Here it is folks… 52 weeks of Real Momma, Real Style has landed us here.
I started this little link up as an experiment, to see how many mommas, and non-mommas alike, would join me each week in working on our own style. Style that works for your life, style that pushes you, style that makes you feel beautiful. No popularity contest, no Next Top Model search, just real fashion.
The FIRST RMRS
While fashion may be the medium, it has never been the main target of RMRS. Too often, we women put ourselves last on the priority list, and I was one of the worst offenders. I have worked hard to develop not only RMRS, but the blog as a whole, into a place where women of all sizes, shapes, ages, budgets, locations, and anything else I may have overlooked, can come, be themselves, and feel good that for one moment of one day, we did something solely for ourselves.
While I was thinking about what I wanted to say in this post tonight, I stumbled upon a horrible forum where myself, and some women I call dear friends, are bashed and made fun of for our outfits, poses, what we talk about in our posts, what we don’t talk about, etc. I will not do this forum the dignity of linking to it from here, but if you must see, google Momma Go Round and sadly it comes up on the first page of results.
I’m disgusted to see women turning against each other like some crap that immature high school girls pull. ARE YOU SERIOUS???? I really don’t give a rat’s a** if you don’t like my outfit, or my “sultry eyes” pose, if you don’t enjoy they way my dear friend refers to her kids and husband, or if a fellow blogger has been slacking since she brought a beautiful child into this world.
I’m sorry you failed kindergarten.
I’m PROUD to see gorgeous women like Jeanine come here week after week to show her style. I LOVE to see what amazing outfit Abbie has thrifted each week. I’m MOTIVATED by Hanna sharing her story, her journey, and her daily run. I’m ENCOURAGED by Aubree’s willingness to try anything while teaching our youth everyday.
THIS my friends, is what has a place here. Positivity, encouragement, motivation, pride, love. I know with any measure of success comes the haters, but you have no place here.
One year later, I’ve learned that I still have much work to do. More women to encourage that they matter. More haters to teach the golden rule. More perceptions to change. We are all beautiful, no matter what we wear, what pose we strike, how much spit up is on our shirt, despite chocolate wiped on your pants, or in my case…the bags under my eyes. YOU TRIED, and some days, that’s all that matters.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for putting yourself out there each week. For sharing your accomplishments, your fails, your “go for it” moments. You will always encourage me.
You are fabulous! I look forward to reading your blog everytime it pops up on my facebook page! You know what they say about haters… they only hate because you are already two steps ahead! Preach on sista!
I have to say that although I don’t link, I do look forward to this post. Having two kids and running a house left me leaving the house in sweats and crocs, not my best moment. I learned to have time for me, to make an effort to feel pretty and womanly, to be thankful for this body-no matter it’s size- because it gave life to my kiddos.
Forget those who only have time to be negative, I imagine how sad they must be that they need to hide behind a computer screen.
YOU ROCK!
I am a very new subscriber, but wanted you to know that this blog has inspired me to take more time for myself. I went on a shopping trip this weekend (the first in a LONG time for myself and not the kids) and found myself thinking about your blog. I bought things that made me feel great about myself, even though I am not a size 2. You DO rock.
My curiosity got the better of me, and I searched for it. I was completely appalled. I am sure it is quite painful to read negative comments about yourself (especially from other women-what is our deal with attacking each other?!), but you are gorgeous and encouraging and inspiring. I recently started a new job, and some of my co-workers told me they considered me to be really fashionable. I almost had to laugh, because 6 months ago, I never would have been called that. I have made HUGE strides in the fashion department, and you are part of the reason why. You and Cori and several other girls have seriously given me inspiration to try new things and to actually enjoy fashion rather than just grabbing what is clean. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Wooooow… that is SO messed up! Out of curiosity I went to look at the wedsite… so sad. I dont understand why people have to create a forum just to be mean.
But you know what, they dont even matter Nina. I love you and your outfits and posts! I am inspired by you, and though I dont link up very often (did today though!) or have as much time to comment like i used to, I DO come here and check out your posts almost daily. I am a big fan, you have a wonderful blog.
Thank you for RMRS! Thanks for being REAL, and being yourself.
~Maria-Isabel
Congrats on 1 year. Beautiful post. Thanks for hosting and inspiring.
You do encourage me! Thank you so much for sharing
I know I’ve only linked up once (time is precious lately), but I have been working on making myself more presentable, and I feel good about it.
Keep it up, and I like the sultry eyes – I do sultry eyes at myself in the mirror, it makes me feel sassy
Spot on. Haters will hate. Lovers will love. I’m glad that you and so many wonderful women are spreading the love! Thanks for helping to share all of our voices!
“THIS my friends, is what has a place here. Positivity, encouragement, motivation, pride, love.”…this is exactly why I come and read every post. I’ve never understood the cattiness that pops up from internet lurkers and I seriously don’t understand websites that are solely based on bashing people. It’s really not that hard to not follow/read someone who bothers you or who you don’t like. The internet is big enough for everyone to do their own thing and not openly hate on other.
I don’t link to RMRS but I enjoy checking it out. Happy Anniversary! =)
Nina, you are an inspiration to me and I love reading your blog. I look forward to it every day.
But two comments on one site? TWO?!!? Why even bring it up? Seems a little bit on the overreaction side to me. That’s the nature of the Internet and real life; you’re not going to get 100% of the people cheering on your every move 100% of the time. And pointing out a measly two comments out of the likely hundreds of positive comments you’ve gotten here seems very out of place.
Keep on keeping on, do what you love, because WE love it. But please don’t try to get positive feedback this way. It’s disingenuous and frankly smacks of attention trolling.
Thank you so much for your comments and stopping by each day…but I feel as though you have missed the point.
You are absolutely right, I was spared with only 2 comments. My friends and fellow bloggers were not so lucky. There is an entire multi-page rant picking on a sweet girl for wearing the wrong color undershirt with a dress. Are you kidding me?
The point is to highlight that we as grown women should be above bullying each other like high schoolers. I never expect that everyone will like what I do, that’s life. But the nasty comments and putting each other down…that’s just pathetic.
Nina, thank you for your kind reply. I didn’t realize that other fashion bloggers were being picked on. You are right – it’s tacky with a capital T!
Just to reiterate, you are doing a great job. Seriously. As a curvy girl myself, this is the first blog I’ve found that “speaks” to me. I no longer dress in sweats and t-shirts because of you. :>)
Congrats on 1 year! Try not worry about negative comments, you are fabulous! Have a great day!
http://jugglingchic.tumblr.com
I am sooo nosy, although I’m just 28 and not 88, yet, so I googled this forum. I’m shocked. They “talk” about a few blogs I visit on a regular basis and which I like. It’s fascinating: They hate EVERYTHING. Big girls, small girls, natural girls, girls with make-up – the list goes on! Whatever you do, it’s just wrong. So I was wondering what they are like. Oh wait, I know! They don’t have a life! Cause seriously? Which grown up woman uses her time for hatering around on the internet? This is beyond childish! (And as a teacher, I’ve seen pretty childish things!
)
It seems like those people have way too much time on their hands. You are amazing and beautiful. Keep doing what you are doing!
I am in serious DISGUST over that forum! do people have NOTHING better to do than bash brave women for stepping out of their comfort zone and getting dressed up and photographing it for all the world to see! I hope it doesn’t discourage ONE lady from what they have been doing! Keep up the great outfits ladies…your all hot stuff! and a big THANK YOU to Nina for hosting this fab linky for ONE YEAR NOW! whoot whoot! xoxo
Happy Partiversity! thanks so much for hosting every week!
marissa
http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
Ugg how did only part of my message get there. I wanted to add that I really appreciate you and I’m totally disgusted that people take the time to make fun of others especially on the web how lame is that!? Goodness if I had that kind of time whatever. I guess not everyone grows up. Thanks for keeping it real and encouraging the rest of us to do the same.
marissa
http://raegunwear.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for hosting Nina! It’s my fist outfit post of the year, I’m way behind!
Love your post!
How sad it is that someone actually had enough time to start a forum on something they know nothing about. Why do people even read these blogs just to bash them? All I know is I love your blog and always look forward to seeing your newest posts. I also love the pics you take! Rock on!!!
Happy Blogiversary. You are such an inspiration thank you for all you do for the “Real” woman!
Oh my gosh, Nina, you made me cry!!! Thanks so much for mentioning me! And you go girl, I stand behind you 100% and agree fully with what you said. The haters can … (fill in the blank any way you’d like. Be assured that for me, the end of that sentence is quite colorful
). LOVE what you do here and your encouragement and you, yourself, as our role model. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!! You have reason to be very proud of this blog!
Nina….
Your blog has made a HUGE impact on me, my style, and my blog. I have appreciated a REAL mom, a REAL woman sharing her life’s journey…and encouraging all of us! It’s easy to forgo feeling beautiful in my case because do my boys really care if I put makeup on today? Probably not, but I CARE! I am finding myself looking beyond basic black to hide my weight problem BECAUSE OF YOU….I ordered some things recently and stepped a little out of my box…because of your example! Thank you for that…and thank you for telling the haters where to go! You know you’re popular when people are hating…..but really….aren’t we adults? <3 Keep it up…..
Thank you for hosting this link up each week! It’s been lots of fun linking up, although I haven’t been doing it that long. Like you, the whole reason I do this is because it’s fun! So to echo everyone else…hater’s gonna hate! I guess we need to be thankful that we have the ability to accept ourselves and other for who they are, and we don’t need to bash someone else to feel “GOOD” about ourselves.
Happy Anniversary!!! Here’s to many more!
Oh man, what kind of sad SAD life do those people have? Do they really not have anything better to do than to hate on bloggers? I am sure a lot of them are just jealous. If you don’t like a type of blog, then don’t read it. It makes me sad to think how miserable someone like that has to be. They may think they are happy and that bashing is fun, but ultimately we are the happy ones! I love your blog, your outfits, and your poses. Don’t ever go read the website again. While I am curious to see if my little blog has garnered any attention, I won’t give the authors the satisfaction of looking because frankly I DON’T CARE.
Thanks for the shout-out in your post! Wahoo!
You know, Aubree, now that you’ve said that, I won’t, either! I was going to go look but you make a good point about not giving them the satisfaction.
And what kind of style do those people have anyway??
I am so sorry about that! Your site is encouraging and I think it is a travesty that others would be so negative.
Oh my goodness… That is just disgusting. It breaks my heart that there are people out there commenting on and reading that forum. They should all be ashamed of themselves. I love your blog, your poses and your outfits. Sure, sometimes there are things that I don’t prefer, but that’s what makes up your (and my) personal style! The point is getting to see a momma doing her best and something she loves! So I say go Nina! AND HAPPY ONE YEAR!
Congrats on a year lady!! How fun! Don’t let anyone bring you down. You are wonderful and such an inspiration for me!! Hugs!!!
I’m so glad you dont let those losers get you down. Your blog is a central point for many of us mums and we love coming here and hearing that yeh, someone is going through the same stuff as us. I love your outfits and honesty, i hope you continue knowing that we all love you and your blog and you have helped us along our ways also
Plus i always think your “poses” are awesome, im always so awkward infront of the camera and wish i could deliver some great photos like yours.
Beauty comes in all sizes!! But some people will always have something nasty to say about someone else. Who are they to say that what you wear or what you do is any of their bussiness any way.
Piss on them.
Until they can buy your clohtes, live your life and walk in your shoes they don’t have the right to say whatever you do is right or wrong.!! They should just shut the hell up!!
Don’t let others steal your joy,pride and self worth. You are beautiful, great and there is only one you.
We are grown-up at least some us are!!!!
I really don’t like that people are basing you. You are an amazing woman. I look forward to your style posts. So they can go stuff thmeselves in a garbage can.
they are SO not even worth your time love!! there will always be haters and although its hard, you have to believe in your awesomeness, ignore it, and move forward. your readers love you for who you are and everything that you do!
GOMI has been around for ages. Some of the people they pick on are legitimately ridiculous but some are innocent victims of meanness. It’s best to just ignore them. Let them do their thing and you just keep doing yours.
I remember the post from one year ago! I can’t believe it has been one year already!!! Congrats!
You look fabulous!! In kindergarten our golden rule is “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything!” If “those” people don’t care for RMRS, why do they visit your blog? ANYWAY!!! Keep up the styles! and humor! Your blog always puts a smile on my face and warms my heart! I wish you continued health and happiness!!
Thanks SO much for hosting! I don’t link up all the time – but every now and then I do! Happy 1 year – what a successful year it’s been!
Thanks for hosting
I actually can’t believe what I just read–that people would talk about you and others for posting outfits!?! Really??? I love the way you pose…it shows confidence. I wish that I posed more like that than the stiff poses I do
Nina I have just discovered your blog for the first time and I’m so sorry that the first post of yours I’ve read is about this – there was an almost identical conversation about me a couple of weeks ago (on a MUMS forum thing of all things) and I too wrote a post on my blog as an indirect reply to it. I was stated as looking “ridiculous” and “liked I’d pissed myself” (seriously!!), but in fact the stupid comments just made me laugh… the response from my gorgeous fellow bloggers was overwhelming. However I was told we should just accept that people are generally nastier on the internet than in real life – that may be true but that doesn’t make them nice people or that we have to accept it!! I agree with you – who ARE these people who just have to put negativity down in writing to share with others…? If I had to choose between being part of forums that breed bitchiness and negativity or a blogging community where there’s a huge amount of love and respect… I know which I’d go for!!!
Anyway downer over – I really like what I’ve seen of your blog so far (I personally LOVE bloggers who have their own “posing style”!!), I’ll link up and come back to have a dig through your archives! Hope you’re having a lovely day, smug in the knowledge that you’re a wonderful person and loved by the right people (I read every one of the wonderful comments you received)!
Catherine @ Not Dressed As Lamb
xoxo
(If you wanted to have a read of my post it’s at http://notdressedaslamb.blogspot.com/2012/02/musing-ridiculous-moi.html . Hope it’s of some interest, I think we subconsciously wrote our posts together!
)
What?!?! Can’t find the forum, but what is wrong with people?! So sorry, friend. You are beautiful and I love your RMRS posts….haven’t been keeping up, because I’ve been horrible with taking pictures for a while now.
Sorry you have to deal with that crap. You are amazing!
Just stumbled across your blog, and had to tell you that I love your attitude and your style! It’s great to see so much positivity and encouragement
Glad you aren’t letting the haters get you down! Jenn
Wow. I cannot believe someone would have the nerve to say even one negative thing about you. I have been stalking, uhh I mean following your blog for about a year now and I LOVE it. Those woman are rude and hateful and I don’t like them. Keep doing what your doing and rock it girl! Don’t ever let any one dull your sparkle! Thank you for being bold with your blog posts. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you for being a REAL momma. Love you Nina
-Chrissy
http://www.letmeseeyousparkle.blogspot.com
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