I am writing to let you know after three years I am unsubscribing from your blog. My friend recommended it as a fashion resource for women over 40 and while I have gained some benefit from your capsule wardrobes, I can no longer support a site that will sell out to the highest bidder. In just the past month you have sold articles to promote cookies, men's watches, a dress from a retailer I have never seen you before promote, and now underwear to prevent as you put it, chub rub. Obviously you care more about the almighty dollar than your self-respect or the approval of your followers. Good luck to you, you will need it with the direction you are going.
And good luck to you, for you too will need it if you feel that your fellow women shouldn't be compensated for their work and instead should worry about gaining approval from others.
In the past month (May 10 - June 10) I have published 22 posts on Wardrobe Oxygen. Five are outfit posts; while these posts may feature some gifted merchandise I chose to feature it because I like it and wore the merchandise in real life. Four are straight-up fashion advice posts, two are reviews of clothing or beauty products I purchased with my own money, three were by my monthly columnists, four were on non-fashion or outfit content (about blogging, retail, my arm surgery and one about weight), and four were sponsored content. Less than 20% of my content is sponsored.
Cookies? When I accepted the sponsorship, I was told the piece would be about self-care and "me time," which I felt was completely relevant to the blog (I had recently written about coloring, written before about self care). And while the final contract requirements expected photos and specific wording about said cookies, I didn't feel the final post was in poor taste because I legitimately love those cookies. In fact, I had two Tuesday night with a glass of wine while finishing my newsletter.
Men's watches? I may not write regularly about men's fashion, but I do on occasion. I have also provided gift guides in the past and I truly believe a watch to be a great gift. And to be honest, the pay was really good for that one and I really like partnering with Nordstrom because while I am given guidelines (write about men's watches, write about flats for summer, etc.), I am allowed to write whatever I want in whatever format feels authentic. I shop at Nordstrom, I love Nordstrom's customer service and selection, I featured Nordstrom a TON before I ever was offered a sponsored post from them and I work hard to provide quality content, advice, and details in every Nordstrom-sponsored post I write.
Christopher & Banks? I think it was a smart partnership. When they approached me I was thrilled. The pricepoint for their collection is good, and many of you have complained in the past that I feature brands that are too expensive for your budget. The brand offers a broad range of sizes, which is refreshing to see. And honestly, that dress is amazing. I've worn it a half dozen times, thrown in in the washer and dryer and it still looks great. Many of you let me know you ordered the dress after my post and also adore it. I wouldn't have known about Christopher & Banks if they hadn't reached out to me; many of my favorite brands are ones I learned about thanks to this blog.
As for the Jockey Skimmies I will not apologize for getting paid to promote an that I love. Come on, I wrote a completely unpaid review last year and raved, why should I say no to being paid and given another pair? I legitimately wore them to that wedding and they legitimately saved my skin during the event. And while you may not approve of me discussing chub rub, I'm not ashamed to admit I experience it and I'm thrilled to offer a reasonably-priced product that battles an issue many many women deal with.
Writing this blog takes time. Time I could be spending with my family, hitting the gym, working my way up the career ladder, gardening, writing the next great American novel, sewing the dropped hem in Emerson's favorite skirt (I really need to get around to that...). Being compensated justifies the time I spend (and enjoy) on Wardrobe Oxygen. If I were a professional wardrobe consultant I'd be paid by the hour. If I were a book author people would purchase my book. If I were a teacher I'd be paid a salary. I have a day job so I can't do most speaking engagements or have time to write e-books and freelance content. I've made a choice to put my family first so I decline most sponsored activities like hosting events, going on trips, or speaking at conferences so I can be home to put Emerson to bed. Sponsored posts and affiliate links are my income for the service I provide, and I work hard for the money. I strive to have quality content and a good balance of sponsored content and regular posts.
In the past I have taken on too much sponsored content, and I will admit some of the sponsored posts weren't the best fit. I also had a few of you upset that you couldn't tell posts were sponsored until the end so I have made a concerted effort to be clearer with the partnership. I'm learning as I go, working to constantly improve this site and my processes to run it.
Once I made What Every Woman Wanted in Her Wardrobe dot Blogspot dot com into Wardrobe Oxygen, I considered it a business. That doesn't just mean I made money, it meant I made a decision to be more professional with how I handled the blog. More regular content, more on-topic content, higher quality images, a more consistent schedule. I do that because I take pride in my job, and I consider Wardrobe Oxygen a job. Just because I don't have a book deal or storefront doesn't mean I should have to work for free.
I wish you the best in finding a resource that is a better fit for you. But please consider the effort put into making that advice that you benefit from; don't you think everyone deserves to be compensated for their work?
