21.5.10

When In Rome?

These are not my best photos, nor my most creative outfit (clubbing last night in Vegas, simple is good enough for me), and I was going to wait to post till I had something better, an outdoor shot or a day time outfit, but there was an issue I woke up and decided I had to discuss right NOW.  In response to my post yesterday I received some really sweet comments!  I also received a couple of very heartfelt, concerned comments, first from my shy friend from Mass. and then this one from xoxo:


Anonymous said...

"Hello, ever since I've learned of your blog, I've been an avid reader since. Every time I visit, I'm always amazed at how you put things together. It's like, "What will she think of next?" Or sometimes, when I'm shopping or looking for outfit ideas or when I'm stuck on how to put together something, you know what crosses my mind? "How would she wear this?" Seriously. I know, right.

I really admire your style and look forward to visiting your blog for inspiration. I'm a firm believer that you don't have to spend a lot of money to look good. Nor does it have to be a designer name. Many will comment on how "cute" your shoes are or how they "love" your dress. But what many don't realize is that It's How You Put It All Together that makes it look good. A person could have the best-looking shoes in the whole world, but if she doesn't know how to wear it, it becomes just a pair of shoes.

The last note that I wanted to let you know is that please don't become another ModCloth robot like many bloggers out there have become. Their prices are high up there for a reason even though these same items are found elsewhere at lower prices: they spend $55,000 a month on advertising, that's $1800 a day. I'm not sure if this is only on pay-per-click through search engines like Google or their advertising as a whole, but that's a hefty sum that they of course pass on to customers.

Your creativity shines through in all your outfits regardless of where you get them.

xoxo"
I  know that this comment was not about Sponsorship or anything like that, and I am so thankful for the warmth and honesty of it.  I respect you for coming forward and telling me what you think. I have had something on my mind though that I feel I should talk about now.  Ever since I was offered my first sponsorship, I have had a funny feeling about it.  I thought about it a lot.  I liked the person who offered to sponsor me, I liked the business, the merchandise (LOVED) the spirit of it all, but I felt really funny about accepting money in exchange for content, a link, whatever.  I did accept an item though. I was allowed to pick whatever I wanted as my gift from the shop (and I went on to buy more from this talented person).  I was sure to disclose that the item was given to me. I decided right then that I will probably not accept traditional sponsorships in the form of banner ads or links, and will only accept gifts from companies or items that I would really purchase if I had the extra dough.  I have been offered many many things, money, giveaways, trips, link exchanges, and some have been from people and companies I truly love and respect, some generic, but as you will notice, I am sponsor free.  If I wear an item I have been given, I wear it because I wanted to, not because I had to.  I only wear things I love to wear.  I have never been dishonest about that. 
I have nothing against blogs with sponsors and my favorite ones are sponsored by numerous companies so please don't think that I judge or anything like that.  I PERSONALLY have always had a strange relationship with Money, particularly money given to me in exchange for my actions.  Don't pay me to do something, I will do it if I want to do it. Jobs are a different story, but in recreation, Ya.  My blog is my recreational hobby.  My shop makes me money, but it's a hobby as well and it is always on my terms.  The moment I mix money with someone else's expectations, the activity feels heavy and contrived. I can't stand that feeling.  I hope this all makes sense.  I am just typing my mind. I just thought I would tell you where I stand on this issue.  I am also a little hungover from last night and maybe oversensitive, but these feeling are true.  
So, to respond to your concerns,  Don't worry!  I will always be true to myself! What would the point of having a personal style blog be, if I was not representing my personal style (good, bad or whathaveyou). Thank you so much for your support and praise.  It makes me feel nice that you enjoy my space.  I will, in turn, just continue to get dressed each day and talk about it.  

Dress: American Apparel
Shoes: Seychelles 

44 comments:

Unknown said...

Woww sooo sexyyy :)

Ce qui m'inspire said...

I agree with what you're saying. If others are dictating what you wear, you no longer really have a "personal style blog". I'm not sure what I would do if I were offered a sponsorship. I haven't had one offered yet, and I don't think my blog will be there any time soon, so I still have time to think about it. But I know that I would not be willing to support a company I did not believe in.

Also, this outfit may be simple, but it is FANTASTIC. Holy, you look good! I love the pop of colour of the shoes with the simple LBD.

Ce qui m'inspire

Anonymous said...

You look so stunning!! I agree with you 100% on the ads/sponsorship controversy and is one of the many reasons I love LOVE your blog! You're always true to yourself in your posts ^.^

veronika, tick tock vintage. said...

this is honestly one of my favorite outfits on you - i know it's simple, but you really look gorgeous. it's very flattering!

i agree with you (and whoever wrote that email) - modcloth has some adorable things, but i don't want to see outfit after outfit continuously full of their clothing. i subscribe and engage in a blog because i enjoy the creativity and style of the blogger - not because they were able to throw together a few brand new pieces that they got for free.

keep doing what you're doing!

Jolie said...

That lbd fits you perfectly! I almost picked up those shoes the other day, no I am regretting purchasing another! Very glam Vegas outfit!

amanda said...

can i say, right on! i know that's like from the 80s and whatever but i do agree with you both (you and anon). there's so much i could say about it, but i doubt your comments section should be the place for me to do it. just know that your creativity is why we come to visit you everyday. plus you're just gorgeous and a genuine person. have a great time in vegas (so jealous) and that dress is awesome on you!!

Karen Beth said...

Gorgeous look!

I agree with what xoxo said. I get SO sick of seeing Modcloth this, Modcloth that. I don't really care that much at all for Modcloth and don't get why it is such a rage.

Thanks for doing so much vintage and for being UNIQUE! Love that.

msred5@yahoo.com

Hello*Pretty said...

So sassy.. I love this look on you! Great message, you pretty much rock!! xo- karrie
www.hellopretty.net

Em said...

HOT MAMA!
that dress was made for you! And ever since I saw those seychelles shoes, I want them so bad but can't bring myself to splurge on them.
I think it's great you don't accept sponsors but I wouldnt hold it against you. I think a lot of people who have sponsors maybe need them? If they work contracts or independantly. I have no idea. I guess to each their own right?
I think I would promote my friends on my blog (when i get around to redesigning it) and if they want to give me presents in return, all the better! haha.
I for one wouldnt hold it against you if you did. But I understand that person's comment. I always find it depressing when I like a blogger's outfit and all the details say "curtosy of modcloth"
It's no fun when I love someone's dress and then find out it's a 100$+ so-so quality dress. It's definitely more enjoyable to read blogs of people who shop vintage. But I think a good mix of new and vintage works just aswell! ok I'm rambling. love the blog!!

Emily
tomorrowneverknowsfashion.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Beautifully written. That's a wonderful point. As a fairly new blogger I've come across a LOT of blogs with sponsors and for some reason it has felt like "the next logical step." I guess that's totally ridiculous. After all, when I started I never though, okay let's see what I can do to get money. Never.

Thanks so much for your honesty. You are a lovely girl. Sponsorships or not.

Melanie@Unravelled Threads

Anonymous said...

BTW, you look HOT.

Grace said...

You look great!! Very sexy yet sweet. Perfect for Vegas.

Anonymous said...

Love the dress! But it's weird to see you in something so modern lol.

Angelica said...

You look positively gorgeous! I'm getting ready for work in a little while and am suddenly inspired to wear a black dress. You are just lovely.

Em said...

oh and I completely forgot to mention, i have bought from modcloth on 2 occasions (although Ive seen so many things I love but can't always justify the price - especially for shipping to canada! 15$ for some 14.99 socks??)
I havent been disapointed but I usually buy things that are either a crazy steal or on sale... Otherwise I would just transfer my paycheck to them and wear all their pretty things.

Emily

upatreecupatea said...

This outfit is simple, but super HOT! (And not like sleezy hot, but REAL hot!)

Also, I am in agreement with the post about Modcloth. It is way overpriced...very lovely but just too much money for what you're actually getting. I have never bought from them, because I can never afford it. I wish I could though, some of their dresses are so lovely!

Thank you for being true to yourself and always having such amazing outfits! :)

Tina Z said...

I think some sponsored blogs are run by people who consciously make a decision to make it a business, and that's fine since they are pretty up front about it. And some of my favorite blogs fit that description, so I really have no problem with it. What bugs me are the "The Joneses" (referencing last month's Moore/Duchovny movie) style blogs that present themselves as personal blogs but really are schilling for companies that 'sponsor' them. Sometimes I think they're not even aware they are guilty of this and are just being played (read: exploited) by the advertisers.

Juliet Schor's books explain the evolution of advertising and the clever tactics they use to "trick" people into schilling for them for very little compensation. Check her out if you're interested in reading more about the topic, it's one that I read about in my spare time. And even though she's an academic, most of her writing is accessible, just skip the regression chapters if you're not into social science methods!

tess said...

I value your opinion here. You're very honest and I completely agree with you. I've never been offered a sponsor, but if I ever was I would only feel comfortable if I would actually wear that stuff myself

Chloƫ, Wardrobe Quarry said...

Thank you for this post. I've been thinking about the same thing lately. My friend from art school offered to sponser me and I love her work and really want to support her, she doesn't pay to be there she just helps out with giveaways and stuff. I recently got contacted to do a review and said yes without thinking it through and although I like the item I'm reviewing I feel a little guilty about it. I don't want to be one of those bloggers where you can't tell whether it's their own words or not. Sorry for the long comment, I've just had all this stuff on my mind the last two weeks.

katecreate said...

Holy moly you look hot! I say that you disregard what people say about what you wear. Stick to what you love and more people will get to know the real you!

Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

I love your style and I LOVE that it's authentic! I wouldn't judge you if you did decide to do a sponsorship (bread needs to get on the table, right?) but I really admire the fact that your style is yours and not just given to you.
You rock!

myedit said...

I would like to hug you right now (and the commentor as well). It's not like I don't think Modcloth has cute stuff (but girl, what we thrift is better!) it's jiust that I think there is some Modcloth robotics going on...
Anyways. I'm going to once more gush about how I love you...

Celine said...

UM you look ridiculously hot. Your body is amazing. Gorgeous.

flnw.blogspot.com

Sara said...

You look HOT!! I love this on you, it is awesome to change things up! I get what that commenter was getting at but I think you should not feel pressured to buy or not buy things because of others. It's your money, your body, your choice. Also, Mod Cloth is expensive because their products are made in the USA, sorry but it's true. Same as AA, when you are paying someone $10 an hour to make clothes, then guess what, you have to charge more. (Sorry for the rant) I really hope you post more pics of your trip soon!

Ashley J said...

Like everyone else has been saying you seriously look like such a hottie!!!

http://www.afashionfixation.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this post. Sponsorship on fashion blogs is such a touchy issue. I know there are a million bloggers who would grovel for even one small free item. And who can blame them? But I absolutely love this blog and I love it even more knowing that it's 100% authentic. What a wonderful thing for those of us still learning, to aspire to. Major kudos.

And anyway, you obviously don't need someone telling you how to dress. Your style is impeccable.

merl said...

Man can you believe that first broad who tried to get you to let her sponsor your blog? The nerve! haha....

Don't even get me started about Modcloth. I met Susan in NY during the Chictopia event-very nice lady- and I definitely respect what she's built her company from. BUT seeing as how she's morphed from working out of her dorm room to selling millions, I think she could respect the smaller indie businesses more and not overrun the blogosphere with free shit. I agree with the anon on the term "modcloth robot".. I've honestly started to cull blogs from my reading list whose every other outfit consists of free shit from them. NOW... that said, obviously I don't have a problem with sponsorships, especially when they help out great creative artists on etsy and so forth, but I definitely understand your need to keep the $$ out of it. I HATE when money issues arise with friendships, and avoid them at all cost. I think you're a good role model for how to stay true to your self.

ps... totally saw that dress at AA yesterday and thought of you! I was gonna txt you but I forgot, but how ironic right?

Unknown said...

gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! i love the pop of color from your shoes!

i'm glad you're deciding to stay true to yourself. after the chictopia 10 conference, i've become a bit antsy about accepting sponsorships and things because it's such a delicate and complicated issue. i do respect susan for building modcloth from her dorm room to such a successful business, and i agree that some of my favorite blogs are sponsored by modcloth. i guess we all just have to find a happy balance between it all. :)

have a lovely time in vegas darling!

Unknown said...

You never stop amazing me! thanks for always inspiring and keeping perspective on what's what !!!

Lara said...

I feel 100% the same as you and have chosen to keep my blog sponsor free. I have to agree that it is probably the reason for my lack of followers but I dont care. I like just posting about me. It makes more sense andto me, it more real. I choose the outfits myself and I AM and ecommerce marketing associate so I know how it is to convince bloggers to promote what product you have. However, my blog is for me and me only. Nothing again other blogs...that is their freedom...it just not for me. :)

what dia like said...

lovely dress!

www.whatdialike.com

guildedsecret. said...

girl you are looking FIERCE! it's not that i don't like when my favorite blogs have giveaways or hidden insight to new sites or sales, but it is sad when you see as many advertisements as you do fashion. i mean, there is such thing as overkill.

i really do like your personal choice on the matter. i'm glad to see that you have a voice on this issue :)

xo.
princesspolitico.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I appreciate learning your stance on the "sponsor issue." My opinion on this varies from blog to blog basically.

But I too, am a little bit sick of the influence Mod Cloth is seemingly forcing over the blogosphere. Love some of the stuff on the site, you can't deny they have some great stuff, but mhmm... Not for me!

Alice In Fashionland said...

That dress looks stunning on you!!!

Shann said...

Omg you look amazing in that dress. Perfect Vegas look!

I respect your thoughts on sponsorships. It's a slippery slop for sure. I do a little advertising but I'm always asking myself- is this true to me? is this genuinely interesting to my readers?

I had a Modcloth ad on my site for a bit but recently removed it because I kept hearing that the quality is not what you would expect from the price. Maybe one day I'll change my mind about them. That's the great thing about a personal blog, you can add and remove things at will. At the end of the day, you only have to answer to yourself :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for saying this. It means so much to me that you have no idea

Ana said...

You are such an amazing person. It always shines through in your posts, but this one is particularly special. I really enjoy reading your blog, thank you for doing this!

Also, you look lovely, and I'm always amazed at the fantastic shape you're in.

gina said...

You look stunning!

ladynonchalant said...

First of all, you look fantastic, even if isn't one of your most creative outfits (you have amazing legs!). And second of all, one of the things that drew me to this blog was the fact that you were such a thriftbaby and understood the mystique items you find stashed in vintage stores can have. That said, in terms of recreation, its best to be in control and only do what you love. If you loved that dress, awesome, more power too you. And if you don't want a sponsor, thats fine. Its all up to you, and thats how it should be

Kimberley said...

I am trying to think of a non-weird way to say that you look smokin' and failing. Thus: you look smokin'. Ahem.

Love your blog and how real and honest and true to yourself you are. :)

Amanda said...

This is a huge reason why I am so in love with you and your blog. When I read it, never do I feel that your look or what you say may be contrived like it seems with some bloggers sometimes). You give off this amazing genuine feel, and it always brings me back. Thank you for always being you lady, because you really are amazing :]

km. said...

You look beautiful and very classy!!

http://collectionsandcreations.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for this post! I've been on this uncomfortable teetering edge lately and I think you put it into words best. I always appreciate blogger integrity since I am interested in what others' real sense of style is!

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