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Posting WIW - educational or self indulgent?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I was thinking about this after reading Patty's post on the British blogger. If indeed, her blog is a source for having nice things said to/about her, where does that leave us in our very own WIW's here? I like to think we are more of a community and it's less like posting a pic up on a billboard in town and more like asking GF's in the dressing room what they think of our outfit.
But there can be no denying that it's nice when someone says you look good and it's a bit deflating if only 2 or 3 members respond to your WIW. Even if we think we are posting for tips and advice, is part of us secretly wanting approval just as much?
What do you think? And why do you post your WIW's?

For me, half the time I want to know if a particular 'something' is working. Sometimes I just want to get what my look is out there so others can better help me in the future by getting to know what is 'me'. And sometimes I think I've hit on something and really like it and hope to get reinforcement here (yes - APPROVAL!)

General

74 replies

Latest reply was from Manda

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Mo, this is more of a community for sure. I like your descriptions and thought process about this! Post WIW's for tips, help and an ego boost. Those are all valid reasons

I do try to get to all the threads, but sometimes it's impossible. I always target the "Ask Angie's" first, and then the posts with the least amount of traffic because as you say - its not so nice when you put in the effort and there is little response.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Furthermore, it took me 2 years and 2 months to post my identity on YLF. We felt strongly that we did NOT want YLF to be about one body type, fashion persona, age, lifestyle or budget. YLF is an unconventional fashion site and I love that we are still on that path of thinking.

Also, I have been posting more outfits in the last year purely by popular demand - it was not meant to happen that way. But the requests were relentless, so we manage to incorporate my own WIW's into blog posts a few times a month. But when I do, I try to teach something at the same time.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, Angie you do SO MUCH here! I don't know how you find the time. It's wonderful how you give. I was kinda thinking aloud and wondering what others' approach to their WIW's were . . .

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hah! I think we posted at the same time, Malina. It always amuses me when that happens

I commented again.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Tag - you're it!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Then best I comment again, but this time it's about your long hair. It's breathtakingly beautiful. I shall have a true apoplexy if you ever cut it shorter than shoulder length.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Ah, thank you so kindly! And count me in the group that loves to see your WIW posts on the blog. It's always very helpful to see the formulas and ideas in action! You always look great!!

Kappy

Veteran

Very interesting topic! I love looking at the WIW's here; it's great to see a huge variety of styles and people posting. I wish there were MORE WIW's from everyone.

I have been off the WIW bandwagon lately because it does take a lot of time (for slowpoke me) to take the pics, upload and post WIWs. I was using the iPhone app but my camera in my phone died and I haven't replaced my iPhone yet (can't decide if I want black or white and have benn trying to figure out when the 5 is coming out).

There is a bit of a fine line -- do people really want to know what you think or do they just want you to say "that looks great". Everyone says "honest opinions" but does everyone really mean it or will they be offended if you say something?

I also don't feel "qualified" to make comments because I'm not some style icon.

mrseccentric

(website)

Veteran

Hi Mo! you ask some very valid and interesting questions. in my view there's nothing wrong with wanting to get a bit of validation, a 'pat on the back' can be hard to come by in this world sometimes! but i have to say the thing that i find truly unique and valuable about this forum is the less-than-gushing comments. people will say 'ah, not so great, i think XYZ would improve it to my eye', or whatever. it's all very respectful, and matter of fact. i've never seen a mean comment here. but how can we improve if we never hear about the 'misses'?

plus, it makes the positive comments that much sweeter! i've learned SO MUCH from Angie and many of the forum members as well. it's a whole 'nother world around these parts, it goes way beyond validation to really honing your eye to proportion, color, texture, and so on. and the overall tone of respect and honesty is rare generally, on the web - unprecedented!

i'd just like to thank all the members for their time and thoughtfulness. and Angie and Greg for their leadership! steph

Freckles

Veteran

I have posted a few W2W but not any WIW yet.

Totally for feedback. Does it flow, does it look odd, what would you do differently, does this shape work. Feedback and approval yes if I've gone shopping and tried to "do better".

The ladies and Angie are always so positive even when something doesn't work. They tell you why and give up ideas...ex. Birks would rock with a pedicure...

RoseandJoan

Veteran

I'm usually looking for advice when I post an outfit, for example I have posted asking for advice about wearing green and orange together or how do I make this awkward jean length work. Occassionaly and usually when there has been a celebration, I will post a WIW as a way of sharing the news with forum or to say look there are a few fashion hits amongst the misses.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Steph, you rock in every way. Thank YOU.

Malina and Freckles, thanks and it's a pleasure.

I also want to add that the forum's WIW's can serve as a very inspirational resource for someone who is less confident about their style for their age, body type or even dressing appropriately. Magazines seldom offer tangible advice and outfit inspiration whereas fashion bloggers do. Style is so much more democratic and compelling in the blogosphere. The blogosphere truly celebrates that there is no one way to be stylish - AND celebrates our differences. There are even 41 year old fashion stylists who bat for Team Flats.

It's important to remember that your WIW's can inspire and help others

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Great thread, Mo!

I LOVE seeing all the WIW on this site—Angie's and everyone else's, too. I learn from each and every one of you!

I also really love those posts where a poster is trying to decide how to style a certain item and shows us different possibilities, e.g. Anne's skirt today. I find it highly instructive, even if I don't have a similar item or my body type is different. Somehow, looking at photos of REAL women is much more helpful than looking at the models.

I also learn from those posts where people include their inspirations.

I have only posted a few WIW so far. One was just a "hi, here I am" WIW.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....itted-here

One was a typical outfit.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ngie-beads

Two were of older, altered dresses, and I wanted to get some sense of whether or not they were working.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ko-resized

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ko-dress-2

And one was of an unusual, out-of-my-comfort range outfit. I didn't want advice so much as a sense of whether I could get away with it.

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ump-on-the

I think all these are valid reasons to post. And there might be many others, besides!

I also think Angie does an amazing job of sensitively responding on this forum, as do the rest of you! It's a very welcoming but discerning place.

MsMary

Veteran

Okay, I will admit to totally batting for Team Narcissism! LOL. I LOVE the kind feedback!

But I also LOVE the constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, most of which I would never have thought of in a million years.

I do worry that I'm boring y'all, but I figure if you're bored you don't have to look!

Queen Mum

Veteran

While it sometimes feels self indulgent, I do have other reasons for posting WIW's.
1) I love looking at other peoples WIW's so I assume others enjoy seeing them as well.
2) I do like to hear feedback, Even just hearing "I like 3 and 5 the best" gives me an idea of what works best.
3) I like knowing that people have a feel for my style when I post a keep or return. I think that when you guys have an idea of how I typically dress helps you in giving K/R feedback.

and of course, I love to hear you all gush over me who doesn't? LOL

now, off to my garden party where there better be plenty of gushing :-0

Mo

(website)

Veteran

You gals crack me up! I feel self indulgent sometimes, too. But I think a BIG difference is that we *are* a community and it is an ebb and flow. We give along with take (compliments, advice). For me, the posts I feel are just self indulgent (and this is just MY opinion!) are the ones who drop in only to post their blog or pic and never have a comment or opinion to offer up for others. To me, that is kind of like crashing a party rather than being a guest. Again just MHO!
And, yes, it does feel good to have nice things said! But I, for one, reallly do value the constructive criticisms.
Thanks for all your honest answers!!

MNsara

Veteran

I don't post WIW as often as I might like because:

1) the effort it takes (me) to take and upload photos, etc.
2) bad mirror location means daylight hours on a bright day is mandatory
3) can't get a pic that is even remotely good - this one scares me because if I really look as bad IRL as the pic, then

When I do post a WIW, it's usually because:

1) I've stepped outside of familiar style territory and I'm looking for the feedback.
2) I think I've found a winning outfit and wonder if anyone else thinks so too
3) I managed to take a decent pic

I really appreciate the time and effort YLFers take to post their WIWs, and love seeing the variety of body types, personal styles, ages, etc. represented. When looking at other's WIWs, sometimes I do feel I'm just not analytical enough to make suggestions -- that I'm still learning from reading others' comments the sort of details that improve or derail an outfit. There's so much to be learned from WIWs!!

It doesn't matter how well style is described, it doesn't begin to sink in until I can SEE it - good or bad!!

Jonesy

Veteran

Queen Mum's comments really resonated with me. I think the WIWs are such a great part of the community, so I feel like I want to contribute to that. I really love seeing the variety in terms of lifestyle, fashion style, seasons, etc. I think some people really embrace frank feedback, and others maybe less so; it just depends on the person :).

Ornella

(website)

Veteran

Great question Mo. We are definitely a community and that is what matters the most to me. I post for the mixture of all reasons mentioned here, but above all because I feel comfortable enough here to post *both* hits and misses - that feeling is precious.

I also felt that while I was commenting others' WIWs it was in a way fair to give something in return and give back the opportunity to be constructive about my own. BUT this does not mean I expect everyone who comments to post, because I also understand how it feels to feel uncomfortable or scared or just shy.

Scarlet

Veteran

I suppose it is always self-indulgent in that I draw attention to myself to gain a benefit--be that educational or whatnot. But why is it necessary to apply an ugly label? This is my only outlet for my fashion self and a great stress-buster. Can't I just have fun? Anyway I can honestly never tell ahead of time what the reaction to my posts are going to be. More specifically, why do I post? To sharpen my eye, whether that means feedback on what I wore or just to give people an idea of me so that they can better respond to my questions in the future. I am all about the self-improvement. And fun.

Marley

Veteran

I LOVE looking at everyone's WIWs - and feel guilty that I myself don't post more myself, because I feel like I'm kind of "cheating!" If others are putting themselves out there, then I need to take the time to do so as well. And that brings up the biggest issue for me with regards to posting my own WIWs - TIME! I just can't seem to get myself, moving fast enough to take a pic before I rush out the door! (I need to work on procrastination - because I am always rushing out the door.)
Anyway, when I do post WIWs I definitely am hoping that I am going to get some "goodies" in the responses - they make me feel great the rest of the day. But I also want feedback and want to show people the way that I dress because I really struggle with defining my style - and I figure you guys can all help me with that!

Also, a lot of times I look at others WIWs when I'm "on the go" and I don't have time for a response - always think that I will later, and then never go back and do it! I hate that and feel bad that I've stayed quiet when I have feedback to give!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I love seeing all the WIW - and if we all posted on everyone's thread, there would be *way* too many to keep up. And, no, there's nothing wrong with wanting a little 'outfit appreciation' lol! I love hearing everyone's take on this.

taylor

Veteran

Since I was the one who made that remark... referring to that particular blogger.... I totally stand behind my comment. It is my opinon and mine only.

It was DIRECTED towards that particular blogger and other bloggers...hope you didn't feel singled out.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, heck no!! It just got me thinking . . . (And in a greater sense, later today while flipping through the reality TV with Gene Simmons supposedly having a one on one heartfelt moment with his GF all while being taped and filmed for TV, I wonder how self involved as a society we are.) Just ramblings out of my head . . . certainly NOT attacks in disguise on anyone! And I hope was taken in the context intended

qfbrenda

Veteran

Educational or self-indulgent..... for me it's both. I have learned a ton by being brave enough to post pics. And yes, it takes bravery! LOL There's nothing quite like seeing yourself on film. It's not nearly as forgiving as the mirror.

I really love having you all approve of an outfit I put together because I know you are tough critics, in the best way. I don't get honest enough feedback other places. I wonder about the "self-indulgent" part when I know I'm taking way more pictures of myself than I am of the kids. I guess I just need to take kid pics more often.

taylor

Veteran

Thanks Mo, That would never be my intention
I wasn't directing this comment towards posters...I post too. feedback is important for style evolution. I enjoy posts and get alot of inspiration here.

Many bloggers as I said dish out advice like they are pros and many bombard the viewers with head/bust shots like a Hollywood audition....This is really not about fashion.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

chuckling @ Taylor & Brenda

Taylor, I feel that there is a lot of truth in your comment/ thought. Many very, very, very high traffic fashion blogs are all about the visual of the blogger's outfit. There is no attempt to teach or share anything else practical/constructive/meaningful so to speak. There is rarely a community. Its a category of blogger that believes they "lead by example" in the fashion and style world and it's total eye candy. I do enjoy the visuals on some of those types of fashion blogs as I know you do too

Mellllls

Veteran

i don't post wiws often but when i do, it's for events where i need that extra bit of confidence. so i want everyone's opinion on what i'm wearing. i think it's twofold though, i'm hoping to learn from you all if there is something wrong with my outfit but at the same time i'm looking to hear that what i picked is acceptable for the occasion, does tha make sense?

i too have very little time, for posting pictures or even participating in the forum. i would love to post more but...

taylor

Veteran

Thank You Angie...For making this a different place:)

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