Some days fashion blogging has a tendency to drive me up the wall, and more often than not these are the days I read up on my favorite blogs that happen to be grossly "popular." I'll admit, as much as I find the fashion community a sort of sisterhood, that doesn't mean I don't go green with envy every once in a while. Sure, you may say that you're happy for their successes but lets be realistic, you wish you were also commissioned by Coach to design a killer handbag.
However, don't get me wrong, I think each one of them deserved every ounce of success. Instead what drives me up the wall is my lack of understanding of what I want from this blog. When I first started I had no focus whatsoever -- hence the blog title; I mean really, what the heck does QQueen Of Hearts mean? It was actually coined after a really intense game of Crazy 8s but that's besides the point.
I'm constantly in awe at the blogs that have designers throwing merchandise their way or the ones that are featured in campaigns, runway shows or get to write their own columns at prestige magazines. You know, the ones that have over 100 comments on a post about their cat or the ridiculous amount of followers. I've went from envying writers, journalists, artists to regular, everyday girls my own age (or younger -- much, much younger) and for what?
That's where I'm stumped. Do I want to blow up and get the opportunity to design a line of shoes? Would I love to have more followers than I'm able to count to? Could I see myself plastered all over a Forever21 campaign? I would be lying if I said I didn't want all of those things to happen. I would almost give up my left index finger just to own a pair of Christian Louboutins but that thought only crosses my mind on a bad day.
However, I didn't start blogging for the fame and fortune, I didn't even know that was possible much less how to do it. I only started associating myself as a "fashion blogger" when people insisted on saying "I love your fashion blog." When I started I didn't even know who Karl Lagerfeld was (GASP! Thank you Wikipedia and Google) and I couldn't distinguish a couture collection from a cruise collection. Okay, that last part was a lie, much too obvious.
The point is that fashion isn't my passion, it's a hobby that I like to indulge in, writing is where my heart belongs. I started this blog to explore writing and fashion just happened to be my focus. I may not be getting offered stylist jobs, magazine features or invited into Anna Dello Russo's home but at least I can write one killer blog post, and that's really all I've ever wanted. So while some days I get jealous over the Style Rookie or Karla's Closet, I realize now that I've gained my own success, just in a different way.
badley
via | collages by me
Well said...A topic like this has been racking my mind throughout the week. when my friend pitched the idea of starting a blog together but i know in my mind i'm happy with working and blogging in my own pace and time, rather than posted a whole heap of meaningless crap just to keep getting my followers and re-igniting interest (which is what i've found with the established bloggers around). To be honest, i'm not content with starting yet another blog that my heart is not completely committed to doing. I'm happy working with something (my blog) that is just a hobby and nothing more, anything to curb my boredom, on days like this. (Its wet and rainy in the UK btw).
ReplyDeleteThanks Love x.
Well written and thoughtful response to nati's & SW's write-ups.
ReplyDeleteI definitely started out my blog as just a distraction from my engineering studies...and now it's grown into its own set of worries and stressors! I know what you mean...I see certain well-placed bloggers whose hard work (and talent, in most cases) met opportunity and their blog just took off...and I get JEALOUS. However, I get reminded by my bf that it's just a blog and no need to make it professional and a steady source of income just because everyone else I'm comparing myself to has....
although I am inspired by writing and reading blogs to dress better and take better photos! I also didn't really know Karl well. I actually still don't follow most of the runway shows unless one of the bloggers on my reading list blogs about a collection. Streetstyle and personal outfits as well as magazine editorials inspire me more than a runway collection...
To the point: well said. Sure, there is that "what if" factor but at the end there is more than fame to this. I think it is a matter of enjoying it. I like your blog because it isn't one of those with the typical "I wore this today to..." I like that you actually write!
ReplyDeleteI feel identified with it because writing is also my passion. Thank you for indirectly reminding me that my blog needs to go back to its orignal focus.
http://intermediatetones.blogspot.com
I think it's a topic that all bloggers struggle with at times. Thanks for the inspiration and being real.
ReplyDeleteIt's so refreshing to read a fashion blog that features witty, well-written content and great outfit photos. I write a fashion blog, where I also post outfit photos, and I love documenting my outfits sometimes I hate how self centered it feels, so I try and balance it with writing. Trying to find your blog's niche is very difficult (I'm still trying!) but yours is exactly right. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Interesting and well written post. I always wonder how the successful bloggers got noticed and get their opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog because of your writing and the creativity behind your outfits. Its interesting to read because its not generic. I personally prefer reading "street style" (I think that's the correct term) blogs like yours and pop champagnes for example because they're more interesting. I like to see what people are wearing/shopping/listening too/hanging out etc rather than reading blogs strictly about designer wears. don't get me wrong i love designer stuff and fashion shows but I can get that info from magazines.
I started my blog as a creative outlet, to start a dialgoue with other bloggers, learn from others creativity, and entertainment. So far it's fun, and when it stops being fun I'll stop doing it.
I think if you are true to yourself and enjoy what your blogging about your blog will be successful.
good read
emK
Aw! honestly, i enjoy your blog. I personally don't find fashion inspiration off runways. i feel like it's cluttered sometimes.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite inpsiration is off regular people & their blog. Also people who put themselves into their work like you. When i read your blog, i don't read regurgitated words about how interesting Karl Lagerfeld is but instead, i get how you feel about an outfit or a topic. Plus, i feel like too much success ruins people.
Thanks for letting us into your world.
screw getting famous!!! Id love to have merchandise thrown at me too but sometimes that free "stuff" lowers the quality of the blog.
ReplyDeleteSarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
I really appreciate this post.
ReplyDeleteI've wrote several of them like it on my own blog, some have never been published because they are just dripping with envy & annoyance. I don't like to bring that type of energy to my blog, so most of my struggles & intimidation about blogging is dealt with inwardly.
To be fair, I have to say that I think all the A-list bloggers were just like you & I: desiring to have a creative outlet for their passions/dreams, & the "fame" just sort of caught up with them randomly. I've followed Rumi since she first started Fashion Toast (not so much anymore, because I feel like her fashion statements are too contrived) & I'm sure her purpose in blogging was genuine & without wanting to seek some sort of fame. She just got lucky.
Not to say that some of those A-list bloggers DIDN'T try to seek out fame; perhaps they did. But I think it's important to remember that they are people too, & their intentions of starting their blogs was just as innocent as yours or mine.
When I think about that -- & trust me, I have nasty bouts of jealousy with bloggers that seem to be living the perfect life -- it really puts it into perspective for me. & then of course I relish in that fact that *I* am such an honest blogger, which makes me feel more human & connected to my readers. In the end, I'd rather have that than a seemingly perfect life on a blog any day.
What frustrates ME the most about these A-list bloggers is seeing that their blogs aren't genuine depictions of their own lives; rather, they're just a sugar-coating glamorization in the form of overly edited pictures & free shit.
(Love your blog, by the way!)
I just found your blog and damn... you do know how to write a killer blog post! :D I envy this from you!!! :D And agree with every word you said... I'm also truggling to find nmy voice and path but slowly but surely it's all starting to come together....
ReplyDeleteDEFINITELY following you new sista'! :D Keep up the great blogposts... I'll be spending my day in your archives! :D
xxx
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
I strongly disagree with your statement that every "successful" blogger out there deserved their "success". actually, I think there's a whole bunch of boring, unacomplished chicks out there and the industry grabbed them because of all the sheep thay draw in (you know, the people dying and ooh-ing and aah-ing over their worthless posts). I recommend checking out the rant linked below, it might help you clear out some of your blogging issues. btw, I'll always prefer an interesting style blog like yours to those boring, pretentious, shallow blogs whose owners are doing it for "fame and fortune" (?) or whatever we call it. fuck the Louboutins, true success stems from doing what you're passionate about and being passionate about what you do. from my heart to yours, xo, Ducky =)
ReplyDeleteoh and here's the URL I mentioned:
http://culturecynic.blogspot.com/2010/10/dont-believe-hype.html
Well, I can really relate to what you're saying here! I accidentally stumbled upon you're blog but I really like it! Plus, how gorgeous are you?
ReplyDeleteyou could not have hit the nail on the head any more precisely! I feel the exact same way, right down to the notion that you got into this to write and fashion is your focus. The first blog that I actually found was fashiontoast, been following Rumi for a year and a half now and I kind of cringe everytime I read her blog anymore because f**k, she gets designer duds thrown at here left and right, is invited to fashion weeks all over the world, and got to model for freaking Rebecca Minkoff! It pains me a little to, and in fact I can't commit as much time to my blog because I have yet to finish school.
ReplyDeleteI too am trying to figure out how to present my blog and I've been at it for over a year now. It's hard to know when to cave and do what all the others do that seems to be so successful (not sure what that is other than to own a whole bunch of JC shoes and Alexander Wang pieces) and when to just keep truckin and be me.
I'm just glad you wrote this...it kinda made me day :)
Fashion X K8
I'm soo happy to read this because it reminds me that you are real person like the rest of us :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping the reality check!!
xo love always
I love this post, it's so true and I'm glad you said it really well.
ReplyDeleteyou are just awesome!! you really are, you keep it real all the time and say whats in most of our minds! I agree with you 100%!! I at times I have to remind my self to go back to the REAL reasons to why i started to blog, is true my friend and i can't help to of course want some really great opportunities to come from this but also we cant forget that the main reason for our blog was to encourage us to make our weekends more fun and also to meet new and amazing ppl like your self! so glad i found your blog! This post put a HUGE smile in my face. THANK YOU! XO
ReplyDeletespicycandydc.com
Badley, this truly is one of the best posts I've read in a long long time. Thank you for saying out loud what the rest of us are struggling with. Reason why this post is great is not because you featured some ridiculously expensive pair of Loubs or the latest Alexander Wang bag...the reason why this post is so inspirational is because you had something real to say and you said it well.
ReplyDeleteYour individual style and incredible writing skills paired with how passionate you are...will equal huge success (whatever that might look like for you).
I think all of us need to be very careful and not give in to the race for the "fame and fourtune". Somewhere during that race we loose our focus, our passion, and our individuality. The last things we want is to become another Rumi, Karla, or Andy ;)
Keep up the great work lady!
Katya
spicycandydc.com
hi there! i just found your blog through IFB and i am so mad that i hadn't found it sooner! your blog is amazing; your style of writing and your style in general are so addicting and refreshing in a blogosphere of the same people wearing the same outfits, etc. you have such a unique sense of style and i love how you are so honest in your posts. i totally agree with this post too, i completely envy those girls who are getting such amazing offers and wonder what my goal really is. i have to telly myself that blogging should be fun no matter what your reasons are, when it stops being fun that's when i'll know i'm in it for the wrong reasons.
ReplyDeletesorry for the book length comment, but i just really wanted you to know that you are such an inspiration :)
I think that to succeed, you definitely have to want the fame and fortune, but you shouldn't base what you do on this want. It'd just come off as not genuine and, ultimately, not interesting. Be ambitious, but also be interesting. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a great writing style and your blog is very unique and personable. I couldn't agree more that fashion blogging seems to have become all about gaining notoriety. Instead of writing about what they love, bloggers are more worried about getting noticed. While I love fashion, writing is my first love, so I can relate to this post wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteNicely put.
ReplyDeleteI always find it funny when new bloggers seem to care more about the number of followers than content. I never know whether to laugh or get angry at "follow me and I'll follow you!" comments.
On the other hand -just like you pointed out- I too get a little jealous of bloggers who have thousands of people genuinely intersted in what they had for lunch :D
It must be scary too though. I don't go telling people about my blog IRL so being recognized by strangers would probably freak me out rather than stroke my ego. That 's the beauty of the internet, I get to be a loud mouth without saying a word.
This is fantastic. For real. It seems like you put what was in my (and apparently a lot of other people's) head into words. I follow Tavi's blog and I went to the beginning few months to see how long it took her to get "famous". It was like two months or something. I was beyond jealous and beyond confused about that, I always really want to know how blogs get so famous and people notice blogs. Of course, like you said, I would love to have thousands of followers and hundreds of comments and designers practically throwing their stuff at me to wear it, but I try really hard not to make that the focus of my blog. I have 31 followers and every time I get a new one I flip a shit because it means there is one more person in the world that legitimately cares about what I fave to say. But I don't know why I started my blog, I guess I was bored one day, it wasn't so that I could get famous (although that would be a nice side effect). Anyway, I think you found your way to get famous. This has been the best post I've read from the IFB Links A la Mode thing and I think a lot of other people think that too. So there you have it, your fame begins (maybe you'll get to design that coach bag after all).
ReplyDeletexoxo
-c
http://beetle-bug.blogspot.com/
I appreciate your post, this topic was in the back of my head for quite some time now too.
ReplyDeleteWell, of course it is awesome to get free stuff, participate in compaings etc. But. This doesn't just happen while writting a blog. A lot of those famous bloggers participate in online communities for years and if they get noticed, blog gets attention too. It is also important to meet people to get noticed or know people who can promote you. And through this followers and attention of sellers comes.
Also, I've noticed that most of successful bloggers have really good goal orientation and a certain feel for business too. They manage to sustain the attention they get and that is hard work. And it has to be of certain quality too. So if you just sit, write and hope..it is hard to get your blog noticed.
I tend to agree..it is sad, when some blog, which once was interesting and inspiring, turns into posts about pets, just to keep going and it is even sadder when people leave comments under such posts. Because of this I unsubscribed from several blogs already.
I started my blog as a sort of therapy..to get comfortable with myself, find a style that is in harmony with my personality, post photos that I make and thus have some sort of diary of what I wore and what I saw. But otherwise it doesn't have any direction at all.
I just discovered your blog and will definitely subscribe :)
Everyone starts from somewhere. Find your voice & the rest will follow.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/GoldenVintagePiggy
Thanks for this thoughtful, well-written post. I often struggle with the same feelings about my own blog. I'm still figuring out what exactly I want out of my blog and how to definite success (for me). But for now, I just really enjoy having a creative outlet that I can share with others.
ReplyDeleteKendra
http://closetconfections.com
It's weird to realise so many people have the same thoughts as me... I discovered fahsion blogging through Karla Deras, and I was (am? lol) so jealous of her and the other bloggers in her class. I even started thinking up ways to make money so I could buy the really expensive stuff, and it bothered (bothers?) me still that no one reads either of my two blogs, despite one of them being almost two years old.
ReplyDeleteBut this puts things into perspective again; I separated my blogs because I felt my writing was me, and the fashion just something I liked to do. Thanks for the reminder.
BTW, I love your hair!
Awww, Zoe!!!
ReplyDelete(I love how I greeted you just now like we've been friends for years...)
If it makes you feel any better, any advance you've made in writing - honing the skill, fluidity with words, an expanded repertoire of designer names - is a success. This whole blogging thing is as fickle as the wind - some people are wildly popular and some aren't with no rhyme or reason behind it. But, knowing where your true passion lies puts you ahead of a major curve.
As long as you keep writing, you will be successful as a blogger - no matter what your stats are.
I'm Alicia, by the way. Nice to e-meet you and your blog. =D
This post is very sincere and I appreciated it and I can truly relate. Just think, do you want small short timely successes, or an overall BIG WIN in life period. Remember delay doesnt mean denial...
ReplyDelete