Shop the post: Abercrombie Dress (wearing a small), Madewell Jacket, Veja Sneakers, Serpui Bag, Dana Rebecca Necklace
A few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with my assistant, Carolyn, about influencers and if she had ever felt too influenced? Asks the influencer (ha). Like at what point are you listening to all of the suggestions made for you on the internets when one day you look in the mirror and you don’t recognize who you see. It’s an interesting thought…
Don’t get me wrong, I love being an “influencer” (still such a bizarre term to me, I’m just Liz who shares too much) but even I have fallen victim to the overly-influenced. In fact, at the end of last year, I had a come to Jesus moment where I looked in my closet and hated everything I owned. I had succumb to the neutral, distressed, monotone, androgynous and basic styles that are flooding Instagram because they make for an appealing palette/IG profile. When in reality, I’m floral print! and sweet! and feminine! and comfortable while looking cute! Although I appreciate a good basic like everyone else, the pieces that make me happy aren’t what everyone else is wearing. I had been influenced in the wrong way because I was focused on what I thought people wanted to see me wear (because that’s what other successful bloggers were doing too!) rather than what I WANTED to wear and what felt the most like me. Then all of a sudden my closet looked like a cardboard box and everything was the same and nothing really brought me joy.
I was disappointed in myself. If everyone is sharing the same thing all the time, how will we ever be different? The thing about this industry is that there is space for everyone. Every individual, no matter their shape, size, ethnicity, style, location, whatever, has a place here. But, it’s finding the right people who inspire you to be the best version of yourself, to wear the dress when all you do is wear jeans, to take the trip, to take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re doing a great job. It’s those people that are the most influential! So after talking to Carolyn I immediately went through my IG and unfollowed or muted anyone that wasn’t relatable to me anymore, or who’s content brought me anxiety rather than enjoyment (even some of my blog friends!). And you know what, it’s helped me SOO MUCH. Sometimes you have to take a step back and think about what you want rather than having someone tell you what you think you want. Don’t get me wrong, I will continue to share the things that I love (that’s what makes this website and my social platforms MINE) but I never want my space to be a place where you feel pressured to dress, look, be, wear any certain thing. I just hope it makes you happy.
So much has changed for me mentally since becoming a mom. My work used to be consumed by fashion brand collaborations and having the nicest designer bag and planning outfits for fashion week but the shift my business has made to family life and a more general reality is SO MUCH BETTER. I’ll always continue to share the things that I love because we’re all friends here and it’s fun. But just remember, quality over quantity. In every aspect of life! So here is a little reminder that…
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- Just because your favorite blogger got Botox, doesn’t mean you need it too.
- Just because the biker short trend is in right now, doesn’t mean it looks good on everyone (why is that a trend? yuck).
- Just because someone’s life looks sunny and perfect on IG, doesn’t mean that it is.
- Liz ran 6 miles on Saturday because she ate a bacon cheeseburger with fries and 4 beers on Friday night. Balance people.
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