photo Charming_zps24b0f6e3.png

3.18.2013

{i am not a hipster}

Things I love: glitter, Kate Spade, and bows.

A few weeks ago, I went to this really amazing wedding show-type-thing called the Cream. Maybe you've heard of it? Basically, a whole bunch of incredibly creative people come together to put on a non-bridal show, if that makes sense. When you get these vendors together, you get a gorgeous venue full of eccentric details and lots of pretty. 

I can't lie, I get jealous of a lot these people. How is it that they are so much farther ahead or more creative or just cooler than I am? I look at the things that they do and I am seriously amazed. Part of me thinks that yeah, I can do that. Honestly, I don't doubt that I could do that. But then I come back down to earth, and realize that maybe I don't actually want to do that.

I am not a hipster. These people love being ahead of the trend, but sometimes that trend is just so far out there. Yeah, everything neon is fun to look at sometimes, but my brides aren't exactly clamoring for lime green accents with their midcentury furniture. 

I don't want to say that there's anything bad about designing things like this. I already said that I get jealous when people are that creative! I just have to say that it's not me. 

I like pink peonies and navy stripes and Kate Spade. I prefer my home to be warm and full and comforting (even if that means cluttered) rather than minimalist and concrete. I love Taylor Swift, and can't deny that I'm really tired of that Lumineers song. 

These shouldn't be a bad thing, but this industry can get kind of ruthless sometimes. If you aren't with it, you know? I love planning things for other people that are their style, but what about my style? Should I be ashamed if I see another blogger or indie wedding designer on the street when I'm wearing my anchor skirt and white button up shirt? Because I think I'm cute, but that doesn't necessarily make me cool. And I think that's kind of sad. 

It all goes back to that comparison thing. You've heard the saying...Comparison is the thief of joy. I won't deny that I compare myself to others. It's kind of difficult not to when you're constantly surrounded by people with a serious eye for detail, and you're held to a higher standard of creativity. I wish I felt like I were able to cultivate my own tastes and style, rather than follow along with someone else. 

I need to learn that it's okay. I am not a hipster. I'm not anything or anyone other than Joelle Duff, hair bow aficionado and a damn good wedding planner.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I feel this way about my design work all the time! The best thing to do is just not pay attention about what anyone else is doing... that's why I never go to those events. While inspiring, it brings me down in a way.

Unknown said...

Love this. So encouraging to see you going your own way and being true to yourself, while still blogging through it all. And I have to agree with you, I'm so over neon and that Lumineers song is getting quite annoying!
;)

Unknown said...

You know what? Joelle Duff is pretty amazing. And I love her style.

Unknown said...

love this!
the world is full of and needs all "types".
it's much better to appreciate others than to try to be just like them - even though that's not always easy :)

Unknown said...

And a girl with REALLY cute shoes!


Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Unknown said...

What a great message Joelle. You don't need to be all those things to be the best you! Just be you.

Unknown said...

I felt this way a lot when I started designing blogs and I often still feel that way! I think sometimes, "What's so special about my designs? There's probably a million other people who could make these designs." But, for whatever reason, people want me and my designs. And I think that says something.

Same for you: there is a reason that others keep coming back to you. That people recommend you to friends and family. That other bloggers (myself included!) add links to your work to share with their community.

You have that something, that something so uniquely Joelle that people keep coming back to. So keep doing it :) And proudly.

Besides, there are trends amongst hipsters, too. So don't believe them when they proclaim to be so very unique.

Unknown said...

Hahahaha I am the EXACT same way. Hipsters make me feel inadequate and like I'm not good enough for them. Your style is AWESOME and it's ALL YOU, and that is amazing. :)

Unknown said...

Why is that?! We are both so creative, and they make me feel like it's high school all over again. Gross.


But you're awesome too Lauren, and I think we work well together because we both have a similar style. Go us ;) xoxo

Unknown said...

Completely agree, girl!! Trends are fun but sometimes I can't seem to wrap my mind around the ones that are way out there!

Unknown said...

First off, LOVE those shoes!! Second, as a girl who has been planning her wedding since she was 5, I want a wedding planner that does what I want and not what is "on trend." Keep doing what you are doing! It is awesome! And you should take comfort in the fact that pink peonies, navy strips and kate spade will NEVER go out of style! But lime green accents on midcentury furniture will (whoever said it was in style was serious disturbed!)

Unknown said...

Amen sista :) I totally get down sometimes when the things I like aren't considered "cool". But it's so dumb! Why do we do that to ourselves? Also, I happen to think you have impeccable style. Just because something is traditional doesn't mean it isn't 100% desirable and something to aspire to.