blogging blues: why we blog
By now, we hope you’ve read the post that I wrote earlier in the week, about how to dress your guy, exclusively from a ladies POV. I admit, dressing CJ was something that I used to be apprehensive doing, as men’s fashion had been so out of my comfort zone. Sure, I appreciated well-dressed men and knew what looked good and what didn’t, but it wasn’t up until recently that I could actually offer advice on how to style men.
This is the second part of our collaboration with Robert of Odudu Photography, and my second chance to dress CJ. For the both of us, I was going for a more casual look this time around. And again, I wanted to coordinate our outfits with yellows and blues in a way that didn’t scream cheesiness. Nailed it? I’d like to think so!
To be honest, we were struggling about what to write for this post. An “outfit of the day” post didn’t seem to do Robert’s photos justice, nor did we want to come up with another “how to style this or that” post. This brainstorming got us talking about where we stand at the moment – blog, school, life, us.
The reason why I’ve been taking charge of the past few posts is because CJ has been knees-deep in exam study. I decided to take a school-cation this summer, and took the chance to work in a (hopefully) more temporary than not, retail position. I admit, the mental break was nice, but looking forward, CJ and I will be studying for our LSATs and MCATs, respectively, so that we can get started on real life. So where does ourMode tie into all of this?
We’ve been asked countless times, where do see ourMode going? Or, do we hope our “brand” grows? This is something that we’ve sat down and discussed a number of times (and has even spurred some mini fights), and still can’t really answer. Initially we started off almost directionless, then we began taking it maybe too seriously.
Our schedules started becoming defined by a list of blog-related tasks that we absolutely had to do. When to get out the next post, blog networking, social media upkeep – and it kind of sucked the fun out of something that was created because we loved it. We even got to the point where it was putting a bit of stress on our relationship. We didn’t have date nights – they became blogging nights. And everything we talked about was ourMode related. We would come home from school or work and jump right into blogging.
This was also the point at which we began to get super frustrated, as we were putting in so much work into (what we think) is original and high-quality content, but not getting the recognition we felt we deserved.
Then we realized that blogging had become something that we felt forced to do, which took the fun out of it. Its like when I was younger, and I always wanted to play piano, but as soon as my mom signed me up for weekly piano lessons and I was obligated to practice, I no longer had the same infatuation with the instrument.
So this is the point where we are now – putting the fun back into blogging, balancing it with school and our relationship, and letting things grow organically. Since we’ve started, we’ve learned so much about SEO, editing, photography, and have made improvement in all these areas (SEO still has our number though). All this adds up to us learning to work smarter not harder towards where we want ourMode to go, but while enjoying the journey there.
So we’re by no means blogging experts, but if there’s one piece of advice we can offer aspiring bloggers, its be patient. Have fun with it and don’t lose sight of what made you start in the first place.
Also, remember like Robert on Facebook and follow him on Twitter!
What she’s wearing Forever21 shorts | Forever21 shirt | Le Chateau heels | Le Chateau necklace
What he’s wearing Joe Fresh cardigan | Mexx collared shirt | Thrifted tie | Zara pants | Pegabo wingtips
.
20 Comments
Kim Jackson
I am so proud of you guys and love looking at/ reading your blog. I have actually shopped at some of the stores you’ve highlighted hoping to look 1/10th as cool as you guys. I enjoy seeing what great spelling and grammer skills you both have (except today your missing the apostrophy in men’s – and a comma or two) lol – but I do know all the work it takes to create such a blog and how hard it is to keep it up but sure love it! I am surprised a fashion magazine hasn’t offered youboth jobs as columnists or models. Just keep ot light and have fun but don’t overwork yourselves.
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Thanks so much for the continuous support! We always love getting your comments, whether it’s on our blog or our Facebook — they always make us smile! Not even just small grins though… actual goofy smiles! Blogging is definitely a lot of work, but its one of those things that once we started approaching it in a more lighthearted and organic way, it didn’t feel like work. We could honestly sit in front of the computer for hours on end, plugging away at posts or editing photos (which we do, more often than we’d like to admit!).
Mr.O
Great post! it’s always good to keep in mind what got us all into what we do. Keep having fun guys!
P.S loving the yellow cardigan and Kat the shoes and accessories you killed it!
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Its definitely not always easy to keep that in mind, which is something we almost had to learn the hard way. But whether its reflecting why you were so passionate about a job, to remembering what made you fall in love with your husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend in the first place, taking a moment to step back and not losing sight of what made you start is so important. Always appreciate the love Wil!
Melisa
aw wuv you guys <3
id still follow you even if you did this once a month, take you time and enjoy it and your time together <3
love mel 🙂
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Aw thanks Mel, you’ve always been so supportive right from the start! It means a lot, having a friend that appreciates what we’re doing, and loves us for US no matter what!
Ema
I think you’ve touched on some very valuable points. Its not always easy to recognize life may be going to fast or in the wrong ways. I love this post. Such beautiful pictures!!
ourmode.net@gmail.com
This is so true! And in many cases, we notice that life has taken a turn too late, or when too much damage has been done. Whether its school, work, or relationships, I think that taking a second to reflect on your goals and what got you started in the first place is so important. Even if everything couldn’t be going more right, checking in once in a while and appreciating what we have is just as important. Thanks for the love and support, Ema!
WhoIsArlette
This is the most refreshing thing I’ve read in a while. Kudos, Katherine, for calling attention to the hard work it takes to do what you guys do. I don’t even do outfit posts half as much as you both do, but I do recognize that it’s work! I’m a big advocate for maintaining one’s relationship happy and healthy and I commend you for recognizing the signs of what may hinder it when the focus shifts to other things. Before the hype and the accolades, there were the two of you, so hold on to that above all else. Whatever you do, always remember that your true fans will never desert you. Love you guys! xoxo
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Thanks so much Cindy for taking the time to leave such a wonderful comment! Indeed it is a lot of work, but really and truly we wouldn’t have it any other way (as we’re sure you’d say as well). Meeting you and Wil has definitely been of the highlights so far since we’ve started – and seeing how you two work together and get through things really gives us a lot of hope! This blogging thing is tough and we’ll be the first to admit that we didn’t think it would be so hard but then again, nothing comes without hardwork so we’re all for it! 🙂
Grace
Cute!! Definitely enjoy the ride =)
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Thanks Grace! And we sure are, although its hard work, that’s what makes the whole thing rewarding!
Daniel Trust
WOW – I love this post. It’s honest and inspiring. I don’t know how you sound when you speak but I heard your voice as I read this entry, Katherine – Very Cool.
Everything takes time – you two are amazing and I for sure know OurMode.ca will get where you want it to be at the right time & moment. I am one of your biggest supporters and truly enjoy reading your entries. Best, Dan.
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Daniel, from day 1 you’ve been one of our biggest supporters and we couldn’t be anymore grateful for that. We love reading your comments as they truly are always so thoughtful! Cj and I both say that among all the people we’ve “e-met”, you are one of the people we hope to meet in person one day. So thanks again for being you Daniel!
Petite Adventures
Fabulous photos! I think you guys have been doing such an amazing job with your blog, especially given that you’ve both been working so hard at your studies!
I really look forward to following you guys in the future!
Kate xo petite-adventures.blogspot.ca
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Thanks Kate! We really appreciate your kind words, their always so heartfelt. We love your blog as well, keep up the super great work! 🙂
emmapaling
You guys have a great approach! And Katherine … I want those shoes!!
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Shucks, thanks girl! And these were a lucky find of mine, but I need to stop accumulating shoes – it’s a real problem now haha!
FASHIONDARING69
As a fashion blogger myself, i can for sure relate. I just found this blog and I have to say, it beautiful. HOPE NOTHING BUT THE BEST TO COME.
ourmode.net@gmail.com
Thank you for the support lovely! It’s always so nice to connect with another Canadian blogger in such a saturated field, especially one that values the patience and hard work that’s involved in blogging.