I came across the current news all over the internet, about a certain popular American Fashion Blogger – Shaniqua Jordan, being arrested and charged with credit card fraud! She was allegedly shopping with her customers credit cards (she has an online jewellery store); buying luxury fashion items of about $37,000, and showing them off on Instagram. Shaniqua Jordan is known for her love for high-end designer items and these items usually keep her fans increasing and followers talking.

I can see how Shaniqua Jordan would have been tempted to do what she has been accused of doing. As an insider, I see it everyday on social media and it is quite sad to see the amount of pressure many fashion bloggers put on themselves to look the part and it is really not worth the stress! Fashion Blogging isn’t all about styling expensive pieces. There is a lot more to it. I see many people walking around in expensive outfits that look horrid, so it’s not just about the price tag of what you wear.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love luxury items a lot. I like how real leather feels and smells. I love shopping in the high-end stores, and I love the quality high street stores as well. Give me Gucci, Givenchy, and all them big luxury brands any day, I would have them all if I could.

If I could afford a Birkin, I would have it. If I could afford a Rolex watch, I would go for it. But my reality today is that I can’t, and I am comfortable with what I can afford. I am happy to blog about what I can afford, and that is the key.

Many bloggers are not happy to show off what they can afford, and that is the main problem. They want to be like the “mega big bloggers” they follow online. So they end up having a massive debt in the name of fashion blogging, or steal to keep up with the fake online image. And this issue is not only in the blogging industry, it is a general problem. Too many people want all the flashy things but without the work.

I can imagine how anyone could be pressured to live a lie thanks to the power of social media, with the amazing shots, perfect spouses, well behaved children, beautiful house, many holidays and perfect outfits. It is easy to want these same things and there is no harm in wanting them as far as you are ready to earn them honestly. So if you want to go on more holidays or buy nicer things, start saving, if you want your house to look pretty, clean it more often, if you want to be able to afford luxury items, get a better paying job or increase your income streams. Be prepared to do what you can to elevate your lifestyle in an honest way.

Another point I would love to make is, when it comes to social media, especially Instagram (which seems to be notorious for showing off picture perfect lives), take all you see with a pinch of salt. Most of the time, it is not what or how it seems, so don’t be deceived. Instead, admire what you like, but always focus on your reality and own it! Believe me, life is too short to do anything else.

What do you think?