Now that fashion week has come and gone, I’ve had a chance to reflect.

If you happened to run into me during fashion week, during the conferences or during the parties, you may of heard me or I may of told you how I really felt about fashion week and bloggers attending. You may of heard me exclaim the annoyance I felt about the presence of bloggers and the circus it/they cultivate. I made claims of not wanting to be a part of that circus where we didn’t belong, where we served no purpose and where we only added to the unnecessary commentary. But I’ve completely forgotten I used to be this person- I couldn’t wait to attend fashion week, couldn’t wait to wear all my exclamatory pieces, couldn’t wait to stand in line for shows I wouldn’t of ever attended without the blog- standing or not and I couldn’t wait to see people I’ve admired my entire life. I’ve forgotten there’s an innocence behind a showgoer. An innocence of being so excited to even get the opportunity to attend fashion week- not about being photographed or having the flyest outfit, it was purely about being at the coolest event of the season.

But after attending five seasons now, I suppose I’ve got jaded feelings- watching the attitude of fashion week change. Instead of feeling that aura of excitement and thrill of having the chance to attend, I feel like it’s become this “who’s who” and who’s “upping” who. And I found myself more lost in that than in the fashion strutting down the runway. I’ve felt this overwhelming feeling of judgement- kind of like walking into a high school cafeteria being the new kid and everyone wants to throw all their shade on you. I used to look to fashion as my release- as my only outlet where I was understood and could be appreciated. Now it’s become this attention-seeking fight for a shot from Tommy or Mark or Phil or any other street style photographer. But I, still, have to remind myself that, that was such a highlight if that happened to me. I remember being shot for Vogue China and literally, jumped for joy when I saw the photo. But after reflection, I realize first, the outfit was hysterical and second, did that photo give me any status, any change in traffic, any new street cred? Nope, absolutely not. So what is truly the point of standing in front of Lincoln Center if you’ve got no ultimate purpose to even enter the “tents”? Do you perhaps see where I’m coming from?

I’m not entirely sure where I stand with fashion, partially due to fashion week. I moved to NYC to pursue a life-long dream to work within the industry but I can’t help but be persuaded to never want to enter a place like this. Fashion week certainly opened my eyes- to both the good and bad. It also opened my eyes to what kind of blogger I want to be. I want to be a blogger of substance, I want to contribute to a community who welcomes, not only a voice, but an opinionated voice. I want to have full-fledged substance and luckily for me, you readers absolutely get that. That’s not to say I don’t support my friends who are strictly fashion bloggers. In fact, I praise them for being able to maintain that and be extremely successful. There are moments I’m even envious of their success based off their style but I realize that there’s no need for comparison. We’re just two different kinds of bloggers.

I ran into a reader on Friday and spilled a bit of my thoughts on her. As much as I love fashion and expressing my style on the blog, I know there’s so much more I have to offer. I won’t be taking away the Moods/Style Shot posts as they are the foundation of which I started Profresh Style. But I will be transitioning into more writing and videos. I’m just not sure I want to be in a community where support is jaded and insufficient and full of fluff. And the ones who do support, seem to fade into the background and the voices get lost. I really hope that you readers follow along with this change. I’m searching for myself- what I believe in and what my purpose is. Profresh Style will always be a place of release and I hope you can enjoy and embrace this. I’ll be taking a momentary break from PS to gather my thoughts and corral what I want to express here. I’ve got posts queued up for the week but for the rest of the month, I just need to gather.

I know there’s questions about Reader Appreciation Month. Don’t worry, I have all your (amazing!) submissions filed in my email. During this break, I’ll be contacting you to see what we can work on. Some of your ideas are so awesome you guys! October is PS’s THREE year anniversary so it will be a great time to have you guys on here. Just be patient and I’ll be up soon. I promise.

One last thing- fashion isn’t what keeps me here. Style isn’t what keeps me here. My journey isn’t what keeps me here. YOU are what keeps me going on PS. YOU keep me writing, hoping to inspire you to be you, hoping to captivate you and motivate you and hoping to change how you perceive life, even in the littlest ways. What started out as a fashion blog has turned into a love letter to my life and to sharing it with you. Thank you for letting me be honest, be heartfelt and be myself. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.

All my love.

  • http://twitter.com/gritandglamour Grit & Glamour™

    Christina, I’ve never even been to the shows in NY, but like you, I’ve always wanted to be there, neck-deep in fashion and loving every minute of it. Luckily (or unluckily), for me, geography and being unwilling to downgrade my lifestyle to make it in NY have kept me well out of the loop. But I do get a strong sense of the “haves” and “have nots” coming through in blogging…some ladies are genetically and financially blessed, which makes pimping the latest designer goods on their perfect bods (in photos shot by their uber-doting boyfriends) easy. It can definitely make the rest of us feel a little envious and left out.

    Also, like you, I’ve grown very weary of OOTD posts shot by me in my same old place. I feel like I’ve outgrown that focus a bit too, but I’ve always said that I started G&G as an outlet for my thoughts since I’m a writer. Fashion, which I LOVE, is really a topic in my life I cover some too. I’m sure you can tell by my posts in the last months that I’m kind of in the same place you are. Grateful for the opportunities the blog has afforded me, but feeling like there’s a whole lot more to life and me than just that.

    This is my long-ass way of saying that I feel you, and I applaud you for always, always following your heart. Yours is one of the few blogs I visit regularly and actually read and comment on anymore. That speaks volumes about the content you are creating and YOU. Thanks for this post. Makes me realize I’m not the only one feeling this way!

    xoxo

  • Midnyte Reader

    Hi there. This is my first time visiting your blog. I really liked your post and am now following to see where your journey takes you.

  • Kait

    I completely agree with you. Style bloggers have become a who-whos and it’s ridiculously annoying. Just because you have more followers or more comments, doesn’t mean you’re Jennifer freakin’ Aniston. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit a fashion show because, like Grit & Glamour said, geography just hasn’t allowed it. I’ve been invited to a handful of shows and haven’t had the chance. I’d love to be able to go but I definitely wouldn’t be the one waiting to have my photo taken. Hell, if anything I’d be lost! I just think a lot of bloggers don’t appreciate the chance to attend, they take advantage of it. I won’t name drop, but I’m sure they know who they are. I have the feeling that if I met half the “big-name” bloggers that I admire, they’d snub me. Honestly, I love PS because you’re YOU…not who everyone needs you to be. I feel like if your readers wanted something from you that wasn’t really the real you, you’d shut it all down. That inspires me SO much for the direction of my own blog. It’s bloggers like you who make it all worthwhile. You keep it REAL! I mean c’mon, how many bloggers would post a video of their ridiculously awesome dance moves?! ;) Keep doing what you love and the readers will always follow you. Good luck – I’ll be keeping up! xo

  • http://www.styleactivist.com erika sheffer

    you took the words right out of my mouth. things are a’changin for me and SA. my world does not revolve around fashion and my ootd’s are 6/10 work out clothes. i honestly DGAF about FW anymore. it’s about seeing my friends. that’s it. and playing with Pippa at the dog park and chatting with hot policemen.. eh hemmm i meannn..

    love you for ALWAYS keepin’ it real.

  • http://starcrossedsmile.com/ Nnenna

    I can definitely identify with this post. The super excited, eager showgoer was totally me this past NYFW. It was my first time having the opportunity to attend shows in Lincoln Center and offsite and I was just SO excited and happy to be a part of the fashion week madness. I did go a bit crazy in the weeks leading up- worried that I wouldn’t have anything “fashionable” to wear or that I would look like an outsider at the tents, but then I talked to a few of my local blogger friends who’d done the whole she-bang before and they assured me I had nothing to worry about. So I stopped worrying about having “the most amazing outfit” and got excited again about just being able to be there.

    I had a really great experience for my first time. I still can’t get over the fact that I was able to see these amazing clothes in person! And I also met up with several blogger friends (local and otherwise) for the first time, which was really great. I guess I’m saying that it’s still new and exciting for me, since I just had my first taste, but I can definitely see where you’re coming from as you’ve watched it evolve over the years.

    Also, I’ve questioned the content of my blog since I first started. I mean, I LOVE fashion and sharing my personal style, but it’s not the only thing I want to talk about. My blog never has been and probably won’t ever be strictly fashion because I like to share my other interests too, like knitting and crafts and letter-writing and so on. People always say you should find a niche and stick with it and I’ve worried that my blog is too all over the place, but I’ve decided that I don’t want to stop writing about what I love, even if that is a bunch of different things.

    I’m excited to see what new direction you’ll go in because I’m sure it will be wonderful! Thanks for never being afraid to share your true thoughts/feelings here!

  • http://thickandthrifty.tumblr.com/ Aimée

    Hey Homegirl-
    I’m so proud of you for always speaking your mind. Although I don’t have the experience you’ve had with fashion week and IFB and all that jazz, I share the same sentiment with you. Yes, I belong to IFB, mainly as a tool to simply get my name out there. However, I don’t consider myself a fashion blogger, rather, a lifestyle blog. Also, thrifty bloggers don’t fit the mold of a fashion blogger. It’s unfortunate. Anyway, I applaud you for thinking of taking a new direction. You truly are a chameleon and as is your blog. That’s what I love about breaking the “rules”…. there are no boundaries and you’re free to do whatever the hell you want. It’s so oddly funny that I’ve never met you yet I feel this connection that you’re one of my girls. I hope someday we can meet, and I’m sure we will, but just keep doing your thing. You’re an admirable person for doing so.

  • Jonell

    Hey Christina! Your sentiments on fashion week is my sentiment on the overall blogging climate as of late. I had the opportunity to attend a few shows this past February ( which I do recommend F/W Fashion week- way more calm)…I digress. I’ve grown tired of the circus fashion blogging has become. We fight to be seen as equals by the publishing and media industry, and yet the only ones who have made any sort of name for themselves showcase the idealized version on blogging; those with trust funds, seemingly no job ( I wonder if some of these bloggers work or ever had to earn a wage) and a wardrobe best described as Bergdorf Goodman meets a rich kids version of what street wear is. Am I jealous? No. Am I simply truthfully recalling the state our art has come to? Yes. I live in Florida ( I’m praying if a job opportunity comes through, I’ll soon be making the coveted pilgrimage to NYC). And as any fashion blogger that doesn’t live in LA or NY, they feel as though their local sartorial options are not worth recording. There have been days when I visit other, more popular sites, and I see the amount of comments and how the blogger no longer even responds to them. I see gorgeous haute couture gracing the shoulders of twenty-somethings, while I scrap to make my student loan payments and I look at my wardrobe and I am defeated. Sometimes, I don’t post because I feel like the fashion world rather read the opinions of the “who’s who” bloggers than the humble posts of a “no name blogger.”

    I began blogging years ago but after launching and closing three blogs I decided for better or worse, to create and stick to FIVEFOOT9. Where I live, a community of fashion enthusiasts practically does not exist. I take photos and people literally come up to me and ask if I work for the newspaper. More often than not, I get people who think I’m a creeper photographing them from a distance, in which they kindly walk up to me and ask to ‘not be included’ in whatever “project” I’m conducting. and when I do go home and edit my photos and put together a post, it’s read by five people max ( my family not included because they think blogging is silly and nothing worthwhile). So why do I continue? Honestly, an English professor suggested I blog in order to keep my writing skills sharp. I continue to blog because it’s my outlet. It’s my one piece of the universe that I have complete control over. i get to dictate what’s “in” and what’s “out”. I get to give an honest review or opinion without having to consider an agenda. I get to feel pretty.

    The Man Repellers and Bryan Boys of the world will continue to reign as long as the industry benefits from them. Which is fine, it’s business after all. I understand your “jaded” feelings- I don’t think it’s so bad to feel that way. It’s honest, just like your blog. I write to keep my skills fresh, I’m teaching myself photography and PhotoShop, and I buy what I can afford. It’s earned me a few invites to fashion week and some branding opportunities. I’ve met and keep in touch with some AMAZING bloggers that like myself, never see the spotlight. But as long as your voice remains true, you’ll always have a loyal base of followers who trust, relate to, and love your point of view.

    -Jonell

  • Ashe @ Ash in Fashion

    “I’m just not sure I want to be in a community where support is jaded and
    insufficient and full of fluff. And the ones who do support, seem to
    fade into the background and the voices get lost. I really hope that you
    readers follow along with this change. I’m searching for myself- what I
    believe in and what my purpose is.”

    HEARE HEARE. Lady, after 5.5 years of blogging… I totally feel you and Vahni. I question my purpose, what I want, and what I’m in it for daily. I’ve always considered myself a writer first and foremost, and a style & lifestyle blogger is the vehicle I chose to do it. Every season I get asked if I’m coming for Fashion Week… once would be fun, but ultimately I don’t see Fashion Week as an expression of my values or interests. Looking forward to see where you go and what you do, bijoux!

  • http://www.considermelovely.com Rocquelle P.

    In writing this post, just know that you speak for many my dear! I look forward to wear your journey and evolution takes you.

  • Lindsay Moore

    Yes, this is how it should be. I’m so sick of the popularity contest. I’m so sick of feeling like I’m not a good blogger because I’m not being featured. You know what? I write well. I post intellectually stimulating articles and I’m proud of that. Although I attended fashion week, I did it for my own reasons. I wanted to see the fashion. I didn’t want to deal w/ the hoopla. I wanted to see new fabric, gorgeous gowns flowing down half the runway, and the infamous crazy weird shows of the season. Yes, the freebies are nice too, since student loans suck me dry for the rest of the year. Honestly, the blog world has exploded as of late and everyone seems to have an opinion. I’m with you. It should be about connecting with other like minded individuals and sharing what you love. And I’m done.

  • http://shopandtwirl.com/ Miranda

    As a newbie fashion blogger, I have not yet been jaded by the blogging industry, but I understand completely where you’re coming from. It doesn’t take a moron to figure out that the most successful bloggers are those with the biggest bank accounts and the most model-esque bodies. I realize I will never be like that, and that’s ok with me. I actually prefer reading the blogs of ladies who are more like me because I feel like 1.) I can connect with them more because I relate and 2.) they care more about their readers and actually engage with their readers. I love your blog and I’ll keep following you no matter what direction you decide to take. I appreciate that you always keep it real. It inspires me to be fearless on my own blog. Thanks Christina!

  • Melanie

    I found myself smiling and nodding along to pretty much all of this post.

    I completely agree with you and understand where you’re coming from. It always hurts a little when the people involved in what you love don’t take it for what it is. They use it. It’s really no better than using someone to achieve a personal goal. There is collateral damage in a way. I’m so glad that you expressed this, because even though I’ve never been to NYFW, it’s always been something I wanted to experience. Despite that, I have no problem seeing where it can get lost in the superficial.

    Best wishes on your time off! :)

    Melanie
    Style to Stage

  • http://www.riamichelle.com Ria Michelle

    As a blogger that’s been to fashion week for 3 seasons now, I was sort of over it my second. I met with a friend from high school and spent a lot of time skipping things to hang out, eat (!!) and just going to things like Blogger’s Night Out where I was there as support for my friends. It was so much more fun than this season where it was just me on my own. I’m currently debating whether I will go back in February. I sort of feel like it’s expected now and if I don’t go that’d be weird. I also wouldn’t get to see all my up north babes. I love going to shows, it’s extremely flattering for Essence and Nylon Japan to stop me or a friend but you’re so right in saying none of that has ever done anything for me. Blogger relations can also be so weird. I met a blogger I follow and have even been featured in the same campaign as her and she was so flippant towards me when I went up to say I’d like what she had done with the project. I mean she doesn’t owe me anything but it made me feel like really small. If I didn’t go this year however I wouldn’t have made a substantial amount of money (to me) so that puts me even more in limbo on my decision for Feb.

  • http://www.EatStylePlay.com/ Eat.Style.Play

    I have to admit when i saw this, I intially gave it the side eye, from the perspective of, what others do is none of my business. And probably because I had skimmed through it, and thought that it was along the lines of to other blogs I saw, who mentioned something like this. Then I slept on it, and I totally see where you are coming from. I love that you were said something that I asked on twitter probably when FW first started. Are bloggers out there to just have their picture taken or are they seriously attending shows. THen you do have those who swear that because one or two ppl took their picture that they are the “it” thing, and that’s what kinda blows me. While I honestly can say these successful bloggers are not even on my radar simply because I can’t relate to them, there are a 100 more that are willing to give them all the praise swell their heads up.

    But I’ve learned you can’t take it personal because some of them have their ways, and As i’ve become part of mulitple blogging communities I’ve realized that some already have their friends, some don’t have any skill on dealing with ppl, and some lack social skills…..then you have some that are plain bitchy, and honestly have let a little bit of success get to their heads.

  • http://www.thelimericklane.com Toya | The Limerick Lane

    Get out of my head!! I completely understand where you are coming from. I had the pleasure of attending shows during fashion week on several occasions. While it was great and I was totally honored to be there – I am completely over it now. I’m a lifestyle blogger that covers fashion but I cover it from a frugal point. So I was going to these shows for designers I could never afford even with a sample sale. What was the point? I don’t like to read the same blog posts about the same designer show using the same pictures nor do I care to write about it. Yes..some do write from a different perspective. But it all ends up being the same when it comes to fashion week coverage. I think it has become a who’s who among the bloggers. Very HS and clicky. And to be shot by a street style photographer you have to look crazy and outlandish in my opinion. (not all the time) I will say to new bloggers that if you have the opportunity to go…GO! And form your own opinion. But after a couple of seasons I was over it. I have a ‘been there, done that’ attitude towards fashion week. I’m very excited about the direction you plan to take your blog. I love your blog because you are honest and tells it. Take your needed break to relax and regroup. We all need time away from our blogs sometimes to get clarity and piece of mind. I will excitedly wait your return. Stay fresh! :)

  • http://twitter.com/imperfctconcept Imperfect Concepts

    Great post. I felt fashion week was very overbearing and too much going on. I to remember dreaming of going and when I got there my dreams didnt match my reality.

    Yes, I wish success for everyone building there brands but I do long for the days when I read certain blogs before the agents, advertising and sponsor post started rolling in.

    Thank you for a great reflection. Wish you much success and happiness during your break and beyond

    • http://Missfoodiefash.wordpress.com/ Miss Foodie Fash

      Yes, sometimes I feel like blogs have become one big commercial. I miss when blogs were for fun and it seemed like bloggers were more concerned about their reader than hocking ware.

  • http://Missfoodiefash.wordpress.com/ Miss Foodie Fash

    Girl, you all ready know you shit glamour. I don’t care what you do, as long as you keep bringing the crazy and being you.

  • http://twitter.com/webhautejas jasmine.

    i support cha! …i think reflection is vital to growth in life & you’re blog is a reflection of you!…if you wanted to switch over to blogging about foods that make you drool that would be cool with me! …this is your space to do what you want with it! no rules!!!!

  • http://twitter.com/looksharpWI Look Sharp Sconnie

    Whoa. So I’ve been following you for a while, and I’ve always thought that you stood out from the other bloggers. Something about you gives off attitude, and you never seem passive. You really come across as engaged and influential, and like you have a really big and thoughtful personality.

    I’m so glad to see you write this, especially since I’ve been thinking along the same lines myself lately. I’ve published a few posts questioning whether “fashion blogging” is really making me happy anymore. I haven’t even been doing it that long, but I’m already sick of the cliques, feeling like an outsider, and consistently being thought of as a “wannabe”. Isn’t everyone a wannabe at some point?

    I think REAL fashion is all about innocence, like you said, It’s about putting on what you FEEL, not what you’ve seen others wear and suddenly deem cool or photograph-worthy. After going to NYFW(eekend) for my first time ever, I really felt the same as you express that you do here. I was so excited to meet everyone and get to talk about CLOTHES and SHOES with people who really CARED about them, and wouldn’t look at me as shallow or stupid. Instead, I kind of just winded up feeling like I didn’t belong- like everyone knew something I didn’t.

    Anyhow, sorry for the essay here, but I just want to say that I can’t wait to see what you com eup with, and I have no doubt that you’ll have something relevant and engaging to share with us all.

    Cheers,

    -Gabrielle

  • Veshoevius

    This is a great and honest post – you are by no means alone either. I used to attend fashion week way before there were even such things as blogs or social media (or at least they weren’t mainstream) and the atmosphere was completely different. While the phenomena of the fashion blog opened that world up to people who normally would never get a peek in and added a really dynamic energy, it also brought a lot of change to the atmosphere that was not always positive, things you’ve highlighted so frankly here. I used to go in to London Fashion Week with a luxury boutique owner who actually bought the clothes – when she started to have less “rights” to say photograph the stock she was interested in parting cash for than I did by flashing my blogger pass then I knew that things had really gotten a bit silly. I’ve bowed out of the last couple of fashion weeks as I got blogger circus fatigue pretty quickly.