Tuesday, February 21, 2017

How Blogging Has Evolved + Vintage OOTD

                             

What is happening to blogging? Ever since the implementation of Instagram  everyone wants to be a "blogger" and everyone wants to be a model. I usually do NOT write editorial posts on my blog because I feel there is enough noise on the internet and do not feel like I should add to it. However, as we go into the second month of 2017 and algorithms are ruining all of us "blogger's" statistics, I wondered where do we go from here? How did we get here?

12 years ago, I was in a feminism class at university and I had to start an activist blog on Blogger and I was like, "what is a blog"? But, later when I was about to graduate I actually was like "let me check out this blogging thing, like for real" and I started my fashion blog as a hobby. Most fashion bloggers were like me, on a budget, regular woman, and just taking photos in their neighborhoods, houses, or cities; photos taken by their friends and family.

                             

Years later, Instagram came on the scene and now in 2017 everyone is a "model" and a blogger or a YouTuber. Now, I feel like it has become highly competitive, oversaturated, and for the most part a little bit fake. When it comes to blogging, I have an old soft spot for the following:

No, don't use the photoshop, yes, I adjust lighting and color because my husband and I are not professionals when it comes to photography.
No, don't use the diva lights
No, don't use a professional photographer
No, I don't borrow clothes & bags
and NO, I rarely do sponsored posts and I list every company I am affiliated with on my blog as well as sponsored posts.

I in no way am judging anyone who does these things, I have always loved beautiful aesthetics and photography despite the fact that I know very little about my DSLR camera and refer to outside mode as "flower mode". With me, you really get what you see. But, in a way I do feel like the bells and whistles have edged out bloggers a lot of true "street style" bloggers.

One thing I loved about blogging is that everything was so organic and real and I didn't have to answer to anyone or conform to social norms of beauty. I could put my petite body in an outfit and walk right in front of my house and take an awesome photo (courtesy of my husband) and feel amazing! Today, everyone is out here looking like they are about to shoot a music video or Vogue cover.



So did we loose what made blogging unique or are we heading that way? And here is another question, will blogging even be popular 5 years from now...

This post isn't to shame anyone who maybe does the things I listed, but to ask ourselves where is the future of blogging and social media going; I could say the same with Youtube to be quite honest. One thing I always have tried to make sure, I do is stay true to myself because honestly, I don't know how to be anyone else, but me.

My husband gets mad when he take pictures that are grainy, I get frustrated when he is tired and doesn't want to take my photos, but I wouldn't trade it for the world because I know every photo he takes of me I am looking at him through the lens with love. But, it seems mainstream "blogging" has now traded traditional street style bloggers with a new modern type of "blogger" pushing only fast fashion, skinny teas, waist trainers, and plumped lips.



I could be wrong. We could blame the algorithms also. My blog turns 6 years old this month. I will and do try to adapt as times change, but compromising what I worked for is not something I want to do. So, I want to say "thank you" to my followers and subscribers because I know you all know this about me. Sometimes, you all get me more than my family gets me. I am looking forward to a new year of blogging and although I get so tired of the nonsense that goes on on YouTube and social media, I will always love blogging.

                                      




Heels: Just Fab Rosey
Bracelet: Kendra Scott Andy in slate
Earrings: Kendra Scott in Alex slate
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Arianna Grande 2
Vintage Ruffle Top: Bebe
Faux Leather Skirt: Zara similar here

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