Instagram Confidence: How to get it

INSTAGRAM CONFIDENCE
Occasionally I post outfit of the day photos to Instagram. It’s something I have done for a little while now, inspired by the blogging community and in particular the style bloggers I admire. It’s exciting to discover outfits that I can actually adopt and new ways to wear what I already have. I like finding new places to shop. The main reason I do it is to discover clothes and ways of wearing them that suit my style, stage and age. I don’t necessarily see that in traditional marketing. I wrote about that a little while ago.

Even now I tend to post with emotional blinkers on. I presume the only people seeing those posts are those within the #ootd communities. So when a friend outside that group comments, it gives me a little jolt. And I wonder anew what on earth they must think of me.

I figure there are lots of people who would like to join in on the fashion community action on Instagram but lack the confidence to do so. Or are worried about what others might think. This post is for you.  Read more

Less in 2017

2017

This time last year my feed was full of resolutions, gung-ho attitudes and promises that 2016 would shine bright.

Of course, 2016 limped to its finish line looking less than glossy.

It was a hard year from a world perspective. Things occurred that I do not understand and that, quite frankly, terrify me. We lost so many public figures. People we may not know but feel we know through their work.

At a personal level, 2016 was an a pretty good year. There were the usual peaks and troughs. More peaks really, with a range of fabulous experiences that I won’t soon forget. Thankfully, there were no personal tragedies. But I don’t think I will look back on it as the best or worst year in recent memory. Which has left me feeling pragmatic and realistic about 2017. I don’t think I am the only one. There certainly aren’t as many lofty resolutions hanging around the socials. Read more