I used to blog. I used to have a completely different blog web address and I blogged there throughout parts of my 20's. For a time, I was really into it, and I had an active following and engagement, and posted frequently. I was a fashion blogger back then too, but we were on a much tighter budget then, having just graduated from school, and paying back enormous student loans. My outfits weren't very trendy, and I rarely bought anything new. I honestly just posted what I wore on the daily (often times, what I wore to church on Sunday), and talked a bit about my life. And I LOVED it! I felt like I actually had a niche, and people really enjoyed seeing an authentic wardrobe and a relatable 20-something who didn't have it all together.
As time went on, though, and social media became more and more popular (as well as influencers alike), I felt almost paralyzed to blog. How could I be good enough or what did I have to offer, now that there were influencers out there who seemed to offer everything under the sun. I thought, "they're way more beautiful than me, way more tan, have much tighter abs, and obviously all the money to buy every expensive handbag and pair of shoes they want! Plus, they're traveling to beautiful and scenic locations and every shot seems like it's in the most beautiful spot in Dubai or straight under the Eiffel Tower. What can I offer anyone, here? What am I doing?" So I didn't blog for a while. Shortly after I stopped blogging, we decided to start a family, and I had my daughter. I blogged a few times here and there, infrequently after having Lorelai, because I did still really enjoy it, but I was definitely sporadic, and I felt I really didn't have the time or energy to commit to blogging anymore, now that I had a child. Fast forward a few more years, and we had another baby, a boy this time. I now had two toddlers to care for, and vastly less time on my hands to blog. I found myself in Mom jeans and a hoodie most days, and I felt like I'd lost who I was. Being a Mother is amazingly rewarding and wonderful, but it's also exhausting and completely draining. You can lose yourself in it, especially if you're one of those people who values getting to get dolled up now and then and being dressed well. Those newborn and toddler years are not for the faint of heart. (You're basically covered in poop and spit-up and definitely not wearing your cute new suede heels! haha)
When my son was about 6 months old, and I felt like I could basically fit back into most of my clothes again, I was scrolling through instagram one night and I looked at these beautiful Fashion Blogger accounts, and I thought, "I really miss this! I want to do this again!". A few days later, I asked my husband what he thought about just going into the front yard and snapping some photos of me in a cute outfit, so I could blog again. He thought it was a great idea, and that's where this all began again. We're usually just in front of my house, or in front of my parents' house, and we don't travel to scenic spots in Dubai. I don't have the best photos in the world, and I don't edit them quite like the rest of instagram. Sometimes a blurry photo sneaks in, and sometimes, my clothes could have been ironed a little better. And that's okay with me now. What having my kids did for me was to give me a new perspective. I realized that I'm not trying to compete with the best of the best on instagram, I'm just trying to find a place to feel happy and to express my creativity in my favorite way - through fashion and the outfits I put together. I realized that if I wait for everything to be perfect, that time will never come. You just do it... use what you have and put it out there and have fun! It's hard not to feel the push of the instagram hustle, some days, but I really do try to just keep doing this for me. Because I know what it feels like to know you have to take a step back from something you love, and I really did not enjoy that. I'm here because it's honestly something I love and look forward to. I know that success may never find someone like that, and that's truly okay. All I ever wanted was to start putting outfit posts back on the internet, to feel like I was a part of something again, and I've successfully done that (and consistently) for a little over a year now. I'm proud and happy with where I am, and I know the girl I was a little over a year ago would be super excited about my blog right now! I do this for her. I do this for me.
And that's how having my kids helped me to overcome the doubts I had about myself and start blogging again. I've just been thinking about this a lot lately, and how grateful I am to be able to do this... and I wanted to share this story with you guys. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share my outfits with you guys and for this little space on the internet, where a few of you care to comment and share your experiences and thoughts with me as well. I'm so excited and happy to be here, and I'm so thankful to have you here! Thank you so so much for visiting my site and for reading, especially if you made it this far!! Have a wonderful week, you guys!
Jessica
Shop My Look:
Shop My Look:
Love.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Regine! Hope you have a great Monday!
DeleteIt's so wonderful to hear your story, Jessica--I think the best thing is if we do things to help ourselves. I know that blogging has helped Nancy with her confidence, and we all need that!!
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Blogging gives me so much confidence in so many aspects of my life! It's honestly one of the best things I've ever done! Have a wonderful Monday, Jodie!
DeleteGirl, I'm so glad you are back at it and I love hearing your story! Blogging is not about perfection. Just like you, I started this because I love it.
ReplyDeletewww.rdsobsessions.com
I think that's the very best way to be! Thank you so much, Rach!
Deletenice to read your story.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
Thanks so much, Tanza! Hope you have a great day too!
DeleteYour dress is so pretty, you look stunning ♥
ReplyDeletelondonkidx.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, love! It's my new favorite, for sure!
DeleteI feel you in this post Jessica! Blogging started for me after my kids were no longer toddlers. I understand why you had to take a step back but so glad you started up again. Your style is amazing and others should see it. This dress is amazing!
ReplyDeletehttps;//www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thank you so much, Kathrine! I really appreciate your comments and value your input, and reading your amazing blog too!
DeleteThis is such an inspiring story and I’m so very glad that you shared it with us today. Having children is indeed a great way to gain perspective and balance in your life. That is the trap of social media, there’s always a group of people who have more stuff.. we must not allow ourselves to feel competitive or lacking.
ReplyDeleteI adore your floral dress and those beautiful boots.The statement earrings are also fabulous - I’m going to see if maybe I can get them and convert them to clip on.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Thank you so much, Elle! It definitely was a great way to gain perspective and balance for me! I hope you have a fantastic afternoon and a lovely evening!
DeleteThis is such a gorgeous post Hun and I love this look!
ReplyDeleteGrace Louise || www.gracelouiseofficial.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you so much, Grace Louise! Have a great evening!
DeleteThis is the sweetest post EVER. How amazing. On top of all the other amazing joys that having kids brings into the world, it's amazing that they've inspired you to start creating again.
ReplyDeleteI'd lvoe for you to check out my latest post, if you have time, babe!
http://thegypsyfiles.com/why-i-splurge-on-make-up-x-chanel/
Britt Correia x The Gypsy Files
Awww thanks so much! So glad you enjoyed it! Have a fantastic evening Britt!
DeleteJessica, you look amazing! I love that dress, it is so stunning! Not to mention those earrings, you're killing it girl! Happy Monday, hun!
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Vanessa
www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thank you so much!! Happy Monday to you too!
DeleteGreat post !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fruityandpassion.com/2018/10/how-to-create-your-newsletter-or-your.html#more
Thank you, Diane!
DeleteThis dress is very beautiful and looks great on you with these wonderful boots and with this bag that I like very much. The earrings are also very cute.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Filipe! Have a great Tuesday!
DeleteLove that dress on you, nice pop of red! Cool boots too!
ReplyDeleteAdam.
https://youraverageguystyle.com/
Thanks, Adam! Hope you're having a good week!
DeleteLove the dress
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteYou look stunning dear, your dress is beautiful!
ReplyDeletewww.recklessdiary.ru
Thank you, Anya! You're too kind!
DeleteIt's wonderful that you felt inspired to start blogging again and felt that you rediscovered yourself. I had years where I felt like I had lost myself as well until I realized that being creative is something I need to be me. My blog helped me with that as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope that blogging and your kids keep inspiring you everyday.
Kathrin | Polar Bear Style
Yes! I know that feeling well! Thank you so much, Kathrin!
DeleteDear Jessica, it is wonderful you finally decided starting blogging again as you are a true enrichment in the Social Media World! Thanks and as usual I like your look.
ReplyDeletexx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
www.dressedwithsoul.com
Aww, thank you so much, Rena! Have a lovely day!
DeletePS: So glad you returned to blogging! Your story is inspiring and I could totally relate since I am a mom of 2 littles.
ReplyDeletexoxo, Vanessa
www.whatwouldvwear.com
Awww thank you so much, Vanessa! That was really sweet of you to say!
DeleteThat's awesome to hear that your kids helped inspire you to start blogging again. I love your dress :)
ReplyDeletehttp://innapishtoy.com/
Thank you so much, Inna! Have a great evening!
DeleteI really love the dress. You look amazing.Your boots are also amazing.
ReplyDeletewww.sophieatieno.com
Thank you Sophie! These boots are everything for me in the Fall and Winter! I love them so much!
DeleteSuch a cute dress and your statement earrings are so fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI love blogging, I'm surprised I've stuck with my current blog so long (this isn't my first blog either) but I do really enjoy it and it's nice to have something frivolous and fun adn a creative space when the boys are sleeping! :)
Hope that you are having a good week and a nice start to November! :)
Away From The Blue Blog
I'm with you, Mica! It's really nice to have something fun to do when you have kids of your own. I so appreciate having the ability to do this.
DeleteI didn't know you had a blog years and years ago too! It really is your passion then. I'm glad you've stopped comparing and really feel like you can have more inspiration and are happy. I think your photos are lovely and your outfits are always inspiring. There's no room in the blog world for every single person to be going to Dubai and scenic locations around the world, and wearing designer everything day in day out, I learned people like normality too! Otherwise girls like me and you wouldn't be doing it!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
Thanks so much for the encouraging words, Lorna! Have a fantastic day!
DeleteWhat a beautiful journey, Jessica! I started blogging for a similar reason. I love heels and history and I wanted to carve out a little piece of the internet to share that love as well as stories about my family and friends. It's a lot of work, but so rewarding. I don't buy couture and that's ok. I like sharing items the every day girl could wear. I feel you are the same way too. :) I am really happy to have found your blog. It is very caring and genuine. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://lizzyslatest.com/
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Lizzy! I so appreciate that! Hope you're having a great week!
DeleteSo stunning as always dear! This dress looks amazing on you. Love the bell sleeves, such a chic touch. And you picked the perfect boots to pair it with too.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank you, Jessica! I just love this dress and the boots are a definite favorite!
DeleteLoved reading this. And you look awesome in this outfit...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Helene!
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