Influencers…
I don’t consider myself an influencer. I mean, seriously, have I influenced any of you to buy much? I consider myself a blogger who writes, primarily, about fashion. I’m not a cook, a baker, or a DIYer, but I do love clothes! So, fashion is my niche. I know there are many people who consider influencer to be a dirty word. The dictionary says an influencer is “a person or thing that influences (source).” Yet another source says:
“Influencers are individuals with large or highly engaged social media followings who hold considerable sway in specific industries such as beauty, fashion, fitness, travel, and food. Known for their authenticity and innovative approaches, they use their specialized knowledge and authority to influence target audiences (source).”
Wait a minute…
Given the first definition, I might be an influencer if I’ve influenced you to think about something in a different way, to try a trend, or a fashion tip. But, if we look at the second definition, I’m far from an influencer. And, that’s OK. It seems like influencer is a dirty word to many. I don’t know what word they would choose instead, though. It’s a part of the new paradigm for shopping, I think. I recently came up with my new version of that old standard from our moms: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” Instead, with social media, if you don’t like it, just scroll on by. Believe me, I do lots of scrolling.
An influencer…
But, there is this certain influencer who has gotten me to purchase items from different retailers. You know, I don’t know if she considers herself an influencer or not. Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks was the impetus for all my shopping at Kantha Bae. If you follow Daenel’s blog or her Instagram, you already know how chic, edgy, and quirky she is…all at the same time.
This influencer…
Daenel has lately been sporting a variety of dresses from Zuri. They are gorgeous and come in such amazing prints and colors. Daenel looks fabulous in them so, of course, I decided I needed one. OK, I wanted one because goodness knows I don’t need anything. I had been perusing the Zuri site looking for the just right print for me. I have sold a number of items on Facebook so I decided to treat myself to a dress. One of the things I appreciate about the website is they give you the color “notes.” I really wasn’t afraid to order from Zuri because I’d chatted a bit with Daenel about them. And, if she gives something a thumbs up, I know it’s a good thing!
Zuri…
This woman-owned company has brick and mortar stores in New York City and San Francisco. They say:
“We firmly believe that sustainable economies develop from businesses that operate fairly and ethically and create products that people want. Having spent a combined decade living in Nairobi, we’ve seen how much both corruption and aid can distort markets, resulting in wasted resources and unsustainable livelihoods. We hope that by paying fair wages, sourcing locally, and making a product that our customers truly love, we will be helping to support a long-term, sustainable economy in Kenya (source).”
The outfit…
This is the Folio dress, “a marbled paper design.” The colors are pink, light pink, black, periwinkle and red. It unbuttons all the way down the front with a covered placket. The dress is also 100% cotton kitenge African wax print, and, my friends, it has pockets!! The fabric has no stretch at all. Well, of course, it doesn’t since it’s all cotton. It’s a heavy cotton so it could be a bit heavy in really hot weather. At the moment, it’s a bit stiff. I’ve already washed and ironed it once to soften it a bit. The FAQ page says the stiffness isn’t unusual, and the dress will soften more with wearing and washing. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I was a bit afraid the dyes would rub off, but I didn’t have any problems with that at any point.
The Lewk!
Hey, it’s my Delight wedge sandals. I thought they had the best colors to play with and not against the dress. I then added two necklaces from J Jill. I realize you have to look closely to see there are two. One has all the black beads with the pink beads at the top. The other is the single strand of pink beads with the gold charm on it. For some reason, they didn’t sell earrings to match the necklaces. Since the necklaces are so unique, it was a little difficult finding anything in my jewelry box to match them. The other problem is most of my jewelry is silver rather than gold. First world problems, I know. I went with these pink topaz studs.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I cannot wait to experiment with this dress. I can see wearing it over a black column or even navy as it has bits and blobs of blue. I don’t own any pink pants so I don’t think that will happen. I can also wear it over jeans with a fun graphic tee! Is this the only Zuri dress I’ll buy? Hmmm, they are spendy so it might be. But, if I sell some more things at the local consignment store or on Poshmark, I just might. I have to tell you the quality of the fabric as well as the sewing is top notch. So, can we talk? What do you think of the word, influencer? How easily are you influenced? Have you ever been influenced to buy something and found it either wonderful or terrible? Do you think you are easily influenced (if so, I’ve got a bridge to sell)? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you!
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
Very pretty Marsha, all those pinks but not over bold.
https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/
I consider myself an influencer and I own it! Ha!! Truth is I have been influencing my friends for years on all kinds of things.
Your new dress is so pretty and I am so glad you treated yourself! The colors are right up my alley and I think you will love it for years to come! I bet it would look great with tall black boots!
xo,
Kellyann