REAL
I’m a fashion blogger. I have been a fashion blogger for six years. I plan on continuing to be a fashion blogger, but before I do.. I wanted to let you in on my thoughts and feelings about the future.
Over the last six years I have developed the brand of B. Jones Style, and it has been exciting to be on this ride from a little hobby blogger to full-time blogger. As each year passed, new opportunities began to come my way, blogging changed and social media became a heavy hitter in the fashion industry. I’ve really loved my experiences, but something started to bug me over the last few years. I would be approached by girls with comments like, “I wish I had your life”.. or “your life is so fabulous”… and I always felt like maybe I was putting out a “perfect” picture that wasn’t actually “perfect”. I started to feel I had to be the person in the “perfect” picture and compete to stay part of the “perfect” world. It was exhausting and not genuinely me.
Then something wonderful happened… I got smacked in the face with pregnancy. My body changed, I lost a lot of my gumption and the opportunities went out the door. Wonderful? You ask.. yes! Suddenly I was free of that “perfect” picture.. I couldn’t even try to look or be perfect.. I had to face it and just be me.
Now, starting out in 2013 I feel fresh and new. I want to be a fashion blogger.. but a much more honest one. One that shows the imperfections and the REAL everyday life. I’ll still be blogging about what I wear, where I go, how I decorate my home, and everything in between.. but I hope you will see truth coming through. If you continue to be part of the B. Jones Style community, I hope you might be inspired, but inspired to be you.. be the life that you have.. and not think anything about mine is perfect. It’s not! I’m just a regular girl, living a very regular life.. I just like adding color to it when I can.
i think this is GREAT! one thing that i think is lacking in this blogging community are fashionable moms…yes, moms! women who have to deal with lack of sleep, spit up, amazing 1st’s and love from this little being — all while living our lives, maintaining our homes and, yes, dressing ourselves. i am so excited to see your spin on this.
I’ve loved reading your blog for a few years now and can’t wait to see where you go with 2013. Your sense of style is uniquely you and I don’t think that will ever change. I love your new approach and look forward to your posts each day. Cheers to 2013! It’s going to be fabulous.
cheers to that! x
http://www.glittersgold.com
That is a great and fresh approach to life. It’s so easy to make your life look “perfect” online as everyone sees what you want them to see. I have ditched the spanx and sometimes even go outside without my “face” on
I’m trying to just be happy with what I have and not what others have. My daughter Astrid is 14 months and needs to have a healthy rolemodel in her life and I hope that that person will be me, not all the unhealthy influences out there.
LOVE your blog and I have started doing my hair only cos you show us how easy it can be
xoxo
I don’t think you could have written this post any better if you tried! I remember your blogger day’s waaaay back and I think you have managed to maintain a much more realistic and down to earth attitude and approach than some!
Happy New Year! I really hope it is a great one for you and your family!
http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/
x
I have SOOOO much respect for you!! You a seriously a super bright shining star in the vast world of fashion blogging for having such an honest spirit. So much admiration for admitting what you have revealed, which I always suspected must happen to those put on the forefront of fashion blogging but somehow no one seems to address it.. until now! You rule!! I can’t wait to continue being inspired by your honest beauty and passion in life!
Much much love,
Melissa
I’ve been following you since 6 year even though i’m not an active follower that comments every single post but my eyes were on you. I love the way you are, the REAL you!
xoxo
Çi?dem
Hello! I’ve read your blog for quite a while now… maybe three years? We have different styles, you and I, and as I felt myself segueing into more of a role as a midwest lifestyle blogger, not just fashion blogger, I found myself reading here less and less. But when you became pregnant, my interest was renewed, since I too just had my first child at the end of September. I’m glad that your blog will be taking a slightly different direction- mostly because I think it will be easier for you and more enjoyable as a mother, but also because I will be able to relate a bit more.
Best wishes to you and your little family!
This is why I’ve always enjoyed your blog, Beth…there is just someting about you that makes you so personable! Thanks for keeping it real! And I’m so glad that you will be continuing with some fashion posts, too : )
How great for you to be given a chance to sort of re-vamp what your doing to suit your needs. New opportunities will come that reflect this change, you’re a great blogger so great opportunities will follow.
Love it!!!
Loving the honesty of this post. I am sure you’ll continue to be just as fabulous but will love the healthy dose of reality and honesty. As a first time expectant mom, I am already preparing for how my life will change! Would love the inside look into the life of a blogging momma, balancing it all. ~ ashleigh from Jolie Jouel
My jewelry blog: http://joliejouel.blogspot.ca/
Well said, Beth! Proud of you. We need more honesty coming from this industry….especially from a momma/ wife, like you.
Wow I am so happy to read this!! When I started my personal style blog in 2011 I wanted to showcase my real experiences, the real me, with the clothes I wear, with my body untouched by photoshop to look make it look slimmer, with the hardship of my life and the happy times in it too. I felt it was not what people wanted to see, but I couldn’t do it any other way – that was me and my real life. I always have that thing about most fashion bloggers, that their lives sound far too perfect, and it is good to know there is another reality out there. I am just sad to read that due to the changes on your body, opportunities have flown out the window… I hope they return, no matter if you’re a size 0 or 6.
http://fashionfauxpas-mintjulep.blogspot.com
Love your honesty!
Here’s wishing you success for 2013 and beyond
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
Beth, I remember reading your blog back when it was the vintage society (I think that’s what it was called). I’ve always loved it because your so down to earth and real. I’ve never perceived you as trying to be anything your not.
I love this post and your honesty. It’s so easy to become disillusioned as a blogger.
All the best for 2013.
Lots of love. xx
Authenticity is the foundation of style. Thank you for being bold and honest. I Look forward to reading and following along this year. Real is the most beautiful thing we can be!
amen, sister. keep it real.
What a great outlook to have! I’ve always thought you to be an “honest blogger” but I understand what you mean. It’s easy to confuse styled outfits and photos for perfection of life. Keep up the good work and enjoy life with your growing family!
I can never quite put my finger on why I like one fashion blog over another. It rarely has to do with the specific style of the blogger (most of the ones I like most have totally different fashion preferences than I do, though I do appreciate seeing what other people put together, almost as an art form), but more to do with personality. I guess that’s true in life too, eh? I’ve always found your blog to be one of the ones I read first when I open my Google Reader and see you have an update and have been happy to see how your work, life and family have evolved and how each has affected the other. Best of luck with everything in the future. I look forward to reading about it
Amen Sister!
Sometimes we just need a reality check to put things back in perspective. All the best for 2013.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve always followed your blog because of how genuine and natural your style is and this post has made me even more excited to see what 2013 holds for you!
From one southern girl to another, I love this…I can’t wait to see what you’re up to in 2013. Always looking for the beauty in this complicated world is what it’s all about!
Beautiful. So excited to continue the journey with you friend.
Beautifully written
I can’t wait to see what 2013 has in store for you and your new insight on life!
I love your attitude! My brother is semi famous (he’s the next Bachelor) and people read my blog and assume life is all rosey and fabulous…but it’s not! It’s real! I love real women and real bloggers showing the world how to be really fabulous. You’re really fabulous! Happy 2013!
This blog post gives me so much excitment, I love fashion bloggers but I often wonder how on earth they manage to fit looking fabulous, getting photos taken, and blogging into their day on top of it all, do they really look that fabulous every day? I can’t wait to follow your journey and to pick up some ideas for making it work for me as a busy mum of 3. High 5 lady.
This is the first time I comment althought I’ve followed your blog for quite a long time, and I have to tell you this is one of the best posts I’ve ever read in a fashion blog. I usually ask myself when I see those bloggers with an apparently perfect life what kind of impact this ideal picture has on so many people who don’t think about the other side of the coin.
Thank you. I hope you apreciate your new state of freedom.
Regards from Spain.
Way to go Beth!
xxx
I’ve been following your blog for about a year now and this is the first comment I’ve ever left. I think it is the best blog post you’ve ever made. Thank you for being REAL and promoting self-love and acceptance to all through your own example. It may not always look pretty, but it’s always gonna’ look real–and for that, I applaud you, girl!
Keep it up—I’ll keep reading. Maybe we can collab on something in the future, I’ve got a lot of things in the works for 2013 myself…
This is my very first time on your blog and I must say this was the perfect post for me. I’m a newbie in the blogging world and I look to more established bloggers and think gosh they are so perfect. The rational part of me knows that you all face everyday issues like everyone else, but there’s the other side that wishes I could trade places. I never thought about how much pressure it must be to live up to this image of perfection. Wonderful post to start off the new year!
http://www.ashleyudoh.blogspot.com
Honestly, my last blog entry was titled “blogs make me feel bad about myself…sometimes”
I’m very excited to see where you go in 2013. I have enjoyed following you for the last few years and can’t wait to see how your life evolves as a mommy.
Cheers,
Dawn
http://www.peanutbutterandsparkles.com
I love and appreciate your honesty! I have been following your blog over over two years.. And will tune in as long as the blog is alive
Wow!! Bravo!!! Looking forward, as always, to your future posts! Best wishes for a fabulous 2013!!!
Blimey! Has it been 6 years? I’ve been following you from the very beginning and although I rarely comment you have been a daily source of inspiration to me. This post is great, I look forwards to the new honest you, although I feel you’ve always been honest in your style choices. I know that having kids change priorities, I am on my second one now, she is 5 months old and my older girl is nearly four. I’m hoping that you will inspire me to get in shape too! Anyway, just wanted to say congratulations on Turner and I hope you enjoy this new adventure.
Wooow, the words of wisdom. Impressive!
I love this entry. It’s so easy with instagram and facebook and blogs to look at other people’s lives and think “wow that looks way more fun/interesting than what I’m doing”, but then I read recently a quote that I wish I could remember, but had the message that we are showing the highlights of our lives in social media. It’s always going to look glamorous when you just see the highlights. It’s good to put that out there, because it can be confusing for young girls who may not realize this.
great post! thank you for sharing your thoughts. wow, i’m reading you blog for six years now! the fashion-bloggosphere has changed over the past few years … some of my fav blogs have changed to something i don’t like or they even vanished from the scene … your blog got more professional during the last years – but you always kept writing about the things i like most about fashionblogs: thrift shopping, vintage fashion and individual style. thank you so much for that!
i can’t wait to see more b. jones styles in 2013. happy new year to you and your little family!
i really appreciated this post! You do have a lovely life but I have never thought that you weren’t real or genuine! Your blog shows a great perspective and I have always felt that you are authentic and real!
-nico
http://www.SatinAndSalt.com
Lovely post, Beth…you hit the nail on the head and am so happy that you put this up
Kate
http://www.thrillofthechaise.com
Dig you even more, honey…you’re a breath of fresh air! What a f’n awesome post!!
i love your blog and i love your honesty, so i’ll be staying. as one who knows what pregnancy can do to your body (and style – and confidence, for that matter) i totally understand. i try to find a balance on my blog between style, life, motherhood…..as much as that can be shown (or achieved), but i also know that sharing some of life’s imperfections is important, too. you remind me that i need to show a little more of the real side of things, too. thank you.
xo
n
I love this post. I have been thinking about this issue a lot having opened a shop on etsy and started a blog. What we choose to display on the internet is such a small and biased perspective of our lives. Here’s to keepin’ it real in 2013!
http://www.tracetheshadows.blogspot.com
I don’t often comment on posts, but this one in paticular resonates deeply within me. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I am a long time follower of yours, and have many a time found inspiration in your words and looks, but today I am moving forward with another form of inspiration. Congratulations on all your successes, can’t wait to see what the future brings for B. Jones style!
I think this is a wonderful transition! You are such an inspiration and to show the more real moments is awesome! Love your style of writing and cannot wait to see what you have up and coming!!!
I don’t have a fashion blog, but I do have a travel blog and can totally relate. The second someones life seems a little too perfect, I feel that it just isn’t authentic. How could it be? It is only just a small section of life. I love your style and know from my own changing body that going through that can be difficult. You go through days were you don’t even feel like yourself- but you will! Good luck with the new tone and finding that real voice.
I really like reading your blog! This post is so perfect!
I wish you all the best for this new year!
Margaux
Great post and really loving your blog even more!!!
Hi! I’ve been reading your blog for the past couple of years and I have seen how youve come such a long way. I always wanted to get to that next step like you did and I looked to you for inspiration. After I saw that you got pregnant and saw how your life changed it was actually an awesome thing to read. I am currently 5 months pregnant and I totally understand how your life changes. I love reading your blog and I love the inspiration you have had on my life and I know in other people’s. Keep inspiring everyone!
As I am 6 weeks post partum and peruse your blog as I breastfeed for the millionth time, it is so nice to see a hip woman keeping it REAL about being a new mom. I look forward to following you on your journey.
Thank you for addressing this. I am new to following all the wonderful and fabulous fashion blogs. I would be one of those girls gushing to you about your fabulous life from what I see and read. Who wouldn’t want to be a regular gal having all these exciting and glamorous opportunities? I love fashion and glitz and celebrity but it’s more of a fantasy than real for me. It’s refreshing to read your ‘Real’ post because it resonates more than any other post I’ve read in any blog I’ve been following the past year. I had my son in 2010 and before I got pregnant, I was blossoming. Up until then, I never really knew what my style was and never truly felt comfortable with feminine touches like makeup and accessories. At the peak of this journey, I decided I was ready for a baby. I promised myself I would still be fabulous and pregnant. I even thought I’d be fitting in my old clothes within the year of giving birth. How naive! It’s been two and a half years and I am feeling closer to my old self. I have nothing to complain about – my son is healthy and he has made my life more full – but with my new body I’ve had to re-learn what works on me and what doesn’t. It doesn’t include what used to work on me. So I will join you on this journey because you inspire me and I appreciate you sharing what most of us shy away from, which is a shame because it is a very real thing for many women after baby. I will be cheering for you every step of the way! I look forward to seeing where your blog goes from here.
LOVE it! I think you have always come across as sincere, but I am glad to hear your account of how you are handling all the new challenges (and blessings!) that life is bringing you. I think everyone after a certain age (I’m 32, as well) starts to feel like they’re supposed to have it all figured out, supposed to have attained “perfect”. But that’s just unattainable, for anybody. The best thing you can bring to the world (and your sweet little baby) is the wonderful creativity and individuality that is you! Can’t wait to follow along and see what’s in store for you!
Thank you.
Sigh…Thank you, now I can take my pressure of perfection jacket off too.