24 In LIFE/ Vent Sesh

Vent Sesh: Not So Average

winter style

When I created this site more than five years ago I set out to create a forum, a space where real girls like you and me could learn, connect and feel inspired. By no means did I ever consider any of us actually average, I was simply utilizing the expression, “the average girl”, for a way to describe the typical, real girl. I explain more here (worth reading if you’re new-ish to the site).

At the same time, I get it… the name could be misleading to some. And to be candid, I’ve debated it changing it, more often more recently. The problem is that I haven’t stumbled (or spent hours brainstorming) something I like better. For a laugh, turns out one of my ideas is the URL to a porn site! Oops.

I sometimes wonder if people don’t visit, or don’t return because of the name. Anyone who always looks at their analytics/web traffic, has to consider reasons for the drop off.

I get it. We’re exceptional. We’re unique, we’re crazy and crazed and gorgeous, and smart, and quirky and laugh-out-loud funny. We’re nerdy and quiet and curious and flirty and stylish and self-conscious. We’re all different, spectacular, evolving women who have something phenomenal to contribute. It might take some of us longer or have more trial and error to get there, but I wholeheartedly believe we each have that ability.

We’re all rockstars in our own way, in our own worlds.

But we are not ‘average” by the true sense of the term on its own. So while the name of the site is not changing, you’ll notice for 2016 a slight logo upgrade — note that cute little “not so” floating above — to reflect how while this is a site for the real, every girl like you and me, it’s by no means a site with average content for a girl who only gives it 50 percent each day. (hope this all makes sense!).

I’m wishing each of you a pretty kick ass 2016, and invite you to reach out to me by commenting, by email, or via social media if want to continue the dialogue, or just want to say hi. I’m down with all of it.

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  • Reply
    Liz
    January 8, 2016 at 10:05 AM

    I love the name of your blog! I think it’s totally appropriate, and makes perfect sense.

  • Reply
    Beck {PreppyPanache}
    January 7, 2016 at 12:36 PM

    I actually love your blog name and wouldn’t change it. If we’re all rock stars, then the average is rock star right? I’m ok with that.

  • Reply
    Jenn
    January 6, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    The name of your site is actually what jumped out at me as I was scrolling through Bloglovin looking for some new reads. I’m so glad it did! Your blog is relatable and you make fashion accessible for those of us who don’t want to go broke to look good. Happy 2016!

  • Reply
    Alison at Wardrobe Oxygen
    January 5, 2016 at 9:50 AM

    I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!! What a great way to start 2016, you rockstar!

    • Reply
      Alyson
      January 5, 2016 at 11:43 AM

      Thanks, fellow ROCKSTAR!!

  • Reply
    Amber Price
    January 4, 2016 at 8:40 PM

    The very reason I started reading your blog a couple years ago was because of the name. I was so tired of seeing these bloggers with $200 jeans, $150 shirts, $400 shoes, and $900 purses. All different every day. That’s my mortgage, gah!! I loved that your blog was “average” and I mean that in the very best and loving way. I love that you give us a variety of things, not just fashion. Keep it up! You’re awesome.

    • Reply
      Alyson
      January 5, 2016 at 11:44 AM

      Thank you so much, Amber — it really means so much that you took the time to comment, and I completely agree. I can save up to splurge on items here and there but by no means can I justify spending $200 on one shirt and multiple $1000 purses. Yikes. Will be keeping it real in 2016, too! 🙂

  • Reply
    Dara Lee
    January 4, 2016 at 8:38 PM

    I love your blog! Happy new year!

  • Reply
    Heidi
    January 4, 2016 at 7:24 PM

    I love the subtle change and totally appreciate the sentiment! Happy new year beautiful friend!

    Wishes & Reality

  • Reply
    Heather
    January 4, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    I LOVE the name, and like the previous commenter think it’s a GREAT place for (exceptional) average (i.e. work, mom, not celebrity) WOMEN like me. In fact, I even just asked my beau (I think the other word is way too childish!) if I am cool enough for my new F21 over the knee boots – and of course, he said YES – so no average here! 🙂

    Here’s to an EXCEPTIONAL 2016 for all of us (above) average girls!

    • Reply
      Alyson
      January 5, 2016 at 11:49 AM

      Woohoo for those OTK boots; I love them, too! Cheers to an exceptional year for all of us. Thanks, Heather!

  • Reply
    lauren
    January 4, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    I never thought of it that way, I took it as a blog with more attainable/like-minded topics and fashion ideas… but the new addition is great too! 🙂

  • Reply
    Jenn - The Stylish Housewife
    January 4, 2016 at 12:35 PM

    HA! I feel ya girl. I remember our skype session YEARS ago when you mentioned that people often took your blog name too literally. I’ve often wondered if people misinterpret The Stylish Housewife and think I consider myself to be “oh so stylish”! For the record…I don’t. In fact, most days I don’t feel stylish at all and struggle just as much as the next girl to try and look put together. Some days it happens…but most days it doesn’t! Happy new year lady!

    XOXO, Jenn
    The Stylish Housewife

    • Reply
      Alyson
      January 5, 2016 at 11:54 AM

      Ha, Yes, I totally remember that as well — hard to know how anyone will perceive any of our names. For the record, you’re always stylish! 🙂 Happy New Year!

  • Reply
    Melissa
    January 4, 2016 at 12:10 PM

    I always interpreted the ‘average’ to be refreshingly real vs those intangible blogs of the ‘perfect’ woman that you know behind the scenes has to be just as much a ‘mess’ as the rest of us real people – they just don’t admit it!!! Not so still hits the mark with none of us being average and each woman finding their own individual way with inspiration and support from all our extraordinary and not so average friends.

  • Reply
    Alyssa
    January 4, 2016 at 11:12 AM

    I never saw anything wrong with the previous name, but I love this too! Nothing wrong with continuing to evolve.

    Alyssa | Glitter and Grey

  • Reply
    Deborah Sacchi
    January 4, 2016 at 11:03 AM

    Your blog is one of my favorites….because of your honest, frank take on things. Plus, you always feature items that are not out of my price range! I think your name is perfect and not pretentious . It was what attracted me to explore your blog in the first place!

  • Reply
    Barna
    January 4, 2016 at 10:35 AM

    Love the creative way of up dating your logo!

    Happy new year to you too!

  • Reply
    Shira
    January 4, 2016 at 10:13 AM

    Interesting points, I never would’ve looked at it that way but I like what you wrote and love that logo change! I’m now curious what the name you had in mind was, that turned out to be a porn site lol!

    http://asequinloveaffair.com

    • Reply
      Alyson
      January 5, 2016 at 11:56 AM

      Hahaha… The Real Me. Apparently, VERY real!!! 🙂

  • Reply
    Dana
    January 4, 2016 at 9:42 AM

    I love your blog and took the “average” in the same way as intended 🙂 I do like the little “not so” above the logo – it’s cute!!

  • Reply
    Janis Lyn Johnson
    January 4, 2016 at 8:42 AM

    I think your prior name was cute and this new name is cute, too. (I think we are all equal and therefore average AND also individual and unique as well.) If your intuition tells you to change the name a little, then great! You are very talented and I enjoy your site! Happy New Year! ~Janis at http://jljbacktoclassic.com

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    January 4, 2016 at 7:12 AM

    Love this message (& the updated logo) – it’s a great reminder!

    http://www.pennypincherfashion.com

  • Reply
    Tara
    January 4, 2016 at 6:01 AM

    Happy New Year pretty lady! I love the addition to your logo…too cute. And I never took it to mean anything but the everyday girl 🙂 I can understand wanting to change your name though…I’ve been wanting to do that to my site forever.

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