For the past 5-8 weeks, I have been working on a massive research paper for my Art History class. I wanted to make this paper special for me, so I picked something close to my heart: blogging. I have been doing this job for over 3 years now and you know what…I’m horrible at being a blogger! Okay, that’s not entirely true because I devote an insane amount of time to creating this content and making it great, but when you think of a fashion blogger, I don’t fit that mold! I really do love what I do, but let me explain to you 4 reasons why suck at being a fashion blogger in the world.
“Fashion bloggers are a kind of species of fashionistas that dedicate their lives to their fashion blog, a place where they post pictures of the latest runway trends that no one can ever afford (including themselves) …wearing things they considered fashionable” – Urban Dictionary
Okay from the definition above, you can obviously see that their perception of fashion bloggers is inherently negative, which is not that great in terms of this post. In my research for my paper, I have found some key differences between myself and the fashion blogger mold. I definitely don’t fit this mold at all, but let me explain to you why.
1. Fashion blogging requires money. I’m on a student budget aka NO $$$!
When you look at the top bloggers, you’ll notice a pattern. The majority of bloggers either have grown up with money or worked their butts off in work outside of blogging in order to make money. I don’t fault anyone for having money, but I do know that it’s a lot easier to make it as a blogger when you have money. Being able to create new outfits in every post is a definite bonus and trend I see across the blogger world, and I don’t have the funds to do that, plain and simple.
2. I’m a full-time student at a top 20 University, so I don’t have the time I need to devote to blogging to be a great fashion blogger.
Not only do I attend an incredibly rigorous university, but I also am completing a double major. For the next 2.5 years, I will be getting increasingly deeper in my studies and traveling around the world for study abroad programs (which will help create content). I will find the time to devote to blogging, but I don’t know if I will be posting every day, every week. I wish I could devote more time, but at the end of the day, school comes first…until blogging income becomes a liveable income, then school can flutter away.
3. I have a passion for blogging, but not exclusively fashion blogging.
I love blogging, I really do. When I started out, I thought “Oh fashion blogging is going to be my thing!,” but when I think about it now, I was a naive 16 year-old girl. I love blogging and fashion, but I do know that fashion blogging is not the endgame. I love traveling and photography and want to explore lifestyle blogging, more so than fashion blogging in the coming year.
4. I don’t have the typical fashion blogger body.
I don’t need a million people in the comments telling me, “oh my gosh, you’re gorgeous babe,” and I know that I’m slim. I’ve been working out nonstop since I was about 17, so I can see where it’s paid off. That being said, fashion bloggers are typically a US size 0-2, but I’m a size 4-6. It doesn’t show in some photos, but in others, it is easily seen. Especially on Instagram, people tend to drift to the thin and tall girl with the tiny body and right now, I just don’t have that.
Shop The Post:
I’m very hard on myself. I will often not post videos and posts for weeks until I am happy with them (ahemm…right now). Being a perfectionist, I find the need to make things great. I’ve really struggled in the last few weeks. The struggle for perfection really plays a role in how I make content. In reality, I think it helps make me a good blogger truly. So now that I’ve given you 4 reasons why I am a bad blogger, let’s switch it up.
1. I’ve evolved with my blog and showcased these new points in my life through my blogging.
If you haven’t figured out by now, I’m in my second year at college. I’ve evolved so much in the last year and it’s become really evident. I figured out how to work through my struggles and new points in my life with the blog as a method of doing that. I changed my blog layout multiple times in the last year, each time sharing a new part of my life. The newest one is a great change from my old one and it feels very adult and minimalist, like most things in my life right now.
2. I have an eye for photography and I can edit my photos the way I want.
Photography is my love right now. I love doing it and it really helps me create my aesthetic when it comes to blogging.I’ve downloaded tools, which I’ve got a post coming up real soon about what I use to edit all of my photos, that have really helped me create tailor my photos and blog posts.
3. I know what I want, who I want to work with, and how I want to run my blog.
For the majority of the blogging world, if you want to make money, you can’t be choosy (that’s not a word but roll with me). I don’t have the option to make serious choices. At the same time, I know what brands I want to work with. You all will never know how many brands and opportunities I turned down this year. Ever since I hit 10,000 followers on Instagram, the system of brands not wanting to pay has still not died. I have to make serious choices between brands who value my time and work and brands that do not. At the end of the day, I work with brands who I truly believe in and the work and products are valued on both ends.
4. I have a passion for this and I honestly love what I do every day.
I can’t say this enough, but I love my job. It’s not a hobby or a joke, but it’s a job. If everyone knew how long I spend curating content, planning trips and bits, or planning social media content. I love what I do. If I didn’t or was just here for the money, I wouldn’t have been here for 3 years. I’m not the perfect blogger, I don’t have the most followers or the most engaged people following me, but I continue because I love it.
Well, that was quite a welcome back right?! I only left for a week, but I wanted my first post back to be epic. I think this accomplished that goal in some way, form, or fashion. What makes me unique when it comes to blogging is my take on what I do. Paired with my nonchalance when it comes to my attitude. I have been struggling for the last year to find where I belong in many ways, but I think I’ve found where I belong in the blogging world. I’m excited to share it with you all in the new year.
Also, you should show some love on my Bloglovin page!
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pia
your con’t have to be like every other fashion blogger to count as a blogger, I like your blog because you are different and it’s much more interesting to follow different styles of blogging!
CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY on Fash ‘n’ fudge
Fash ‘n’ fudge
Anastasia Nicole
YASSS!!! All of this young icon! I constantly struggle with not having time to devote to my blog because I work 12 hours a day. If that means I won’t be the world’s best blogger, so be it. I’d rather focus on being passionate, writing great content, and having an awesome time building something I can be proud of.
xx
A
Christine Kong
First of all you do not suck in any way or form! I love your dedication and perfectionism because that’s what makes you who you are and who we love. I think blogging has totally evolved since the original term and it’s about style and working within your own budget and aesthetic. You are amazing and inspirational and a full time student which is incredible. Keep up the fantastic work babe! Xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Jordan Chapman
Christine KongHaha Christine, thank you for saying that and I appreciate it! I really do love what I do and I’m glad that it shows through. Thank you again for the kind words xx
Miki
This is such a funny post to me. I’m having deja vu because someone else also made a delaration of being a bad fashion blogger on her blog, but even some of the best fashion bloggers don’t get traffic or have little money and you’re doing just fine! Don’t overthink it. 🙂 I think your photos are great, but if you’re wanting to change direction, lifestyle blogging is a very popular title. 🙂
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jordan Chapman
MikiOh wow, I’m shocked that someone else felt similarly!! Thanks for the kind words and I am really considering the switch to lifestyle! WE will have to see where the new year takes us! xx
Josie
I personally think you’re doing a great job as a fashion blogger considering all the work you have aside. I’m also not the typical fashion blogger ( tall slim etc ) but people are still interested in my content. That’s the proof that ALL body shapes have a place in the blogging world. I’m also thinking of expanding my lifestyle and food section a little more cause that I love too!
You have a passion for blogging and that’s the most important thing! Can’t wait to see what’s coming up for you next year!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Jordan Chapman
JosieI really think that 2017 will be the year of the new blogger, where people find that all bloggers are not the same. I’m glad that my passion for blogging shows through and I think I’ve got some fun things coming up next year! xx
Gracie
LOL, love the urban Dictionary definition !!!! Don’t be hard on yourself, I am a student too & school is my top priority as well. But the beauty of blogging is your passion & you can make it whatever you want. You have great writing, style & photography. And not every viewer wants to see a size 2 thats why so many bloggers can find their niche & do well. You are doing a great job, just keep doing you & you will be a huge success !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Jordan Chapman
GracieI’m glad you enjoyed that!! I wanted to lighten it up a bit, so Urban Dictionary is always a way to do that! Being a student is a blessing and a curse, but I’m glad you like what I create! Thank you for the kind words and I really hope that I can keep it up! xx
Stephanie
This was so fascinating to read. I was a little taken aback when I first saw your title, but even after reading the negative portions of this post, I can understand where you’re coming from. I haven’t had a job in over a year (sans blogging) because of major health issues, so when I started my blog right after I lost my last job, I truly had no idea how to make it all work. It’s been quite the process to keep myself afloat. And I can also understand your size “issues” as I drift anywhere between a 2-6 depending on the brand and the time of year. It can be a challenge to make a career for ourselves from blogging, but it’s also so wonderful to see what we CAN accomplish with it, so I loved reading the positive portions of this post the most! You’re encouraging ME to keep going even when it gets tough! Loved your unique perspective on all of this!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Jordan Chapman
StephanieThanks for reading this Stephanie! I’m glad you read the enitre thing before you decided what your thoughts were! That’s how I designed it and I’m glad that it resonated so well with you! I’ve got such a love-hate relationship with the blogger industry, but I continue on because I truly love what I do. I’m glad the post was encouraging and I’m glad that you found inspiration in it! xx
Camille
Fashion blogging is no easy task, props to those who are able to update on the daily!!
Jordan Chapman
CamillePeople think it’s easy, but it’s definitely not!! xx
Jo
I think it’s wonderful whenever I see a blogger who’s not like everyone else, who clearly does her own thing, and who blogs for the passion of doing it. You are all those things. Keep doing what you do because you are doing it fabulously.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Jordan Chapman
JoThank you for the kind words Jo! I’m glad you can see what I was going for and that it shows through!! xx
Atsuna Matsui
You’re so cute dear and this was definitely an interesting read. In many ways, I also feel like I’m not the typical blogger since I’m very shy and I don’t make a huge effort in networking at events and such. Blogging is my career and not my life so there are days where I don’t like to snap every moment of my life since I want to appreciate some moments as is. I definitely don’t feel like I have the blogger personality where I’m super engaging, but doesn’t mean that blogging is still something we enjoy doing and challenge us at times to grow and learn.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
Jordan Chapman
Atsuna MatsuiI’m really glad that you enjoyed the post and that it seemed to resonate with you! I’m glad that I can see that blogging is a career for you and I really love what you’re doing on your site! It’s such a challenge and really pushes people out of their comfort zones, but I love what I do! xx
Samantha Mariko
I really enjoyed this post – the title was eye-catching! double majoring AND running this blog? you are crazy! I almost did a double major but it was just too much work so I gave up there haha.. I think the most important thing as a blogger is to be unique and you have that! keep doing your thing girl!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Jordan Chapman
Samantha MarikoI’m glad you enjoyed it so much Samantha! Yeah a double major and a blog!! It’s a lot, but I love it!! A lot of late nights and long weekends, but it all pays off! I’m glad that you like it and thank you for the kind words! xx
rachel
I know blogging is not easy, especially with double major. You’re doing just fine. Your outfit is lovely by the way.
xoxo, Rachel
Jordan Chapman
rachelBlogging is one of the hardest things I do, but I do it because I love it, so it pays off! xx
Linh Dao
What are you talking about!? You don’t suck!! You are doing great love! I always think I suck at blogging too haha I know how much time it takes to create contents and then editing etc. it takes forever especially when we all have other things going on in our lives! So I understand completely!! But you are your own blogger! So keep doing you boo! You are doing great!
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
Jordan Chapman
Linh DaoHahaha thank you so much for that love! I’m not horrible, but I’m not great at it either! Most of it’s just that I don’t fit the mold, but I think that’s a good thing! xxx
Helen Chik
You’re preaching to the choir lady! I actually started my blog years and years ago under a different name and did it whilst studying. It was incredibly hard to manage and not having a job meant being so limited to the outfits I could create. It’s only recently have I been able to make a decent living from it. My advice would be to keep at it and building your presence and when the time is right you’ll know when to go full time!
Helen xx
https://ch1k.com/discover-bangkok-in-2-days
Jordan Chapman
Helen ChikI’m glad I’m not the only one haha! It’s so hard to manage and balance it all, but I think it’ll pay off in the long run! Yours is fab, so glad to see what the future holds!! x
Kusum
Oh babe, you are not alone! We have all been there and feel the exact same way at one point or another. The bright side is you are studying at a great university and you are still dedicating the time you can to your blog. Not just that, you doing a great job at it!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Jordan Chapman
KusumI’m glad that you think it’s been going so well! Thanks for the kindness! x
marcy
Babe you don’t suck at all maybe you think like that because you don’t have the time to create lots of content like you will like but at the end of the day the content you create is always great and we always love reading it. I just quit my 9 year old job to pursuit my blogging carreer as a traveler and I think one you have a passion and a mission theres nothing it can’t stop you. I know you will find your path and if blogging is something you really love you will find the right way to make it worth and balance it the way you have been doing babe. Please keep sharing amazing content!
Love
Marcy
Jordan Chapman
marcyAwww thanks for that! It’s great to see people succeeding traveling and blogging and you’re doing such a fabulous job at it! I will definitely keep it up and I’m excited to keep it up in the new year!
Yasmin
What a great way to identify a lot of the challenges we face as bloggers. None of us are perfect, or even near it, but we do like to try and do our best. This has given me a lot to think about. Thanks!
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Jenn Hanft
Aw girl, it’s hard out there but I’ve learned to stop comparing yourself to others and even when you’re fighting against a current, staying true to who you are is the best! Kudos to that double major!! I’m actually a full time student too and I have a part time job. I don’t have the money and time to dedicate to blogging but I make the best of what I have and I feel like that’s good enough for me! Working with what you have and turning that into an outfit is what I think fashion should be about, not just designer brands. And girrrrl I don’t have the body either. I’m actually a 6-8 LOL so it’s pretty intimidating comparing yourself to the lot but don’t worry, instead of trying to fit in – stick out!! You’re doing a wonderful job 🙂
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Jordan Chapman
Jenn HanftI’m slowly, but surely stopping the comparisons and I’m glad that I’m doing it, even if it took 3 years of blogging haha! It’s so awesome to see another student blogger and your blog is awesome as well!! I’m hitting the gym so often now, but nothing, so I’ll take the body I’ve got haha! xx
Sharon Wu
Haha you are an amazing blogger babe! But I can totally understand all the points you’ve made here lol! It is challenging but so worth it if you love doing it 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com
Yuena Li
Oh girl, you and I are on the same page. Being a blogger isn’t easy at all. Sometimes I think I should just stick to videos but believe it or not, I’m really fascinated by peoples blogs. Haha.
With love, Yuena
http://youtube.com/simplyyue
Jordan Chapman
Yuena LiAll of the good things are hard, but that means they’re worth it!! 🙂 x
Bernice
The money and energy that fashion bloggers put into work is amazing! You are a great blogger and even if you go against the grain, it’s just another thing that entices your audience as you’re unique!
http://www.bunnybernice.com/blog
Jordan Chapman
BerniceI love being a bit different and it’s such a great thing! xx
Nicole Norman
Hey Jordan 🙂 Im a double major blogger too and Lord knows it’s tough!!!! Keep up the excellent work though and I absolutely love this outfit! The boots are to die for! x
Jordan Chapman
Nicole NormanI’m glad I’m not alone!! College is such a pain, but I love it!
MJ Junior
Wow! I think you’re perfect just the way you are because you know your worth, you are embracing who you are and it shows through the content you create!
And that is how it should be really!
I just came across your blog and I am definitely going to be a regular!
Stay awesome! xxx
http://www.tlmurban.com
Jordan Chapman
MJ JuniorI do appreciate the kind words!! It’s so nice finally knowing my worth and I’m glad that you can see it! Definitely do come back, I’ve got some great content planned!
Lisa
I can definitely relate to your four points why you are not the perfect blogger. Perfect summary of a blogger’s struggles.
Lisa – http://www.lisasmirror.com
Floortje
I know how hard it can be to combine your full time study with blogging. Blogging takes a lot of time, something most people don’t know about. Hope you can manage it anyway! You look great honey!
Xx,
|| FLOORTJELOVES ||
http://www.floortjeloves.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/floortjeloves-12198253
Adi
You’re an amazing blogger!! I think this post proves that 🙂
Adi xx
fancycorrectitude.com
instagram.com/fancycorrectitude
theEditorsNotebook
Such an honest post, – know what it’s like to be a perfectionist!
City Style and Living: The Editors Notebook | Instagram