Blogging: A Self-confidence booster?

A drawing I did in fourth year of falling models (its about 6ft tall). Imperfection at its best.

We’ve all seen the numerous posts about the negative effects of personal style blogging and posting photos on sites like Chictopia. I’m sure you have seen these issues raised: blogging is vain, causes females to compare themselves to each other, judge each others’ body types and greatly promotes consumerism.

I’m not here to tell you that they are wrong. In fact they are probably right on certain levels.

Yet, that has not been my experience.

Amidst all the New Years posts that have clogged the blogosphere recently, I have seen one strong similarity. Bloggers are thanking their blogs for helping them discover themselves.

Now why would a blog help an individual discover who they truly are? Perhaps it is the confidence that is built up through the wonderful blogging community that personal style bloggers all over the world have created. As fellow bloggers and readers, we are pushing each other to be truly unique in a wonderfully supportive environment with inspirational comments.

Now let’s counter those negative arguments!

Vanity- Yes, perhaps an outsider might see that posting pictures of oneself is quite vain but for us personal style bloggers it is all about the outfits, the makeup and the accessories! Personal style blogging for me has also evolved into the photography, the places I go to take pictures and the interaction with other individuals who share my interests.

Body Types- Now, some may say that skinnier “model-like” bloggers are more successful but I know many bloggers love seeing outfits on real people. Also, I adore feeling like I know people when I look at their outfit pictures and I never have felt like that while looking at photo-shop models in magazines.

Consumerism- Does blogging promote consumerism? Maybe the ones that exhibit their hauls every time they go to the mall... However, the majority of bloggers show that they are budget conscious and have tons of fun remixing pieces of their wardrobe. That was one of the primary reasons I got into blogging, to inspire me to remix my wardrobe!

Now let’s discuss a little more about my experience with blogging, I had horrible skin in my undergrad. I was afraid to go outside my house without makeup on. In fact, I became an expert at disguising my terrible skin with foundation and blush (which I know makes the skin break out even more). I got bangs to cover my forehead and was afraid to even have my roommates see me without makeup. I was in hiding.

I realize now that I was in hiding because I didn’t have this fantastic community to help build my confidence or help me get through the tough times. My experience in blogging has been nothing but positive. I have discovered a little world that is full of beautiful women that support each other and spread positive words. We support each other’s achievements and are full of encouragement. Every amazing comment I receive on my blog helps me feel a little better about myself, more confident. I can safely say that because of the blogosphere, I am on my way to discovering myself!