Monday
Sep202010
You don't have to name the price...
Monday, September 20, 2010 Recently, I wrote about a subject which resonated with a few readers {Glad to hear I'm not the only one who feels compelled to yell out the price of my outfits} It got me thinking of the debate about how personal style bloggers afford their clothes.
After a reader of the blog 'Style Bubble' questioned the prices of her designer clothes, Susie Lau, {obviously offended}, defended her spending on the grounds she worked hard for what she bought. As humans, we are inherently touchy about money, but I think it's unreasonable bloggers should ever have to elucidate the prices of their purchases.
However, that's not to say I don't think some fashion blogs portray an unrealistic aesthetic. {I read a few blogs where I think, how the hell can you afford all those shoes!} , and whilst I'll admit I'm mostly jealous because I'm trying to scratch a living in New York, and they have every right to those purchases, I question whether it's the right image to project to readers, and if that lifestyle is sustainable.
It's a debate that has only recently concerned style blogs but has questioned magazines for decades. In a similar way that Vogue editorials feature high end designers and Shop Till You Drop focuses on affordable fashion, there runs a gamut of blogs accommodating a range of budgets. Talking with a friend yesterday, we concluded our favorite style blogs are the attainable ones; sites like Whatiwore where appeal lies in the fact we can relate to the content.
{Outfit: shirt, skirt, bag & belt: Vintage, shoes: Tony Bianco, nail polish: Geranium by Essie}
Reader Comments (26)
i think the SAME thing - how in the world do some of these girls afford all this AMAZING stuff (like Heremes)!!!! - and i too buy practically 90% of everything ON SALE and i LOVE telling how "little" i pay for everything! .. being from jersey, i also wonder if some item are 'knock off's' since i'm aware of places like canel street ..
i just love these photographs of urs darling! always stunning with a fashionable woman on them (u) FACT!
Fabulous question. I wonder sometimes whether some bloggers buy clothes for their blog or for their actual life, and whether or not all the blog sponsors are worth the amount they are spending in products. I like a more realistic approach as well. Even though I often admire the clothes of some of these girls who go out and buy everything at full price, I know it is not attainable for me.
It's really a touchy feely subject. I, too, question how some people can afford part of the things they post? I read somewhere that actually some sell things immediately after posting them, then there are people like her (http://deadfleurette.blogspot.com/2010/09/acknowledgement.html). For me I, too, love reading blogs that are attainable I can relate to. The same goes for magazines I read.
About your outfit - love it! And that belt is something! :)
I wouldn't have thought that YOU are NOT one of those fabulous fashion people who can afford almost anything. -You always look so chic!! You must know some very good vintage shops!
I like attainable blogs, but I also like some that are "over the top" both style-wise and financially. (like "Sea of shoes") I feel like such blogs are often more interesting, more inspiring, because they give me more to do when I try to translate one of their looks to my own budget and lifestyle, than looks that are already "normal" and that already consist of entirely H+M clothes. Do you know what I mean?
i often wonder the same! the best part of blogging was the accessibility of the garments and styles posted, but it's growing to the point where i believe blogging is big business and just another form of advertising for corporations and design houses... almost like some of the bloggers could be "selling out" in a way (with all of the items designers send them to "sell" to their following). i suppose it was a natural progression.
You have made an excellent point. I too read over blogs and wonder how they can afford some things. But then I think, like you, I am also just jealous. Haha. It is a very valid point though and I am more swayed to read blogs that I feel I can relate too.
Michelle
Oh Wow, a smile! Beautiful, and as such, certainly fits in with all the rest...
So well put, especially considering how amazingly chic you always look.
yes I totally think of that when I see YSL shoes, etc...
love this look - so cute..I am doing a post on "business chic" and I am going to link ur blog :) will keep u posted!
xx
www.bijousstyle.com
You are absolutely right. We should mind our own business about the price. We do not have the same means for clothes nor we do not have the same lifestyle. It is fine to ask the price, because somehow it is very easy to find a price, but I don't think people should tell if the shoes you bought were too expensive or not, it's very rude and none of their business. If you do not like that then don't read my blog!!
Marie-Claude
http://mcspicecool.wordpress.com/
say what - Zara lace top! - i'm IN! .. thanks for the tip babycakes! .. i can smell the deal now, considering i have 2 Zara gift cards too - SCORRRRRE! .. THANKS AGAIN momma!
@ Erika yea I saw it earlier in Zara on Broadway, it's only $80 and I was about to buy it but I'm trying to be good!
You look so incredibly chic!
Just came across your blog!
colormenana.blogspot.com
Being Australian I also tend to have the habit of announcing to the world how I got this awesome jacket for a steal ($7.50 to be exact) whenever someone compliments an item of my clothing ! I love beautiful designer clothing as much as the next girl but it is totally unrealistic in my lifestyle & I simply can't afford it - I love your blog because you showcase beautiful clothes from high end stores that I can actually afford (i.e Bardot & Sportsgirl) and also awesome vintage finds !
p.s I am in LOVE with your vintage clutch !!!
p.s.s Did you happen to get this for a steal also ???
Lauren x
First off, I completely adore your -- totally attainable :) --outfit here! Really just love everythign about it!
In regards to your subject, I must admit that I simply love to drool over everything gorgeous and designer known to man (or girl) kind and love seeing it worn in "real life" by the various lucky bloggers (you know who you are!) who can actually afford all of those treasures. However, I also greatly appreciate and admire bloggers (such as you display so perfectly here) who can take a casual, thrift store find and transform it into something utterly covetable and drool-worthy! I guess I just love the mix!
Lovely---aside from more sadness over my missing the IFB thingy, because I could have said hi!---finally someone had something to say about the event that isn't just cliquey shout-outs to other attendees. I went to the Chictopia conference last year and left after 30 minutes to go get a beer because none of the content had any value to me at all. I wrote a post about how it made me almost want to quit the show; consequently, I swear I've got my face with a bull's-eye on it in their office.
Anyway, on subject, I agree with T.---it's fun to be inspired---but there's also something sinister about the excess that makes me think, "Egad, why do I bother," like it's a materialistic call to arms. I too feel the need to tell people prices---I mean, it isn't a contest. But I know of a few that seem to me to have only decided to start blogs to publicly catalog their insane opulence. So right there, the vibes clash from the start.
I much prefer ones with witty writing---budgetary aspects aside. I'm finding them a little harder to find though, as the field thickens with total ding dongs.
Kudos to you, though---for being honest, for looking fantastic, having something to say that I enjoy to read, and for saying what we've all been thinking.
cheers!
Carey
Just needed to pop in and say-- your style is just so awesomely chic. Especially given how creatively you maneuver the cost issues. I too am scratching out a living in the city as a writer-slash-shopgirl, while saving pennies and slaving away on a book-- most editorials and blogs fall into the inspiration category for lack of funds. But I find budgetary issues are a gift in disguise for developing true, creative personal style-- my most prized pieces are Ebay scores, off-season clearance, and mostly vintage. When I score a pair of unworn Louboutins on Ebay for $50, or a perfectly-tailored, Herrera-esque silk '50s sheath for $5, or a pair of custom riding boots for $30 at the Garage flea market, and it is admired, you know I'm going to advertise the price. Part of the joy in acquiring pieces for my wardrobe lies in how cheaply/creatively I found them, and how original they are.
Happy you wrote about how blogs and magazines just keep encouraging people to spend beyond their means. There is certainly a way to look fabulous without going into debt. You always look awesome, whether in thrift finds or expensive stuff.
I have a sewing shop in my house so I am fortunate to be able to have new stuff often. And as a responsible business person, I try not to make my clients overspend and instead encourage them to choose pieces wisely and for their longevity. I know it's better for me if they spend and spend often but I can't bear to add to the crazy "buy more" mentality.
@ Marquise, thanks for your lovely insightful comment. Great to hear from a fellow New Yorker scratching away at existence, pursuing their dreams! I completely agree with you- I feel proud when I've found beautiful silk Ralph Lauren blouse for $15- yes it may have been preworn before but when I get it home and match it with existing pieces in my wardrobe it makes me very happy indeed!
@ Anonymous great to hear you are able to make your own clothes. I used to own a sewing machine however they don't travel too well and I wasn't able to bring it with me. Having the capability to tailor clothes yourself makes vintage shopping ten times easier!
Little Ms Susie obviously makes a living through her blog; on top of her writing gig of course. Most of the things she wears are no doubt gifted, so I'm curious to know why the reader even questioned her spending habits at all. She's a nice girl who works around the clock so let her have her cake:)
BUT on the subject of riches, the amount of filthy rich almost heiresses that are currently floating around in the blogosphere and the great lengths some of them go to, to flaunt that wealth, is a little sick inducing. And to think that it gets worse at Fashion Week; hilarious!
I need a nudge every now and then to remember that there are talented and down to earth people too; writers, illustrators, photographers, designers- those who showcase their talent on their blog. They are the ones I look to and can be bothered to bookmark.
After all there is only so many Miu Miu collars, and Acne wedges a girl can take.
Thank you thank you thank you for a wonderful post on such a touchy lil subject. I'm very new to the blogging world and only started one because I needed a place to store my favorite things :) At first I was really only aware of a very few blogs such as fashiontoast and style bubble. to me, they were blogging from a complete different world and i loved being able to get a glimpse of it and was very much entertained and educated on designers and the like. But thanks to blogrolls, I soon became aware of the vast sea of fashion/lifestyle blogs that are out there. I'll be honest, it was a little daunting. There's a lot of flashiness/flaunting. And all of a sudden I was thinking "why would anyone want to read my blog when they could be reading about someone who just bought a pair of jimmy choos or a chanel bag?" I guess the point is, when I started focusing on what people Had and what I Had Not, blogging lost it's fun and I started thinking of it like a competition. But thank goodness for blogs like yours and the gypsy diaries and looks & books and I could go on and on...blogging should be about what you love and have interest in. And if you're interested in high cost fashion: awesome. If you're into vintage and thirfting: awesome. I guess what I'm trying to say is, to each his own :) and if i don't like what i'm reading and it causes me to feel either bad about myself or inadequate, i'll stop reading and it's onto the next one! that simple...and p.s. i want to raid your closet.
LOVEEE your blog and love this post....I am a new follower you have great style!
Jen
http://blankwhiteframes.blogspot.com
I've only just discovered your blog and I think you have terrific style.
I'm going to pass this post along to my teen-age stepdaughter who, for some reason, and in spite of my best efforts, now thinks that fashion blogging is a career possibility. I want her to uderstand that it may well be, but mostly for the happy few who get a sponsorship or have well-to-do parents, generous spouses/significant others or trust funds. For the rest of us, I think such blogs should serve as the delightful sources of inspiration and diversion that they are. It would be so helpful if some of the well-known bloggers were a bit more open about how they afford the things they post -- my life as a parent would be ever so much easier. :)
I want her to continue to be inspired by the many terrific blogs out there, but I also want her to stay in school and focus on a more realistic career goal for the future. I'm sure I sound terribly old school. . .