Say Yes to Hoboken

16 comments

1. Madeline @ über chic for cheap said… June 26, 2012 7:37 pm

   I have always been one who purchased a new swimsuit (or two) each summer and then hardly got any use out of them. For the first time in my life, I live near a beach and feel like I am living in my swim suit. I have 3 that I like and wish I had one or two more. Next on my swimming wishlist is a rash guard. After a few days burning at the beach, the idea of being completely covered is pretty appealing.

   PS – Loving the cobalt one piece, I have similar one in red and it’s definitely my favorite.
2. Lindsay Marie said… June 26, 2012 6:01 pm

   I think its fun to get a new swimsuit each summer, not that I always do. I grew up in CA, going to Santa Cruz often and I would add to the list: some cut off shorts, flip flops and a boogie board
3. sigh said… June 26, 2012 2:37 am

   I hate that practically every post in this blog is sponsored now or written by a contributor. It is no longer a blog. It is now a giant advertisement. That makes me sad because it was one of my favorites.
   • agree said… June 26, 2012 8:42 am

     I agree. I don’t want to hurt Liz’s feelings (I still adore you!), and I know bloggers want to make money from their sites, but at the same time, the blog has lost some of its appeal. I used to read everyday, now I just skim once a week. Same with her SIL’s blog. I used to read Oh Happy Day everyday, now I maybe look at it once a month, if that.
     • Liz Stanley said… June 26, 2012 11:29 am

       Hey guys! I’m really sorry you’re feeling that way! I’ve been really pleased with my brand partnerships as they’ve allowed me to produce better-quality content in a pretty non-intrusive way. Sponsors don’t dictate the content; sponsors occasionally have product in the post, but I only allow that if it’s something I would have posted about regardless! If you look through my archives you can see how much content has improved since I’ve started partnering with brands. It’s allowed me to hire out more professionals and dedicate more time to perfecting each post.

       In terms of contributors, I’m getting to the point where I can’t do it all on my own and I feel so honored to have such talented people working with me to produce more excellent content.

       I hope you can support my blog as it’s transitioning from a personal hobby to a more professional content source. I work really hard to produce the best content I can and am always looking for ways to improve.

       Thanks for reading!
       Liz
       • K said… June 26, 2012 1:45 pm

         In response to your tweet about this- I don’t think those comments qualify in any way as “mean.” I think they are coming from a place of honest and constructive criticism. Your content has changed a bit since you started doing SO many sponsored and contributor posts. There’s a saying in marketing- “When the marketers move in, the community members move out” and you’ll probably see some of that. People who loved your old content and are turned off by the number sponsored posts might walk away. Sponsored posts feel less authentic, regardless of whether it was something you would have done anyway.

         Of course you have the right to make money off your blog. It just might mean some disgruntled readers and a change in your readership. It’s the nature of the beast.
         • Liz Stanley said… June 26, 2012 2:17 pm

           I totally hear what you’re saying! I agree having sponsored posts may seem less authentic at first, but I’d hope people will see how non-intrusive the brands are and focus on the quality of the content being produced. You may not see it as mean, but using words like ‘hate’ when referring to my blog (made with my own blood, sweat and tears) are strong and sting for me.
       • Agree said… June 26, 2012 3:11 pm

         You know, I’ve sort of been thinking about this all day. I think K points out some of what I’ve been experiencing. I’ve been a very long time reader (years). Liz, it’s your original content that I love. Your writing style, your experiences, your opinions. So when I skim each week, it’s the contributors (no offense) that I skip. Some of the sponsored posts I can also tell I’m just not that interested in so I scroll right past them as well.

         I realized I do the same thing on other blogs. Once they lose the essence of the author, that’s when they lose me. I guess that’s not bad. Maybe you gain more new readers by moving to this newer type of content and it doesn’t matter (in terms of numbers) if you lose older readers. I really don’t know. I guess I’m just not in the demographic that sticks around, so my opinion, at least in terms of what a marketer cares about, doesn’t carry a lot of weight.
     • Michelle Edgemont said… June 26, 2012 11:54 am

       Just how print magazines use writers, stylists, and advertisers, blogs do too! Liz is kicking butt at putting up relate-able content that’s true to her colorful, whimsical, fun brand. Disclaimer: I am a contributor to this blog. Because of Liz and her hard work, I’m able to share awesome DIYs with you guys. We’re all trying to make a living doing what we love to support our families. Let’s support each other!
   • Madeline @ über chic for cheap said… June 26, 2012 12:46 pm

     These comments make me really sad. Liz is such an inspiration to me and I am loving her recent partnered content. What blog readers need to understand is how much time and commitment the writers put in. Liz has consistently put out wonderful content for years with little compensation and she has managed to find partners that enhance her content and compensate her in the process. And I say good for her!

     Sometimes blog content evolves and may not feel relevant to you, but I don’t think that warrants negative and anonymous comments. If you aren’t feeling it move on. There are plenty of blogs in the sea.

     Keep up the good work, Liz!
   • Spencer said… June 26, 2012 1:46 pm

     Haters gonna hate.
4. Cathy said… June 26, 2012 1:28 am

   Such pretty photos!Love the floral weekend bag!It’s so cute!
5. Chrissy said… June 21, 2012 3:39 pm

   Pooh pretty picks! Love the suit, shirt and shorts!
6. Adrienne Louise said… June 21, 2012 10:19 am

   I love that blue suit and the bag. THE BAG!
7. Jessica said… June 21, 2012 8:48 am

   Officially pinned… love this inspiration for a summer getaway. I have so far managed to not purchase a new swim suit this year as I got a couple from the J.Crew super sale last fall… but the retro chic one-pieces are certainly tempting me! Especially the fab and affordable ones from Old Navy!
   xx
   Here&Now
8. Elizabeth Miller said… June 21, 2012 8:45 am

   I think the excitement of summer coming makes me always want to buy a new swimsuit here too! It’s not too warm either here on the coast but I want all these items!