The Stigma Around Blogging
My blog has now been up and running officially for a week and I'm enjoying so much having it as a place to share everything I'm interested in. From designing the website, to writing the posts, to taking photos, a lot goes into it but I'm loving every part of it and feel so happy to have a space on the internet where I can finally do these things that I enjoy. Thank you if you've been reading my blog posts and showing your support on social media over the past week- I'd probably continue running my blog and writing posts even if no one was reading them as I genuinely do enjoy it so much, but it is also really nice and rewarding to know that others are enjoying it too,
However, something that I've noticed, not just in the week that I've been running this blog, but back when I ran my old blog and ever since taking an interest in bloggers and the blogging community really, is the stigma around blogging. It's the reason that I wouldn't share my previous blog, that I had for around 3 years, on social media and the reason that it took me so long to start up this one. It's definitely something that I don't think is as prevalent for me as it was a few years ago, whether that's because of the people I surround myself with, the growth of the blogging community, or simply me giving less of a sh*t of what people think. But even if this stigma has diminished, people still seem to have a problem with blogging.
Actually, I think I should re-phrase that. It's not just that people have a problem with blogging- no one turns the nose up at the fact I run the Girls Against blog- it's blogging about personal style and creating a blog around yourself and your own life and personality that seems to really carry a stigma. From people looking at you weird when someone's taking a picture of your outfit or the bitchy remarks made about the fact you're willing to post these pictures on Instagram to the sarcastic mocking of anyone who plucks up the courage to do so, there's something about personal blogs that people just aren't comfortable with.
I think it's probably something to do with how ingrained self-deprecating is into British culture. Most people just aren't at ease with being confident in themselves- and I'm not saying that I'm a totally confident person and always feel great about the person I am and what I look like- but I don't see a problem with photographing an outfit that I've put time and effort into putting together because I think it looks good. I still struggle when I'm talking about my blog or anything that I'm doing that is either/both unusual or I'm doing well in not to do so with an air of self-deprecation. But I always, always, always make a conscious effort not to put anyone else down in that position, because you can usually be sure that everyone feels at least some self-doubt about something in their life, so they don't need others putting them down about it too- especially if it's something positive.
I really couldn't care less anymore if people think blogging is 'vain' or 'weird' because it's something that I love doing and I know it's affecting my life in a positive way. If there's anything you're thinking of doing, whether it's starting your own blog or something totally different, but you're putting it off because of what people might think, just do it (and no, this post is not sponsored by Nike- that cliche has just come in handy here). People are always going to make comments and say things behind your back and give you weird looks in the street (this one is mostly applicable to blogging but would definitely work for other things too...I hope) so you may as well just start doing something that you love for yourself.
Anyway, I'm including these photos whilst discussing this topic because they were taking in a very public place where I got my fair share of strange looks whilst posing amongst the leaves and in the mud for them. Also, these are my favourite photos that I've shared on my blog so far (and will probably stay that way for a while) and so I thought they were appropriate for a conversation about doing things you love and self-confidence! They were taken by the amazing Jenny Gavan and there's going to be a couple more posts with photos taken by Jenny coming up in the next week or so that I'm really excited to share, and hopefully even more in the future! Jenny is an incredible photographer and I'd highly recommend taking a look at some of her work- you can find her on Instagram @jennygavanphoto.
I'll also talk a little bit about this outfit (and then I'll shut up because this post is getting loooong). Starting with the jeans because they're how the styling of this outfit began, I picked them up in a vintage shop called Armstrongs, recommend to me by my lovely friend Anna, whilst in Edinburgh a few weeks ago. After having them taken up they fit perfectly and I'm so happy to have them in my wardrobe as a pair of white straight-leg jeans are something that I've been looking for for quite some time. And, to top it all off, they're by Yves Saint Laurent which, although I'm not big on buying designer clothes (purely because I cannot afford them- let's not pretend that I'm taking some sort of admirable political stance here), I was pretty excited to find these for £20. My favourite pair of jeans were actually £1 in a charity shop and so now I'm always on the hunt for good second-hand denim and I have a feeling this pair are going to be another of my favourites.
This bardot top is super feminine and I like how it offsets the more boyish shaped jeans and converse and oversized fit of the denim jacket. The bag, which I ordered almost immediately after seeing it on Georgia Meramo and Emma Hill, also adds a feminine touch, as I feel a straw bag always does, and makes the outfit a little more spring-appropriate, which I love as I live for spring and summer dressing.
I hope you've enjoyed this post and these incredible photos. Thanks again to Jenny for taking them- I couldn't be more happy with how they came out! Let me know in the comments or on social media about your experience with blogging and if you've ever noticed 'the stigma' (as I think I'll ominously refer to it from now on).
