I’ve come to view the typical “lifestyle blog” with disdain. I follow a couple of them, it’s true. And I look forward to my daily updates. But it’s never lost on me how materialistic most of them are and the consumerist culture they shove onto the reader.

Multiple unabashed links to “what I’m wearing, guys!” If the exact product is no longer available, links to adequate substitutes. Links to similar items in a range of prices. Links to ways to shop so the blogger gets a small financial kickback from the brand they’re pushing. Pinterest-ready photography. Soft focus. Urban-landscape backgrounds. And never the same exact outfit twice. By nature, most of these blogs have to stay somewhat on trend, which usually requires that the bloggers spend money. Frequently.

Once upon a time, lifestyle blogs were novel and groundbreaking. Now, I find most of them tired and old (keeping in mind that I follow a few). It’s just all so formulaic and mechanical. And the “buy, buy, buy” mentality…it’s gross.