As an American this past Thanksgiving weekend is always pretty special. It’s a time to spend with family and friends; most importantly it’s especially a time to give thanks. So for this week’s link up I thought I do just that–give thanks for my blogging community and the blogger friends I’ve made in the last few years. There’s way more blogger friends to mention than this, and the list below is not in any order, but I’ll give it a try and mention a couple of influential individuals that have helped me attempt to become a better blogger.
I’m thankful for Not Dressed as Lamb. I remember first buying a space for advertising on Catherine’s blog in 2013. Then, shortly after, I reached out to her by email asking for advice on a couple of things. Catherine was so responsive plus supportive; it wasn’t long until we had become blogging buds with her serving as my role model always. Because Catherine is so good at building community, I will always turn to her, follow her blogging tips, and continue to learn for her. She’s professional, kind, and of course very stylish! I’m also thankful for Sylvia from 40 Plus Style. Sylvia is also quite supportive of so many bloggers. She does an especially good job at highlighting stylish women that are over 40. I myself have been highlighted a couple of times by her for my Instagram posts and also I’ve conducted a style interview with her. Each time she highlights me results in a squeal of delight! Sheela Goh is another blogger where our friendship just kind of happened. I can’t remember all the details, but I think it had to do with a comment I made on one of her post depicting style through the ages. I loved it and thought it was so collaborative highlighting style through the different age groups, but because she’s in her 40s and I’m also in my 40s, I knew I could never participate. Then, a little bit after, Sheela started The Fab 40s (stay tuned for tomorrow’s post!). Since the beginning of this series, Sheela and I have now become good buds–we even Whatsapp each other which is so fun. If we lived in the same city, I can only imagine the mischief we’d be up to! Samantha from Fake Fabulous is another friend I’ve made. I wrote about her a couple of Style Stories back. I’m just so inspired by her style. She’s bold and bright and causes me to rethink my own style. I always thought I was kind of quirky until I met her. I’m actually not as bold as I thought I was….But it’s all good because I’m learning from Sam and being forever inspired. Samantha is another blogging buddy that I just know we’d have too much fun if we lived in the same locale. I’m a Norbyah is one of my own local blogging buddies but actually also more than that. While we both have the passion for fashion, we also work together, so we’re colleagues. I’m exposed to Norbyah’s amazing style on a daily basis! Lately it’s been so fun to help one another out by taking pictures for each other. While Gigi is a great photographer, Norbyah, as a fellow blogger, knows exactly what to get without me having to direct. Also, in knowing Norbyah, I’m becoming more aware of my fast fashion ways, trying to scale back, and embracing more secondhand and vintage items. In fact, a couple of my winter wardrobe pieces have come from her closet. I can’t wait to showcase this beautiful red dress I scored! Another local blogger that has helped me out tremendously is Geneva from A Pair and A Spare. At one point I saw on her blog that she was offering a blogging session. I immediately signed up! Because of her busy travel schedule, something came up, but that meant I could have two one-on-one sessions. Yay to that! Geneva’s feedback was invaluable giving ideas where to focus and and where to not. In fact, there’s been a shift since last November when she advised me on my pics. Ever since that first session, I’ve been using Adobe Lightroom instead of actions on Photoshop. This might not all make sense, but her tips were definitely listened to–and hopefully my readers like the pics better too….! Have you heard of Be Frassy? Well if you haven’t that is surprising because Audrey is pretty big league. And, guess what? I think it’d be safe to call us friends–well at least via the long distance through online channels. Somehow, through my commenting, she’s appreciated me–I think anyway, especially since she’s always responsive and quite a hoot to boot. I feel like I know someone famous, but really she’s the most down-to-earth blogger. She’s kind, creative, and extremely beautiful. I like to visit her blog in doses, especially when I need inspiration. She’s a pro for sure. I first found her via Catherine of Not Dressed of Lamb. Then Audrey introduced me to the following blogger friend… Vanisha from A Life Unstyled is perhaps one of the sweetest bloggers out there. She’s pure and authentic, living an un-styled life that is gorgeous. Somehow, we struck up a connection online–especially when we made the Hong Kong connection. She and her husband got married in Hong Kong. I was all excited that I’d get to meet her in an upcoming visit, but her next visit will have to wait. She’s pregnant! So instead we will be celebrating the miracle baby! (Vanisha had been told that this wasn’t possible, but! Yay! She can!! I’m so ecstatic for Vanisha. Our meeting can definitely wait.) One last friendship that I’d like to mention is the one I have with Daffny. Daffny is the author of A Vintage Nerd. For awhile on my Instagram I encouraged anyone to contact me for free style consulting. Daffny took me up on it! While my role has been to help Daffny out, I don’t think she realizes that she’s helping me too. I want to do more with personal styling, so while I don’t know if I’m any good, she’s giving me great experience. This might be selfish of me, but in the meantime I’ve made one more connection with a fantastic blogger. Daffny is super sytlish and definitely a pro on vintage. Her expertise on vintage cinema is extraordinary, and her blog posts on the subject are some of the most thorough I’ve seen. I want to repeat something: this initial list doesn’t include everyone who helps to make me a better blogger. There are a ton more blogger friends out there to thank like Greetje, Jacqueline, and Anna–to name just a few, but I plan to highlight more of them in my next roundup. After you’re finished linking up, maybe you can tell me who out there makes you blog better… Style Stories Link Up:
Awesome round up of some amazing and inspiring bloggers!!!
Shelbee
Yay! I’m glad you think so Shelbee!! Love, Ann
I think friendships that “just happen” are the best ones.
Alex – Funky Jungle
It’s been happening a lot lately Alex, and I love it!! ;D Ann
Ann, I am honored to be part of this list of ladies….thank you so much.
I have to laugh at you calling me bold….you are MUCH bolder (in my eyes) Red lips, Feather skirts, OTK boots and now BLUE TIGHTS too. Such and inspiration.
I could not agree more about Catherine…I would still be a “silent” blog follower (who never commented and definitely did not dare to blog) if it was not for her.
She introduced me to you!
Something about leopard print….I can’t quite remember.
Again….BOLD!
You have introduced me to some new blogs here too. So thank you for that.
As for your question:
I need to mention all of the blog’s on my list of favourite bloggers.
I read every new post and I am constantly inspired by them….including you!!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Awww, Catherine! I’m so glad she introduced us. I wonder if she knows what buds we’ve become!! In terms of my boldness, I have been noticing though that I do have a very muted palette. It’s ok though. 😀 Mwuah! Ann
I DO know what great buds you’ve become – I feel like a blogging Cilla (Samantha will get that joke I’m sure, though Ann you probably won’t, my apologies)! In other words I’m a blogging matchmaker supremo and it feels so good to see my favourite ladies make a great connection.
=she sits back and basks in the glow of her good work=
:)))
P.S. I’m honoured to know you both xoxo
You both know the librarian in me is going to research “a blogging Cilla!” I’ll be reporting back shortly! ;D A x
The “blogging” bit will only confuse things…!! I meant a blogging equivalent of Cilla:
Cilla Black was a v. successful 60s singer who went onto become a beloved host of TV shows in the UK – she hosted ‘Blind Date’ which set couples up to – you guessed it – go on blind dates together. She became most famous for that show and it was massive in the 80s and 90s, so if you mention anything to do with matchmaking (to someone over about the age of 35 ish) it makes sense to mention Cilla at the same time…! ;))
Anyone who had a heart!! And I didn’t even realise she passed away a few months ago, what a loss.
What a lovely thing to do in celebration of Thanksgiving! Thank you for the shout out. I so know what you mean about that ‘squeal of delight’! As you know from my email, I was so touched and thank you for your reply! I’ll be pinging back to you. What an inspiring lot of bloggers there are. And this really does put the nail in the coffin of that old myth of how women are supposedly in competition with each other, are only ever bitchy to each other, blah, blah, blah and all that other nonsense. More power to us, is what I say!
Thanks for hosting again.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh good Jacqueline! I’m so glad to have made you feel good!! And yes to #bloggerlove. We have it!! Woot woot! A x
Aww wonderful selection of fabulous ladies! And of course yourself as a wonderful host. Thank you as always lovely lady!XX
Thank you Rachel! You are also one to admire. I wonder if I will ever be able to blog fulltime like you. A girl can dream right?! 😀 A x
I love this post, I know some of these fabulous blogger ladies but I’m always glad to meet new ones, thanks for that Ann. Love, Kirsten x
http://www.thelifbissue.com
Yes! It is great to learn of more isn’t it? We are an awesome group aren’t we!!? *blowing on my fist and swiping my shoulder* I need to return to your fashion carousel and keep linking away!! Love, Ann
Ann you really are the best!!!!!! Thank you SO much for the shout out and love sent my way, and for spreading the love to all those other lovely bloggers as well. Only this weekend I was on a press trip with (mostly) 20-something bloggers: They discussed how they really had no sense of community and how blogging is so competitive and dog-eat-dog for them. I told them that the 40+ community is one of the most supportive – and strongest – out there, and that I couldn’t be more proud to be part of it and know such a great bunch of girls.
Needless to say they were particularly envious…!!
It’s always a pleasure to be able to share a little of my wisdom and experience with you (and anyone else), gained mostly through trial and error I hasten to add! Thank you for hosting the link up, looking forward to seeing you in sportswear for the #iwillwearwhatilike link up (all those outfits with tennis shoes are going to pay off)!!!!!!!!
Much love to you, have a great week
Catherine xoxo
http:notdressedaslamb.com
Wow, that little story of the 20 something bloggers is bitter sweet. I want to hope for them too that they will somehow find community in their blogging. And we are so lucky aren’t we!? It must be like what Jacqueline said. We’re done competing and rather there for each other to support and love. It might just take 20 more years to be like that for each other. But, on the other hand I don’t think it has to be something for the mature woman. In my list is 27 year old Audrey–who you introduced me to. But then, she’s a wise one, an old soul individual, competing with only herself to be better.
Anyway, I feel so lucky. Also, there are still so many more of us out there. It will nearly be impossible to meet all of the awesome individuals out there, but it sure is fun meeting along the way.
Thanks for offering to always call on you–you do know I will take you up on it! ;D Love, Ann
Love discovering new bloggers. Great post and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Ann!
Thanks so much Johanna! Same to you and your Turkey Day. I hope it was glorious and family, fun filled. Love, Ann
Even within the calmer, far more conducive and loving realms of mature bloggers, you’re a true gem, Ann. I love how we connected through Project Sister Act, and how your comment about us being the same age (thus ensuring you won’t be a part of Project Sister Act) led to the birth of The Fab 40s. Wasn’t that kismet? You are a precious soul, a truly warm and very very very genuine person, and you are much loved.
Thank you Sheela. Do you feel the big HUG I’m giving you!? A x