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Original poster

Style blogs and freebies

361 replies

FallonColby · 27/03/2014 09:47

Is it just me or does anyone else get annoyed with the amount of freebies style bloggers get. For example, one blogger was berating the fact she had nothing to wear to an event, unsurprisingly she was then contacted by a company who gifted her a dress. I am sure this was not the bloggers intention but I am annoyed at seeing blogs I have previously enjoyed turn into a constant advert. It just takes the reality out of it.

OP posts:
pinkhousesarebest · 31/03/2014 19:49

Gap is shite. Surely it didn't have that end of sales feel about it before. But then Belinda made me by the real straight black trousers and they are brilliant and I would never have discovered them by myself. That is what I want in a blog-the hidden gem feel. But agree it's getting harder to find now sadly.

MrsCampbellBlack · 31/03/2014 19:54

Belinda's blog is useful though and she's lovely Smile And I don't think she owns any boden - paid for or gifted Wink

LordP - what you need is a nice cath k pencil case.

LordPalmerston · 31/03/2014 20:02

not sure s1 would get that

Original poster
FallonColby · 31/03/2014 20:02

pinkhouse agree about the hidden gem. I remember seeing Laura from Wearing it Today in a gorgeous denim dress a couple of years ago and thought it would have been well out of my price range but was amazed to find it was from M&S, I would never have dreamt of looking there.

OP posts:
BelindaAllWorkedOut · 31/03/2014 20:29

MrsCB - Grin actually, I just bought some BODEN leopard print heels (I copied Eve)! But that's all I have from them. I quite fancy having a looksy at their wool work wear, though, but not sure how to do that, whilst also dodging their PR. Perhaps someone could throw one of those BODEN parties and invite me? Grin

BelindaAllWorkedOut · 31/03/2014 20:57

Oh dear, I didn't mean to kill the thread; I've found it so interesting.

FrugalFashionista · 31/03/2014 21:05

Belinda your blog is still in the great phase!

What usually happens it that after the early enthusiasm, the blog usually either dies or goes very commercial. I don't mind the swag, but I stop reading when the blog becomes too sycophantic or loses its original point of view. And what totally kills it for me is spa posts and sponosored unrelated product reviews. One of my favorite cosmetic bloggers for example is now promoting wine and minibreaks

FrugalFashionista · 31/03/2014 21:06

Sorry about shocking editing

BelindaAllWorkedOut · 31/03/2014 21:11

Oh Frugal, that's kind, but you don't have to say that - I am genuinely fascinated by everyone's views and I don't expect unanimous praise for my blog! probably doesn't seem that way I will keep those points in mind - it's a shame to destroy a product offering by losing the way / enthusiasm. Smile

Floisme · 31/03/2014 22:11

Just popping back to say I hope I didn't upset any bloggers earlier. If I was a bit harsh, it's because I used to be a big fan. I just need something a bit more than 'Do you like my new shoes? Then click here and buy some' - 'cos I already get a zillion emails a day like that from Johnnie Boden and co.

BelindaAllWorkedOut · 31/03/2014 22:14

I'm not at all upset, BUT even if I was, this is a thread where people should be able to be candid. Which really means, "don't mind me" - keep sharing what you think, as you were.

santamarianovella · 31/03/2014 22:23

I dont think,I've bought anything recommended by a blogger,

I hate all the gushing,I read about in some blogs,it ring alarm bells,and I automatically think :ok,even the blogger sounds so unconvinced in the product,she is trying too hard.

Bloggers do make money,some make a lot,some not so much,people like blond salad,make big bucks she designs/collaborates with lots of boutiques,and brands,not to mention sponsors/ appearances..etc,I don't even think she writes anymore,she must have people doing that for her,

princessdave · 31/03/2014 22:28

Not upset here either, it's refreshing to hear this sort of feedback. That's why I read GOMI - ok some of the snark is a bit unnecessary and mean but where else can you read what others honestly think when people can moderate the comments on their own blogs?

CointreauVersial · 01/04/2014 00:10

Blogs are like fashion mags to me, but show-casing what real people wear. I like to see clothes and outfits I could actually aspire to and apply to my mundane 40-something life. Some are more "me" than others, obviously.

I look beyond the obvious bias of some of the posts and just focus on the clothes. I really don't care about the blogger's "integrity" or whether they are making money out of my clicks - good for them. I'm not foolish enough to think that Gap (or whoever) are the best thing since sliced bread just because some blogger is raving about them.

I have bought several items I've seen on blogs, and been inspired to put together many more outfits using clothes I already had in my wardrobe, and as long as I'm seeing what I like I'll keep reading (and clicking).

Floisme · 01/04/2014 07:18

Ok a couple of things that might bring me back to style blogs (And, if you're already doing it, shout at me and I'll come and read):

More features on 'The best places on the high street for ...' It could be boyfriend jeans, brogues, crop tops, tube skirts, ... whatever but go round shops, try a load on, take pics and say why they work and why they don't. Include the ones that are no good. Magazines used to do it all the time but I guess they're too scared of their advertisers now. Amber Nectarine did a feature on coats last winter and it was one of the best things she did.

Include ethical shopping. I know there are some ethical bloggers but most of them aren't my style. Where, if at all, can you get a reasonably ethically made cotton T? That sort of thing.

More candid opinions. Naming and shaming retailers who are taking the piss. That's putting readers before sponsors.

CambridgeBlue · 01/04/2014 08:17

I started reading blogs to get something different than what the glossy magazines offer and unbiased reviews are one thing I hoped I'd find. I also like blogs because they're more up to the minute in a way a printed mag can never be. But the bloggers need to work to their strengths and consider the readership otherwise people will stop reading just as they have (in my case anyway and others on this thread it seems) with the magazines.

nipersvest · 01/04/2014 11:07

"More candid opinions. Naming and shaming retailers who are taking the piss. That's putting readers before sponsors." - yep, agree with that. can totally understand why serious style bloggers have to go with the freebies but there are quite clearly posts out there singing the praises of stuff they, and we as their readers, both know they will never wear again and will end up in a charity bag.

WipsGlitter · 01/04/2014 11:24

I agree with floisme SGS did some posts where she tried on the new Tu range at Sainsburys, and she was really honest about what it looked like, that was really great. And seeing the clothes on people, even if they are slimmer than you is great, rather than loads of links to stuff.

MrsCampbellBlack · 01/04/2014 11:27

I love the changng room photos - did enjoy Kat's quest last year for the perfect boyfriend jeans.

CointreauVersial · 01/04/2014 13:18

Yes, I like the changing room pics - it's particularly gratifying to see that even the most stylish blogger tries on skirts with trousers still around ankles, or can't quite zip up that weirdly-sized Zara top....

TheJumped · 01/04/2014 13:19

This thread has reminded me - I wanted the Hush 'Michelle' dress in navy and was stalking a couple of them on Ebay. I was googling for images and came across this blog post from a blogger called Media Marmalade. It looks fab on her so I bit the bullet and bought one off Ebay that said it was 'new and unworn'. It arrived and smelt of person although it was in perfect condition it clearly had been worn for a few hours at least. Anyway - I looked at the profile of the Ebay seller and her name was something marmalade - it was the blogger's original dress! Bloody cheek Grin I did think it was quite funny...

dexter73 · 01/04/2014 13:33

So you got the exact dress you were after TheJumped!

dozily · 01/04/2014 13:40

What are the chances of that?! Shock Grin

dozily · 01/04/2014 13:42

and she says in the blog post "both of my new items are so nice and I've worn them loads already" Grin

TheJumped · 01/04/2014 13:52

Haha yes the exact dress I wanted.

Didn't matter particularly that it wasn't new, was just a bit Hmm she smelt nice though