It’s okay to crave Decadence

I was having an interesting conversation with photographer Alex about fashion blogging and how to remain relatable and attainable you have to stay within a certain realm of reality for most people. It’s harder to do high editorial blogging when your audience can’t afford what you’re wearing. Many bloggers who are professional bloggers and working with huge companies like Louis Vuitton and Dior aren’t paying for product. Now I’m sure they are getting paid, but it gets to a point where it’s not obtainable. I follow bloggers like Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl (the first blogger signed to Ford) and Margaret Zhang of Shine by Three and they are professionals when it comes to this blogging world and the many hustles to build a brand. A lot of the well known street style infamous bloggers are borrowing from showrooms and being dressed by brands. The fact that they are rocking the best luxury brands doesn’t take away from their styling and creativity and how they rock that product. The content they create is visually stunning, informative and Zhang is a hell of a writer. It doesn’t cheapen a thing and it doesn’t stop me from finding a way to relate to them as bloggers and as women.

There is still pleasure and inspiration from following luxury lifestyle bloggers and others like them. I like the push it gives me. I like the creativity it inspires in me. I have come a long way from 5 years ago, when I first started this blog, and had just gotten out of Physical Therapy graduate school. I was working my first real job on a temporary license and 80% of my wardrobe was thrifted and vintage and shoes. This blog was founded on the principles of finding a fashion steele, whether that be a thrift or a designer consignment find or a hella good coupon code for Net-a-Porter. Although my taste level has changed over the last 5 years, the principles haven’t changed. I’m not about that paying full price life.

I have the money to do so, if I really really want to, but I also have to be practical about my expenses. I have student loans, a credit card I need to pay off and rent. But sometimes it’s ok to crave a little decadence. You only live once right, buy the damn shoes! I don’t feel like my pension for expensive shoes and my desire to do more editorialesque post over my basic outfit blog post, distances me from any audience. We all want a little decadence sometimes. Which is why when it was time for me to choose a hotel for my birthday trip to Miami, I went with the Viceroy Miami and also because I got the friends and family hook up! See, what I did there. Decadence on a budget.

 AOliva Photography

Dress: Phillip Lim via Michaels Designer Consignment | Shoes: Aquazzura via Net-a-Porter Sale | Earrings: Vanessa Mooney via Shopbop

The Viceroy Miami is super chic and was styled by Kelly Wearstler. I don’t know what they spray in the main lobby to make it smell like a fresh and crisp Caribbean oasis but I’d wear that scent as a perfume if I could. The marble floors and attention to every last detail is evident throughout the property. I especially loved our corner junior suite overlooking Brickwell Avenue. We had windows on two sides and the light was amazing for selfies and outfit of the day shoots and even a birthday toast with Alex and Ria of Ria Michelle and my good friend Alicia. I took a soak in the extravagant bath and anytime I had a chance I took a long hot shower in the glass incased stall under a rainfall shower. Falling asleep each night in the plush king sized bed with a perfect for instagram white comforter was a dream as well. The room service was impeccable and the cocktails at 5th & Vine Restaurant were superb. Overall, I had an amazing time in Miami, thanks to my accommodations at Viceroy Miami.

I do love designer shoes and every now and again I put my hard earned money towards investment pieces, but this will always be a place where you can come to find not only a deal, but fashion inspiration.

xx

Monroe