The word on the web is that some fashion bloggers (new and established) have been faking their way into the blogosphere, to gain more credibility, acquire fame status, brands endorsement and more, warped logic? Maybe not.

From claiming personal purchases as “gifts from brands” to buying “fake followers” on Twitter or Instagram, the blogging world seems to be getting bent in all kinds of wrong directions.

“In a “you’ve got to fake to make it” fashion, many newer, up-and-coming bloggers are allegedly claiming items they’ve bought were gifts from brands. Apparently, this act is far more common than imagined. “They’re all so desperate to stay career bloggers.” Fashionista.com

Do you think bloggers are “faking it” to feed narcissistic needs or rather to remain competitive in an increasingly cutthroat industry?

“Breaking into the upper realms of the fashion blogging arena is comparable to becoming a pro-athlete or a Hollywood star.” says Robbie Sokolowsky, creative director at ICEDMedia Fashionista.com

This reality may justify to a certain extent why bloggers would feel the need to inflate numbers and exaggerate facts, to the point of creating an online identity that may not accurately reflect their reality. But isn’t that a common practice in every field (not just fashion) and where’s the harm if brands don’t mind it?

As a brand manager or PR practitioner, how do you feel about Fashion Bloggers faking VIP status, and accomplishments? Does it matter to you or not? And you Bloggers, where do you stand on the question, would you do it yourself if it could prove to boost your blogging career?

“Fake it ’till you make it.”― Gayle Forman

Some questions to consider as we go LIVE:
1. Is there such a thing as an honest fashion blogger?
2. Does inflating your fashion blogging career make you untrustworthy?
3. Much like editorials, is Fashion blogging becoming more fantasy than reality?
4. What are some of your fashion blogging No No’s you’d like to share?
5. With the field becoming more competitive than ever, is Fashion Blogging still fun?

Read what our MAY Panelists have to say and join us LIVE to unfold @FashionUnfold 

ERIN THIBODEAU – Twitter: @erinthibodeau

Erin is a communications professional, writer, and adventurer. www.erinthibodeau.com

The ideology behind the phrase “fake it ‘til you make it” is not new and has been reinterpreted and turned on its head more times than one can count. But never before has fashion’s “fake it til you make it” crowd been so, well, crowded.

With many agreeing that fashion blogging has become a clogged and over saturated medium, does this type of ‘faking it’ help you remain competitive or help boost your career?

My simple answer is no. The purchasing of fake followers or falsely claiming to have been gifted product may inflated your view count or influence for a moment, but that moment will be brief and fleeting.

In an industry of high turnover and blogs that are relevant one day and obsolete the next, creating properly nurtured relationships is more important than ever.

This phenomenon of augmented reality is breeding a fame-hungry demographic who don’t really understand how the industry works.

A good public relations professional (hopefully) does their homework. And in the same way that I would not pitch an idea or product to a blogger whose image and content didn’t fit the product, I wouldn’t offer product to a blogger that had previously lied about receiving gifts or followers.

MAIMA REEVES – Twitter: @FashionStillss

Maima is the creator of Fashion Stillss, a fashion, photography and personal style blog. A creative type and entrepreneur! http://fashionstillss.com/

I don’t think there is anything wrong with bloggers not being completely forthcoming about where and how they received items and posting them as gifts from brands in order to gain more recognition.

This notion is similar to what many young professionals/ newly graduate students do every day on their resumes when seeking out an employment. The whole process revolves around the idea that “the only way to make it is the give the employer or followers in this situation, what they want.” For fashion bloggers it is the appearance that you are well connected in the industry.

This leads to not only more followers but people taking you seriously! It is not a matter of wanting to mislead people but rather getting them to listen to you and take you seriously.

For instance, some of my most popular posts were the ones linked to other established bloggers or companies. It seems that people tend to trust you more if you associate yourself to a reputable brand or figure.

However, like anything in life you have to be aware of the risks that come along with doing such a thing. For one thing although the brand may be ok with this minor “fib”, you should recognize that this may affect your future working relations with brands negatively.

JENNY – Twitter: @FashionistaJR

Retro loving fashion blogger who believes that in the ever evolving world of fashion, the art of style is eternal. A Fashionable Paradise

Readers expect to get a genuine opinion the blog they’re reading. We expect that what we’re reading is from someone just like us.

Your followers should not be bought and/or fake; they should be, as @DKNY thinks of them, friends — people who engage with you and value your opinion.

The job of a blogger is to honestly present their audience with what is happening, whether it be via opinions or career advancements. There is no genuine personal accomplishment to be found in a social media lie.

Blogging has increasingly become about showcasing wealth and endorsements, and it is something that needs to stop before the true value of blogging becomes lost.

With people now feeling the need to compete, it is important that they’re in this because they want to be due to passion, not just to win. They could easily become disappointed.

Ambition is not faking your social media identity, but rather sticking to what you love even if it doesn’t prove immediately or always successful.

Do not be under the impression that you have to follow what others do, style or opinion wise. This isn’t about blending in or fooling people into thinking you’re someone you’re not; it’s about honestly standing out with your unique opinion and skill.

Ultimately, fashion blogging should be about giving and receiving honesty in every aspect. If you cannot offer this, you shouldn’t be blogging. Stay genuine and loyal.

ELLIOT CARLYLE – Twitter: @ElliotCarlyle

Elliot is a Senior PR Executive & Fashion Director at Elliot Carlyle Unlimited, ElliotCarlyle.net

I’m going to take on the idea of honesty in social media. I do believe that there are many honest fashion bloggers who are committed to bringing insightful, educated, and informative content. However, I do feel that with the rise in competition as it relates to relevance, that many if not all are susceptible to playing the masquerade.

In fashion, like other industries, exists fantasy and reality. If it is your “voice” as a blogger to entertain the fantasy of fashion then there is an audience for you. If it is your “voice” to be more educated and serious with your content then there is an audience for you.

At the end of the day I believe either one is okay. A bloggers voice is their own and it is up to the viewer/readership to decipher what is fact or fiction.

There are not just bloggers but also publicist, photographers, designers, and more who are all working hard to stay relevant.
Unfortunately, sometimes that grind results in a loss of integral credibility. However, if it’s working then it’s working.

A blog/blogger, as any other profession, only has as much relevance as you give them. All in all, it’s up to us as individuals what and to whom we give credence to.

JOELLE OWUSU – Twitter: @Joelle_o

19-year-old fashion/lifestyle blogger at www.febgirl.co.uk  from the United Kingdom. I am really passionate about uniting the blogger community together through a shared love of writing as a hobby

.

There is such thing as an honest blogger, although I can’t speak for everyone. I don’t know anyone who sets up a blog just to attend Fashion Weeks and get free gifts. And if they did, they have probably been caught out by now. Many just want a place on the web to showcase their style and find other people with inspiring styles.

Blogging in 2013 has become less fun and more of a competition for many bloggers (especially new bloggers).

This is because many think that attending Fashion Week and getting gifts is a rite of passage instead of a total privilege bestowed upon the most influential bloggers with loyal relationships with brands.

In relation to honesty, it is getting easier to find the dishonest bloggers who do not provide true follower/pageview statistics. It is also down to the companies to do their research on the blogger before working with them.

I don’t think that blogging is becoming a fantasy because anyone can get inspired and set up a blog. I do agree that it has become somewhat hazy, however with many mysterious (and often sneaky) ways to gain more followers and therefore more influence in the industry.

Many people have different view on what fashion blogging actually is. Most bloggers simply see it as a site where they are in control of sending out images in information about their personal style. Others see it as a way to ‘peacock’ and show off to the virtual masses.

There you have it Unfolders, now join us LIVE on twitter to let us know what YOU think @FashionUnfold 

]]> http://miss-sly.com/2013/05/may-fashionunfold-smokes-mirrors-in-fashion-blogging-faking-your-way-to-the-top-blogging-ranks-desperate-or-ambitious.html/feed 1 http://miss-sly.com/2013/05/rsvp-you-are-invited-to-fashionunfold-may-edition.html http://miss-sly.com/2013/05/rsvp-you-are-invited-to-fashionunfold-may-edition.html#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 05:47:48 +0000 miss SLY! http://miss-sly.com/?p=14184 Since returning from a long and much needed Eurotrip – during which I got to host April @FashionUnfold in Paris – France, a lot has happened and I can’t wait to share it all with you, but let’s take care … Continue reading →]]>

Since returning from a long and much needed Eurotrip – during which I got to host April @FashionUnfold in Paris – France, a lot has happened and I can’t wait to share it all with you, but let’s take care of business first, shall we?

I am personally inviting YOU – yes you, to join me and other fashion enthusiasts, next Tuesday, MAY 14 @ 1pm EST for the MAY Edition of #FashionUnfold.

@FashionUnfold is an original series of monthly fashion debates taking place on Twitter. Professionals and enthusiasts from all over the world have been joining the live chat for over 2 years now, sharing their views on topics pertaining to the fashion and blogging industry every month.

This past April, participants unfolded the question of style blogging and sustainable fashion. Strong opinions and valuable information were tweeted, below some highlights.

So what could MAY be possibly about? Here’s a hint to next week’s topic: Cool. I won’t say more, so register and find out on Tuesday.

Summer is finally here Foxes and so is our winner for the GoingSLYForRayBan Giveaway.

With well over 60 entries, #GoingSLYForRayBan has been extremely popular, giving us plenty ideas for future giveaways to host on miss SLY! so stay tuned for more.

In the mean time, let’s announce our lucky winner, selected using Random.org.

Drumrolls please… … … CONGRATULATIONS …

Well done Rebecca! Now, you must claim your prize by contacting us here or via Twitter @missSLY by Tuesday, April 30 noon (eastern time), otherwise we will have to choose another winner, so hurry up and Congratulations once again

Thank you to our partner SmartBuyGlasses for the amazing giveaway, right on time for Summer.

Special Thanks to all of you for participating, and stay tuned for more contests to come.

Here’s to a great Summer Foxes. xox - @missSLY

With earth day upon us (Monday April 22), unfolding the question of fashion and sustainability couldn’t have come at a better time, so let’s hear it.

APRIL TOPIC: Cheap-Chic & Fast Fashion: Is style blogging making fashion more unsustainable?

“Fast fashion, “it’s cheap, addictive and unsustainable” to quote BoF.“

Fast Fashion is very appealing and how could it not, it gives us access to the latest fashion trends at very affordable prices, a major plus for avid Style bloggers – hello Street Style and #OOTD, hence the overwhelming list of successful cheap-chic collaborations (H&M, Target, GAP, JCP…).

Most Style Bloggers create a new look on a daily basis, that’s easily over 250 outfits per year and a whole lot of money to spend. So unless you are loaded with cash to splurge on luxurious items, disposable garments are a go to solution for your blogging needs, understandably so.

But not all style bloggers are created equal, and while many tend to go for trendy fast fashion pieces, others turn to local designers, their mom’s/grandma’s closets or vintage stores to create unique looks, perhaps more in search of individuality rather than sustainability.

Much has already been said about fast fashion and its impact on the environment, so considering this can we say that style blogging makes fashion more unsustainable? Is our need for quick fashion validation costing us more than we’d like to admit?

And what about you, as a style blogger or fashion consumer, are you getting tired of fast fashion as a whole?

Hear what our APRIL Panelists have to say on the question and join us LIVE to unfold @FashionUnfold 

Tyrone Farley, Fashion lover and social media marketing enthusiast who has appeared on Huff Post Live on numerous occasions to talk fashion with Christian Siriano and on topics such as Fashion and Feminism. www.truefashionistanow.com

My position is that Fast Fashion is promoting ‘unsustainability’ and the cost of mass produced chic fashion, has a negative effect on the environment.

Fashion is a business and indeed brands get into business to make money from a financial perspective but consumers may not be aware of the environmental backlash because it is not promoted.

The pros of sustainable fashion outnumber the cons; a green eco-friendly sweater may cost more and is usually well made and classic in style. Cheap chic fashions are exactly that, less expensive but in trend for the moment but has consequences that consumers may not be aware of.

Earth Pledge, non-profit organization cites that; “At least 8,000 chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textiles and 25% of the world’s pesticides are used to grow non-organic cotton.”

‘Consumer educational awareness’ is an obvious recommendation but in my opinion greedy brands do not care the least about these issues. The US is definitely way behind when it comes to sustainable fashion awareness and European countries such as Finland and Iceland are ahead of the game. Perhaps there might have to be lawsuits that outnumber the argument, that sustainable fashion to a valid threat before consumer begin to fight back.

Blogging about fashion is exciting, but taking it to the next level in being pro-active about the consequences of unsustainable fashion takes time, organization and money.

Stefanie Pursell, Founder of Fashioning Intelligence www.fashioningintelligence.com

Fast fashion thrives on desirability and primarily wants to turn a profit in the consumer’s desire to be trendy. Style Bloggers also thrive on desirability but they aren’t all online to turn a profit.

Deep down I want to think some Style Bloggers are blogging because they truly enjoy styling and fashion. They thrive on their desire for attention, whether it turns into a business may or may not happen.

“As I prepared for this debate, I felt pretty strongly that yes, Style Bloggers do contribute to the unsustainability of fashion.”

In their desire to be discovered, they unwittingly help feed the Fast Fashion marketing machine. Unfortunately, Outfit of the Day (OOTD) also feeds into some societies ideals that garments cannot be worn more than once if you want people to think you are fashionable (which is wholly on untrue and not even close to real life).

A recent Q&A forum held by H&M at Vogue Headquarters as well as NPR’s All Things Considered look at Fast Fashion only served to further my resolve that Fast Fashion is out of touch with reality and really believe consumers are in a word – Codependent.

Now, I’ll be honest I do follow or check-in on Style Bloggers, however, they do pride themselves on thrifting, clothing swaps or wearing items more then once in their OOTD posts.

I believe these type of Style Bloggers are at least attempting to be sustainable, by my personal definition, by reducing the impact on our environment, being mindful of resources needed or used to make the garment (or shoes), and re-usability.

I think whether we are consumers, designers or bloggers we all can bring something to the table to say Fast Fashion we are no longer Co-dependent on you.

Josie aka JKal, 22 year old fashion blogger majoring in buying in the Fashion Marketing program of LaSalle College. Always on the hunt for the next statement accessory and much more. www.jkvintageaffair.blogspot.ca

Fashion has a way of easily tricking us through its fast trend pace. Nowadays, many followers rely on bloggers to get a taste of the season’s latest trends and hottest items to own.

Fashion blogging is not a trendsetting tool. It is considered as a fashion sharing industry where each blogger communicates with its audience through its inspiring outfits, trends, to name a few. Bloggers should not be considered as victims of fashion being so unsustainable due to the fact that it is based on self-knowledge and expression.

Contrary to what society might think, bloggers do often recycle their pieces and have the gift to revamp it in a totally different allure.

To my belief, retailers, celebrities and high-end magazines make fashion unsustainable due to its constant change.

It is a blogger’s duty to be able to show its audience how to incorporate current and basic trend together. I, for example, indulge in pieces that are not seen in a current magazine issue. I tend to recycle my grandmother’s vintage crocodile snakeskin purse and style it with the latest pleather pants that are on the market.

I always try to keep a percentage of my closet versatile and purchase trendsetting accessories to modernize my look. It is important not to build your personal style upon what you see but what you want people to see.

Kelly Drennan is the Founding Executive Director of Fashion Takes Action, Canada’s premier non-profit organization that focuses on sustainability in the fashion industry. As an expert on sustainable fashion, Kelly has been featured in the Globe & Mail, CBC, Fashion Television, Breakfast Television, the Toronto Star, and was named by Flare Magazine as one of Canada’s 30 Most Inspiring Women

Media and bloggers have a responsibility to inform consumers about the environmental impact of over consumption.

Bloggers who depend on fast fashion for the sake of having an outfit each day, is not the same as asking consumers to do the same. While succumbing to fast fashion (poorly made, sweatshop labour, unsustainable materials) is not something I believe bloggers should do, it is more important that they use their status to communicate how consumers can be more responsible.

The same trends or looks can be achieved by buying vintage, re-purposing existing pieces or attending clothing swaps. This would drastically reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills every year (on average 68lbs per person)!

Fast fashion not only hurts the environment, but it hurts independent designers.

Not the big fashion houses who are now collaborating with fast fashion brands, but the small independent designers who aren’t mass producing, and whose prices fall in that middle ground (not cheap and not luxury).

Fast fashion will succeed without the help of media or bloggers, because sadly there will always be a market for it. But for the consumer who loves fashion and can afford to invest in their wardrobe, we need people of influence to guide them back to supporting designers whose livelihood is suffering at the hands of H&M, Zara and Forever 21.

Patricia Handschiegel, Glossi’s Marketing - http://www.glossi.com

Some bloggers and readers may feel pressure to keep the pace with trends and what’s new in the market. But there are a few factors that are playing against high turnover in terms of people rotating trends out of their closet, etc.

Trends are definitely lasting longer now to where an item will maintain ‘in style’ for up to three years or longer. Certain things like maxi dresses or skinny jeans entered stores as hot trends but now maintain as staple pieces that return year after year.

We definitely live in a trend-centric market at this time, but that has more to do with driving consumers to make purchases versus consumers demanding trends from retailers. A great balance is to remember that updating a look doesn’t take individual pieces — things like accessories, etc. can do the trick.

We have no short supply of people in need throughout the country and the world, too — so when and if you’re going to toss items out, always donate. I do think consumers in general, not just bloggers, can affect sustainability in fashion but it is not necessary to have high turnover in your closet to have great style.

Tianna Alexandre, Teenage Fashion Writer & Blogger conquering the world one article at a time. www.yourstyleforecast.com

To question BoF, fast fashion is cheap and somewhat addictive; does it have to be unsustainable? Getting the latest fashion trends and styles at an affordable price is perfect for personal style bloggers on a budget.

Like previously mentioned, unless you’re loaded with money to splurge on luxurious items, cheap-chic & fast fashion is the answer. Putting together unique outfits using cheap-chic items are what personal style bloggers do on a daily basis and fast fashion is a great source for them.

Style blogging doesn’t necessarily make fashion more unsustainable. In a way, it makes fashion more sustainable. As personal style bloggers, they create outfits daily and define their own sense of fashion.

Blogging has created a new way to look at fashion. Fashion and style bloggers together are embracing cheap-chic & fast fashion because they can. They enjoy putting together vintage outfits and creating unique & individual looks. Some (most) style bloggers take runway looks and recreate them, in their own way. Doing so is what makes a personal style blogger a personal style blogger and a fashionable individual.

Personally, as a fashion blogger, I’m not getting tired of fast fashion. I embrace and take advantage of cheap-chic.

Spring is almost, barely… no, not quite, sorry Canada here, perfect time to get your best shades out and prep for the sunny days.

And for the occasion miss SLY! is partnering with SmartBuyGlasses, giving away a pair of Ray Ban to one lucky Fox, and it could be you. So how can you get your hands on this hot pair? Glad you asked.

#GoingSLYForRayBan Giveaway details.

Complete one or all three of the following steps and let us do the rest, that’s it (really).

1. Comment and tell us what your favorite pair of Ray Ban is 
2. Follow & Tweet “@missSLY I’m #GoingSLYForRayBan”
3. Like SmartBuyGlasses Canada on Facebook here for more deals

It only takes one step to win, but you are more than welcome to complete all three to increase your chances of winning. The contest runs from April 15th through April 28th (until 11:59pm Eastern Time) and the winner will be announced on Monday, April 29th  2013.

Contest open to all (Canada & International) -

Best of luck Foxes – @missSLY

‘You are cordially invited’

The March edition of @FashionUnfold: [Bloggers & Fashion Weeks | Has Covering The Shows Become Obsolete For Them?], was another hot and successful fashion debate which trended on Twitter, with well over 300 tweets shared LIVE, and now we are ready to bring you the APRIL edition for another heated hour of Fashion unfolding.

Ready to unfold April’s topic with us?

Consider this your official invite to join @FashionUnfold APRIL Edition. The hot topic will be revealed LIVE on Tuesday April 16 @ 1PM eastern time. So register now and save it to your calendar, to take part in this truly unique Fashion experience.

Friendly warning: @FashionUnfold debates are highly addictive

Every Monday – usually before I get any type of work done, I peruse the web for beautiful images and inspiring videos to start the week on the right note, and today was no exception.

Stephane Rolland’s haute couture collection for Spring/Summer 2013 was all kinds of fabulous, bold and beautiful pieces (not to mention the always fierce Carmen Dell’Orefice who looked like a BOSS walking and owning that runway, last January in Paris), so I had to share.

Carmen Dell’Orefice walking for Stephane Rolland, in all her fierce glory.

The entire collection was wearable with a twist, definitely not for the faint of heart. You have to possess a high level of confidence and an innate sense of style to pull off Stephane Rolland’s most daring looks to perfection, they will get you noticed.

And this is how I start my week, in a bold and daring state of mind, ready for yet another round of fashion and business adventures.

Wishing you all an equally productive week Foxes. Be bold and try new things!

@missSLY

]]> http://miss-sly.com/2013/03/a-haute-dose-of-couture-to-start-your-week-strong.html/feed 0 http://miss-sly.com/2013/03/soothing-sound-lyrics-try-to-be-by-blue-hawaii.html http://miss-sly.com/2013/03/soothing-sound-lyrics-try-to-be-by-blue-hawaii.html#comments Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:58:56 +0000 miss SLY! http://miss-sly.com/?p=14113 Currently playing @ miss SLY! “Try to Be” by Montreal duo Blue Hawaii, off their new album Untogether. 3:52 minutes of pure musical splendor, a haunting and soothing electro-pop sound with inspiring lyrics to match. Indulge. Blue Hawaii: Try to be I watch as my big dreams … Continue reading →]]>

Currently playing @ miss SLY! “Try to Be” by Montreal duo Blue Hawaii, off their new album Untogether.

3:52 minutes of pure musical splendor, a haunting and soothing electro-pop sound with inspiring lyrics to match.

Indulge.

Blue Hawaii: Try to be

I watch as my big dreams
Walk behind me
They trick
They scheme
They tease
Felt like as a young girl
I really knew exactly
What I’d want to be

And as the real world
Comes to its feet
To shake my hand
To greet
With calmness and eloquence
Never tired or in distress
It’s what I’m supposed to be
What I try to be
What I thought I’d be
But I’ll never be

May as well just be me

All I wanted
Was a need
To be wanted
Not forgotten

With arms spread wide into the night
My mind prepares for flight
With fearlessness and confidence
I dream myself above the rest

Not supposed to be
What I shouldn’t be
What I wouldn’t be
Only try to be

May as well just be me

-

Find Blue Hawaii on Facebook and Twitter.

And you, what do you listen to while at work?

@missSLY

By miss SLY! Toronto Editor, Karolin Iron

Remember my mention about childhood memories triggered during my night at World MasterCard Fashion Week? Allow me to elaborate.

We’ve all draped tablecloths and bed sheets around our tiny bodies and pretended they were dresses (or togas) at some point in childhood, right? Don’t deny it. I know you did it too. But I am pretty sure it looked nothing like this.

KORHANIhome’s collection was much more glamourous and intense. So many goth undertones — they really put on a show.

And oh, the patterns! Everything was so rich with a great attention to details, pure fashion gods craftsmanship I might say. I had to constantly remind myself that models were wearing and strutting in rug! Yes, you read me correctly, rug.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never looked at a rug and thought “hey, I wonder what this would look like as a dress!”. Now I just might.

KORHANIhome served up burgundy much better than Ashtiani, in my opinion, pairing it with black and gold that really intensified its richness.

I love how KORHANIhome show was so unapologetically bold. Fun, fearless—everything a runway collection has to be.

Photo by George Pimentel

Can you believe they’re wearing rugs?

@Karolin_Iron

By miss SLY! Toronto Editor, Karolin Iron

There was a lineup of fabulous shows on the third day of World Mastercard Fashion Week. And I got a sneak peek into two of them, Ashtiani and KORHANIhome’s Fall/Winter 2013 collections.

On my way to David Pecaut Square, I noticed a handful of stylishly dressed men and women everywhere. On the subway, on King Street, at Tim Horton’s and of course at the tent.

As a city, we’re generally a pretty grungy looking group, so it truly felt like fashion week in Toronto.

I started the evening with Ashtiani’s line, which was a bit underwhelming for me. Some time ago, I predicted that Burgundy would be IN for Fall 2013. I was right. Ashtiani’s line favoured Burgundy and Navy hues on her pieces.

My favourite pieces included the multicolored fur clutches Ashtiani’s (identically looking, might I add) models were toting.

My next notable mention from last night brought back some childhood memories, see it all in part 2 of my World MasterCard sneak peek.

@Karolin_Iron