It's Friend Friday! What's new Copy Cat?! Whoa Whoa Whoa!

What is fashion if not copying? We look at In Style and copy styles that are featured there. We copy hairstyles that we think would look good on us. We copy outfits, jean styles, color combinations, handbags, runway looks and anything else we feel would make us more attractive. It's what we do, we copy. It's what fashion is all about.....copying. That is the marked difference between fashion and style. Style says, "I am unique". Fashion says, "I want to look like you". Style shouts, "I will be me even if it gains me no approval". Fashion whines, "Everyone seems to like you, so I'll be just like you!" Style is a an expression of self whose mission is to inspire others to express themselves. Fashion is a sycophant who mimicks "popularity" to earn her own sycophants.

As just another fishy in an ocean of fashion and style bloggers, I know that there's a thin line between being inspired and copying. It's important to me to stay on the "Style" side, it's an expression of who I am. It's not just about looking cute, but using my wardrobe to express my feelings and creativity. This week, Katy of Modly Chic, has asked us questions regarding copying. These questions are thought provoking and force us as bloggers to examine why we do what we do.

1. What are the 'unwritten rules' about copying content that we bloggers should all abide by?
I know if I post something that's really uniquely mine or inspired by another blogger. It's just the right thing to day and at the very least the "kind" thing to do to credit or link back to my inspiration.

2. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. But when is a post imitation and when is it copying?
Well, I think imitation IS copying. That copying is flattering when credit is given to the one whose work is the inspiration. When a blogger copies and then tries to pass it off as original to them, it ceases to be flattering. But honestly, I think we should be careful to look for the best in our community. There truly are hundreds (could there be THOUSANDS) of fashion blogs. It's entirely possible that 10 of them could have come up with the same pose or prop without EVER having seen each other's blogs.

3. Taking another blogger's idea (perhaps for an outfit, or DIY tutorial) is pretty common in the blogging world. Do you think it is necessary to credit the original source?
It depends on the difference between inspiration and imitation. Jessica, of What I Wore, posted a tutorial on attaching a pin to a pendant to create a unique necklace. If I post a tutorial on attaching a pin to a pendant to create a necklace, then I should credit her. No biggie, I haven't lost anything....it's just my spin on her idea. If however, I post a tutorial on how to make a necklace out of fishing line using lures as pendants, then that's completely original to me even if her tutorial inspired me to make a tutorial. By the way, if I see fishing line necklaces and lure pendants in the bloggosphere, I'll know my idea was jacked!!

4. How have you improved your blog by comparing it to other blogs? Have you made changes due to something you have seen others doing?
Going to a plain background and keeping my blog "clean" was absolutely inspired by other popular blogs. I liked the idea of making my blog about easy to read. I've been inspired by Second Skin Style to embrace my love of vintage; and while our styles are completely different, she has absolutely been my inspiration to be more bold in wearing vintage pieces. Sacramento has inspired me to completely discard the question, "Should a woman my age wear.....?" from my criteria for what I wear. I'm so thankful for all the bloggers I've "met" and for their style! It encourages me to embrace my own style!

5. Have you ever had one of your posts copied by another blogger or publication? How did you handle the situation?
Not to my knowledge. I honestly don't know how I would handle it. I guess my reaction would depend on if I was the inspiration behind someone's post or if something was blatantly stolen from my blog and uncredited. I'm really not going to nitpick anyone. I blog because I love personal style. THAT'S what I want to keep the focus on and just leave the petty competition alone.

I'll close out this Friend Friday post with a quote that I think is by Chanel, but I could be mistaken. "Fashion fades. Only style remains." I love that!