When Fashion Blogging Turns Dangerous

Okay okay, you’re right, using the word ‘dangerous’ to describe fashion blogging is probably an exaggeration. But life would be a little boring without at least some exaggeration, don’t you think? As my dad always says, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” And today’s ‘story’ is showing you that fashion blogging isn’t always all fun and games. (Hard to believe, I know, since all you have to do is throw on a cute outfit and prance around in front of a camera—right?) Here are ­­­­seven examples of when this fun, unsuspecting hobby turns dangerous…dun dun dun.

• Fashion bloggers will do anything for the perfect shot, even if that means freezing their hands to the point where they can no longer feel them. These photos were taken back in October during our snow day (wack weather, I know—I’m waiting not-so-patiently for more snow). I still have my fingers three months later, so I guess I didn’t completely get frostbite in my digits. But I think I know what the onset feels like—my fingers were numb yet still painful (gotta love a good oxymoron) for half an hour after returning to the warmth inside.

• While not a physical danger, fashion blogging can be seriously harmful to your productivity. I’m looking at you, Instagram. As a fashion blogger, it’s easy to convince yourself that you need to spend time on social media to boost your engagement, increase your following, and keep up with the latest trends. But before long, you emerge from the blackhole that is your cellphone only to realize that two painfully unproductive hours have already passed.

• One of the worst dangers of fashion blogging? Becoming narcissistic. As a blogger, I spend hours every week taking photos of myself, videotaping my outfits, looking and editing pictures of myself, trying on outfits in the mirror… While I like to think all my content is about the clothes and fashion, it more often seems like my blog is a show all about me me me. Sometimes I wonder what people think of me—Oh, she just posts photos of herself and talks about herself all the time. Honestly, they’re probably right. Why would people care about my life anyway? As a blogger, I act more important than I really am, and lots of times it shows. If I think about it too long, I hate how fashion blogging has turned me into someone who’s obsessed with always taking the best photo, documenting everything, and looking perfect. The amount of times I’ve asked my mom to retake a photo because I didn’t like it (for some obscure reason that nobody else would notice, by the way) is ridiculous!

• Along with freezing your hands off, another danger of the job is possibly getting hit by a car while trying to snap an “I’m casually crossing the street in a formal gown” photo. I’ve never personally had a close encounter, but I can only assume that fashion bloggers risk their lives (dramatic, I know) when they try to take photos in busy streets. Let’s not forget other dangerous photo-op locations, like on top of structures/pieces of art or next to cliffs to get the best views, all in heels no less. I’ve definitely done my fair share of climbing to get a cute photo!

• Fashion blogging can also be dangerous to your sense of gratitude. As someone who follows top fashion bloggers religiously and is always browsing online stores, I often get swept away in the idea that I need more—more clothes, more accessories, more shoes. Nothing ever seems to be enough when my feed is always inundated with the latest products and trends. Instead, I should be grateful for the beautiful clothes I already own and focus my energy into creating new and exciting looks with what’s in my closet, rather than yearning for pieces I want but never actually need (or have space for).

• Sometimes blogging can be dangerous in regards to the letter of the law. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have *almost* gotten in trouble for taking photos in a place I shouldn’t be. No trespassing sign? Eh, it’s just a suggestion… No photos please? Well if I’m sneaky enough… This past summer while in Minneapolis I got in trouble for taking a photo next to an escalator. The male worker just said, “Excuse me, do you work for the company of this escalator?” All I could think was, “Do I look like I work for the company of this escalator?” He then snarkily went on to say, “You could get in big trouble for taking a photo with that escalator.” So I left with a sour taste in my mouth. It wasn’t even an attractive escalator, anyway…

• Another more serious danger of blogging is what it can do to your self-esteem. As I’ve already mentioned, bloggers spend a lot of time keeping updated with their fellow fashion blogger’s styles, scrolling through Instagram, and checking out the latest blog posts. A lot of times this engagement can lead to a lower self-esteem, thanks to the evils of comparison. It can come in the form of followers—I feel less competent because I have less followers and likes than another blogger doing something very similar to me. Other times it comes in the form of body image—I feel insecure about the dimples on my thighs because I spend a lot of the time editing photos of myself, where I get to stare at those imperfections over and over again. She’s prettier than me. She’s more successful than me. She has the perfect hair or the thinner waste or the longer legs I wish I had. Sometimes I swear I was happier before I started blogging, as I never bogged myself down with the comparison made so easily accessible through the social media world, nor did I spend hours taking, looking at, and otherwise obsessing over photos of myself and the imperfections that lie within. I used to not really care that much how a photo turned out, as long as my eyes were open. But look at me. Somehow nothing is good enough!

So what do you think—can fashion blogging be dangerous, or is it still just an exaggeration? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic and whether or not you can think of any more ‘dangers’ in the industry. Leave me a comment at the end of this blog post!

These amazing snow day photos were taken by my very talented friend Aly. You can check out her photography Instagram account, Photos.by.Aly3, to see more of her work (my favorite is the tub shoot!). Be sure to give her some love and a follow if you do check her out.

Well folks, I hope you enjoyed your long weekend and that your Tuesday is off to a great start. Short weeks always seem to be the hardest, for some unknown reason, so good luck surviving the first day back! And thanks for stopping by today.

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Beige Cableknit Sweater: Nordstrom Rack, $18, shop similar HERE, HERE, and HERE // Purple Plaid Skirt: JCPenney, $25, shop similar HERE and HERE // Pom Pom Knee Socks: DSW, $15 // Black Quilted Knee Boots: Nordstrom Rack, $40 // Orange Fingerless Gloves: craft fair, $10