When I first started my blog, a lot of people warned me about the negative aspects of the online world. They said “Rina you are putting pictures of yourself out there. Not everyone is going to like it, and there will be mean comments, so just be prepared for it”. I brushed that off, thinking who the hell has the actual time to go and make the effort to hate on a blog? I’ve been blogging for just over a year, and so far I have been lucky- I haven’t had a negative comment, not to my face or my blog/social media account at least. But recently more and more I’m coming across Tweets, Facebook statuses and posts that read somewhere along the lines of ” No one cares about your outfit, fashion bloggers are superficial, basically you are lame”. I am all for constructive criticism- tell me how I can improve my blog and I am all ears. But there is no reason to be mean just for the sake of it?
My point of view on the issue was always- if you don’t like a blog, don’t read it. No one is forcing you to look through outfits and read beauty reviews (unless you are my best friends, they do unfortunately get forced to read my blog ;)). Personally, I don’t like or read baby and motherhood blogs, I just don’t care what steps your baby is making at 3 months (not yet anyway). But I respect the mommy bloggers for all of their hard work and I realize that there is space for everyone in the bloggersphere. As my friend Rowena once put it, Gucci and Fendi can co-exist. And in terms of the whole superficial factor, I ask anyone who thinks that to kindly take their head out of their arse and have a look around. Fashion is my form of an expression, just like writing/knitting/painting/whatever is to other people. I studied a degree in mathematical sciences and I speak 4 languages, but now just because I like fashion and make-up I am immediately categorized as superficial?
Not everyone has the skill and the talent to write beautiful posts- that is a gift given not to so many people. I am the first person to tell you that I am not a writer, I lack that skill, maybe it was due to my bi-lingual upbringing, or maybe I am just simply not talented at it. I started my blog as a creative space to get away from my sometimes boring and mundane studies, and I chose to express myself through fashion and beauty. There are plenty more fashion and beauty bloggers just like me out there who like doing the same thing, and personally I love it. I get inspiration from their outfits, I enjoy their posts and I look up to them. If you want to have a serious conversation with me, I am all up for it, just not on my blog because this is where I get to escape from the harsh reality and post about whatever the hell I want to-lipsticks, cats, trends. But if you want to talk pi with me, let’s talk pi!
One of my closest friends Leanne is a lawyer, and she got her Masters (Cum Laude none the least) in International Law all while taking photos of herself on the street. She is one of the smartest girls I have ever met, and I dare you, ask her about her thesis- I bet she can out-smart anyone! She started her blog for the same reason I did- it was a creative outlet for her and she wanted to share her love for fashion with others alike. And the fashion and beauty bloggersphere is full of girls like that- I can tell you about lots of fashion and beauty bloggers who are scientists, lawyers, mathematicians, teachers, accountants and so on. So I’m going to keep doing what I love and sharing my daily outfits, beauty reviews and events. Because I love doing it and it makes me happy, and please know that there is always more to the person, you just have to look a little closer.
Anyways now that I have had my rant for the day, I wanted to share my last winter outfit for this year. It’s warming up quickly, and given that I’m going overseas this weekend by the time I get back to South Africa spring will be in full swing. These were my favourites items that got me through the winter-my faux fur, monochrome tones, felt hats, ankle boots and a bold lip. I mixed and matched my favourite items, and I especially loved my faux furs even though it’s not for everyone and the boyfriend always thought it was too much. Maybe it’s the Russian in me that likes it? 🙂
Top- Sass at Stuttafords
Jeans-Lucky Brand
Faux Fur- ASOS
Bag-Michael Kors
Shoes-ALDO
Have a lovely day !:)
Bronwyn Hoedemaker says
I completely agree!! Everything is interesting to someone. I am not much of a fashion person but I love looking at your outfits anyway because they’re beautiful 🙂 and don’t worry I don’t like mommy blogs either and I’m actually a mom hahaha 😉 people are pathetic though, and so narrow minded. Wish everyone could just respect everyone else
@sassy_sami says
I love your faux furs and your posts. Although I may not comment every time, I do anticipate and read each and every post. Keep doing what you do, you have come a long way and to be honest I think those negative comments just caused by jealousy and bad manners.
Sam Wright says
Don’t feed the trolls hun. Hell, even one of the trolls reads (and loves) your blog 😛
I NEED THAT BAG.
Rushda Behardien says
Love that Faux Fur! And I have to agree with your rant love, after being in Structured Finance for over 12 years, people were aghast to hear that I’ve started a fashion blog! ;-O Oh the horror!!!
Have a great trip overseas and travel safely!
xx
Rushda
http://www.rubescloset.com
Gaelyn Cokayne says
I really hope you weren’t offended by my status the other day, it kind of feels like this post was directed at me? I honestly didn’t mean to offend or insult you. I don’t enjoy OOTD posts, but that doesn’t mean I have an issue with ANYONE who does post them. I don’t judge or hate, I don’t think those bloggers are stupid or not worthy of their online space. Just like you said, not every type of post is for everyone, and outfits and make up are not for me. I have never been a fan of overly posed, fake attention seeking photos. Putting on a bikini for a photo in the middle of winter just doesn’t make sense to me. (Yes, I really have seen this.) If I did upset you and hurt your feelings with my tweet I am truly sorry.
Prettiful says
Totally agree with you, I am an economist, work full time for an NGO, Bill Clinton’s NGO, and have met him twice. I work hard to support the Department of Health in its fight against HIV and TB, and other health problems our country faces. Just because I like to buy pretty things and post about them doesn’t make me superficial, spoilt or ungrateful.
GreenLydia says
I feel as if this is slightly aimed at me and my OOTD post the other day. Like I said in my post, when these look posts get done right, they are great. But like a a badly written post or a crappy hairdo, if its done half arsed, it falls flat. My post was meant to illustrate that woman are more than what they wear. There is more to you than beautiful pictures. You carry, wear and deal with more than all of the glitter, fur and leather.
Naidene Cooper says
I think you are Fabulous! #thatisall �� -x-
Nastassja says
My blog is 4 years old this week. In a post to celebrate, I wrote about Fashion: “It’s art. And blood, sweat and tears are literally invested in beautiful clothing. And clothing have the power to tell the world who you are. It’s just the way it is.” People who still think fashion is superficial have no clue. Read the full post here: http://www.mrsrogero.com/2014/08/mrs-rogero-4-years-old-today.html
Flirty 30 says
You are intelligent and beautiful. The people who matter love you for ALL that you are.
I hope your rant may make some people stop and think a little before being so quick to judge. xxx
Leanne Van Breda says
You were blessed with such beauty and intelligence. You split your time so well between your work, your blog and the people who love you and you deserve to be admired for it! Loves xxx
Arum Lilea
Sibahle says
Your boots are stunning! I love your blog 🙂 as well as your outfits, reviews and etc. Just keep doing what you love and always know that you have loyal readers that appreciate your posts.
GinaB says
Congrats on a great post. Just because someone likes fashion or make up doesn’t make them superficial – if anything, it adds dimension to their personality because they can talk about things other than their work.
I love reading blogs and finding other girls with similar interests to mine. That’s not to say that I don’t have other friends with other interests, and can’t hold a conversation about anything that’s not clothing or make up related.
Keep doing your thing – you’re doing an incredible job – and there are people out there who love it and love you for it! xxx