Fellow fashion blogger, Ashe Mischief introduced a very interesting topic this morning on her blog and I wanted to share it, as well as add my own personal thoughts. She confronts the topic surrounding the financial consequences that fashion blogging might have on our lives. Ashe says, “We write about fashion– but we don’t often write or talk about the financial choices behind our sartorial choices.”
In addition to sharing her own personal struggles with the cost of fashion blogging, other women expressed having similar issues as well. One felt that real financial responsibilities (ie: rent, groceries, health care) hold them back from sharing their daily outfit posts, because they feel their readers will become bored with their reworked closet favorites. Another expressed that fashion blogging sent them into a downward spiral resulting in a very destructive shopping habit.
So we have to look at a few things: Why do we feel it’s necessary to financially compete with our fellow bloggers? Is it really worth it?
A few months ago I started a formspring account and found that I was being confronted with a lot of financial questions. Many wanted to know things like what my day job is, how I can afford Chanel bags, and if I constantly go shopping. At first I found it a bit strange that people were questioning this, but to be honest I have no shame and nothing to hide. And after reading Ashe’s post, I’m now understanding why they wanted to know these things about me.
At the age of 18, I found myself in a heap of debt due to major immaturity and a terrible shopping addiction. Almost 10 years later, I don’t own any credit cards and I’m very happy about that. (And I’m pretty relieved this happened pre-fashion blogging. hahah.) So how do I afford my “fashion blogger lifestyle?” The answer is. . . I have a job, I’m a thrifting treasure hunter and I don’t feel pressured by the wardrobes of other bloggers.
I think the main issue at hand is struggling with self inflicted “peer pressure” from comparing one’s wardrobes to other bloggers. Nobody should be doing this to themselves. The reality of fashion blogging is this, MOST of these people are not paid bloggers, they live at home with their parents, suffer from credit card debt or have trust funds. And to be honest, style comes from within not from your bank account. I’ve always said that just because you’re sporting this season’s outfit from the runaway doesn’t mean you have style, you just have the financial means.
Recently, I found myself bored with bloggers who were constantly showing off their overly expensive purchases and offering nothing but self indulgent outfit posts. I love looking at clothing just as much as the next person, but I actually enjoy reading blogs for thought provoking content and creativity. Has our society really become that obsessed with consumption that these are the people we label as inspiring or allow to make us feel inferior? I’m sorry but a teenager with rich parents is not going to make me feel ashamed of what I can afford or my wardrobe.
The bloggers I admire are those who work with what they’ve got. So you wore that black dress last week with a different jacket? Your entire outfit is labeled with thrifted or Forever 21? So what? Do you love your outfit and does it make you feel good about yourself? So share it with the world. Our blogs are a personal expression of who we are, and that shouldn’t be held back because of another person’s financial advantages. I love runway fashion just as much as the next person, and I’ll drool all over magazine editorials, but I won’t risk my livelihood just to say I own something. And to be honest, if I’m going to really splurge on something expensive it’s going to be a classic piece of fashion, not a 2010 runaway item.
So how do we overcome this? More DIY posts, bargain shopping tips, showcase indie designers and most importantly encouraging our fellow bloggers to not be ashamed of their wardrobe allowance. I’m not saying we shouldn’t shop or fulfill desires to keep up with trends, but let’s be smart about it. Nobody should feel inferior to anyone because of their financial situation, size, gender, shape, race, etc, ESPECIALLY in the “blogosphere”. We blog for ourselves not for anyone else.
“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.”
- Gore Vidal
Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup | Independent Fashion Bloggers // May 5, 2010 at 12:46 am
[...] Betsey J – Why do we feel it’s necessary to financially compete with our fellow bloggers? Is it really worth it? [...]
I responded to Ashe’s post as well, with pretty much the exact same sentiment. Ironically, the outfit I posted was nearly exactly the same as the outfit I posted the day before that, only slightly remixed. I think it’s very important for bloggers to realize that it’s not a competition and that style is never dependent on money. All my favorite bloggers are extremely thrifty.
this is such a great post, and something i really needed to read. it does get difficult to read the blogs of those that inspire me, but know that a wardrobe similar to theirs will never be possible on my tight budget. it’s all about working with what you’ve got. And to be completely honest, how difficult is it to dress when someone is giving you free clothing or your parents are buying them for you. the bloggers i love are the ones who create fabulous outfits on small budgets and use the runway as inspiration.
Not only did you bring up a very huge issue amongst bloggers, but you’ve also answered it respectively.
I, personally, have gotten sick of reading bloggers with the aforementioned in what they are wearing; it’s consistently what was given as courtesy or the latest & greatest here & there. It is extremely boring and not at all interesting. A majority look like replicates of mannequins.
Thank you for bringing this up. I’m going to link from you to my blog about this. Let me know if you mind.
P.S. I discovered you while going through IFB approvals. I’m the IFB Moderator.
Anyway, great job. You’ve got a new follower.
xx.
Christina
Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup » La Moda | Dubai fashion blog // May 6, 2010 at 1:24 am
[...] Betsey J – Why do we feel it’s necessary to financially compete with our fellow bloggers? Is it really worth it? [...]
I found your post through Ashe’s, & just as I told her, I have so much respect for you for bringing up a subject that many are too ashamed to mention.
Point blank: I loved this post. Mainly because I am struggling hardcore with envy & feeling inferior. Knowing that there are others who have gone through (& overcome!) these struggles is a breath of fresh air for me.
Thank you. & bravo!
You’ve made some very, very good points, and your posts have actually made me feel better as a fashion blogger!!!
http://www.thevelvetvillain.com/2010/05/from-betseyjcom-price-of-fashion.html
I’ve quoted you & added insight of my own. I hope thats okay
Very eloquently put.
I’m glad you bring this topic up! I try my hardest to make my purchases smart ones! An accessory can go a long way, a new pair of socks to wear with your heels, a fun and inexpensive ring, a thrift store is for me a godsend, and reading blogs for inspiration NOT labels are fashion morsels I thrive on!!! thanks for pointing this out~ fashion doesn’t have to be expensive.. WORK WHAT YOU’VE GOT
hell yeah sister!! Great stuff. I’m totally in your same boat and I hear ya! Love your blog!
xo
Well said !
I had not encountered this topic in blogland before and I have to say I never thought about it.
I do see bloggers that have some kick ass items I would like to have but it never made me feel and they never made me feel like they were showing off.
I have to say that yes, if you want something, workf for it… or just put it on lay away!
Link Love Fridays: vol. 1 | apricot tea. // Jun 18, 2010 at 3:15 pm
[...] you’re a fashion blogger, you must read this: The Price of Fashion Blogging. (& also this by Ashe [...]
From the bottom of my heart… yuo´r my idol, sister!!!