FBFF: Authentic and Genuine Bloggers

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without-
1. Little S. (does she count as a thing?)
2. Toothpaste
3. Toothbrush
4. Facewash
5. Wipes

Katy's questions for FBFF this week pertain to blogger authenticity and genuineness.

I was so excited about this topic, mainly because I tend to ... not read blogs that I don't think are genuine. And I also really enjoy making true friends through this community, which would be hard to do with people who aren't portraying their real selves.

1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?

Obviously, orginal content when posting is the first thing that comes to mind. Authentic bloggers should have their own ideas and if they're borrowing ideas from elsewhere (a website, magazine, another blogger...), the source should always be credited AND the blogger should put their own spin on things. Also, when I think of blogger authenticity, I think of being able to hear the person speak to me, because I imagine they are writing what they are living and that they're telling me a real and true story or sharing something with me that they are passionate about.

2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?

My biggest hope for my blog is that when you read it, you have a warm, fuzzy, friendly feeling about it (or me) or the content. I've said it before- I write like I speak. I treat you all as if you're my best friends or my mom. What I write and share with you are things that I truly care about. If I ask questions to my readers, it's because I really want to know what you have to say. I'm not high-fashion, so I don't write about high fashion or try to wear it. I'm "everyday" and I hope that comes through in both my outfits and the things I choose to share with all of you.

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?

I have stopped following four blogs. I suppose I lost interested because posting was once a week or less, and the content simply wasn't inspiring to me. Blogs are inspirational and entertaining for me. I get ideas here. I meet real, genuine, friends, here. I'm giving myself to you in that way, and I guess if I'm not feeling it back, I just don't want to be stressed out with "one more blog" to catch up on in my reader. That's not how it should feel. I keep blogs around that I'm excited to visit.

4. We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life... what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?

I work full time, outside of the home, am a wife that goes through the same relationship ups and downs as everyone else in the world, am raising my gorgeous and impressionable daughter, try to spend as much time with friends and family as my schedule (and bank account) allows... I'm just me. I always have been. I'm the funny friend that does everything in her will to make my girlfriend laugh when she's down. I say bad words when I shouldn't and talk too much in awkward situations (because awkward silences are worse). I get home and put my PJs on, immediately. I picked up a $5 pizza last night, because I'm sick of cooking all the time. So, yeah... I'm just me. And now, I'm me, with this awesome blog.

5. Give a shout-out... Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?

Oh holy moly- In answer 3, I talked about why I "keep people around." Well, I follow over 150 blogs at this point, and I wouldn't be following a single one if I didn't think something about the writer was truly genuine. Some people/blogs that come to mind at first thought are:

Melissa * A Working Mom's Closet

Melissa has gone through so much in the past year. She's so real. When she needs to take a break and deal with life, she lets us know, because she's a good friend. She speaks sweetly, is a hard-working mother, and doesn't care about being a "mainstream" fashionista. She's Melissa. And she's so good at it. My first "real" friend via blogging- I haven't met Melissa in person (yet), but I might as well have. We're like... soulmates. It's so weird. And awesome.

Rochelle * Rochelle Approved

Another blogger that has become my friend IRL- she's thoughtful, caring, and she shares little tidbits about her day, her marriage, and her real life experiences on her blog. She is just as sweet (if not even moreso!) in person as she portrays in her writing and she's another lady that's got a lot going on in her life, but doesn't mind taking the time to give to the community as well.

Collette * Statements in Fashion

I think when people think of "genuine" bloggers, their first instinct is to name people that are lower profile, and a little slower circuit. Then, their second instinct should be to throw that idea out the window and for sure, the name "Collette Osuna" will quickly pop into your head. Sure, Collette has a zillion readers and works in the fashion industry. She's a known writer and was voted Michigan's Best Dressed. That might all sound intimidating, but trust me- the woman is giving, caring, supportive, and I haven't "met" another blogger that genuinely cares so much about her readers AND her friends.

Marilou * Twenty York Street

Holy Mother of Pearl- what an inspiration this woman has been to me! ML is another very giving and supportive blogger who has become a true friend. She reached out to me as soon as she started blogging and we became fast friends. She is not only gorgeous and completely stylish, but she portrays herself so well in her blog. ML has an extremely busy personal life but has never shied away from being there for me when I've needed a shoulder.

Genuine, REAL people make genuine bloggers.

Okay, I'm going to process some travel, then hop around the FBFF posts!

I heard from a birdie that someone and someone else might have mentioned me on their blogs, today.

SosososososoSO honored!

xoxo,

Kimberly