Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Crisp



Pinstriped jacket and pumps, Mossimo. Orange sweater, The Limited. Khaki trousers, Moda International. Orange capiz earrings, Xhilaration. Leather belt, thrifted.

I had lunch with Londyn (aka Fashion Lady) of BlogFashion and, as usual, we were dishing on the fashion blogging life. We complained about the meanies and then talked about the other wardrobe blogs we like. We were in agreement that fdiary of Budget Chic – What I’m Wearing! is one of our favorites. She’s classy and chic without breaking the bank. But, she crops all her photos at the neck. We want to see her head!

When I started this blog, I debated with myself whether or not to conceal my identity. I could have cropped out my head or blurred my face. Some other bloggers and members of Wardrobe Remix do exactly that. Besides protecting your privacy, no head means that you don’t have to do your hair or makeup, you don’t have to smile, and if you catch your face at an unflattering angle, it doesn’t matter. In the end, though, I decided that this blog’s primary audience is myself and I don’t want to look back on it years from now and wish I could have seen my head. I want a record of hairstyles, cuts, and colors as well as makeup choices. I want to see my expression – did I look happy, worried, tired, busy? This is essentially my photo diary.

At times, I’ve regretted my choice. I’ve had to endure comments about my “crazy stare” and apparent age. I wouldn’t have expected it, but criticism of my face has been harder to take than that of my fashion choices. I’ve had bad hair days and still cringe when I look at those photos.

Most of the time, though, I’m happy to post my mug. I’ve come to see my hairstyle and makeup (especially lipstick) as an essential part of the look I share with you. I’m willing to endure unkind remarks and some personal discomfort in order to hold true to my artistic vision.

I’m curious as to your thoughts on the matter. Many of my readers also peruse other “outfit” blogs. Do you like to see the blogger’s head? Would it matter to you if it were cropped off? Does the blogger’s face and hair impact your opinion of their outfit?

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

I consider someone's hair, makeup, and jewelry to be a part of their "outfit" too, so it is nice when I can see those things. That is part of the inspiration for me. However, I certainly understand why someone would want to keep their identity private. As for your blog, it wouldn't be half as compelling without your smiling face and bright red hair. :) Don't let the critics get you down; there is nothing wrong with your face. Thanks for letting us see it.

-Bekster

Anonymous said...

I too read Budget Chic and sometimes when she makes comments about her age, etc. because we don't see her face it is hard to totally get her outfit. Or her why or why not of an outfit. I think having the complete outfit means including your face. Sometimes hair and makeup can make or break what you are wearing, imo.

Thanks for being brave and putting yourself out there!

Laurel said...

I love being able to see a model's face in photos, because I think it really enhances the overall enjoyment of the outfit. You've looked lovely in every picture I've seen so far; I think any criticizers are just plain nuts.

KT said...

1) I love this outfit
2) I have almost as much fun seeing the color of your walls as your outfits
3) I think it would be odd if the photos were cropped. Plus, you never have a bad hair day.
4) I admire you for being brave and confident enough to do this and accept the possibility of criticism as much as kudos.

Anonymous said...

Hey Kasmira,

I recently found your blog and read a few entries where you were apologizing for the expression on your face...when I saw absolutely nothing wrong with the photo! Don't let the meanies get to you!

It's really easy for people to overly criticize sometimes, but I am not sure that any of them would be able to pull off the creativity, elegance and chicness you achieve in your outfits every single day!

Including the face in the photos makes the blog more real, more human...but it certainly takes confidence and bravery. Thanks os much for sharing.

L

Doris said...

It's unfortunate people make unkind comments, however I think your expressions show what a great personality and humor you have and I like it. I like it when the outfit pics include the head because it completes the outfit...the makeup, earrings, head accessories, etc.

Anonymous said...

The biggest problem with not showing the face (and hair) is that you don't get a good idea of how the outfit looks on that person. The skin tone of the face can have an huge impact on the way an outfit looks. As you've observed for youself: purple bad, pink good.

And I agree with everyone else...ignore the meanies...I've never seen an expression I didn't like.

-AlEn

Anonymous said...

Your face and hair is also apart of the outfit, so it should be included. I love fdairy blog and wish she would include her face as well. She just like you is such an inspiration to me.
I am loving the colors of your outfit today!

Cat said...

I can't believe people have the nerve to make negative comments about your lovely face. That is just sad. You're clearly very pretty and people who take the time to make nasty comments need to just go away...

I LOVE that you post your head in pics, you're right, it adds to the outfit.

Anonymous said...

Whatever!!!! I think you look fabulous in your photos. Haters are going to hate on you regardless.

I wouldn't change a thing!

Anonymous said...

I think you are very pretty. In fact sometimes I get a little jealous but oh well. If someone has a problem with your face I'd have to say THEY have a problem. Maybe their jealous like me!

You rock!

Anonymous said...

I think you are very pretty. In fact sometimes I get a little jealous but oh well. If someone has a problem with your face I'd have to say THEY have a problem. Maybe their jealous like me!

You rock!

Anonymous said...

I love that outfit girl, so cute!!!

Thank you for the "luv" Kasmira, and don't let these evil folks get to you, they're just your "average haters", just brush 'em off and keep doing your thing, cause you do it well!

Kelly said...

I read your blog via RSS and usually don't click through to the comments. People sometimes say mean things about your face? What jerks! This is your little corner of the Internet, and if they have a problem with what you post, they shouldn't read it.

(This would be true even if you weren't pretty - which you are!)

Joy said...

Hi There,

I too have subscribed to your blog and thankfully( i suppose) don't really check out the comments. That's awful that someone could be so spineless to post criticism of your appearance! You can best believe it's out of jealousy.

I however love how your personality shows through in every picture and every outfit. Rock on!

Anonymous said...

I think it really takes away from it all when the head/face isn't in the photo.

And..your so freakin' cute don't even worry about all those haters out there!! People are mean..mean I tell you!! Your cute! So just ignore the meanies! :) :)

Anonymous said...

Your outfit blog is actually the first one I've come upon. I was googling for a fresh hairdo, and your site came up, and as a major devotee to fashion, of course I had to have a look around! I do think it would be weird if you had no head in your photos. I really like to accessorize, so I like to see how you spice up your outfits with a cute hairstyle or a great pair of earrings. And of course, who wouldn't want to see that beautiful red smile? As for those Debbie Downers who leave mean comments, they are just jealous! Never let someone else define who you are or how you want to act- so be eccentric and goofy! If that's who you are, then nothing else matters! Thanks for my daily dose of fashion inspiration!!

Sean and Danielle said...

I want to see the complete person because that is the complete package. And I love seeing your picture because I think you are absolutely gorgeous!!!

Anonymous said...

I like to see what I kind of outfit you wear every day, but I don't visit daily just for the clothes. I like the whole thing of your blog--it's almost like reading Bridget Jones Diary. I especially like it when we catch glimpses of the cats. Thanks for putting yourself out there, it always makes my day!

Kim said...

I'm glad you show your face; it gives me more of an overall "look" of what you're wearing. Yours is the first fashion blog I've ever read and through yours I've gone to others and now am also addicted to Londyn's as well. You both have given me confidence to find my own style (despite the comments-which before would've made me so uncomfortable, but now just spur me on). Thanks! I wish I could have lunch with you both!

Cheri said...

I too am addicted to checking back on your blog daily! And i also read Londyn's, and budget chic. Very fun, and lots of ideas. I think showing the whole picture does complete the package though- makeup and earrings are part of the deal! And sometimes headbands, hats, and what-not. I would be nervous at posting my daily attire, but I'm glad there are some like you that aren't afraid! Thanks for your inspiring looks!

Anne said...

I love your outfit today - and every day! It is so fun to come home from work and log on to "check on my girls" -- that being you, Allie, and fdiary. I do wish fdiary would post her face, and I've wanted to ask her to, but I think she would have by now if that was her style. I bet she's beautiful. As for your face - it's gorgeous and I love your fun loving poses.

Anonymous said...

It doesn't really matter to me. I love seeing the various combinations you create to bring your whole look together. Of course, seeing your face, makeup, and hair adds to the presentation, but if your pic was cropped, it doesn't take anything away.

Oh and I love this outfit. I always compliment your hair color. I also like seeing which wall (or background) you'll use to accent the look.

Keep doing you honey! If you have haters, that means you are doing IT. So the more, the merrier!

Anonymous said...

First off, I am a male, I stumbled onto your blog while looking at various fashions, and truth be known, I am VERY "redhead-centric" I have to say, you are very pretty, I love to see your face, it really helps to complete the ensemble

Vicki said...

I really like to see your face! I don't look at a lot of fashion blogs but do a lot of sewing blogs. And I always like to see the head. (Mind you sometimes I crop my head off - sewing can be a bit different, you want to share your progress but don't want to do the hair and face.)

I can't believe people are so mean as to leave unpleasant comments. To me you always look beautiful!! I have never noticed a bad hair day or wonky makeup. Keep it up!

Anonymous said...

I just love your photos, you're a pretty woman and I myself have taken inspiration from your outfits (wish u don't mind), keep up your great blog! regards from Mexico city!

Anonymous said...

plz plz plz continue to show ur face! when u show ur face it totally completes the outfit! esp when u do ur little thing u do about some times doing goffy poses or posing with ur kitty!! i check ur blog first every evenign when i check in to all my blogs and so do all my friendds, the amount of inspiration (im sorry i cant spell, slighty dyslexic, i think i spell that wrong too!!) we get from ur outfits is amazing!! i loved loved loevd ur big belt and bright colour thing that is me all over!! i has so many huge thick elasticaed like4 inch thick waist belts that i wear all the time!! i just think pair things so well, gotta dash, please dont stop showing ur face sweetie, it makes all ur pics, ur lil smiling face is so cute!!

love u so much!!

Hannah Rose (Mwah xXx)

Anonymous said...

If I don't see your face the clothes don't come together as well, because it's you who make the outfit, not the other way around. You carry your clothes, and you carry them well.
Thanks so much for sharing, your wardrobe choices are so inspiring.
- jo

Anonymous said...

Love your blog and your dedication to your color palette. Your photos are gorgeous and fun. The photos you post are thought-provoking and inspirational. Thanks. Your efforts are appreciated. I would love to have a friend like you!

Anonymous said...

Kasmira, you are beautiful and you always look fabulous. Anyone who says otherwise is probably just jealous.

I found your blog by accident one day (while searching for orange shoes) and have visited it daily ever since. Thanks for posting!

kct said...

After reading this particular blog entry, I just wanted to toss my 2 cents in.

First, I just wanted to say that I agree with most of the others here who have said that it is actually a benefit that you post all of you picture with you face in them. Personally, I REALLY don't like blogs where the person either blurs out their fact or crops it out because it dehumanizes them. I honestly cannot stand what I call 'disembodied' photos of peoples bodies. I my opinion, a person's face is an important part of their look.

Second, I just want to personally say that you are a VERY BEAUTIFUL woman with a VERY PRETTY face and that you husband is a VERY lucky man to have such a sexy and beautiful lady such as you for a wife.

Lastly, all I can say is ignore the criticism, there are jerks everywhere. Just keep on keeping on!

The Magpie's Daughter said...

Who are these meanies? *puts mean face off to tell them off*

You always look amazing! Some outfits/face days are bound to be better than others, that's life.

*pops off to get the meanies*

Stay lovely, lovely lady. ;)

The Magpie's Daughter said...

off = on

Shheesh, I'll read my posts before posting next time!

http://rawtasmania.blogspot.com said...

You look amazing, your head and make-up add to the whole package. Anyone who is set to criticise, should just get a life. I love how your blog isn't showy and self-opinionated and made to look like something " fake ". The real-ness is what mkes this one ONE I do read. So keep up with the great work, your age is perfect ( speaking as another 30-something )

Cheers,
Francesca ( Australia )