Monday, March 16, 2009

Reader Poll! (hold the malaise)

Good god it's been a week since my last post. And I only posted a couple times the previous week. The horror! The shame!

So, here's the deal: While it's true I've been busier than ever these past couple months, I've also been dealing with a sort of general blogging malaise (important sidenote: the word "malaise" always makes me really hungry. I think if malaise were a food it would be delicious) that seems to be widespread among fashion bloggers right now. I've talked to a few of my FBBFF (Fashion Blogging Best Friends Forever) who share my sentiments, and I've been reading a whole lot of posts that start off, "I just haven't really been feeling inspired lately."

I'm going to take a wild guess as to the root of this Fashion Blogging Malaise epidemic: it's pretty tough to read "ONE MILLION JOBS LOST IN THE PAST HOUR" and then log on to your blog and be all, "OMG how cute are these boots?! Must have!"

I mean, it's hard to get out of bed after reading that headline. That headline sucks.

So I wanted to ask you for your input, three sweet readers I have left! Please let your opinions be known in the poll below and/or in the comments section:

In this economy, what do you want from your friendly neighborhood fashion blog?
The same as always: style advice, bawdy haiku, and NO MENTION OF THE PHRASE "IN THIS ECONOMY"
Sort of the same, but with more affordable style advice
Contrived articles about shopping at Wal-Mart; overuse of the word "recessionista"
Other: I'll tell you in the comments!
pollcode.com free polls

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

How about "Cute things I found at my local salvation army store?" or "How to tell if you can augment what you just bought at the salvation army."

Just sayin'

Plus you could post images of all those severely over-loved headless dolls.

Anonymous said...

I think it is now more than ever that we need your blog! With everything getting pretty shitty around us, we need a laugh and you're pretty good at giving that to us.

Anonymous said...

Honestly, I just like to read what you write. It hardly falls to the level of anything "OMG.." however and that is something I'm thankful for.

You don't know me, but you make my life more enjoyable. That's gotta be worth something.

(Commented on poll page and blog.)

echidna girl said...

I've noticed that I'm reading fewer and fewer fashion blogs these days and my clothing and makeup purchases are way down even though my job isn't in danger.

Is it guilt? Finally coming to our senses? Sudden realization that we don't really need it all?

Good writing never goes out of style, though, which is why I've remained faithful to those few blogs like your's that are really worth it.

E. said...

Hrmmmm, well, you don't purchase 1000000 dollar shoes every week like some folks *cough cough*, so just keep haiku-ing away! :)

And please don't use the word recessionista. It makes my stomach hurt.

Kim said...

I'm with Lisa. The fact this is a fashion blog is just a small detail. You could start a blog on paperclips and I'd look forward to every new post you write.
You are a national treasure and I don't mean the Nicolas Cage movie.

Anonymous said...

It's not like you ever did anything but poke fun at the truly outlandishly priced stuff, lady ... gave us a good giggle now and then at the Kaiser's expense. I say, forge on!

(Though I, of course, understand that forging on through soul-crushing headlines can be seriously challenging. Just wanted to say that I love what you do, and don't think you need to change direction.)

Jam said...

Well, that third option is tempting.... :P


I think maybe the way to go (for fashion blogs in general) might be less "here is a thing you can buy" and more "here is a look you could adapt EITHER by buying things OR with things you already have". I'm not saying this as a reflection on Daddy Likely specifically; that is, I don't think you in particular have a problem with this. More just a general suggestion regarding the practice as a whole. My preference would be for DL to stay the same as ever, really; it's hilarious and I've never felt that this was a lusting-after-ridiculously-priced-things kind of blog anyway.

DaisyChain said...

I think you should just keep doing what your doing.
=)

Kara said...

I don't see any harm in keeping on with the way things are. When hasn't there been something dire happening on Earth? It never seems to stop people from having fun or dreaming... I will never be able to afford a Picasso, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy looking at one. The world needs you, Daddy Likey, just the way you are!

WendyB said...

Oh please, keep it happy. Why does it have to be all sackcloth and ashes? This is not anywhere CLOSE to the worst chapter in human history. I was always able to read Vogue in the past knowing that I wasn't going to buy something for $25K -- what's the difference now? As for more moderate style tips: do people REALLY not know about Target and, um, SALES? God helps those who help themselves, people.

Anonymous said...

The thing is, you were never the kind of blog that foamed at the mouth over studded Gucci boots and the latest couture on the runway. You, along with most of the other blogs I read, were never focused on consumption or price and shouldn't have to worry about changing your topic or tone. I know it's hard not to be affected by what's happening and it may feel like playing ostrich, but I honestly don't think you have to or should change a thing.

Dreampuff said...

Winona- I feel as though You can't really have the same advice as always, which was my first pick, because you are so un-inspired. And I totally DO NOT blame you. Everything is ultra lame. (Usually when I get sad, I listen to Wig Wam Bam by the Sweet...look it up on YouTube. It'll warm your heart)
But the more affordable style advice, while it's nice, I feel like we already know it. I know I look at forever21 a couple times a month without a blogger. And I love going to thrift stores and such.
The thing that I really like about your blog is the fact that you find things that are couture and expensive and we can imagine in some distant land that we have them/make fun of their ridiculous-ness. Thats the power of the internet.
THE POWER OF THE INTERNET, WINONA!
Anyway, Don't change for us. Just type what comes naturally and I will be a faithful follower. Pinky Promise.

Love and Kisses,
B

Anne At Large said...

I think malaise sounds like it should get spread on a BLT before you put the bacon on.

And you are the last blogger I am worried about during the bad economy - I love everything you post, basically, because it's not just "OMG look at this purse I just bought", it's chochas and haiku and those beloved five mens of yours. So I say keep it up!

P.S. my word verification is "rologion", is this like religion for lumberjacks?

Vanessa said...

I think it's a good thing that's happening to a lot of people's shopping habits-- we're (myself included) becoming a little more aware of what we need and don't need. Maybe new shoes and makeup and dresses aren't that important and we can make do with and love what we have. Maybe I'm just looking on the bright side to comfort myself as I fear that when I am done with colleges in a few years, I will be unable to find a job and will be destitute and sad and... okay, let's stop.

I think bloggers can still treat their blogs as an escape from the realistic, though. Give us tips on thrifting, but it's still fun to look at designer clothes and imagine what we COULD buy if we were rich and famous. In that way, I don't think much has changed.

Unknown said...

I always look forward to your writing, whether it's about fashion or about protest rallies.

Personally, I'm sick of opening magazines offering "affordable" fashion and they are still shilling blouses for $100. How is that affordable??

Anyway, know that you are loved and no matter what direction you take with the blog, I'll follow!

Poochie said...

Bawdy is always good no matter the economy.

And I hate the stupid Vogue pandering with recessionista (gag!)

Any story from your adventures, the 5 guys or your dad's isect thoughts and I'm hooked!

Luv
Poochie

TheSundayBest said...

The only change I'd advocate - more posts.

Anonymous said...

It's hard to write when everything's so gray and stormy out, but I think that what we love most is your sunny writing, whether it be about fashion, your life, accessorizing with the weather, etc!

sara star said...

Please do not mention walmart. But you could write about making the most of what you have, or thrift shopping. I like your humor, my favorite things are when you make fun of fashions or ask your men what they think. You rock, I don't mind waiting until you are inspired--just don't wait too long ;)

Bridey said...

I always read your blog because it makes me laugh - I'm actually not that worried about the topics!

As long as there are some haiku I'll be happy :)

Anonymous said...

Keep doing what you're doing, but I'll read no matter what. You are seriously one of the funniest fashion bloggers out there.

Lisa said...

I'm going to go all Colin Firth in Bridget Jones's Diary and say I love your blog, just the way it is. You're not hawking outrageously priced goods here or anything, and it's all in fun! The economy does suck right now and I think a lot of us are looking at things with a more somber state of mind and re-assessing our spending, but that doesn't mean we need to go around acting like the Grim Reaper of the corporate world is standing behind us and hovering all the time, sickle in hand. You are anti-Grim Reaper, and I say keep it up!

Whit said...

Sack cloth is not fashion, sweetie! Now where's the beluga?

Keep on what you're doing, making us all giggle, and being your fabulous self!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog but it's awesome! While reading through the older stuff you actually made me laugh out loud- quite an impressive accomplishment for a fashion blog!
My favorite things were when you made up conversations between models or famous people and the "man's opinion" posts. And those posts aren't even related to buying anything.
Plus you live in Portland and I do too!

amanda said...

All the previous commenters are right: you never wrote the way of Vogue or other "high-fashion" blogs, attempting to convince us that $600 ballet flats were "OMG such a STEAL!", which is what drew me to your blog in the first place.

I'd love some fashion remix posts -- as in recreating trendier looks for less using wardrobe basics, but really, it's your wit and keen eye for style that set you apart!

emily said...

this may be a wild guess, but i think i know which one you'd vote for. ;)

Amy A said...

more haiku, more don't cha..episodes as well. PLEASE AND THANKYOU

Unknown said...

If I cannot afford pretty boots, then by god I'll look at pictures of pretty boots. Keep it the same please!

Anonymous said...

Malaise sounds like Mayonnaise--a positive association in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I voted for option two...While a $500 bag might be out of my reach at the moment, a girl's gotta dream! Afordable fassion tips are always helpful, but I love knowing what the real fashionista's are doing... then I do my best to play copy-cat with a budget.

Anonymous said...

Y'know, I would have said the same thing... but maybe my malaise would qualify as more of a "ma-laziness?"

That said, I have a big project in the works which I hope will expel all that, as long as I can keep the fire lit under my disgruntled ass.

Anonymous said...

PS the whole point, which i forgot to mention is: i love Daddy Likey. Its like finding a $20 bill in your newly washed jeans every time.

Emz said...

"Revamping what you already have!" haha =) Or maybe little accessories that make the beautiful pieces in our closets already even better? haha, I dunno, but I love your blog! and yea, the economy. GAH.

Anonymous said...

Please DONT mention the economy. The fashion industry will help the economy back up :p

Anonymous said...

just keep posting. i think all of your readers would agree-- your blog is a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise mostly cloudy sky. i <3 daddy likey!

Anonymous said...

I voted for "other" even though option 2 was pretty close to what I think...

I think the internet is in dire need of someone who will blog about something expensive, and then show her readers how to get the same look less expensively. you know what I'm saying?

but...it needs to actually be affordable. I can't stand it when people put up "this bag looks just like the more expensive one and it's only 200 dollars!!"

I mean, come on. $200 is still a lot of money.

But I also want everything you have always done. Sigh, I just can't make up my mind...but one thing I definitely don't want to hear is "in this economy." I think EVERY commercial starts with that line nowadays.

Soooo anyway.. if the poll had had a "check all that apply" option I would have checked 1, 2, and 4.

Love your blog and I miss your frequent updates!! Come back to us Winona!

PS the captcha code for me to post this is "hagolily" and I thought you might enjoy that word.

ninaribena said...

Winona, you always rock no matter what your topic is. I think the recessionista bollocks is well covered elswhere, give us the love, the laughs (at the ridiculous high fashion) give us the Haiku and don't forget a side of the chocha.

Sounds like it's pretty unanimous... we all love your work shuuugahh! Keep on with your fabulous self,

Love Nina x

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