independent fashion bloggers recently published this article discussing bloggers who fake receiving clothes and accessories to seem like they’re running “highly influential” blogs (i.e. massive readership). i thought this was quite interesting and wondered what your thoughts are on the scintillating subject (haha). i mean, are bloggers always completely forthcoming? i think not. nor do we need to be. we share the details we feel comfortable sharing and leave out the details we don’t. and i think most personal style/lifestyle bloggers would be lying if they said they wouldn’t enjoy the perks of receiving freebies from their favorite designers and shops (seriously, who wouldn’t?). but to lie about it? hmmm. actually, i tend to prefer bloggers that have a balance of courtesy of items and personal purchases. obviously, i relate more to bloggers who purchase their own goods (even if only part of the time) because that’s what i do. that’s what most of us do. so it’s nice when more influential bloggers admit from time to time that they saved their hard earned cash and plunked it down for a piece they really loved versus every single item being c/o. it’s simply more relatable and for me, that’s what blogging is about.

j.crew factory denim jacket | urbn pleated chiffon maxi skirt | american apparel tee | forever 21 beanie | ray ban wayfarers | aldo boots | j.crew factory necklace | vintage coach willis bag

so is faking it okay? don’t many bloggers choose to omit things from time to time? well, i know i do. i mean seriously, who wants to make their blog a laundry list of complaints and who wants to read that? you get the picture. and perhaps it’s a blogger’s creative license to play a role, the role of a successful blogger. as they say, blogs should tell a story. so why shouldn’t a blogger try to make their audience think they are more ”influential” than they really are? who’s to judge? all i know is, on my blog i’m proud to admit that what i have was paid for by me and if something was gifted from family or friends, secondhand, thrifted, or found on super sale, i state that as well. i’m also not afraid to share that i don’t have massive readership, but i do have a number of awesome and supportive readers, whom i value and appreciate (thank you for reading!). now, i highly doubt i will ever have the luxury of typing c/o next to items on this blog. so here’s my one opportunity, everything in this post was c/o me! haha.

no matter what level of “success” my blog garners, there is no point in faking it. i’m proud to say that the only items i paid full price for in this post were the ray bans and the f21 beanie (about 5 bucks). everything else was an additional 30, 40, or 50 percent off the sale price. my maxi skirt was 15.12 after tax (found in store) and i will wear the hell out of it! i’m an everyday girl on a teacher’s salary and i shop sales. bam! authenticity. so, what are your thoughts on the subject?

p.s. another deal finder, who always keeps it real, is brooklyn based blogger erika of teachers have lives too. she a great friend of mine with a great blog… check her out! you may also want to check out arizona based blogger amy of amy’s vintage closet and tennessee based blogger cayce of for the roses. these gals have distinctive style with tons of vintage incorporated into their looks!