From Influencer Inspirations to Instant Failures
Circa 2015, I had a personal style blog. At this time, I was doomscrolling and following a bunch of style influencers. My dream of having my own creative space online was itching away at me. It was inspiring to see so many successful fashionistas sharing their tips and tricks online.
I bit the bullet and launched a blog of my own: ninetyfivebynora.com. The content focused on personal style and lifestyle, but after five published posts, it died.
My outfits weren’t ones I really loved. I dressed to resemble other influencers and frequently accessorized with the one pair of heels I own (Louboutin’s—ouch)—when in reality I wore my white sneakers every day.
The two emotions I felt when I took down my blog were disappointment and relief. It was a load off my mind to let go of a project that hit a wall, but I was pretty bummed that I didn’t stick to it and I couldn’t keep up with writing more often.
I launched the blog sometime between my last year in university and shut it down before my first full-time job. I thought I had plenty of freedom to write articles and create content, but I soon discovered that wasn’t what would help me figure out my creative destiny.
Comparison Killed Creativity
It was only after I took down my blog that I realized I wasn’t ready to share my style with the cyber world nor did I care about making money via blogging. It wasn’t what I felt defined me. I love fashion and enjoy curating outfits, but it was never the only thing I loved to write about. Launching a blog of your own is a great feat, but it would be worthwhile if you choose a niche you’re passionate about. Passion tends to fuel creativity, which in turn helps generate more content and that keeps your blog alive.
I gained new followers and likes on my Instagram profile and more visits to my website. Gaining a following takes a lot of work, but it’s not impossible. Consistently posting and commenting, liking, and sharing similar content helps put your blog out there. If I stuck to posting more and engaging with other creators, I could have had more views on my page and a good following on Instagram. So, this time around, I’m giving blogging another go in my own style, through and through.
Sometime after ninetyfivebynora…
How A Love of Vintage Re-inspired A Passion Project
A year after the end of ninetyfivebynora.com, I was going through my annual love for old films and Jean Harlow was the only star I watched at the time. Out of curiosity for more old Hollywood starlets, I looked up famous actresses from the 1950s. Marilyn Monroe was one of the top actresses listed. I was familiar with her legacy and her “Blonde Bombshell” persona, but nothing more than that. I clicked on Google Images of Marilyn Monroe.
One of the pictures of her was black and white. She wore a black turtleneck and white trousers. It was a completely ordinary outfit, but it struck something in me. The simplicity of it, the perfect tailoring, the ultra chic and cozy feel… I was intrigued. I quickly searched “1950s style” and lo and behold, my dream style appeared!
I spent years trying to pinpoint my style preferences. I always looked at modern clothes and had hoped they would alter a few things here and there—a detailed collar, a waistline cut, a higher high-waist pant. The 1950s style and its preceding eras gave me exactly what I craved in my own style: perfectly tailored and wonderfully detailed pieces.
This discovery led to my serious pursuit of interests that inspire and define me. Over the next few years, I dove deeper into what I wanted more of: Fashion runways and styling tips and tricks, vintage films and books to add to my shelf (I’ll read them…someday). I fashioned bangs for the first time (the best decision of my life) and shopped on small business online stores.
Dedicate to Yourself to Dedicate to Your Projects
This may sound like a derailment from blogging, but it ultimately led me to recognize what I enjoyed most. Figuring out what you really like and are passionate about while feeling confident with it can shape your niche, writing style, personal style, and lifestyle.
Fast forward and here I am. I brushed up on my writing voice, crammed in some words for a screenplay, and created playlists for my novel(s) in progress, and I’m excited to write my book(s). And what’s more, I’m undergoing a wardrobe revamp and have a boatload of films to watch. Here’s to another round of blogging and here’s hoping, a great creative journey!
