Don't fake the funk

Outfit:

Chunky knit sweater - Express

Striped three-quarter sleeve top - Forever21

Jeans - Mandee

Sunglasses and necklace - Mandee

Patent leather penny loafers - Zara

In my role as a blogger, I'm often wondering what other bloggers think of their own work and image. I would hope that no one makes pre-meditative moves to create an image of oneself that isn't true. Let me rephrase that...

While, yes, planning your outfits around your blog is a conscience decision, and organizing is certainly part of generating ideas and content for your blog, I can only speak for myself that I'm not putting on airs for the world to see. I think there may be people who do just that... who fake the funk and be what they think everyone wants them to be, wants to see... This lies in fashion choices, general bandwagon jumping in terms of changing their admiration for various designers as fast as Charlie Sheen says winning and casting oneself in a light individually deemed as pleasant, when in reality, the lighting captures all your bad sides... and I'm not talking about your physical appearance.

On the other hand, deeming yourself as a "fashion blogger" does come with pressure to look your best, but the best content you can together and stay true to yourself and your blog. When I attended the IFB Evolving Influence Conference in February, many panelists stressed the importance of thinking of yourself as a brand. At first, I thought the concept was a little weird.

"I'm not selling an image. "

Well, actually, if I'm putting up photos of myself in an attempt to display my own personal style views and looks, then I'm branding or "selling" my perceptual image in a particular way.

As a writer and blogger, I feel it's my duty to be bluntly and blatantly honest about myself and to my readers in terms of my style. I don't shop in certain stores just because I notice that everyone and their mother is doing it. I don't conform to style standards strictly - instead, I draw inspiration from them and make em my own. It might be weird, and you might think I'm nuts occasionally for wearing it, but at least it's genuine. All any blogger can be is themselves, and I think it's really whack when I see 10 bloggers rocking the same look all in the name of label dropping. Luckily, I don't come across that often, but it happens, and it's really tacky. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Do you, bro. 

I came, I saw, I blogged

I died and went to blogger heaven... and everyone was taking pictures of themselves.

As you've probably noticed, everything this week has been leading up to the the IFB Evolving Influence Conference that took place yesterday at Milk Studios in NYC. It all kicked off when the wind ruined my bangs on Wednesday night, but meeting contest winners and bloggers Krista from ProFreshStyle and Nubia from Nubia's Nonsense made up for it. I also met Jennine, founder of IFB and The Coveted, who is without a doubt one of the most bubbly, friendly and just all around down-to-earth ladies in the blogging business.

As part of winning the contest, I won a camera and the chance to participate in a produced video, which meant I interviewed fellow bloggers in uncomfortable shoes throughout the day on their thoughts on the future of fashion blogging. Plus, fellow contest winner, and my new favorite person from Michigan, Doni from LivLuxMag was my partner in crime.

Heavy stuff, right?

Among the many stylish bloggers I chatted with, and the panels, here'a a couple of highlights:
1. Boston loves blogging!

During the panels, I scoured the room for potential interviewees for my assignment. I happened to bump into Amy of StylishYear.com (at far right), who donned an adorable skirt from H&M... I knew I'd get a long with her immediately after sharing that my ensemble was also from the same store. She introduced me to Mara Does Makeup (ww.beso.com) and Nina of TheStyleGlossary.com (pictured at left).

2. Bloggers ain't playin' with their footwear. The Jeffrey Campbells were out in full effect... and I'm not complaining. The wedge was also a favorite.

3. The panels were amazing! There is an abunance of info that I didn't know was so accessable... and obtainable! Plus, I was somewhat surprised that the blogging community are a bunch of cool, down-to-earth women (assumingly) who are uber friendly and (obviously) blatently fashionable or epic fail clothing donners.

4. London has beautiful grassy landscapes... North Jersey has farms with dirty sheep.

Here's some other gems from the day:



Jennine and I from IFB & The Coveted



Proenze Schouler, the keynote speakers

Sarah of Effortless Cool (http://www.effortlesscool.wordpress.com/)



My Outfit

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Striped Tunic - H&M

Faux leather vest - Mandee

Ponte leggings - Forever21

Patent leather wedge boots - Modcloth.com

Oh, and check out some of the blogs I'm diggin' from the pleathora of cards I exchanged:

- Fashables Thanx Ryan for the blog love! And read about his IFB experience here

- http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/

- Tastesandstyle.blogspot.com

IFB Pick Me!

I had been planning on attending the Independent Fashion Blogger's Evolving Influence Conference.... until the tickets sold out. Immediately, a wave of disappointment washed over me as the thought of missing Proenza Schouler's key note speech and not being in the mix at a gaggle of panels with fellow bloggers and fashion lovers.

Now, IFB is giving reader's the chance to make a video and possibly, win a ticket! Here's my video - hope you (yes, you, IFB) like it!