Lately, I feel like I have been in an on-and-off funk with my blog photographs. As most of you know, my husband takes my photos. He does a phenomenal job, doesn't complain and is 100% self taught. He is a style blogger's dream. Truly. However, this summer has been somewhat of a trick. He has an extremely busy schedule. I am a taxi cab driver for camps, running errands and sports practices. Weekends have been filled with summer fun, family time, getaways with friends and sleeping in.
Squeezing in time for blog pictures hasn't been the highest on our agenda. Don't get me wrong, I take my site very seriously and have always put my whole hardhearted effort into it. Recently, many of our photo sessions have been rushed, haven't been well thought out, not taken during "magic" hour and I just haven't been feeling it. This whole "not" feeling it syndrome has been a bit of a bummer because I began the whole comparison game...comparing myself to other bloggers, what they are wearing, their lighting, clothing, angles, makeup, hair, how many likes they get on Instagram and the list goes on. I know. Ridiculous, right? This whole ballgame of being a blogger can take it's toll on you when it comes to posting photos of yourself several times a week. We are all our own worst critic, but sometimes it gets way out of hand. And we all know that this goes way beyond a blog...it happens every day in all of our lives.
This summer I have really had to reel myself back to reality and remind myself that I am not 24 years old anymore. I have wrinkles, sagging and cellulite. I am a mom of elementary aged children. I don't have a professional photographer that I can afford to hire. For the most part, our bank account is used for saving money, taking family trips, my kids' college fund, paying bills and life's neccestities. This blog has become my stay-at-home job, so to speak, and with any job comes responsibilities, commitments, becoming better, working hard and submitting your best work/projects. When I think about all of these things, it honestly puts a pit in my stomach. Just a few short years ago I was taking outfit photos in my backyard and was proud of them (I still am), but as you grow in any career or hobby and the longer you do it, the better you want to get and focus on perfecting your craft. With that comes more pressure, occasional self doubt and again the dreaded comparison of not being good enough at something you are passionate about.
Long story short, if I plan to continue sharing pieces of my life and wardrobe with you ladies, I have to find a way to give myself a break, remember why I started blogging, have fun during these times we have together during this journey and embrace the times when Ross and I hit it right. I must say, I am pretty pumped about the ones posted today; prouder than I have been in a long time. If that makes me conceited or arrogant, I apologize. I am not even close to perfect and will never be a leading style blogger in the sea of blogs. I just need to find my way back to being content with everything I post regardless if the lighting sucked, I had a crooked smile in all the pictures and if my outfit wasn't the most blog worthy. Honestly, I just want to make sure that every time I come here and share, I am being me and accept all my imperfections because at the end of the day, that is what I am trying to teach my own kids.
Chicwish Mint Lace Dress c/o (I am wearing a size medium) // Chicwish Crochet Lace Cardigan c/o // Charlotte Russe Ankle Boots (option here and here) // Sweet Clover Designs Necklace c/o // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Bangle Set c/o // Wrenn Jewelry Druzy Ring c/o // Gorjana Ring c/o
In case you skipped all of the above, let's talk clothes. You guys, this isn't the first time I have posted about Chicwish and it won't be the last...most likely more will come this week. I got this mint lace dress and crochet cardigan in the mail last week without any intentions of wearing them together, but they were meant to be paired. Many of you have asked about Chicwish's quality since the items come from Hong Kong. I own close to a dozen items from their online boutique and can honestly say I have only been disappointed in one item. Everything else has been stellar and very well made. So, if you are on the fence about ordering anything, I hope I can ease your mind and that you feel confident in your purchase. Plus, get 20% off your entire purchase until July 27th.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great start to the week! xoxo
