Comments on: How Far is too Far with c/o “Courtesy Of” ?

By: Apple

Apple — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 03:27:46 +0000

I totally agree. I sued to follow one blogger from the Philippines because I adore the way she dresses up. But lately its becoming to predictable and boring. All her outfits are “gifted” to her. So the real reason now for all her outfit posts are because of that.
Now I am a blogger too. The dilemma here is, if a supplier sends something I dont like wearing or posting on my blog, how do I refuse without hurting their feelings?

By: robin

robin — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:34:43 +0000

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.

By: TheFashionistachic

TheFashionistachic — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:54:15 +0000

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.

By: Ahka

Ahka — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:33:27 +0000

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.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 05:56:17 +0000

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.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:27:36 +0000

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.

By: Eunice

Eunice — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:46:05 +0000

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!)

By: Maria Alyssa

Maria Alyssa — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:22:41 +0000

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.

By: MEXBIURI

MEXBIURI — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:45:34 +0000

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. 🙂

By: LaLa Natalia

LaLa Natalia — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:37:35 +0000

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.