This is a brief post to just give you guys a little Sidewalk Ready update. I’ve always wanted this little blog to be as successful and inspiring as possible, and as of late, I’ve really been reflecting on what that means for the future of SWR. I feel as though I’m at a crucial point in development, and I want to move forward intentionally. So what does this mean? Well, let me tell you.
From what I’ve noticed, you guys love to learn. My tutorials are by far the most popular posts in terms of traffic, and I think that’s awesome! It’s so rewarding to have a readership that has a craving for knowledge. My beauty tutorials have received over 51,000 pins and the measly three DIY posts I’ve done have received over 1,000. I mean, seriously? How awesome is that? It’s pretty clear that my readership has spoken and you guys want more information!
Though it may be true that my hair tutorials clearly have the best feedback. I don’t want to turn SWR into a hair blog, and that’s because I truly love doing outfit posts. Even though I am a hair stylist and I obviously enjoy doing hair, I created this blog because of my for my passion for fashion and it’s been such a great outlet for me. The solution I’ve come up with is to integrate more educational information into my outfit posts.
It’s safe to say that I’m not a style expert. I have no formal fashion education. However, I do my best to learn what I can without having a degree to back it up. I want to share some of what I’ve acquired with you, and hope that you will get more from reading Sidewalk Ready than just beautiful pictures of what I’ve chosen to wear. (By the way, can we give Kai a big round of applause for his hard work on my photos?) Each outfit post will now include a tip or a trick that I hope will provide you with more take-home knowledge. I want you to know WHY I’ve put a certain outfit together so that you can apply it when deciding what to buy and how to wear it.
That being said, the personal stuff on this blog is going to take a backseat, but that’s not because I don’t want you to know what’s going on in my life. Truth be told, my life is pretty routine and sometimes I just don’t know what to say. I feel like I’m constantly talking about the weather or what I did that day – but c’mon – if I’m bored by what I’m writing, I’m sure you are, too. Don’t worry, though, if something exciting does happen, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Now that I’ve made this decision, I’m especially looking forward to the future of Sidewalk Ready and hope that you are, too! Are you going to miss hearing about the ins and outs of my life? Don’t worry, you can still keep track of what I’m up to and receive daily weather updates by following me on Twitter and Facebook. (Just kidding about the weather updates.) Thank you for all of your support and for reading Sidewalk Ready!
.
 |
I think your blog is great! Keep up the good work
I am so excited for the style tips!!
The changes sound super exciting! Part of the reason I love you blog is for the gorgeous photos so thanks Kai!
So excited to start getting more tips from you! I must admit I just discovered your blog a few weeks back, but I’ve already been trying to use what I see to style my own outfits. Getting actual tips will definitely help! Turns out I’m not a total lost cause when it comes to fashion!
Never apologize for not ‘having a degree.’ College is not the only or most important credential – this is still my favorite fashion blog. It’s really inspiring how you’ve approached making this into a business and I love following along.
Sounds fantastic to me! Not that I don’t already find your blog interesting! I hope you won’t completely stop posting about your life – that’s part of why I read blogs, to hear about the weather and “boring” lives of people all around the world. I adore your outfits, and yes, the pretty pictures of them; definitely don’t stop with those!
Yay! I love your hair tutorials, but also love your outfit pictures. I’ll love anything you do with your blog
Looking forward to the new direction, but love what you already do, too!
I would love more tutorials. Maybe you could try a theme? Thursday/hair day, Friday/DIY day, something like that? I do so love the blog so don’t change TOO much!
I’ve considered that but I don’t want to put pressure on myself if I’m not feeling particularly inspired. I kind of like to go with the flow so it doesn’t feel forced.
I think that’s a really great point. If it’s forced, you will eventually not want to do it, so letting it happen naturally is a good idea. I’m excited to see where you will go with this!
Outfit posts are my favorites, and I don’t get bored by you chatting about what’s been happening; don’t stop it entirely! I get so much inspiration just looking at your outfits.
I was terrified when I started reading this post that you were going to stop fashion blogging, but then I started breathing again when I got to the middle bit. Sounds great buddy! And a shout out to Kai for his wonderful photography
When I first saw the title of this blog post I was literally so worried, probably too worried, that you were going to say you were shutting down the site and I was so sad, but now I am SO excited! What a great idea. I love your outfit posts but always feel like I don’t know how I’d put the looks together myself. Keep up the great work! Reading your blog is something I look forward to every day!
No need for a degree here! Just good old advice and fashion! And hey Rachael Ray is just a “cook” without a formal degree and wouldn’t mind her notoriety and salary!
I’m really proud of what you’ve done on here in the past few(?) years.
And a round of applause to Kai! Great photos AND witty pun-ridden comments!
I have been following your blog for over a year. I don’t usually comment, but I l.o.v.e. reading your fashion posts. You give me so many ideas for how I can rethink my wardrobe. I just added a few of my favorite outfits to my pin boards. I hope more people will see your great style! Best wishes as you move forward with your blog!
can’t wait to read more from you and see how your blog develops! the changes you’ll be making sound well thought out and I’m excited to read more already
Your tutorials are really great! (I watched them all in one day and learned so much…back-combing? never knew what that was!). Having some little fashion tips would also be fantastic.
I don’t really mind the personal stuff in blogs. I kind of like it because then I feel like I know the blogger a bit more instead of them just seeming like some random person talking to me (idk that’s just my opinion). You have a very clear writing voice though, so I don’t think that’ll happen.
I’m excited that you’re taking sidewalk ready to some new heights! It’s honestly one of my favourite blogs
~Andrea
http://www.wearitbetter.com
Helo Kaylley,
I’ve been following your blog for just a couple of months but I trully love it. It is full of style, elegance and at the same time simplicity in a good way. And, of course, there is the marvellous photos – my husband and I also share that passion.
I’m a recent mom and I am from Portugal and I have been inspiring myself in your fantastic posts that I find very adequate to my personal style and taste.
I just wanted to let you know to keep up your outfit posts and your tutorials and everything that you share because I’m sure that are a lot of us here that really love it and are inspired by them.
I also wanted to let you know that I’m also in love with your house/place you live – but that is a different story.
I wish all the best and I will be acompaning you
p.s. sorry for all the errors
Su
I think this is a great idea! I love your tutorials and have done several of your hair styles with awesome results.
you go girl, ur always exciting, u r my fav website!
There’s a billion out there….
That’s great!
Just this morning I was thinking about you and some other fashion-blogs I follow, and thinking about how great it would be if you’d tell hów you make an outfit.
I just wear clothes.. Items together. But I nearly ever accomplish to wear an actual outfit. Well, I have to admit that I often forget to use accessories, which doesn’t help me much.
I am looking forward to your new posts.
(Ow, I see it’s only 11 am where you live. Over here it’s already 5 pm. So “this morning” would be last night for you)
I think this is a great direction for your blog (which I love-love by the way! Definitely don’t get rid of your personal tidbits/voice all together!). Also, I’ve always been fascinated by the little shots/pictures I’ve seen of your house! If you could give any tips on home decorating/favorite places you purchase from/DIYs/or just room tours I would be in heaven! Keep up the wonderful work!
I’m so glad to hear fashion isn’t taking a backseat! I come for the daily dressing inspiration. It’s incredible how much my closet has grown in the last year. For me, the rise of pinterest has let me figure out what my dream style is– w/o even trying! Then, bloggers like you make it easy to integrate that style into my daily life! I used to be so disappointed with my closet, all muted colors, the same stuff or years. Now, I love my closet!! I finally feel like I look the way I want and feel. My boyfriend can’t understand where all of the skirts and dresses have come from! He whines that he doesn’t know what to wear to match my “level of dress” anymore (i.e. a skirt on a casually day of nothing)
Anyway, I think you’ve been giving amazing advice, I’m excited to receive more! Thanks for the eye candy and inspiration!
Love it already! The “Top-Heavy” post was awesome. Looking forward to more specific tips and advice!!