Good morning! I'm gonna warn you now, I'm on my soap box today! I had a rough day yesterday that culmunated with someone indirectly attacking me on Facebook. Usually I just let things like this slide. I mean, I'm 33 years old and so over "high school" drama, but someone insinuated that I wasn't a good mother because I'm narcissitic. Yes, we're back there again. Why do people feel the need to judge someone they don't even know? I have a passion for fashion. This is my hobby. Some people collect coins, antiques, etc. I collect clothes, and this blog is my way of showing off that collection. I also like to think I help people by giving them styling ideas, sizing information, and the like. I get so much out of all the other fashion blogs out there and thought it would be fun to do one of my own. I had no idea I would get attacked for it. My mom says I should have expected it for "putting myself out there." I guess that's true, but I can't stand by and let someone say I'm not a good mother. I love my kids. My husband and I work full time to give them a good life. I pick them up everyday, cook dinner, do homework, and get them ready for bed. I'm not perfect, but I do my best. I don't think it's a crime that I take a few minutes out of my day to do something for me. As far as the pictures go, I think they are an artistic outlet for me. I can't paint or draw, and I don't know a thing about photography, but I appreciate art. It is so fun to come up with these ideas for photo shoots incorporating the clothes I love so much and see them come to fruition. If that makes me narcissitic then I guess I'm guilty as charged.
Ok, now that's out of the way, let's talk about my outfit of the day. I'm wearing the Lily of the Valley Blouse with the Biloba Necklace (go here to win this necklace). My pants are from The Limited and my shoes are the Seychelles Trip the Light Fantastic Sandals. I know I've said it before, but these shoes are the most comfortable heels I have ever owned. I needed some comfort today because I have to take all 3 of my kids to the dentist. Wow, imagine that, I'm actually doing something for someone else. ;-) Have a great day! 
OOTD: Lily of the Valley Meets Biloba
Top: Anthropologie Lily of the Valley Blouse
Pants: The Limited Cassidy Flares
Necklace: Anthropologie Biloba Necklace
Shoes: Seychelles Trip the Light Fantastic Sandals
Posts
You look really cute!! Love that necklace! As for the rude comments you have received from someone...don't worry. You can never please everyone and there is always those one or two people out there that have nothing beter to do with their time than to nit-pick others. It's them that need to be using their time more wisely! Keep doing what you're doing and enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThis blouse has got to be one of my favorites that you have shown so far. And don't worry about the other things. Your accomplishments speak for themselves. I live vicariously through you right now since I can't fit into the wonderful things from Anthro that you are wearing. They have always been a fav of mine since I lived in Greensboro. Keep it up hon. :)
ReplyDeleteBonnie...I don't know who and where this person told you this and if it's an anonymous comment, I totally understand how you feel right now. I knew with a blog, I'd be judged but I wasn't going to give a damn if they kept it to themselves. I totally agree with you that just by you taking pictures of yourself doesn't mean you're a bad mother. That has nothing to do with anything! This person was ridiculous. I am sure you're a great mother and want to give your kids all that you can. I'm glad you used your blog as an outlet though and I commend you for writing your vent in such a classy way. :)
ReplyDeletei don't have a blog but i love reading yours and all the other anthro/jcrew fashion blogs. the ones i read are all fun and helpful and not in the least bit narcissistic. i'm just so impressed that you all have the time to fit them into your busy schedules! and i really appreciate the photos so i can see the clothes on a real person, and the sizing info is super-helpful to me. just ignore those mean people.
ReplyDeleteThe person who told you that you were a bad mother must have some feelings of inadequacy or be very insecure because having a love of fashion in no way equals being a bad mother! The leap isn't even logical! And if being into fashion and getting pleasure from a hobby like a blog and doing some nice things for yourself makes you a bad mother, then I guess we are in the same boat!
ReplyDeleteKeep doing what makes you happy.
I agree with everyone else's comments. I think you are doing a fantastic job on your blog. I am sure you are a wonderful mom. Don't pay attention to others criticisms they are just jealous. Love your blog and all the styling ideas and beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteWe don't know each, we will never meet but I just wanted to let you know that I have your back! As for this rude person, do you really have nothing better to do with your day than to harass someone, do you not know how much easier it is to go though life being a positive person? Bonnie - don't let it get to you. Keep up the great work on your blog because I love seeing you wear all the clothes that I wish my budget could afford!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I'm confused as to why or how someone could say that because you like fashion, have a blog and take photos of your outfits that you're a bad parent. WTF. lol. That makes no sense whatsoever. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteObviously they probably are quite jealous because you look so awesome AND can also take care of a family.
I find it so refreshing that you are a 33-year-old mother of 3 AND a fashion blogger AND a working mom. I'm a 40 year old professional working mother of 3. And while I don't keep a blog myself, I read SO many of them that it takes at LEAST an hour of my day, if not more. And it is my "me" time. My quiet time once the kids are in bed or before they wake, or maybe while they are reading or playing with their friends. What a juvenile and moronic comment from that person on fb. I know it's hard to ignore stabs that feel so personal, but do consider how utterly misinformed and stupid such a comment sounds/is.
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie I'm so sorry this has reared its ugly head again so soon after your Mums comments recently upset you. Ignore it - you are quite entitled to some 'me time' with 3 children and how you choose to use that time and express yourself is entirely up to you!
ReplyDeleteWe all appreciate what you do - reviews are insanely helpful esp. for girls like me who only shop Anthro online and your lovely pictures are wonderful to look at during a tea break.
It sounds like you do everything and then more that is expected from a mother each day so please don't let the negative comments put you off what you do here :o)
People can be so narrow minded and small headed. Finding a little time for yourself will only make you a better mom and happier person. There are many great scientists and artists who put in many hours in their job (by choice) and yet raise wonderful children. One's skill in parenthood cannot be judged with by a blog, a second job or passion in gardening/knitting or whatever. Bonnie dont take it by heart and you dont have to justify it to anyone. You look wonderful and I am loving that blouse.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I totally agree with Cosmopolotan Cowgirl, having time to yourself only makes you a better mom. I'm really impressed that you managed to go to work and come home and take care of your family. I'm a stay at home mom and I can't imagine doing what you do cause my kids keep me pretty business. Kudos to you for accomplishing so much in one day. I enjoy your blog and hope those rude comments don't stop you from blogging.
ReplyDeleteAs a mom, a professional woman and a fashion lover, I can completely relate. Being a good mom does not mean that you have to give up all sense of your own identity. A happy mommy is a good mommy! Kids need to learn that their parents are real people with real needs. It's so important to do things for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I love your ideas! Rock on and be happy!
oh boy, people are crazy eh? What's wrong with a mother trying to look nice each day? You would think that would be a plus!! Just try to forget about it and keep on with your fun hobby!!
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm always surprised that people have nothing better to do than try and bring other people down. Hmmm...I sense a bit of projecting (yes, psychology major here!). How anyone would think that a woman who likes to take some time out for herself makes her a bad mother is beyond me. I think you make it crystal clear family is priority for you. Good for you for getting your feelings out in a classy way and setting the record straight. I so enjoy looking at your photos, getting styling ideas, and hearing about your daily doings. Please don't let some negative person take any of that away. I love checking in on your blog!!
ReplyDeleteI often wonder when and why people started attacking people for having a life. Unfortunately while the internet is a great tool and I personally enjoy reading the fashion blogs with their reviews and stylings, some insecure and immature people like the fact that they can anonymously attack others. So high-school, so cowardly, so small and mean. As others has nicely said, how does that person make the leap that because you have a little something for yourself that you enjoy, that you are a bad parent? When I saw that I was like WTF. Just remember, people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones and judge not, least ye be judged. Those people missed those lessons when they were younger.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog and look forward to continuing to read it going forward. Keep you head up high!
I recently found your blog and really enjoy it. It is especially refreshing to to read about the life of someone my age (even though I do not have children) and see clothing and fitting room reviews on a person of somewhat similar body type. Please continue to do what you are doing and ignore this person who has lashed out at you because of some shortcoming of their own.
ReplyDeletea good comfortable pair of heels is like the holy grail! i've heard so many people say that seychelles are great...i've got to check them out.
ReplyDeletesorry to hear about facebook bully! it's such a bummer when someone criticizes you--i find that kind of thing so hard to shake!
Oh no Bonnie, this anon person sounds terrible. No need to justify yourself, I'm totally sure you are a loving, caring mother even if you're blogging! I personally love reading blogs written by late 20s-30s ladies, including those with kids. I'm at the age where im ready to have kids too, so it's fantastic that i can relate to bloggers (like yourself).
ReplyDeleteI got a nasty comment on my blog too about me being pretentious due to my Anthro purchases!!
Anyway, I love that blouse, so pretty and feminine!
Cheers
jen
You look gorgeous today! And ignore the rude comments. That person has no idea what a fashion blog - and what YOUR fashion blog does for a community. Your kids know that you are a good mother, and that is what matters!
ReplyDeleteLoriSpeak
Aww Bonnie...so sorry people are being big ol meanies. You'd think adults would grow out of that high school "mean girl" mentality. Unfortunately it never goes away for some people. Rest assured that you are NOT narcissistic. I don't even know you and can tell that you are a kindhearted woman with lots and lots of love for your children and husband. Maybe that person was having a bad day or was feeling jealous at how gorgeous you look! Either way, take it with a grain of salt and fight back with kindness. It always works :) Have a great Friday!
ReplyDeleteOh man, I think that's one of the reasons I'm so secretive about my blog, if you can ever really call posting pictures of yourself online 'secretive'. I've been worried about what others out there might think or say. :(
ReplyDeleteHow ANYONE feels they can judge your mothering skills when they don't even have a real relationship with you is just INSANE! (Not to mention incredibly insensitive!)
And honestly, come to think of it, in some ways, I think caring a little more about how I look and dress has made me a more confident, BETTER mother to my kids.
Whoever spoke poorly of you is jealous. Do not desire the praise of men - you are beautiful inside and made to pursue fashion.
ReplyDelete