Summer Reflections on Why I Blog/Instagram, Summer Staples, and Why I'm Not Ready to Talk About Fall Fashion

So, I had another one of those days again.  I'm off work, with no plans and feeling a little lazy.  Terry called up and was taking a break from moving a ton of his stuff from one of his properties he recently sold (that has continued to be moved from place to place as he sells properties and always takes DAYS to move), so I decided to stop over to visit for a little bit before he headed back out again.  But I was in the same situation I was a couple weeks ago--I had a minimal amount of time to get ready.   Washing my hair was out and so was shaving my legs.  It's over 90 degrees again today, and I was NOT wearing jeans or leggings, and shorts were out of the question with my stubble.  So out came another maxi dress, top knot, and sunglasses.  

As I looked in my closet and my small number of maxi dresses (I have about six--not a ton but a few to pick from), I decided to go with this Target maxi dress from at least four years ago (if not more!).  I kept it, as I always think maxi dresses are a basic summer fundamental.  I also like this one because it has a different print from florals or stripes that are commonly seen on a maxi dress.  I also like how it fits well in all the right places--it's not too tight, but it's a little more slimming, streamlined, and fitted than other maxi dresses out there or that I even own.  I was initially going to do a Shop My Insta post with this but then realized that this dress was so old, it may be hard to "link up" exact options, and then a few thoughts came to my mind that I wanted to share regarding my blog and my Instagram.

When I started my Instagram many years ago (and it has gone through several make-overs across the years), the thought was to share how I used what I own to create a bunch of different outfits and how you could still look cute wearing your closet items in new ways.  I loved to share my newest shopping finds, as well as items I bought on clearance, on sale, or via thrift and consignment shops (not always my first option--not a thrift blogger--but I will do it every now and again).  Since that time nearly five years ago, Instagram and blogging has changed quite a bit.  Now, you can "monetize" your Instagram and blog--which I think is great--but it has changed to Instagram-mers and bloggers to only "selling" items and/or having the newest items to shop on their feed daily.  Like most middle class Americans using Instagram, I cannot afford to have a new outfit with new items everyday.  And it can be hard to keep up with a daily post of ALL newly bought items.  

As you all know, I do use ShopStyleCollective and will link up items there.  I often link up my newest shopping finds (which almost always sell out by the time I post them, and they definitely do not happen on the daily) and will try to link up similar items to what I'm wearing in that photo.  I kind of like to do this, as I think it's funny that fashion has not really changed THAT much over the past couple years (just look at the N sale finds--there are some cute things and a few things I want to pick up, but let's face it--booties, Moto jackets, skinny jeans, cardis, and leggings have been on rotation for forever).  I can wear an item from 2-3 years ago and STILL find similar items on sale now.   That does not happen all the time, but it happens 85% of the time.  I try to create a classic silhouette that can be re-created in anyone's work or casual wardrobe with similar items.  Just like Pinterest, where I would (and still do) pin outfits that I liked, but I may have lacked closet basics such as a green pencil skirt, I can link up items on there where you too can purchase a similar green pencil skirt to create that look and a TON of other versatile looks for day and night.  I want to provide opportunities for "outfit inspiration," as well as some of the newest trends or great buys if you are in the market. 

So, that's what I try to do.  Maybe I'm not as popular as other bloggers or Instagrammers because of this but oh well.  I will promote companies I like or products that I enjoy or believe in (I'm not saying I won't promote), but it's not WHY I blog or the only thing I will feature. 

On another note, as people are promoting the N sale and bloggers are gearing up for Fall, I'm just not there yet.  I still have summer buys I haven't even worn, sitting in my closet, waiting for their opportunity to come out and play over the next 2 months!  Even if I wasn't a blogger or Instagrammer, let's face it--I'm not shopping for fall until my birthday (which is September 9th), and I'm not going to pretend like I am going to now.  So, if you feel the same way I do when fall stuff comes out in July, I'm your girl.  My blog and Instagram are focused on what I do in my DAILY life.  

With that being said, as I was looking for products to link up, I DID find some maxi dresses CURRENTLY available that are SUPER similar and priced well.  So, if you still have a summer wedding, date night, event, or just want a new maxi dress to wear for something coming up in July, August, or September, here are some cute finds from TARGET and my other favorite retailers!

One of my favorite investments was my Versace sunglasses that I bought from Sunglass Hut several years ago and am wearing here.  I really wanted a designer pair of sunglasses, and these were my first!  I'm still wearing them 4-5 years later.  Although this exact pair is not available, they still continue to produce similar models, if you are interested in investing in a great pair of sunglasses that will last you for years to come.  

If you are interested, I've included a couple times I have worn this dress in years past!

Searched deep into my Instagram for this one. Circa 2014 and I was still in my apartment. Wore this for a date night with Terry!

Wore this to a conference with a super cute blazer (which I still have) and this fun, long necklace (which I still have and want to break out again!). I sprained my ankle on a hike with Terry and could not wear heels to work. When it's May, your only options are sandals or heels, so I wore maxi dresses with sandals!

So there you have it!  What are your thoughts on maxi dresses and the Instagram/blogger changes over the years?  I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!