On Wearing the Pants
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
There was a bit of chatter over the weekend about DC style blogs, mine included, that I missed until today but has really gotten me thinking.
It seems that everyone these days is strapped to their laptop or Blackberry but truthfully, I hadn’t looked at my blog or any incoming links since Friday, when I threw up that “sorry I’ve been sucking” post and told myself that, despite the fact that I’ve been insanely busy and distracted (a new job, freelancing and generally trying to give myself a blessed break from stopping strangers on the streets) I’d be a better blogger in the new year.
I’m heartened by the fact that Marissa & other readers have enjoyed (or at least found “interesting”) PB until recently, when, I admit, there have been few posts and more event announcements and coverage than normal.
To address her two main complaints — the prevalence of event announcements/coverage and my most recent interviewee — I do go to a lot of events around town, and they present fantastic photo opportunities for several reasons: they are inside (perfect for frigid weather which makes it tough to spot anyone looking more cute than cold), folks are dressed up and have the time to talk to me and be photographed. I started letting readers know about upcoming sales and events because I got email after email from readers asking me how I knew about them. I get pitched just like any other journalist, and I feel somewhat responsible about sharing that information with readers.
As for the Katherine Kennedy interview, I of course understand why it might have put people off. I’ve always taken a more journalistic position on what style means in Washington, and so I feel that it was interesting to talk to someone who, *whether any of us agree or not*, shapes some part of style here. And I think it’s essential to make your own fun anywhere you go, because in DC just like anywhere else, it won’t likely be spread out at your feet. That’s why having my camera (which makes bubbly impossible for the most part, actually) is so fun – I’ve always been one to talk to anyone and everyone, but PB has allowed me to discover that socialite-y, hipster-y, wonky – what have you – people in Washington are often more interesting/smart/fun to be around than someone casually glancing through Washington Life’s social pages might guess. That’s the cool thing about Washington, in my opinion.
Anyway, I agree that the interview (uhmm and maybe the paragraph above…but my coffee hasn’t hit yet. so deal) could have been edited down and such. So, point duly noted.
Sometimes I want to throw up my hands and scream CRAP PEOPLE IT’S JUST A BLOG!!…OR have a big fat pity party OR best of all, a retail therapy spree.
Point is, I’ve been thinking too much about what everyone reading this blog thinks about it.
I’m not saying that you all, my readers, don’t matter, but I’m realizing that I’m not giving myself permission to write whatever the hell is it that I feel like writing about, whenever and however often I feel like. I’ve always struggled a bit with how personal I want this blog to be, and even though it’s almost a year old, I’m still growing into it. I’m a very outgoing (and yes, kind) person, but I’m also very private. I don’t like “putting myself out there” in personal relationships very much, and so similarly, simply starting a blog and subsequently trying to find a balance that both satisfies me and makes me feel comfortable has been a challenge.
(Is this the part where I type something like, “In a city like Washington, has blogging become the new relationship?”)
What I’m getting at with this sudden outpouring is that Marissa makes a lot of observations that are not without merit. And ultimately, after I’m done getting all riled up I feel genuinely excited by the realization that ultimately, people complain because they’re interested. I wish I had an ounce of the “circuitry and wiring” that allows bloggers like Marissa to jot off feelings with very little sense of how others might think because it would, no doubt, make me a better and happier blogger. As I wrote in a comment back to Marissa, I think a little bit of rewiring on my end is in order.
So with all do respect to everyone, I’m going to channel the advice Katharine Hepburn received from her mother and remembered throughout her own very independent-minded career: “Do whatever pleases you. At least one person will be happy.”
Here’s to a pleasing 2008!
xo
Rachel
As an aside to Marissa -
I truly think your blog is hilarious. I’m not sure that we’re destined to room together or giggle over camisoles, but I’d happily take you out with me on a weekend shooting spree (ok i’m genuinely laughing now) because, as you might suspect, there is plenty of material for both you and me. ( ;
And because why the hell not, two looks that summon a modern-day Kate….
from Versace’s Spring 2008 RTW over at style.com
Staerk tuxedo pant over at La Garconne
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I am disappointed that you bothered responding to her and her depressing blog. I have followed your blog from the beginning and some of your first posts included an interview and sale/event announcement.
We like that you don’t focus just on pictures on the street and that it is a mix of things.
Your posts are never snarky and it is appreciated by your readers.
just remember, as oscar wilde said, that the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.
While I have no interest in the interviews, sales, and events that you write about, I can easily skip over them in my RSS feed because it’s pretty clear from the title what they are. I’m one of those people that just wants to see normal people on the streets of DC wearing interesting outfits. Nevertheless, I do realize this is not a full-time job of yours and I never expect to see photos every day, especially when it’s cold out. The events and stuff are related to the subject of the blog, and other people find them useful, so I’m not going to complain.
Praise the lord and pass the ammunition!!! The more Rachel the better, in my book!
Sorry, but that blogger just needed something DC-related to bitch about. What a waste of a post for her.
My sentiments exactly. I said it over on ASJINE and I’ll say it again: write what the hell you want. It’s your blog.
I Love Kate!
-rdhd
oh, just write about what you want to write about honey and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Hi,
I am a reader from Perth Western Australia. I have been reading your blog for about 2 months now and I am enjoying them very much. I love Street Fashion.
Don’t worry about the other blog. I agree with the rest. Its your blog so you can blog about what ever you like. There is a reason why people keep coming back to read it. Like me. :*)
(((HUGS)))
I just recently found your blog, and I’m wondering if Marissa’s blog isn’t written by you as a joke? No insult intended. In fact, my initial impression is that your writing is more to the point. You try to navigate her meandering sentences. What really tipped me off to the joke was the mention of “eurotrash.”
Needless to say, “her” blog is off my radar. Her niche is too specific to appeal.
If it is written as a joke, I wonder if I could appeal to you to stop. I’m stumbling around for a high note, but quite simply: ah like your blog.
hey, love your blog. it’s great that you try new things like interview and such. Sometimes it’s hit or miss. But you cannot please everyone, nor should you try. At the end of the day it’s your blog; you make a decision and stick to it. And it’s one of the better style/fashion blogs in DC. I’m looking forward to PB in the 2008!
Best,
Jaja