Thursday
Mar052009
What Would you wear in your Secret Fort?
Posted on 
March 5, 2009 by Ryan Willms
March 5, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
I saw this post over on allplaidout and I love it. The two bloggers met up recently and a third party exclaimed to James of Secret Forts, "You look like your blog." Of course he does right? With the million and a half product blogs out there, how many bloggers actually practice what they preach and pine after the products they post, or actually wear the outfits they post? My guess is not very many. So I feel that's why there has been a tight circle of blogs recognized in this little niche market. The sense of honesty and actually living your blog in the real world is important. I personally wear the items I write about (unfortunately a small portion) but still, the ones I really can afford or want. I know Michael over at ACL and Jake also are in the same boat, and there are others. It's the reality of our tastes that help us connect with each other, as well as the readers. It's always been something that urks me about some other sites I suppose, but I've never really touched on it. So there it is, practice what you preach. Thanks to the other bloggers out there for making the Internet more interesting.*In Addition: I do realize a lot of blogs have to get traffic and actually rely on making money for their job. So personal accounts and thoughts might not have a place. There is a balance, and it can be tough.
Reader Comments (23)
Ryan~
Any idea of the brand of pants in the pic? Thanks, fam.
thanks for the mention. And Max, at All Plaidout, is a true gentleman. Great guy.
The jeans are garment dyed J.Crew.
Take care and if you're in NYC anytime, look me up.
best regards.
Thanks for the shout out, Ryan!
For more of James' (actual) looks, see the link below.
http://secretforts.blogspot.com/search?q=look+actual
Much like yourself, he kills it every time.
I personally blog in bunny slippers havent read a book in ages and have no interest in politics.
Sorry, I just realized my comments on hear have been very sarcastic lately...
But, Ryan I would love to hear more about your thoughts on the blogs that simply regurgitate with no true editorial direction under the guise of a 'news' site.
I know we've talked about this on the side before, but I think people would be interested to hear your take.
I think it goes without saying how I might feel about those blogs. But those are the blogs that are supporting families on the other hand.
But I'd be lying if I said it didn't bug me when I pass over an email about some product, then read the exact same copy from the email as a blog post on a well respected blog/site.
In the long run, I feel you have to carve out your niche, your vision, make your own position in the market that either doesn't exist, or hasn't been done like you can do it. Otherwise why would people read it. I feel for h(y)r collective, we have a great opportunity with our magazine issues to forge a direction and aesthetic, while the blog compliments it and allows a more personal voice.
It comes down to actually doing work, being picky and caring about what you put your name on. I can't say everything (or anything) I do is perfect or right. But I try hard to convey how I feel and what I think through h(y)r collective editorial. I can see that and feel it in some other places, the blogs I've mentioned, Monocle, Fantastic Man etc.
It's kind of a voice vs. machine in a way.
well said.
do what is true to you.
the world doesn't need another site that just simply regurgitates every piece of crap that comes across there desk(top). Many sites need to be more selective of what they post.
Share what inspires, excites, and interests you (thats not to Ryan, thats to everyone).
People don't need to come here to find out the newest arrivals at Oki ni.
But if they want to buy something from Oki ni, they should come here, and click through the banner to purchase.
hah, thanks Chris. There's nothing wrong with wearing slippers to blog as well, but when you step out the house you should probably switch it up.
When I describe h(y)r collective to people, I say it's basically just everything I like. I don't ever want that to change.
uh, sorry, about that, forgot they advertised on here. I picked them because they are a nice store. haha.
I see what you guys are saying. I think it's easy with the internet to find great stuff that on some levels, a lot of bloggers (although I suppose I really am speaking for myself) can't afford. It's a fine line to walk between reality and how you'd like reality to be. But I think blogs and magazines like this one and others do a good job of pointing out price points and pointing out quality. I think the difference is a critical eye and an honest voice. I'm always afraid my blog turns into simply a shopping catalog, a pitfall h(y)rcollective avoids. The blog always feels like an editorial page or an idea board. It's a great way to convey new designs and tastes.
every comment on this post is by a well respected blogger, cool :)
It's a tough balance. I've really become bored with the Hypebeast and Selectism type of blogs that simply preview products. I think the movement is towards more personal blogs by people that can look at those same products, synthesize and offer a perspective and an idea that is tailored to their specific audience. That being said, I feel like there is still a uniformity in the brands and products featured here and on ACL. Be daring once in awhile.
It really depends on the style of the blog. I don't think one must wear the the things they post about, but I know I personally don't post things just to drive traffic.
I, many times, post things I might not wear or can afford. But I have an appreciation for them in some way. Because not everything fits me right or fits my personal style. Because not everything that inspires me is my style. In fact many times it is not.
I think you can tell the things I'm thinking/caring about the most by what I am posting during any given period of time. Sometimes it's fashion, sometimes it politics, film, art, sometimes it's my inane obsession with Mickey Rourke.
I post what I want to share or express. There is no hidden agenda to sell you something or drive up traffic.
btw Ryan, you can thank me later for driving up traffic on this page by inciting this debate. :)
[...] Director of h(y)r collective magazine, Ryan Willms, who mentioned all plaidout today on his blog, On the Daily. If you’re unfamiliar with Ryan and the h(y)r collective, please check them out. It truly is [...]
is the above look 100% j.crew? snooze.
i might well be the odd one out here, but I barely ever wear what I enjoy reading about online- see on most of your blogs. That is not to say that I don't enjoy reading about it, analyzing it and using that information, however, when it comes to my own sad satorial output, it revolves around plain oxfords and old jeans.
Anyone know what kind of watch that is?
Cheers!
plain oxfords are great Steven. Nobody can wear all of this stuff obviously, but a good pair of jeans, new or old, a plain oxford and you're doing well. I have a feeling, you're more inclined to wear stuff on this blog then you might like to think (I'm not saying it's because of this blog) but maybe a woven leather belt, maybe Porter x Monocle bag, simple vans. We're not trying to tell you what to wear, but as you do have good taste yourself, you happen to wear stuff we talk about even if you don't think about it.
eb^ - you're really not getting the point I'm afraid, or you are, and that was a funny comment. But definitely one or the other.
ryan your always been on point even since frshazimiz and o.p is magic. Thats why I come here.
Nic Nac that is a Timex x J Crew Watch. Go to the link next time.
Sorry...I did check the links but couldn't (and still can't) find the name of the watch mentioned.
Thanks anyway
I'm pretty sure it's the Timex for J Crew military watch. I think it's available at J Crew still.
http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2008/09/timex_x_j_crew_1.php
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