Thursday, October 18, 2018

Appearance v. Reality



On the surface, it seems like bloggers and influencers have incredibly fun, glamorous and polished lives. It's easy to fall into the inevitable trap of comparing your life to theirs and deciding that your life pales in comparison to those depicted in the neat, tidy squares of Instagram. Certainly, I am guilty of this myself. I'll also admit that my life (not that I'm exactly a hot shot influencer) looks a lot better and more put together on film than in reality. To give you an example of this, let me point to the picture above of me in my new polka dot dress from Target. You might look at it and say, "Wow, Katie goes to such fun and colorful locations! I wish I lived somewhere cool like Los Angeles!" The picture below, however, more accurately depicts what you usually find going to these "cool" locations around this city: heaps of garbage, vomit, excrement and a random guy staring at you while sitting in an alley for no apparent reason! Not so glamorous, right?




I was looking forward to shooting in this particular location for a long time, ever since I saw it featured on Style Charades and other blogs. I am a big fan of the muralist, Jason Woodside, so it was at the top of my murals to visit list. Imagine my disappointment when shooting at this location was pretty much impossible due to all of the garbage, dumpsters, and other things I'd rather not mention! If there's one thing that blogging has taught me, it's to be resourceful and get creative with problems. (Well, actually, teaching is what taught me this but it's applicable to blogging too!) So, I guess you could say, I rose above the situation and went to an elevated parking lot that overlooks the mural. It wasn't quite what I pictured in my head but the pictures still look good and I'm pretty happy with the result.



So, while the location turned out to be decidedly less glamorous than I had hopped for, at least my dress is still fabulous! (I kind of feel like a 50s housewife that wandered down the wrong alley, especially in the last picture of this post!)  I guess next time you see a picture of me in some cool location, or any blogger for that matter, you have to wonder what the bigger picture is or what's the real story. Well, if anything, I can say that blogging makes for some interesting stories and funny memories to look back on!



Dress: Target here
Shoes: Kate Spade here
Bag: Louis Vuitton budget friendly version here
Sunglasses: Celine
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5 comments:

  1. You know, I think it is so much better when photos emerge out of a challenge. Rather than the obvious or the quick snaps - we end up making them more arty and different to other blog photos done there before. You did a great job! And I agree your dress is fabulous Katie! xx Maria
    https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com

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  2. Yes it's so true. Blogging makes lives look fun and polished but if people only knew the real truth, it really isn't! Love your cute dress and the color is marvelous. Happy weekend!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  3. Lovely outfit! I really like that you've shown the unglamorous side of blogging. It is really easy to get swept away with thinking bloggers and influencers have perfect lives because they can curate a beautiful instagram feed. Great post!
    -Emily
    thoroughlycontemporary.com

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  4. I love this shoot. I think you pulled off the location without even showing a sign that it was down some trash filled alley! Blogging at its finest!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  5. lol, oh dear! I know what you mean though. Sorry it was so disappointing but really, the photos turned out beautifully and the outfit is so cute! Those shoes are so cute!

    Virginia | More to Mrs. E

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