My Current Thoughts on Fashion Blogging
First things first: I love fashion. Fashion is the reason I started this site. The art and creativity and expression of fashion all excite me!
But, truth be told, I’m a little tired of fashion blogging. Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not tired of what we are doing here at all. I’m simply growing weary of what I’d call “shopping blogging” – the continual outfit posts day after day after day.
Why? Well, there are three main reasons.
1 – The evolution of life
Like I mentioned, fashion was the original reason I started this site. In fact, I swore up and down that the only topics I would ever write about here would be fashion and travel!
But you know what? Life evolves. And I have so many more interests than just fashion!
I’m passionate about living boldly and colorfully in all areas of live – and empowering others to do the same! For instance, I’ve found great fulfillment in sharing some of my business knowledge in recent months. And I appreciate the reaction you all have had to that. Thank you. Business, interior design, entertaining, parenting, travel… All of these topics and more are interesting to me!
Basically, I want to take things deeper than just the superficial notion of, “Look at me in yet another cute outfit.” – even on the style front. I want to give content with substance and value. I want you to walk away feeling like you’ve learned something or gained some insights.
2 – Consumerism concerns
The second reason that I’m a little burnt out on the outfit posting is that I have major concerns about the levels of consumerism we as bloggers encourage.
Many fashion bloggers post new outfits every single day. Many share shopping links day after day after day. Swipe up for this, you need this, you need that, OMG I’m obsessed with this, I’m obsessed with that, this is my fave, that is my new fave.
You know the drill. They tell you something is their favorite, yet you never see them wear it again. They tell you to buy something, but really they bought it to photograph it and returned it afterwards. They take on partnerships that are completely inauthentic.
I do not want to be that person! And I haven’t been that person. But I feel a renewed onus to be a good example for you all.
It is not realistic to be donning a new outfit everyday. And it is not fiscally responsible to be buying so much stuff. And then of course there are the ethical issues with so much consumerism. Do we really need so much? Do we stop to think of how our clothes are made?
Stuff for the sake of stuff sucks! It won’t make you happy, nor will it fill you up. You will just be left with a full closet, but a perhaps empty feeling. So, I commit to you to be very intentional with (a) what I purchase, (b) what I wear, and (c) what I present as outfits here.
3 – Postpartum body issues
Let’s get really personal… The third reason I’m frustrated with outfits right now is this: my body still hasn’t entirely recovered from pregnancy. Y’all – the struggle is real!
During the first year or so, I tried to be patient and kind with myself. Heck – it took nine months to create her, so a year or so to get back to normal seemed reasonable. But here we are at sixteen months, and my body is still not the same. Despite being active and exercising and so on and so forth, I’m not back to where I was. Clothes are still tight or not fitting. My body shape is somewhat different.
I’ve had to get used to dressing this body. Not everything looks good on me straight off the rack anymore. Not all silhouettes are flattering anymore. Look – I’m not complaining per se or asking for sympathy or even fishing for compliments. I’m just sharing an honest look at my postpartum journey physically.
In my opinion, every “fashion/lifestyle blogger” should be required to read this post and reflect on it. Bravo Carrie. So refreshing to read something of substance from a woman in your position. I especially appreciate your confident, honest tone. Have a great day.
Oh Erica – this is such an encouraging comment! Thank you so very much.
Feel free to send to every fashion blogger you know! Hee.
Have a great weekend.
The one thing I appreciate the most about your site is the creativity, followed by a close second of transparency! I would not consider myself one who reads fashion blogs – and yet I so enjoy yours. My style is different from yours, but I always find inspiration in what you post. I think that’s because I know you’re approaching the fashion portion from a more authentic, transparent perspective.
All that is a long way of saying I appreciate the portfolio of content here, and look forward to seeing more.
Lee – that is such a high compliment! I appreciate it so much — two things I value most.
Really, thank you for being here, and thank you for allowing things to evolve and mature around here.
Have a great weekend!
Carrie! This is spot on! It’s exactly how I feel and pretty much avoid Instagram now, because that’s all you see in your feed nowadays. Fashion is definitely an expression of your personality, but it’s not what life should only be about. Thank you for sharing a very real and authentic post!
Yes, yes, yes, Charity! Thanks for chiming in.
Also, expressing your personality doesn’t require new clothing everyday. Haha.
Love this post! I always wonder how bloggers have so many clothes, where do they go and why do they never wear anything multiple times?! As far as fashion is concerned, I would love to see anything from a high end piece to a go to basic and see how you style it for various different looks and occassions! Also.. I love all the other content you talked about sharing, parenting, travel, etc. Thanks!!
Kendall – I appreciate you saying that so very much!
Yeah, you know what? I miss wearing things multiple times! I want to return over and over to those pieces I love.
Also, in general, I am kind of a minimalist. Well, not in the true sense of the word. But I do like to keep away from all clutter in life!
Hi Carrie,
Great post. Thanks for being honest!
Sheri
I’m glad you appreciate, Sheri. And thank you for all of your support over the years.
We will surely keep talking about fashion! But I want to keep it real in that arena – and also to go deeper on different topics.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you for being so transparent. So many times while scrolling through my IG feed, I can’t help but think – where do they keep all this stuff?! I like to shop just as much as the next person but it does get overwhelming with the constant – “this is the MUST HAVE of the season, you don’t want to miss this, everyone is wearing…” I would love more of how to style basics that everyone probably has in their closet but to make them not look so plain.
Hi Holly –
Thanks for commenting. You know I think the world of you and your daughter. As a mother to a daughter myself now, I think about the messages we send.
Whether we are interacting one-on-one with younger women or doing so from our online platform, we have a moral responsibility, in my estimation, to be a good example in all we do.
This is so good, Carrie! Admittedly, I was buying so much of what you posted as you’re my fave fashionista, but my closet is now bursting at the seams! I don’t need so much and I absolutely love the way you’re thinking! And I for one would love to see your interior designs! Enjoy Mexico! xx
Thanks a million for all your support, Erin!
There will always be plenty of room for fashion around here. But I want to get more deeper and provide more substance to you all.
And I just can’t play the game of buy this, buy that, etc. Bleh.
Thanks for the honesty. I love instagram and liketoknowit for fashion inspiration but there are days when these gals are posting 20 different things to link to and it feels a bit much. Also, as you say, they aren’t really keeping everything, and they often show freebies they got from partners so in all it feels like theyre pushing us to buy all their wares when in fact they’re not paying for anything themselves. And as of late, it seems a number of these bloggers are in the middle of building new houses that are nothing short of mansions…which is great (good for them), but it just makes the relatability more and more distant with every post.
I think it’s perfectly ok for you to branch into other topics that you’re passionate about, while gauging interest from your followers to stay relevant. A number of bloggers have successfully expanded that way.
Lastly, I’m not a mom so I can’t relate but I know how it feels to not feel great in your own body and it sounds like you’re doing all the right things. We are our own worst critics so give yourself a little break!
Amy – thanks so very much for chiming in. Yeah, it’s just a longing in me for more depth in the content we create. Sure – there’s still room for frivolous stuff too. 🙂
Carrie ,
Thank you for this – It’s refreshing to have someone be so transparent with us ! I love everything about your site and it truly has made me open up to living my life as colorfully as possible 🥰
Thanks for saying that, Gaby.
I didn’t mean for it to sound negative (which I worried it would, after I wrote it). It’s just that there are so many more meaningful aspects of life that are important to me as well now!
Thanks so much for sharing, friend.
Amen! I appreciate your transparency. As a female business owner I think transparency is how you truly get respect and gain credibility. That is my approach as well. You have always focused on quality over quantity and this post just re-confirms that! Have a great Sunday!
Thanks a million for saying that, Kelsey! It means so much that you perceive that from me.
Have a great day!
It’s so refreshing to read your post. It would be nice to see your blog turn more into a “lifestyle” brand and learn from what you have to share outside of fashion.
Thank you for saying that, Letty! We are certainly taking it that directly.
I think you just described why I still follow you and not other fashion bloggers. Because to me you were never “just a fashion figure”. You’ve always appealed to me on another level. Whether you realize it or not, your passion for life, for business, for education, for the arts, has always been forefront ahead of what you’re wearing. The “I’m obsessed with” crowd are very inauthentic and so thirsty for partnerships, it’s offputting. I love that you’re always growing and learning-that’s real life.
Julie – that means so much! Thank you for sharing with me your keen observations.
And to tag onto your comment… just how many things can you truly be “obsessed” with? Hmmm. 😉
Thanks as always for being a part of this community. When you just read along or when you chime in with a comment, you are valued by me. Thank you sincerely. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love love this post! From a boutique owners perspective, I’ve grown weary of even working with most fashion bloggers these days. It’s so hard to find someone genuinely into the brand. Not to mention how they often jump at opportunities to work with big brands and charge small boutiques an arm and a leg for one post. You have definitely changed my perspective on fashion bloggers, Carrie! Your genuinity and kindness are so transparent. Thanks fo posting such an awesome article!
Oh Suzanne – you have no idea how I enjoyed reading your comment. Your perspective as a boutique owner is so valuable to hear.
Of course, we are all in business to make money. But we each must go about it in the right and moral and ethical way.
Wishing you all the best!
THANK YOU. As usual, you aren’t following the blogging trends, you are making your own. I love that you guys are regularly creating content of substance, that’s what brings me back for a read. I hope every single fashion blogger reads this, and takes a page out of your book. And thank you for being honest about dressing a post pregnancy bod, I relate to this the most of all:) xoxo
Love you so much, Beth!!!