Inspired by the online articles about outgoing and incoming style trends, I thought that I’d try my hand at a “less of this, more of that” type post. Only in this case, the items I’d like to swap out have little to do with fashion and more to do with recently normalized practices that I personally would be happy to see less of.
Initially, there was only one on my list and I was going to devote an entire post to it. But then I thought, why stop there? Aren’t there other annoyances that I’d like to air out? Mind you, I realize that I have no real power to prevent these things from continuing to happen other than to put them out into the universe and manifest a world where they’re no longer so commonplace.
Have I piqued your interest? Or are you already thinking “what kind of crazy has she got going on here”? Truth be told, I’m known to create lists of my top dislikes as they apply to a variety of aspects in my life. For instance, at the top of my food dislike list is guava (I can’t stand the smell), corn nuts (also the smell), onions (they don’t like me either), raw fish, and spice levels above gringo. As for the things that affect me physically … don’t pull on my toes, don’t take me sailing, and I’m not going on Space Mountain with you no matter how much to plead with me. There’s more but it’s probably best for me to keep the really cray-cray stuff to myself.
Today’s “less of this, more of that” list is less about me personally and more about things that go on in the fabric of society. Well, the “society” that evolves around the media (social and otherwise) and of course, blogging.
So the first “less of this, more of that” that was the seed for this post is the overuse of the word slam in headlines. One example is when a person is called out or proven wrong as in “the internet slams man who … ” which likely generates some interest for an otherwise inconsequential story. However, it’s not just the clickbait-heavy sites that use the word “slam” so freely. I’ve seen well-respected media use it as well when there are so many other much more descriptive words and ones that don’t conjure up mental images of violence.
The use of the word “haul” with respect to the outcome of a recent shopping adventure is starting to grate on my nerves. As someone who has become so much more aware of the harms of mass consumption, I often find myself skipping past those types of posts. I may or may not be guilty of doing the same, I suppose. For a while, I was publishing a monthly post about the secondhand items I’d bought that month which I began to feel a bit uneasy about. Even though it was secondhand shopping, was I inadvertently promoting some level of excessive consumption? I’ve decided to drop that month-end feature.
Of greater interest to me are the posts that focus more on style and rewearing/recycling/repurposing the items already owned. These are the types of fashion posts I intend to publish as well. I’m not opposed to buying new clothing and I might on occasion find myself influenced to purchase an item shared in a blog or IG post and of course, write about it too. Just know that I’ll probably be skipping through any blog or IG posts if you call it a haul.
Another type of blog post that doesn’t resonate well with me are the ones full of bloopers. Sure, throw in the odd image where a child or pet randomly appears in the shot; those are adorable. But please think again about publishing a blog post with just awkward poses and odd facial expressions that didn’t make the cut for their original post. The images in this post were whittled down from the nearly 500 taken during the shoot and I assure you that there was a fair share of ones with awkward poses and odd facial expressions. My photographer, aka The Husband, doesn’t stop snapping when I’m merely brushing hair from in front of my face or adjusting my sleeves. Some of the best images are of when I’m moving around and not specifically posed. So less bloopers, and more moving around.
And lastly, I could do with less expert advice and more with trusting your gut. This is not a commentary on politics or in any way about the pandemic (but please, get the vaccine/booster). The expert advice I’m talking about relates to bloggers and Instagrammers. You’re advised on how to build your brand, how to grow your following, how to make money. If those are truly your goals, then those experts will help you but it will be mostly based on the model that worked for them. And you’re not the same as them. The advice they offer may not sit right with you and that’s ok. Take what is useful and trust your gut.
Whether or not blogging is the primary source of your livelihood, your primary goal should be connecting with your audience. The best way to make that connection is by being authentic and not concealing yourself behind a “brand”. You know, the “about me” that is written in 3rd person. Or vague references about supporting, inspiring, encouraging, etc. If you won’t tell me who you really are, why should I put any value on anything else you do share? I don’t expect a nitty-gritty tell-all, but if I can’t figure out your name and the state/country/continent where you live, you’ve lost me as a potential follower. That’s what my gut tells me.
Outfit details: jacket, Sonoma (June 2020); top, H&M (bought long ago); skirt, Jones New York (thrifted); purse, Fossil (Poshmark); boots, Rocket Dog (Poshmark); necklaces, unknown (old)
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. My featured blogger from last week’s link-up post is Cathy, who you’ll find at Life Of 2 Snowbirds along with her husband. This dynamic duo share their insights about living the good life on a retirement budget as well as their many traveling adventures.
I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a few more “less of this, more of that” to my list. But I’ll save those for another time. What would be at the top of your “less of this, more of that” list?
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photos: MMPerez
33 Comments
What a beautiful outfit. I love the skirt. Thanks for the party .
You’re welcome, Amy. Thanks for joining.
Oh boy I do twice a year a blooper post and I love to do that. For me it’s the don’t take yourself so seriously online thing about it what I like. What I can’t read is the: what I used last month. And then all photos of empty post and tubes……wtf. Love your boots! Very you!
Nancy, I’m in agreement with you about not taking yourself too seriously. And I also find many of those “last month” type posts to be less than promising and rarely worth reading.
Rena, you said “fashion-related or not,” so I put up a link—I’m passionate about food! Loved this post. I, too, am tired of “slam” and “haul” and so many other words and phrases that are everywhere. But my main less of this/more of that is I’d like to see more people expressing their opinions respectfully and less of people expressing their opinions with hatred and scorn for those who have a different opinion. There are even fashion and home decor articles like that where the writer ridicules styles and trends she doesn’t like.
Jean, your recipe posts are absolutely welcome at my link-up parties. I’m always on the hunt for new menu ideas. And I agree with you about expressing opinions respectfully. With so many examples of ridicule and shaming going viral, that behavior is in danger of becoming normalized as well.
Agree with you on all those points. You are sporting a fun style today-sort of Boho wit a Rena twist? I just stopped going to thrift shops because of Covid but then decided I could actually live without them. Funny, about everything I got at the thrift shop ended back up at the thrift shop so 90% what I bought wasn’t keepers. I’ve been once in two and a half years, now. Take care, Terri
Terri, I do think that the description of “boho with a twist” quite suits my style. And your point about overshopping at thrift stores because of the low prices is something I’ve been guilty of as well.
We all need a rant occasionally! Please, please less of the word unique because so few people know what it means. Unique means it is UNIQUE, a one-off, it cannot be ”very unique’, ‘quite unique’ or ‘pretty unique’ – puts me immediately on edge and reduces the person in my eyes. How shallow is that??
A great look for you today Rena, your figure looks so good in a short jacket and flowing skirt.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
Pamela, not shallow at all. Unique is one of those words that should be used less. Thanks for sharing.
My focus this year is to spend less on clothes and to work on getting back to regular blog posts of different ways to wear an item, inspired by posts and just thrifty fashion. I did not add up how much money I spent on clothes last year but it was more than I would like so and keeping track of that this year. I typically delete all of my bloopers because I just don’t want to waste the space on my phone and computer. Really like this outfit as I am trying to wear more of my skirts in the winter. Still have grey boots envy but I haven’t come across a pair to replace my old ones.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, gray boots are a wonderfully versatile item to have and often not so easy to find. But patience is a virtue so the wait until the right pair comes along will be worth it in the end.
Very perceptive post. I agree on all the social media points. No to slammed, no to hauls, and yes to Influencers (boy do I hate that word) being authentic. I generally ignore any who are trying to sell us their expert guidance. Keep sharing your refreshing views!
Gail, I’m so glad that you like the post. The term influencer had been on the list but I decided to save for another post focusing specifically on that.
I loved reading this. And your outfit is styled so lovely. I always see “hauls” on YouTube and sometimes they can be silly. But I suppose it’s just a creative market we live in. I think it’s more interesting when people stay unique and just be themselves. I hope your having a great start to 2022.
https://www.bauchlefashion.com/2022/01/how-to-get-fashion-editors-office-style.html?m=1
Thank you, Heather. I’m so delighted that you like my outfit and that you would like to see fewer of those “haul” type posts.
Your title definitely grabbed my attention; I am trying to buy less and use more of what I have on hand. I do recognize the call to be “authentic” that most experts are telling us we must be if we want to grow and enjoy success. However, it’s such a conflicting message because while they are saying that they are also telling us to do exactly what they do! Ha!!
Thanks for the link up Rena!
xo,
Kellyann
Kellyann, doesn’t feel better to buy less and use the items you love more? As for the title of this post, I just hope that it has some SEO value but who am I kidding? 😉 It doesn’t contain “how to” or a number (as the experts advise you to do) but I’m not sure that really matters so much.
Oh, as I was reading this, I kept thinking, “Hmmm…am I going to find something I do on this list?” I don’t think so, but I do occasionally throw in the funny or weird photo Nigel catches. He takes lots (nowhere near 500) of pictures. What bugs me is it will be the perfect outfit pose, but my face looks wonky. I have tried to be authentic, especially in my “About Me” page. I mean, if I’m not authentically me there, where am I going to be me? I’m trying to think of the things that bug me…I think my number one is the closet winnowing followed by post after post after post of new (and usually expensive) clothing and then telling me they have a carefully curated closet. Oh, I could go on and on about that!
Thanks for the link up, Rena!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Obviously, great minds think alike, Marsha. My husband often questions the images I include as some he’d consider to have odd expressions or awkward posing. But, sometimes you need to balance the merits of the pose vs the expression. And I agree with you about posts on closet purges that ring falsely.
As I was reading your thoughts about “slam” I was thinking, the word that bothers me a lot lately is “haul” and then there it was in your next paragraph! In fact, I’m in agreement with everything you say in this post. My “less of this, more of that” as it pertains to blogging, at least, would be “more authenticity, less trying to sell me something.” I’ve actually stopped following a few blogs recently that seemed to be little more than advertising arms for the brands they represent.
Elaine, I’m so glad to hear that it’s not just me that’s bothered by shopping “hauls”. Yes, I love to shop but there is more to life and that’s what I try to share in my blog. It’s also want to see in the blogs I follow.
A very interesting post, Rena, I like your insights, thanks for sharing. Love your outfit, the skirt is very pretty
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com/
Thank you, Anna. I’m glad that you enjoyed reading this post.
Hi Rena
I agree with those words. I am put off by “hauls” as well, as it does come off as look at all the stuff i bought! Another for me, and I have done these per request of brands is “unboxing. When I thought about it more, it drives me a bit cray-cray watching them taking forever to open a box! lol. Anyhow, one thing we could use is more of the word “very” and less of the word “Super”! It seems to have dissapeared from the English language. Love the washed black jacket with the outfit. 🙂
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I’ve given up Instagram completely. Why? I like to make connections with people. I want to hear what they have to say, who they are, and Instagram seems overwhelmingly transactional. Yes, some bloggers operate that way too, but they seem to be fewer and further between. I’ve “met” some truly awesome people blogging – yourself included. I’ve pretty much quit following those that don’t share themselves and sound like a commercial. So I get it.
Love this outfit, btw. 😄
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Your outfit is lovely! I really like that skirt 🙂 And I smiled because I love a good haul video! I like bloggers who track their spending through the year it’s interesting to see their wardrobe additions each month (or every month or so) and how they are sticking to their budget but still managing to find a lot of bargain buys! That’s the beauty of blogging though isn’t it, you’ll always find the kinds of blogs you like and enjoy reading in time! 🙂
Thanks for the link up!
Hope that your week is going well 🙂
If I did a bloopers post I reckon I would loose half of my followers! Ha! I film clothing hauls oer on my YouTube channel. These are my highest rated films too. It’s just a small part of influencing xx
So many good callouts! I’ve always tried to focus on remixing my closet and agree 100% on the importance of being authentic so you can connect with your readers!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Rena, great post and fabulous outfit! I think the last (and only) time I ever wrote a “haul” post was probably 6 years ago when I challenged myself to get as many items as possible with Old Navy rewards without going a penny over so it was all essentially free. But like you, I now cringe at overconsumption of any sort. And even though I still over consume things, I am definitely not feeling the need to share how grotesquely excessive I can be sometimes. I’ll keep real and admit that I do it, but I really don’t want to SHOW it to y’all!
As for the media and their word choices, I have a tendency to just ignore all of it because it only serves to irritate the heck out of me.
And while I do actually enjoy a good blooper round up post, I prefer to share the really good bloopers right in the post where I am sharing the outfit.
This was a fun read and I was cracking up at your dislike lists in the beginning! I do not like my toes grabbed either! But I do love a good foot massage. And I will gladly wait with you while everyone else rides Space Mountain. Also, the smell of thyme nauseates me. Haha.
Shelbee
Fun look. Thanks for hosting the linky party. Have a super week x
The gray boots with the jean jacket look wonderful. With the flowing skirt to soften the look, the entire outfit pulls together. Thanks for hosting the link-up.
I really agree with a lot of things you said in this post. It kept my interest all the way to the end and then I came to the paragraph about our blog! Thank you so much for the feature and very kind words. (Are my eyes really closed in this pic?! You said something about not including the bad pics in a blog post lol but I loved that little bridge!!) Thank you for hosting this nice party and have a great week! PS. I love how you put your outfit together!