I was stumped about what I would talk about on my next post after my horrific experience posting on Monday. However I was on Facebook and saw a post stating a fashion blogger just got arrested for being a real life "Joanne the Scammer".I saw it on a gossip site, so I quickly did my research.I don't want to be talking about some lies and being messy.Get ready for the mess,yesssss let's... So I dug a bit deeper and sure enough there was a mugshot and everything *clutches pearls and sips tea chile.Now I'm not name dropping because Google is there for everybody(Exhibit A and B).Let's jus say 'simplicity x style' = scamming.You guys the amount of fraudulent charges were ridiculous.The official report showed almost $40k in 'alleged' charges in a week! I am tempted to yell "iconic" in my most causcasian voice but identity theft is not a victimless crime.It can take years for someone to recover financially from such a callous act. I saw my dad go through being a victim of identity theft first hand. It took a lot of investigating and time for him to repair his credit that was almost destroyed at the hands of a greedy and careless criminal. After clutching my pearls,I headed back to Google and saw how popular this type of fraud has become.There have been up-and-coming rappers, reality stars , and some insta-boutiques who have been rumored to be down with the "credit caaaards and the scammers" *in my designer voice.Apparently being fake is really a growing trend honestly, truly *insert sarcasm. Now I am not gonna say I am not totally shocked, well I am kinda, but the blogger was a seemingly young and attractive girl yet never talked much about her occupation(*stamps resume with 'black female addicted to retail)' . Most would assume maybe she had a very high profile job in the fashion industry based on her wardrobe. I mean the girl was bad; head-to-toe designer everything. She always looked like one of those Polyvore outfits you put together with things no one regular like me can afford. I am never a hater, but I did wonder like how does she do it? What is her secret? But never in a malicious way, only curious(think borderline grandma nosy).My only question is how do you get caught up in that type of life? But who are ME to judge? *continue to sip Frontin' can be a serious way of life for some. Photoshop has become standard on even the most simplest of selfies. Our faves (by "our" I mean some of yall's) over line their lips to the Gawds , drink slimming coffees and teas , get an hourglass figure overnight all while wearing red bottoms and a full face of makeup ,in their California Kind Bed dripping in Swarvoski crystals.Sometimes you can scam your way to the top (like certain orange who shall not be named here) and sometimes you fall victim to your schemes. Now I am known to tell a good lie(like calling out of work ,but who doesn't?), but keeping something up like this stealing credit cards and such seems to not only to risky but hard to keep up with. You would have to be very meticulous and unwise to keep a rouse up annnnd flaunt your fraud life on the 'gram.I guess it could be addicting though when people love you and flock to you because you are simply '#style goals'. *shakes head Gots ta be more careful, sis. We often hear the term 'be yourself'. I would like to extend that to add "be your budget". So many in both high a low places do this to keep up with others or try to keep up appearances. Trust me, if you have to do all this the ones you are impressing don't care for you; only your things.I don't want to be anyone's #goals.I'm a messy-life-having, diva-on-a-dime, cant-get-a-flex-rod-set-right-for-nothing, lazy-as-all-get-out, part-time wannabe full-time blogger trying to get a rounder butt (I'm doing squats, not getting shots okay?!). I remember when I started my blog, all the pieces I had were always sold out from season's ago. I would see all these other bloggers with the latest and greatest and I would just wish that could be me one day. My only goal when I started blogging was to be able to buy some items at full price (if I really wanted them) and support black owned business. That was it; my only heart's desire for my blog.It has truly befome so much more than that and I am grateful. Now I'm not gonna lie, we live in an age where image is verrrry important. People like to see nice things, designer things.Some people risk it all to have these things to be liked.I can now afford to get a few nicer things (all for the low and not scammed).There are still many things I would like to have both inexpensive and designer, but I'm not trying to act like something I'm not.If don't have the funds I don't get it.Simple.You may be wondering what k.i.s.s. stands for.It means KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID, no need to fake just simply be yourself and your budget. The only thing not authentic about me are some of my inspired designer pieces like the box clutch above .I have no problem carrying it because I am not pretending is a genuine Louis Vuitton from the Series 4 ss2016 campaign. It was $30 and I liked the shape .My shoes are Chanel, but of course not full price. They were on consignment on www.therealreal.com .A reputable site to buy authenticated designer items.I have ordered from there over 10 times and I can assure you they are expedient and legit.My dress is an oldie and my belt is actually from another dress but I have listed some great options below starting at under $20! You all should know by now I love to #buyblack , so I made sure to include 2 dresses from black woman-owned businesses. Shop similar accessories here.The purse below is from GoJane and currently they have 25% off sitewite with code FEST25. Click each pic to shop Being authentic , like really authentic is becoming more of a rarity on social media these days. However many fail to realize how much of an asset it is to be genuine. When I started blogging, I used to not smile because I thought it made me cooler and I hated how chubby my face looked. I rarely wore my natural hair out because I was afraid of what people would think. I didn't think my face was pretty enough, I didn't think my body was curvy enough and so forth. There would be times I would get 25 views on the blog and I almost gave up. However, the more I opened up and peeled away the layers of myself the more people began to notice me for more than just my clothes. I began to chat randomly with my followers and learn about them as well and developed connections. They felt engaged and created a level of loyalty that goes both ways. I was being accepted for being ME and that was more than enough.That was EVERYTHING. Influencers:When people ask you questions, try to follow up. They may look up to you for advice and see you as a go-to in a certain area of expertise. I know we are all busy, but if Rihanna has time to like her followers comments or sporadically reply you can find time too! I can't say how grateful I am that people take the time to inbox and email me and thank for just for being myself.I respond because it may have taken a lot for them to even want to reach out, and I genuinely appreciate it.I would also like to add yes I am behind on responding to my IG comments, but I am gonna catch up I promise.To avoid feeling 'blogger envy', don't follow those who may make you feel inadequate in your style or blogging.You never know who they got where they are *insert heavy side eye and purses lips. When I follow other bloggers or people its not just for their clothes.I want to see a personality reflected in their style rather than a body just dripping in the latest trends.To me, that is boring.Clothes get old, and fast. I have so many beautiful blogger babes that inspire me with their daily life as well as their style. I shout them out not only because they inspire me but I want others to be inspired as well and follow them. Showing genuine love and support for peers helps them, but helps you as well. You never know who is watching your page and how you interact.Blogging is not a competition. Having more followers does not mean you have won .It doesn't make you better in any way. Speaking of fake, don't buy those IG followers when you have 12 likes on your pics and no comments.DOOOONNNNNN'T. All in all, everything that glitters is not gold. Well it could be gold, but it could be stolen (*leans in:'but you aint heard nothing from me,girl'). People lie to be liked and wear things to elevate or gain status. Sometimes we get so caught up in those authentic designer items that we don't care if the wearer themselves is authentic. Don't let the desire to be liked ,no matter how tempting, lead to a life devoid of morality and simplicity.
In the words of King Kendrick : BE HUMBLE. To avoid identity theft or stay aware of what is on your credit reports, www.annualcreditreport.com is the only site authorized by Federal Law to give you one free report each year.Be sure to take adavantage of this to avoid being taking advantage of.
20 Comments
Christine Gooding
4/12/2017 09:11:30 am
Yessss! I truly enjoyed this post doll!
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lanatria
4/12/2017 02:57:26 pm
Thank you for taking the time to read!
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lanatria
4/12/2017 02:58:09 pm
Thanks Latoya! You know you really keep me going.I hope you know that sis!
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4/12/2017 01:14:04 pm
This is the best thing I have read ALL WEEK! As a blogger myself, I know all about lookin at other bloggers and feeling like my looks and things were not right. I'm trying to break the mentality of thinking that I need to be a certain person or have a certain personality to be a successful blogger.
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4/12/2017 02:11:18 pm
Hi beautiful! I'm a new blogger too and I was feeling a little discouraged a few weeks ago. Not sure of your spirituality, but the thing that got me out of my funk and helped me get my mind right was reading Psalm 25 & 37 as well as Philipians 4:6. This puts it ALL in perspective for me...I pray that it'll help you too. Much success to you with your blog. What's your URL? Would love to read it :)
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lanatria
4/12/2017 02:59:51 pm
You are more than welcome.The pressure to be poppin on social media is all too real.I still have my moments as well, but I try not to follow people on IG that make me feel inadequate.I'm too fab for that and I know you are too lol.
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😂😂😂 I laughed so hard. All in the name of the gram you know. I totally know what you mean about being authentic and staying true to ones self. Some days I want to shop to take my shots but then I am like who am I kidding, it's not a realistic way of doing this. How many would I buy, so it's been challenge find something in your wardrobe and rework it wether it's with a scarf, belt anything to make that piece wearable and mixing and matching till I get the right look. I am lucky to have very privileged friends and one offered me her wardrobe to style my looks. I was like no darling I don't want people thinking that Chanel bag is mine when I ain't even bought all the Zara bags I like the look of. Any how may people begin to see past the heavily edited photos and realise that reality is real. You slayed your look as usual and that dress rocks. Thanks for a great post xx
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lanatria
4/12/2017 03:02:27 pm
Im so glad we are on the same page Barbs!! If I can call it mine I don't want to take a picture with it lol.I am currently in shopping withdrawal trying to be a good girl and Zara keep calling my name.I'm gonna have to hold a cross up to my computer and pray when I 'accident;y' scroll on their site.Thanks for always reading.You know I live for your comments.
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4/12/2017 02:08:49 pm
LOVED every word of this post! As a non-traditional fashion & lifestyle blogger - I'm 50 years young - it has become so apparent to me how little authenticity, humbleness, sharing & caring there is in this arena. I recently started following you because of your dope style, but I'm loving you because you are being transparent. Thank you for being a breath of fresh air doll...BTW, you're absolutely gorgeous...DON'T EVER FORGET THAT (in my mama voice). xoxo
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lanatria
4/12/2017 03:06:55 pm
Thank you so much and thank you for the scriptures.They will defninately be in my rotation.I am currently building my official site so this is all I have for now.I used to look at other bloggers in such high regard for their exquisitely curated pages, but I would go to their blog and there would only be clothes.No personality no real connection and I started to see how blogging has become almost a popularity contest of who has the newest clothes first.So unfortunate,
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Girl, you said it best!. I do even know where to start with this. It just makes you wonder everyday where these people get things from. Yes you want to project your best image but it doesn't have to be with things you can't afford.
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max william
7/28/2017 11:37:43 am
Do you need Finance?
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frankrogers
10/2/2017 02:36:36 pm
http://caribbeancowgirl.weebly.com/blog/kiss
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Mrs.Emilia Fedorcakova
1/5/2018 07:04:02 am
Attention! Attention!! Attention!!!,
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Leon Tourish
3/7/2018 06:39:56 pm
We have a direct genuine provider for BG/SBLC specifically for lease, at leasing price of 4+2 of face value, Issuance by HSBC London/Hong Kong or any other AA rated Bank in Europe, Middle East or USA.
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Olivia Kenny
3/15/2018 09:41:02 am
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Mrs Sharon Sim
7/7/2019 08:30:11 am
Hello Everybody,
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