My Instagram Captions, Decoded
85 Likes, 6 Comments - LMW Edits (@lmwedits) on Instagram: "Is 35 too old to wear a crop top for brunch...? NOPE. Enjoy your Saturday! . . Top: #theory, skirt:..."
Some of my followers have picked up on a small detail: in each caption of an outfit I post on Instagram, I mention how long I’ve owned each piece. In fact, If you go back to the very bottom of my feed, you’ll see that I’ve been doing this since I first started posting my terrible outfit selfies on my old iPhone 5, way back in 2016. This Instagram caption idea was an intentional decision, for several reasons.
First, I believe that in order to use core values to influence others, we must not only talk the talk but walk the walk, and show others that we’re doing so. I write all the time about carefully curating a wardrobe, choosing quality over quantity, being mindful of consumption and waste, and prioritizing relationships and experiences over stuff. That wouldn’t ring true if I were constantly posting pictures of myself in brand new clothes!
Second, let’s get real: I’m not going to build an audience by being just like everybody else. Instagram and blogs are full of fashion influencers who are given or paid to promote brand new stuff. I don’t disapprove of them, conceptually speaking - we all need sources of fashion inspiration and I definitely keep track of what’s new and trending, especially from my favorite brands. That said, there are SO many of them. That niche is full. Instead, I’m trying to create my own!
This decision also serves as a gut check for me. If I’m buying too much stuff, I find myself having to reveal that in my outfit posts, which feels quite frankly icky. That in turn reminds me that I’m styling myself not only as an expression of my personal values but also an example to those who choose to follow me (over 2,300 strong so far!) of how a focus on quality over quantity and style over newness can be 100% compatible with a stylish life.
Plus, as my readers know by now, constant consumption is just not the way I live or want to live my life. I personally feel better, more inspired, more focused, and more connected when I’m consuming less and experiencing more. Over the past few years I have largely freed myself from what I call the Want Monster - a silly name for that constant gnawing inside that feels like it can be filled with beautiful, expensive things. My hope is that my dorky, poorly lit photos of the things I actually wear every day can help a few other people slay the Want Monster and experience the same freedom!
This stance I’ve taken on the role of style and shopping in my life is about to be challenged even more: I was recently approved for the RewardStyle influencer network, which includes access to the Liketoknow.it app that makes Instagram posts shoppable. I applied because it’s a great way to continue to build my brand and hopefully create a little revenue for my business on the side, but I’m already super aware of potential pitfalls. After all, a piece I wear can only be shopped if it’s still in stores - and so many of my clothes and accessories are years old! I can easily see how tempting it would be to start buying more new stuff in order to feature it on Liketoknow.it.
By the way, let me be clear: I’m fully aware that I’m very lucky to have the relative wealth and privilege to be able to afford a select collection of beautiful things, and that most people are not as fortunate. I want you to know that this is something I think about often, and I welcome feedback on ways to help my readers and followers feel like my ideas are accessible rather than off-putting!
So yes, I do tell my Instagram followers how old my stuff is for a reason! By doing so, I hope to show how a real life of style is carefully curated and built over time, rather than bought brand new for each occasion. Sometimes I may miss the mark (whether it’s an outfit that doesn’t work or a regrettable purchase), but I’m still going to take you all along for the ride because it’s important to me that you see my reality.
Are you following me on Instagram yet?
It’s a great way to stay up to date on my projects, life, and style - and you can always check my stories for the causes, activists, and ideas that are inspiring me to do and be better every day.
LMW
