Did anyone catch the #lbloggers chat on Twitter a couple of weeks ago? I didn’t have time to join in, but it seemed to be about honesty online – discussing people who portray their lives as “perfect” on Instagram and those who write dishonest product reviews for sponsorship. It got me thinking about authenticity in blogging. I understand why aspirational accounts that feature mostly green smoothies, designer clothes and bikini shots are problematic (and let’s be honest, pretty boring.) But, I think this expectation for bloggers to communicate exactly what their life is really like is kinda strange. For me, this blog is a creative outlet and I have fun scouting different photo locations and trying to create beautiful images. Isn’t creativity the most fun when it plays with reality a little? Obviously I don’t spend most of my time lounging on a stone staircase in a velvet jumpsuit, but this is what my life looks like some of the time, and those are the highlights that I want to share with you. I suppose it all turns on what your blog is trying to be – a realistic archive of your life or an escape to a more magical world? If it’s the latter then the question of authenticity shouldn’t be a problem.
Saying that, I think there is an issue when blogs claim to be a candid documentation of reality but are feature outfits only being worn for photos, or that are only affordable because they’ve been gifted. This 3 year old video from Fashion Pirate sums up my thoughts on the subject pretty nicely. I often want to share my evening outfits with you so I photograph them in the daytime because I need the sunlight, but I would never pose in something that I wouldn’t wear off camera. Yes, I really am that overdressed most of the time!
Outfit Details: Jumpsuit, Velvet Cave / Shoes, Current Mood via Dolls Kill (similar) / Lipstick, LA Splash Valentina / Sunglasses, Vintage (Beatnik Emporium, Southampton) / Necklace, Waiste / Choker, DIY
Now please, let’s talk about this incredible jumpsuit. James bought it for me for Christmas as a surprise because clearly he can see right into my velvet soul. It is just the perfect combination of elements – velvet, flared and lace-up, a little goth and a little boho, glam yet comfy (although my belly button was a little chilly…) I’ve shopped from Velvet Cave before and I love all the handmade pieces. Imogen the owner has the most unique 1970s-grunge aesthetic which I’m really into. I need a little extra height to stop the velvet from dragging on the floor, which is where these Current Mood platforms come in handy. I bought them from the Dolls Kill Black Friday sale to replace my old platform boots, which sadly disintegrated. So far I’m really impressed – they’re comfy, easy to walk in and sturdy! The faux fur outer is so unusual, and I haven’t seen anything similar elsewhere. It makes me feel like an animal!
completely agree with what you’ve written here! before seeing your velvet jumpsuit i would’ve said i’d never wear one, but you look amazing and it makes me want to try one, haha! i’m also loving your sunglasses. and even though i’m always one for advocating a haircut and am sure you’d look lovely if you decide to have a chop, your hair’s also looking incredible like this! xx
You should definitely try it – the jumpsuit is so comfy it’s a little like wearing pyjamas all day. Exactly what I look for in clothes! I have been contemplating the chop for ages but I’m just such a coward, I’m finding it hard to commit x