Fashionable, sophisticated, politically correct.
These were the three golden rules for a successful blogger an acquaintance provided me with during casual brunch a few weeks ago. The aforementioned girl — a blooming online talent with much of a potential to become an influencer in no time — passed this piece of advice to me, convinced it could turn any blogging pumpkin into a first-class carriage for the internet royalty overnight. I, on the other hand, could only look at my salmon bagel doubtfully, while wondering what were the chances the crystal pumps would hit a pebble on the road and send me straight to the emergency room.
If you have read until this point, maybe you are thinking how the hell did I found myself having that conversation…
I should probably start by explaining that, for most of my lifetime, I have enjoyed telling stories (and more specifically, writing them). Fables, tales, articles — you name it. Another passion of mine was always style. Many years ago, when the internet was all fields, I briefly hosted an online diary, which reflected a lot of my personal impressions and my younger-self embarrassing fashion choices. It is gone now (and for the better!), but after transitioning to adulthood and going through a lot of freelance copywriting, the good-old blogging bug stung me again.
With all of this in mind I picked up the phone and asked my generous friend to share some pro-tips in exchange for a nice Sunday brunch.
However, the allegedly golden rules seemed inadequate to me (if not completely unfit). Yes, I have got plenty of experience on writing. And yes, I was expecting to create a moderately successful site. I could not avoid a bit of hesitation, though.
Be fashionable, she said.
This, for sure, sounded like reasonable advice for someone aspiring to post on clothes regularly. The only problem is I am not a fashionable person. I DO love fashion, don’t get me wrong, and Haute Couture is undeniably an art whose power of attraction frequently mesmerizes me. BUT I cannot, for my life, consider myself as a trendy individual. Stylish? Maybe.
To be honest, I am not very interested in high street trends, or the Fast Fashion phenomenon. Hence, first rule was probably… well, not fitted to me, to say the least.
Be sophisticated.
This was the one which made me feel truly insecure. Sophisticated. Who? Me? The girl writing this post on a Budapest train with no air conditioning during the most glorious heat-wave August afternoon, and who totally gave up on looking presentable (or even a human being)?
When I think about sophistication, Carrie Bradshaw (Sex in the City heroine) always comes to my mind.
I can see her stopping a cab in Valentino. Would she be in this train, she would not even sweat, and she’d be telling amusing stories with a cosmo in her hand, seducing everyone in the process. As for me? Well, I’ve mostly run out of lukewarm still water, and I am far too concerned the passenger next to me will think I am some kind of terminal-touristy case.
At least, I can hear you say, you could try being politically correct. And I could… if I was planning to post outfits only. The thing is I am kind of chatty (you would not guest, based on these 500 words of nonsense, would you?), and chatty people can go controversial.
There is also one more thing: I am not planning on posting outfits only.
The main reason I follow blogs is because I enjoy reading other people, putting myself in their shoes. And so, I would like to find a personal balance by analyzing the link between fashion and culture. I’d dare to be honest. To write on things I really care about.
And I might be controversial, sometimes.
The truth is, there are little chances I manage to be fashionable, sophisticated, or politically correct. Probably, I will never be Carrie Bradshaw. I hope you will excuse me, though.
rogueandrouge.org 
I love this post and strongly believe that the best blogs are those of which the authors are apologetically themselves. These might be good tips for a carbon cut out of every other blogger but what I love most about the blogging industry is that you can be whoever you want!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com/ x
Thank you so much. Although I might follow some blogs for the pretty pictures or design, usually the ones I engage with are always those where I can really read the person behind it. Pretty much that is my own main aim too.
I truly hope you will enjoy the read in the future.
And thank you so much for commenting! It is really appreciated.
Yeah, I think this advice was not particularly useful for you. My advice to you would be “Be yourself” more than any thing else. You have a good writing style, a nice voice, so use it to attract readers and followers!
Are you planning on sharing the train journey with us? Sounds like a great adventure!
Karen | https://www.OurCarpeDiem.com
Thanks a lot for the kind words!
It would mean the world to me if people would actually enjoy my writing.
Regarding to the train trip, there is a post coming on the vintage shopping culture in Budapest.
Cool, looking forward to that post. I’ve been to Budapest twice and loved it both times.
Well done on producing such a great post! I believe that to succeed all you need to do is be yourself, there are so many bloggers with their own voice that differentiates them from others in the blogging community. This is a good thing as it means you always have something different and unique to read. Thank you for sharing 😊 X
I truly believe every perspective is different, even on the same given topic. That’s the reason why I don’t see the point about pretending to be someone else. Finding our own thing is something we should all try.
I LOOOOVED this post, such a great read. Just being yourself as a blogger is so important. x
Thank you! I am glad you liked it and I hope you will enjoy future posts as well.
Great post. You’re a fantastic writer, you take great photos and you have passion for what you’re writing about.. I think you’ll do just fine. Blogging is about sharing your point of view with the world, helping others, even if it’s by entertaining them with little stories of your daily life. Blogging is about your voice and creativity. I’ve learned there’s really no rule to be “successful” but just be you. You’re going to be amazing. Great post and welcome!
Thank you so much, you are too kind. I will work hard to keep improving. 🤗
I enjoy writing my blog with my own voice- sarcastic and blunt.
And I enjoy reading blogs where I feel like I know someone just from the tone of their writing. Carry on with your blog without trying to be Carrie. I look forward to reading more from you.
A personal voice is what I am always seeking (both when I write and read other blogs) – so I am glad to see I am not the only one.
Be very welcome to my place.
I will be happy if you enjoy the read.
I think her advices are great, but maybe not for you or me. Everyone has their own style and pushing yourself into some character will not last long. I would totally be the same on that train and most other people as well, so I try not to worry to much about these kinds of things. There is time for being elegant and classy and time for being sweaty and all messed up.
I totally agree.
Honestly, I am not the kind of person to remain silent and smiley while trying to be liked by everyone else.
I would rather be a bit bold than a (bad) representation of a so-much likeable character. And I am not good as an actress, anyway.
Very though provoking thank you for sharing 🙂
I am glad you enjoyed the read.
[…] Allegra (@roguenrougeblog) at Rogue and Rouge Blog. Allegra is a philologist-turned blogger with a passion for writing, Haute Couture, arts and alternative culture. Five years ago, she moved from Spain to Bucharest and became an expat. Since then, Allegra has had the opportunity to travel the world, experience other countries, and learn from it all. Her other true love is self-expression through clothes: from Harajuku style to Western street fashion – you name it. She is a new and promising blogger. I truly enjoyed reading her No Carrie Bradshaw here. […]
Great post! I love Carrie Bradshaw if I’m being honest. In fact, I’m watching SATC at this very moment lol. I may not be anything like her, I certainly don’t talk about such risque topics as she does, but I do like her character. And honestly, for a single woman, she has the best job ever. IMO.
But I totally get what you’re saying about her style and sophistication, I definitely do not have her sense of style. I love fashion, sure. But I just couldn’t justify spending hundreds on any one item. Especially being a new mom now. Maybe if I were single and living in New York then sure, but that’s just not my life lol.
Anyway, I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing.
~Ray
Hello Rachel and be welcome! 😊 I like SATC too, but there are some concepts I will never buy. In case you can read Spanish, there is another post in the blog called Lessons from SATC we should unlearn. I believe most of my impressions are depicted there, in case you are curious.
And yes! Who would not like to be a full-time writer with a fabulous salary? 😋
This is a lovely post. I love your honesty. Also, I love that dress – where can I find it?!
Hello Katie! And thank you so much for your nice words.
The dress is H&M last season, in case you are interested.
I would add to love the ride too, Allegra. Sometimes blogging feels tough but if you blog mainly to have fun you persist thru ups and downs. Keeps you balanced.
I do agree Ryan. Blogging should always be something you enjoy. Otherwise, in my modest opinion, is pointless.
I have just come across your blog, and this was a fabulous first post to write. I like your vibe and I look forward to reading more.
Hi there and be very welcome to my place. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the post. Thank you for the nice words.