True.
I have stopped reading fashion blogs for an indefinite time now. I have always been aware of their side effects, but now I decided to act once and for all. Something has to change! With their ability to inspire me, connect, and keeping me up to date, they are also jointly responsible for my never ceasing, insatiable shopping lust. Since blogs can not only be a medium to express and spread ideas and creativity, but also to list up all those wishes and wants one has (with detailed descriptions, selling points, and a link to a respective online shop), these wishes end up becoming one more of the blog's reader's (me!) wishes as well. It is a never ending circle. Democratization of fashion ends up meaning democratization of our desires.
I, as blogger myself, try to avoid wishlists on my blog, but as being on the receiver-side, too, I cannot help but taking it in. Some people can withstand getting sucked right in. But I can't. I think from here on it makes more sense to start to think about what I can really achieve with the things I so wish, even more with the things I have, than amassing tons of wants.
I might sound a bit drastic, but fact is, I have put my google-reader and its 400+ blogs I subscribed to aside for a while. I do check a couple of my faves from time to time, though. Not like I chose the life of a hermit.
16 Comments:
i agree with you, i feel scared to feel a never ending need to shop !!
your socks are so cute ^^
And I think you may be more immune to the trends that grip the blogosphere (heh, what a funny word), which is a good thing I think!
Aaah, you clever! This is very insighful and I completely agree. I'm glad someone is bringing up this issue.
I recognized the side effects of fashion blogs a while ago as well and started to distance myself from them. I also noted that my lust for more and more clothes and things kept growing. This is in fact against my eco-related values and my love for vintage and old. So now I try to cut down on shopping, even secondhand and vintage, and focus a lot more on working with the things I've got. 'Cause you know, in the end more clothes doesn't make me happier. It's the satisfaction of making something creative out of the things you've already have that appeals to me. And I suppose that's what style is about as well.
On to your outfit: too cute for words! Haha, that shade of pink reminds me off bubble gum!
Ok, I realized that I've literally bombed you with comments now. Haha, I finally get the time to check on your blog, and it's been a while, so I went a bit rampage. What I'm trying to say is that I greatly enjoy your blog and you're truly among my favourites (this is not just flatteries). The way you combine outfit entries along with inspirational editorials and ideas, and that you post insightful thoughts regarding the ever growing and crazy blog and fashion world both with the positive and negative things, that is just what I love to read and I wanted to make that clear.
Thank you and keep up the good work! I may not comment all the time (which I just did now, complete overload) but I am a fan (not a crazy stalker one, ok, just cute and talks a bit too much, obviously).
I admire your desire to see the world differently - and to get away from the consumerism. But don't disappear entirely! :-)
Very insightful words of wisdom. I know where you're coming from, but I don't think it would be fair to other bloggers. There are people who read your blog daily and comment frequently and to turn a blind eye to their own blogs is a bit disrespectful, don't you think? Clearing your mind of other blogger (shopping) influences isn't a bad idea, but there are better ways than writing them off altogether.
Ca, you cannot believe how much your comments in general mean to me (so don't worry about spamming!!!), but even less how much value this last one holds for me! Thank you so much! I mean, that my blog is among one of your faves is a honour in itself, but for what reasons is even more elevating. Of course, I can only write about things I know about and am particularly interested in. That is why I am even more glad that you can so well relate to what I am trying to say. It makes me feel very down to earth and understood. That is a very important thing to feel!
K, thank you so much! I will definitely NOT disappear. That I can promise. The consumerism, however, is a serious personality problem I am currently trying to fight.
dirtydirtylaundry, thank you a LOT for speaking out. I can see your point. I dont want to be disrespectful to anyone, and I believe I am not, because I seriously LOVE blogs. but right now, this is something very important for me, and I cannot keep on reading blogs only to be polite, if it is doing damage to some extent. And right now, I think it does. But be sure that I am not writing off. No way! ;)
You look so adorable in the pink!
I can understand about the negative influences of fashion blogs, keeping away for a while will definitely have a positive effect on your bank account!
i just dont see how refusing to read other blogs just cuz they read yours and/or comment is a disrespectful thing? one shouldnt feel obliged to read a certain blog...i certainly hope no one feels obliged to read mine just cuz i left a comment on theirs.
I really understand what you are saying. I have been looking at blogs for about a year now, and I have mixed feelings.
I have narrowed it down to just a few that I look at.
I have found lately though, that by looking at certain blogs, I do get the WANTS, badly. In this, I fail to love and appreciate what I have, and I have plenty of lovely things. I don't like being envious of those who have a more opulent life than I have. At the end of the day, I like to feel that I know what is really important in life. Wanting is not my idea of a good time.
Appreciating is though.
The truth is, that I love clothes, nice clothes and shoes, and I love to see how other stylish and creative people put things together I just have to be discerning. I will still look at the blogs I love. Of course this one is on my list, because you are thoughtful and have great perspective on things.
I'm impressed, I am hooked on so many sites it would be hard to give up, but liberating I'm sure. Would love to know the ones you can't live without and still check. :-)
I think, the really bad thing are women's magazines. Aren't they just a slightly changed modification of catalogue selling? ;-)
Reading blogs is like watching other people's style which you could not exactly copy anyway (or at least doing it would be ridiculous)..
I mean, you have to buy yourself clothes anyway, so why restricting oneself to
local H&M and C&A stores.. *gg*...
awesome colors..
hey
i just came across your blog, great images and style!
take care
x
graciouslyzoe.blogspot.com
I found your blog randomly through chictopia and I love what you wrote. I always have a never-ending shopping list in the back of my mind and it definitely gets overwhelming. I have a closet full of clothing that I should be working with...I am glad you expressed what I have been feeling. Reading fashion blogs just makes me want more unnecessary things.
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