In the days of modern technology and the ever-evolving world of social media, in order to be recognized for one's creative endeavors one must also be as visible to the hungrily watching world as possible. There's a firm reason "models" are discovered via their Instagram platforms today rather than noshing at the mall as they were mere "ages" ago. Millennials and kids in modern times are easily bored and always on the hunt for the next best thing to mimic, admire, or hate-on. Satiating them with something to "share" and talk about on a regular basis is the #1 way to win "likes", followers, and gain traction for that lonely blog, along with everyone else these days. So, what's a thirty-something blogger to do in the age of advanced technology and over-saturated media feeds in the hopes that she eventually collects admiration from the hiring kind? Well, she best get snappin' and sharin', that's what.
I've been following all of the most profitable fashion bloggers for a while now and sure, some of them consistently deliver lust-worthy street-style photos and stylized tablescapes to hover over. Meanwhile, a lot of them also provoke the eye-rolls with their excessive photo-shopping and forlorn, albeit bored glances; always looking in the same direction, trying to depict a paparazzi shot and never a staged photo-op. That's fine and good for said bloggers that have already made a name for themselves this way, long before I decided to show up. But for me, no. Can't I have more to my little Instagram pics than vapid look-at-me shots even though I definitely want you looking at me? What does one do with their face during these shoots, if the goal is to simply showcase one's everyday style leisurely. I want to be accepted into the smart girls club, not just the most fashionable cliques. And, to be perfectly honest, I don't care if anyone recognizes my face at all. I'd still need a trademark stance that brought focus to my intelligence while also focusing on my styling abilities. Was this even possible? Well, dammit, I'd make it so.
I've been a writer since I can remember. However, I started getting paid to write--or at least took on assignments (plenty of times for free) more than six years ago. I didn't get to where I am today alone, I had many influences. From Nabokov to Steve Martin, Patti Smith to Grace Coddington. Great writers with great personal styles to match. I'd use these guys to help me adapt and develop my own street-style ensembles without having to give so much silly "face" all on my own.
And that, my friends, is how "ClothesAndProse and #ReadsAndTweeds was born.
See ya on the social side.
~ x Robyn