Everlane bodysuit (sold out)
Rachel Comey Buxton jumpsuit
Nicora vegan clogs
With Elizabeth Suzann Clyde trench (small)
In April, 2019, I will have been writing Grechen’s Closet for 15 years. But in my head, I’ve been tossing around the idea of a life without it. What if I wasn’t a “blogger”? What if I just worked on slowre and that was it? What if??
The truth is, my life and Grechen’s Closet are inseparable; I don’t know how to NOT write here. This is my outlet for talking about clothes and thinking about the impact of our wardrobes on our own lives and the lives of the people who make and design the things we wear. And the things I wear here are actually what I wear, so that wouldn’t change (I get dressed for me, not for the “photo”).
For a long time I earned enough money here via advertising and affiliate income to make a nice living (I wrote about that last year). But in the last few years I’ve stopped featuring so many affiliate links in favor of smaller designers from whose links I earn nothing. I haven’t taken advertising in years. And I’ve never done sponsored posts. It’s all just part of the “growth” or decline, as it were, of this blog.
Starting slowre diverted a lot of my time and energy, and now I make more money doing that than this. It’s not as much as I was making in Grechen’s Closet’s heyday, but it is enough. I don’t need much, thankfully.
All this navel-gazing is to say that I am not quitting Grechen’s Closet. I still enjoy it, even though I don’t post as often as I used to. I write when I have something to say, or something to share. I am not so self-important to think that my being here matters at all, in the scheme of things, though. To anyone but me anyway.
I have always done this for me, and for you, never for the money. I worked for free in the beginning and continued to over the years in a lot of circumstances, because I believed in a certain designer and wanted to promote them. It’s different now; bloggers are “influencers” and would NEVER work for “free”, not even starting out. And everything is moving towards Instagram. Instagram….I have peeked here and there lately, but am definitely not spending as much time on it as I used to – I find the instagram influencers un-interesting, and the discussion fraught with negativity most of the time.
What can I say. I have never fit into a box, and now, I definitely don’t. My photos are mediocre, I still do some reviews for free, and I can’t be bothered with social media. What am I still doing here?
Haha…I feel like a beetle on her back, legs flailing in the air, sometimes. Then I get a nudge and I’m up on my feet, going at it again.
Here I go 🙂
My interest in your blog has grown not because of the clothes you wear, but because of the way you write. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the photos and applaud your transparency about how the blog helps you afford some really outstanding pieces. I like that you dress to please yourself. But what I like even more is your intimate, authentic voice, your real desire to understand yourself and the wider world, your openness to change. Slowre seems to be a perfect evolution of your thoughts on clothing, identity, and sustainability, a pragmatic approach that pays in a way that reflects who you are now. Keep up the great work and know that your willingness to share your thoughts is inspiring. Thanks.
I agree! Yours is one of the only blogs I actually read all the way through. Sometimes I look for pretty pictures and resources on other blogs, but I love your voice! I feel like there has to be an implosion date with Instagram influencing. It’s all pretty formulaic these days and I don’t find it that inspiring.
I have only commented a handful of times since I found your blog but am a regular reader. I may have found you through Everlane, but I absolutely must thank you for helping me think through what I own, what I need, where it comes from, and how that aligns with who I am and—more important—who I want to be. You’ve absolutely been a guide in my journey toward a sustainable closet.
Not only that, it’s nice to read a blog by someone who is also child-free and in my age bracket. I find your musings highly relatable and look forward to them daily in my inbox. So while you may feel less relevant as your focus has shifted, please know that your perspective is unique. I’m sure plenty of readers will be eager to follow your evolution into resale small-business owner. Keep it up!
While our sartorial choices don’t really match, our mindsets and values do, and that’s why you are one of a (very small) handful of blogs I consistantly read. I enjoy and appreciate your authentic voice. I’ve followed you for darn close to most of your 15 years. And I’d say, “don’t change.” Except what I really mean is, “keep changing in all the ways you know best.” I’ve enjoyed the journey so far, and I look forward to more Grechen adventures. In the immortal words of Neil Young, keep on rockin’ the free world!
I never read a post of your and sigh as I’m reading because you want me to buy something I don’t need (or worse, sign up for a subscription service). I like what you write, I like reading the articles you link to, and sometimes I even buy the products you mention (specifically Livwell protein powder and Girlfriend Collective leggings). And I am a very happy customer of Slowre (as a buyer and seller). So thanks for this space!
The beauty of the blogosphere is that there is really is room for everyone and everything! I follow your blog because I like your thoughts, your mind, and your mad style. Not everyone needs to be an Instagram influencer; there are still people that just want to connect with the written word. I love that you are constantly evolving and assessing what works for you. And you absolutely do matter! I smile when I see you in my inbox, and I love the inspiration I get from your style. To make a long story short, keep growing and evolving. I’m totally along for the ride!!
Wow, off topic but, your hair looks great!!!! : )
I like reading your thoughts here. Happy to hear you will still be sharing. I too have pulled back from the negativity of Instagram. Deleted it from my phone–unsure when/if I’ll go back.
You are one of the few blogs that I read regularly. I will echo that I enjoy your writing style, openness and voice. I never made money from my own blogging (other than the occasional free meal/event attendance) but it meant so much to me personally to write, connect with people and work on my website. I miss it. If you ever feel like pulling back you could always blog for Slowre instead although I sense you like to keep those sites separate. Or you could just post less often so that it’s still there when you feel like writing.
Again with the Clyde, argh… you are making me want to pull the trigger on it. I already have the Harper and 2 different Atelier Delphine Haori Jackets. I do not need the Clyde!
I still enjoy IG, including the sustainable fashion accounts. I don’t enjoy the fashion blogger accounts as much anymore (the attends fashion show set) so I’ve unfollowed most of the those. The sustainable fashion accounts are all looking very similar to me now in terms of their styles and the exact items that they are wearing but I do like that I see more people like me in terms of ethnicity, body type, style, height, etc. I think it is time for me to take a break and find inspiration from street fashion instead (where you don’t know what exact item someone is wearing). I like the Sartorialist, Japanese fashion, it’s my darlin (Seattle street style) and iloveparis youtube videos.
I’m glad you’re here.
i haven’t quite deleted it yet (i do need it for slowre), but i don’t even find myself wanting to check in much. i am so much happier without it!!
thank you so much!!
Keep on going, Grechen!! I love your blog! Probably because you are so real!
oh! i keep meaning to write about livwell. i had an excellent customer service experience with them that I wanted to share, and it made me think about good/bad CS in general…
i hope you liked the protein powder! i LOVE IT, and set up a recurring subscription 🙂
haha. i love it. can you even believe how much i’ve changed in 15 years?? i mean, i guess we all do, but looking back and actually seeing it is shocking somehow. i credit an old comment from lisa that really got me thinking about change, and embracing it instead of trying to control it or run away from it, which is what I think i was doing for a while.
thank you ivelisse 🙂 i guess I am relevant in my own way …which is good enough for me!!
i agree about the instagram implosion. i feel like it’s coming? but what form that will take i have no idea.
thank you so much wendy! I really appreciate your taking the time to comment so thoughtfully 🙂
thank you brenda!
I must respectfully disagree with your statement, “I am not so self-important to think that my being here matters at all, in the scheme of things, though.” Not the self-important part – that’s not you. You’re very humble. But it DOES matter to me that you’re here. There are only a few (um…maybe 3 or 4) bloggers that I follow, and even though my style and your style have diverged in recent years, I still appreciate & respect what you have to say about sustainability, eco-friendly companies, slow fashion, and consumer behavior. You’ve taught me SO much! I’m a different person because of the journies you’ve gone on with your wardrobe: Minimalism, the small wardrobe capsule, awareness of ethical clothing, etc.
Just know that I’m OK with whatever you decide to do. I want you to be happy and fulfilled. So, blog when you feel the urge, and I’ll be here. Not that I’m so self-important to think that my being here matters at all. 😉
Lots of love and gratitude for all you do and that you exist on the same planet! XOX
oh my gosh!! I MISS YOU EVERYDAY YOU DON’T COMMENT!!! i don’t know what i would do without you 🙂
one thing i really do love about instagram is getting to see your photos, and other photos/posts from readers i follow – that has been a real joy of social media. i can do without the other stuff though LOL
Hi Tania, thank you for mentioning that Seattle street style site. I like that it’s actual people not fashion insiders which comprise most of the sartoralist’s photos. I’m also really bored of the ethical/ sustainable instagram accounts…people are starting to look like clones. Not that there’s anything wrong in wearing the same things as everybody else but it’s not what I turn to instagram for. I go there for inspiration and lately, I’m not seeing it …at least in the ethical fashion realm. Thus, I’ve decided that I gotta work harder at being more creative myself, lol. Grechen, I appreciate your blog bc you don’t wear the same things as everyone else and bc you seem to actively seek out interesting brands rather than just showcasing brands that are gifting you a product. Ichi Antiquities, Feit, Atlantique Ascoli, etc. – all brands I’ve found through you that I find more interesting than what’s on instagram these days.
Grechen, you’re one of the best and hardest working bloggers in the business and I appreciate your dedication so much! It’s absolutely fine for you to change up your schedule or write when you feel like it. We will still be here!
I admit that I found the recent Jesse Kamm Pantsgate sort of mind boggling, and I feel so old compared to a lot of the people who are posting on Instagram. While I’m thrilled to see the world of sustainable fashion taking on political and social issues, I’m not convinced that a pair of pants is the issue that will change the world. And the idea that silence is compliance when it comes to privileged women wearing or wanting to wear really expensive, tight-ass pants is misguided.
Thank you for being a voice of reason and authenticity in this weird and crazy world! You are amazing!
You just made my day. <3
What is Mamavelveeta03’s Instagram handle? I’d love to follow her, too!
Not recurring (yet – haven’t figured out how much/how often) but I did take advantage of the Black Friday sale!
Same as her username for comments here. Mamavalveeta03 – I Hope it’s okay to share ?
Thank you, found her!
So happy you are going to continue on. You are one of the only blogs that I continue to follow & read consistently. I enjoy what you have to say, not just about clothes & fashion, but about life. You have said so many things that I can relate to so much. I really enjoy your blog & am always so happy when a new post pops up!!
Hey, Catherine! I’m happy to have you follow me! I’m not very exciting. It’s just my life stuff. No perfection with me. But lots of family, Montauk, and things I find funny.
You are one of the very few style blogs I still follow – it’s for your voice and your interior discourse. xoxox.
I am relatively new to your blog but certainly enjoy it. We are totally different heights (I struggle with sleeves and pant legs being too short) but I thoroughly enjoy the attention you draw to new to me worthwhile brands as well as your noteworthy sense of style. Supposedly blogs are on the downswing but my Feedly Reader and I love them!
Grechen, I look forward to reading your posts every time! I’m soo glad you’re going to keep posting, whether about fashion or not (although I really do love your style and fashion posts the most)! You are without a doubt one of my all time favorite bloggers, ever since I started reading your blog only about f years ago.
Have an awesome weekend!
xoxoxo
P.S. That rich blue of the Rachel Comey jumpsuit is just gorgeous! I LOVE the look on you.
I think there is still space for thematic, single-perspective blogging like you do. I miss the small-ness of the sites I used to read, and I always love coming here to your corner of the internet. It is a special and different thing from Instagram. Thank you for still going!
Long time reader, first time commenter. Just wanted to give another shout-out of appreciation. After 10+ years of reading fashion blogs, yours is one of only 2-3 that I still check in on at least one a month. That’s definitely because of your writing! It’s been fun to watch your style evolution, and your questions and musings have made me think about my own life and make better, more informed purchases. I am sustainably-minded, but I’m definitely not a minimalist. Bright coats, Mara Hoffman, fun bags are all some of my favorite items and I’m a big consigner and buyer of used clothing. I appreciate the viewpoint that you bring to the blogger world. Thanks for sharing your life and encouraging others to get more stylish and funky as they age!