Friday 23 October 2015

Frocktober and Comparing Yourself to Photos Online

Continuing with blogging my Frocktober outfits. I'm wearing a different dress every day in October (#31Days31DifferentDresses) to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Research. I'm blogging the outfits as I wore them, instead of grouping the outfits together into 'themed' posts, so you get a bit of variety in every post! Today, a casual printed dress to work from home and a striped fit and flare dress for the office, as well as a little chat about comparison and perfectionism online.

Your Frocktober donation will raise funds and awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. Please help me hit my fundraising goal!

What I wore:

Away From Blue | spring outfit ankle boots Atmos & Here Willow printed tee dress

AwayFromTheBlue | Printed tee dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC
SunglassesRayban new Wayfarers
DressAtmos & Here Willow printed tee dress
ShoesRMK Chester black ankle boots (on sale here!)
Bracelets: the usual plus Edenborough Evans 'Ivy' silver cuff
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (Shop more Rebecca Minkoff bags here)

Why I wore it:

I'd been looking forward to wearing this dress as part of the Frocktober challenge! It was a heavy favourite last spring/summer, although it did feel a little short in the afternoon when playing with the toddler after picking him up from day care. Might need to wear shorts under it next time I wear it!

I shared this dress on instagram, with a side view as well. I've been reading so many articles and blogs about how everyone compares what they see online with their own lives. I've been reading the #strugglesbook as well which has been really challenging me lately.
My church did a series about online #struggles a while back which you can watch here and is really good viewing! While it does have a basis in Christianity, it talks about the general themes of social media burnout and how comparing can bring us down. A nice reminder to not compare your behind the scenes with someone else's highlight reel.




It's so easy to hide flaws or things you don't want people to see in photos, you don't have to show the full story. And if you can't use a flattering camera angle, there's always photoshop. The number of photoshopped blogs I see is just so sad. Why do that? I just want to give them a hug. Be yourself. You are perfect in every way, because you are you. Never put yourself down because of something you see online. You aren't seeing the full picture.

I try to keep this blog a frivolous, light-hearted and positive space, but that doesn't mean everything is perfect all the time. Nothing is ever perfect. People are more than what they share online, and you too are more than your instagram/twitter/facebook feed and the number of likes or followers you get.



If this is something you've been struggling with lately, I'd highly recommend the #strugglesBook, it has lots of great advice. It's released on the 27th October, but you can pre-order now.
(I got an early e-book copy, but was not expected to or under any obligation to share the book with you. I just think it's that good, especially in light of all the posts I've seen lately from bloggers facing social media burnout).

Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarers, botanical print tee dress, black leather ankle boots, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wearprinted tee dress worn as a top, ankle boots and skinny jeans in winter, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and a plaid shirt.


Shop more printed and striped dresses for under $50:






What I wore:


Away From Blue | Striped Fit and flare dress pink flats Balenciaga part time Office wear spring

AwayFromTheBlue | Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH
DressJeanswest 'Rita' stripe jersey dress
Shoes: Novo Carmina fuschia suede flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac and Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH (Shopbop sell Balenciaga bags now too!)

Why I wore it:

Not as fun as the outfit above, stripes instead of a colourful print, but I added some bright shoes to this outfit I wore to the office. No side pic of this one, but I felt the baby bump was showing quite a bit in it. :)


Last worn: striped fit and flare dress, pink suede flats, Balenciaga Part Time bag.

Other ways to wearstriped fit and flare dress for a dedication, pink suede flats and a polka dot dress, Balenciaga Part Time bag and denim.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Friday Favourites, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion, Weekend Linkup, Jaimie's Linkup, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Blog Hop, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Weekend Rewind, Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Modest Monday today.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.



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98 comments:

  1. Great advice on not comparing yourself with others. It amazes me how perfect some people are every day on IG. I feel a bit sad for them that they maybe don't have a real life with all its wrinkles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh they are sure to have a real life, even if we don't get to see it, haha! It's so easy to think a photo shows the full story, but it doesn't.

      Delete
  2. Love the first dress, it reminds me of a very light sweater I have.

    I very much agree, it's way easy to only show the good stuff and I'm not even trying that hard ;-) There's nothing photoshopped in my pics if you excuse that I sometimes toggle around the exposure. But clipping and correct angles alone can do sooooo much. Or leaving out the crappy shots. My life isn't picture perfect, but I'm no longer apsiring it to be like some instagram feeds.

    You are right so, we should just go around and hug people :-) Have a great weekend!

    Alex - Funky Jungle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true Alex - I don't think anyone's lives are picture perfect, despite what it may seem like online!

      Delete
  3. Great post, Mica. I just clicked and looked at this #struggles book - sounds like something I would enjoy reading.

    You look very pretty in both of your dresses. I really like the bold print and colors of your first dress - so cute with the booties! I always admire a nice striped dress and think the addition of bright shoes was perfect.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Mica!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! It is a really good read, I've enjoyed reading it and putting some of the advice into action!

      Delete
  4. You look fantastic and radiant in both outfits! I love stripes and that flowery dress is a dream!

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  5. That struggles book sounds great. I think there should be a healthy dose of comparing yourself online.

    You know that second dress is one of my favorites you own but the floral number is just too cute and shows off your little bump. How far along are you?

    Have a great weekend, Mica!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not that far along, still in the second trimester :)

      Delete
  6. both dresses are fabulous...I love what you said about life not being about the number of likes we receive...that can be said on so many levels. There is so much more to life that going for popularity or editing ourselves all the time. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true Ivana! There is a lot more to life! :)

      Delete
  7. I really like both dresses on you! You look great!

    And great reminders! It's easy to forget that everyone shows their best side online, and no one has a perfect life! I'll have to check out the book!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The book is a great read! And it does help to remind ourselves no-one or nothing is perfect!

      Delete
  8. This is a really great message. It's easy to get down on yourself when comparing to others, but we really are only seeing the best of the best from everyone.

    Also - CONGRATS!!

    Fizz and Frosting

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  9. I just want to applaud you. I think it's amazing that you constantly just want to be yourself and you really encourage others to do that same! Why people feel the need to photo shop their bodies is extremely sad to me. I've actually me thinking about doing a post on it. On what you don't see in my own photos. How I position myself and hide my "mom tummy." I feel like I'm in a place in my life where I'm confident in it, and perhaps I could help others?

    Anyway, to the outfits. Love that first dress and totally remember it from last year. I wear stretchy shorts under every dress in the summer! haha. I don't trust myself not to flash someone on accident. (;

    Maybe stripes aren't as "fun" as prints, but they are classic and timeless. Love your pop of color shoe!

    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to read a post from you on the topic Kiki!
      I think that it's interesting that we know how to pose to take a good shot, yet often look at others and assume they are just perfect - not that they've just done a similar thing to find a good pose, haha!
      It is an interesting topic to think about.

      Delete
  10. That first dress is so fun!
    And yep, I try not to judge myself based on others but it does happen from time to time. And I agree with you on the photoshop stuff. All I ever do with photoshop is fix colors and possibly a few pimples, haha.
    http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. haha you're more advanced than me! I just crop and resize my photos, can't figure out how to do much else! I don't have photoshop either, maybe it's easier to do things in that :)

      Delete
  11. Both outfits look nice on you. Good Luck on your delivery! :)

    Have a nice day!

    xoxo,
    SHAIRA
    www.missdream-girl.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I loved that message when I read it in your Instagram account :)
    Oh my that baby bump is growing so fast !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It really does seem to be growing much faster the second time around!

      Delete
  13. Baby bump?? Weee! Congratulations, sweetheart! I'm so excited for you! Way to go on your Frocktober challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sheila! The challenge has been a lot harder than I thought with a growing baby belly to have to work around each day!

      Delete
  14. So true doll! I am loving these dresses though the first one is very eye appealing and you are look so adorable with the baby bump!

    Florals&Smiles

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  15. Thank you for encouragement! Your striped dress is adorable

    Anna
    Happy Medley

    ReplyDelete
  16. You look very adorable dear! Love both looks!

    ARedLip&Love

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my goodness...happy baby bump!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think these days with social media and so much access to photo shopping and trying to appear perfect it creates unrealistic life goals. On another note I love your dresses! And that little baby bump is adorbs!
    http://www.mylittlenest.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is very unrealistic, we need to remind ourselves it's not the full picture that we are seeing online, it's so easy to present a filtered view!

      Delete
  19. I really love the Jeanswest Rita dress on you. It must be the horizontal stripes because from the font, the bump almost looks invisible :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hehe yes the stripes are so flattering!

      Delete
  20. Mica, thanks for reminding me of this: "A nice reminder to not compare your behind the scenes with someone else's highlight reel.". I absolutely needed to hear this again, now that I am in a transition state between my maternity clothes and normal clothes. I also needed to hear that because often I get swept up in the storm of IG analytics and wonder what I can do to better it like someone else.. Love the printed dress on you and adore the growing bump view!!
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a great quote from Steven Furtick! I think we all need to remind ourselves of that now and then, no matter what stage of life we are at :)

      Delete
  21. Omg congratulations!! I had no idea you're pregnant--you do know how to work those angles! :) Love the striped dress and the orchid flats--I would totally wear that whole outfit!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I had a bit of practice with my first baby! ;)

      Delete
  22. I love the message of the first outfit/instagram. It's so true. I try to think of what is just outside of the photo too. You never know. Love your bright shoes with the second dress!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, often there is so much outside of the photo we don't see!

      Delete
  23. What a great challenge and a fun way to fundraise wearing a different dress each day. Love the dresses that you wore. I agree with you as I don't have any kind of photoshop programs either as it is nice to see the real person.

    Rebecca http://www.winnipegstyle.ca/Blog/default.cfm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a great thing to fund-raise for, I've been having fun in the process!

      Delete
  24. that's so neat! :D great look with that IG outfit! :D

    Have a great weekend!
    Animated Confessions

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  25. You look great and you've a great selection of handbags! (I am a collector!) Nice challenge to participate in.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I wrote a blog post about this! How we should never compare our weaknesses to someone else's strengths because their weakness is our strength!


    Sarah
    Life is Beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love the chain bag!

    Hugs from the Philippines!
    - Seyra
    www.pavementsarerunways.com
    Instagram: @_srico

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  28. Love seeing your outfits, Frocktober is so much fun for a worthy cause.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Both dresses are great! You look lovely in both!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great post and I love dress number 1! Xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congrats on the baby bump! So exciting. I wouldn't have been able to tell from the first picture!

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great post! I needed that reminder about not comparing everyday myself to others. :) And cute outfits! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is good to remind ourselves of this now and then! :)

      Delete
  33. Such cute dresses! Your point on camera angles is so true. Before I started fashion blogging, I hated taking pictures of myself because I thought I looked so heavy in photos. But once I learned how to pose, and to use different camera angles, it was amazing how different and better my pics looked just by standing a different way. Such an illusion!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes even without photoshop it's easy to manipulate a photo with poses and angles! Something it's good to remember when we see seemingly 'perfect' photos!

      Delete
  34. What a great message Mica! It's so easy to fall into the comparison trap, we've all done that. But you are absolutely right, pictures never tell the whole story. I LOVE that you posted both pics on Instagram, that's amazing!
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a thoughtful comment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so easy to begin to compare, so it's good to remind ourselves we aren't seeing the whole story! :)

      Delete
  35. Love the idea of Frocktober!! wish I had known earlier :) great looks, love the strips..

    Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can still donate, even if you can't frock up! :)

      Delete
  36. I think some people just like to create the person they want to be online, which I guess is okay if nobody is getting hurt.

    Cute baby bump :) :) :)

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. It's definitely so hard to not compare yourself to what you see online. I struggle with that a lot! I think you look great in both photos though! Thanks for sharing!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes it's too easy to get into a cycle of comparing as we scroll and click! Not healthy though!

      Delete
  38. Such a great message... I totally agree with that!
    And yes, your baby bump is showing quite a bit :)

    www.elabellaworld.com

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  39. I love that you paired the dress with a fun pop of color with your flats!

    And I love that you keep it real girl! Here's to #MessyHairDontCare, because that's real life :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. Such a refreshing post!! And you look beautiful and your bump is adorable!!
    -Rose
    Http://babiesandbluejeans.blogspot.com

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  41. I love the stripes - you're looking absolutely fabulous! You're so right we should never compare our behind the scenes with someone's highlight reel and we should always keep that in mind when scrolling through social media feeds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely - they are wise words to keep in mind!

      Delete
  42. You always carry the most amazing bags! I love both!
    Looking so cute!!
    Dora www.BangsBang.com | Firmoo Glasses Giveaway!

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  43. You look stunning in both dresses.
    It's nice to know about helping and be aware of this things

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

    ReplyDelete
  44. Really love what you said about comparing yourself to your photos online, I used to do that all the time and it's just not healthy! Loving the outfits by the way, especially the first dress looks absolutely stunning on you, and I adore the colours :) <3

    Kay
    https://shoesandglitter.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad it's not such a problem for you any more Kay!

      I agree it's definitely not healthy!

      Delete
  45. A) I adore both these outfits!! I wish I were better at wearing dresses...
    B) I love what you're saying about how blogger life/real life can be so different. I think this is something so important to keep in mind mind inevitably comparing ourselves to pro-bloggers with photoshop and perfect lighting.
    xx, Pia

    http://gymbagsandjetlags.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true Pia. We never know the full story behind what's gone into a photo, so it doesn't make sense to compare!

      Delete
  46. I love this and I'm so glad you posted this! It makes me so sad too when people feel the need to photoshop themselves when they are perfect just the way they are. I can't help but blame the media in how we are made to feel about ourselves sometimes though. You as ever look wonderful and what an adorable little bump!

    Musings & More

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true, there is a lot of manipulated "perfection" shared around and not just on social media!

      Delete
  47. It is SO hard to not compare yourself to things you see online. Especially with all of the photo editing out there! Also this dress is adorable!

    https://forsevenseasons.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is so much photo editing going on, it's just a shame :(

      Delete
  48. love the dress! perfect print
    Irene
    www.thedailylace.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Such a great post Mica! I love the dress but I really love how you showed the two different angles. I agree that it’s sad so many bloggers resort to photoshop. It seems quite appealing but what if you have to meet readers of your blog & you look nothing like the photos you post. I think it just digs you into a deeper hole. You touched on some really important issues. Thanks for sharing the awareness, it’s important for people to know these things & to stop comparing themselves to online representations.

    TFM BLOG

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is a good point! You could meet someone in real life but never know it because they are so heavy handed with the photoshop, haha!

      Delete
  50. Great looks! I love that striped dress. And it's so nice that you're fundraising for a great cause!

    Thanks so much for linking up with Friday Favorites! Hope you have an amazing week ahead of you!

    Christie
    The Closet by Christie

    ReplyDelete
  51. I like the stripped dress and great words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing!

    xx

    www.misslaja.com/

    ReplyDelete
  52. this is such a great post!!! you look great!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    ReplyDelete
  53. I really like your hair styled wavy! Beautiful! The colorful print of the first dress is lovely, too. Congrats on the new baby!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Cute! I agree it is hard not to compare yourself to others, and it only gets harder the more involved you get in social media! It's definitely important to remember to separate your life from someone elses.
    www.amemoryofus.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true! I've been trying to use social media a lot less often so I don't fall into that trap so much!

      Delete
  55. hi Mica. Congratulations! I heard that the best thing we can do with compare ourselves with ourselves - but several years ago. That way we see how much we've grown, not sure it works online though! Love both looks on you!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a beautiful post, Mica! (And a cute baby bump too!) I prefer the "real life" blogs that show imperfections and share both failures and celebrations, because I can relate. Those too perfect blogs lose my interest too quickly--I'd rather read about someone I could imagine as a friend in real life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Shea - and I agree with you completely! While I might have some bigger 'professional'/slick blog I follow, the every day blogs are the ones I enjoy the most :)

      Delete
  57. I don't have photoshop and wouldn't know how to use it if I did! I think people sometimes forget how photoshopped some blogs are when they leave nasty comments on everyday, unshopped blogs about eye bags, wrinkles etc. At least that is what I hoped when that happened to me a while back!

    That green dress is great and I've really enjoyed the Frocktober challenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't believe someone would comment on your blog about that! :( What a mean person!
      We all age eventually! And when you're a mum, of course you're going to look tired some days!

      Delete
  58. I'm with you Mica! Keep it real! I always respect a blogger when they do. Love that striped dress. Looks gorgeous on you.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One of the reasons why I love your blog so much Kim - you always keep it real! :)

      Delete
  59. Great article, Mica! Thanks for sharing. It's hard to tell what's real and what's not real on social media these days. I say stay true to yourself =)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Thank you all for your congratulations, and thoughtful comments about the comparing we do online. Was really nice reading some of your responses!

    ReplyDelete
  61. I loved it when you posted that picture because it is so true. Pictures and highlight reals hide so much of real life. I need to check out that series. It's always a good to remember where our real worth comes from. I love both dresses on you! That striped one seems to be perfect for a cute baby bump. :)

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    ReplyDelete
  62. Congrats gorgeous! :)
    -Adi xxo
    www.fancycorrectitude.com

    ReplyDelete

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