Recently, I was out one night enjoying a yummy spicy marg with friends, when the topic of social media and everyone's favorite platform; Instagram came up. I forget how this subject even got brought up, but then the attention got turned towards me and I was asked the question "seriously how many selfies do you have on your Instagram?"

I was a little taken aback when I was asked this. Partially because I honestly don't know the answer -- when I post something on Instagram, I just post it because I like it. There's no in-depth analysis going on of my selfie to non-selfie ratios. The other reason I was a little uncomfortable with this question was because I couldn't help but notice this person was implying I was narcissistic or vain in some sense, which made me further think...is blogging just a narcissistic outlet?

(con't below)

And the answer to that in my honest opinion is: HELL no. And before you think well of course I'm going to say no; I'm biased, hear me out. 

Yes, I post a lot of selfies. Yes, my whole Instagram/blog is mainly just photos of myself. But, as a blogger I am documenting my daily outfits, make-up, hair, jewelry, whatever that I want to post about that I think my readers and followers would enjoy. Sure, when I post a photo of myself I want to make sure I am represented in the best way possible as I take my blog seriously like any brand would. But it's not something done in vanity. I love fashion, beauty and styling and I get to best implement my favorite fashions and styles by showing examples of it on myself. If I was a home decor blogger, I would probably post photos of my home; if I was a food blogger, I would probably post photos of food I order or I make myself. 

Blogging is taking something personal and making creative content out of it. When I go to a shoot, I take a lot of time putting together outfits, coordinating accessories, and making sure I convey the look/mood I have envisioned. I have always been a creative person and grew up ogling over fashion magazine editorials so in my mind, blogging is like creating a fashion editorial with a personal twist. And that personal twist is going to involve photos of yours truly. So sorry to whoever looks at my Instagram or blog and sees it done in vanity, as that is simply not the intent behind it.

I always preach to not care what people think and do what you want, but I also wanted to defend my blog -- as it is my passion project and not just something done to rack up likes on social media. What do you guys think? Any fellow style bloggers that have also wrestled with this?

XO,

Jasmin

P.S. This dress is sold out in the pink -- but the exact same one is available in black! Which I probably will end up ordering myself. The shoes and bags are also unfortunately sold out but I've linked my fav similar styles.