I guess that fashion bloggers, like anyone who puts time and effort into a hobby, don't mind getting repaid for it. If you think about it lots of people find ways to make money off their hobbies. But at the heart, I think fashion blogging is a pretty sincere thing. People do it because they love it. You can't blame a girl who loves fashion for wanting to get a free produce every now and then though! And I think by shopping sales, thrifting and learning to be creative with whatever camera you do have, you can definitely keep your blog going strong without overspending.
-Meagan
http://spunkychateau.blogspot.com

This is a really interesting topic that you have propose. I think that many of us have not thought of this before but you do have a great point. I think that lots of fashion bloggers are trying to find ways to be creative to stand out from other bloggers and have a voice in this blogging community. Doing that in this type of economy is quite difficult and therefore, we result to economical measure; thrifting for new outfits & remaking already made garments. Great topic!

Cup of Fashion

i agree with you :D

some people even say any blogger (not just fashion bloggers) is supposed to get paid for each blog post they write, depends on how interesting and hardworking the blogger is.

I think the thing with fashion blogging is that it should be something you WANT to do, regardless if you get paid for it or not. I do not have a DLSR nor do I have a job to even invest in a pair of Jeffrey Campbell's, but I do have a personal voice and style and I am willing to share that with anyone who is willing to listen.

My favorite thing about thrifting is that you will find great deals and unique items. The thing with some of the blogs I see is that they wear pieces that you can totally buy from a store and just copy from. With thrifting, Etsying, etc. you are more likely to have a more distinct outfit with pieces that are not sold in retail shops, which makes fashion a more creative and fun outlet. I don't know...that's just my two cents.

forte-espressivo.blogspot.com

To be entirely honest, I think that if someone is blogging just for money or for the free "swag", they shouldn't be blogging at all. While getting paid for doing what we all love to do is a wonderful thought, it's just not possible for everyone. I know I'm not getting anything from outside sources for my blog. I do it because I love it.
On another note, I think that in this economy, we as thrifty bloggers should keep up the good work! I think some people need us to show them that yes, it is possible to look like a million for $100, or $50, or even less.

I'm done ranting now. :)

-Meganne
www.theposhpearl.blogspot.com

well I don't blog for money, I have been paid here and there but its not enough to keep me going! I love fashion and that why i blog...the money bit is very important and i beleive that one day it will come as long as i keep working hard!
www.nanciemwai.com

I started my blog to showcase my upcycled crafts and it just evolved more and more into showing my thrifted goods. Blogging really doesn't cost me anything, I don't buy expensive things or feel pressured to. No one has ever sent me anything either. That would be crazy haha. Lots of blogs are just borrowed images and that's free, although not original or as interesting. Oh and my snails are living in my parents back yard haha.

Sophia
Http://lasophialasophia.blogspot.com

omg. i completely agree! I have been wanting to buy a better camera (mine died and I am using my Iphone... eeek) for aggggeeeesss now but I simply cant afford it as Australia is not doing much better. I kinda do it as a little hobby... but if I made a bit of dosh to buy a new camera that would be nice. eeeeekkk i dunno... time will tell i guess.

p.s. I popped you in my giveaway. Best of luck dear x

http://hayleyhour.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/amarivintage

Such a great post! I often wonder about this too. I don't know how most fashion bloggers sustain such glamorous lifestyles, with all of the traveling and name brand clothing. I get that the top bloggers have sponsors, but what about the other 90%? Personally, I love DIY, Ebay, and clothing swaps. Luckily I like having a uniform outfit, so I'm not constantly searching for new products, but there is still an urge to be an up-to-date blogger.

England heading that way too!

I used to blog surf and wonder how these girls/guys could afford such an amazing wardrobe? I later realized that they were "gifted" a lot of these items. I, myself, used to spend a lot of money on clothing, but the economy has forced me to explore my options.

This a great post! It's completely true that when blogging period you have to make huge investments.

i really agree with you!!!!

http://modedecerisier.blogspot.com/

This comment has been removed by the author.

I understand where you're coming from and definitely agree (and see/feel) how the economy is slowly declining. However, I don't necessarily feel this effects the fashion blogging world as a whole. Not everyone invests money into their blogs - I know I don't. Aside from a one time payment per year for a custom domain, I don't exactly find that posting my outfit photos, how-to guides, fashion history lessons, and pretty much everything else, accounts as a 'money investment.' It's more-so solely time, thinking, and energy, which I enjoy thoroughly.

Sure there are a number of bloggers out there who in fact do invest money, whether it be through the continuous purchases of new outfits to feature on their blog or new equipment for photography to enhance their photos. But see, even with these, they are one time investments that will benefit them in the long run and stay with them in the future - I don't see it as wasting money. I do however wish we could all be directly and properly credited for what we do and share, more, or rather, period - through means of money or something of the sort.

I enjoyed this! Thanks for the post (:

Danah
www.panacheoffblast.com

Oh! Great photo and GREAT TEXT, I like it! :D

New post, http://fraisesausucre.blogspot.com

Kisses ♥

This is a great post. To me, I feel like blogger should go for the style that suit their budget instead of just buying it so that he/she can do a post on the blog. I think that there's a lot of affordable pieces out there. If you have great taste, you should be able to find some nice stuff. Let say if I know that this week I am "poorer", I'll just thrift instead of going to the mall and shop. Also, I feel like fashion is kinda like part of my life, even when I was very poor, I'd really save on food to buy some clothes so that I feel good about it. haha. If things are really very bad because of the economy, like when buying food is a problem, then I feel like maybe concentrating on getting a real job to satisfy the basic needs would be more rational.

Oh crap. Too much words here!

Love, Fashionandnumber

Interesting post !!! :-)
Kisses from Italy
Miriam

Fashion Crazy Ball:
http://fashioncrazyball.blogspot.com

This is definitely a good point! I think remixing and learning to wear pieces that you currently own in new ways has become much more popular in the world of fashion blogging than it used to be. Don't get me wrong, I love shopping, but sometimes I look in my closet and think "Man, I already own all of these things that I can wear!" I've never understood how people can never wear the same garment twice. Crazy!

I really enjoyed reading this! i think that thrifting is always a great idea :)

http://pinklemonsorbet.blogspot.com/

Meena xxx

I dont think you need to keep up as such to deliver a quality product if that is what you indeed view it as - most blog for the enjoyment - some for the career - when you start a business there will always be a period where you are more likely to lose your investment than reap the reward of it. The long hours in any business at first are unpaid. Having said that i feel most blogs are hobbies - things you are passionate about and love so much that your sheer enthusiasm outweighs all else. It constantly impresses me just how much can be done with DIY and clever usage of vintage and high street clothing. As for the economy - i am one of the bloggers who survived the 80's and am so far surviving this one - you have to work and then work twice as hard for half as much and still know that you are lucky to have that. I feel for those starting out now - but you would be amazed how many are still building in this economy - and the UK is certainly no walk in the park at the moment. Great post x

http://fashionandfrank.blogspot.com/

I love this post! I've had very similar thoughts and am curious about how certain bloggers support their designer laden blogs. I also wonder what motivates bloggers. For me, blogging is something that I do when I'm not working. I think about my blog when I am working. I guess that makes it a hobby that I'm passionate about. It also makes me feel justified in shopping more than I normally would, though I still shy away from triple or quadruple digit price tags. If I were actually trying to create an income or business with my blog, I would have abandoned it by now. :) Thanks for the thoughtful post, Yasmeen!

~Meghan

Very interesting topic you have brought up. I got into style blogging because I love clothes and wanted to get out of my comfort zone and become fearless. Blogging, for me, is about sharing my journey and reading about others on their own journey. Is it nice that some bloggers have sponsors? Yes it is. But if followers and money is all that motivates you then I think you are taking advantage of what this blogging community is all about. The economy is a concern for me and my wallet but thrifting and truly loving the select pieces that I buy is a definite help. Great post :)

xx
rebelrousher.blogspot.com

PS: Thank you for your comment!

This is one of the greatest post I've recently read. But as you said, fashion bloggers are finding new ways of adapting to the new situation.

CLASSY & FABULOUS

xoxo

I completely loved reading this post and completely agreed with you 100% as a Fashion Blogger myself and posting outfit looks I can see how it can become expensive. I'm more of a budget friendly kind of a girl so thank goodness my looks are not as expensive but I can totally see where you coming from. Great post girl.

BTW: Thx for your comment on my blog and would love to follow each other if you like. Let me know.


<3 Marina
Fashion.MakeUp.LifeStyle

Such a great topic to address! As with all things in the public eye, we try our hardest to keep up with the next guy. Or in this case girl. Its hard to compete with fashion bloggers who already have a lot of sponsorship, have a good job, or come from big money. But on the other hand, blogging is the open arena for all voices to be heard. And I personally like bloggers who wear thrifted things and bargain basics the best! :)

I really enjoyed reading this and completely agree with you, girl. In fact, I think the struggling economy and challenges it presents to fashion bloggers is half the reason our community is so close and supportive!

Visiting from Links a la Mode - congrats on this week's post, consider me your newest follower :)

-Hallie
www.coralsandcognacs.com

Great Post. I loved studying Econ, and I just recently posted a question - asking if blogging begets expensive tastes.

I wonder if we're not pushing ourselves into deeper debt trying to keep up the Jones's. Of course, even thrifting can lead to poor spending habits.

I don't blog for $$ but I have a SLR for personal reasons, and I have noticed that my blog looks way better with it, but I will never understand how bloggers with no jobs have money to buy certain things. I saw one blogger explain how she can afford nice things, but for the most of them I don't get it. I still think that blogging is supposed to come from a creative place. I kinda get annoyed when i see EVERY Blogger, buying same exact thing, and styling it the same exact way. I love a blogger that can work with they have or who decides to step outside the box and say, you know what i'm not going to style and buy a pair of Litas, which i think happens to be the most unflattering shoe known to man, but whatever. I am always routing for the underdog!

This is a great topic to address! I totally agree. I almost don't even want to check the news for fear of what I might read...

As for blogging and monetization, I definitely don't blog for money. In fact, if anything blogging has cost me money. For instance my Nikon D5000. Even though I ultimately decided to but it because I love photography. I guess this economy will force us all to become more creative in working with what we've got...I've never been big on thrifting but I definitely plan on thrifting more now to save on spending.

Dena
http://ooat.wordpress.com

Most of us blog because we love the craft-we love writing, we love inspiring, and we love meeting new people. Some blog just for money. I have noticed though, that those who blog for money are usually unapproachable and rarely ever communicate with their readers. Those are the blogs that I stay away from visiting as much because they are not concerned about what I have to say, they don't respond to my comments, and more than anything else, they are not genuine to me.

http://thriftyandshameless.blogspot.com

i completely agree wid u...... gud topic to share!!