I’d like to open this up to the community and make this more of an open discussion than a post itself.
I’ve been blogging for about 3 years and have noticed a huge increase of brands working with bloggers– fantastic! It’s a beautiful thing and for those of us trying to become professionals it opens a ton of windows of opportunities. Along with working with brands, we also receive our fair share of free gifts. The U.S Federal Trade Commission responded to the amount of free gifts that bloggers receive by saying everything must be disclosed (which by the way, not everyone does but that’s a whole other topic on it’s own). I think disclosing is fair, I see nothing wrong with it and it’s being honest with your readers.
Over here at IFB, we’ve noticed a lot “courtesy of,” “care of,” or “c/o” going on with bloggers. Sometimes entire outfit posts are made up of only “c/o” items. Although they do disclose free gifts, we couldn’t help but wonder how you readers feel about this? Does this affect the blogger’s credibility to you? Do you think they would be wearing the stuff if it wasn’t gifted? I receive a fair amount of gifts myself and I try to wear them sparingly along with items I’ve purchased. Also, I ABSOLUTELY do not take everything I’m offered, seriously. If I don’t think I will wear it, I don’t care if it’s free and I won’t take it. If you read my blog, you’d know “Keep it real” is the motto I live by.
My thoughts on this are the following:
I really sort of don’t know how I feel about this. I’m kind of torn. Maybe you guys could help? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with receiving gifts at all, especially when disclosed but I fear losing credibility with readers which mean everything to me.
I guess I’m more for it than against it. I think if it fits the blogger’s personality and style then it’s fine. But when you could tell it’s totally out of wack, and I feel like you’re trying to sell me something too often… I’m gone.
I’d love to hear what everyone thinks on the topic– this might be a sensitive issue for some bloggers but we definitely want to hear your thoughts! Post your comments below!
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I am fine with c/o. I myself get offered a lot of freebies. I only accept ones that I think I would buy myself anyway if i had the money. I have also been known to send things back if I dont wear them or if i feel they dont fit in with my personal style (although this makes brands a bit angry)
I receive quite a few c/o items, but the relationships I have with sponsors are all ones whereby I get to choose the items I receive, meaning that I only ever get freebies that are things I genuinely love. I honestly can’t imagine what the point would be of accepting something I didn’t like just because it was free, and then having to wear an outfit that didn’t suit me, or that I secretly hated. Seriously, what would be the point? It’s not like you’re getting something that’s of any use to you, so it genuinely wouldn’t occur to me to accept it, and to be honest, I just (possibly naively) assumed most people would be the same, so c/o stuff has never really bothered me.
Basically, if I’m wearing something c/o, it’s something I loved, and chose myself: my rule is that if I wouldn’t buy it, I won’t accept it as a freebie – I just don’t see the point of having a closet overflowing with clothes I hate! If everyone did that then I don’t see an issue with it, to be honest: if other bloggers would turn down an offer of something they really, really loved, then all I can say is that they’re better women than I am
I have a small style blog, but read many different size style blogs. I’m all for “c/o” items because it’s a great way to see real women wearing real clothes. However, I do get tired of the disclosures in every single post. I get it, if I click, you get money. you don’t have to tell me every time. And if you’re always wearing c/o items it’s like you don’t shop for yourself anymore. But, I realize the style blog is a business for some people, so c/o, is very important to their success, as it pays the bills. As long as the items are true to your style and price range I think it’s great.
I have been offered a handful of c/o items and thought if I didn’t take each offer, I’d never get another one. I soon realized I needed to pick and choose and stay true to myself. So, while I only have a few c/o items, they are really great pieces that I wear and use often.
I do feature c/o items, but only if I really, genuinely like the item, and would pay for it (if I had the money). I don’t endorse anything I don’t fully support. When I am putting together an outfit for a post, I don’t really consider at the source of each item, tbh, I just put things together that I like, and that I feel like wearing that day. If that means everything is c/o, then so be it. But the next post might include mostly items I’ve gotten from a thrift store. I dunno. I don’t really think about where everything’s from until I am writing the post. It’s sort of an after-thought. I just wear what I want…lol.
“I think if it fits the blogger’s personality and style then it’s fine.”
I totally agree with this. Consistency is pretty important when it comes to fashion bloggers–all of us are just trying to get our voices heard. It’s when the blog is overly saturated with c/o products and endorsements that it starts to feel insincere.
If everyone wanted to read pitches and advertisements, we’d just look at magazines.
Actually just tweeted about this the other day. Bloggers selling out does upset me, and I feel like sponsorships and c/o items are part of the sell out if they are involved in the majority of a blogger’s posts.
Part of the reason I started reading blogs was to hear unique voices, see what people were wearing and what they were generally interested in. Blogs that have turned into one giant advertisement have lost me as a subscriber.
None of this is to say that I don’t use c/o items in my own posts, I do…I just fold them into the mix and keep them in the minority.
I haven’t been offered many c/o items, but I think I agree with you on this one – while it’s nice to have a mutual relationship between a blogger recieving clothes and in return promoting the brand, when a blogger only wears c/o stuff it detracts from their individuality and style, which is the main thing I love about bloggers!
xx
i’ve received some items that i have blogged about but i always mix with items that are my own. I too wouldn’t take just anything for free, if it’s not my style. I have declined free things, giveaways, etc. that don’t mesh with my blog.
I do not mind them but what does bother me (and I have stopped following a blogger for this reason) is when I start following your blog it is because I can relate and I really like. Then everything you post now has at least one c/o and it is a brand you would have never bought yourself and your style is even changing bc of it. So you buy everything from a discount chain, it looks great but now everything is c/o “major designer”? That I guess is my only issue. I get my share from Old Navy as their Latina spokesperson & fashion expert but I only wear what I like and half of my ON stuff I paid for. It is about being honest with yourself bc readers know.
I completely agree – as long as it fits with the bloggers’ aesthetic and doesn’t seem like an irrelevant attempt to sell something, I’m fine with (and also feature) c/o posts. I do think it’s obnoxious if a blogger is wearing ONLY gifted items, mix it up a bit!
If you let the lure of “free” compromise your personal style, then you’re an idiot, plain and simple.
My readers keep coming back because they like my style, i’d never compromise that just to get free things.
Im plus sized so that makes it difficult for some brands to gift me things, im only interested in blogging clothes available in plus sizes, I only wear red, black and grey.. And my style is clearly defined, with big nods to fashion history. If something doesn’t fit in with all that, it will never see the light of day on my blog
If it does, well, that’s a fantastic opportunity for the brand to get their things in front of people who will go wild for it. Quality over quantity!
My blog isn’t a personal style blog so I think I can speak about this as more of a spectator.
I have completely given up looking at “What I wore” style blogs. It used to be that there were some real unique voices and styles, but not anymore. Part of the problem is that it seems like the same 3 or 4 online shops are sponsoring all the blogs so all the girls dress the same! I miss the days where the bloggers actually did a bit of DIY and hunted for cool stuff at the Goodwill. Consecutive posts of head-to-toe C/O items just seem like advertisments.
S- There are still blogs out there that have daily outfits (or semi-daily) that are DIY and thrifted, along with other brands. I follow quite a few, and while accept c/o items, others don’t! I bet there are still others out that that you’d love, they’re just drowning in the sea of “SO MANY BLOGS!”
You know what, I don’t care as long as you’re not trying to sell it to me. Don’t tell me it’s the most amazing skirt/jacket/bag/pair of shoes you’ve ever owned when your last post was about the most amazing skirt/jacket/bag/pair of shoes you’ve ever owned!
If it becomes too much like advertising I zone out.
And that’s my 2 cents!
I have been offered gifts in the past, some of which I turned down because it was something I would not wear or on one occasion, the denim company expected bloggers to send the item back after “reviewing” it. That I found an insult. I also hate it when you get sent an item and the PR team go FBI on you, emailing every 2 hours about when you are going to blog about it, blah blah. It’s like really?! Can I open the package first? The worst experience was meeting with a PR brand during Fashion Week, who then asked bloggers to review some makeup, only to send me makeup that didn’t match my skin tone (yep this after being “fans” of my blog and meeting me in person), and when I went online to see if I could ask for a suitable color, lo and behold this very well known brand does not even stock foundation past, um Eva Longoria’s skin tone. SMH
I think it’s awesome that brands are discovering the power of bloggers but I agree with your point of if it’s not something your readers can relate to or you can use, then it goes back. I appreciate gifts from brands that send them to me but I don’t rely on them nor do I expect them.
I don’t mind it. I’m very loyal to the blogs I frequent, and those who do receive some kind of gifted product or do an endorsement or sponsored post seem to do so with brands or products that are in line with their blog style and content.
I’ve been blogging for nearly 2 years now, and it’s only recently that I’ve been contacted by brands that actually suit my style. Earlier on for some reason, I was getting contacted by sport fishing & outdoor furniture sites (maybe due to my tags). No matter how enticing the “free” product or the sponsorship, it didn’t fall in line with my blog. But now that I’ve been around for a little while, I’ve had the pleasure of being contacted by brands that I actually love and that I’ve worn or fit my style, prior to getting the free product.
Ultimately, it’s up to the discretion of the blogger. If all they are after is the free product or getting as many sponsors as possible, then they are in control of what they accept, regardless of their audience. I just know what suits me and I want as much control over my content as possible. I hope my followers understand that I would never compromise my content and style just to get something for free.
xoxo
Cyrillynn
One of the primary reason I’ve stopped following style blogs and started reading real blogs who have something to say about fashion is the sponsored outfits. At a point they have turned into sellers in a multi-brand shop. I love collaborations with comoanies in the sense that one actually the blogger does something like designing a piece, or styling the current collection, plus the opportunity to have a look at the offices of the companies and how they work etc. Give me an experience and not just a piece of cloth taht will be forgotten the next minute I press NEXT on my google reader
I don’t have a problem with “c/o” items in general, but if a style blogger wears only what she or he has been given by a brand, I see it as this: they’re whoring out their blog’s integrity for free swag. In the end, it’s a personal choice; however, I do not care for blogs written by fashion robots, and I don’t read blogs that seem to only exist for the freebies.
I don’t have a problem with it per se, but I too find the issue fascination. Case in point: Fashion Toast. Go ahead and peruse her archives (when she first started), everything was relatively normal (Zara, F21, Target), high end designers no where in sight. (She used to wait with bated breath for Nine West sandals) and that’s cool! More success, more money, all of a sudden everything is Alexander wang this, phillip lim that. is it wrong? no…. would she wear it without her sponsorships? as history would tell.. probably not…
I think we need to take c/o’s with a grain of salt… they’re great but chances are the blogger really wouldn’t wear them if they weren’t freebies (and I include myself in the mix – not that i don’t like my sponsors, but i have limited funds to spend on clothes and probably wouldn’t have the variety i do without sponsorships) right?
I don’t mind if the c/o is truly a reflection of that person’s style. I personally feel that it is great to receive c/o as it shows that style bloggers are making a big impact out in the world, companies are realizing the power of a blogger. But I also believe that everything needs to be done in moderation, too much of anything is never a good thing.
Bloggers just need to be smart about what they do accept and do not, so that they do not overwhelm their readers.
I haven’t received any c/o things before. I have a makeup blog so if I were to receive a product I would test it out for at least a week on myself before I posted anything about it. People come to me because I give them my honest and thorough opinion. And I try to stay as credible as possible! And that’s what my readers want.
I’ve noticed the same thing in Danish blogs – more and more often the outfits are totally c/o – and it actually pisses me off!
Now I know bloggers recieve gifts and I’m okay with that. But I think it’s getting overhand here in DNK, especially when a blogger works at a certain brand store and shows off a new c/o from that very same brand almost every day.
If that isn’t hidden commercial, I don’t know what is.
Usually I stop reading a blog if the c/o gets to much. If the blogger finds a subtle way to show off the gifts, like you suggest I’m staying around.
most of the time mixing them up with your own pair of shoes, and other outfit items look totally chic.
but if it’s way too much like everything put together is gifted free
then you know that the bloggers and the brand together are trying to sell only
we as readers know how to figure out if it’s a good buy or not because we have “personal” favorites and style. it doesn’t matter how much c/o are out there really. people will follow their hearts anyways nobody is forced in this blogosphere
I think featuring c/o items is only a natural progression of some bloggers also being their own small business; however, in a small business, you need to constantly be evaluating what is right for your business, your marketing, staying true to your message and personality. I think a great way to work it is if you already own pieces by that brand, and then are gifted pieces you love – wear it and love it! But when it comes to the point where you are wearing all c/o’d items, it no longer is about showing your style and message, it is about getting free stuff – and that doesn’t connect well with your readers. I try and remember that part of the blogging sphere is about community, and how we are all impacting and inspiring one another.
I don’t have a style blog so feel I have some freeness of speech. I am SO over blogs with identikit girls wearing the same c/o clothes!
Too many style blogs have girls in cut off denims/blazers/’kooky’ shoes and accessories. As has been said, the same brands have done their homework and c/o the same types of blogs so it’s all getting a bit boring. My initial attraction to style blogs was that it was different to a magazine. If I want to see brand sponsored fashion, I’ll buy Vogue thanks!
I’m not against c/o at all but I think it only works if you are true to your aesthetic and don’t get lured in by the freeness.
I think that free gifts are great. I wish companies were coming to me with product to promote. But at the same time, I’d like those gifts to be things that I would actually want or can rock. I wouldn’t want to become more of a marketer than a blogger.
I think that it’s both good and bad. Sometimes it accurately represents a bloggers style, and that’s fine. A lot of the time though it just feels like a walking advertisement. As a blogger, it’s great to have access to these items. But I think it’s really important to mix and match them with items/products you already own. Otherwise, it could send the wrong message to those who aren’t regular readers of your blog.
If it looks seamless and I like the outfit/post, I could care less where the blogger got the clothes.
There is an article on Fashionista.com right now about this.
http://fashionista.com/2011/11/can-you-trust-the-editorial-integrity-of-style-bloggers-a-closer-look-at-how-bloggers-make-money/
My response is… When reading blogs, I care less about editorial integrity than awesome content. I don’t care if they’re “selling out” their personal style. I care if the content is informative, inspiring, innovative, etc.
I have no problem with c/o — on the contrary, I think it is great that bloggers and fashion/beauty brands have an increasingly reciprocate relationship. I appreciate that people disclose “c/o” items and I have never seen a blogger I follow give up their sense of style/identity to feature a “c/o” item. Why would you wear something you dislike, even if it is free?? This shouldn’t be an issue given that the foundation of a blog is to showcase your personal interests/tastes/style/creativity.
I don’t think readers would mind as long as you stay true to yourself and you don’t change your style, cause then you will be giving a whole different idea…but I thin c/o it’s ok…I mean I’ve never stopped following anyone because of this.
This has been a tough one for me. I didn’t know I’d be faced with this dilemma so soon into blogging. On one hand, I don’t see bloggers as journalists, so the same rules shouldn’t apply. However, I DON’T trust bloggers who have so much stuff c/o’d that I don’t know what THEIR style really is! I wrote about the issue on my blog a few days ago: http://fashionorfiction.blogspot.com/2011/11/fashion-blogging-should-bloggers-take.html
I’m just a. fashion blogger for around 6months only. So far I don’t receive gifts like clothes, shoes, bags, etc. from clothing brands straight to my house BUT I did received A LOT of gift cards/ gift certificate which, now that I think about it, it’s also free stuff though the difference is I’m the one who’s going to choose the clothes, shoes, bags, etc. so I think my conscience is clear when I say to my readers that I really like what I’m wearing.
Bottom line: receiving “gifts” from brands are fine as long as you tell your readers your honest opinion about it.
I definitely think there’s nothing wrong with accepting gifts from companies, and especially companies that you love. But, I’m sure there are situations where even from that company you swear by, you could get a piece that isn’t quite your style or to your liking. I think as long as the blogger is honest about their opinion of it, pointing out the pro’s that pertain to them, and maybe even more pro’s that someone of a different style would have, then it’s a simple and honest way to showcase the product. If the blogger sees no pro’s at all, it’s not a product to talk about. I still believe though, that a true to self blogger should not promote everything and anything they receive. It’s definitely about being true to yourself as well as pleasing your readers (showing them something that even if you don’t love, they may love!)
I am very honest with a lot of the products I get (to be truthful I get more free invites to parties featuring products than actual products to review. And even then, it’s more for my other site, DelectablyChic!. I can be very critical of anything I write, and sometimes, stories get dropped. I think bloggers need to be honest with their “freebies” and not always give it a positive spin just because they got it for free.
I read a lot of fashion blogs, and have even considered creating one myself because I love the idea of sharing personal creativity through clothes.
Unfortunately, I’ve become extremely disenchanted with the whole “courtesy item” exposure on some of my favorite blogs. If I see something I like on a blog, and click through to it, I am astonished at the price of most of the clothes (only to realize that they were a “c/o” item). These blogs have started to inspire me less because the clothes represented start to become further and further out of an average person’s finanical means.
Some have been saying they will only accept “c/o” items if it is something they would buy, but would they realistically buy $300-$400 dollar dresses on their own volition? Can people honestly afford to buy all of their clothes from expensive retailers such as Modcloth or ridiculously expensive dresses from smaller luxury designers? This has started a loss of the same passion I had for fashion and creatively dressing myself.
I know that at the point of receiving numerous courtesy items, the blog is essentially considered a business and that makes sense. What I’m mostly frustrated with is that these women’s style’s are being shaped primarily by things given to them and not things chosen/realistically obtained within their lifestyle. That is where courtesy items are frustrating me.
You would think that fashion bloggers would be particularily senstive to this issue because of the increasing disparity in wealth currently, but I’m not certain they care at this point.
I don’t like it if the whole outfit is made up on c/o… kind of makes the blogger look like they were dressed by a company rather that their own style.
Ahka Vintage Blog
I am sorry I can’t say I agree. If a company is offering an item wouldn’t they target bloggers who audience falls with in their target market. If this is the case, what is wrong with the blogger sharing the product or service. I love to see different pieces. I decide myself if I like or dislike.
When I view someone’s post about an object or item I want to see impartiality. It’s hard (not impossible) to be impartial when you are gushing over a giftie from a new found friend who treated you to champagne and a fashion session. Could they be sincerely blown away, yes, but I think the reader can develop a sense of who is sincere over time of reading a blog. I think sometimes we might underrate someone’s ability to discern but I also think over time people develop a sense of judgement that guides them as to who they think is sincere. Do I think gifts should be disclosed, yes. Do I think it’s wrong to sincerely praise something absolutely not.