1. What is the Story Behind the Name of Your Blog?
This blog started as a personal place to store some ideas I had about fashion and style. I started it knowing diddly about blogging, so the name was What Every Woman Needs in Her Wardrobe. Short and catchy, huh?
Well I started thinking about branding and a way to get the idea out to more people and asked friends for name ideas for this blog. One of my best friends Shelly thought of Wardrobe Oxygen because she said the blog bring life to women's wardrobes. That and some clever banners and avatars by Sandy, and I was transformed into Wardrobe Oxygen! I think it is a perfect name - I am not trying to change anyone, just offer some advice to add freshness and air to any woman's wardrobe.2. Why Did You Start Blogging in the First Place?
I had a new job in 2005 and it was BORING. My boss told me, "find something to make you look busy at your computer until we have work for you." What looks more busy than manic typing? I Googled blogs, how to do them and where to have them and this blog was born.
For years I had the idea of a uniform of sorts for women; fashion to some is fun and wonderful and to others it is more difficult than Physics or learning Japanese. If fashion was broken down and seen that it is available to ALL women, no matter her size, budget or age... then it would be easier to learn.
The blog was not meant to be shared with the world, but within a few months I had a couple hundred readers. I did some more research, joined a few blogging communities and made an effort to make this blog better for others, and not just a personal weblog. Next thing I know I am being quoted in magazines, asked to write articles for publications and guest blogging on better-known websites. It has been a crazy but wonderful ride!
3. What is Your Best Blogging Experience? Your Worst?
I think my best is when I receive emails from readers telling me that I changed their life; that my advice helped them finally have the courage to attend their high school reunion, start dating again, go shopping and buy something other than safe and comfy knits. That my little ideas on my lunch hour can make a difference makes me feel great, and also makes me strive to continue to offer helpful advice. It is so wonderful that this little hobby of mine has made a difference and it shows that all of us fashion and beauty bloggers are not materialistic plastic pod-people.
I also love those I have met through blogging, be it fellow bloggers, editors or readers. Many of you have gone from being readers to being actual friends. I hope to meet more of you in the future and continue being part of this amazing community!
As for worst experience, it does suck when I go to my stat counter to see who is linking to me and find a message board or another blog blasting me for being stupid, fat, clueless to what women really need in their closets, etc. I think the beauty of the internet is that there are so many views to find and adopt. You don't have to like what I say; heck you can completely disagree with every word on this blog and I respect you for that. But when I am attacked, often for the very same reasons that other women are attacked and therefore fearful of fashion and sticking out and letting their personality shine... well it seems like a vicious cycle. We women should support one another and in the words of Bambi's mom, if you don't have anything nice to say... don't say anything at all!
4. What Do You Think Will Happen to Your Blog in 2008?
Wow, I really don't know for 2007 has been pretty amazing for Wardrobe Oxygen. I hope to get a bit more professional with the blog's look and its technical aspects so it is a better experience for the reader. I am not very tech savvy so I have had to rely on the goodwill of readers and any knowledge I can Google to keep this baby running.
I also hope to have more contests so you readers can reap the rewards, possibly have some guest bloggers on here and a few interviews with experts in the industry. My goal is to have more regular of posts than this time last year, even though I have a new job that is NOT boring and takes up more of my time.
If you readers have any suggestions or comments regarding what you would like to see here at Wardrobe Oxygen for 2008, feel free to email me or comment!
Now I'll tag a few of my favorite blogs: Hope Robertson, Wendy Brandes Jewelry, Style IT, and Cult of the Black Sweater.
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