Do You Recreate or Buy?

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Similar Shirt | Pants via JustFab | Sneakers | Tote | Similar Hat

I’ve been sharing my outfits across the internet since 2011. That’s seems insane to me!? It pretty much goes without saying that the state of fashion/style blogging looks a whole lot different today than it did back then. Sure, some times for the better and other times for the worst. Lately I’ve been missing the community that existed before blogging became a “business” or as “side hustle” as the cool kids would call it.

But if we’re being completely honest here, the thing I miss the most is the innocence behind blogging. Now a days there’s an endgame behind every post or social media share. As influencers we don’t want to necessarily admit this fact but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. And while the post may be authentic, it doesn’t always feel that way. I know that may not make sense, but let me explain. Remember when (fashion/style) blogs used to be more about outfit inspiration versus shopping inspiration? Blogs used to be more about recreating a look as opposed to buying the look. Instead of clicking on the shoppable links, we’d sit there and examine the colors, textures and patterns, and from there we’d run to our closets and formulate a similar look with the contents of our own wardrobes. I think we can all agree that there’s been a paradigm shift from what once was. And I guess that isn’t a bad thing – there are bloggers out there that make a living from selling what they are wearing and that’s awesome – but what saddens me is that this new frontier came at a cost. At least for me.

Get the Look:

Similar Shirt | Pants via JustFab | Sneakers | Tote | Similar Hat

There have been one too many times that I’ve sat in front of my extensive wardrobe and caught myself saying I didn’t have anything new to share on the blog – oh the horror! I would even go as far as to consider buying something new just for the sake of a post. How disgusting is that? The answer is really, really disgusting. Have I ever bought something new specifically to share it on the blog or social media? Yes, I have. Am I embarrassed by that fact? Yes, I truly am.

It is for that exact reason that I created the Wardrobe Remix series in an attempt to foster the items I already own and find new and inventive ways to wear them. Through that series, it is my goal to help you do the same – find inspiration in your wardrobe so that you can do a little less spending and a little more recycling. But really, who am I to tell you how to spend your own money? If you want to constantly add to your wardrobe and “Keep up with the Jones’” you do you! If I had an disposable budget I sure as hell would spend it on ALL THE THINGS but I don’t so I shouldn’t be living that way.

So what does this lengthy post about nothing have to do with you? Well I’m happy you asked! When it comes to the fashion/personal style aspect of the blog I really try to share looks that are both practical and cute. Practical to who: the working mom; the 30something woman that isn’t quite sure what’s appropriate to wear for her age (btw – it really doesn’t matter); the mom on the go; the gal that is looking for personal style inspiration that doesn’t quite conform to just one trend/genre; and so much more. And cute because duh, we always want to look cute and put together. So I share my daily looks and hope that you have similar pieces hanging in your wardrobe so that you can refashion the look, and if you don’t, then I’ll share similar items – at an affordable price point – for you to recreate if you so choose to.

I’d love to know, do you recreate looks or buy them piece by piece? Which do you prefer and why? Please share in the comments below or head to my Instagram and leave your thoughts on my last IG post.