Happy Monday, friends! I’m so excited about today’s outfit post. I don’t know what it is about this look but I’m pretty in love with it. Where to start? I’ve always admired J.Crew’s ability to mix florals, leopard print, and stripes cohesively in one look, and I tried to emulate that with this outfit, most of which came from J.Crew Factory (not sponsored, FYI, just genuine love here), a brand that I’ve fallen in love with lately.
It has the same vibe as regular J.Crew but at a fraction of the cost. I would never believe that this floral pencil skirt was under $60, but it is. And to find the perfect leopard print sweater for $39 is basically a dream. PS it’s still available in all sizes so I highly recommend that you jump on that if you’re in the market. It won’t last long, I can promise you that.
If you are a loyalist to OG J.Crew, however, there is a major 30% off sale on fall shirts and tops today. I just picked up this plaid shirt that I’ve wanted for the last two falls but it always sells out so quickly! It really is the perfect plaid…
Now for a major subject change: I want to talk about something that’s been bothering me for a few days, and it has nothing to do with this outfit or pattern mixing. Last week I did a post in collaboration with Crocs. Clearly it was different from my normal aesthetic (side bar: I really do wear them to work in my garden!) and some of you didn’t like that. I totally get it and always appreciate the feedback so keep it coming.
I want to first thank the people who gave feedback in a kind and constructive way. It was so helpful and definitely noted not to post about brands and products that feel off-brand to Lemon Stripes going forward! But what’s been bothering me are the people who speculated, in a forum that is dedicated to bashing bloggers, that I must be taking on sponsored content that isn’t authentic to support potential fertility treatments. To clear that up, I’m not (more on fertility tomorrow).
To all of you out there who wrote on GOMI about me, I totally get what you’re saying about that post, but would appreciate either a comment on my blog or, if you don’t want it to be public, a direct email to me. I try to respond to every email that I get from readers and I love dialogue about what’s working and what isn’t.
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be able to run Lemon Stripes as a business without you guys so I want to do what makes you happy… as long as it makes me happy as well. So I’m hoping today we can strike a deal. If you have a problem with my content, let me know! Email me or comment on my blog in a constructive way and I’ll respond, note it, and think twice the next time. Fair? Just keep in mind that can be hard to do what I do because it’s always a balancing act between creating beautiful, helpful content and making that money.
Over the last week I asked over 10 different blogger friends how they would handle this situation. Every single one of them said to ignore and disregard it. While I hate adding fuel to any fire, I do think there is truth to the feedback which is why I want to create a safe place for you to give it, instead of a place where you can anonymously post in a way that can sometimes feel hurtful to bloggers… who, by the way, are real people too!
Sweater / Skirt / Shirt / Necklace (similar) / Shoes / Bag c/o / Lipstick
Love how you took a bold risk by pairing all these different prints together! It is STUNNING!
XO
https://splashofpreppy.wordpress.com
Super fun idea – I think there’s a lot of potential for a post/series of posts where J. Crew styling tips are toned down a bit to be more wearable for the “real world”/at work – just a thought!
What, this isn’t “real word”? 🙂 JK. Great idea, I love it! I need to do more work posts, good reminder!
I love this look you put together! I think this leopard cardigan is officially added to my wishlist!
Ellen | A Pop of Pink
1) Love this look. You’re SO good at mixing sassy and fun with classic shapes, and that’s one of the reasons (among many!) that I visit your page every day.
2) As a lover of Chacos (“Jesus sandals” to many) who would wear them every day if I could but who’s gotten sh!t for wearing them every single time I do, I kind of understand where you’re coming from here. I think what’s important to remember, besides not drinking the haterade, is that sometimes your blog is about being functional, too! Whether that’s how to mix patterns or run around with your pup in dirt and weeds without ruining a perfectly good pair of shoes, you’re giving us advice that you’d give a friend. I 100% believe that if you would tell your mom or bestie about something because it worked for you, you should feel able to post it here. At the very least, know that you looked great in those photos, and I think it was the perfect happy-medium step outside your (blog’s) comfort zone.
You rock, never change!
xoxo, Grace (gracemccrocklin.com)
well done Julia, constructive feedbacks are the only way
p.s. great outfit, I love J Crew’s mixing too
LOVE this look, you can really pull it off girl!!!!!! Good for you for addressing the negative feedback!! Reading your blog always brightens my day! 🙂
LOVE the print mixing 🙂 Also love that you addressed this issue, while ignoring it definitely is a good approach I also think it’s important to bring up that it was something that upset you and you’d rather hear the direct feedback, because like you said, bloggers are real people too! I think you should be able to post about any product that you’d recommend to a close friend, your blog should be a reflection of you and, while a cohesive brand is important, sometimes it’s equally as important to show that you are more than just your brand and sometimes you try things that are off-brand. And that’s totally okay!
xo Bree
http://bree-west.com
1. I love this look, the print mixing is perfection and so different for you!
2. I’m glad you addressed what’s bothering you. While it’s totally fair for people to have opinions on your sponsored content, it’s definitely NOT right for them to bash and come up with assumptions. These bashers just don’t understand that bloggers are humans too. I’m sorry you were hurt by their words, but hey, at the end of the day, this is YOUR brand and you decide who you work with. I personally think it’s cool to step outside the box and out of your comfort zone!
Xx
Pink Champagne Problems
Love it! I never would’ve thought to pair the two prints!
Love that you addressed this. Constructive criticism is valuable, but being mean to people online isn’t appropriate.
Love this outfit, the mixed patterns are amazing! Also I’m a loyal reader and 100% behind you on this. There’s a lot of hate for Crocs out there but there’s a time and a place for them! Frankly I was impressed with how nicely you styled them. I occasionally bring them camping–any slip-on shoe is great when you can’t stand your hiking boots another minute!
I’m a HUGE fan of your outfit here! When you first posted a picture to IG I darn near dropped my phone! So in LOVE! As for the drama you have had to address – good for you for hitting it head on. I’m actually surprised by it since the post was well done and I liked the outfit and how you said you used the Crocs. Who cares if you had not posted about them before. Each and everyone of us evolves and tries new things. I get being on brand but also, you have to step outside your comfort zone every once in a while. I like reading about all kinds of different things on your site and if it’s something I don’t personally like or think will work for me, I just move on. I am amazed so many people have so much free time to devote energy to tearing bloggers, women, down. Keep your head up and don’t let anyone bully you (which, frankly, sites like that one is nothing more than a site for bullies.). xx Rox-Anne, Celebratingthislife.ca
I’m glad you mentioned the Crocs thing. I didn’t comment at the time, and I would never visit that forum. But…it really felt off brand for me. If you had done photographs of you working in your garden with the crocs, it would have been really cute, and I totally would have bought it. But, my gut reaction was “she would never be caught dead wearing crocs outside the house.” That being said, if you did want to use a one off sponsored post from Crocs to pay for your fertility treatments, that is totally your business and no one else’s. I’m just starting IVF, and I would wear Crocs every day if they would pay for it! 🙂
Thank you for your honesty. I so appreciate it! Just to be clear, I’m not doing any fertility treatments, that was pure speculation from readers, but more on that in tomorrow’s post 🙂
But I do feel for you with IVF. It isn’t cheap! I have a lot of friends who are going through it now. Sending you so much light and love xo
No, I know you’re not! But, I’m saying you have every right to if you wanted to. I’m really tried of people bashing bloggers for how they earn their living or what they do with their earnings.
Oh gotcha! And very true 🙂 And thank you!!
Love those baby blue heels and your mixing and matching of prints! I have followed your blog for about 6 months now and really appreciate your realness and simplicity. At the end of the day, I feel like as long as you know the content you are posting (ex: crocs) are something you normally wear, that’s all that should matter! You know yourself best! But I understand how negative comments can wear on ones soul. Keep doing you! You are able to run your blog as a business for a reason, you must be doing something right 😉
XO,
Liz
http://www.stylepopped.com
I love the pattern mixing you did here! I always forget about Jcrew Factory during the summer months, but love to see what they have in stock for fall. Do you have any sizing suggestions for the leopard teddie sweater?
Thanks!
Rachael
Feedback is essential to growing any business! I think opening the door to a conversation was perfect!
xx. The Coastal Confidence
http://the-coastalconfidence.com/
CROCS ARE COMFORTABLE PEOPLE.
In seriousness, it’s a little crazy for people to get so worked up / personal about it. We get great content for FREE every single day. I’d let Crocs pay for my magazine subscriptions if they offered! 🙂 Keep doin you!
I was SO excited you posted about Crocs :). I don’t see how they are not part of your brand?! They looked great with your outfit and for what you intended to use them for (gardening), and it was refreshing to see something different. Plus, they look great with stripes! I don’t own Crocs anymore just because I haven’t had a chance to buy any, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to post anything you love, recommend, or want to talk about. Keep posting your real stuff!!!
Julia- it’s YOUR blog. Blog about whatever you want- and let’s be honest- for whatever reason you want. If you want to publish a post about Crocs, then post about them. Please for goodness sakes don’t feel that you need to explain or apologize. (not that you’re exactly doing that) You know what I do when I see a post on someone’s blog that doesn’t resonate with me? I scroll past it. Do you girl 🙂 The people who spend time writing nasty comments on GOMI clearly have far too much time on their hands and seemingly would rather tear people down instead of supporting each other. It makes me sad as a woman that we do that to each other. Keep up the great work and f the haters. (who are not worth the time you’re giving them)
First, I love that you’ve been featuring such an afordable brand! I just got a JCrew factory order in the mail today. I’m loving everything I got! I’ve read mixed reviews on the quality of their sweater though, so I’ve been hesitant to try them. What are your thoughts on the quality?
The quality of the brand in general is great! There are certain things (like their silk shirts) that aren’t the best quality, but besides that I haven’t had any problems. This sweater is probably a little thinner than the J.Crew one but it’s great for layering. No problems on my end so far! You could always return it if you don’t like it though 🙂
Thanks for taking time to respond! I’m pleased with the flannel popover and jeans I just ordered. I can’t wait to wear them for pumpkin picking this weekend.