This week we are looking at the influence bloggers have. This topic seems particularly relevant after the article that ran on StyleCaster earlier this month that says the top fashion bloggers now make more than $1 MILLION a year. (Insane, I know!) So I asked three of the bloggers on the FBFF editorial board to share their thoughts on blogger influence. Here’s what they have to say….

Linda of Little Tin Soldier:

A few years ago, bloggers weren’t as welcome in the fashion industry. Their appearance at runway shows bewildered the fashion set and traditional journalists. Now bloggers are often referred to as “”influencers””, and I think that term hits the nail on the head (or should I say, hits the heel on the suede pump).

Collaboration occurs at all tiers of blogging even though it seems like the top, well-paid bloggers garner the most attention. A blogger might not serve as a muse for an entire collection but it’s not unusual to see a blogger collaborate with a designer or brand by designing a capsule collection, styling a lookbook, attending an event, or simply mixing the brand into his or her own wardrobe. We can’t all be BryanBoys or Leandras, but as bloggers we all have the power to influence. Our choices and posts affect the shopping habits, brand perceptions, and styling decisions of friends, family, readers, and even other bloggers.

When I first got into blogs in 2008, I primarily read clothing review or shopping blogs; I can’t think of a retailer with a review system on its site like we commonly see now. I loved reading posts about specific items I wanted because the author shared how they fit, how she styled them, or how it wasn’t so great and she returned them. The information often influenced my purchase (or pass) and helped me incorporate new pieces into my wardrobe.

My own blog has evolved over the years from primarily outfit or shopping posts to a mix of clothing, crafts, recipes, and family updates. I may not influence readers to buy as many items as in previous years, but influence doesn’t translate solely to purchasing power. I get excited when a reader pins a recipe or shares a version of a craft I made. My eyes light up when brands I love send a sweet tweet or reach out for a partnership. I especially feel tickled when someone goes to the thrift store and finds something great!

In the future I see the good, bad, and ugly side of influence, some of which we already witness now. I predict even more sponsored (i.e. paid) content (posts, tweets, instagrams) on blogs, content that potentially turns off readers or buyers. I predict super-bloggers will continue to rise. On the other hand I predict that organic partnerships will grow (like Oh Joy! for Land of Nod; their aesthetics compliment perfectly) and these partnerships will appeal to bigger, offline audiences. I predict Pinterest will continue to catalog all the best outfits, ideas, recipes, and decor, making it rewarding to be “”pinned”” but also more challenging to create original posts.

The future is daunting, but it’s supposed to be. We can throw up our hands and say, “”Ding dong! Blogs are dead!”” or we can wave and say, “”Hello? We’re still here, thank you!”

 

Tiffany of Dancing Branflake:

I dress modestly. My shoulders are covered and my hemline goes to my knees. My clothes aren’t low cut or tight enough to push up my boobies. I’m basically hopeless in Forever 21. It’s difficult to find stylish, modest clothes in stores these days, as showing more skin has become the norm, but I refuse to wear skimpier clothes simply because it’s more convenient. Thankfully, there is a way to combat feeling like a awkwardly dressed stripper.

I’ve seen over the years how the blogging world’s given a voice to the modest conscious fashionistas and I love it. I love that I know who the buyers for Ruche, ModCloth, Lulu*s, and Anthropologie are and say, “”Please have more modest clothing. I love your style, but don’t buy your clothes because they aren’t practical for my life.””

I’ve done it, and they’ve listened. Which is amazing to me that, as bloggers, we have that opportunity to not only show our style, but influence the world of fashion, even if just a tiny bit. Perhaps it’s my age and more of my peers are getting older, but slowly (very slowly) over the years I’ve seen hemlines lengthen, sleeves actually existing, and dresses that don’t show all the goods.

I’m grateful there’s an opportunity for bloggers to have a voice. I think we can be a good influence on fashion and I love that we no longer are at the whim of the industry.

 

Jamillah of Made To Travel:

For me, the wonderful thing blogs do is combine aspirational fashion with reality. When I see a dress I like whether online or in a fashion magazine, often I’ll Google image the item and add “”what I wore”” or “”outfit””. I like to see how something fits on a girl on the street, how she wore it to work or out with friends, a woman more like me. I mean as much as I love magazines and beautiful photos I also really need to see things on the girl who doesn’t have the lighting, makeup, and direction that comes with photo shoots. That’s why when I post outfits I post things I really wear out in my life, I hope I inspire other girls like the blogs I read inspire me.

I think the value of blogs are already recognized by high brow and mainstream fashion- check any fashion show you’ll see bloggers in their rows even first rows at times. But what I’m inspired by are projects like Karen Walker and the women from Advanced Style or the Dove campaigns. I think blogs have helped show the fashion industry there’s value in showing all different kinds of women in their campaigns and you don’t need to make people feel less perfect to inspire them. And I truly think and hope that this is just the beginning :).