Lately, whenever I get together with other bloggers, the hot topic of conversation always seems to be the dreaded instagram algorithm and how it’s generally sucking all the fun out of blogging. What was originally a quick and easy way to share content has now devolved into a stressful game of comment pods, hashtag testing, obsessive editing, and overarching fear of shadowban boogeymen. To be honest, it’s my least favorite thing about blogging right now and it’s a huge time suck from the the time I used to spend creating worthwhile content (and I’m 99.9% sure most bloggers will agree with me). I’ve even noticed some of my fellow bloggers posting less frequently and it makes me wonder if we’re all ready for something new. But there’s a part of me that can’t give it up completely and that’s largely because of the people I’ve met through it. Last weekend, I met up with Kym Laird (aka @spooky.city) and, while we spent a small amount of time commiserating about the love/hate relationship with instagram, it was mostly just refreshing conversation with a fellow creative about working in the DC fashion industry and life in general. I love that instagram affords me these kinds of interactions IRL. So it’s a frustrating game that I’ll probably continue to play, but my heart’s certainly not in it the way it used to be. My goal going forward will be to spend less time trying to game the system on instagram and more on actually creating, whether that be on the blog, instagram, or whatever platform the future brings.
But enough heavy stuff, let’s talk about this jacket. This little lady was a gem of a thrift store find from a couple weeks ago. I immediately got strong Sloane Peterson vibes and knew at some point soon I’d have to wear it with some slouchy boots. My coffee date with fellow avid thrifter Kym afforded me the perfect opportunity. Also on the horizon: pairing this jacket up with a leather mini skirt and some pointy heels – stay tuned!
turquoise and silver earrings
vintage fringe jacket (try this one)
DL1961 denim
Dolce Vita boots (close match)
Mansur Gavriel bag
20 comments
Mercy
Instagram has been a let-down recently, it’s sucking most of my time too which is stressful. I also think of better ways to spend my time without getting affected how my IG account goes. This jacket has a fun vibe, it has a bohemian look which I like. Have a great weekend dear!
http://www.busyandfab.com
E
I read a good quote recently that said “don’t build on borrowed land,” i.e. work on building your website and just think of instagram as place to promote it because ultimately your instagram account isn’t your site and instagram owns those images and collects that traffic.
katie & Lydia
First off, can not believe you found that jacket thrifting! We suck at thrifting – we tend to just find “crap”
We are so new into this “game” that all we know is the horrible side of Instagram. Since we started our focus has been on our blog. We try to not get sucked up in the crazy of Instagram. Key word is try, because at the end of the day we are human and sometimes we fall short.
E
Some stores are definitely better than others and I have a few local ones that are my go-tos.
That’s a great way to look at it – definitely not worth getting wrapped up on this silly popularity game that seems to be hurting everyone.
Meg @ Closet Fashionista
That jacket is amazinggg!!!
And you’d think Instagram would listen to its users and go back to the old timeline. They could still show ads and recommended posts so why do they need all this other garbage?! I’ve basically given up trying and just post when I feel like it, haha
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
E
You would think! I know how you feel. It’s not worth stressing over.
Whitney James
I agree with you 100%. I actually just published a blog post sharing some of my Instagram tips. Instagram has really changed, and as a content creator, it’s been tough to navigate. I’m sticking it out though, as I think we all are. Love your look. That jacket is AMAZING. Love the fringe details, and those boots.
Whitney | http://www.whitneynicjames.com
E
Oh I’ll have to check it out! Ultimately, I think good content will always win out, but the current algorithm game has really been hurting that. Hopefully things will start to change for the better!
Jennifer Pickering
Instagram has sucked the fun out of blogging and I feel like it’s the only thing brands care about now.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
E
I actually find that brands still care about my blog and it’s much easier to track campaign success via websites than via instagram, so don’t get discouraged!
THE LALA LOOKBOOK
The changes with Instagram are frustrating because I’ve used it as my platform to advertise my blog. And I find myself on there more and more to get the engagement I once had. I think that pushing though will work and you’ll always have your core fans who want to see your new posts!
I’ve been thrifting myself, I just posted the best thrift I ever found on my latest blog post. I’m loving your fringe jacket!
THE LALA LOOKBOOK
http://www.thelalalookbook.com
E
I know how you feel. It’s like you can’t afford not to spend time on it because how will you drive new traffic to your blog? I’m having a hard time finding a good balance.
Hara
Incredible jacket, I want it!!
Check out my new post & Giveaway <3 :
Hara | http://www.fashion-and-thecity.com/
Deirdre
These are terrific pictures!!!
I f you planned the highlights to match the jacket well done.
And I have a weakness for fringe..
Instagram is totally visual…may be too soon to figure out if it moves ideas. No sales links showing in retail tracking either.
E
Very true. It’s super hard to track, which is why I find brands still reach out to bloggers with a good website presence.
Simone
Your jacket is so gorgeous! Those fringes are very eyecatching. And I’m all with you, Instagram can be very annoying.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Short Girl Long Jacket
That jacket is amazing! Love the western vibes. And I feel you about instagram, my engagement has gone significantly down and it’s made me unmotivated to spend time on instagram. Today I heard about a new app called Vero that’s like old school instagram with a chronological feed. I want to try it out but I don’t think I’m ready to quit instagram quite yet.
xx
Jessica
Oh wow, such a lovely chic, look you got here dear. I absolutely love the jacket, stylish and simply cozy. Love that you paired it with those booties too.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
ANGELICA TALAN
What a great article! What are your thoughts on VERO? Are you on it? Have you downloaded it and deleted like 90% of the other DC bloggers I know?
E
I haven’t tried it yet – have you? Sounds like the DC bloggers aren’t fans! 🙂