If you dig deep enough into my instagram, instead of Parisian balconies shot in glossy Nikon hi-res, something much more real and dare-i-say naive awaits you. Mainly selfies and snaps of my dog.
You see I’ve come a long way from my original insta-habit; built a blog, broken a few watches, baked cod on a spanish beach, broken my apres-ski virginity and befriended a ski butler ALL in the name of blogging. Don’t worry, some things have stayed exactly the same… I’m still @lornaluxe from the block.
Through all of this ‘journey’ I’ve learned some harsh truths – like I know my face really does need a filter. I’ve learned some handy tricks – like sellotaping my cheeks before I apply eye-shadow. I’ve learned some valuable words to live by which I’m about to share right here right now…
On CAPTURING – this came easy to me. I quickly sacked my iPhone in favour of a DSLR and switched my night time netflix for nice-kid-who-teaches-nikon-how-2-on-you-tube.
But as I racked up editorial shots and staged captures for my blog, my insta-audience turned off. I believe that identifying my target audience and recognising that my instagram style should be more intimate and honest really helped me to grow my social following.
Cesare Paciotti fw16/17 Presentation @Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris
On QUALITIES – passion, enthusiasm, a strong sense of self… basically all the shizzle in Elle Woods closing speech. These are the qualities I strive for most as a blogger.
Being proactive from-where-I-lay-in-bed-scrolling-insta is a daily mission – so the fact I make stuff happen at all makes me appreciate when others do too. I’m a magpie for a brand, PR, blogger, anyone in fact who goes the extra mile and gives their everything. Those people are like gold dust and when I find them I treat them right. The rest, I suck it up but rarely ever go back for second helpings. Stay true to yourself.
On the most helpful PIECE OF ADVICE I received – ‘if you can’t be better be different, if you can’t be different be better’.
So many times I’ve scrolled instagram in need of inspiration. I’ve read other bloggers posts looking for an idea. I’ve studied Vogue.com for some newsworthy trend to natter about.
All from-where-I-lay-in-bed. Bliss. Still it’s a tug of war staying true to my style, my vibe, my banter without becoming a sponge drowned in the vat of other peoples ideas. But one I’m willing to take on. Copying isn’t un-cool …this is fashion after all. But single-white-femaling can’t be good for the spirit. If you can’t be better, be different.
Lunch @ L’avenue Champs Elysee Paris
On CREATING – and staying creative, this is the most necessary part of what I do. It’s the most rewarding too.
Sharing my ideas, thoughts, sometimes-contorted body in the name of a new necklace/coat/bag is as Mr. Luxe would agree A CHALLENGE but oh so fun. I feel like my 7-yr-old self – adorning suitcases with souvenirs from Benidorm – would get on board with the picture-taking, fashion-talking, coffee-sipping woman I’ve become. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this blogger has a lot more suitcase-decorating left in her. Staying creative keeps us in the game.
Magda Butrym presentation FW16/17 Paris
On COMMUNITY – in blogging this is like networking in any other profession. Sharing’s caring and supporting is sporting. I’ve learned the value of standing as a collective. Plus I like knowing that I’ll always have someone to wing girl at the Hotel Costes with in Paris – so necessary .
Have you found a blogger that ticks all of these boxes? If so SHARE them with me, I wanna check them out.
Happy weekend.
L x
cashmere knit | ELIE TAHARI
ivory silk shorts | INTIMISSIMI
gold pendant | GOLDSMITHS
lace skirt | BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN at VERY EXCLUSIVE
shoes | DIOR
fluffy gilet | AMELIA JANE LONDON
cross body bag | RED VALENTINO
retro sunglasses | SHANGHAI TANG
shot in PARIS, we stayed in the 8th Arr. (via AIRBNB) – message me for details lorna@lornaluxe.com
All words, styling and creative direction my own.