<h3>blogger envy.</h3>

     this friday starts the first of my participation in 'friend fridays,' started by katy, of modly chic, and participated in by many other bloggers.  each friday katy picks a topic and asks five questions about that topic for each blogger to answer.  check out modly chic to see how others answered this weeks questions about the pressures of measuring up in the world of fashion blogging.  read my answers below:

1. Have you ever looked at someone's blog and thought yours will never measure up?
     Oh, almost everyday.  I try not to think of it as 'measuring up,' but rather I enjoy looking to other bloggers for inspiration on how I can make my own blog better.  I think every person has those days when they just don't feel good enough, and blogging can make that magnified for me.  The blogs that inspired me to start my own blogs are still the blogs that I read with a sigh, knowing that my life will never look that perfectly manicured on the web.  But for me, it is all about constantly reminding myself that my blog is an extension of who I am, so there is no way it will 'measure up' to someone who is completely different from me.

2. Do you (did you) feel pressure to meet some kind of undefined standard for fashion bloggers?
     I have to admit that I did in the early days of my blog.  It's difficult sometimes when you can't afford the nicest camera, don't have a professional photographer for a boyfriend and are on a teensy fashion budget.  So many of the big name bloggers out there seem to have a lot gifted to them and are able to call blogging their full-time job.  My blog is my outlet and if I allow myself to feel pressured by the ways in which it is not perfect, it is no longer an outlet and just one more job.  I just remind myself that my blog is a part of who I am...not all of me.

3. Many established fashion bloggers are also extraordinary DIYers, bakers, and crafty people. Do you think you need to combine all of these things to be successful at blogging?
     Oh, I do love the term 'Marthette.'  Really, ladies, is it possible for one's life to be that perfect?  I do love reading the blogs that show perfect outfits, recipes, home decor, etc, but I always read with a little voice in the back of my head saying, "this is not real life."  I love baking, crafting and diy'ing, but I choose to make my blog mostly about fashion and my other passions.  I have a full-time job, freelance on the side and do volunteer work while maintaining wonderful relationships with the people I love.  I often wonder how these other ladies do it.  But, hey, to each their own. I don't think you need to have it all on a blog.  We all read other blogs knowing that we are only seeing parts of someone's life.  Bring on the inspiration, but you will never see a craft on my blog.


4. The most successful blogs are the ones that have their own personal voice - how are you developing your voice or how did you find yours?
     The beginnings of my blog were all about finding my personal voice; that is why I started wily wiley.  Sometimes I struggle to maintain my own voice among so many other wonderful bloggers who I admire, but I am lucky to have an amazing boyfriend, family and friends who remind me that they love my blog because it is 'me.'  I think it's important to involve the people you love.  In the end, my friends and family are the reason I keep up with my daily photos and stay true to my personal voice.  They are my most honest critics and my cheering section all in one. 


5. Toot your own horn... what's one thing you do that is unique to you and your blog? What gives your blog an edge?
     I love my blog.  I really do.  I think I take a lot of time and effort to make it all the things I dreamed it would be.  While wily wiley is mostly a fashion blog, I also talk about my other true loves; literature and music.  I love reviewing books I've read and shows I've been to and hearing all of the great suggestions from my readers and other bloggers on what to try out next.  I also take time to highlight other bloggers that are inspiring me, with post like 'interwebs inspiration.'  I think it is important, that as bloggers, we do a lot to help each other grow.

thanks for reading, friends!

do you ever get blogger envy?

{image found here.}