you seem down to earth and you do a great job working with what you have, and mixing sale deals with investment pieces. Yes, you are a queen of layering and remixing! I think you've done quite a good job finding your style blogging niche, and I hope you don't change a thing.
ReplyDeleteJudy
You're so brave! Most of my friends don't know I blog... and I like it like that. No pressure after all ;) Perhaps one day once I'm brave enough...
DeleteI hope you're enjoying your blogging journey thus far. Here's to much more!
Really loved this post Cee. I hear what you're saying. When I starting blogging I noticed that I was also obsessed with searching for clothes online and noticed I was shopping a lot more! Sure I've always gone through my phases but once I didn't have disposable income anymore I didn't shop nearly as much. It spiked in my first year of blogging (same thing, when I started getting followers!) but it has died down. Sadly, as a consequence I don't have many outfit posts b/c I tend to pick certain pieces that become a "uniform" and wear them over and over again haha! So while you wear the same items and remix them I wear the same outfit LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and your style and I'll always keep coming back for more!
Do not feel bad, Elaine. You blog about what you like. Perhaps clothing isn't as big of a draw for you anymore, which is completely ok. I'm not really into makeup so I don't comment much, but I still enjoy reading. Keep it up!
DeleteCute jacket!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://ohthatnana.blogspot.com
I am experiencing a similar revelation...not wanting to buy so many clothes. We recently did a closet remodel, and I felt disgusted by how much stuff I had that I rarely used.
ReplyDeleteExpanding on "I am decently good at is mixing and matching items"...I like that you take a subtle and thoughtful approach to mixing and matching. Personally, I am afraid of too many brights or too many bold patterns, so your way of doing it is relatable.
Is it wrong that I didn't feel disgust when I cleaned out my closet? It was more like... sadness and nostalgia because I'm finally learning to let go of items that never see the light of day.
DeleteI do try to blog about the good and bad outfits. After all, it's a learning experience. Stepping out of my comfort zone every once in awhile has been freeing, but do let me know when too much is too much :)
I know this is so late comment... but I love this post cee! I haven't blogging a while due to so many reasons and now hopefully I would like to start again and thinking oh what I have to write now??? So your post helps me to think more! Thanks Cee!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear from you. Constructive criticisms welcome!