There has been some discussion recently amongst style bloggers about daily outfit posts – should they post their outfit every day even if it’s not inspired, or it’s nearly the same thing they wore the day before, or it’s just a boring pair of jeans and a tee? And when bloggers DO post outfits every day, is it REALLY their outfit? or are they just “dressing up” for the camera? My sister and I had LOTS of time to talk yesterday as we were driving to Florida from Atlanta and she mentioned that she’d like to start posting outfit pictures, but feels like her outfits are boring, etc. I told her that people appreciate seeing all kinds of outfits, not only the “perfect” ones, so I challenged her to do an outfit post on what we wore for an 8 hour car trip – WAY less than glamorous…
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Looking at it, it’s not an outfit I would normally post because it’s kind of boring, and I don’t feel like I look “my best,” but in the spirit of the discussion, I decided to go ahead with it. And that’s my sister on the right – looking cute and doing her best style blogger pose.
I’ve always tried to be as genuine and “real” as possible here, but it’s not always easy to put yourself out on the Internet like that…with pictures LOL. What do you think? do you like to see always “perfect” pictures of style bloggers? or do you appreciate the “real” ones as well? Sometimes I think the “real” pictures are the best. It’s like seeing someone you work in a conservative environment on the weekend – you get to look at another side…
Nice shorts! I never feel like I can pull that off. But you look great! 🙂
.-= Elana´s last blog ..Fashion to Dye For =-.
that’s my sister in the shorts actually…i wouldn’t wear shorts if someone paid me!
I’m glad you brought up the point about whether to post outfits on a daily basis and how “real” they should be. I am currently trying to decide if I want to post outfits b/c I work in a conservative office 5 days a week where I have to tone down my personal style to stay within dress code. Does anyone really want to see me in cardigans, pencil skirts, and pantyhose?
When looking at your site and others, I actually prefer the more real shots. I love looking at the outfits on LOOKBOOK but I sometimes laugh at the settings these bloggers take pics in. They look like they went into the middle of the woods with a camera and did a fairy pose (a la Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream). A little out there for me, although I appreciate all forms of self-expression. So, after that long rant my answer would be that I prefer real outfits, even if they are just t-shirts and jeans. It’s all about rocking those “boring” outfits.
P.S. I too wouldn’t be caught dead in shorts. I don’t even own a pair to sleep in!
.-= Ashley´s last blog ..The Little White Shirt =-.
You know, I think these are perfect road trip outfits. Having done them a LOT (and hello! military child), it’s hard to be somewhat stylish and comfortable. I tend to wear sweats and a dingy t-shirt, or guachos and a rock shirt. I love that your dress and sandals are cozy and comfy.
You both look casual and chic in your travelwear! I think there’s something to be admired about the craziness, boldness and fashion creativity of some of the style bloggers out there. It’s inspirational but I find that I do prefer “real” outfits since I can’t show up to work in a tutu or knee high hosiery with a flouncy skirt or wearing twelve necklaces at once lol. And yes it’s scary to put yourself out there–I don’t know if I could do it. Kudos to you and your sis! Hope you’re having a lovely trip!
really? no tutus allowed at work? 😉
this outfit really isn’t so different for me though, right? i’m always casual, but this dress i usually reserve for around the house – i don’t even wear it to the grocery store – so it’s not something i’d normally post…it was not easy LOL
I think what’s really important is to look polished and groomed everday; it’s what the French call “soignée.”
I think that you and your sister look as if you care about how you present yourselves. In the end it’s what really matters. We can’t all afford fine clothes, we aren’t all tall or pretty, and I can attest to the fact that we don’t stay young forever. We all have constraints either imposed by circumstances or mother nature, BUT we can still make the effort, and that’s how we’ll ultimately be perceived.
You and your sister look great.
Oh no, Grechen, I appreciate the “real” everyday outfits, too. Reading fashion/style blogs gives me inspiration but it’s always nice to see the real person and her/his own casual styles behind the blogs too. If I just want a glossy take, well, there’s plenty of marketing out there that paint an unrealistic view. For “regular” fashionistas, we live real lives that requires us to incoporate style, function and practicality. Keep ’em coming.
Hey Grechen,
This is a really interesting point you raise. I always have difficulty deciding whether to post an outfit I find to be mediocre. (For example, I’m wearing pants today and actually have been debating whether or not I should photograph my outfit once I get off of work.) It’s interesting because I look at “fashion blogs” to gather real life inspiration from real women. The everyday outfits might not be the most inspiring but seeing my favorite bloggers in casual clothing is a wonderful reminder that they too are real people, and just like everyone else they have their “off-days.” Don’t get me wrong, I am primarily attracted to blogs that maintain a sort of uniqueness in style (but then again, aren’t we all?) but I am not disapointed by one of my favorite bloggers when/if she decides to post herself donning a more casual look. If I wanted perfection I would stick to the glossy air brushed pages of magazines. Thank you so much for this post! I think it helped me decide that I will in fact take outfit pictures later regardless of the fact that I am wearing pants 🙂 And by the way, this is an adorable outfit you’re wearing!! I think it’s blog worthy.
I vote for real. That’s what I like about your blog–you’re real, your clothes are real, you have real feelings that you share with us (thank you!) about your outfits, and I think that is a courageous thing. Oh, and “The Sartorialist” chooses real people on the street (yes, it is often in NY, so generally they’re a bit more stylish than the average bird!).
I think that you and your sister both look stylish and cute. I think that the sort of thing you wear on long car trips or just running to the store are what really define you as stylish – do you just throw on the sweats or can you find a way to look put together and still be comfortable?