Keeping up with the Millennials - Inspiring Fashion over 35
Mudding Through
Have you ever noticed that the social media world is inundated with millennials? I mean, I get it — they were basically born with it in their DNA. For me, a Gen Xer, I have to muddle my way through all the in’s out out’s of posting, tweeting, blogging, vlogging, and every other social media outlet out there. Today, I spent hours trying to figure out adding Linkt.ree to my Insta account, which involved watching multiple Youtube videos. Regardless, eventually I somehow managed to get it all done — even if I missed the memo that you can’t post an Instagram story on your Facebook page or you wind up sideways.
We Are Relevant
This is what inspired me to move forward with a vengeance towards my mission to fill in the lacking presence in social media for women and fashion over 35. I was noticing so many young, and pretty, girls posting tons of photos of themselves and labeling themselves “fashion stylists”. I mean, good for them, I’m not getting all up in their space, but I’m going to be honest here and tell you that I was getting a bit pissed off. I have worked my ass off for years doing legit styling and all the crappy, unglamorous tasks required — and now these perky young things had 50k followers! WTF.
Where Did Everybody Go?
I started doing some digging around and what really struck me was that I couldn’t find anyone my age that I could follow and be inspired by. I’m not saying it isn’t out there — as I said, my lack of social media skills at the time could have left room for some error. But if I had to look THAT hard, it meant to me that it wasn’t very prevalent. Why is that? My guess — its partially that our generation hasn’t really starting riding the social media train yet. Except Facebook. Facebook started as a platform for college students to connect. As soon as Millennials noticed their parents taking it over — they migrated to Instagram. We, however, decided to stay put where we were. And everyone was all happy with that. However, Instagram is a tremendous platform and we are missing out on ALOT. And to all my friends —having a profile on Instagram for the sole person of spying on your children does not count.
The Solution
I stumbled upon this amazing app liketoknow.it — which is a fantastic tool to instantly shop your favorite looks from their brand ambassador posts. Again, I scrolled through and found 20 something after 20 something. Cute photos, great outfits — but how was I, a 49 year old mother — going to relate to and shop those looks? So I applied to see if I would be accepted as a brand ambassador..and I WAS. I was so excited. The day I received the acceptance email, I was in Las Vegas, styling one of my favorite clients, New York Times Best Selling Author, Sylvia Day, when I got the news. I think I might have screamed out loud because she looked and me and said “I’m so excited for you — I don’t know what it is — but if YOU are happy, then so am I”.
So — now as a brand ambassador, I spend countless hours photographing great styles so my followers can shop my looks. But where are all my followers? How can I expect to target this age group when they aren’t on Instagram and when I mention liketoknow.it — they say “huh?” (Disclaimer..I know there are many over 35 on social media — this is just a general statement so don’t take insult if you are!)
It’s time for a change. We are not our mothers (no offense mom). We are kicking some serious ass here as we age and we need to stay on top of the trends, keeping ourselves relevant in all aspects of life. If I can get all of you to pay attention, then the industry will listen as well.
Some Fall 2019 Inspiration
How Can I Help You?
Stay with me as I continue my mission. I promise — it is going to be worth it. I would love to hear from you about anything you are interested in my writing or assisting you with. Reach out on my Insta @krwardrobedesign.com, comment below or email me at krwardrobedesign@gmail.com.
And P.S., if you are reading this blog you are already ahead of the game!
Much Love,
