Square One

Hey Style Lovers <-----> heyyyyy!!! It’s been a while,  how have you been?! I’ve been doing well! You’ve most certainly been on my mind, YES - my readers! As you may know, I’ve always periodically taken breaks from social media, and or fashion blogging because down time gives me the necessary space to recharge myself (read more here). However, this Summer I noticed that my break intervals became longer and more frequent. Why? I had to brainstorm to find the answer. Is it simply because my life schedule is full? No, because my life schedule has always been full. So why had I begun to feel a sense of dread, even at times disgust, whenever I thought about sitting down to actually blog a look that I wore? It took some time, but the answer finally became apparent to me. 

Perception
It takes quite a bit of work to write, edit, publish, and promote one blog post, especially when you consider how many social media platforms there are. Many bloggers use a variety of platforms to engage with more readers. My main platforms aside from this blog are Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr (although I am also on Twitter, Google + and Pinterest). In the community of fashion blogging, the current general perception seems to lend itself towards the idea of working one’s way into becoming a full-time paid and or endorsed fashion blogger and or model. 

To say that setting that objective as your own - is a challenge, is the understatement of the year. Consider that this (fashion/blogging regular and plus size) is an industry where literally tens of thousands of people are seeking one common goal- to be The One…The One who all fashion brands (or otherwise) want to work with… The One who all fashion related magazines want to feature… The One who makes it… The One who turns his or her lobby turn into a lucrative career, yes --> to be The One who is on top.

Realizations
Blogging for me began as a hobby. Sure, I thought it might be fun to work with a brand here and there; I had no intentions of marketing for any company/brand for free! LOL! However, focusing on trying to obtain partnerships with brands began to have me feeling some sort of way. Again, I had to think about why. The answer reached the surface. Simply put: I don’t want to “make it” as a fulltime blogger/model/socialite or any of the like. I do not aspire to be “The One”. My beliefs, morals, and priorities are non-negotiable and uncompromisable. I want to blog, on my own terms, in my own way.

Not only am I an appreciative introvert (read more here) BUT I’m truly and genuinely happy with my life as it stands right now: in this very moment :) My hope for the future, my genuine circle of friends, my close family, my long-term personal goals (which have nothing to do with fashion), and my career! I’m grateful to have a comfortable place to live in, a bed to sleep in each night, a variety of foods to choose from for each and every meal that I eat, and in my city: transportation! When I bring myself back to center, shifting out all of the noise, I am able to truly focus on what’s important to ME as an individual/woman, what my intentions are in blogging (read why I started here), and what aspiration is appropriate for me as the whole person. Irregardless of the cut throat ambition, fakery, dishonesty, and cliques present within the fashion blogging industry, my purpose remains the same: Blogging is for me a recreational hobby, I am decidedly different, and I will continue to do ME! 

I am so appreciative of you, my readers! I hope that something you see and or read today will inspire you!

Dress: Eliza J. | Statement necklace: JCPenney | Pumps: Victoria’s Secret | Tote: Dooney & Bourke