I started blogging in 2009 just before getting engaged, a whopping seven years ago. I had just discovered fashion blogs and was coming into my own figuring out what my style actually was and it seemed like the perfect avenue to explore and experiment. Back then, the clothes were sponsored by ModCloth and everything was thrifted or vintage. There was a uniqueness to fashion blogging then. Everyone had a story to tell or a witty quip. Now the clothes are sponsored by higher end brands and the photos are all bright white and the clothes are all neutral. (There’s a really good blog post from Jessica at What I Wore about this exact thing.) Don’t get me wrong! I enjoy those neutrals and those bright photos, but at some point, are we just adding to the noise?

WEARING FAKE GLASSES EVEN BACK THEN. Some things never change.

I remember being so terrified of using the Nikon D40 I had. What is exposure? ISO? F stop? Focal lengths? It petrified me. But I wanted to learn so badly. I wanted that skill. I read so many articles, watched YouTube videos, practiced, practiced, practiced, researched, researched, researched. My first outfit post was called ‘Cranberry Legs’. I wore a white button up, a light blue pattern chiffon skirt, cranberry colored tights, and black boots. I didn’t have a tripod and I was too embarrassed to ask anyone to take my picture, so I took a mirror selfie in a full length mirror. That post is long gone now, and I would hope I’ve improved the photo aspect a little bit.

(seriously squealed when I found out I still had this photo. LOOK AT ME. OMG. Did I mention it was in a bathroom?)

I did alright for myself for a year or two on the fashion blogging front. I posted as often as I could and even got sent two dresses from a company I like. That was never my goal, though. I just liked clothes and had a knack for putting together weird things. I still have that passion, but I keep coming back to the same thing: are we just adding to the noise?

Everyone and their boyfriend is a fashion blogger these days. It’s hard to want to be something that everyone is trying to be. How would I find success? How would success even be defined? How could I create original content in a world where everything looks the same and is dominated by trends? How do I put forth my own voice and not be drowned out?

Let me tell you something. If you have a passion for something, do it. If you want to do something, do it. Learn all you can about that one thing and do it. Because you’re the one doing it, your voice will inevitably shine through. Your colors will be all over that thing. Sure, it’s still called what everyone else is calling it (side note: I really hate the term ‘fashion blogger’. ick.), but you’ve got your own spin on it. You have a story to tell. You have a life to live. And maybe some people wanna follow that and jump on board. I have no idea why because all you ever post is photos of food and your dog, Pepper, but sure. Someone will like that.

Do I still question every single time I post if it’s good enough? Original enough? Catchy enough? Yes. Do I still wonder if I’m conveying myself enough? Being funny enough? Publicizing enough? Every day. But I know that I love blogging. I love writing. I love taking photos. I don’t care if this thing ever has more than ten followers, because that’s not what it’s about for me. It’s about doing something I really like that keeps me sane throughout the boring days. I know I’m weird enough to have something original to say. I hear it from my friends every day.

 

So let’s do this. Together. Let’s do what we’re passionate about and find our own creative voices. Okay? Swear? Don’t back out on me. I’ll find you.

 

 

xx