As much as I love Instagram, sometimes it also infuriates me…
THE STORY
…Actually, it’s not Instagram per se that is infuriating (irritating is probably a better word, I save infuriating for things that actually matter), it’s the games people play on Instagram that irritate me. Back in January I wrote a post about a trend that I had noticed. A rather high number of people would follow my account, then if I would follow back they would in turn unfollow a short time thereafter.
Personally, I find that to be all kinds of rude. And do you know what I recently discovered accidentally while searching for something else? That is an actual strategy to gain followers. A strategy. There is actually a freakin’ guide book that can be purchased to explain the strategy in depth. What the hell? Are. You. Kidding. Me? Who knew that blatantly using people to grow your numbers was strategic?
As we all know, growing your Instagram following is a slow and arduous process. I have occasionally used giveaways (which also irritates some people, I know), but I have gained some engaged genuinely interested followers that way. The thing about giveaways is, while they might be irritating when they pop up in your feed, you can scroll right by and no one’s feelings get hurt. On the other hand, following someone whom you have zero interest in with the sole purpose of getting them to follow you back is simply put, ignorant.
There will never come a day that I follow someone, only to unfollow them once I’ve lured them in. Do I follow back everyone that follows me? Nope. Quite honestly I get overwhelmed if my number of people that I’m following gets too high. I do appreciate every single person that chooses to follow me though, and I do make an effort to visit their accounts and show them some love from time to time. I’d rather my numbers stagnate if the alternative is to be unkind to people…even if I have never met them before.
THE OUTFIT
“Flower Power” is the chosen theme of this month’s Ageless Style Link Up. I, along with my nine lovely compadres have each given our own spin to floral fashion so definitely visit the other ladies and see what they’ve come up with this month. While my base is decidedly neutral with the drool worthy lace trim sundress layered over a plain white tee, the floral print kimono paired with the crazy gorgeous flowers in the background give the look a definite shot of flower power.
This is hands down my favorite sundress/slip dress. I own it in blue and mustard yellow as well. They are the perfect layering pieces, the lace is gorgeous and the shoulder straps are actually a drawstring in the back so you can lengthen/shorten it to your hearts content. This particular kimono seemed to be everywhere last Spring/Summer, but alas I could no longer find it to link for you. I love the way the bright colors contrast so well with the beige background. Layered with the dress and tee, the floral print kimono made the perfect warm Spring day outfit.
THE TIP
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times; if you really love a particular piece and know that you’ll wear it to death, I suggest buying it in a few different colors. I do this all of the time and have never regretted it.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN AND LINK UP WITH MYSELF AND MY LOVELY CO-HOSTS FOR THIS MONTHS AGELESS STYLE LINK UP!!
Kimono: Similar; Dress: Free People; Boots: 6pm; Necklace: Chico’s (Similar)
LINK UP GUIDELINES
- Have fun and make some new friends! Please visit at least 2 other links.
- Please link to your actual post and not your blog’s homepage.
- Please link back to the Ageless Style Link Up in your linked post.
- Feel free to use #AgelessStyleBloggers in all of your social media posts
- Please follow each of your hosts on at least one social media channel via the links below.
Ana ~ Mrs. American Made bloglovin, instagram, pinterest, twitter, facebook
Daenel ~ Living Outside the Stacks blog, instagram, pinterest, twitter
Debbie ~ Fashion Fairy Dust bloglovin, instagram, pinterest, facebook, twitter
Diane~ Fashion On The 4th Floor bloglovin, instagram, facebook, twitter
Jennie ~ A Pocketful of Polka Dots blog, bloglovin, instagram, pinterest, twitter
Nicole ~ High Latitude Style blog, pinterest, twitter,facebook, google, instagram, bloglovin
Shelly ~ The Queen in Between instagram, bloglovin, pinterest, blog, twitter
Jill ~ Doused In Pink bloglovin , facebook, pinterest, instagram, twitter, blog
Yvonne ~ Funky Forty blog, twitter, facebook, bloglovin, instagram, pinterest
Paula ~ Dimples On My What bloglovin, facebook, pinterest, instagram, twitter, blog
