Friday, January 21, 2011

Friend Friday - Authenticity

It's Friday! Let's get friendly, yes? I have to admit that I almost didn't post for this week's topic because I don't feel like I have a whole lot to say on the subject. What is the topic?

Authenticity


1. Most readers and fellow fashion bloggers value authenticity in the blogs they read. How would you describe blog/blogger authenticity?

Doing that thing you do online. Which to me basically means, if you're getting dressed for the blog and not for your life, it doesn't count. But I'm just going to go ahead an assume that most bloggers are not, in fact, running around naked, so in my book, they're authentic.
I have to say that defining authenticity is a little difficult, though. It's one of those things that you just recognize when you see it.

2. When it comes to your blog how do you infuse it with that true/authentic feeling?

I write like I talk. I include stuff about my life because it's a way to connect with people. Especially as I've been settling into my life here in Costa Rica, I've found that the little bits of life help to build that feeling. Hi, I'm a real person. I'm really moving my entire life to the mountains of Central America, changing my career path and trying to figure out what that means in terms of style. Also, this is why I haven't visited your blogs as often. The next time I have a day off I promise to spend most of it catching up on blogs.
(In life news, have I mentioned that B. and a friend built our bed frame today? We're moving in tomorrow!)

3. Have you stopped following a blog in the last three months? What made you lose interest?
Nope. Next question?

4. We can't communicate effectively on our blogs, something we don't live in real life... what are some ways you try to live an authentic life?
Authentic life? What does that even MEAN?! I live my life. It's my real life. I hate waking up early, I won't talk to anyone until I've brushed my teeth, and I can't wait for my hair to grow out just a little so I can do more stuff with it. Oh, and I'm living out of a suitcase right now, not earning a salary, and not shopping. Welcome to my authentic life.

5. Give a shout-out... Which bloggers do you think are truly genuine and why?
This question makes me feel like the worst part of high school. Does that make sense? That said, I will point out the five ladies I recently asked to guest post for me while I was starting to get settled here, and one additional blogger.
1. Shey of Modesty is Pretty - I feel like I know her - la considero una de mis amigas por Internet. :)
2. Danie of No Guilt Fashion - She was one of my early readers, and I love that she wears stuff that I can also afford (not now, of course, but when I got paid.)
3. Liz of lizzypunch - She's a student who totally reminds me of my younger self. (I'm getting old.)
4. Lydia from Chic on the Cheap - I dig her style, the way she shares little details about the things she likes, and the way she shares her shopping struggles.
5. Iris from 260 Days, No Repeats - Her style (and budget) are accessible. Plus, remember the time she made my header? Amazing!
6. Linda from the Auspicious Life - This woman is hilarious. That's all.

But you know, if you've got time, check out all the ladies in my blog roll.  They're all worth checking out (I've got to update that sucker....).

So how about y'all?  How do you define authenticity?  Which bloggers do you consider to be authentic?  What does "authentic life" mean anyway?!

For more thoughts on authenticity check out ModlyChic. 

10 comments:

  1. I agree that it's mostly about being themselves, not putting up a front and blogging only about the happy things, but including their readers in every part of their daily lives. And I love that you do that!

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  2. Your answer to question 4 had me rolling laughing. Now, YOU, my dear, are what I call genuine. :) Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is a real woman! :)

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  3. Totes agree on Chic on the Cheap! (And, I think your authentic life, including the living-out-of-a-suitcase-and-no-shopping bits sounds pretty stinking awesome!)

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  4. Muchas gracias Frances preciosa, la verdad es que yo tambien te considero mi amiguita por internet y he orado por ustedes para que Dios los acompanie en esta nueva etapa de su vida, para mi es envidiable (in a good way) lo que ustedes estan haciendo de ir de misioneros a un pais diferente, con cultura diferente, y lejos de su familia y sin pago. Que honor tan grande el que Dios ha puesto en sus corazones de preocuparse por seguir la voluntad de Dios.

    Que Dios los bendiga mucho!

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  5. LOL I literally laughed at your response to #4. Welcome to my authentic life. It's so true, sometimes it comes down to the nitty gritty and acknowledging things as they are - less than ideal. Thanks for participating. - Katy

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  6. You are too sweet Frances! Thanks for the shout-out and I hope you are doing well!!

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  7. Um, thank you. But I have to correct you. YOU are hilarious. Living out of suitcase. Doesn't get much more real than that.

    P.S. Saw on twitter (Cause I stalk you like that) that you are moving into a house. Whoopee for a place to be settled!

    The Auspicious Life

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  8. I loved reading through your questions. They were very genuine and easy to relate to!

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  9. I loved reading through your questions. They were very genuine and easy to relate to!

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  10. Your answer to question 4 had me rolling laughing. Now, YOU, my dear, are what I call genuine. :) Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is a real woman! :)

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