Army of Flowers

by jennine on July 16, 2010

I live in this army jacket. For real. Before I had this jacket, I had another army green jacket that I wore to tatters. Army green is just a color that works, it goes with a surprising number of colors and even more so, the army style is surprisingly versatile. It’s strange how this jacket doesn’t make it on to the blog more often, because I must wear it every day, or at least four times a week… for the last three years.

So, you might have noticed I haven’t been posting here very often this past week (or maybe not?). It has been a long time since I went a week without posting on The Coveted. In fact I can’t remember the last time that happened. It’s not out of lack of inspiration or things to post about. I have loads of things to show you (like my new ikat floral summer dress above). But other things are taking over, like my new blog eat, sleep, denim…which launching it has taken a lot of time getting it off the ground. Even more time consuming is redesign of Independent Fashion Bloggers, both projects require thought and energy..and both projects make me realize how personal The Coveted really is.

Maybe I’m just going to change the direction of The Coveted,  I really miss scouring the internet for new designers, new shops, going out and finding locations to take lots of photos, but I’m not sure how feasible that is in light of all that’s going on. Perhaps this will evolve into more a personal project, because I’d really hate to let it go after all these years. Anyway… I just thought I’d share. Who knows what’s going to happen. So maybe we’ll just play it by ear for now.

If you’re a blogger, or were a blogger…have you ever came to a time where you wondered if you reached the end? How did you end it, or how did you get through these feelings?

{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Tami July 16, 2010 at 2:45 pm

I’m just totally amazed at how you can keep all these ventures afloat - bravo for being so involved in the fashion community and I hope you’ll find a way to maintain it all!
Tami´s last blog ..Twenty Tees My ComLuv Profile

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2 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:08 pm

thanks love…you’re always so good to me!
:)

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3 ...love Maegan July 16, 2010 at 2:50 pm

I love the dress with that jacket!! but how can you wear those tights in this weather!?!??! eekekeke . You look adorable as usual ;)
…love Maegan´s last blog ..Caftan Squash Blossom Necklace Sun Hat My ComLuv Profile

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4 SweetyPW July 16, 2010 at 3:03 pm

I recently ended my Sweety P Style Files Blog in June because my other blog, Ms. Charm’s Chic is more organized and has a clear point of view. After taking a class about blogging in college, I learned how to make my blog work for me and my readers. I went a month without posting a new post on Sweety P Style Files. I was like it was time to figure out if I really wanted to give this up or not. I like my Ms. Charm’s Chic blog much better because I am covering my hometown’s fashion scene (Baltimore is full of great talent that I feel the rest of the world doesn’t know about) and meeting people face to face. I think all bloggers have that those thoughts, “Will I be able to keep this up?” or “Will I ever want to give this up?” I have learned that it’s best to sometimes take a break to figure out if this is what you really want or not. I don’t feel like Sweety P Style Files Blog is dead because I am incorporating what I used to do in that blog in my new blog just in a better way. I plan to add a more personal touch (post about me) to my Ms. Charm’s Chic blog in the Fall/Winter to bring some of my Sweety P Style Files spirit. I guess I’m combining two blogs into one. I like change so it’s easy for me to transition into something new.
SweetyPW´s last blog ..Weekend Catwalk- Artscape Fashion My ComLuv Profile

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5 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:11 pm

Oh wow, well it sounds like you are just honing in on what you love doing..it’s a great thing. And I love Ms. Charm’s Chic. Though with a personal blog like SweetyP you’re still in there, and you can always come back.
:)

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6 Iva July 16, 2010 at 3:09 pm

you look beautiful Jennine! I completely agree Army can go with some many colors! I love pairing it with something feminine… just like you did! But then of course there are so many fabulous ways to wear it. I know you have a lot on your plate now! I would truly be saddened to see The Coveted go. I think maybe do what you are doing now…break a few days or so, and post here or there. With time things will change, open up, new ventures…you just never know. I think it’s a beautiful part of you and it’s a great place to have to for your personal platform! Either way though, I’m just glad that you are accessible in more then one area!
Iva´s last blog ..olsen Haus - - Pure Vegan My ComLuv Profile

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7 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:12 pm

thanks…hopefully things will open up, but yeah, you never know.

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8 Poochie July 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm

I feel that way a lot. It comes and goes in waves. A few weeks ago I thought about quitting but now I’m feeling energized again. It can be tough!

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9 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:12 pm

oh it certainly goes in waves. everything does.

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10 Nickie Frye July 16, 2010 at 3:31 pm

I love this look & I’m still so jealous of those shoes. ;)

Best of luck to you in whatever you decide with your blog(s). You’re super talented & anything you decide to do will be a success.

xoxo
Nickie Frye´s last blog ..Freedom- Liberty- and Wild Horses My ComLuv Profile

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11 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:13 pm

thanks nickie!

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12 Citizen Rosebud July 16, 2010 at 4:10 pm

You do have a lot on your plate, so I can understand why you’d consider if the Coveted has run its course. I hope it has NOT. Why? Because, even though there is so much of you in your other projects, (thank you so much for creating IFB by the way) here is the place I come to get to know YOU. Beautiful, stylish and sage Jeninne. You may not have the gumption to keep up daily posts, and this may be a time that the Coveted gets refined and simplified somehow, but I hope there is time and room for your personal voice and view.

You look gorgeous by the way. The print suits you, and those shoes are divine.
Citizen Rosebud´s last blog ..i heart blogs My ComLuv Profile

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13 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:13 pm

thank you..it might just be scaling back to 3 posts a week, hopefully i can do that. we’ll see!

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14 Korka July 16, 2010 at 4:43 pm

Oh don’t leave us! I’m sure everyone will understand if you have to blog more sporadically from now on, you have so much other amazing work to do.

Oh and where did you get that dress!? I need one just like it for the fickle SF summer…
Korka´s last blog ..Photos from Vernissage Opening My ComLuv Profile

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15 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:14 pm

oh, i got the dress at loehmans… it was so cheap!

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16 gail July 16, 2010 at 5:17 pm

I’ve followed The Coveted for years and personally think it has a lot more to offer than the denim blog. Not that you aren’t doing a great job with that, but how much and for how long can you really talk about denim? (I guess I’m not that into it, even tho I wear jeans ALOT). The Coveted just covers alot more fashion ground, and there is always something new to see! And, the IFB - Girl, you are impressive, seriously.

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17 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:15 pm

ooh, i think there is a lot to talk about with denim, it’s a crazy cultish genre.

but thank you for following the coveted for all this time. really. :)

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18 K-Line July 16, 2010 at 6:37 pm

I’ve noticed that your posting is becoming more sporadic. I think it’s ok to experience something - to love it and be nourished by it - and then to move on. Note that I am not advocating that! I love this blog. But you shouldn’t feel beholden to anything. And you have so many other things on the go…

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19 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:15 pm

thanks k. really.

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20 The Well-Appointed Catwalk July 16, 2010 at 6:56 pm

It seems like it’s a constant struggle to balance it all and keep the blog going. I’ve never been at what I thought was the end, but there have been plenty of times I’ve felt overwhelmed or uninspired, frustrated by the time it takes to get a real following or wondered what the point is when there are so many other great blogs out there. Well, the point is that I need a creative outlet and that I love this, and I try to remind myself of that whenever I can. Take breaks, post less often - do whatever you need to do. But if you still love The Coveted, why bring it to an end? We’ll all still be here whenever you have time to post. :)
The Well-Appointed Catwalk´s last blog ..Louis Sale Starts Tomorrow My ComLuv Profile

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21 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:16 pm

thanks… a few people have said that, maybe it’s just time for a wee break. i go back and forth wiht the all or nothing bits. who knows. i’m going to try though.

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22 Kate July 16, 2010 at 7:25 pm

Love this outfit! The floral dress is adorable, and I am loving it with the army jacket! You look great! & I’ve only been in the blogging world for a fairly short time, so I can’t relate to the feeling of it being over, but I am sure I will get there someday - you have definitely taken on a lot, so I guess just decide what you love doing the most, and stick with that!
Kate´s last blog ..The Lace-Up Bootie My ComLuv Profile

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23 hiyaluv July 17, 2010 at 5:45 am

you look stunning. i love your outfit in this post.
smiles,
gina
hiyaluv´s last blog ..end of week 2 My ComLuv Profile

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24 Elissa of Spandexpony July 17, 2010 at 10:32 am

I love K-Line’s comment. I’m struggling with this same issue right now. I know I love to write and to receive feedback from people/experience community, but right now, blogging feels more like a chore and less like an engaging, fun hobby. Though I really hate to stick a fork in it, so I haven’t done anything yet. I am right now trying to decide what direction I want to go it; it will involve starting a new blog cuz the old one feels like it represents someone I’m not right now. Also, I don’t really get paid to maintain my blog, so I feel like as long as I’m devoting time to something that isn’t my job, it might as well be fully fun for me to do. Ya dig?? PS- I love the jacket. I have a similar one that is also in pretty constant rotation in spring and fall. You really can’t go wrong with a great army green jacket.
Elissa of Spandexpony´s last blog ..Fireworks and Choppers My ComLuv Profile

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25 Sheena July 17, 2010 at 10:52 am

I love that dress and the way you styled it with the army green jacket! I think army green is so underrated and there is something about the color and styling of the clothing that brings about a certain toughness (in a good way) to an outfit. I understand what you mean about trying to keep everything in the air. I’ve also found it difficult to continue on my personal blog when there is so much other stuff to do and keep going. However, I think you have done so well with The Coveted/IFB/Eat,Sleep,Denim, you I don’t blame you if you have to take a little bit of time off :)
Sheena´s last blog ..A Brand New Day- My Thoughts the Keratin Smoothing Complex Therapy My ComLuv Profile

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26 Krista July 18, 2010 at 8:53 am

I love that jacket. I always enjoy your pictures. I can so relate to this post because I rebranded my old site, Boutique Flair…because I just got tired of all things boutique. I love it, but not enough to blog about it every day. I started contributing a style column and really felt in my element, so on a whim just redid everything, with a focus on style. After 6 months of the style focus, I realized that some of the blogs I enjoy most have a personal feel. Perhaps it’s the mark of a creative mind…to always be evolving and changing. I think the internet changes so often that it’s hard not to go with the flow. I would hate to see The Coveted close all together. There are not many personal style blogs featuring girls over 30, and I think it adds wonderful diversity. The guilt could kill you, though. Just the thought of not blogging for a week and leaving your readers hanging can be torturous for a blogger…but at the same time, you will know when it’s time to move on or slow down. I hope it’s the latter. I love peeking in and finding some inpiration :)
Krista´s last blog ..Watches That Add Zing My ComLuv Profile

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27 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:18 pm

oh yeah, there aren’t a lot of personal style blogs with women over 30…it’s kind of strange, and one of the things that bums me out because i don’t feel like i can keep up with the young ones, and part of me doesn’t want to. it’s a strange feeling.

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28 Krista July 19, 2010 at 12:22 am

I think you show the young ones how to do it! I guess it’s a matter of perspective, but you totally inspire me to not care about age. I’m also 35 and have shied away from the whole personal style thing, but the fact is that not everyone is in their late teens & early 20s & people really love when people are confident and express themselves. I kept kind of a newsy/reserved feel on my blog for so long that I was shocked when I got a bit more personal in order to talk about my upcoming move/offline status…I got more comments than usual. It got me thinking about sharing a bit more about myself in the blog, and not feeling self conscious about it. I think people like to see that you are real and willing to share-without apology. Blogger burnout is very real, though. SO I get where you are coming from. I think talking about it out loud helps though. Good luck with your decision…keeping up w/ 1 blog is difficult enough, so I think everyone realizes that sometimes things just have to go, even if we are attached to them.

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29 Joy D. July 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm

Either decision you make you have influenced many and inspired lots. I have been a reader for a long time and enjoyed reading your posts. I also like the newest blog. I’m gushing so I will digress.

I have had a blog for little over a year and have also rethought what I wanted to do. And I am more happier after taking a break and getting my real life in order, I appreciate blogging more. I hope this jumbled mess of words offers help.
Joy D.´s last blog ..One of the best days of my life My ComLuv Profile

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30 Queen Marie July 18, 2010 at 3:01 pm

What a total picture you are above. Lovely.
I am never less than amazed at your level of involvement in so many different things. I seriously don’t know how you do it.
I think a level of fatigue is only natural. I sometimes feel ‘blogged out’. I would perhaps say - Maybe just let things unfold naturally and at their own pace , letting any new path make itself clear to you, before you decide if you even want to venture down it…

QMx
Queen Marie´s last blog ..Did you hear My ComLuv Profile

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31 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:21 pm

thank you my dear queen. i don’t know how you and michelle do it. so many great posts every week for years, it’s an inspiration, truly…

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32 Kelsi July 18, 2010 at 4:46 pm

I am ever and always in awe of you and the way you handle everything. Just take your time, post when you can. Don’t pressure yourself to post, we’ll all still be here - I promise!

xx

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33 beats for sale July 18, 2010 at 5:54 pm

i don’t mean to sound all harsh but they could of got a more prettier girl to sport this look, lolz but it looks okey on her, she could pull it off ;-)

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34 jennine July 18, 2010 at 9:21 pm

who are ‘they’?

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35 Ed July 19, 2010 at 9:52 am

please don’t let the stupid comment above put you off - I have read your blog for a long long time. I am also a graphic designer so guess that’s why I was drawn to it, and I was always amazed that even when you moved country you were able to keep this up. I get a lot from this blog and love how it covers a range of topics from girly to serious with a lovely optimistic vibe. Even one post a week would always make me drop back in…

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36 DWJ July 19, 2010 at 12:54 pm

Keep the Coveted going because you love it. Whether you post once a week or once a month, you enjoy it and there are a lot of other folks that I know enjoy it too (me). I go through ups and downs with my blog and every time I think I’m going to stop a great opportunity falls in my lap. Keep it going, just do it on your terms and only do it if it makes you happy.
DWJ´s last blog ..Weekend Bargains My ComLuv Profile

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37 hanako66 July 19, 2010 at 3:39 pm

I actually brought myself out of a serious funk today and did my first outfit post in ages. Life happened and I didn’t know how to interpret that on my blog. I had an epiphany over the weekend and realized how much I love it and how important it is to me and even though I need to scale back, I am going to try to keep it a priority in my life! Good luck with everything.. I adore this look:)
hanako66´s last blog ..blowing through the jasmine in my mind My ComLuv Profile

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38 Sandra @ DebutanteClothing July 19, 2010 at 6:37 pm

I think there is something in the air. I have reached a wall myself. I was just having this conversation with Ashe and with some bloggers at the Two Point Oh LA picnic this weekend. I do feel like I have reached the end, but it breaks my heart to think of letting go of my blog. I think maybe it’s time to let go a bit and keep it as personal and inspiring as possible. I feel like I have put so much pressure on myself to blog and what types of posts I should write. In the end, if I burn out, I won’t blog at all. Which it seems that way because I posted once last week.

Let’s support each other. Let’s encourage each other to go out and smell the roses and be ok with just posting a couple times a week. No pressure, no expectations.

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39 Suzanna July 20, 2010 at 9:12 pm

As you probably know, I gave up my old blog when I moved to Florida. The changes in my life made it no longer practical to write; I no longer had the luxury of time to think it through. I then rebranded and wrote about politics and pop culture, but even this became too much when a relationship and a complete lack of personal time became deciding factors.

I then started a new blog with a completely different direction. It takes work, but no intellect. I am pressed to do it and it has created conflicts when I take too long to bang out a post. I have yet to find the balance of quality post and not interfering with “life.”

I wanted to comment that I think The Coveted has been stronger than ever in recent months and I would be sad to see it gone or lessened. It has a certain identity that I’ve enjoyed, especially with a broader focus that has included cosmetics and the videos.

Just my opinion, J.! Either way, I will check out the denim blog on a regular basis!

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40 Retro Chick July 21, 2010 at 5:48 am

Oh I nearly missed this! Finally getting to catch up with my feed reader.

First. I love the florals with the army jacket, it’s gorgeous!

Second, you’ve been an inspiration to me since you started blogging, I have no idea how you manage to be so organised to keep so many different projects on the go at once.

So what if The Coveted has to take a slower, more personal direction while you focus on other things. It should be a pleasure, not an obligation. (But don’t stop!)
Retro Chick´s last blog ..Retro Chick Style Icon – Mae West My ComLuv Profile

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41 Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels July 21, 2010 at 8:25 am

I almost did, but it was during the move, after I had spent 10 days with no internet connection and I felt a little lost… I started wondering if I had anything left to say, to share on my blog. And then I realized that YES, I absolutely did, and still do, and as long as I feel like sharing something - be it writing, the outfit of the week, event alerts, photos, anything - I will continue blogging. Which means I might be blogging for a while still :-)

I really hope you don’t quit The Coveted, I think it’s a great blog and it would be a shame to let it go. But if you need to reinvent it a bit… that might help. I find that taking a short break and looking at different things you can do makes it feel fresher and makes it appealing again. Good luck!!
Elisa @ Globetrotting in Heels´s last blog ..The making of a road trip My ComLuv Profile

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42 Trinidad July 22, 2010 at 7:16 am

Good Luck!
Trinidad´s last blog ..TBS Commandment 2- Thou shall honor quality over quantity My ComLuv Profile

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43 professionaldawn August 15, 2010 at 4:49 pm

You inspired me. Today I purchased a Hazel and Jaloux Khaki jacket - beautifully lined and with a tie waist ( I look like a rectangle in a jacket with no waist). I can’t wait to wear it with long shirt and tights or jeans or a sexy secretary skirt…Keep up the good work!
professionaldawn´s last blog ..Love Shoes Vanity Fair NYC Nuff said My ComLuv Profile

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