Isn’t it a rather broad statement, hyperbole even, to state that any one thing or group of people is heralding the “death of style”? I mean, c’mon; as long as there are living breathing humans who adorn themselves in clothing each day, isn’t style alive and well?…
THE STORY
…A few weeks ago my friend Erin from erinhaight.com texted me the links to a few articles that popped up after Milan Fashion Week. It seems that the fashion editors at Vogue took exception to the proliferation of digital influencers i.e. fashion bloggers, at the fashion shows. The editors described them as “embarrassing”, “sad”, and “pathetic”. Their reasoning being that the girls parade up and down the sidewalks at the shows wearing gifted clothing while hoping for the perfect “street style” shot to be snapped. Is there not a smidge of hypocrisy here in light of the fact some of those same editors often appear in any number of street style feeds? This feels more to me like the discomfort and jealousy said editors are feeling at having no choice but to allow a new breed of fashion influencers into the “inner circles” of the fashion world.
Personally, I don’t find any of us who consider ourselves fashion bloggers or digital influencers if you’re one of the cool kids, to be embarrassing, sad or pathetic. While I do think that a lot of the bigger name bloggers have gone pretty commercial I don’t have a problem with it, nor do I judge them for it. For them, this is a business; blogging is their career and many have launched lucrative personal lines and side businesses from their blogs. More power to them, there’s not a damn thing wrong with that. I still like to visit the bigger blogs from time to time if for nothing else the eye candy, although it’s more like looking at a glossy magazine online; a little less personal, a little more upscale. My preferences run more to my tribe of blog friends. I enjoy seeing “real life” outfits more than a beautiful editorial spread. I enjoy the keepin’ it real aspect of our smaller corner of the fashion blog world.
But are any of us pathetic or desperate? Absolutely not. Not from the upper echelon of bloggers down to the new girl on the block who only recently started sharing her love of fashion with the world. We are bold and brave and proud of our love of fashion. Not all of us (most of us really) have the means or the opportunity to work in the world of fashion. Does that mean we can’t grab our own little piece of it via the Internet? No it doesn’t. We are all lovers of fashion and personal style, and at the end of the day we are all human beings. In fashion, just as in all other aspects of life, we need to be more supportive of one another. We need to build each other up, not tear one another down. And honestly, before we throw out descriptors like “sad” and “pathetic” perhaps we first need to take a long hard look in the mirror.
THE OUTFIT
This is the fabulous white tunic I reviewed for Foxcroft a month or so ago. It works in so many ways; casual date night, full on professional, and casual but work appropriate like I styled it with today’s outfit. Styling it with just the black leggings would have been fine, although basic. What better way to take a basic look and kick it up a few notches then a pair of truly standout shoes and a killer bag?
These floral lace up flats…ah, my friends, are they beauties or what? Funny thing is, I’ve worn them a bunch of times, but they’ve never made it to the blog until today. How that is I do not know, but the problem has now been officially remedied. The leopard clutch is an easy way to throw in a little bit of print mixing and the denim vest? It served a dual purpose; it gave some shape to the tunic, but it also gave me just enough additional warmth for the slightly chillier temperatures.
THE TIP
Add a few pieces to your wardrobe that work seamlessly in all areas of your life whether it be work, a night out or just another day in the life. It gives you versatility, saves you money and at the same time frees up some closet space.
(Original post) (Original Post)
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Tunic: c/o Foxcroft; Leggings: JCPenney; Shoes: Qupid (Similar); Clutch: Similar; Vest: Old Navy (Similar)
