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New bloggers

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm on call and randomly browsing the internet and I found this list of new to me bloggers that are recommended.

http://www.whowhatwear.com/bes.....llow-2015/

The links to the blogs are under the picture, Photo:

I checked out most of them. I see a very common theme, skinnies or boyfriend jeans, moto jackets that are oversized and heels.
For example: http://sarastrand.no/2014/10/o.....ans-heels/
Some of the bloggers use cheaper fast fashion like H&M and Zara, others more designer level.
But a lot of it to me seems to be gussied up normcore. They all have gorgeous photos, but nothing particularly original or novel. Is this the future of more accessible fashion?

33 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

gryffin

Veteran

Anna - you do realize this is why we miss you sooooooooooooooo much!! You are a true original. I know it feels lonely sometimes but wouldn't you rather be "you" than some derivative watered down version of you? Normcore is all about conformity, maybe I'm just contrary by nature, but I love being and seeing others who are authentic and original - but I guess I kind of like being the black sheep Anyway just so good to hear from you!! Thanks for the links!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I also mention to say they are all pretty young thin things with nice hair. Which can make anything look good. As well as "natural" make-up.

Thistle

Veteran

I agree with you. Young, pretty, thin and great hair makes anything look good in our culture.

I am not sure what to think. A part of me wonders if they are simply trying to be more accessible to sell more things.

I mean, Nike, New Balance, etc. - this is what people wear - at least, in my neck of the woods. You do not see a lot of higher end fashion, and when you do, it is along the lines of Ralph Lauren or Marc Jacobs. Nothing that I would consider cutting edge.

Maybe we are unusual that way. I live 90 miles north of Chicago, so not close to a big city but not terribly far either. And already this far away and fashion isn't really around. Part of that is this area is pretty blue collar. Perhaps the offshoring of so many jobs to China and India has reduced the number of people willing to spend and what they are willing to spend. Or, maybe I just live too far away from New York, LA and Chicago.

Or, this is just another cycle. And in a few years, everything will be completely different.

Anonymous

I've become pretty cynical about most of these pretty young things, oops, bloggers. As you said, they are all variations of each other, and seem to exist strictly to make money off of clicks through to the retailers or brands supplying them with clothes. They all wear Rockstuds, carry big bags, and dress as you described. All very pretty, but nothing else is there. I think it's just a marketing tool for certain brands that's relatively easy to conduct . Also, these young women know that they can make some decent $ doing this if they have the right look, a photographer on hand in the form of a bf/husband, a decent camera, and a few connections to start. I don't think it reflects fashion in the truest sense of the word, nor does it indicate anything but what's liked and currently being worn by a certain segment of the population.

My thoughts on it, anyways.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Lisap, did you actually look at any of them? I did not see a single pair of Rockstuds. These are different than some of the current big, flashier bloggers. Although they are mostly European.

ETA Many of them also offer other things on their blog than pure outfit pictures, or shopping links.

Gaylene

Veteran

Looking through these blogs reminded me of the "Donna Hay" influence on cookbooks a few years back. Endless pictures of stunningly photographed food images--ascerbically labelled "food porn" by many--that drew attention away from the mediocre nature of most of the actual recipes. A stylist's approach to food as opposed to a chef's, perhaps?

Maybe we need to make a distinction between a "style" blogger and a "fashion" blogger? The time and effort it takes to learn to cook like a chef may not be for everyone.

Mia

Veteran

Thanks Anna! Nice to hear from you again. Keep the links coming....if you could find some interesting bloggers "of a certain age" that would be dynamite.

Good point Gaylene, give me a well tested recipe anytime over fancy photos or "food porn" as some of my friends refer to it.

Anonymous

Guilty. Was on an iPad and couldn't click through. Now that I have...... I stand by my comment. These are slightly cooler, more modern versions of that same type of thing. Common threads - all aspirational looks for the mainstream. These seem like street style / off-duty model looks that we see from the Fashion week photos from Europe. Yeah, I agree with you that there isn't anything particularly new nor creative.

Runcarla

Veteran

Like gryffin said....you are an original, and I miss your posts.

The fashion part of the blogs seem like a lot of loose 'boyfriend' styling with interesting footwear, and some seasonal confusion thrown in for good measure. With the 'lifestyle' part I wonder if the blogs aren't more like an editorialized version of a Facebook page?

Anna, I use Pineterest quite a bit and find something similar. There is a lot of 'my little pony' coloured hair and high-high heels with short-short skater skirts and doll-like contoured makeup to wade through in search of originality.

FWIW, I probably don't have a lot of originality in my own wardrobe. Most of my day is probably pretty conventional office worker wear, and the weekend uniform is rolled up jeans and a mariner striped T...nothing to blog about.

For lifestyle I follow 'hostess of the humble bungalow' a recently retired teacher living in an arts and crafts bungalow in BC who does a bit of fashion (she thrifts, and likes black and white, and Praisienne chic), cooking/recipes, and gardening, cats,etc. Lovely photography.

I also like 'the vivienne files' - capsule dressing and colour inspiration.

And, 'the sartorialist.

All pretty conventionL stuff, I'm afraid.

Marlene

Veteran

Anna - I think there are two things going on and there are two types of blogs...first: accessible fashion is now being presented in a more stylish way. And second, more innovative fashion is a completely different animal. I like looking at the second type because it's creative and awesome and new and inspiring. I like looking at the first type because I need to get dressed and want to look gussied up but still get through my busy day and I need ideas. I think there is definitely a place for both styles. So yes, I love accessible fashion. But I also love innovative fashion. They both bring me happiness.

I agree that a lot of these bloggers are showcasing items that were given to them by clothing manufacturers. And that is OK by me. I am a marketer and I know I need to reach my audience where they are at this moment. We don't read paper catalogs anymore. There is less "product placement" on TV shows these days. People wanting to know what is current fashion follow the bloggers. It's our reality.

My big complaint with these bloggers: if you need huge sweaters layered with oversized moto jackets....you also need socks. Grrrr.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Expensive bags and high heeled shoes / or sneakers definitely seem to be the defining element of many fashion blogs by individuals. It's kind of interesting to consider what's left when those elements are removed. As you say, it's often norm core. Perhaps it would be interesting to think about what the individual's purpose is in having a blog: Is it to showcase unique fashion ideas? Is it to launch her career as a promoter and seller for mainstream brands? Is it to show that she can be stylish on a budget?

I have no objection to people taking unusual pieces for free from manufacturers, if it makes their blog more interesting. They ought to disclose it, though.

The fashion magazines still have room to present interesting ideas these days, after all. I still read and enjoy those. And I don't mean the pieces that are just on the rainbow of colors that people wear to the Oscars.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for the list Anna, and good to see you post again. (Say hi to your Papa for me).

I like looking at ALL sorts of fashion and style. Bloggers, fashion week, runway shows, magazines, what my clients and friends wear, and above all, street style when I'm in a different city or country. I like seeing the variations and the similarities because it brings the following statement to life:

"Fashion unites us, but style sets us apart".

There is always a similarity because of what is currently in fashion. There is always variation (large or small) because of the wearer. There are trend setters and trend followers. Fashion forward folk, early adopters, mainstream and the rest. Urban settings and small town settings show vastly different styles. I truly appreciate it all, and am fascinated by what I see.

Long story short, I regard a list of bloggers like the one Anna shared as a small part of what fashion and style truly means - like a small dish that I can feast on in the buffet of fashion and style. It's all fab in my book.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

It's always interesting to hear your take on things, Anna. You look for something quite different than I do in style blogs, and in style, period. Looking through the photos on the list, I found several that were really inspiring to me. And following your link to Sara Strand, what caught my eye is that she's doing boyfriend jeans without rolling the hems--a look that makes me take notice. I don't think I'd try to re-create the look, but I like it on her. I can see that these are not bloggers who are going to give you the novelty you enjoy. But I wouldn't have noticed, had you not brought it up, since something that looks fresh to me may not actually be all that original in the world of fashion.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

By the way, the sockless season is probably because in last few years the focus on shoes are on the rise. Statement bags are on the decline. Personally I think the last big IT bag was Fendi's monster. But even that didn't really take off. Designer shoes prices have increased greatly. I have a pair of saw soled booties from Camilla Skovgaard that I got about five years ago, the exact same shoe is almost double the price, despite her moving her manufacturing from Italy to China.
As far as these blogs, they seem to be second wave. I for the most part like their style. Though from what I know a lot of fashion action online has shifted to Instagram. I recently read an article about the decline of Abercrombie and Fitch, one of the myriad reasons was that millenials and teens actually spend more on technology than fashion. This is probably the first time it's shifted in recent history.
Also it will be interesting what happens with the rise of wealth in China. Chanel already jacked up the price of their bags significantly to maintain their exclusivity and luxury image in response to what's happening there. Susie Bubble has done many trips to Shangai covering the fashion scene there, as well of the obvious Hong Kong.

Anonymous

You know what's interesting about these new sites (and I'm still laughing at myself for commenting on something I didn't read all of - sorry , what an idiotic thing to do) is that the styling is relatable, and right up my alley for the most part. I remember when I first started checking out Elin Kling a few years ago and was not relating to her then look of skinny jeans, pumps and leather jackets. But now, a few years later, that look is completely mainstream. Again, I think these new women are just picking up the mantle and showing the newest adaptation of those street looks. I'm repeating myself. Re: China - I wonder if we'll start seeing Fashion Week photos from those shows - or their version of them. They are the hugest luxury goods consumer market, and it only stands to reason that their designers should increase in profile in the West. And you're right - it's all about Instagram now. Trying to keep up and sort out which platforms you want to use is exhausting!

Dimity

'But a lot of it to me seems to be gussied up normcore. They all have gorgeous photos, but nothing particularly original or novel. Is this the future of more accessible fashion?'
I might be missing something here, but isn't this the essence of accessible fashion? That it's not particularly original or novel? As soon as you go original, it's not as accessible because it's pushing boundaries.
I've just been looking at clothes from The Row, Isabel Marant, Pheobe Philo and some others, and they have a new point of view, but it's not always accessible. I mean, could I walk down the street wearing a tiny Marant dress or a huge The Row one? Perhaps, but it sure would take a lot more effort than wearing something accessible/normcore/easy. It's the age old balance of 'I want to be different' pushing against 'I want to fit in and be accepted'.
Thanks for this list of blogs. I've read a few pages of Sara Strand's and I like it. Anyone who has photos of themselves taken when nine months pregnant and puts them on the internet has my vote!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Anna, what are you looking for?

Deborah

Veteran

I have quickly perused these links and have recently been considering the fact that there are many different blogs available, however there is a glut of what I consider "mainstream" fashion, ie what the majority is interested in. There are also so many blogs that are professional or career bloggers. These are not my preferred reads but they are great and relevant and clearly have an audience. I enjoy non commercial blogs that feature real women (often more my own age group) who share their personal style and have an aesthetic that I personally relate to. I also like to do my own thing style wise, and I could kid myself that I'm a non conformist, but in reality I am conforming to "something", we all are. And yes this probably is the future of fashion blogs:). I have my own blog and I know it will never be featured on a list like this, but that''s not my desire. Anna, if you feel there is a lack, why not start your own blog?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I'm not sure what I'm looking for at the moment. As of today I haven't bought any clothes, shoes or accessories. I'm just poking around the web seeing if anything sparks my interest or inspires me. It just struck me that these bloggers weren't hugely different.
For more individual style I go to Queen Michelle of Kingdom of Style. She's similar to my age. I've followed her for quite a few years. Got leads on new lines from her. She has transitioned from sky high heels to flats. Also she has a real job and real hobbies outside of fashion.
I used to follow Susie Lau of Style Bubble a lot. But she tends to feature labels that are really hard to find in the US. I like that she does feature different stuff and she had a real job in the fashion industry before transitioning to blogging full time. Now unfortunately a lot of her blog is jaunting around the world seeing various fashion shows and exhibits. I do love her completely independent style and how she really has embraced fashion sneakers and flats. She also does dress for the weather it seems.

Anonymous

I'm intrigued by Sara Strand and will look at her blog for awhile to see if it sticks. Right now I'm intrigued by Lyn Slater's blog the Accidental Icon. Not sure yet what I'll "do " with it, but I am interested in some of the styling vis a vis older /mature women.

Queen Michelle is really interesting, unique......I can see how you would enjoy it. Fantastic use of colour and names I'm not familiar with . So much to learn, see, consider....and so little time

Isabelle

I see these as fashion bloggers rather than style bloggers. And I notice that what we see in the blogs is not necessarily mainstream fashion. I also noticed that bloggers influence each other, in a way we don't see in "real life". For example, a J.Crew baubble necklace was extremely popular in style blogs a few years ago, although I have never seen anyone in my entourage wearing one. But based on what I saw in the different bogs at the time, everybody had one! It seemed like "the" item to own and wear if you were stylish. We're all influenced by what we look at an whom we admire. I am new on this forum and for example, when I looked at the 2014 favorite outfit pictures posted by members, I recognized some items common to several members' pictures: a striped tube pencil skirt, a grey and black striped tulip midi skirt, a poney and cognac pair of pointy shoes... This is -well, for my fresh eyes at least- a style that is particular to YLF and which seems to be influenced by Angie's style. To make a long story short, I find that the blogs have changed the way we see fashion, making it more global and maybe interchangeable, as long as we DO look at these blogs. For most people, all this remain totally foreign!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I looked at a list of new bloggers here:
http://news.creatorsofdesire.c.....gers-year/
and had a sort of similar reaction.
There is a certain similarity that is just not that interesting. When I look a new blogs I pretty much screen out women that overly rely on high heels, exposed skin, and their own youth to make the look. I can appreciate how they look and often do, but it is not what will bring me back.
If a blogger does something original, or looks a bit less conventional I am more interested. I don't really care if they are using expensive clothes or not. But that is just me. Any new ones catching your eye Anna?

MovingFashionForward

Dimity, I think you're absolutely right about the tension between originality and fitting in.

Anna, I agree in general, that there is a dearth of originality in fashion blogs ATM -- with certain honourable exceptions like the Accidental Icon (http://www.accidentalicon.com). I looked at the blogs cited, and have added Pandora Sykes to my feed for a while (even though my style is nothing like hers) because I quite liked these two posts:

http://www.pandorasykes.com/ef.....f-bullsht/
http://www.pandorasykes.com/li.....chocolate/

Probably won't keep her in my feed for long, but at least she can string a sentence together -- quite a novelty in the world of fashion blogging.

Shevia, I am so with you on the avoiding blogs of those who appear to rely on high heels, exposed skin, and their youth to make the look.

Sarah

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Not to thread jack but thanks for the link to Pandora Sykes Sarah - I like her!

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I did enjoy looking at each of these bloggers, even though most of them did seem to be posting the same silhouette (but it's one that I wear often), and it wasn't always obvious that I was switching to a different blogger's site. I don't agree that they're the top 15 (I'd like to see some bloggers closer to my own age in there), and I would like to know what their criteria was for making that assessment.

There are two things I look for with fashion bloggers: Outfit diversity in the form of what I would wear/inspiration to wear, and outfit creativity - the art of fashion - whether I would wear it or not. I enjoyed Look De Pernille's wide leg trousers outfit, and I got a kick out of Maja Wyh's Armani coat with the Fruit of the Loom sweater (I own the sweater and wish I owned the Armani coat instead, lol). I thought Natasha Ndlovu's clothes were gorgeous, even though several of her outfits were with skinny pants. Aziza Azim offered up some beautiful photography.

The skinnies/slim pants + sweater/loose top is a look that I, and I can see that many others, wear often - especially during the long winter months. Perhaps we all need a push to try something different.

Thanks for sharing these bloggers - while many are similar, there are some standouts here and they each do bring something a little different to the table. I always enjoy looking at what's out there.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

After a few years of perusing some style/fashion blogs but never getting overwhelmingly into any of them, I have a bit of blog fatigue.

All of the ones with the most aspirational style also are skinny and young and seem to have limitless amounts of money and a lifestyle that works with seasonally confused outfits and 5-in heels. I have a hard time translating a lot of this content to my own body and life.

Again, feeling a bit like a curmudgeon. I am just finding it hard to relate to many of these, but perhaps it's my mood of late, which is not especially adventurous (at least not style-wise). I'll look again when I'm more in the mood for inspiration.

Most importantly, it's nice to see you here again, Anna!

K.M.

Veteran

Anna, that's a thought-provoking post. Although I actually like the eye-candy of these blogs, they reminded me of the boom in food blogs: anyone with a half-decent camera, some web design help and a passion for cooking started one, and all of a sudden: a sea of sameness. Pretty photos, appetizing recipes, local ingredients, kale etc. Each one might be informative, useful and even inspiring, but what's the difference between one and the other? Many of them even featured the same recipes. A little like the fashion formulas that most of these bloggers seem to sport.
For me as reader, what does it mean? That I might collect something useful here and there (recipe or outfit), but most of them are forgettable and interchangeable. And when we think of the youth factor... isn't that the time of wanting to belong? It's clique-ish, and I'm not even sure they want to be unique...
Re: normcore. I always thought that when it started, a few years ago, it was about a shock factor of looking intentionally plain and unflattering (when done with "hipster irony"--I hope you realize I'm being sarcastic!) in contrast with the dominant high-heeled, form-fitting, designer-labeled looks esp. in places like NY and SF. And now a few years out normcore has lost this shocking edge? I actually thought these bloggers looked a little too put-together for hardcore normcore.
Anyway, thanks for the food for thought!

Isabelle

Thanks for introducing me to Pandora Sykes. Read a few of her comments and although stylistically speaking she's a little too Alexa Chung for my liking, the girl definitely has opinions!

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Honestly during my break from the forum I was more invested in political and news websites.
Right now I'm getting inspiration from styling of retailers like Steven Alan, Creatures of Comfort, and La Garconne. Looks I have never seen on the forum, though Shevia sometimes approaches it. Definitely not conventionally figure flattering. I quite haven't found a blog with that vision. Although I haven't been looking hard. Even when I was posting outfits I would do something similar it wasn't quite as well received.

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