Why I’m Making Fashion Posts This Year

You might have noticed that some fashion and style posts have been popping up on my blog feed and Instagram this year. My styling has always played a part in my New England and travel photos, but this time I’m making a few posts with the clothes as the main subject. I’m known for lifestyle blogging, in other words a little bit of everything, but fashion was something I barely touched on. For a few reasons: I felt that it spoke against my simple living and somewhat minimalist message, that it promoted excess consumerism, that it was frivolous, that it would appear too “salesy”, or even that posting about fashion would leave me prone to ridicule by my peers. A big part was that I didn’t feel confident enough, pretty enough, or even important enough to show myself in photos. I was afraid and even ashamed.

When I first started blogging it was mostly about travel, New England, and simple living. Even for that, just by putting myself out there, I faced harsh criticism, especially by some of the people closest to me. It was surprising because my readers really loved my content and I felt good about what I was doing. When I first started showing up in front of the camera instead of just behind it, my blog readership grew. People love knowing more about other people. We enjoy seeing the behind the scenes stories when we read about travel or anything else. It makes it personal, relatable, and interesting. We love to connect on a personal level. I am so thankful for the encouragement I received when I first ventured out, especially by so many wonderful strangers I have met online. I’m very passionate about what I write and photograph and it makes me feel really good about myself too.

So it was even more surprising when certain friends or family members, without ever even reading my material, started to put down my blog. I felt that I was taking a big risk in vulnerability by showing up in words and in photos on Instagram and my blog. I was told that I “must think too highly of myself,” be very selfish, and care too much about the way I look to even consider having a blog. I didn’t see at the time that these particular people were only projecting their own vanity and selfishness, but at the time it really stung and it worked well in keeping me down. I stopped showing up in pictures and I blogged less and less. Essentially, I felt so badly about myself that I disappeared and I quieted my voice. I felt invisible. I let their words become my self-perception and I felt my fragile self-esteem crumble. It had taken a lot of practice for me to start showing up and feeling good about it, then it was gone in a blink.

I picked myself back up and promised to work on my self-esteem and sense of self this year. I promised not to let words meant to tear me down succeed in actually doing that. I was not going to become invisible. I have always loved personal style and admired fashion in films that I love to watch. Perhaps you too are an Audrey Hepburn fan?

Most of all, I realized that the issue was not about appearing my in my photos or sharing fashion or my personal style at all. -The issue was being myself and being brave enough to accept myself and share who I am with others.

Some of my favorite bloggers are stylists or have an incredible sense of personal style, such as Julia of Gal Meets Glam, Rosie of Rosie the Londoner, Courtney of Pretty Little Fawn, Daphne of Mode and the City, Grace of Grace Beggy Style, and Dr. Colleen Darnell of the Vintage Egyptologist. These lovely people are so kind and creative and their fashion choices are just an extension of who they are. I love clothing and styling outfits. My own style is very feminine and often vintage inspired. Yes, fashion can be done in excess and it can be harmful for the environment. There are people out there who are only pushing a shopping agenda as a way to sell to people. I sincerely don’t want to put fashion down, even though I recognize that the industry itself needs much work. Regardless of the various view points on fashion and the clothing industry; we all must wear clothes every day and we certainly do. I love being thoughtful and mindful of what I wear and how I wear it. Most people do care about their appearance whether it is for work, an event, or for showing up in their everyday lives. It’s a genuine and authentic part of how I express myself, which is why you will be seeing me unleash fashion and styling posts this year.

I am not a fashion blogger, but I do style my clothing choices for my travels and for other pictures on my blog. There is no sense in hiding that part of myself or silencing that joy. I want to share that part of my creativity and personality with you on my blog and on Instagram.

I will be making more fashion and styling posts this year because I truly enjoy making them and my readers have always asked me about my outfits. It feels very brave and freeing to allow myself this. I’m shedding the shame and the guilt of appearing in my own blog and imagery. I’m gaining self-esteem and finding compassion and kindness towards myself for the first time in a very long time.

I’ll be sharing outfits and even the occasional link to help my readers find an outfit if they’re looking for it, but I’ll be sharing fashion my way; mindfully and with intention. I’ll be doing my part to be eco-friendly and doing my part to share my own environmental fashion tips. I’ll still be encouraging appreciation and gratitude. And I will continue to be a proud simple living enthusiast and outfit repeater.

Thank you for being a part of my journey, for your kindness, and for your acceptance and encouragement for my blog and my photography. I appreciate you all more than I can say.