Saved by the Sauvage

IFBU’s interview with me made me think long and hard about the future of this blog, the highs and lows of Style Bubble in the past two years (yes it has been that long!) and my recent feelings on the blog.  I won’t lie and say that things haven’t evolved or that I’m still a total fashion outsider musing about fashion.  As yet, my dabbling and dealings with fashion hasn’t resulted in a firm path but as I’m still unsure myself as to what it is I want to do, I guess the dabbling and experimenting will continue. 

I’ll be honest and say that recently, the blog has been causing me more stress than pleasure; trying to fit it into my own personal life and juggle the million other things with it has all been just a touch too precarious and the fact that tears were shed .   On top of that, the constant presence of negative comments, hate emails and an odd blog stalker who likes to comment on my weight gain/loss does sometimes make me want to go into my Typepad settings and just delete the weblog in a temporary state of madness.  It’s odd how extremities seem to find their way to this blog.  When it’s good, it’s press mentions, invitations, meeting designers I love, making fantastic friends through the course of the blog.  When it’s bad, it’s late nights, blotchy face tears, prodding myself in the mirror asking whether I have indeed gained weight, trying my best to ignore emails that border on being psychotic.  I’ve never been into ‘middle-of-the-road’ though and my own personal trait of feeling things too much probably has a great deal to do with all of this.      

Before this gets a little too much of a ‘Oh no, here comes a Susie drama queen special...’ and before you start to think ‘Pull yourself together you deranged person!’, the happy muddled conclusion out of all the reflections of the past two years, is that I just have to remember why the hell it is I started this blog.  For the excitement of downloading images I’ve taken of an exhibition or my new buys  and uploading them onto the blog.  For the feeling of ‘ Yay!’ when an exciting designer collaboration has happened and expressing that ‘Yay’ on the blog.  For the sense of ‘Ooh that looks so lovely all laid out like that’ when I have screen capped a favourite designer’s website and posted it all up.  For sharing what I’ve been playing around with at home with my wardrobe because without the blog, I would have done all of that anyway, with a heavy emphasis on the word ‘play’, denoting progress, imperfection and a touch of silliness. 

Style Sauvage/Snatcher who I like to read whilst consuming a thick gooey mocha drink because her posts are equally rich and also take a while to fully digest, very kindly send me a dress that she no longer needed/wore; a black velvet, fringed with crochet detail affair.  Hopefully she won’t mind that I reveal that she has sent me the most wonderfully encouraging emails and so I take this opportunity to take her dress and have fun  with it in the way that I had always intended to do with fashion in general and to remember those pre-Style Bubble days when I wasn’t as bogged down with ‘fash blog politics’.  It will be something else tomorrow, but today feels a whole lot better with a ton of fringing, frou frou night gowns, Basso & Brooke leggings and DIY black and gold trenches.         

   

Comments

[Cindy]

Hi, Susie, when you are feeling down, just think all of us out there who genuinely love your blog and appreciate the effort you made to make this blog so unique...Please carry on blogging, we all love you!
xoxoxo

[Andrea]

Oh oh, I almost thought you were putting an end to Style Bubble!! you scared me for a moment and had to read super quick to get to the conclusion...pppfff..
What can I say? I hope you continue forever (ok, or until you get to write for a magazine or something, as long as we can read it) because I really enjoy it!!

xx

[Debster]

I have been reading your blog now for over a year, i enjoy your musings and thoughts and still feel it is a refreshing change.Thanks for taking the time and effort in sharing with us your thoughts and your wardrobe. 'Keep your head' up as they say.

[Pam]

aww, susie! i've only started reading your blog since the mid of last year, and you've been a continuous and major inspiration to me, and i'm pretty sure, to loads of other people as well. if you ever stop blogging, which you shouldn't, btw, then i think there would be a major shortage of amazingly stylish posts on the whole uh...blog-o-sphere. i only wish i could be as fabulous as you!

[Denise]

Susie, I just discovered your blog recently and feel like I've found the savvy style friend I never really had! I do wonder where you get the time and can appreciate how taxing it is. As for those who send hate emails, ugh, (what can they possibly say??), please don't be disheartened and don't read them. I'm sensitive too so I know it's easier said than done but it's unfortunately something that comes with success, so I'd take it as a compliment. Lots of love and gratitude, xx

[natty]

Hey - your the reason I started up my own blog because of your passion, creativity and knowledge. Your the type of person who started your blog because of your love for fashion, not because of where it could get you. For every negative comment you get, you get 10 loving your blogs, praising your daring fashion sense and thanking you for the insight. Dont worry about the nagatives and if you need to cut back on your posts then do so, we'll all be here reading away! Loving the dress on you by the way - keep it up girl! x

[the_kitten]

I love when u smile :)

Please don't feel forced to blog only because of us readers and our high number. It's okay to take a little time-out for a couple of days or weeks just to re-adjust. I think everyone who's at least a little reasonable will understand and the number won't decrease, nonetheless. If it's begun becoming a pressure, take a pause. I think everybody here wants it to be fun, as well as for them/ourselves, as for you.

[Lloyda]

Hi Susie. Can I just say that I absolutely love these pictures of you. You look like you're having so much fun! I love your blog. I can't remember when I started reading you but I visit your blog everyday.

[carol]

hey susie, is actually my first time commenting on yr blog.. and i've been reading yr blog for almost a yr now on a daily basis. I just want to say keep your heads up girl, cus yr special and talented...and seriously with almost 10,000 readers a day don't let the 'polluters' get to you. (:

a random question, you must really miss shopping in Hong Kong huh? I studied in the UK for awhile back..and I missed it..lots. especially with the exchange rate now..onch. ;p im back to where we're from now..and enjoying the MK/Causeway shopping sprees lol! (but boy, i miss charity shopping..we seriously lack charity shops here..) sorry for rambling on..but as we hongkongers says..''add oil!!''

Hey Susie! You're adorable. Good for you for playing around with your photoshoots! I love your blog and I really hope you don't let those weirdos on the internet get the better of you!

[The Travel Diva]

Susie! You're blog is wonderful. YOU are wonderful. You are the quintessential blogger - a young woman who wants to creatively express herself through writing and images. Keep the blog for *yourself*, not for others. This is why faithful readers like us continue to come back day after day. We love YOU!

[susie_bubble]

Thanks for all comments so far... I just wanted to add that this was a selfish post yes...but I also felt the need to reveal that behind the scenes, all isn't peachy.... but I'll hopefully work things out because at the end of the day, I do love Style Bubble...

[piffig]

As someone who tends to feel everything too much I understand why these negative people gets to you... But really, really you shouldn't. Because you are exactly what the world of fashion needs, you are passionate, imaginative, creative and playful. You don't lecture about dos and don'ts, you take risks, you always keep and open mind about fashion and test your own (and everyone else's) limits.

And it's all great.

Neverminding that you shouldn't take offense because people on the Internet are jerks, you should also not feel pressured to post. Because I think that everyone who love this blog would understand that you need to do this for you, and not for anyone else.

So NOT selfish!!! I was charmed, not put off by your admission. How refreshing to find someone obsessed with fashion who doesn't have to sacrifice their humanity. xx

[Kori]

First of all, I want to say that I've always loved your blog to the point where each new post is met with excitement. You're actually one of the reasons I started my own blog. I think the reason you're getting some haters is because your style is so unique, but your ability to throw together outfits like that is something I truly admire. So take that, haters!

Also, I truly adore these pictures!

[Drusilla]

I've often wondered just how you keep the blog and your life running simultaneously- I've been reading Style Bubble right from the start (two years ago now!), and more than once in that time I've done a mental hats-off to you for having the enthusiasm and the courage to keep this going. And that "Yay!" feeling is something you communicate amazingly, so don't underestimate yourself.
And as for the 'fat'-callers, just don't listen to any of it. I know it's hard and negative commentators may leave you feeling besieged at times, but believe me, there are a lot of people out here to stick up for you and it's saddening to learn that people abuse the internet this way. And as for the stalker-types (this is scary business)- I don't know how else to put it, but you need to report it to someone- your ISP, the police, whoever- if it gets scary for you. And above all, take care of yourself. It's easy enough for people to forget there's a real girl writing the posts and putting up the pictures, but we don't want the blog to make you ill or miserable. And you are not being selfish by putting this up.
PS: If you're 'fat', or 'ugly', I definitely would not mind being your kind of 'fat' and 'ugly'!

[Drusilla]

And that dress is fantastic! I love the fringe, it makes the whole thing look so swingy and cool..

[Pinar]

heeyyy nice to see you smile in your photos for a change!!! Don't ever consider quitting this blog, it is just too precious :)

[mfm]

I love your blog and take lots of inspiration from it. You have a wonderful eye, and your fashion play is so joyous and wonderful. I was so happy to see such big smiles when I got to these pictures!

Thanks for everything, Susie. I hope something gets easier for you.

[Virginia]

Fashion has always been made up of a mix of eclectic and individual people...people who, more likely than not, were made fun of growing up...consider yourself privileged that people take the time out of their day to notice even the most miniscule changes in you...psycho as they may be, I'm sure they are simply projecting.

Virginia @ RADICALPROPER.blogspot.com

[Annabelle]

Don't let a couple of people get you down!

I adore your blog- one of the first blogs that I've 'discovered' and one of my very favorites! I love seeing new posts by you, I even took the time to go backwards in time to all your old posts, because I think they're so inspiring. I enjoy looking at your outfits because they're perfect examples of how wonderful fun layers can look, and how a piece can be transformed, again and again.

If the blog is more stress than enjoyment, take a break from it! But please come back if you do!

[Guy Hipwell]

I am so upset that you get this abuse and I sometimes forget that you are also holding down a full time job and writing for magazines + trying to live your life and have fun.

I stumbled across your blog when you first launched and as an editor i was drawn to your writing which i find refreshing, informed and hugely interesting. I emailed you in Spring 06 asking you to become a contributor for my new online fashion mag and each and every issue you have provided amazing pieces that my readers love. The standard of your work is super high and you have never missed one single deadline even when you have been away on vacation!! You also have offered me advice and tips to lift me when i have become bogged down with all the hard work.... yes i relate to how you are feeling!

You are someone who should aim high, b/c what you have is a unique, rare insight into fashion that connects with what is happening out on the streets and with new designers and in turn your readers . This will attract evil, jealous haters, but i would honestly just block them and just feel so sorry for them. how tragic to attack a lovely young girl who is just out there having fun, not hurting anyone and offering a great "zone" for her readers to come and be informed and inspired. I visit every day and love what i see.

Do not let them get you down lovely Susie b/c the day will soon come when we will need to buy a top glossy to read your wise words! You are stunning and as we all witnessed fit into size 8/10 samples as seen at the Gucci Party, i do not think ANYONE could class that as fat!! I have shot that collection and you looked more stunning that any model ever could, because your love of the designer shone through in the picture.

Rest up, take good care of yourself and know that thousands of people support you and think what you are doing is great.

Guy xx

[Diana Rikasari]

I really like it when you smile in your photos...you look very very lovely (and cute) :)

[Stylish Thought]

Susie, just brush off the haters, because they will come. You are a great source of inspiration for bloggers, especially me... Whenever, I'm down or don't know what to blog about I think of Susie Bubble and you renew my excitement about fashion!!!

Ignore people who don't understand or just want to bring you down! You've got thousands of people who tune in everyday just to see your photoshoots and read your words.... Stay inspired and look me in London soon!!! Keep up your excellent work.

[ttys]

i love ur blog :)

[Suzi]

Aww dude, there's tons of weirdos on the net don't let them get to you, they're trying to make you feel crappy, so just ignore them. Your blog is brilliant, and you post more than most blogs I've come across so you can afford to go easy on the postings if it can get a bit too stressful :)

[Salty]

Ms. Bubble,
Sorry if I am reiterating someone else's comment, I am scared of being caught not working at work (again and again and again).
First-off I (like probably many others who read this post) thought you were going to kill off stylebubble, my stomach literally sank. Now that I know that is not the case I still wanted to write to you.
Besides the whole (although true)you're gorgeous, intelligent, quirky, opinionated(in a good way), NOT FAT (side-bar flipping through pages and websites staring at rexy done-up models isn't healthy for any girl with some normal sense of insecurity. stop caring about this skinny fad ['fat' used to be in! look at the models of botticelli and rubens hah])
ANYWAY. the reason i am saying anything at all...
I am only a recent reader of style bubble, say 3 months or so, but i am an avid reader, refreshing this page as often as i check my email (yes i work a tedious office job)
sorry for being long-winded the point is, before i write a novella.
since reading your blog I have
a)seen more into the independent, non-cover-designers, artistic, original side of fashion. which is great for not having to do a whole lot of time-consuming research.
b)have looked at your style (though different from my own) and been inspired to take fashion risks that i otherwise would have not thought of or only discovered while playing dress-up at home, then quickly forgetting them thinking people might think me crazy.
c) have actually gained the courage to walk out of my door wearing these "risks" and feel creative and confident.
basically you are one of my teachers and inspirations.
that is a good thing.
THANK YOU.

[Alline]

Susie, you look your VERY VERY BEST on those pics!!! Smiley and shinny, fun, gorgeous hair, perfect skin and model-like body! I love your blog to death and am sure that other thousands of ppl out there also do. Go on bringing your musings and amazing writting style our way (in my case, all the way to Brazil, where I live!).
Success, always!

[Iole]

Please Susie, dont' give up.
I love love love your blog....
You've been a continue source of ispiration form me and for the chronicles I think that you really rock!
By the way, a blog is a way to express someone's opinion and feelings, so do not listen to the people who criticize you...they are not you so they can not judge you o your thought.
Please carry on....
Lots of love from Ravello (Italy)
Iole

[Kit]

Don't give up.........

[WendyB]

Those are the cutest photos ever. You look like you're having a great time with that dress and it's nice to see a big smile. About the other stuff, I suppose with any success comes scrutiny, and at least you can know you're not alone in attracting bored naysayers and psycho stalkers. Look at the things people say about celebrities! I guess that only helps in the "misery loves company" kind of way, but at least you know you're not singled out for particularly bad treatment...everyone gets the abuse :-(
It's a sad part of human nature. Maybe you need a bracelet that says What Would Anna Wintour Do?

[KUKU VINTAGE]

Susie,
I just want to say that the only person who would say that you are fat is a sick guy who probablly has an insane crush on you and can't figure out any other way to get your attention. you are by FAR nor fat and I would hire you in a heart-beat to model for my shop!
XOXO,
Kuku Vintage

[Suzanna]

Life is funny sometimes. Who would have thought that the dress I bought over a decade ago to wear to Hollywood parties would one day find a new lease on life in London, being so wonderfully worn by everyone's favorite fashion blogger who is also my lovely new friend.

SB, you are the shiniest of shiny stars, and if anyone tries to dim your twinkle they are going to have to deal with cranky old me.

[Iheartfashion]

The fringed dress looks fantastic!
I for one don't know how you manage to post so intelligently AND prolifically; I'm in awe of your abilities to have a life and write about it too. I hope you can manage to ignore the ridiculous types who feel the need to cut you down or make strange comments about your weight/appearance. The anonymity of the web does bring out the meanness in some. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying I read you daily and would go through withdrawals if Susie Bubble were discontinued!

[meredith]

Miss Bubble,

it saddens me to hear you so down. every day, as i sit in a cubicle in the middle of america, i take a few minutes to peak at your blog, at it refreshes me! keep your chin up, you are a fierce, genuine, honest purveyor of fashion and the blogging world needs you!

meredith

minneapolis, usa

[miss woo]

You have fantastic expressions Susie, more smiles please! :)

And many commentors before has already put in more eloquent encouragements than me, so all I can say is dont let a few sad, bitter people gets you down!

[selina]

suzanna is one of the nicest out there, she too leaves me the best comments ever!
i could say i can kind of 3% relate to your thoughts as my blog is no way a style bubble empire! i've started to get freaky and generally unnecessary comments and i know how you feel at those points and just think 'fine, i'll stop this all then if it bothers you that much that you have to comment' also it's changed the way i look at fashion and makes me so self concious. i feel so aware of what i wear now and don't have half the daring i used too. but then i think that it's a special talent that you can pull all the strings of blogging together in something successful and readable! in a kind of soppy way, i imagine blogs like yours still going in ten years time, think how much content and history you would have. readers could follow you your whole life. also i think if i did stop blogging it would be like being released from chains, but i too just think about before it even existed, and if i were to shun blogging i might as well shun fashion all together because blogging is the ultimate thing you could do to be style savvy in my books. what i did was rearrange my life (when i went to uni and had a massive blog/confidence dry spell) and realise i couldn't really post more than once every day and only put the content i wanted to in, which in the end was even better. eeek essay! sorry! i just have to say, maybe it's so meant to be that you bring happiness to people all over the world? it's a gift. and your poses = fab!! more often please! who knows what tomorrow will bring though...all down to your blog!

[Danielle]

Susie, I admire you tremendously, you are the fairy godmother of all fashion bloggers. Style Bubble forever! Lovely post <3

[ally]

susie,

i have been reading your blog for almost the entire two years it has existed, and it's never felt old or stale. while many other mainstream fashion blogs delve into the ridiculous (too expensive, too overdone, etc.), yours is always wonderfully refreshing.

don't let the haters getcha down. you're amazing! AND, it's awesome to see you smile in the latest pictures. you are goooorgeous.

keep on trucking!

x
ally

[mumu]

i love you susie !
here are some folded shoes for you; http://www.yankodesign.com/index.php/2008/02/29/flat-folded-shoe-is-like-easy-origami/

[Marie]

Hi Susie! This is my first time actually commenting but I just want to say keep your chin up. You are such and inspiration to us all and your dedication to this blog is incredible. There will always be people who are jealous or just a-holes that will try to bring down other people. I know that shit can sting, we are all sensitive creatures! But I'm sure your friends, readers and supporters outweigh those dipshits every time. Sorry for my sailor mouth! :)
xoxo

[Make Do & Mend]

Don't let other people's spite and suffering morph onto you - it is their problem not yours. Just realise they are jealous or damaged in some way so carry on having fun, experimenting posting truly wonderful posts such as The Conformist.
xx

[cordelia]

im sure its obvious to u that the stalker is just jealous. i think u shld feel sad for her instead. Simply put, YOU ROCK!! :-) I love you xoxo

[Emily]

Susie,
I absolutely adore your blog, and I really admire you. Please don't take notice of any negative commenters because quite frankly they obviously don't know what they're talking about and are most probably just jealous of your talent.

Please keep up all you good work!

[Fruchtzwerg]

Dear Susie,

I remember how get in contact with your for the very first time.It was at least 2 years ago, long before you started this wonderful blog, at thefashionspot.com. You caught my attention with your creativity in the so called WAYWT. I remembered how I ran to my pc to go to tfs.com to see if there is a new Susie Outfit or not. And you never failed to impress me. You pull off every single outfit. I have to admit that I have saved so many of your outfits as an inspiration. You're still my favourite inspiration source.
After your announce of starting a blog, I was very excited to see how it's gonna be and I fall in love with your wonderful and inspirating blogs. You write wonderful posts, introduce us the unknown designers and share with us your style. It makes me sad to read that there are some haters and stalkers who disturb your work here. I hope you will get over it, I know it will hard and if you're feeling that your private life and virtual life is not balanced anymore, the logical step would be a break with this blog. Of course I'm not hoping that this will happen but I will respect your decision.

Much love

[nadarine]

I know I'm echoing here, but-
A: I love stylebubble. Your aesthetic is much different than my own, but you've got a fantastic way of putting things together and making them work as a beautiful, unusual ensemble. Reading SB is a great way to push my boundaries and move beyond my comfort zone in fashion.
B: the fringe dress! so lovely! *droooool.*
C: I'm sickened that someone would waste their time telling you that you look too heavy/too thin. First off, I think you're beautiful (in a not-creepy non-stalker way, I promise!), and secondly, that's a sad little life that the person must lead if they have to try to mess with a blogger's head over something so trivial. If you'd like, I can take on the responsibility of kicking that person in the shins (hard, and wearing very pointy shoes) if they're US-based. I assume you'll want the satisfaction of kicking them yourself if your detractor is UK-based.

[DJM]

Negativity from people is par for the course when you put your opinion out there unfortunately - part of blogging, part of life. Don't let them grind you down. At the end of the day these people don't actually know you, nor you them so place no value in their silly, meaningless opinions.
Also, remember that when you feel things are getting too much and you're doing too much, it's OK to say no.

[Sophia]

The photos are fun your style and editing of the are really unique....

youve inspired me in so many different ways honestly. Checking your blog has become a enjoable daily routine in my life.

Ive told so many people about you.....you always have great features/references and checking back in the archives make me smile as I can see how much this blog has grown!!

Lots of love

Sophia x

[Andrea]

Hi Susie!
I just wanted you to know that I live in Mexico and even here many people know and LOVE your blog. We like to know what's happening out there, in the real fashion world. Your posts are always so different and fresh, that's why I like the bubble so much. Please dont take notice of all that bad comments, just keep having fun.
XO.Andreita.

[Elliott James Sainsbury]

Susie! It's so, so upsetting about these haters. Style Bubble is my daily essential read and you really inspired me as a writer and blogger that an 'outsider' can make waves in the fashion world.

So many people I know adore Style Bubble, such a shame that with the good comes a minority of bad... I'm sure your smiles in those amazing pictures are something your detractors will never have! And so lovely to meet you at fashion week!

Elliott xxxx