Floral Swing Tank

aeo-soft-sexy-floral-print-swing-tank

amber-shannon-fashion-blogger-06-20-16

aeo-soft-sexy-swing-tank-yellow-floral-print

yellow-floral-tank-details

amber-shannon-chicago-fashion-blogger-06-20-16

amber-shannon-06-20-16

aeo-yellow-floral-swing-tank

aeo-yellow-floral-cropped-tank

Tank (under $20!)
Shorts (similar)
Sandals (currently on sale!)

Happy Monday, lovelies! Did you do anything special over the weekend, or for Father’s Day? My weekend was great! During the day on Friday, actually, more like Thursday night and into Friday, because I stayed up until 4AM focusing on my blog, I realized something… I realized I’ve spent a lot of time keeping the written aspect of my blog brief and focusing intensely on the images. The pictures I share are important to me, but for a while, I’d stopped writing longer posts because I became discouraged when visitors and fellow bloggers took a glance at my outfit, and ignored my writing.

Oh well. I don’t care.

I’m going to write more when I want to share more. I’ve actually written a couple of blog posts (here and here) when I made mention about being more authentic with my blogging, but I haven’t been good about maintaining those statements. I realized that I will have readers who closely read my blog text, and I will have those who stop by for a look at my outfits, maybe drop a somewhat shallow comment and leave.

And I’m okay with that. I have to be okay with that.

Even when I key a short blog post, I still get pretty disingenuous comments, so I suppose the length of my posts matters not. The aspects of blogging that matter the most are my enjoyment of this hobby (possible career path…), everything I’ve learned along the way (like elements of HTML/CSS, the community of blogging, photography, digital marketing, and of course, the world of fashion and style), and also a deep appreciation I have for the readers who support my interests as well as the blogger friendships I’ve established (online, and in-person).

So, at the start of this post, before I drifted off into my blogger thoughts, I mentioned that I had a great weekend (if you follow my Snapchat: PrettyPerfect89 you probably saw most of my weekend). Friday night was a date night for David and I, we grabbed dinner, and it was so great to spend time one on one. Then on Saturday, I spent the morning with Miss Alena before she went off to a sleepover. During the early afternoon, I grabbed a Starbucks and enjoyed a girl’s afternoon chatting with my bestie Rachel. Early evening, I headed into Chicago with David where he jammed with a band, subbing as keys, at The Tonic Room. David is so talented, he plays guitar, bass, mandolin, and keyboard. I don’t know how he plays them all, but he just gets it, and he’s good! Sunday was pretty relaxing, nothing major to share, but I did find myself surprised at how quickly the weekend flew by.

The outfit I have on in this post is a look I wore during the day on Saturday. Included with my blogger changes and working on authenticity, I’m trying to capture photos of outfits I wear as I have them on for the day or for an event. Getting dolled up for a shoot is so time consuming, and I want to minimize that… David took the photos in this post. I’m so grateful for him, I think he did a fantastic job.

With Style & Love,
♥
Amber

66 Comments

  5. David did a great job of taking pictures of you, I wondered who took some of your pictures xox…. I’m so happy you had a nice weekend, I heard the weather was nice there too, my daughter who’s in Wisconsin has been loving the weather.

    I know what you mean about disingenuous comments… I rarely publish them anymore which means I no longer feel the need to visit their blog… some people have changed a little, others stay the same ♡♡♡ xox

    • I wish I had a more consistent photographer… its mostly been my sister… but I think David did such an amazing job, I’ve dubbed him with an additional job title :o)

  6. This top is uber cute ! Love it =) I know what you mean about the comments, some people leave copy and paste comments on my blog and I wish they didn’t bore at all doing it, as I need sincere and real feedback. Luckily I have great readers too ! Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies – fashion blog

  7. Hi Amber – you look amazing :) and thank you for sharing your genuine thoughts about blog content and comments. I enjoy reading all of your posts and find the content engaging; the pictures are also beautiful and I remember you saying how you have been working on your photos. I was curious, what camera and lens do you use? Thank you!!

  8. Amy Arnold

    I too struggle with what to write and how much to write and how much it matters. Creating good content fashion and photo wise is so important, but so is being able to share pieces of yourself. Loving your floral swing tank. So perfect for summer!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  11. I know what you mean about the super quick comments – I also understand that it’s hard to keep up with all the bloggers you love so much, especially if blogging is not your full time job! Depending on the person, a quick comment can still be a meaningful one.
    Anyway, I love this shirt – it’s shorter but not midi, which I like, and it’s a great color on you! David took some great photos – I make my husband take some for me from time to time as well, he usually snags a handful of awesome ones and a TON of ones where I’m like, fixing my hair or blinking or something. Haha. Enjoy your week!

  15. I don’t blame you for keeping your writing short, Amber, it is frustrating and disheartening whenever your put in so much effort and no one reads it. I feel the same most days but I have been really lucky that most of my readers have been reading word for word these days. I usually get turned off by short posts or by fashion blogs that only show pictures without much writing. I want to get to know the blogger and I appreciate long post so it’s really great to read this from you.

    David is a great photographer indeed, these pictures are amazing but you are also the perfect model. xx

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

  19. I read every blog that in which I leave a comment. I am not going to take the time to leave a comment if I am not going to leave read the content. I don’t care if people just drop a line and don’t actually care either. But, for the people who do care, I will take the time to write back with sincerity! I’m glad you had a great weekend, and date night! Super Cute outfit! Happy Monday!

    http://www.lesleyandeve.com

  22. I really love this top! The floral print looks vintage! So clearly I’m a fan! haha. David did a great job on the photos; thus making him a keeper!

    Writing a lengthy blog post can often be a daunting task, after all the time you spend taking, editing, and uploading photos. And like you said, who knows if people really take the time to read it?! But I think it’s great that you are writing this post from the heart. Your style and personality are what keep people coming back to your site, so let people know what you are thinking, doing, and feeling! That’s how I feel at least. You’re going to get people who leave a superficial comment just to link to their blog, but you are also going to get people that keep coming back to your site to see what is going on in your life because they enjoy hearing what you have to say!

    Christina
    http://www.asentimentaladventure.com

  26. Good for you lady! I’m all for authenticity and you know I’m a fan of longer posts! With as many fashion bloggers that are in this world, you have to do everything you can to stand out, so it’s great to see more of your personality. And from what I can tell, you’re a great writer, so keep that longer content coming. Also, it sounds like you had a great weekend and enjoyed your talented boyfriend’s music. My husband and I went to PIQNIQ and had so much fun at the all day concert!

  27. Love the pics AND the post. Definitely post how and what you want to – for sure a lesson I’m learning!
    Glad you had a great weekend! I was pretty exhausted Saturday but Tonic Room sounded great. That is super impressive that your boyfriend plays so many instruments! Happy Summer :)

  28. First off, LOVE you in yellow!!! This whole outfit is so cute and summery! Secondly, loved this whole (written) post! I totally hear you! I’ve experimented with long and short, keeping it neutral and trying personal…and like you, I’ve decided I just don’t care and I’m going to do what I want. People stop by for all reasons…may as well give it my all and add parts of my thoughts and personality. Good for you for doing this too! I wish I could be like you in the sense that I could do IRL pics only, but weather is so crazy here, I hate basing a schedule off lighting, and don’t wear make-up daily haha. I SUPER respect that you’re trying to do more of this from here on out! Have a great day!!! XO
    Lauren-Blair
    http://www.prefertobedemure.com

  30. I know its hard sometimes to balance photos and content. Readers are always a mix and you should post what you want and what makes you happy! Love your cute swing top and your photos are so fun!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

  37. This outfit is too cute- such a great summer look! David nailed the shots! :)

    I hear you- it’s discouraging sometimes when the comments you get on a post you worked hard on are pretty light + generic. But you keep doing you, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  41. This is an interesting post. I’ve been to your blog several times and have mostly left comments based on your outfit. I think I just assumed that the outfit was the most important detail to your post! Mostly because there were so many photos. But regardless, I have to say, you really do wear some of my favorite outfits!! I have a similar style to you that’s casual and not overly girly but still stylish. So I like to comment on your outfits.

    I totally get it when people leave generic comments though. It can be frustrating. I personally ONLY write really long blog posts because I feel like the quality and content of them enables me to only write twice a week. If I am really focused on someone reading my content I try to limit my photos a little bit. Just a thought! Maybe you could try that as well in the beginning. I find it works for the most part. You could also play around with where you insert text. People are so visual so the littlest things that seem insignificant can sometimes make a world of difference! Maybe text first, and photos last?

    Just thought I’d give my insight a little. I’m not an expert blogger by any means, but maybe some of those tips will help! :)

    -Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com

  42. Dear Amber, I really love to read what you are writing – but believe me there are always visitors who only comment the outfit a bit :) I’m in general interested into the person behind a blog and always happy to learn more about this person during reading the texts! I see you had a wonderful weekend and how cool David takes not only perfect pictures but also is jamming in a band :) Love your look you wore in your real life – it suits you so well <3
    xx Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  43. I can definitely understand your frustration in noticing that some people don’t read the actual content, but rather focus more on visuals. What has personally helped me in not feeling so discouraged about that, is that I TRY (doesn’t always come easily, haha) to remember that we all have different ways of being stimulated inspirationally. Some people just hate to read and really appreciate vivid images, some love to read, and then there are those that equally enjoy both because combining them gives you a better understanding of the post itself. There are also those that are working or catching up on a lot during their lunch breaks, so they want to be supportive somehow, so they just right anything. Not the most authentic, but hey! So I encourage you not to feel bad, it has nothing to do with you! I enjoy reading what you have to say and I personally feel that it’s a great way to feel connected and get to know one another! David did an AWESOME job, he really is multitalented! The photos in general just keep getting better and better, girl, so keep doing your thing! Those 4am work hours will certainly PAY off someday ;) You look beautiful, I adore that top, the color looks lovely on you! Ok, that’s the end of the chapter, haha! Have a wonderful rest of the week, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

  44. You are looking super adorable in that floral swing top! I love how you styled it casually with denim shorts. I feel I have a good take on dressier looks but always need more inspo for casual everyday wear. You nailed it!

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

  45. It is sad to see that some people don’t read the content but just comment for the sake of commenting and taking attention. Just writing “Great post or great look” without actually reading what’s written is bad, it just shows how some people see the blogging. If I like what I read, I don’t care how long it is, I just enjoy reading as well as seeing the photos!
    Your look gorgeous, I love the crop top!

  47. You go girl! I applaude you for staying true to ‘your blogging self’. I get your disappointment, I don’t write that much in my blogposts and yet I can see in the comments some people didn’t even read the few words I wrote. :( It’s such a shame but I think you’re doing the right thing by not letting that to affect your writing style.
    As for your outfit, that’s exactly my kind of go-to outfit for summertime so of course I loved it! The sandals are amazing!
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

  52. I can understand your frustration but I think we need to keep in mind that we’re all different. Some people like to read, and other’s don’t. Blogging, especially fashion blogging is about style and imagery. If I write a post and someone doesn’t read the whole thing that’s fine with me. I don’t know the reason behind and as a mother myself I understand that people may not have the time to read a ton of blog posts. What really matters are the ones that are genuine. So, please do not feel bad — you never know the reason behind their actions. It’s more important to focus on yourself than on others. On a different note, sounds like you had a fun weekend with David, and your look today is super cute!
    I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

  54. hmmm although I do agree with you, I also am guilty of sometimes just looking at the photos. It depends what I’m in the mood for I suppose, sometimes I just feel more visually inspired, while other times I want to read something meaningful. I hope you don’t get discouraged and keep writing!

    http://www.prettyinleather.net

  58. David did a great job with the photos! That’s such a fun printed tank, nice with the shorts and perfect for summer :) It is winter here in Australia, we had summer continue right into autumn with the heatwaves so the winter weather is a bit of a shock to the system. It took a while before normal June (winter) temps arrived!

    I find the people who don’t read posts and just copy-past the same few words on every blog they see aren’t in blogging for the friendship/connection/community side of things, they just want views which is sad. And doesn’t make me want to check out their blogs!

    Away From The Blue Blog

  61. I used to be the opposite of you girl! I used to post pics and outfit details and be done until I realized…that really wasn’t me and I need to put a bit more effort into my writing, especially since I love to write! I still get vague comments here and there, but most actually comment on the outfit and what I wrote. Definitely keep doing what you do and people will appreciate the real you! Love that swing tank you’re wearing. You make me want to pull mine out for the weekend!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com/

  62. Short comments can be really frustrating but I know a fair amount of bloggers that won’t get comments on their blogs but their social interaction is higher. I agree that you should write whatever you want and when you notice that someone is really reading your work you can then take the time to really get to know them. In other words, invest in those who are investing in you. Also, like some others have said in the comments – it’s not always personal/selfish. Some people just like imagery and others want to connect but maybe don’t have as much time.

    -M

    Violet Roots || Instagram || Twitter

  63. Your top is so cute, I love anything floral. I like that you want to write longer posts, I really enjoy reading them. It doesn’t matter what type of blog you have, you will always get “copy and paste” comments (my posts are around 1,500 words each and sometimes people will leave me a comment saying “Great pics, please visit my blog!”) . The great thing about having a blog is that it’s YOURS and you can do whatever you wish. It’s your voice and your true readers will love to read your longer posts :)

    Eden | Mint Notion

  64. Aah…to be young again and show off my legs . You’re a gorgeous young lady, and totally love that blouse! I think blogging is sometimes a great way to relax, share ideas and impart wisdom, so it’s great to see you possibly taking this on as a career. Glad I found your blog! Hugs…www.intheknowwithro.blogspot.com

Comments are closed.