Why I'm Proud to be a fashion blogger!

Last week IFB posted a great article titled, What makes you proud to be a fashion blogger?  and it got me thinking..... 

The article by contributor Jess Estrada, starts out with a convo she had with a "fashion industry star" that turned unexpectedly, making her think a lot harder about the term "blogger" vs writer or journalist.... “It’s okay to call you a blogger, right? Because sometimes I've met bloggers who get offended if we don’t call them ‘writers’ or ‘journalists."

When I get called a blogger, writer, journalist - whatever it may be, it makes me proud to know I'm being recognized for my writing. If I'm recognized for my writing, it means my voice is being heard. 

When I think of the term blogger, I put in the same category as writer or journalist. Some may disagree with the comparison, because as a journalism alumni, we were taught to write following journalism ethics BUT from there I think it's the individual's decision on where to take their writing.

Getting a degree in communication, I did "all of the above." I created Tickle Me Chic in college so I could strengthen my skills and get my writing out there more. I also created the fashion column at my college newspaper, working in WordPress. From there I wrote everything from newsworthy pieces to personal style posts. I even did video pieces. Once I graduated, I created a blog for a wedding planner whom I've written for, for over 2 & 1/2 years. I was also the Conscious Fashion Editor for Modern Hippie Mag for a year and half, using WordPress to create, edit and manage content as. Now as a Brand Marketing Manager, I'm constantly blogging, creating content, and being the voice behind the brand. So when I look back at my experience with writing, blogging has had a huge, positive impact on my life. 

While in college, I even wrote a guest post for IFB titled,  

Should Bloggers Adopt a Code of Ethics? In the post, I describe bloggers as citizen journalists, because, that's what they really are. Bloggers can post directly, in real time while journalists usually have to research, interview, photograph etc. I believe bloggers are a one stop shop! Bloggers have created a new approach to writing, allowing the tone to be more personal.

photo from Independent Fashion Blogger post I wrote

What makes me most proud to be a fashion blogger is you create your own destiny. YOU are your own boss, you choose the content to write about and you edit the material - the freedom is amazing! I love focusing on the "controversial" topics in the fashion industry.... it gives me a voice to get those "sticky" topics out there more, like the portrayal of plus-size women or the photo-manipulation epidemic. 

Personally, I think if more people focus on breaking the misconception of these "taboos," maybe the fashion industry will hear us and start changing the way some do business. I honestly think that it's happening as we speak.... the more bloggers who focus on the tough fashion topics, the more changes we will see. 

I think the biggest difference from blogging to writing is you have an OPINION! When writing news, you're supposed to hide opinion and stay "unbiased" but that's something I love about blogging.... You're able to speak your mind and share your voice! That's why I love being part of Independent Fashion Bloggers..... You have a huge community where you can connect, share, ask questions, get opinions and interact with other bloggers.

Writing is what I love to do. That's why I pursued a communication degree and created Tickle Me Chic. Writing is an outlet for me... when I'm sad, frustrated, happy, excited, I turn to blogging. Even if I don't publish the piece, blogging is my release. Whether it's a controversial piece or a Bloggers Do It Better piece, I'm very proud to be a fashion blogger!

Jill of all trades

Want to know the girl behind Tickle Me Chic?!

Meet Jody: 

Not only do I LOVE me some fashion, I also love to shoot video! My fiancé is into drifting so we go to as many events as possible. Here's the latest video I did for CFRC's, The Aftermath:

Aftermath 2013 from Jody Marich on Vimeo.

If that isn't enough, I just got back from a work trip to the BVI. As Social Media Director of Virgin Island Sailing, I constantly interact with users and build rapports to create lasting relationships. Traveling down to the BVI, we met with all of our bareboat companies and shot video of each base, for our website. Once the work was over, we had some fun, sailing the beautiful waters of the BVI! 

In my spare time I love to write. I went to school for communication and focused on multimedia journalism. With my passion for fashion and writing, I created the fashion column at Flagler and continued to write as Conscious Fashion Editor of Modern Hippie Mag. Unfortunately, MHM, closed at the beginning of the year, but I still try to keep up with my blogging. It brings me back to me. 

Anything else you want to know, just ask :) 

LIttle Miss Sunshine

It's officially spring here in Florida and I was ready for  something new! Last year I got ombre for the first time and absolutely loved it! So I thought I'd try it again this year! Since April is my birthday month, I thought it would be the perfect time to change it up a bit!

My hair is pretty thick and long so it takes a while for color but I couldn't have asked for better results. After about three hours of color and cut, my stylist, Lili, asked if she could take photos of the finished product for a Bumble & Bumble contest she was entering. If she wins she gets a page in a magazine!

So we had a little fun with my hair. She blow dried it with a round brush creating massive amounts of volume and voila! Since Bumble & Bumble loves volume and messiness, she created lots of texture too. I absolutely love my hair as always! 

Here's hoping you win Lili! You're the best hair stylist out there! ♥