Wearing: Vici Collection Dress | ZARA Sneakers | ASOS Bag
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook memories. Some days they’re good and you can’t stop laughing at that funny joke from three years ago. But some days a not-so-good memory comes up and you don’t want the reminder. Looking at these memories now, I definitely used to overshare on Facebook lol! Nothing too personal but “bank. dinnerwithroomies. & house party.” probably didn’t need to be posted. (hand over face emoji) However, its to the point where a memory can pop up with a quote or song lyric and I can remember how I felt or what happened that day.
I do particularly love when my old OOTD’s pop up, especially from college. In undergrad, my main focus was getting good grades, staying warm (Buffalo gets really cold) and surviving a.k.a making sure I ate three meals a day. I love seeing the cute outfits I would put together on a super tight budget. I didn’t work through the semesters but I would work when I was home for winter or summer break and that’s when I would do most of my shopping! Back then, I would get my inspiration from magazines or celebrities and put my own twist on it. I would get up in the morning and dress for myself, without worrying what thousands of people would think of it.
Instagram definitely changed that. Seven years ago, it was the newest and coolest iPhone app and everyone would just post pictures. Today its a huge marketing tool, especially for brands, bloggers and influencers. Most bloggers are using their Instagram accounts to build their brand and every post is strategically thought out. As a blogger there is constant pressure, especially when it comes to what you are wearing. You have to post consistently. You have to keep it fresh as millions of people are scrolling on Instagram everyday to find inspiration.
I have felt the pressure from social media and its hard not to lose yourself in it. I am influenced by so many bloggers daily but I always can’t afford some of the clothes or bags they wear. It is discouraging at times but the less I focused on trying to keep up with them, the more I stopped caring about the pressure. The less I stressed myself out, the more I had fun with my style again. No blogger is the same. We each have our own style and identity that distinguishes us from one another. I shop within my budget and I know my followers appreciates looks that they can afford. They can relate to what I wear.
Style has always been a big part of who I am, even before Instagram. Letting the pressure of social media distract me from my individual style was not cool and I don’t want any of you to give into that and feel lost. I am 26 years old and I still can’t truly define my style. I will say it is versatile and changes with my mood. However, I know what I like, what works for me and what I am most comfortable and confident in. Confidence always shines through and I believe that is an advantage on Instagram – when you are wearing an outfit that you not only look good in but feel good in as well!
Seeing my OOTDs on my Facebook memories honestly inspire me, especially on mornings when I have no idea what to wear! They also remind me why I love fashion and why I love blogging. A picture popped up on Facebook the other day of me in a white tube top, a vibrant blue midi skirt and a tan belt worn around my waist. It was a super cute outfit that I was comfortable in and I owned it in that moment.
Dress for yourself! Don’t give in to the pressure. Don’t follow the trends if you don’t want to. Let your personal style and confidence shine through everyday. Own what you wear and feel confident in it, even if it’s wearing a dress and a pair of sneakers. 🙂
I love your OOTD. I’m glad you are starting to develop your own style and not letting Instagram influence you! Your dress and glasses compliment each other so well! Keep up the great work girl!
Thanks Whitney!