Recently, I got talking to someone I’d never met before about fashion blogging. This person wasn’t a blogger, but a casual reader and sometime commenter. When I told her I was a fashion blogger myself, she said:
“Oh, I bet you love cupcakes and bunting and Peter Pan collars and ombre hair, don’t you?”
Ummm… yes. But am I really that easy to second guess? Am I a total fashion blogger cliché?
Macarons, cupcakes, cake stands and peonies. All that’s missing is the bunting…
Image from Shauna Young Dessert Tables’ Flickr
Being part of a community makes you susceptible to the likes and dislikes of others within that community. When people gather together because of a shared interest – be it fashion, music, or an appreciation for horror films from 1956-1962 – it’s inevitable they’ll have other things in common, too.
In my final year of university (many moons ago… okay, 2007), I decided to base my dissertation on fashion in subcultures and how the groups that label themselves ‘alternative’ (I focused most on goths and punks) actually follow a very strict dress code. Although a gothic look may be unique when compared to your average Joe on the street, gothic dressing in general is formulaic – the black clothes, eyeliner, lace, dark hair, studded belts all signify difference, but they’re also a uniform. The look tells an outsider that they’re not one of them, but tells other goths they are.
Following the lead of others is a natural instinct and something that happens in all areas of life. We take our cues from popular culture, the media and our peers. And when you’re part of a community, looking and dressing alike just reinforces that sense of belonging.
So yes – maybe I am a bit of a blogger cliché. I like teacups and vintage suitcases. I own a Cambridge Satchel and now want a Furla Candy bag. And I’m seriously considering ombre hair. But I’m part of a community, and I like to think that enjoying some of the stereotypes of fashion blogging is just a way of participating in the community. Is that such a bad thing?
What do you think? Are you a fashion blogger cliché, or do you strive for individuality?
I’m not a fashion blogger.. but do you get lifestyle blogger cliches? I love your blog either way, and sometimes it’s the way you present the things you love that makes you stand out, even if the things you love are the same as the next fashion blogger
I think you get clichés in every form of blogging, and probably the teacups and vintage suitcases are more lifestyle than fashion! I absolutely agree that it’s about how you present these things rather than the act of participation itself – a unique take on a well-worn topic can often feel completely fresh. Thanks Charlotte! x
This is a really interesting post and I completely agree with what you have written. I think that inspiring others isn’t necessary a bad thing and it feels good to be part of a community xx
Ella @ Belle Vintage
We did a VERY similar dissertation.
I love community but I’m going off cupcakes. I’m too tired to go any further on this topic today but it will be interesting to come back and read further into the discussion later.
Me too on the cupcakes.
Honestly… I’m a bit sick of cupcakes too! I guess almost all clichés have a lifespan. Although I’ll never give up my vintage suitcases 😉
I think I probably am one too. Not on puropse but as you say, it is a coming together of shared interests and actually, that’s one of my favourite things about blogging. I wish it had been more popular when I was at school as I never had friends, I felt so awkward and different and seeing so many people online with the same feelings and interests as me would have been incredible.
So, in that way I see it as a good thing and don’t personally care if that makes me a cliche.
Such a great thought – I often think the internet is an absolute haven for anyone who feels a little out of place in real life. Discovering people I can relate to from a fashion perspective, rather than a slim, styled model in a magazine, is one of my favourite things about blogging.
This is a very interesting point, I don’t think that we are all cliched, everyone has their own sense of style at the end of the day and we are just inspired by one another. If someone looks good in a peter pan collar dress, then I might be inspired to buy a peter pan collar dress and so on. It feels nice to be a part of a community and share your interests with someone. xx
Absolutely Danielle! Maybe ‘cliché’ is just another word for inspired? Interesting way to think about it.
Jen, you are not a cliche. I love your blog. I really feel like you say things worth saying, rather than ‘here’s a blog post about a cupcake I ate that was pretty’. Though, of course you share interests with lots of other fashion bloggers.
I read a lot of blogs, but I feel yours has the most genuine personality and depth.
I’m a bit bowled over by this… thank you so much, Laura! That’s lovely to hear and very much appreciated. x
Totally agree with this. I actually read every word of yours blogs rather than skimming and looking at the pics. I am happy when I see a new post on my bloglovin!
your dissersation sounds fascinating. it’s such an interesting topic! before i got into reading blogs, it was before cupcake shops existed, i didnt really know about blogs. i think blog culture has influenced the mainstream much more in recent years, with a dozen cupcake shops in every town centre.
it’s funny, because since becoming a blog reader, when i see people in the street with ombre hair, i just KNOW they blog..or read blogs.. in a way, along with leopard nails, it’s like the uniform for bloggers. as latex and lace is for the goffs. im not saying it’s a bad thing, but it immediately identifies the person as being part of that subculture.
i guess it raises the question of whether or not there is true individuality and originality? i’d say that i know one person who i would class as truly individual and resolute in their individuality. otherwise, i think we all take comfort in feeling like part of something bigger. it’s hard to have the confidence and creativity to be truly truly unique.
i would say although you fall into certain cliches, you most definitely set yourself apart with your words. you are a wonderful writer, you have a lovely way with words, and your blog always gives me something to think about. definitely one of my favourite reads, in the blogging world of stereotypes and cliches! 🙂
Thank you so much, Janine! Such a lovely thing to say. I completely agree that it’s easy to spot the fashion blogger… even more so when we move in packs! I’ve been to a few fashion blogger events and always wonder what we look like to those on the outside.
I have always thought uniqueness is something very few people can achieve. With the constant stream of news and images around us, I think it’s hard to be completely independent. Such an interesting thought!
Great idea for a post. I suppose every community has certain characteristics and with blogging we see trends emerging because our favourite bloggers post certain looks or outfits – just like we covet celebrities’ styles. I don’t think I come across as a conventional blogger but if I did, I wouldn’t see it a bad thing!
xx
I think I am – I blog, I bake, I take pictures, I’m a member of the WI, I craft. I even have grey & greige walls in my house – but I have drawn the line at letting the boyf get a pug. I was worried that would push me into some downwards cliche cycle. But there is a different side to me that I don’t blog about {for many reasons} where I like to go to d&b raves with my friends and booze it up!
It is an interesting point though as I don’t think that it’s a bad world to be influenced by. I imagine the person who made the comment is part of some group that if you knew it you’d be able to say the same.
Oh God I want a pug! SO much. And I don’t think I even knew they existed ’til I started blogging.
I really like your point about a different side of yourself you keep offline – I am exactly the same. I very rarely write about my boyfriend, family or friends because that part of my life is for me to enjoy. I also love to get on it but would never complain of a hangover here or on Twitter! 😉
I think about this often. Although I don’t adhere to most blogger loves, there are many I do. I think you’re right though that as we are al part of a community with shared interests, it is inevitable.
Hey! I love cupcakes and bunting and I only found what ombre-ing is last week and I’d wanted it for a while. And I sew peter pan collars onto everything. AND I attempt victory rolls. Oh dear. I guess you just have to look at me to see I’m not a cliche, I’d rather like to be. The people your reader mentioned are much thinner and richer than I
I wish my hair was long enough for me to attempt victory rolls!
Definitely agree that many fashion bloggers are thin and rich, especially the popular ones (and that’s a whole other post right there!), but there are many bloggers who are just regular girls, with regular figures in a range of sizes and fulltime jobs and overdrafts. That’s one of the things I love about blogging – if you look further than the top layer, there’s lots you can relate to.
I remember going to an event and spotting a group of bloggers in front purely because they had fur collars, beehives and high heels. I must admit we do have a lot of hobbies, interests and brands we like in common (Pinterest is definitely proof of this) but most bloggers can put their own spin on these sorts of things (for example I hate dogs, am not bothered about fake tan and getting ombre hair would probably make mine fall out). Fashion blogger dressing is so much more vast than goth dressing, maybe it’s a broader subculture with shared attributes rather than a specific look. Plus there’s far worse things to be a part of rather than just sharing a mutual appreciation of bunting. I definitely think we influence the masses; a friend once saw my Barry M nail effects and probably told another friend and so on. Now nail art has been picked up as a trend by CNN! I know I’ve gone off on a slight tangent but I love being part of a community that helps to set fashion and lifestyle trends and inspires others.
Tbh I think of those things, among others, with regards to a ‘typical’ blogger! I’m not sure there really is an ‘alternative’ way of dressing any more judging by Lookbook and the likes, but I think this can only be a good thing 🙂
Great post. There are things bloggers have in common that they like, but as you say, it’s part of being a community to share interest. I’ve dabbled in film blogging too, and it’s similar there – a ‘cliched film blogger’ seems to be someone only interested in indie films and directors that aren’t Hollywood mainstream, but that in itself is a shared interest.
Blogs I follow do demonstrate similar interests – but all have their own unique voice, opinions and interests too. I’m a blogger, and I love Peter Pan collars, cupcakes and vintage style – but I also love horror movies, rock music and gaming. The people looking at fashion/lifestyle bloggers as a cliche probably don’t even read the blogs, and judge by appearance and the stereotype that they THINK blogging is about.
Its nice to hear someone confirming my thoughts xx
Only within the past few months have I discovered the world of blogging, before that I simply thought people nattered away about their life and took hundreds of photos of themselves…which essentially is true, but I had no idea of the community and wise words that came with it. Yours was the very first blog I came across and found interesting and humorous enough to read. I am since an avid reader of your blogs, because you are so far removed from the stereotypical, boring “here’s what I bought from Topshop today” blogs that appear so frequently. If anything, it was yours that has inspired me to set up my own, so thankyou for being individual!
Louise
Such an great post! Your dissertation sounds so interesting, I used to be a bit of an “emo” kid when I was 15 – 18 and while I felt like I was pushing boundaries whenever I went to a gig everyone looked like me but in my everyday life my black eyeliner, dyed hair and Camden market clothing did make me stand out. I now have a very different personal style but its actually quite nice to belong to a different sort of fashion community, I do find myself falling for the same things as other bloggers but its totally harmless and at least now my look is much prettier than when I had blue-black hair and an aspiration to get a lip piercing.
That said, the blogs I like the most are the ones that stray a little from the blogger cliches – the best thing about reading blogs is seeing different girls with different styles, figures and tastes and if we were all the “blogger cliche” life would be pretty dull. x
This is a fantastic post. I do find that a lot of blogs are quite same-y in terms of their content and style, but I still think that a lot bloggers manage to be individual in their own personality, and in general, I buy into personality more than content (although that does play a part!).
I am probably ‘guilty’ of being a bit of a cliched blogger at times, but I’d like to think I manage to keep an aspect of individuality in terms of my own personality. I really don’t want to be a copycat blogger, but I do share a lot of interests with other bloggers so there will inevitably be some crossover!
It can be a bit of a blow to be told you’re just like everyone else though.
Betty
x
Uh oh, I have ombre hair! Must be a cliche…
If it wasn’t for cliche fashion bloggers, I would never have discovered the “blogger bun” – and who wants to live in a world without cute buns lol
No one! 😉
I’m actually booked in for an ‘ombre consultation’ tomorrow… I think it looks great. People will always slate the popular but there’s a reason it’s popular, right?
It’s an interesting point. I do enjoy Peter Pan collars and cupcakes, and yes I do have bunting on my stair case. Haven’t done the ombre hair yet. I sort of like it but at the same time I do feel a little formulaic.. but yes I guess in the end “bloggers” are a group just like goths or skaters or emos. I guess a lot of blogs are sort of samey in that way, but the ones I keep coming back to are those that are written in an interesting, witty way. xx
this side of blogging isn’t my cliche. I’m on the other side: litas, studs, spikes, creepers and crosses haha
I’m human,
of course a lot of people are going to like the same things as I do…and it’s easy to follow the crowd
but as long as we keep our individuality, and show that…
s’all good
((I am hopeless medicated right now, I don’t even make sense))
Interesting post! Obviously in life nothing is original anymore, we are always influenced by each other, it’s a given. Nothing is every truly original or pure but however I like to use these cliches and take my own little twist on them? Is it possible to have a cliche with an edge? A indivdualised cliche? Perhaps! I think we “bloggers” are a sub cultural group of people, we all know what’s trending, we all know that people take outfits and put them on the internet etc. But like other people have said, the writing and the personality of the person has to be inventive and witty otherwise its just all pictures and no words. You might as well just do online window shopping!
Gemma x
http://www.gemmasatire.blogspot.com
I think it’s definitely possible to have an individualised cliché! Great phrase 😉
I think there are cliches and then there are sheep. I am cliched, I love baking and polka dots and peter pan collars. But I also like to show readers a peek inside my day-to-day life that isn’t all flowers and cupcakes and smiles. I find blogs where you feel like you can be actual friends with the blogger and they are down to earth are the best. And of course if you share interests then you will enjoy it even more! I think it’s important to like things genuinely though and not just because everyone else with a popular blog likes them.
Great point Helen – really like your distinction between those who take trends and ‘clichés’ and make them their own and those who follow blinding, regardless of personal taste.
I got 1.2 out of four. Whilst I do love cupcakes I’m not that big a fan of Peter Pan collars (I wouldn’t buy something just because of it, I’d look at the piece overall and make my decision based on that). I’ve never made/owned bunting but I do admire its aesthetic appeal and as for ombre hair – I have no interest in dying my own so I take no interest in it. (I’m also not entirely sure what shade ‘ombre’ is.)
I’m pretty sure I fit most other clichés though. 😉
An interesting and thought-provoking post, Jen.
*1.5. Sorry.
i am not a fan of cupcakes. i recently used cupcakes to illustrate the fact that looks can be deceiving. if only they tasted half as gorgeous as they look!
all members of a community will have some stereotypical traits. i guess it is part of what makes you a member of that community. im sure we all have our individual quirks though
Interesting point Jen…my boyfriend thinks all bloggers talk about is cupcakes and vintage, so there is an instant stereotype from my non-techy fella :).As a designer I already get the Apple and Pantone loving thing, and as part of the blogging community I do love my instagram and apps, but as you say, its nice to be part of a likeminded tribe! x
This was a really interesting post! I honestly don’t know where I fit in probably a bit of both like most people! Sometimes I get a bit bored seeing the same things on every blog (like Alexa Chung pictures and beauty boxes) but some things, like peter pan collars, are mega popular in the blog world but in my real life I don’t see people wearing them as much which is strange. xx
I’m not a fashion blogger, but I do love a bit of bunting! And I’ve never been known to say no to a cupcake. Seriously though, I think you’re right when you say that it’s natural to want to conform and ‘fit in’ with others, and there’s nothing wrong with that. As long as you stay true to what you do and don’t personally like, then I really don’t think it’s a problem if some of that stuff seems a bit ‘stereotypical’.
xx
I think inevitably there will be overlapping interests between bloggers (we all know about infamous pieces of clothing that every blogger has!) but things like Take Ten demonstrate how individual everyone is, it may be the same dress that everyone is wearing but it looks different on everyone!
Maria xxx
Such a great post Jen, and utterly agree. No one is completely alone, I think as humans it’s natural to feed and fuel from each other from a fashion perspective, but also lifestyle etc…. What’s so bad about it, nothing. I think blogging is like the underground of fashion, maybe some people don’t like that we are in the know. We attend press days and hear about launches etc .. I’m forever letting friends who are not in the blog world about fun collections to look froward to. They love it, but maybe some don’t. I think the real question is why did this person feel the need to label you, as you may like these things but not because your a blogger. Because your Jen and that’s what you like, I have met a heap of bloggers and can say we may use the same platform to voice our ideas but we are still very different. Yes there are over lapping likes, but I don’t think this is cliche. Like you said about goths, it’s one of those things a uniform. Bloggers are a group, and maybe some just don’t like that they are not part of that, they could be but maybe feel threatened. I say if someone feels they can sum up the whole blogging community with just those, than they are clueless. Lucky with guessing not cliche. As always great post Jen xxx
Thank you – so many great thoughts here! I do think blogging shapes my tastes but then I have my own likes and dislikes too.
Also so agree with someones point on the thin and rich bloggers, like you say whole other post. I think the ‘famous’ bloggers are cliche, but the general blog community are a real mix of people giving their side on fashion, music, food etc .. Anyway x
I’ve never thought of this but I guess the majority of us are blogger cliches. I really just see it as shared interests though, we’re all suckers for pretty things, photos, food, jewellery and so on. I’d rather a blogger cliche over a corny valentines cliche any day!xxx
While being part of a community is great, I do find the repetition of trends on blogs tiresome. It gets to be a bit much when I come upon the fourth blog post showing the same series of Isabel Marant advertisements or the Emanuelle Alt editorial. There are so many blogs out there with no distinct point of view, or just a compilation of popularized images.
But I’ll never get tired of looking at photos of macarons. Bring on that French pastry goodness.
I completely agree that repetition is boring – no one wants to read the same reviews or see the same images over and over again. But I think if you can take those clichés and the things that are so popular within the community and put your own spin on them, it becomes more individual and therefore more interesting.
And of course, no one can resist photos of macarons! 😉
This is a very interesting topic. I personally think that the blogging community is so vast now that there is no need for anybody to be pigeon-holed. Up until recently I was exclusively a reader of and occasional commenter on blogs, but the ones I chose to read were generally by non-professional bloggers (for want of a better expression) who blogged in their spare time and tended not to feature endless photos of macaroons. Although I like cupcakes I am coming to loathe that particular cliche, I have no problem with bunting, I love peter pan collars but up until I just googled it I had no idea what ombre hair was. Maybe there is a large section of the blogging community that does wittingly or otherwise subscribe to this image but there are plenty who do not and enough room for all personal tastes to be accommodated x
Regardless as to whether we get pigeon-holed or not I’m pleased to be part of the blogging community.
Like attracts like in most aspects of life, we’re human – it’s part of our nature. Whether it’s food, fashion or sport we’re drawn to others we can relate too and I think that’s a really positive thing.God it would be a lonely place otherwise wouldn’t it?
Hehehe, there aint nowt wrong with a good cupcake! And I did not just spend my sunday night painstakingly sewing a Peter Pan collar onto a dress from a charity shop because (I quote) “it just needed one” :). We are naturally attracted to people who share some or all of our interests, that’s how communities, both online and offline, work. Although I also love my heavy metal music, but you won’t find me on those forums because there are no collars and too much black clothing :p.
Ooh, and I’m not so keen on ombre hair – cliche busted :).
Ooh, this is the first time I’ve visited your blog ever and I’m compelled to comment. Your dissertation sounds really interesting and totally mirrors my experience of being an (ex)goth. I still love the look but can’t keep it up 24/7 and so am no longer in the club! I also like other subcultures like steampunk, vintage and rockabilly but as I lack the money to completely refashion my wardrobe I just appreciate from the sidelines.
I don’t understand why that person thought these were specifically fashion blogger clichés? Surely they are just ‘things that are popular’. Many women like cakes, vintage things and ombre hair, otherwise they wouldn’t have been considered fashionable. Am I missing the point? I think that person was a little dismissive of what you do.
I agree about the sub culture thing though. I hung around the rock kids at school and liked rock music, but didn’t really dress that way because I love colour. I did dabble in grunge (it was the 90s) but I never really felt I fitted in. However, I was too ‘alternative’ to fit in with the other kids who liked pop music.
Amy
PS – had to Google ombre hair :0)
Great post, made me laugh at first. But on the serious front, most ladies like all of these kind of things, I think we just choose to pursue them and talk about them. We all know pretty things look great on camera and blogging is such a huge form of visual art it just make sense!
Ahhh this is sooo funny! I have only recently started blogging but I wrote my dissertation on the exact same, word for word, subject as you did!
It’s the same as the question of why do you see similar trends from multiple designers on the catwalk if they are supposed to be original designs….well they are influenced by the same world! The same films for example. It’s a similar story with bloggers. I think each blogger has something to contribute though and puts their own spin on it. I’m from Glasgow so some of what I talk about is based in Glasgow. I’m allergic to a lot of chemicals you find in beauty products so I blog about “alternative” beauty options etc.
Lisa x
I personally don’t think there’s anything wrong with liking the same things that other people do in a community you’ve chosen to be part of, to the extent of becoming a cliche. I think its what you do with these similar likes and dislikes that defines you.
x Aliya
http://www.papermoonsandmacarons.blogspot.com
I’m a teacup-loving, Cambridge satchel-owning, cupcake eating blogger and I’m PROUD xx
check, check, check. Definitely a cliche! xx
Great post as always Jen, you always get such good discussion going in the comments! 🙂 I’m definitely a fan of Peter pan collars..but I’m also proud of being an ex-goth (basically just to ‘prove’ I’m not a cliche). Crazy, right?
I love cupcakes and bunting and am now just on the look out for a cute satchel, but I don’t think that makes u a cliché. I just love to find pretty things and I don’t think there can be anything wrong with that. At the end of the day u just have to go along with the things you like :).
Who doesn’t like cupcakes? It’s like cake, only prettier.
All communities have trends. At college, I was a bit of a scene kid. My friends and I all wore alarming coloured skinny jeans, hi-tops and band shirts. We looked exactly the same as each other but different from everyone else. Actually, my best friend still dresses like that.
Bloggers have their own micro-trends. We follow each others blogs because something about the person behind the blog appeals to us. It’s only natural that we take inspiration from them, surely? If I see a few of my favourite bloggers wearing something, say a sheer shirt, I’m far more likely to try it for myself.
I blog and like cupcakes and peter pan collars. I don’t really know what ombre hair is.
I don’t think it really matters if you want to blog about those things, so long as you do it in an interesting way. There are too many blogs that don’t really say anything (and I wouldn’t consider this one of them by the way). I particularly struggle with the ones that involve endless pictures of pretty girls looking whimsical in the sunlight.
But it’s just personal taste at the end of the day, isn’t it.
haha who doesn’t love cupcakes? I don’t know about across the pond but here in New York we have what’s known as the “fashion blogger uniform.” The only time it annoys me and fellow bloggers is if someone thinks putting on a pair of Litas and posing suddenly entitles you or makes you better than other bloggers. I’ve definitely tried some trends I never otherwise would thanks to bloggers because they showed me what real girls look like wearing it but also gave me confidence. Maybe she’s jealous of our tight knit community?
I always thought of myself as an anti-conformist. Taking to things others that different or unusual. Now that I have read your post I believe there are some aspects about me that many other people share. I adore cupcakes and Peter Pan collars. I wish I owned old suitcases and I dream in Vintage. I dont think this is a negative thing though, it just means that somone was inspired and it is a trend. It may go and never return but for a few of us, me notably, I hope I will have the courage to stick with it because it is really and truly me.
Happy Writing,
Lu
http://madnessontheroad.blogspot.com/