When we started this blog, I remember naming it partly a fashion blog, thinking that meant to just talk about clothes and hey, I love clothes. I love putting outfits together and scoring a new skirt at J.Crew…on sale. But, what does it mean to be a fashion blogger? Does it mean rocking every trend, having a near professional photographer follow you around while you twirl around in empty streets and hope the street stays empty so you don’t get hit by a car mid twirl. Or getting the side eye in Starbucks while snapping a strategically styled shot of your breakfast for Instagram.
I’m not good at rocking every trend nor am I even near being good at mastering the perfect white washed photos and the too cool gaze in my photos. I wish I knew how to make my morning Starbucks look phenomenal on Instagram, but I lack those creative skills. I feel like I should just hashtag every Instagram photo I post with, #instafail.
I almost always feel more comfortable just smiling at the camera. I’m pretty sure they don’t let the under 5 foot club model, so there really isn’t a need for me to master my smize anyway. My smize is awkward and makes people either uncomfortable or pretty sure that I’m hateful. Oh and if you’re not sure what a smize it, it is what Tyra Banks calls smiling with your eyes instead of your mouth.
Don’t get me wrong, I love those white washed photos, side glances and morning coffee shots. You can find my Pinterest board full of those pictures. But, they will never be me. So, what does that make me? I’m still a blogger, I have my own style, I suck at Instagram and you can find me some weeks wearing the same outfit on repeat #momlife.
I am a personal style blogger. This is my journey of trying new things and sometimes stepping outside of my box. These lace shorts were something that made me uncomfortable. They weren’t jean or chino and lacked the security of a structured pair of shorts. But, just like my fling with rompers, when I tried them on, I realized I was missing out by not giving them a chance.
The Look: Shorts | Top | Shoes (a similar option) | Necklace
Thanks for reading lovelies!
-Brooke
Now, let’s link-up!
Looking model good to me Brooke!!! I can relate. I wanted my blog to encompass lots and it does but crazy thing, fashion posts are the most popular! Thanks for the link up pretty lady!
My blog is about lots of different things but I think most of my posts are fashion related too! You look fabulous in this outfit! I love those white shorts!
Jill
http://www.dousedinpink.com
This is a pretty look and so feminine!
I like smiling more in my blogging pictures too. I look like I’m trying to hard when I try to be your typical fashion blogger!
http://www.jerseygirltexanheart.com
On the few occasions that I’ve done fashion posts I totally think it’s easier to smile than not! I love your personal style! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Smiling is way more natural for me…and that’s what fashion is. How you feel, act & dress! I look constipated when I don’t smile! XOXO
I know what you mean – I see a big difference between fashion blogging and personal style blogging. To me, personal style blogging will always be more inspiring 🙂 I can’t see the link up so I’ll check back again later 🙂
Away From The Blue
Looking lovely Brooke! I am not good at playing fashion blogger but it is fun trying haha! Cute outfit! Those shorts are adorable.
Rachel xo
http://www.garaytreasures.com/2015/06/wedgesandalscroptop/
Great article Brooke. I think there is plenty of room for every kind of fashion blogger. My Instagram feed would be pretty boring if all the pictures looked like they came out of a magazine. You are a real person and that is what makes us like you even more.
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Aw thank you Blaire! I totally agree with you! My favorite instagrams are the ones that have personal touches in them!
-Brooke
Thank you Rachel!! That’s exactly how I feel! I sure do have fun! 🙂
Thanks for the heads up Mica, I totally forgot to add the coding today!! Eeek, it’s there now. 🙂
Haha, yes me too!!! I love the photos of the ladies who look good in their model poses, but I always feel so weird unless I smile.
I am glad you decided to try these shorts on because they look fantastic on you!!! With the pale pink cami and the KS pendant necklace, you nailed the outfit!!
Thank you Biana!!! I love reading your blog, I’m saving up all of the awesome places you mention in Boston to one day visit!
You have a great smile and you’re pretty awesome at some model poses Monica! 🙂
Thank you Carrie!! It’s a little different than what I’m used to, but I really liked it!
Thank you Jill!! I love the mix of topics you have on your blog, it’s so fun to read!
You look super cute in these lace shorts- I’m glad you tried ’em on!
And I agree- that perfect fashion blogger life is toughhh, and one we all sorta fall short of. But that’s okay- perfection isn’t real and not that much fun, anyway. 🙂
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I enjoy writing about all kinds of different topics, but our style posts are our most popular too. Ladies love to talk about clothes! 🙂
haha I thought it was just my computer! Thanks, I’ve linked up now 🙂
Love this post Brooke, I personally prefer more down to earth style bloggers that are relatable and have everyday style inspiration. I’m with you on the smize thing I just look upset if I try that & I’m not one to have perfectly styled IG pics. I follow many of those bloggers too and appreciate what they are doing but glad that there is a variety of fashion bloggers out there. By the way love this look and those shorts look great on you!
Marta
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I much prefer personal style bloggers because that is what I can relate to. How people incorporate trends into their everyday lives without 5 inch heels. It’s more realistic. This whole outfit is adorable on you from the top to your wedges! Love it all!
the shorts look great on you!
I love fashion posts I can actually relate too, if it’s too perfect, I can’t see myself in it at all! Plus, you still look like a model in your pics, just a happy one 🙂
That’s so funny about the smize because I feel the same way. If I try to go for, what I call, the Zoolander look, I end up looking really silly or just PO’d. Love these lace shorts. I think they look amazing on you.
love your lace shorts! beautiful top! so summery!
thank you fos hosting the link up!
Irene
http://www.thedailylace.com
I love your blog and like how it incorporates a bunch of different categories! I really love those lace shorts and pretty pink top together!
~~Megan~~
http://www.poshprime.com
I think we all feel this way, you are just brave enough to say it. I never feel like I quite measure up. I think you do a wonderful job and I always appreciate your realness. Those shorts look great on you. Glad you tried them!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
You are beautiful, Brooke and we are “fashion” bloggers separated at birth! LOL! 🙂 I feel the same way! But I love your blog and all of our posts so keep doing what you’re doing , my friend!! XOXO
Good point, Mica! I like the term personal style blogging WAY better than “fashion!” XO
This is SUCH a fantastic post! I absolutely feel the exact same way (..
me; a fashion blogger?! I think I’m more a personal style blogger if
‘fashion blogging’ has become the uptight, over-planned, over-edited
thing it seems to have become!) Thanks so much for sharing <3
Xo
Lee | LegalLee Blonde
Those shorts and the top are gorgeous! I think it’s great you are linking up other bloggers too!
Raindrops of Sapphire
Love what you wrote! You have a fantastic blog, and I’m so happy to have found it! 🙂 (and by the way, how do those Bloggers get that perfect white washed pic anyway?!) 🙂 -xx
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
You’ve got a great blog and I feel the same way as you do about my own blog. Love these shorts on you!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion linkup.
Haha I was laughing as I read your post – blogging has really been a learning experience for me as well. Hope you hava great 4th !
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
I love your blog! Your pictures are great, your style is really cute, and guess what else..? I ACTUALLY ENJOY READING YOUR WORDS. I feel like an ‘Instafail’ too… I try to remember why i started blogging in first place.. FOR THE FUN OF IT! Thanks for sharing… great read.
xo
Heather Wyancko
http://ForageFashion.com
Great post Brooke! So much truth. Darling shorts. <3
What a lovely, thoughtful post Brooke! I agree with a lot of what you’ve said! Probably the #1 thing blogging has taught me is to be unapologetically myself. I always try to improve it but I try to not compare myself to others so much. I can’t smile with my eyes either! I want to learn for some variety but I want my photos to portray me and I’m a smiley kind-of girl! I see myself as a fashion blogger mostly because I love to write and I’m enjoying learning everything else that comes with it, like photography, videography, graphic design, etc. I feel like a Jane of All Trades! It’s been a fun adventure!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
What a great post!! And your blog can totally be a fashion blog even though it’s your personal style… Style tends to be timeless and touches of classic pieces unique to your personal taste… fashion comes into play when you add trendier touches to your style… right now, lots of trends are: florals, high-waisted shorts/skirts, flared skirts, palm prints, crotchet, cropped shirts, flowy blouses… and that’s just summer! If you’ve grabbed onto a trend or two…you can totally call yourself a fashion blogger!
Thanks for opening up…nice to get to know fellow blogger friends through their deeper posts!
♥
Amber
All the Cute
Recent Post: Floral Cropped Top & Draped Maxi Skirt
I cannot master the “smize” for the life of me – and believe me, I’ve tried. I can totally relate to this post!!! You look amazing in those lace shorts and I love love love that tiered tank!
xoxox Danielle
For the Love of Leopard
Loving this post, I can totally relate. Will it ever feel natural to be in front of the camera? I love your lace shorts! You look great!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthoamsblog,com
Loved this way too much!! The best part of blogging is that everyone is different and expresses their style their own way. We love how you do you and it’s always fun to appreciate what else is out there! Adoring this outfit by the way.
xx 365Hangers
Such a great post :)! I love your blog.
x. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com/
You look so gorgeous! I love the lace shorts 🙂
RedLip&Love
Love this post, so true! And I think your photos are pretty great 🙂
Love this outfit! That top is such a gorgeous color and I love the layered effect. I am adoring those shorts so much and they lay so well. Such a gorgeous summer look overall.
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
I love this post! You made some great points about one’s personal style and really we can only be our authentic selves and that’s what draws folks to you! Love your pics, especially the shorts!
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
Thank you Daphnee!! So true, I’ve had to be reminded many times in life that being myself is always better than trying to be someone else.
Thank you Denise!
Aw Sarah! You’re so sweet, thank you!
Yes! I couldn’t have said it better myself! I love gaining inspiration from others and making it my own. 🙂
Gosh I don’t know! Erica and I still feel weird posing with other people around, looking at us like what are they doing?!
Haha, Tyra would be terribly disappointed with my smize.
Aw thank you Amber! And so true!
It really is such a fun learning experience. Like you, I just love all of the new skills I’ve acquired since starting this blog!
Oh hey girlll!!! Thank you! 🙂
That is such an awesome compliment Heather!! Thank you!
Haha, the struggle of what goes in to a perfect picture! Hope you have a great 4th too!
Thank you so much Alice! I love your blog too, your style always inspires me.
I would love to know Shauna! I have googled it so much and still can’t master it, haha!
Thank you, thank you! Hosting the link up is our favorite day of the week! 🙂
Yes!!!! When I fell in love with ‘fashion’ bloggers years ago so many of them just snapped their outfits in front of a mirror or in their bedroom. The pictures didn’t need to be perfect for me to enjoy reading what they had to say and getting inspired by their style!
That is the truth Casey!! I wish we could just share a closet!
I was a little nervous posting it, but im so glad I did! I always wish I could do this or that just a little better or like someone else. But, I’m slowly learning to be myself, gain inspiration from others to continually improve myself, but to love the current state I’m in. It’s encouraging when I realize that other bloggers that I look up to (like you) feel the same way!
Thank you miss Megan!
Thank you for coming by Irene!!
Haha, oh the smize! I just want to high five all the ladies who have mastered it.
Speaking the truth girl! That’s exactly how I feel.
I totally agree Laura. I so envy the talents of the high fashion bloggers, but I can relate more to the personal style bloggers!
I follow a lot of them too and I’m always blown away by their talent! I wish I had that in me. But, I love and read so many different kinds of blogs and like you, am glad they’re all out there!
So true! No fun in perfection!!
Oh thank you, thank you!
Cute post and outfit. I actually find your style and pictures a bit of fresh air!
Love how you keep it real! Sincerity and just being real will keep your readers refreshed. You look beautiful and I love your shorts!
-Court
http://www.thegoldentabby.com
I used to pine after fashion blogs, until I realized that personal style blogs just feel more…true. I still love fashion blogs, and I will pin them endlessly, but it’s so much more exciting to watch people’s style tranform. Also, those pants are super cute. I am terrified of all-white–which means I need some white pants, pronto!
Julia | Pennies & Paper
Well said! I think the key to blogging is just write what interests you and your readers will follow 🙂
~ xo Sheree
http://poshclassymom.com
IG: @poshclassymom
First of all, I’m in love with your outfit. The girly pink top is super cute with the lace shorts. Second of all, I love that a blog is all about you. So if a trend doesn’t work for you and if you’re not comfortable taking those Instagram photos, that’s ok cause do what you love and take photos of what you like!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Yay, I loved reading this. I was a fashion major in college, and I love to share fashion on my blog, but I always feel so inadequate when I read fashion bloggers. I love the idea of calling it “personal style blog”. By the way, you look gorgeous, and I think your pictures are fantastic!
A blog is whatever you make it, fashion or otherwise. It’s your space, and I think smiling pictures are the best. You look fab and the blog is fantastic! Keep it up!
xo Bre
A really pretty feminine look. I have a pair of lace shorts too and always enjoy wearing them as they are out of the norm for me. But they have been so fun for summer. Love reading your posts!!
Katey
http://www.twopeasinablog.com
I couldn’t agree more!! Honestly, I get so annoyed with Instagram and all the stress and thought I put into it. I just try to remember that my life is not the same as other bloggers, so I should be proud of what I can do, even if that’s not perfect! Thanks so much for sharing this, it’s so nice to hear other people feel the same way:)
xo
http://www.charltonlee.com
i wrote this on the blog of someone today and i will say it again…we blog because creativity is contagious. and we are simply passing it on.
and the best thing about blogging is that it is personal. and that is what we readers look for. you. just you. the creative you. the not-so-creative you. the perfect you. and the not-so-perfect you.
as long as you have something to share, something good and worthy, no matter how small or big, you will rock our world 🙂
love your look!!
kisses from dubai ♥
http://www.mahryska.com
I love this link up concept and her outfit!
Melanie @ meandmr.com
I love this outfit! Super cute!!
Danielle
http://www.blushblossom.com
The blogging thing can be tough, but I love the fact that you’re staying true to yourself. I’m always smiling in my photos too. 🙂
This outfit is so feminine. I love the shorts and metallic sandals. You look lovely!
http://laceandpearlsblog.com
I totally agree with with you; I have tried to get that “smize” look or what some people call “giving face” with no success. I have decided to settle with my smiling face haahaa.
Very cute outfit, i love it.
http://stylediarybyosy.blogspot.com/2015/07/linkpartywithosy-1-weekend-denim-style.html
I love your outfit and you look gorgeous!!! Thank you for hosting XO!
#LINKUPWITHLISA
http://www.beauty101bylisa.com/2015/07/linkupwithlisa-24-boho-chic-knitted.html
Thank you Lisa!
Yes! My smile is so much better!
Thank you Asa, so sweet!
Thanks sweet Melanie!
So very true and deserves to be said many times!
I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one that doesn’t like Instagram!
Well said! Also, so glad to hear other people agree with me on the whole smiling thing.
Oh thank you Katey!
I bet you have a lot of great fashion advice to share! You are too sweet, thank you!
Aw thank you Tina, totally makes me feel better!
Yes! So true. 🙂
Me too Julia! I’m really self conscious in white, like, did I sit in something? I’m always asking my husband to check for me, haha.
Thank you Amy! That totally made me smile. 🙂
I try! 🙂 Thanks a bunch Court.
I have had similar thoughts! Pretty Instagram photos are hard. Keep on being real. You have a great blog
Dresses & Denim
Looking great!
Love the shorts
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram| Bloglovin
Yeah I have trouble labeling myself a fashion blogger too. Esp as I get older and am finding myself dressing more and more homely haha! But you, you are too cute, I love this outfit <3
Gina
Pink Wings
You are crazy girl! I think you’re Instagram is perfect and your photos are on point. You rock. xo ~ Megan The Fashionista Momma
Loved reading this. It’s easy to look at all of the more professional blogs and think “I need to be just like that!” and then stress on how to make it a reality. All we can do is be ourselves and hope that others can realate.
Diane
http://www.mychaneltaste.com
I really appreciate this post and can definitely relate! I never knew what a smize was until now… and I think you’re smile is so cute… so just be you! 🙂