So, We Need to Talk

236 Comments on So, We Need to Talk

1. I just started reading you recently, and I LOVE that you have work-appropriate clothing! I tend to succumb to a uniform of black pants, black flats, black printed blouse, cardigan, and I really appreciate the ideas that you have. That’s what I’m looking for.

   • That’s awesome! It seems that work-appropriate clothing is something a lot of people seem to be interested in – so, point taken 🙂

2. I love your blog. I have really enjoyed hearing about your style evolution and how you dress for different occasions. I really enjoy your budgeting posts and hear about how you shop. Thank you so much for writing this blog.

   • Thank YOU so much for reading!

3. I’m a relatively new follower, but I enjoy your blog because you have a fun yet still professional style. While many bloggers have great style, it’s hard to find people who wear legitimate work clothes that are fresh, appropriate, and affordable!

   • Thank you 🙂 That’s good to hear, because it sometimes seems like people just want pretty, magazine-worthy photos of young, thin, very attractive girls wearing all sorts of luxury items. I started BCRL as an outlet to talk about style and clothes outside the strictures imposed by the fashion industry, but I guess I sometimes lose sight of that original goal when I look around at what blogging has become. As I wrote in my post, I want to find my way back to what originally made me blog in the first place.

4. I started following your blog around 6 months ago I think. I use your blog as an inspiration for my outfit choices because I personally think you are able to make professional clothing look so unique. My hope is to get into the medical field, so I need help putting together a professional wardrobe. You are able to put your little twist on it and yet look really put together, and I love that. And I can tell, you’re not trying too hard. It’s organic. Many bloggers have artsy photographs and majestic photos, and yes… as much as that is pretty to look at… it’s not real. I can’t relate to those blogs. But I can relate to you. I especially love the outfits that you have been putting together lately!!

   If you’d like to improve on something, I do have one suggestion. You tend to be so negative about how your face looks or your bangs are in a certain photo…. and I don’t know what you are talking about!! You are always so gorgeous in these posts, I really wish you wouldn’t put yourself down so much!

   Those are my two cents!

   Roxi

   • Thank you so much for your comment! I know I tend to resort to self-deprecation a lot, and I know it gets really annoying … and I’m working on it. I know it may sound odd, coming from someone who plasters the internet with her photos, but I do feel quite self-conscious about my appearance at times (less often now than when I was younger), and the self-deprecating schtick is a sort of a defence mechanism. I hope I am not coming across as defensive about this, because I truly appreciate the feedback and think it’s a good reminder to have. Seriously, thank you!

5. Adina! I feel terrible! I subscribe to your blog and look forward to your post everyday but I don’t always leave a comment. I’m so sorry. I LOVE what you do! You are so funny, and your outfits are approachable. I can’t afford a Celine handbag. I LOVE your blog. Please don’t stop!!!!

   • Thank you for reading – and for the comment! It really means a lot to me 🙂

6. i like seeing a cute but normal girl wearing cute clothes in interesting ways. I’m not sure where I found you but I really like your blog the way it is! Don’t change too much!

   • Thank you 🙂

7. I read through Feedly and thus rarely comment. I like your blog and your style! I’m a married 34 y/o professional in the upper Midwest, so were similar ages and (apparently) income levels. I definitely relate.

   However… If you want my true opinion, I sometimes get frustrated with your blog for two reasons. First, you have a great body and you look fabulous, and I hope you know it. But you regularly talk about how you struggle with your size and are mildly self-deprecating about it… And I find this really off-putting. I look pretty good, but I’m never gonna be a size 0, 2 or 4 again (and I don’t have kids). So I have to admit I kind of roll my eyes when I read that stuff because… Come On.

   And, second, where the heck do you thrift shop? Jimmy Choo, Ferragamo, Chanel – all from thrift stores? I’m having a hard time suspending disbelief on that stuff. If you make a bit of money, it’s okay to own it. I make a lot, I’m proud of myself for it, and I’ve lived/worked in NYC. I’ve never seen stuff that nice in a thrift store. You must be exceptionally lucky.

   • Thanks! I totally hear what you are saying about the size comments and please believe me: I do try to be mindful of how I talk about it. This probably reflects my insecurities (and the fact I read way too many blogs), but I am keenly aware (especially as I get older) that I don’t have the typical blogger look, and it’s something that does make me self-conscious at times about putting my photos out there for everyone to see and judge. With that said, I really don’t want any of the readers here to feel alienated by my comments, so I will try to do better about keeping ye olde insecurities in check. Promise!

     As for my designer finds: scout’s honour that I’m not making any of them up. I did once find a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes for $8 at a Value Village. And a pair of Manolos for $14. I honestly don’t know who donates barely worn designer shoes, but I am grateful that they do, LOL! However, the majority of my secondhand designer stuff is bought at consignment or through Kijiji (a local version of Craigslist). We have some really great consignment stores here locally, which are very reasonably priced. Not, like, $8-pair-of-shoes reasonable, but reasonable enough. I bought the Chanel bag secondhand (it’s from the 90s) through a reputable re-seller – I can only DREAM of finding one in a thrift store.

8. I actually started following just this week! I saw you mentioned on GOMI (The thread where people suggested good business/work related fashion blogs) and have been reading through your archives. I’m sorry you feel bad about your blog sometimes but you really shouldn’t! I really like it!

   I just started work at my first job since college and I’m trying to dress in a way that’s professional & not too young but still my style. So I find your blog very relatable and helpful. I like that you’re very straightforward and talk about your outfit — what you liked about it, why you picked certain shoes or whatever– instead of rambling about something unrelated as a lot of bloggers do. I also like how you do a monthly round up of your outfits. It’s been helping me with dressing a little bit more professionally and like an adult.

   It would be helpful to see how to posts about dressing more professionally? Or maybe a post about many different ways to wear something/remix? Idk…this is why I’m not a fashion blogger haha.

   All of this to say: I really do think there’s a reason for BCRL to exist! With all the crazy, impractical bloggers out there, it’s nice to find one that’s practical and actually has to go to an office job. Blogs like yours are definitely more inspiring and helpful to me because I can’t just wear whatever I want during the week.

   Have a nice day! And please keep blogging. 🙂

   • Thank you! To be honest, I’m still figuring out what dressing “professionally” means to me (at my age and current position), so I can relate to that struggle. I will definitely think about how I might talk about the topic more, in a way that might be helpful to people in different stages of their careers (and in different careers).
     And good luck with your new job! This must be a very exciting time 🙂

     • Also hey, after reading your blog, I was inspired to go thrift shopping this weekend and found some Yves Saint Laurent heels for $11 (I mean, they may not be real… I can’t tell. But they still look cool and I will have some work heels that are not boring.) 🙂

       • OMG!! That is a huge score! Congrats, girl!

9. I love reading your blog because you’re real. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s true. You’re a working mother, you live a realistic lifestyle, you’re busy, you wear clothes that I could afford (and would actually wear!) – you’re someone I would be friends with in real life (you know, if we met and maybe lived closer to each other). And I like your approach to dressing for work, and updating that style to reflect your career goals. And gosh, your sense of humor is something I get. I love the wise-cracks and smart-aleck-y comments. I hope you continue this blog, but, if not, that you’ll at least stay on the narcissistic Insta, or maybe Twitter, so I can follow along 🙂

   • Thank you, that is so sweet! My favourite part of blogging is the feeling of having a bunch of girlfriends around to chat with about frivolous (but fun!) things. And, at the same time, that is also one of the things I love about my own fave bloggers – that they seem like people I’d love to hang out with in real life.
     And I’m also glad that you like my sense of humour – I worry that it doesn’t always translate well on the page (screen?).

10. I’m a relatively new follower, and I started because I liked your style, but I stayed because you’re one of the few blogs I read rather than just skim through the photos. I appreciate that you tell us what works AND what doesn’t work. You show the process and come across as very real. I also like your forays into books and linguistic theory – nice little breaks from pretty clothes. I don’t comment much (ever?), but I’m a definite part of the community here!

    • Thank you! I’m glad to hear that people also enjoy the non-style posts; as much as they can be more time-consuming, I do occasionally like to write about some of my other interests, and it’s nice to know that there is some interest for that. If there are any particular (non-style related) topics you’d like to read about, please let me know

      • I honestly think that passion/excitement is contagious, so if you choose a topic that you’re really excited about, I’ll get there too, whether books, movies, or linguistics! I appreciate how methodical you are, so I can follow the process, even if a topic is new to me.

        • Yes! *fist pump*
          That is, honestly, so good to hear. It makes me really excited about writing some (substantive) posts again.

11. Hello! I thought I found your blog a few days ago when I was googling for lipstick swatches but I can’t actually find any swatches on your site so I might be imagining that….I liked your photos and your makeup (you remind me of Bryce Dallas Howard!), so I started following on feedly. So I guess that means I like swatches and pretty red-haired people 🙂

    • I figured it out! I must have been searching for Not Your Daughter’s Jeans reviews when I found your blog 🙂

    • Haha! I did have a couple of posts with lipstick swatches – you can pull up the most recent one by searching for “Rimmel” in my search bar. I’m definitely not a makeup maven, though, just occasionally obsessed with beauty products. And I was really into nail polish for a while (I did a bunch of posts on Chanel polishes). I’m not sure if that’s the sort of thing you’re interested in, but I do hope you’ll stick around 🙂

12. I only just discovered your lovely blog so you can’t stop now! I actually had a fashion blog way back when for about a year but it was too exhausting for me! I don’t know how you ladies do it! 1 piece 4 ways (or 3 or 8 or 30) it one of my favourite fashion posts. I love to see how different items work together! Maybe you have and I’ve missed it and will feel like a jerk! I best go dive into the archives now!

    • Hello! And welcome!
      I used to do the 1 piece different ways posts, but stopped eventually because I decided to move away from more, shall we say, didactic posts to just doing OOTD stuff. I’m not a fashion expert, so it felt a little weird to be telling people “hey, do this!” as if I knew something they didn’t. Sorry, I’m probably not explaining it very well 😉 But I have made a note of this, and I will definitely think about how I can highlight the versatility of different pieces in different ways.

13. So I don’t remember how I stumbled on your blog – but I love it. Not my usual reading at all – but fascinating. I love seeing what you do with clothes. You’ve inspired me to check out a local resale/thrift store and make purchases. I completely relate to your work clothing issues but totally awed by how you let your personality show even at work. I’ve followed a few fashion bloggers for a short time – but they were too unrealistic for me (5k outfits that only work in creative fields, etc). But you I subscribe to so I don’t miss a post. Hmm…basically I love that you are a real person dressing for a real professional job and you share the ups and downs of that. I’d love a few posts about thrifting/ebay – how you find pieces you want, decide on what is a price you are willing to pay etc.

    • Thank you – and I have to say that I have always found your comments very helpful in terms of getting me to think about some of my style dilemmas from a different perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the comments I get (and who doesn’t love compliments, seriously!) so please keep them coming.
      Thrifting/eBay posts are definitely on my radar; I think another reader mentioned them before, and I was going to sit down and put my thinking/writing cap on … and then got side-tracked by my wah-wah-blogger insecurities 😉

14. I love your writing and find your blog very entertaining and interesting. I love that you are a REAL person. So many people in the fashion blogging world seem too fake and it feels like everything is calculated and posed and photoshoped. You and Fran are my favorites! 🙂 I hope you’ll stick with blogging and hang in there but also follow your heart and do what’s best for you. Thanks for all you do!

    • Thank you for the comment – and for reading! Fran is one of my favourite bloggers too, so I’m honoured to be in the same category for you 🙂

15. I stumbled on your blog a few months ago—I had been reading Delusions of Grandeur, which had a similar vibe, and was heartbroken when she stopped posting. Fortunately, I found BCRL after poking around on Franish, and ta da! A blog by someone smart, snarky, funny, deeply stylish, and—like so many others have said—someone I could totally see myself being friends with. I’m in my 40s, have three kids, work outside the home, and am constantly in search of work-appropriate clothing that makes me feel like I’m not just pretending to be an actual adult. I love your sense of style, I love your writing, I love your humor. And I’d steal most of your clothes out of your closet in a heartbeat (figuratively speaking, of course—I’m not a felon or anything!). Please don’t change anything, and please keep writing—if internet wisdom about how for every posted comment, there are 10 quiet people reading is true (and I suspect it is) you have a large army of loyal readers. Please, please keep going (if only because I need a fellow black/white/gray/with a shot of color obsessive, but also for the fabulous virtual camaraderie!).

    • Thank you so much commenting! What you said about the silent readership really got me. I tend to completely forget about that (even though I, too, am mostly a silent blog reader), which is probably unfair on my part. I have been thinking a lot about this (especially as I’m reading the comments on this post), and I think I’ve allowed myself to lose focus of the important thing, for me, about blogging: a truly engaged, and engaging audience. Maybe not the biggest, but perhaps better for it? I may not get a ton of comments, but they are always thoughtful and polite, and those are rare qualities in internet commentariat. Thank you (and everyone else who is commenting here) for reminding me of that.

16. I’m another GOMI convert. I like the real clothes, the I wear this to work style, and the ability for you to point out if something did/didn’t work. I haven’t been reading long enough to know what I dislike about you but I hate when fashion bloggers wear impractical things or think they are just a showcase and don’t even wear out the outfits they feature. Don’t do this!

    • Ok, deal!! I won’t do that simply because I don’t have time to get pretend-dressed for the blog, over and above just getting dressed for my actual day. Plus, it’s annoying – I totally agree. As long as you guys are OK with my crappy iPhone photos, we’re good 😉

17. I’ve only been reading your blog for a fairly short time, and I really enjoy it! I don’t think I have any real suggestions, except to say that I enjoy reading.

    It is hard for me to pinpoint what exactly makes me enjoy a blog. I think I like getting a sense of the real person behind the blog, usually from their writing. (And if I’m following the blog it probably means that I feel like I can relate to them and I think they have something interesting to say.)

    I actually don’t follow a lot of outfit bloggers, but the ones I follow (like you and Franish) all wear outfits that feel very “real” or realistic to me.

    • Thank you! Like I said, being put in the same category with Franish is a lovely compliment, so I’m quite chuffed.

18. When there wasn’t a blog for a bit there, I thought “uh oh, I wonder if Adina is having shut-down-the-blog thoughts again”. I’ve been reading your blog since you styled a friend of mine on it (Robyn), so I guess I’ve been reading for a bazillion years. I don’t tend to find style blogs that interesting or relatable, but yours isn’t like that. Even though we’ve never met, I feel like you’re my fashionable girlfriend that keeps me from throwing in the towel and buying my whole wardrobe at Costco (lol). I like the blog as it is, but the bits I like the best are when you show your thought process through some kind of experiment. The posts I’m thinking of are the one where you tried out a bunch of different lipsticks to find the best daytime one or the one where you swapped shoes for different activities at work.

    Thanks for writing – I always look forward to reading!

    • I came here from GOMI also, from the minimalist blogs thread. I like this blog because I feel like I’m reading a real person and not a billboard. You ask yourself questions about why outfits worked or didn’t, but without falling into the “holy crap I figured out I can wear socks on my feet!” extremes of personal revelation that some other bloggers have when the whole “fashion guru” thing goes to their head.

      All that, and I share your love-hate relationship with bold floral patterns, and I’ve asked myself the same about those window pane checks as well: I like them, but I feel a nagging suspicion that I’ll be really sick of them at some point, as they keep coming into style for just five minutes and going out again. We don’t even have a particularly similar sense of style (plus my work dress code is super casual), but we share some of the same struggles and questions. It’s interesting to see how someone with a life so different to mine approaches them.

      Plus, not least, you’re funny and not full of yourself. I’ve seen far lesser bloggers with more readers never even stop to consider why all those people would want to read them, just “yeah, whatever, bow down and click my affiliate links, minions”. So, I really hope you don’t go away, because high-quality no-bullshit style blogs with content worth reading are few and far between.

      • That’s kind of funny, because I feel like this blog is the anti-thesis of the whole minimalism trend. Although! I do feel like I’m sloving moving towards a more minimalist aesthetic, if not overall ethic. But the love of bold florals will always be the fly in that ointment 😉
        Anyway, thank you and welcome, and please stick around!

    • LOL! Gah, you know me too well. Every 6 months or so, like clock-work, eh? 😉
      Anyway, I am honoured to hear that you consider me a virtual (and fashionable!) girlfriend – that makes me think that I’m managing to accomplish at least a part of my goal of creating a community here.

19. I love your blog. I need help mixing and matching what I already own. You are so good about not constantly shopping for something new. Some of the fashion bloggers want their readers to buy, buy, buy.

    • Thanks! I’m glad to hear that you don’t feel this blog is like that. I worry sometimes about the messages I’m sending, because I do tend to shop a fair bit (and am conflicted about it too, LOL!), but I’m also very much into remixing and being thrifty when it comes to shopping choices and so on. I hope that comes across!

20. I started reading your blog about a month ago when it was linked back from another blogger’s Edmonton roundup. I like your style, sense of humor, writing and that you’re in Edmonton. I am home with my kids now but used to work in a conservative office environment as a professional and had the same dressing up every day battle that you find yourself in. Too sexy, too daring, too boring, too formal, etc. It’s nice to know that other professionals like myself make the same decisions that I do and to know that I don’t have to feel bad if I don’t like to shop at Holt because sometimes the price is the problem. I don’t normally post comments on blogs because I didn’t know they were the reason the writer is still blogging. I read your blog because I find it interesting and a quick diversion from my daily life. It’s kinda like a pretty thing I like to look at to remind myself of my old life.

    • You know, I wish there was a blog version of the Facebook “like”. It would be a quick and easy way for readers to let the blogger know if they liked the content and so on. For those of us who don’t write blogs to make a buck, reader interest and engagement is really the most important thing, and it’s sometimes hard to gauge that from traffic stats alone. But I also know that people are busy, and the fact that they are reading at all (never mind commenting) is a big deal. So … gah, I don’t know what the answer is. But thank you for the comment, and for reading along!

21. I love your blog! It’s the only style blog I read, because most are boring, to be honest.
    What I like most is how you describe your evolving thinking processes, like your current shift away from florals and what you decide is appropriate for work or not. I also love that you are about honing an attainable style, rather than constantly jumping on trend bandwagons or pimping out sponsored luxury items (like a lot of the ‘big’ style bloggers).

    • Thanks! You know, the one thing I have never questioned (even as I’ve flip-flopped on whether to keep blogging or not) was my decision to keep my blog un-monetized. I am very fortunate to have a good income, so I don’t need the extra money, and this way I feel like there is a trust there with the reader, which is really important to me. So, yeah, there won’t be any sponsorships on BCRL any time soon. Although, listen: I sometimes jump on bandwagons just like your average basic bitch. I even did the Hammer pants trend once … even before I had a blog. (FTR, all my friends were horrified, LOL!)

22. Hey Adina, I definitely recognize what you are bringing up here. My blog used to be more popular when I did the whole vintage thing, and then my style changed and my success didn’t go crescendo anymore. However, I still get loads of things I enjoy out of my blog, so i’ve kept going! And I think your blog is great. It’s honest, good quality, you put a lot of thought in your write ups, and people can really use you as work clothes inspiration. Maybe you should try to network or promote your blog more, if that’s what you want? Via other professional-dressing mediums such as corporette for example? or doing guest posts with other similar bloggers? I think your content is great, so that’s not an issue.

    • Thank you for the comment, and your suggestions. They are very much on point … except that I’m (a) lazy, and (b) kinda conflicted about drawing a lot of attention to my blog from other blogs/media. The lazy part is self-explanatory, and the other thing might seem wildly contradictory given what I’ve been complaining about. The thing is, I just want a lot of regular people to read my blog, but I don’t necessarily want to be a “internet famous” person because that would probably, at some point, interfere with my job. Which would not be good. Does that make sense? Gah, just call me Mary, Mary, quite contrary 😉

23. Hello from Germany! 🙂 I just stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago. I guess besides you being a “real”/an authentic personality behind the blog not only showing standard fashion blogger stuff (Valentino studs and Michael Kors bag, anyone…?), I really like:
    – work appropriate yet fun clothing
    – capsules of any kind, including traveling-wardrobes and planning
    – pin to present stuff
    – any type of questions/articles regarding style development, personal must have pieces, “one piece – many ways”/work to ,…

    • Hi!! And welcome! It’s so awesome to know there are BCRL readers all across the world. I love your suggestions, and I will definitely think about how I can work posts around them without coming across like an insufferable know-it-all.

24. Newish reader here & I read through a feed reader so don’t really get around to commenting usually, sorry! but just wanted to say that I enjoy your writing voice, and unlike with some blogs I never “mark as read” your posts without reading them just because I’m overwhelmed and want to clear through my feed reader’s backlog fast … your posts are always enjoyable! also I find it inspiring to see how you are able to put together work looks that are professional and stylish while still using plenty of colour and patterns.

    • Thank you so much for your comment! And thanks for letting me know about the feed reader thing. I don’t use them, so I didn’t even really know how they work (like the fact that they don’t have a comment option). That could explain some of the radio silence. I wish there was an easy way for people to interact. Is Insta a better option? Or Twitter?

25. I only found your blog a few weeks ago and I love it. I’m slowly working my way through your archives. I like that there are only a few photos of each outfit. I like the mix of fashion, accessories and beauty posts. I’m in the middle of your nail polish phase and I like that too. I also like your writing – it’s streets ahead of most bloggers I have read. I do wonder how you manage to post given how busy you must be, but I look forward to reading BCRL when I can.

    • Well, the pictures are easy to take – because they’re just snaps on my iPhone – and the writing for OOTD posts doesn’t take too long. But it HAS been difficult to find time to write longer, more substantive posts, and I feel kinda bad about that – plus, I miss it!
      Anyway, I’m glad that you are enjoying the archives; sometimes, I cringe and some of the things that are hiding in there, plus their sheer size, so it’s nice to know that people still get some value out of them. And I’m also happy to hear that you’re liking the variety of topics; I don’t always know if I lose readers when I start talking about something other than clothes.

      • I should also mention that I’m in Melbourne Australia.

        • Awesome! Another international reader 🙂

26. I’ve been reading your blog since last summer, and I’d be pretty bummed if you stopped writing!
    What I like about this blog, that I have a hard time finding elsewhere is:
    -Great writing. I don’t just look at your pictures, I actually read everything, and I really enjoy the longer posts you write sometimes about your feelings towards fast-fashion, capsule wardrobes and dressing for the job you want.
    -Budget posts. I love seeing what you would rather buy retail and what is worth splurging on. I love the fact you thrift or hunt down on ebay pricey brands to get great quality for a lower price. I understand this means you can’t really affiliate link your wardrobe, but I really enjoy this about the blog.
    -Workplace outfits. This is the biggest one for me, since other bloggers will wear muppet coats and a pleather mini skirt and add “oh but if you wear this with nude flats, it can totally work for the office”… uh no. Your outfits are all great for the office, and when you were on maternity leave I couldn’t wait until you got back to work just so I could get more day-to-day inspiration.
    -You. This last point is completely vain, but you could say I have a girl-crush on you. I love looking at your pictures because you don’t look like every other 18 year old-white-brunette blogger out there, and because of this I can relate to you and your outfits a lot more.

    I hope you find a way to continue writing this blog, and would be willing to participate more in the comments or on instagram, pinterest, etc so that you continue on writing. You have a great writing voice and are a unique person, you need to STAY on the internet.

    • Thank you so, so much! I do hope you will continue to read – and comment – whenever you can. Not just because I like getting compliments (although I do ;)), but because I really do think that BCRL are smart, and funny, and really cool and interesting peeps – so I want to hear from you!

27. I’ve been reading for a couple of months now and your blog is one of the three or four that I check every day. Like Loretta, I was thinking you might want to shut it down and hoped you wouldn’t. I’ll eccho some of other reader’s sentiments: you feel real and fun. Your style is relatable, but still a bit aspirational. Please, keep up the good work.

    • Thank you 🙂 I’m working through the comments here, and All The Feelings, and figuring it out. All of your words of encouragement mean an awful lot to me, truly.

28. Another GOMI convert here. I only discovered your blog a couple of months back but I love it. In general, I find fashion/clothing blogs irritating – for the way they showcase completely unaffordable clothes that are out of the question for most of us mortals, the high volume of sponsored and c/o posts that completely destroy the authenticity of the whole thing, and of course the narcissism of many fashion bloggers. Your blog has none of that – your outfits are affordable, you don’t go in for sponsored posts, you seem very down-to-earth and you’re a good writer as well! Oh, and I love your outfits, which is obviously the main reason I keep coming back 🙂 Your photos inspire me to make my workwear a bit more interesting, and I like that you’re honest about outfits that didn’t work as well as you hoped, as well as the ones that did. I also really liked your holiday outfits. I’m currently 4 months pregnant with my first baby and you give me hope that I’ll still be able to find time to put a nice outfit together even with a couple of kids in tow!

    I very rarely comment on blogs, even those I love, but wanted to leave a comment here because I really do enjoy your posts. Please keep blogging!

    • Congratulations! That is such an exciting time! Happy & healthy 9 months 🙂

      And thank you for following the blog, and for letting me know that you’re enjoying it. I have a tendency to forget about the silent readership aspect of it, and it’s a good reminder that there ARE people out there who are reading, even if it’s not always immediately apparent to me.

29. Hi! I’m a recent follower, and I hope I can still follow it! I love your blog because the types of clothes you were aren’t very “blogger”, if that makes sense. I’m a graduate student, and while the attire for my office is casual, I prefer to be a bit more dressed up and professional (Asian baby face problems). You have a such a fun work wear style that I’d love to at least try to emulate! Plus, your writing style is right up my alley.

    • Thank you so much! I definitely don’t feel very “blogger”, which is why I often question whether I SHOULD be blogging. But perhaps I should be viewing that as a strength, not a failing …

30. I love your blog because it’s real. You don’t have a bunch of sponsored posts which always feel fake even when the blogger claims that their opinions are their own. I like that you post work outfits and you do wear the same things over again (another thing that drives me crazy about certain bloggers–I’m looking at you Kendi). Anyway, please keep blogging and being real. Thank you!

31. I like that you gave updated looks and tell where to buy…..I like that you keep it pretty brief and easy to read. You are a lovely model for the styles you put together. It is helpful and I appreciate the time you put into writing it and doing the photography. My daughter is a lifestyle blogger and it just takes time and patience to build up a following. Keep up the good work and it is a great idea of see what people are looking for.

32. i’ve only been reading your blog a few months after another blogger mentioned you in a post. But I love your humorous writing style! Also, I appreciate that you wear “real” clothes and not just what looks good for pictures. I can’t relate to the over-the-top fashion magazines. Thanks for looking great while still being relatable! I do like blogs that mix fashion with personal life so you could always mix up the fashion posts with posts about what is going on in your life, diet, hobbies, etc because honestly, for me, it’s more about your great writing than even the clothes!

33. I’m a fairly new reader and your blog is one of my favorites. I like that there isn’t a bunch of sponsored content, that you have a budget and shop thrift and consignment. I look for people that dress for real life, if that makes sense. Plus fellow Canadian woop woop!

    • Yay! *high five*
      Thanks for following, and for your feedback. To be honest, I don’t have much of a budget these days, but I try to be conscious of the fact that a lot of people do, and that they need to see some realistic approaches to being stylish without compromising their financial goals.

34. I adore your blog! It’s a breath of fresh air to see such a lovely woman dress with grace, class, and style. I love that you don’t dress in OMG-Must-wear-all-things-Nordstrom!, press products on readers solely for affiliate money, nor lie about what you’re wearing. You are so real and that’s why your readers keep coming back. I believe I found you through GOMI (guilty pleasure, so snarky yet so good) and binged on every post because I was so sick of “These jeans are sold out but here’s a Nordstrom link along this link to my fifth pair of Rockstuds and YSL clutch…” bloggers. You’ve inspired me to shop consignment and be more intentional in the what I purchase and how I dress. Please keep blogging because I, for one, think you’re fabulous!

    • Oh man, that’s such a lovely compliment. I feel the opposite of graceful on the daily, so Imma gonna hold on to that comment 😉
      Thank you, thank you!

35. I found your blog this week and added it to my feedly immediately. I’m going through the archives and really enjoying your writing and style

    As a 36 year old, professional, mom of 2 (from Israel) – I love the fact that you wear clothes bought on a real budget and not all c/o.

    I hope this is a fleeting thought and that you will continue blogging because I do look forward to seeing more posts from you 🙂

    • So neat!! It blows my mind a little bit that there are readers all over the world – literally. It sounds like we are at very similar stages in our life, so I hope that you will continue to follow the blog and, hopefully, share your thoughts/perspective.

36. I found you through GOMI forums a couple weeks ago (because you were a Stay on My Internet recommendation). I’m a rural lawyer who needs to dress up, but not like a Chicago or NYC lawyer. No one can tell the difference between a $50 and a $300 bag in my workplace. I’m in a big rut lately and not feeling fashionable AT ALL, so I like that you show real work clothes /bags/ shoes that I could conceivably wear in my rural law office.

    • First of all, love your name!! Second, welcome! And, third: thanks! Although I live in a large-ish city, I think our dress codes are probably not too far apart, so I hope you will comment again – I would really appreciate your perspective.

37. I’m such a bad commenter! But I read regularly. I find that I have things to say about what you write, but what I’m thinking never really quite comes across the way I’d like.

    Segue Into one of the reasons I enjoy your blog. You are a smart writer and a good writer. I always read your posts. Most of the other fashion blogs I follow, I don’t read the posts (except for Fran , I love Fran too). You have things to say I want to hear. And what you say is genuine and thoughtful.

    Another reason I like your blog is that you have a different style than myself and I find that reading your posts encourages me to “stretch” a bit in what I wear. I tend to dress quite preppy with a lot of cardigans and jeans. I like seeing how you style prints and patterns and the colour combos you wear.

    I don’t really have any suggestions about how the blog is written or your posts. Again, I don’t comment much because of the above reason. I also might not comment as much because I’m not super confident with what I wear and I don’t feel very stylish and therefore don’t feel I have much to contribute to the conversation (but that’s my deal, not yours). I hope you keep on writing and now that I know how you feel about comments (a friendly conversation), I might try to be a little more vocal.

    • No, you’re not a bad reader! Although I would always love to hear from you (and I know that you have lots to contribute!), I understand if you don’t always feel comfortable with that, or if you don’t have time. I hope that will change (at least the comfort level thing), because I really would love for BCRL to be a great, supportive, fun community.

38. I’m relatively new to your blog, and I totally wish that I would have found it years ago! I love the fact that you wear real clothes, not crazy designer stuff that most people can’t wear in real life. You have been an inspiration for helping me break out of my uniform when it comes to work clothes. I also really love your writing voice and the fact that you are real on your blog, it is very refreshing among a lot of the fashion blogs out there.

    • Thank you!! I’m glad that you found the blog, and I hope that you will keep reading. Real clothes, I think I can do 😉

39. Nooooo, don’t go!

    In all seriousness, yours is my favorite blog–I check it every single day. In college, I used to read a ton of blogs. Then, I graduated and got a full-time job that required more conservative, professional attire, and I got tired of reading blogs of where the writer worked in a casual office setting or was self-employed. Nothing against them, as they found their niche, but those blogs and the writer’s style just didn’t relate to me anymore. Jeans and above-the-knee dresses weren’t going to cut it. That being said, the number of blogs I read have now been reduced to two, and yours is the first I check.

    That is why I love your blog. Your work wardrobe provides creative inspiration, and your casual wardrobe shows it’s still possible to have fun and relax on the weekends with your clothes. I also appreciate that you’re honest (such as when an item of clothing just doesn’t work, or when you really love a piece) and real (re-wearing clothing items on your blog). I also enjoy your monthly recaps, as it provides inspiration on how to mix and match different items in one’s closet. Two more strengths are your writing and your consistency. Let’s face it, it’s hard to get up every morning and commit to looking both great and professional, especially when it’s cold outside and it’s been a long week. The fact that you post nearly every day shows such a goal is possible.

    Phew, that was a lot! I will wrap up by saying of course you should do what is best for you, but for what it’s worth I would be so sad to lose my new favorite blog!

    • Thank you so much! It’s honestly so touching to hear what you guys have been saying, and it means the world to know that the blog does have suppporters. Hugs for everyone!!

40. I may be an unlikely reader, since I am a 59 year old college professor. I enjoy your writing style and your unique outfit ideas. I struggle a little bit with attempting to remain current without looking like one of my students. You’re helping me, so many thanks.

    • That is wonderful! I take it as a real compliment that people at different stages in their lives/careers, in different careers, in different countries, etc. are able to find something they can relate to in BCRL. I hope you will continue to follow 🙂

41. I found you via an internet forum, and have been reading for close to a year. I too mostly wear dresses, hate pants and like consignment shopping so I feel like we have a lot in common. I would love to hear more about when you find time to consigmnet shop/thrift. I am a working Mom of 1 and hardly have time to shop, although it used to be my hobby.

    I had a personal blog for over 5 years, and too, got burned out. I didn’t know what the point of blogging anymore was? Don’t have any answers, but I feel your pain. I actually just started a new blog (like yesterday) because I do enjoy the creative writing aspect of it.

    • And I want to add, I used to love reading the magazine quality photo blogs, but have really stopped reading them and enjoy the everyday and relatable styel blogs much more these days!

    • I hear you on the no-time-to-shop thing! Although, clearly, I still find time to shop a little, LOL! I do miss the thrifting and consignment store shopping I used to do before I went back to work, but it’s just too time-consuming now. It’s mostly just the occasional weekend trip here and there, and it’s always QUICK because the kids (and husband) have a short attention span, and other plans 😉

42. I have been following your blog for a few months now and do really enjoy it. I actually found you via GOMI, when you were more active there while you were off work on mat leave. I can identify with your style, it seems we shop at many of the same places and have a similar love of shoes and handbags. Recently I moved from a more corporate environment to a very casual, creative tech firm, but I still identify with your style. (I just wear my blazers with jeans now!) Also love that you post your hits and misses on Instagram. I’ve been there, get dressed at 6:30 in the morning, think everything is working and mid afternoon realize something is just off. Finally, I like reading blogs that are written by someone with something to say, who have actual jobs, might be actually busy (real meetings not this fake BS with your girlfriends), and who spell words correctly! (Seriously why aren’t some of these ladies using spell-check!?) I’m sure it’s hard work, and I’d still follow you on Instagram if you quit blogging, but you are a regular read for me.

    • Thank you! You will have to say hi next time you’re on GOMI – I haven’t been keeping up as much lately, but I do lurk, and I miss talking to some of the people (avatars?) I used to see all the time.
      Oh, and it’s also helpful to know that people are following the blog AND my Insta. Do you feel like there is enough difference between the two? Or too much overlap? Sorry I’m bombarding you with more questions.

43. I’ve been reading since Timeless Finance. I like your mix, and now I’ve started an office job it’s great inspiration beyond the power suit. I also like when you venture off into books and life, so please keep doing you.

    • Thank you 🙂 I’m glad I’ve got another vote for the “other” posts, it will definitely motivate me to write more of those. If there are other topics you’d like to see on BCRL, please let me know.

44. I like that your showcase mostly professional office wear but include the occasional casual Friday or weekend outfit. And I like your closet!! Both the pieces that you wear and how you pair them are relatable to my closet and would work for my office as well. I also really like your writing – I think you, like Franish, have struck a really good balance between talking about your clothes and your life. It is nice to know a bit about the person behind the blog. Oh – and I’m totally envious of your jewelry collection! I also like that you are a pretty consistent poster.

    Re: reader engagement. I don’t comment often because you often don’t respond to comments. I’m sorry if that’s rude, but I think that’s something you need to be more intentional about if you want to create dialogue on your blog. (I actually found you through MochiMac – blanking on her new name, who responds to every comment posted and does seem to dialogue with readers. Another good example of this would be Recovering Shopaholic – her comment section is practically a forum.) And don’t forget that comment sections can often just be an opportunity to pimp out one’s own blog. I don’t think your blog (as opposed to Fran) draws in those kinds of readers.

    I like that you maintain an Instagram, but I question whether Insta-only would be a good platform for you when you consider your average reader. I don’t scroll through my phone at work and I’m not signed in to comment on my work computer.

    You put a lot of hard work into this blog, and it shows! I hope that you’ll enjoy it enough to keep going with it and that you do continue to grow. But please don’t ever accept goofy, unrelated sponsorship posts. The moment you start talking about air freshener I’m out of here. 🙂

    • Thank you for your comment! And “no!” to sponsorship posts, for sure.
      I do want to just say that I am a little bit surprised by the fact you said that I don’t respond to comments. I have always made every effort to respond – in as timely manner as I could – to every comment, or darn near. I’m a little hurt that you don’t think I’ve made enough effort in that regard, but it will be something for me to think about too, I guess.

      • I looked back and you do respond to way more comments than I thought you did, so I’m going to say it was a timing issue on my part. My bad!

        Do you approve comments and then respond to them later? If so, I think that’s why I just assumed you didn’t often respond – maybe by the time you’ll be responding to comments (and we’re not talking eons, either) you’ll also have a new post up so there isn’t much incentive to look at the previous post’s thread unless you left a comment yourself.

45. I love your blog!! I’m also attracted to pattern and colors and struggle to make something work appropriate sometimes. Your blog is super helpful. And I like that you aren’t walking around in $$$$$ outfits that are unattainable.

    Could you do posts on how to look work appropriate in -30? Do you change your shoes when you get to work in really crappy weather? I feel like as soon as its below -15 all fashion goes out the window.

    • Thanks! The short answer to your question is: I don’t. LOL! I basically wear a ginormous parka (although this year I managed to get away from my camel hair coat) and big boots. And then I change as soon as I get to the office, or wherever I’m going. I’m fortunate in that I don’t have to spend a lot of time outside during my commute, which helps a lot. If you do, I’d say bundle up as much as you have to, then change once you’re in the office. I don’t believe anyone is going to judge what you wear outside when it’s that cold.

      But, hey, that does mean that, for grocery store trips and such, I look like a Yeti in the winter. Honestly, if the temperature is -30, nobody’s gonna care 😉

46. I’m new to the whole world of blogging (as a reader)-not just your product. I didn’t realize how important it was to ‘do’ any feedback. I see now that I have been greedy and not a good player.
    The reasons I have enjoyed your work are 1-your style as a professional translates to what is appropriate church wear for me. 2- a reminder to wear lipstick. 3-that I’ve been able to see how much another real world person spends. 4-to see what stores you like. 5-I guess there is a part of me that is a voyeur.
    Good luck to you and God bless.

47. I found your blog about a year ago, and I’ve really enjoyed the recent style evolution you’ve been going through. I’m in a similar position in that I want to grow up my wardrobe, but still like my old clothes (and have a limited budget!) Seeing how you’ve translated your clothes into your “new look” has given me lots of ideas — sorry that I haven’t commented to say to before today!

    • Please don’t apologize!! I didn’t want to come across all accusatory; technically, nobody OWES me a comment, even if they read the post. It’s just a way (the only way?) for me to gauge all your interest and engagement, and, honestly, I find it very motivating.

48. I’ve been reading your blog for a little over a year and and have worked slowly back through your archives. Your blog is one of two blogs I check every morning and its one of my very favorite, you have SUCH a cool sense of style, are crazy funny, write well and I just enjoy your blog so much. I really don’t read many blogs now because it seems like most have gone really downhill as soon as they’ve monitized – it shouldn’t happen but aside from Franish, I can’t think of any for profit blogs I like reading. (and even then I really dislike reading the clever girl collective posts.). The last big blog I enjoyed reading was Kendi’s, waaaaaay back in 2011 and I think she’s maybe even fallen prey to the money. Anyways, I enjoy reading your blog so much and I think your voice is far more genuine than most of the money blogs, when you say stuff about your clothes I take it seriously because I know you mean it and not because you’re getting tons of cash. From how many comments you’ve gotten, I think many people do feel the same way. It’s also awesome to see a real work-clothes blog that isn’t boring or totally off the mark, I have to wear barn clothes to one job but I’ve been trying to take tips from you for my other job where I have to do a lot of interacting with international tourists. I never comment because you are so awesome and I feel a little shy(and lazzzy, I hate typing on the phone because I hit all the buttons) but I do really enjoy reading your blog and it would be a serious bummer if you shut it down. I understand the feelings of why bother because my blog us pretty sucky but in your case, you’ve built a blog a lot of people DO enjoy reading.(ohmygosh, I loved your purse post a while back, you have great taste and I loved seeing a collection of nice purses by someone who wasn’t given them, it was a rwally fun post to read and ai always like your budget posts for the same reason.)
    Annnnyways, after a long and rambling comment, I really like your blog. I’ll try to comment more so you don’t feel like we don’t love you. 🙂

    • Don’t feel shy!!! Although I totally get the laziness part 😉

      You mentioned two bloggers I really love (Franish and Kendi), and if I can fill that same sort of niche for people – I’m a happy camper!

      I’m starting to feel a little bit bad for making y’all comment just to compliment me. Um, it wasn’t my intent, honest. I really do appreciate the feedback, and of course, the encouragement.

      • No, don’t feel bad! I’m just really lazy about interacting and I get that it can feel like talking to a wall if no one responds! You always have really great posts that I can tell you put a lot of thought into and its nice to have people respond. As you can see, we all love you! I think to a lot of people, you are filling thr void that Kendi sort of left -really awesome outfits and great wit! (not to mention you are so sweet, I say this about no blogger ever but I enjoy it when you talk about your kids. Your love for them really comes across and you do this great job of balancing how hard toddlers can be but you never come across as anything but loving. It sounds totally strange typing it out but you come across as such a sweet mom and it’s nice to read.)

        • Oof, that made me even more emotional!

          You know, it’s hard sometimes knowing where to draw the line in terms of writing about my kids. Obviously, I’m a mom and my kids are a big part of my life. And I also happen to think that they’re the cutest and brightest, etc. So I want to talk about them all the time … but I have to remember to be respectful of their right to privacy. And of the fact that not everyone who reads here cares about my kids’ bon mots or developmental milestones. Hopefully, I’m hitting the right balance with all that.

          • Heh, I guess I’m going to comment a bit today but you just said everything far better than I could. I feel the same about my kids but I also feel really uncomfortable talking about them on the blog because they do have a right to privacy and that’s a really hard thing to balance. However,I think you nail it and in 15 years when your kids read your blog,they’ll see nothing but how much you love them and it’s really awesome to see that in a blog, especially with all of the “mommy” blogs out there that just leave the reader really sad for the kids.( sorry, I have all of the feelings when it comes to kids as content on blogs and how you treat yours has always struck me as a rarity on the internet and I feel like you deserve kudos for it.).

49. Hi Adina, I’ve been following you on feedly, for around a year or so I guess? I’m thinking i found you through Franish, or maybe Adrien. I try out lots of different bloggers and don’t stick with all of them that’s for sure. The reason why you’re still on the list? I love, love, love your humor. Please don’t ever take fashion as seriously as so many of those other super-bloggers. We get a glimpse into your life and all the crazy stuff that happens and it’s refreshing. I like that you mix vintage stuff in, a reminder that we need to incorporate the stuff we already have and not just run out and buy whatever the latest item is that’s being promoted. The fact that you are Canadian is a huge plus for me, I’m near Vancouver, and I figure, for the most part, if you can find something interesting I can too! You’re work outfits aren’t quite as relatable for me since my work is so casual, but I love dresses, especially printed ones so I find those choices inspiring, and those I can wear to church. Anyways, part of me wonders, is it your love of vintage that prevents sponsors from reaching out? Maybe they don’t think you’ll promote their product as much as those who just buy new. Anyways, I just want to encourage you, you are definitely one of my favorite bloggers, I always look forward to your posts.

    • Thank you so much for your support – today and in the past! Fellow Canadian *high five*

      Honestly, I’m not too concerned with getting sponsors. Which is why it’s a little silly for me to worry about traffic stats and all that, since I have nobody to impress with it. I think I get hung up on it just as a measure of how well my blog is liked, I guess.

50. There are so few blogs out there focusing on work appropriate clothing for real people so I was really glad to stumble upon yours. There are thousands of blogs about women working in fashion, constantly going to cocktail parties and “events” but most of us don’t have that kind of lifestyle and won’t be wearing those kinds of clothes. Since I’ve just started working in a conservative corporate environment, I find inspiration from your blog and I enjoy reading about how you go about creating a good working wardrobe. I never really comment on blogs but just wanted to say that I think yours is great and I like your style 🙂

    • Thank you! I have been truly overwhelmed by the response today, and it does mean so much that everyone is taking the time to comment, even if they don’t usually do it.

      I share a lot of the same frustrations as you about blogs that seem to reflect a lifestyle that’s completely unfamiliar to me. I get my dose of celebrity lifestyles in the tabloids and on TV, and I prefer blogs that give a glimpse of real life for the average person (like me). I always figured that I wasn’t the only person to feel this way, but it’s honestly hard to tell these days judging by what’s popular in the blogosphere.

51. Don’t go! I seldom comment on any blogs, but you’re one of my favorites because you seem so genuine and like someone I would actually want to hang out with. That’s something a lot of bloggers seem to lose when they “go big”. I think you do the perfect combination of fun/age-appropriate/professional work clothing. And you have a great balance of work/personal that I really appreciate in a blogger.

    • Thank you! Being relatable is important to me, so I’m glad that is coming across. I would actually love to have a big get-together with all the lovely ladies who read here, because you guys all seem like such a cool, fun bunch 😉

52. I recently discovered your blog and have been going through your archives trying to catch up on the last five years 🙂 I love that you have some kind of narrative in addition to your pictures. And I also love that your style feels very you and real (i.e. like you wear it in your everyday life, which I see that you do!). I enjoy your writing style and hope that maybe a little time off from the blog will be all you need to feel revitalized. Either way, I appreciate what you contribute to the blogging world 😀

    • Thank you! I am going to take some time to process all the comments on this post, and all my feelings and thoughts about them, and then we will see where this goes. But I really appreciate the words of encouragement and support.

53. I love your blog. You’re a very engaging writer (a natural), with a great sense of humour and a healthy and refreshing dose of honesty. I only subscribe to a select number of blogs and yours is one of them. Most of your readers are anonymous but I think you’d be surprised at who actually reads your blog – my guess is you have a pretty powerful audience (despite the “numbers”) and you can be proud of that.

    • You know what? You are so right. I guess I just needed a kick in the pants to realize that. My husband said something to that effect last night when I was talking to him about this post, but I just brushed him off. He may be wiser than I know 😉
      Thank you so much for your kind words!

54. I am a newer reader–found you on a SOMI thread on GOMI–and I really enjoy your posts! I love that you wear things I can afford, talk about how to put things together, and what works well in terms of fit and wearability. You always point things out that I don’t think of — like how a cool element of a piece disappears when paired with a sweater or tights. I am learning so much!

    • That’s great to hear! I’m sometimes self-conscious about sounding like a know-it-all or something (and we know I’m still figuring things out all the time), but if I can help anyone get inspired – yes!
      Thank you, and I hope you will keep reading 🙂

55. Hi! I read in Feedly and seldom comment. I found you through GOMI. I’m 27 years old and work in a casual setting, but I was in a rut of being toooo casual (skinny jeans + boots + oversize hoodie) and needed a kick in the butt to dress more professionally and put together (I definitely feel its effect on my productivity too). Enter BCRL! I love that your outfits are simple, wearable, not fast fashion/too trendy, and not all high end pieces either. I am a lover of dresses so I like to see how you style the same dress a few times in a month, but not in a contrived 30×30 kinda way. I love your approachable beauty sense too–I have a pretty minimalist beauty routine but I am often inspired by your lipsticks and nail color to pull an outfit together.

    As for the blog itself, your photographs are appealing and I’ve always enjoyed your storytelling–a good mix of personal, work, and style talk.

    Oh! In general, blog deal breakers for me are when people affiliate link the hell out of everything (or even just a little bit and don’t disclose). I get the frustration you’re feeling, but as a reader I (selfishly?) fear the day when my favorite bloggers “go big” and start heading this route.

    Adina, you are my favorite fashion blogger, and one of the few that I get excited to see a new post pop up in Feedly–and I always save it for last 🙂

    • I know that people hate when bloggers go big, so I totally get what you’re saying (it’s happened to a few blogs I follow), but don’t worry – I have no desire to go down that route, or any realistic chance of getting there, LOL! I was feeling like I was missing an audience, and clearly, if the response to this post is anything to go by, that is not the case. And it’s been wonderful to realize that.
      Thank you 🙂

56. I love your blog and the fact the you wear real clothes for a real life. You read and blog about it! I look forward to all of your postings. Keep up the good work.

    • Thank you 🙂 I really appreciate the kind words and encouragement.

57. I liked your posts on outfit breakdowns and the prices then how much you saved versus the expensive one. I’d also like tips on consignment shopping and just seeing what you bought is a ton of fun. I also like your outfit posts and your witty writing.

    • Thank you so much for your support! I’ve learned so much from your example over the years, and I certainly love that you’re doing more and more style-related posts these days. Yay for that!
      Also, those are good suggestions, I’m definitely taking notes over here.

58. Oh my! I just found you a couple of months ago through Franish (one of the only other bloggers I truly adore) and this post just tugged at my heartstrings! I haven’t read any of the other comments, so this will just be my own personal reasons for why I keep coming back:

    1) Your honesty (about fashion, your job, balancing family/work, and more) comes across so well. You are completely genuine about who you are.
    2) You are Canadian, so you get the struggles of NOT wanting to pay duty or crazy shipping charges when buying clothes… I really appreciate this because I get alllll the feels looking at US blogs and not wanting to pay for those charges, ha ha. You shop where I shop in a lot of cases 🙂
    3) You are transparent about clothes budgeting. It gives me ideas as to what I should be looking for (what is a good deal, what’s worth holding out for)
    4) You have red hair just like mine and you always look so beautiful (but not photoshopped or overly made up)
    5) Your writing is impeccable, easy to read and again, genuine. I feel like we are having a conversation
    6) You don’t do affiliate links, wear one thing and never wear it again (or if you do, you acknowledge it!), or wear things just because they were c/o’ed
    7) You are one of the few people who pulls of a real “workwear” fashion blog. I literally cannot find anyone else I appreciate more. (Neither can GOMI.)
    8) You are 100% unique in this weird “fashion” blogging universe. You are just YOU.

    This is the longest blog comment I have ever left so now I feel weird. But know that your voice is so, so so so appreciated Adina. I hope you have a great weekend!

    • I may or may be tearing up at this point. Seriously, your comment is so, so sweet. I’m going to have to go back and read everyone’s comments again later, when I’m less emotional, but know that you all have made me feel really appreciated. I can’t really thank you enough.

59. I will add another comment to the 93 (HOLY CHRIST) comments above but girl, your blog is the one blog I click on every time there is a post. I can’t really explain why – maybe I just like looking at your pretty face, or because there are so few blogs out there who actually blog about the clothes they were, or because your excitement about pretty clothes is addicting, but I would be so sad if you stopped.

    I don’t know how to help the feelings you are feeling, and I wish I could make your blog blow up, because you deserve more recognition that just about any other blog, but I have no real advice other than…pleeeeeeasssseeeee don’t go! please?

    • You know I love you, girl, and your support has meant the world to me – because I think you are a wonderful example of blogging with integrity and compassion. So, thank you, again!

60. I found your blog through GOMI a while ago and I love it! I read it every day. You are the one who convinced me that there can be some great stuff on ebay (my husband was not as pleased with this realization as I was lol). I love seeing your work-appropriate outfits and I as I have kids around the same ages as yours I like seeing what you wear on the weekends to play. If you stay I promise to comment more!

    • Haha! Please apologize to your husband for me 😉
      Also, please don’t feel obliged to comment if you don’t feel like it, although of course, I would be really happy if you did again. It really does make such a big difference to a “small time” blogger like me.

61. Hi Adina! I love so many things about your blog, I follow so many but yours is one of the only ones that I ALWAYS read. I think it is because you write with a personal voice, not a distant 3rd person voice. Also, I look for personal wardrobe and styling ideas when I read blogs and I find them here frequently. It doesn’t hurt that you sometimes sell some of your great finds either 😉

62. I’m bummed out that you’re feeling this way! For me, you are the complete package. You are gorgeous, you have killer TRUE OFFICE style for people with ACTUAL JOBS, and you are funny as hell.

    Since you asked for suggestions, I have something to offer … Would you consider stepping up your photography game? Maybe hiring a professional photographer, or figuring out a way to improve the quality of your photos with a tripod and a better background? Truly, I think the photos are the only thing separating you from the blogging Big Leagues. And I should qualify that I don’t think your current photos are bad, per se, but they aren’t exactly Pin-able. Ahh, I hope that doesn’t sound bitchy. I want you to succeed so I thought I’d throw it out there.

63. I found your blog recently and have been coming back almost everyday to look at your work outfits. I like to take chances with color and pattern in my work outfits and you have given me some great ideas!

64. I’m a lurker, not a commenter, but since you asked…

    1) I have to echo Reese: I like that you’re Canadian (and in Edmonton, no less! You understand what it’s like to not be able to wear sandals year-round! You take pictures in the snow! You wear a jacket!).

    2) I like that you thrift. I don’t have the patience for it, but think it’s vitally important, especially from an environmental standpoint. I need to follow your example and buy fewer new clothes. You show just how possible it is to thrift and look good while doing it.

    3) Your photos are nicely sized, and there’s not 10 for each post. I hate blogs with overly-styled images, and an excessive number of them at that. It seems to be an exercise in narcissism more than an attempt to have a dialogue about clothing and style.

    4) You have good content. You write interesting things that I want to read.

    5) Although we don’t necessarily share the same style or aesthetic sensibilities, I appreciate that you’re willing to assess what works and what doesn’t. I like that you seem to approach this blog as part of a journey, complete with ups and downs. I can learn far more from talking about why something didn’t work than from over-exuberant and relentlessly positive comments.

    6) I don’t think bloggers should be penalized for wanting to monetize their blogs. I like, however, that you seem to be motivated by a genuine interest in style, and not by selling more stuff (even if it is good stuff, or stuff you support). And your style is accessible. For-profit blogs seem too much like catalogues to me. I really like looking at clothing catalogues, but what I like more is seeing how the ideas they contain can be translated into “real” life.

    I do hope you’ll stay!

65. Holy shit girl you wanted more comments! 109?! Ha ha ok so you’ve replied to some but even so, awesome engagement right there.

    Not often I see so many genuine comments on a blog rather than “great shoes” and a blog link. So don’t worry about those other bloggers who spend loads of money, wear all the things and gets loads of inane commdnts. Those blogs will hopefully die on their ass whilst blogs like yours thrive.

    I see your blog come up all the time on GOMI workwear thread & I’ve mentioned it on mumsnet in the past so any UK readers you can thsnk me, mmmkay?! 😉

    For me you don’t need to change anything (helpful). I do wonder sometimes in Insta has killed blog engagement as why read and comment on a post if you’ve seen the OOtD on Insta, liked it & moved on.

    Anyway felix is screaming so I gave up go but chin up!xxxx

    • Gah! I meant to reply sooner, and somehow missed. Thank you so much for your support, Lou! I think you are a fantastic blogger (and mum) and I’m so glad we got to connect through this crazy hobby of ours 😉

      I think you are right about Instagram. I’m seriously wondering if I can make it any easier for people to communicate on the blog -the way people can on Insta or Twitter or Facebook. Worth a try anyway.

      In any case, I’m stoked to see that people do read, and are engaged, even if I don’t always realize it. Because I guess I’m a numpty (to borrow a phrase from someone I know ;))

66. Spelling errors agogo…sorry!

67. I’ve only recently found your blog and I love it. I too also never commented before but I really do enjoy reading your blog. What I like is that it’s “real”. I am not really into fashion blogs that do editorial style photo shoots…if I want that, I’d just go grab a magazine! I like that you mix high and low really well and that the outfits are totally age and office appropriate. What I find refreshing about your blog is the fact that you talk about the process of putting your outfits together and what you think works and doesn’t work. Too many fashion bloggers portray themselves as people who just throws on any outfit and look fabulous when we all know they spent hours planning outfits. Like some of the other people mentioned, you do criticize your own appearance quite a bit. I am not sure if that’s a new thing or it’s always been the case on your blog but you’re gorgeous and stylish so…embrace it! I hope you continue with blogging 🙂

68. I have to add one more thing! I like that your photos aren’t overly posed – you’re not walking down the street pretending it’s totally normal to disrupt the flow of traffic or having your husband take photos of you giggling on the sidewalk while looking into a cupcake shop. I think it’s important that you know how much I value that.

    • I second this! I recently shared your blog with a friend, because it’s my favorite. One of the things I said was, “I love that this picture is in front of a garage door and has snow in it!” As others have said, you’re real and relatable. I wouldn’t stop reading if you hired a professional photographer, but I’ve never thought you needed one.

      I would also echo that I love the fact that your style and the outfits you put together are somehow equally aspirational and attainable – things that I wouldn’t have thought to try, but that I can try and still feel like myself. I love the monthly posts so I can get ideas for different ways to wear the same pieces, and to compare my favorites to yours.

      I don’t have the same concerns others do about your self-deprecating humor. I crack up when you post a photo with a funny look and make fun of yourself. Maybe there’s a balance to strike there.

      • Hahahaha!! Honestly, that garage door is the best thing that ever happened to this blog 😉

        Thank you so much for the kind words, and for sharing the blog! That’s the best kind of compliment, isn’t it?

69. Hi Adina,

    I’m sorry you’ve been feeling this way about BCRL. There absolutely IS purpose to your blog! Just the other day I was describing BCRL to a classmate (I am a student in Administration changing my career at age 40) and she asked me, “Is she real? She sounds too good to be true!” I have been recommending BCRL to other classmates who are stressing over finding their look to enter the office world in just over a month.

    A big reason (or a few) I was drawn to BCRL was because it’s relatable. 1) You are within my age demographic (I AM at the upper end of the range…) and so I see you as a peer. 2) You live in the same city as I do, so I know you’ll not be recommending things that can only be worn in the balmy climate of California or somewhere else just as dissimilar. 3) You’re a professional woman who seems to be balancing work and family and friends and still has enough left over to share it with readers.

    Feel whatever you need to feel about the blog, it’s YOURS for crying out loud, you’re entitled to feelings about it! You may not be writing it for yourself, but at the end of the day “yourself” has to factor into the decision.

    I look forward to reading (and seeing) more from BCRL if it’s meant to continue. Know that you have people in your corner who enjoy what you do. Thank you, Adina.

    Warm regards,
    Rhonda Galley

70. I think in a similar way to a few other comments, I really love seeing your work wardrobe, as I think it is very easy to end up in a boring uniform. You, however, look amazing! I really hope you do keep blogging, but you definitely need to find a way to feel fulfilled by it. I think you have said before you do not want to run it for commercial gain, so it has to come from the community of readers/other bloggers, I guess. Good luck!

71. I just adore your blog. I’ve only been a reader for a few months but yours is a blog I go to daily. I love your wit and maybe I am the only one, but I “get” when you talk about your body shape! I have the same thoughts when looking in the mirror. You have a woman’s body and I love that but you still have the struggles we all have when we look in the mirror. You look fabulous, but it’s nice to know you’re “real” I love that you’re not all crazy artsy with perfection because I am not artsy and am not aiming for that perfect look. One thing I want are links to some of the things you pick up! Please keep blogging, you’re the blogger I’d want to be if I could get the gumption to blog, ha!

72. I found your blog a couple of weeks ago and promptly spent 3 hours reading through all your archives. I am tired of the fashion bloggers out there which is why I find you refreshing. I don’t even mind their costs but their outfits are often designed to be sensational and not really for beauty or creativity or even practicality. I love your blog. I don’t often have anything to say particularly so I don’t comment. But if you could figure out a way to have a Like button for each post I bet you would see the hundreds of readers who love what you do.

73. I love your blog because you show what you wear for real life. You have to get up in the morning and go to work, you have two children, your blog is not just “fantasy” outfits. Plus, I love following your style evolution.
    And, last but not least, you write smart things in english. I may sound snob, but I never read a misspelling that madre me cringe, which sounds obvious but is not.
    Please keep doing your thing. I love it!

74. I am always excited when you have a new post (and have even come to miss you during this week-long absence! I kept thinking…”But what is she WEARING?”). I think the reason I love your blog so much is because you are REAL, and I mean that in the best of ways. You’re genuine. Your wardrobe is attainable. You show how fun it can be to get dressed for our real, sometimes unglamorous, lives of heading in to the office but still trying to look great and professional! Aside from the fashion and picures, your words are witty and fun and so enjoyable to read.

    Many of the fashion blogs with thousands of religious followers display magazine-worthy photography, clothing and accessories with prices tags that triple a month’s mortgage, and women that appear to have walked straight off of the runway. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it isn’t you. So what? It isn’t us, either! Keep doing what you’re doing and just BE YOU. Because you are pretty damn fabulous!

    • Thank you, thank you, thank you!

      I have been feeling pretty down in the dumps about the blog all week, debating what to do, and I was actually not going to write anything at all at first. Then I decided that I might as well put my big girl pants on and tackle the whole thing head on. And I’m so glad I did! I’m learning a lot about all of you, and I think it’s giving me a renewed sense of excitement about writing and, yes, blogging.

75. Hello! I never really comment on blogs. I guess it never even occurred to me that people wanted comments, though when I think about it, of course people do. Anyway! I think I’ve been reading your blog for somewhere between 6 months and a year. Your blog is great, like everyone above me has said, because it’s actually what you wear every day, and your clothes are both professional and stylish. I only actually regularly follow blogs like this (Nine-Thirty to Five, Franish, Looks Good from the Back, etc.) with some grad school ladies thrown in there (twenty-something simple, dress like an engineer). Right now I have a job at a university, so I dress somewhere in between grad student and actual professional person. For me this means that most of your looks are a bit fancier than what would be normal for me to wear to work, but I like admiring them anyway, and mostly use your outfits for color-related inspiration.

    I haven’t read through your archives, so I don’t know if you have any “how-to thrift” posts, or even “how to find awesome things at places like winners” posts, but I would find that pretty helpful. If you have posts like these, you should add them to the side-bar or something!

    I also wanted to piggyback on what some other commenters mentioned about self-deprecating talk about your appearance. Obviously you have a right to feel however you want, but as a reader it really sucks (and weirdly, hurts?) to see someone who is extremely beautiful and slim to get down on their appearance, even over dumb things like hair or a facial expression. I honestly don’t even think you do it very often, but for whatever reason, it made an impression on me. I guess that is probably a lesson for me to not make self-deprecating comments about myself to other people…

    On a related note, I would like to know how you do your hair, because it is glorious.

    • Thank you!!

      With respect to the self-deprecating comments, I think this was a good wake-up call. I thought I was doing better with it (after an email from another reader a while back – whoever you are, I promise I’ve been listening!), but I’m going to be more vigilant in the future. As I mentioned in another comment, it is NEVER my intent to make someone feel “less than”, and my comments are always a reflection of my own insecurities rather than any judgment of others.

      I’m keeping track of the suggestions people have for topics, and I will definitely add yours. I’m pretty sure I’ve done posts of that nature before, but your suggestion about the sidebar menu is genius – will have my IT intern (AKA husband) look into it.

76. Everything I wanted to say has already been said…but it bears repeating. You keep it REAL. I only found your blog a few days ago (also from the GOMI workwear thread), so I’m really enjoying reading through your archives. (213 pages left to go!)

    I know how much it means to get this kind of overwhelming feedback when you’re having doubts about what you’re doing, so here’s me de-lurking to say that your blog is both wonderful and appreciated! 😉

    • It does mean the world! It has been overwhelming (in the best way), and although I’m struggling to respond to everything (and everyone here deserves a response), I am so appreciative of it.

      Hope you enjoy the archives 😉 Thank you!!

77. I’ve been reading for about a year now, and you are in my top three all time favorite blogs – Wardrobe Oxygen, Looks Good from the Back, and Blue Collar Red Lipstick. The thing I like about all three blogs is how funny and relatable you all are while still providing great advice and inspiration on what to wear. I’m about ten years older than you, but I still find a lot of ideas to try from your work outfits. I have also really enjoyed your new black and white/ no floral thing. It’s fun to watch you try new things and talk about what works and doesn’t.

    Not to make the conversation all the more complicated, but I don’t mind your self-deprecating stuff at all. I also don’t mind you writing about not feeling your best where you are regardless of what size you’re wearing. Maybe that is because I relate to it all so much because that’s how I handle things, and maybe I shouldn’t do it either, but I find when people admit that something bothers them it makes them more relatable. I think sharing how you really feel is never a bad thing. And it’s not like you are spending all your time lamenting any of it – you make an occasional funny comment about it all, and for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t change a thing.

    • Thank you 🙂

      I guess it’s all a matter of tone, and perspective. My thing is that, with respect to body/size issues in particular, I would never want someone else to be hurt by something I say in that regard. I know that this is an especially difficult topic for some people, as it used to be for me. So if that means that I self-censor some of my thoughts (which are probably not that productive anyway) so that this remains a body-positive space, I’m ok with that. I don’t believe in self-censorship on other topics, but this one … it’s ok.

78. Hi Adina,

    I found your blog a couple of months ago and have been a faithful reader since (even going back through the archives). I read waaaayyyyy too many fashion blogs, and this is the very first comment I have ever left on any of them! I think your blog is my favorite because of it’s so relatable. I work in academia, so I like the focus on work-appropriate outfits that aren’t super formal. Also, I live in the upper midwest, so I appreciate seeing winter-wearable outfits in winter. It seems like many fashion bloggers are based in sunnier locations, and seeing bare legs in February is depressing. As a bonus, I think we may have very similar aesthetics (and wardrobe budgets), so I think your outfits reflect my own personal style more than many other bloggers’ looks do.

    What I think I like best, though, is your writing style and the critical eye you bring to outfits. I don’t mean the self-deprecation, but the “here’s why this look worked, but why I think this one was less successful” type of critique (seen mostly in the end-of-month recaps, but also a bit in the “which shoe color is better with this skirt” type of entries).

    I sure hope you decide to keep blogging, because I love reading BCRL!

    • Oh my gosh! There’s some real comedy gold in those archives 😉 But thank you so much for reading – that is the best compliment any writer could hope for.

      One of the things people seem to really enjoy are the outfit critiques, which I’ve duly noted. But, I wonder if that’s not a fine line? A reader emailed me a while ago and mentioned a few concerns she had with the direction/tone of some of my posts (being overly critical of outfits, and the whole self-deprecating thing), so now I sometimes shy away from doing some of that critique just because I don’t want people to feel bad if they like an outfit and I don’t. Anyway, lots of food for thought.

      • Yes, I can see the fine line. I have no problem criticizing my own style choices, but would *never* negatively comment on someone else’s. Putting pictures up on a blog allows another person to try on that outfit mentally, and critiques may be construed as a criticism of a reader’s opinion. I think reading other bloggers’ critiques helps me bring a more discerning eye to my own choices, so I still love them but I can see the other side too. I just always try to remember that it’s not me, it’s the clothes that aren’t working!

        • That is my perspective as well, but it was a good reminder that, in writing this blog and inviting people to engage with it, I have to be mindful that mine is not the only perspective out there. And, there is a fine line also between being respectful of readers’ own sensibilities, and feeling constrained in expressing my own views. But having dialogue around all these issues is fantastic!

79. No! I JUST found you last week, you can’t leave! You are what Kendi of Kendi Everyday used to be for me – relatable but still aspirational. (Her outfits are too $$ and too disconnected from a normal workplace for me now.)

    • Hahaha! Well, I’m not making any promises but you guys are certainly very persuasive 😉

      Thank you!!

80. I also never comment on blogs, but I just have to say that I love yours! I found it fairly recently (via a thread about SOMI work-appropriate style blogs on GOMI), and it’s already become a daily read—there’s a dearth of style blogs that are actually of value to those of us who have professional jobs but still want to look cute at work, so there is definitely a need for this one. I can imagine that, even though the blog is your hobby, it’s something that you put a lot of time and energy into and it must be frustrating not to feel like all that work is worth it when you’re not seeing the growth that you’d like to see. But the thing about the big fashion bloggers is that, while they have beautiful clothes and beautiful blogs, none of it is real. They’re not people, just personas, with carefully crafted online identities. Those can be fun to look at, in the same way that reading an issue of Vogue is fun to look at—it’s all fantasy, I can’t afford anything in it, and I wouldn’t have any place to wear it even if I could…but isn’t it all so pretty?

    What I appreciate about your blog is that it’s NOT like those blogs: it’s not just 12 photos of you in the middle of the street wearing something extravagant that you only had on for the 20 minutes it took to take photos. Your outfit of the day actually is what you wore, and I can get ideas from it for how I can make my own work wardrobe better. A lot of the smaller style bloggers aren’t terribly interesting, IMHO, but you have good style and do a great job of showing it within the confines of your budget and your office dress code—believe it or not, that is really difficult for a lot of people! And I love that your blog feels like a conversation: you genuinely love clothes and shopping and personal style, and you like talking about it with us, not just putting up photos followed by nothing but a bunch of affiliate links. Plus you know how to spell and you’re not a smug asshat (or if you are, you hide it really, really well), so reading what you have to say is actually enjoyable.

    Personally, it also helps that you’re the only style blogger I’ve found who as the same hair color and skin tone as me, and I love seeing the colors (both clothing and makeup) that you make work on you!

    Please, keep it up!

    • Hahahaha! You cracked me up with the smug asshat comment. I HOPE I’m not one! Sometimes, I wonder about how I’m coming across. What can I say: neurotic, table for 1 over here 😉

      There are SO many blogs out there (good and bad), and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. I want engaged, smart, funny, awesome readers and I should really be better at remembering that that is more important than a bunch of numbers. Maybe I’m not failing as much as I thought I was 🙂

      Thank you!

    • A.J. you hit the nail on the head! Also three cheers for redheads!

      Adina, I love seeing how you work colours in clothing and makeup, and it gives me confidence to try things out myself.

81. I am not a style blogger but I have a few blogs I follow religiously and yours is one of them! You are funny and smart and you are a professional on a budget and you dress incredibly well and although your style is changing some in recent posts, I also have an undying love for all floral print and I always look forward to seeing how you wear your clothes and how your budget breaks down each month. Please don’t leave!

    -signed a daily silent reader and who would miss your posts greatly.

    • Aww, thank you! I really appreciate that you spoke up this time 🙂

      P.S. The floral love will never die. It lives on … on the weekends.

82. I read your blog because you are smart, analytical, and aren’t afraid to apply those qualities to the somewhat frivolous topic of fashion. I love the budget posts and cost per wear analyses. And your book posts are great. Don’t change a thing and please don’t go away. You could post less if that was more feasible for you.

    • So, another vote for the wardrobe stats posts? I’m not the only math nerd here? Yessss!

      Seriously, though, thank you!

83. Hi Adina, I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now after finding it through another blog and I really enjoy your posts. You’re witty and snarky and I feel like we’d be work friends! I am a few years younger than you and I enjoy reading your current and archived posts to see how you’ve handled various transitions with grace and humor. I hope to replicate those transitions someday! I’ve also enjoyed watching your style transition and how you’re trying to define your personal style. I’ve been asking myself similar questions and I enjoy seeing your thought process play out in your posts. You’re one of the few blogs I check daily and I hope you find ways to make blogging fun for you again. Thank you for putting your time and energy into something that’s become a bright spot of my day. I love your makeup posts and I find myself running out to find what you’ve tried to see if it will work for me. Have a great weekend!

    • Thank you so much! Having gone through all those transitions feeling anything but graceful (or good-humoured, at times), that was a nice thing to hear.

      And, hey, I hope some of my make-up recc’s worked for you. I had a bunch more this winter that I kept forgetting to write about, and now it’s spring … and I guess they’ll have to wait another year, LOL! Not always on top of things, over here. But I really appreciate your support, and hope you’ll keep reading.

84. So without scrolling through all of the comments (amazing!) I will add in my few cents. Your blog is the one that introduced me to fashion blogging in general, and I would be so sad were it to disappear from the internets.

    Now I read a lot of fashion blogs. Some I read one time. Some I continue to read. What is the same about the ones I continue to read? Relatability is the key factor I think. If I can’t relate to the writer in some way, then I’m not going to continue to read. But if I can relate to you in some way – like fashion sense, geographical location, budget, etc., then that’s good. Also, I enjoy that your blog is a realistic work at what people actually wear to work – and in a cold climate! It’s realistic – how can I be fashionable yet still professional in an environment where it snows on the first day of spring. I like a blog to teach me something – why did you put this outfit together? What can I learn from this to apply to my own life?

    I dislike blogs that just have lots of photos but no instructions. I dislike blogs that try to tell me that 4 inch heels and a pair of shorts are appropriate workwear in December.

    I think just the volume of comments shows that your blog is fulfilling a niche in the blogging world! Keep blogging!

    • Laura, you’ve been my cheerleader from the very start of this blog, and I am so honoured by that. Thank you for all the support (and putting up with my periodic threats to quit) all these years!!

85. Hi Adina – I don’t recall how I came across your blog a few weeks ago, but have been checking in daily for new posts ever since. I’m not one to comment on blogs I read, but wanted to let you know that I really enjoy your blog. I had binge skimmed all of your posts and really appreciate the way you write and your approach to fashion. Other bloggers seem to always buy and wear new things. You seem more relatable in what you wear. I enjoy seeing you wear the same things multiple times. I loved your blog even more when I came across your post about why you don’t use affiliate links and you don’t have sponsored posts. Fashion or “lifestyle” bloggers that I have read in the past have become unrelatable and too “polished”, if that makes sense, that they become off putting to really read.

    I like reading about your thinking in why you buy an item or why you don’t, in particular your reasons pertaining to a price being too high or that you wouldn’t get enough wear out of it. It’s made me think about whether or not something is worth buying because in my current situation, I may not have a big need to wear certain items.

    I’ve also enjoyed reading about your thrifting finds. I’ve never tried thrift store shopping and you’ve made me curious about the treasures that can be found.

    Another reason I enjoy your blog is the fact that you’re Canadian. I don’t know why, but it’s refreshing. I’m from the US.

    I hope you do continue to post your outfits. If it helps, I think readers would still be interested in your blog even if you don’t write long posts.

    Please know that you have a new reader. I may not comment, but I do read your blog 🙂

    • Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, especially about the things you like to read about. Hearing readers’ feedback in that respect has been really interesting and eye-opening, and I am very grateful you took the time to do that. I know blog reading is probably on nobody’s list of priorities, much less commenting, LOL!
      I hope you’ll continue to follow along, even if it’s silently 😉

86. With over 167 comments on one post I think it’s safe to say you have a silent following. I rarely comment on blog posts simply because I feel as if it’s almost stalker-ish in a way. Who am I to say what’s good or bad about your outfit, life, etc when you and I do not have that personal connection.

    I found your blog originally through another blogger Franish. As a working mother who is almost 40 I don’t have the body, the money, or the time to look like many of the other bloggers who’s blogs are almost too perfect. I like you because your funny! While your daily outfits are outside what I am wearing (you work in an office and I work in the medical field) so it’s not always for the fashion aspect. Also finding another redhead in real world let alone real world is next to impossible!!
    If we weren’t in two different countries I would be shamelessly trying to hang out with you.

    • Hahaha! Well, we can still hang out – virtually, if nothing else. This is why I’ve always wanted to create a community here, because sometimes not all of us has an immediate community around of people who like all of the same things as us. The internet is great for connecting people all over the world (Australia, UK, Germany, Israel, and counting!) but not always great at creating an actual sense of camaraderie, so I am very honoured when people choose to do that here.

      As for comments, I get it. Sometimes, you might not have anything to say about an outfit, for example, apart from “that’s nice” (or “um, no” LOL!) and you might feel like actually saying that will add nothing to the discussion. I don’t want anyone to feel obliged to comment just because. But if you DO have a question, or a suggestion, or even some (constructive, hopefully) criticism, then you should definitely feel comfortable posting that. I hope, anyway 🙂

87. Wow. Lots of comments!
    I check in with your blog every day (in the UK), usually while on the train into work, and enjoy reading your witty and intelligent thoughts on work-appropriate outfits as well as the general challenges of being a working mum. I must admit I’ve never left a comment, not through lack of interest, but perhaps because I didn’t realise that was something you would appreciate or have time to read! I think I came across your blog through another work-outfit blogger, whatlouwore. I very much enjoy that your posts are focused on work outfits, and not the more prevalent and standard/repitive casual-style blogs. I started reading sometime last year, in the summer i think, after i returned to work after being on maternity leave. Having spent about a year in a uniform of comfy mummy Lycra I had a major stumbling block with what to wear to work, with my new, slightly bigger, curvier body. I was surprised by how much what I wore (or not knowing what to wear!) Impacted my confidence. I’ve got a lot of ideas from your blog and I particularly enjoy your end of month outfit photo roundup and your photo caption!

    Life is busy and I commend you for finding time to blog, and work. You are a great writer and perhaps the blog can give you an outlet to enjoy your creative writing skills, in a way that your work place cannot. I hope the comments above give you a boost and help you realise that you are a gifted and appreciated blogger.

    • Lou is so awesome – on the blog, and in real (internet) life.

      Adjusting to post-baby body (twice) was not always easy, especially the second time, so I relate to what you went through. I think it’s easy to under-estimate how much of an impact our clothes – and how we feel in them – has on our overall confidence, especially in the workplace after an absence (or on a new job, or after a career change, etc.). Maybe “armor” is too strong a word to describe the function that our clothes serve in those environments, but it’s not too far off. Anyway, thank you so much for the comment, and I will definitely think about the things your comment brings up.

    • Waving to Yorkshire Dales Lady! I miss Yorkshire, well Leeds, SO much! 🙂

88. I just found your blog recently, and it has become the first one I check each day, hoping for a new post. Your posts and outfits seem real and approachable, while still being interesting and stylish. I love that you haven’t gone down the path that so many bloggers seem to with posts full of affiliate links and outfits composed largely of “courtesy of” items, all topped off with some ridiculously overpriced purse. I also appreciate your comments on budget considerations and budget breakdowns. It makes your blog much more relatable for me and probably lots of others because, let’s face it, most of us have budget limitations. I love that you shop at Winners and look for bargains! Please don’t stop blogging!

    • Thank you! And welcome! Sorry, it’s been a little dramatic over here lately 😉

      I’m frantically taking notes on the things people like to read about, so thank you for your suggestions/input. I’m going to have a lot to think about, LOL!
      I really appreciate your sweet words – I hope you will keep reading!

89. Another silent lurker emerging! I found your blog a few months ago and worked through the archives. I am a similar age but have previously worked in much more casual environments but moving to more formal so I love reading for inspiration; I consider your style is what mine will be “when I grow up!”
    I really enjoy your writing style, daily(ish) outfit posts and your cost per wear type summaries!
    I tend to read your blog on my phone on my commute and the comments section is really hard to read on my phone because of the nesting comments which is why I never leave any, but I will try and do better at logging in on my computer at home in future!

    • Hello! Welcome! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂

      I also read a lot on my commute, so I definitely hear you on the PITA that is commenting on the go. As I’ve said in a few comments, I don’t want anyone to feel obliged to comment just because (or just to stroke my ego), but comments always mean a lot. I have to approve each one, which means I read each and every one, and I always get excited when I’m notified of a new comment.

90. Adina, I discovered your blog about five months ago through Gomi. While I’ve always loved clothes, I’ve never been into “fashion” so regular fashion blogs with a bazillion pictures, affiliate links, and lack of writing turn me off. What I adore about you is how you write. You are clever, thoughtful and a bit snarky. As everyone else said, you are real. That is a rare thing in this world, especially the online world where image is everything. Your writing style is “smart” and you don’t take yourself or fashion too seriously. My favorite posts are your “musings”. I’m forty-one and my kids are teens, but I know if we got together we could have a great conversation…and I’m an introvert and hate small talk, so this is no small thing.

    I’m a yoga instructor, so our work styles are miles apart, but I love a good deal and we both look for bargains on ebay. I really enjoy your casual weekend style and I discovered the AG “Stevie” from you. I went to Anthropologie to try them on and they fit over these curvy hips…yay! The price…not so yay! So the next day I thought I’d hit up a consignment shop just to see what they had…and guess what? The Stevie in my size in a lovely eggplant color for $39.00. I also found shorts that flatter my figure all due to you. Thanks to you I am stalking the JCrew Factory website for more printed stretch 5″ chinos.

    So I understand your desire for community. I have the exact same goal for my yoga students…creating something more than just showing up for class, but an environment where people feel safe and that they have something to offer. When I first began teaching my own insecurities made me hyper focused on how many people showed up. If it was a certain number then I was successful. If just a few showed up…then maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. Can i just say that the most community, the most connected I feel with my students is when just a couple of people show up. Those are the opportunities for real connection and where they allow themselves to vulnerable and real conversation and even tears are shed. I teach classes where the studio is packed now….but with more numbers mean less one-on-one time. And half the people will leave without me getting a chance to say goodbye…and I hate that. All this to say…you have created something special here. You answer every single comment. I rarely post on blogs, but when I do I’ve never had the blogger write back. They are too big, too popular, too busy. You have conversations with us. You make me feel like I have something to say…even though my wardrobe consists of yoga pants and tank tops. You have a perfect balance of being real, yet protecting your personal boundaries. And not once have I ever felt spoken down to.

    So whatever choice you make is yours, clearly. But your presence does make a difference.

    • Hi Kerry! I remember we talked about the J Crew shorts before – I’m so glad they (and the Stevies) worked out for you! And how awesome in consignment?

      So, with that said, I have to tell you that the rest of your comment, especially the part about community, really hit home for me. It’s precisely what I’ve been struggling with. Deep down, I know that to have the kind of community I would like, it won’t (can’t?) be a huge one because it’s impossible to foster that kind of personal connection with hundreds or thousands of people. But, on the other side, my insecurities get the best of me every so often. I allowed them to get out of control this time, I guess. As much as I kind of regret pouring it all out there on the blog (because it does feel vulnerable), it has provided an opportunity to have some eye-opening exchanges with people, and I appreciate that. So, I guess I’m saying that I hope good things will come from it. If nothing else, I do hope that you feel that I have listened to (and appreciate) your feedback.

      Thank you!

91. I found your blog about 6 months ago through Franish, and love it. I’m a professional woman looking for ways to dress stylishly but still appropriately. That is one reason I check your blog regularly. Mostly, I love your writing style and your humor. I love your self-deprecation too as that is one of the things that keep you “real” to me. Your “not so much of a Valentine’s Day” person post made me laugh out loud. i’m not into it either.
    Thank you for all the work you put into this blog! I’d miss you terribly, if you were to leave the blog world. I hope you stay, or at least come back after a break!

92. Hello Adina! I recently found your blog through work-appropriate attire and I read it from beggining until the end!
    I love your style and it really inspires me because your outfits are easy to copy and so beautiful at the same time!
    Hope you keep with it 🙂
    Xoxo
    P.s.: I’m sorry for any spelling mistakes, I’m brazilian

    • Thank you 🙂 And no worries, your English is far, far better than my Portuguese. I’m so excited to add Brazil to the BCRL “map”!

93. Hi there,

    i’m a quiet new reader, but really enjoy your blog. Why? I feel like I can relate to you and you depict real life fashion! Thrifting, bargains, some high end splurges, that’s what us everyday girls are balancing too! Sure, I love looking at the fancy blogs with high end beautiful clothing, but that’s not real life. You are, and you also add the commentary to go with it (sharing good things – I love this outfit, and the bad – I wasn’t feeling this today). We all have days like that but no one wants to share the negative stuff somtimes. You putting yourself out there makes us all feel like we are all on a similar journey together. So thank you 🙂

    • Thank you so much, Beth! If Kendi hadn’t already thought of it, I would definitely call this style for the everyday woman 😉 It’s good to hear that there is something here for everyone.

94. Met you since eons ago, when L was a little one. I get so much inspiration from you! I like the way you reason out what is worth to buy low and to buy high and it’s really sensible. All those talk we have in the comments, emails etc… I love it!

    • I remember when we met! It seems so long ago now – look at how much has changed. I hope we’ll run into one another again soon – distance be damned!

95. I have been reading your blog daily for the past few months now, but I don’t think I have ever commented, sorry! Yours is one of the handful of blogs I look forward to checking every day, and I admit feeling a little bit “aw, no new Adina outfit?” when I checked this week.
    I love your blog because unlike many bloggers who blog as their “job”, you actually have a demanding job (are you a lawyer? didn’t see if you said somewhere what you do) and are a mom, and you dress appropriately for your daily activities. Your outfits are cute and often include things I would want to wear. I love that you have what seems to be a pretty large wardrobe and haven’t jumped on the whole capsule wardrobe/minimalist bandwagon (although I do enjoy reading some of those kind of blogs, too), yet don’t encourage blind consumerism. I like your witty writing and the fact that you actually understand basic grammar, which is surprisingly difficult to find among bloggers. You are also very pretty in an approachable way! 🙂 So basically, the fashion blogging world needs you. 😉

    • Aww, that’s very sweet, thank you! I am a lawyer, which is why I try not to talk too much about my job; I actually didn’t mention it for a long time, but then it felt silly to talk about dressing professionally without providing any context whatsoever. And, yes, I do have a pretty large wardrobe, although I’m working on that 😉 Minimalism definitely speaks to me – clearly, though, not loudly enough to drown out the siren call of All the Pretty Things, LOL!

96. I’ve been reading the blog for six months. I’ve a professional woman, and I’m always trying to figure out how to balance my wardrobe between work and casual wear and between interesting pieces and classic business wear. And, of course, how to do it on a budget. It seems like you understand those conflicting points of view better than most of the bloggers out there, so I hope you keep providing that perspective for the rest of us!

    • Gosh, if you want to talk about conflicting (or even contradictory) POVs, you’ve come to the right place. Any time I talk about a style-related topic, I need about 5 hands to count all my points 😉
      Anyway, thank you for the feedback and, above all, for reading.

97. you know how i feel

    • love ya too 😉

98. I genuinely enjoy and appreciate the thoughtful posts about budget and your capsule wardrobe and how it suits your needs. And your great outfits and unique voice make your blog one of my favorites. Your posts don’t sound like a press release or ad campaign, and your straightforward photos of what you actually wore and what you liked about it. I don’t feel like I’m being sold anything and I don’t feel like you’re selling out for a bunch of freebies. If I wanted stylized editorial looks I would pick up a magazine. I really dig your style and the other stuff like your occasional book reviews and would genuinely miss you if this went away. That said, I know all about fun hobbies starting to feel like work (in my case, roller derby) and applaud you for taking a step back to evaluate where you’re at. Wish you the best!

    • Roller derby? Wow, that’s pretty badass.

      It’s not so much that blogging was feeling like work, just unrewarding. But a lot of it probably had to do with my expectations as well as insecurities. Hearing from all you guys (about what you like, and don’t like, and what you want to read) has been incredibly helpful. So, thank you 🙂

99. I really enjoy your blog and have just been an invisible reader up to now, so although I’m sure I’m just echoing comments above, I wanted to say hello.

    My favourite thing about your blog is your writing, because there’s a clarity and analytical aspect that comes through even on light subjects. I particularly like the recent times you have touched on changing your professional wardrobe, and would always enjoy more on that, but would be happiest reading whatever you actually want to write about. Your sense of aesthetics and your approach to shopping is always interesting too, and stands apart from so many other blogs.

    I guess the only thing I don’t love is when you’re harsh on yourself, but that’s just because you seem awesome. So, thank you, and I hope you find a way to keep doing this that sits well with you.

    • Aww, you are so sweet! I do tend to be hard on myself, but it’s how I roll; I just forget that it sometimes comes across poorly (or, potentially, hurtfully) to others. So I have to make more effort to remember that.

      I am very flattered that you (and others) have said that you enjoy my writing. I love writing, and starting blogging because of it (I had a writing-oriented blog before this one). But it takes time to craft a substantive post, as opposed to just dashing off a quick OOTD one, and time is something I have in only limited supply these days, sadly. But I still try, as much as I can, to put some effort into my writing.

100. I read every single one of your posts, but I do it through a Feed reader, so I rarely click over to comment (I know, it’s awful. I’m sorry)

     I used to comment on lots of blogs- I find that Twitter and/or Instagram convos have largely replaced my comment conversations. It seems more two-sided, somehow…you can mutually follow each other on Twitter/IG, and comment back and forth, whereas if you don’t have a blog, you can’t. You’re really good about replying to comments on your blog, but it’s like always going over to the same friend’s house to play- you always feel like a visitor.

     I absolutely love your sense of style, and it lets me see how the “other half” live- the people who not only work in an office, but who work in an office that isn’t business casual. And I am constantly jealous of your thrift/consignment finds. I’m just a few hours south of you, but it seems like any good brands you find in YEG are sold at near full price here, and the rest of the pickings are just H&M and Old Navy. I DO NOT get it. Clearly, the solution is to road trip up to Edmonton and shop there. And I don’t have NEARLY the luck/skill at trawling eBay as you do.

     I’m also jealous that you are friends with so many other bloggers I love- Fran, and Adrien, and Partypants. TOTES JELLY.

     • Come and visit, and we’ll go shopping together!! I love taking people to my fave consignment and thrift stores, and helping them find cool stuff. I seriously toyed with the idea of moonlighting as a personal shopper for a while, but that was BK (Before Kids), sigh …

       I adore Fran and Adrien, and it was seriously one of the highlights of my blogging “career” to get to “meet” them and have them comment on my blog. They are both super lovely ladies. I don’t actually know Partypants at all, save from GOMI and IG, although I would like to, because she seems like a seriously cool cat. I just want to put that out there, because I don’t want anyone to think I’m actually cooler than I really am 😉

101. I found you through Looks Good from the Back some time ago. I am definitely more of a lurker, although I’ll comment here and there.

     I appreciate your realness: the way you shop on a budget, the way you analyze what really works for you in your day to day life, your engaging writing style, et al.

     I am a stay at home mom to toddling twins and a pre-kindergartner in a hot and muggy climate so I pretty much live in shorts and no-frills tops. Thanks to LGFTB and you I now live in cute shorts and cute tops/blouses that have interesting prints/details, not just jorts and Old Navy tank tops. I have outfits that I can grab and know I’ll feel good in, even if I’m just hitting Target for the fifth time that week (or second time that day. *sigh*). Watching you refine your style as your sartorial needs change has helped me do the same.

     • Omg, you have my respect! Going through the toddlerhood years with one kid (and then another one) was a white knuckle ride – I can’t imagine what you’ve got to contend with. No judgment from me on ANYTHING you wear, jorts or not. And listen, when I was on mat leave, I used to hit the J. Crew Outlet ALL THE TIME because I got to know the girls there and I needed 15 minutes of adult interaction that badly, LOL!

       Thank you for reading!

102. I’ve been reading along for about a year but have been too shy to comment. I love your blog. I think I originally found you through Franish. I don’t think you put yourself down, so much as you have that self-deprecating, Canadian thing going on. I would know because I do it too and I’m from Vancouver. 🙂

     I enjoy your sense of humour and your style and your real-ness (probably not a word but I’m making it one). I work at a law firm, so it’s helpful to see someone post stylish workwear that isn’t ridiculously expensive. Oh, and I love your handbag and shoe collections. I seriously need to come to Edmonton to do some consignment/thrift shopping. Vancouver consigment/thrift stores pretty much suck.

     I wanted to thank you for recommending the Rimmel lipstick crayons. I bought two this week and love them. I’m in my forties and am finding that my lips are starting to lose some of their natural colour – oh the joys of getting older! I also grabbed the checked Sloan pants on clearance. I love them but I wanted to ask you if you dry clean them or if you machine wash them? I’ve read that a couple of other bloggers chuck them in the machine.

     Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks. Please keep blogging and I’ll keep reading. Maybe I’ll even stop being shy and post sometimes.

     • Oh please do! I love hearing from fellow Canadians, especially in the same profession – we can commiserate about the same things, like shipping fees from the US.

       I am probably a little bit OTT about the Rimmel crayons (I just bought a bazillion new colours), and I’m always thrilled to hear that I’ve converted another person. They are, seriously, the best bang for your buck when it comes to lip stuff. But it sounds like I’m preaching to the choir 😉

       As for the Sloans, I’ve run them through the wash (warm/cold cycle, not hot), and then air-dried them. I’m too chicken to try the dryer, at least so far. If they ever get really baggy, I will probably throw them in the dryer just for kicks. Let me know how it goes, if you try it!

       • I’m a mere IP assistant, nothing lofty or exciting. In my previously life, I was EA to the CEO of a large corporation. Due to some health issues and just general exhausion, I had to find something that wasn’t 24/7/365. The cut in pay was shocking but my new life has a much better balance. Having a 3 day weekend every week doesn’t suck either.

         Don’t get jealous but I live 30 minutes from the US. The border town of Blaine, WA is full of mail depots for Canadians. I chose the one next to the dairy. Cross border shopping and ice cream? Yes, please!

         Happy to hear I can keep those Sloans. I’m too spill-prone for dry clean only pants. I’ll wash them on delicate and hang them. I don’t want to lose any length.

         BTW, I was just admiring your living room. It’s lovely. Vancouver is gorgeous and all but I’m very jealous of Edmonton’s real estate prices. Our friends moved back to Regina. Their 3 bedroom house cost less and a condo here. If only I could deal with winter, I’d be all over that. But I’m a West Coast wuss.

         • Hey, that’s pretty cool! And having a good work-life balance is key.

           I am so totally jealous! I hate paying exorbitant shipping fees (and aren’t they all?) with the fire of a thousand suns. It’s the only thing keeping my eBay shopping in check. Which, um, is probably a good thing.

           And thank you! We just recently #adulted it, and it feels good to not be embarrassed by my living room anymore, LOL! Vancouver IS gorgeous, though. We visit as often as we can. My husband and I were THIS close to moving there after he finished his Masters, but in the end we chose to stick with Edmonton because of the cost of living. Houses here are not cheap, but they are at least feasible. But Van is still like a second home to us.

103. My friend Lou lead me to your blog and I’m glad I found it.
     After 5 years of blogging myself, I often wonder why I do it. My hits aren’t great but I have 6000 followers on twitter. Yet they don’t really engage with me that much.
     I do it for the opportunity it brings, the life enriching experiences but I also know that i need to comment on more blogs, engage with others to get the same in return
     Keep up the good work. Your blog is great
     http://www.ladympresents.co.uk

     • Thank you so much, and welcome!
       I think part of my angst has to do with the blog being almost 5, and me feeling like I should be “further ahead” by now. But it all depends on what you measure success by. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately, and the responses to this post have been very eye-opening in that regard.

104. Comment

105. I love your blog the way it is!! You are refreshingly honest, super stylish, and a fellow Canadian to boot. I follow a lot of blogs, but I especialy enjoy your self-awareness and humour, as well as the moments when you delve into other topics beyond fashion. You’re great!

     • Aww, thank you so much! I’m happy to hear that people don’t mind (or even enjoy) the non-style posts – I love occasionally talking about some of my other interests.

106. Like many of the readers here, I am also new to your blog. Honestly, in a sea of blogs that I would describe as aspirational/fantasy fashion, your blog is a breath of fresh air. Not only does your personality shine through in an honest, realistic way but the clothes you wear are at a price point that is attainable. I like seeing that your purchases are not c/o and that you save and spend like most women do. The outfits you put together are anchored by key pieces (that you actually rewear!) and show variety…like real life. Keep it up.

     • Thank you!

       With a few exceptions (bags, mostly), I think most of my purchases are fairly affordable, even for someone on an average budget – I may end up spending more overall than the average person, but only because I shop a fair bit. That was one of my original objectives too – to show people that quality CAN be affordable, if you know where to look. I hope I’ve converted a few people to consignment (and thrift) shopping 🙂

107. I came to your blog from Franish, I think, and I stayed because it felt refreshing and useful for me: a woman in my general age range working with a professional-but-suits-not-required dress code and without high-gloss photo spreads. I hope you don’t retire entirely or take an indefinite break!

     My fashion blog LIKES (many apply to you!): Current age and approximate size & height in an About/FAQ section — this really helps when thinking about how the clothes might or might not work for me. 1-4 photos per post. Blog search function or at least categories or tags. Close-up picture of any details that are singled out in the text. Personal life anecdotes. Work-appropriate attire for a business casual office. Clothing items are scene repeatedly like a real person dressing from an actual closet, with an occasional recap (“5 other times I wore this shirt”). Multiple bloggers share the blog, keeping up almost daily posts as a group while individuals are under less pressure (see: Nine-Thirty to Five and the late Academichic).

     My fashion blog DISLIKES: Tons of photos. Heavy sponsorship & c/o from expensive companies, especially items that show up once and are never seen again. Pictures of recommended items but the links aren’t store names and you have to click through to find out the source. Apologies for picture quality or weird facial expressions.

     • Thank you! Those are some good suggestions – I will definitely be thinking about the ones I don’t already do.

       Picture quality I feel like I occasionally apologize for because I don’t have professional shots, and sometimes things can be a little bit blurry – but if the outfit is cute, I still want to talk about it, LOL!

108. I have been following about a year…maybe? I was pretty excited that you are from my hometown but aside from that, and more importantly, you have style and smart honest writing! Very important blog qualities I look for.

     I was saw a thing on IG that said “being famous on IG is like being rich in Monopoly” so it could kind of translate to blogging as well. Why do you want more followers? Do you want to grow it into a business? Do you just want to be more “famous”? I am not accusing anything here, just throwing out some thoughts. Totally cool if you want more readers, it’s why some bloggers blog.

     And I agree with Xat (above) – we do not need a million pictures with a slight gesture change in one post. ha ha!

     I even hesitate to like pics on IG sometimes because I don’t want to receive those “like it” emails. I am still registered because occasionally I am interested in an item but sometimes a girl just wants to give another girl an “IG high five” in form of a like, you know? Okay, getting off topic.

     Please keep blogging, no pressure though 😉

     • For what it’s worth, I don’t have Like To Know It (or whatever it’s called) so you can always say Hi on IG 😉

       I think I want more followers because (a) every writer (aspiring or actual) wants an audience for their words, and (b) I want to connect with women with similar interests. I won’t lie, there is also an insecurity/competitive element there too, which is dumb because I really have no desire for my blog to be anything like those popular ones. Well, something for me to work on …

109. Wow, its like we are the same person!! 😉 I literally just posted something so similar to this on my blog last week, and was so flattered when a few readers piped up to say what my blog meant to them. And funny enough, the readers who commented on my post said to me just what I will say to you – its refreshing to read a blog that is by a real woman with a real life and a real job who wears real work wear. I love getting inspiration from women like you who look fabulous in their daily grind. You wear outfits that I could actually recreate and that I look forward to seeing everyday. At the end of the day, whether we have 4 readers or 4 million, what is nice is to feel like someone (even just one person!) was inspired or excited to see our outfit that we posted on the internet – which is in and of itself such a weird thing to do! 🙂 Keep on doing you!

     • high five, sister! I love your blog for the same reasons as well, and if it were up to me, everyone would be reading it. I was just starting to feel like I was in the minority as far as preferring real life style blogs – I guess maybe not 😉 Nine Thirty to Five has been getting lots of love in the comments here as well, so I hope you guys stick around too.

       P.S. I’m jealous that you get to blog with your bestie. It must be a blast!

110. I don’t ever really comment on blogs, but I faithfully read yours. I love your style and your writing! I like your blog so much better than those boring shopping blogs stuffed with affiliate links. I come for the (attainable) fashion and the content of your posts, even those not about fashion. I’m a lawyer, so I always like to read about balancing wanting to be fashionable yet taken seriously. It seems you may have a similar job, I would even like to read posts about your life and job and family (whatever you are comfortable sharing!). Long story short, love your blog and keep posting!

     • Thank you so much! Sometimes I would like to blog more about my personal life, but I want to be respectful of my family’s privacy, and my job is not very conducive to a lot of disclosure, LOL! But I understand what you are saying; some of my fave bloggers feel almost like friends, and I love hearing about their lives. There is a fine line between being open and relatable, and being a total internet trainwreck, haha!

       Anyway, I hope you will keep reading (and please feel free to say hello any time)!

111. I love you blog! I really like how introspective you are about your style – it gives me stuff to think about too! I find your blog very “real” and your personality really comes through. You’re not perfect – you buy stuff when you’re supposed to be on a budget. You stray from your new “boring” style.

     I do love reading your blog posts about redecorating and other style-adjacent things.

     Please keep blogging!

     • Hahaha! Girl, you know me too well. Yes, I have been known to buy stuff when I’m supposed to be on a budget 😉

       Thanks so much for your support over the years!

112. I just started reading your blog in the last month, and I am so glad I stumbled across it. I love seeing your budget-friendly, stylish work wardrobe. I also appreciate that I can scroll through each new post fairly quickly. While professionally photographed pictures can be fun to look at on occasion, I get tired of scrolling through other fashion blogs which are filled with 10+ shots of the blogger wearing the same outfit and posing coyly, looking over each of her shoulders and down at the ground. I love how practical your blog is and that you write honestly about your clothing decisions. Thank you for sharing a part of yourself with the blogging community, and keep it up! 🙂

     • Thank you!
       I totally hear you on the pictures thing – I hate scrolling through a huge wall of photos to get to the text, only to find that it consists of 2 lines. I will say that the whole looking-over-the-shoulder thing can be a perfect cover for a sunny day/squint fest so, um, I’m reserving judgment on that one 😉

113. I’ve been following your blog for ….. a little less than a year? I love your authentic, honest voice and that’s the reason I keep coming back. This is just a personal preference, but I like your outfit posts that are more casual/weekend wear better than the workwear ones (because its more like my own style). I really like all of your posts that are … what’s the word? Reoccuring? Columns?! Like the monthly budget round up. I would love to see more thrifting/consignment posts even if you don’t buy stuff (just the trying on or seeing what’s there element…..vicarious shopping). Thank you for all the work you put into this blog and all of the great content!!

     • Thank you for reading, and for the suggestions! I do try to mix in a few casual outfits every so often, and I’ll try to keep up a mix of things. I totally get you on the vicarious shopping – I love seeing what other people buy (or even try on) and what they think about it.

114. I am a fairly recent reader, but I do love your blog and it’s always in the top 5 that I check in my feedly. I like your personality and writing style the most; your voice comes through very well. I also like that you make eye contact with the camera and your outfits are real (not just put together for a post). Those are two things that I cannot stand that other fashion bloggers do, and the fact that you don’t do that is refreshing. I also like the monthly roundups and your budgeting–it inspires me to remix my wardrobe and stick to a budget. Stick with it! We’re out there enjoying your work!

     • That’s awesome to hear! Thank you for the words of encouragement 🙂

115. What I like about your blog are your business appropriate, yet female outfits. I’m almost finished studying and soon will be needing an office wardrobe. To see what you wear in daily life is a great inspiration. So keep showing your outfits and telling us how you create them.

     Some other blogs may have more followers because they show fancy outfits, that look great on a photo but you couldn’t wear them in daily life, at least not during work. Your blog is great because it’s real!
     Thanks

     • Thank you so much for the sweet comments! I’m getting the message that you guys like real life outfits loud and clear – and I’m so happy to hear it. I’m ok with not having the most followers – if this has taught me anything, it’s that the followers I have are all bomb awesome 🙂

116. This is wayyyyy overdue (I’m so behind on my blog reading because of work!) but I know I’d like to see you keep blogging because I really enjoy your blog! If it’s not working for you, then that’s what’s ultimately the most important, but the blogs I enjoy the most are the “smaller”, real-life ones like yours. I enjoy seeing a professional in my age bracket (with a shared love of florals!) that has a real life and real income that needs to go other places than shoes…I have no use for most “fashun” blogs because size-0 22 year olds who wear insane things that cost a million dollars because those things have no relevancy to my life. Seeing your recent transitions into a more conservative wardrobe and how great it looks have actually had me thinking about how to adultify my own style a little. I understand if you go, but I hope you stay!

     • Thank you so much for the kind words! Adultifying a wardrobe is hard when you love florals as much as we do but it has been an interesting (and, actually, satisfying) experience. I’m replacing my wild floral prints with fresh flowers – a nice trade-off, I think.