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DANIELLE RUDY DAVIS

Just an overcommitted girl trying to keep up with it all. Mom of three, co-owner of Lemonade PR, sports lover and F1 enthusiast always counting down to the Kentucky Derby. 

Can We Talk?

Sep 23, 2014

Today’s post is long and a break from the ordinary (I warned you). It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while and wanted to do but wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. Still not sure if this is the right way but here goes nothing.

Yesterday, I realized that a whole week had come and gone since * lou what wear * had it’s third birthday. Yes, I know my blog is not a person and therefore does not deserve a birthday celebration (although I am always looking for an excuse to eat cake). But it is a little crazy that I’ve been jotting down words on a page and sending them out into the world for three years now.

I didn’t even realize that the three year mark had come and gone until I read this post from Hallie  and then this one from Meaghan (clearly I had some catching up to do on some of my favorites). See at some point in the last few months (or possibly longer), blogging has turned into a routine. Not necessarily a bad one (like the habit of eating handful after handful of peanut butter M&M’s nightly – I blame Drew for that one) but just a routine. And that routine has caused me to fall into a little bit of a funk.

You may have noticed that the posts have been kind of sporadic lately and that’s mostly because I can’t help that work gets in the way a lot of the time. And for some reason or another, those two kiddos of mine tend to take up a lot of time – something about needing a bottle/snacks/the iPad (don’t judge)/dinner/clean clothes. So needy. But really, I want to blog about the stuff I dig and not just create a post full of affiliate links or randomness to fill the page.

I’ve spent a lot of time offline talking with friends (both those that blog and those that don’t) about how blogging has turned into somewhat of a competitive sport of late. Lord knows I love a good competition (just ask anyone who’s played on a team with me) but I just don’t see blogging that way. See I’m not looking to win any awards and I’m certainly not looking to make it rich. Mostly I just want to try and enjoy the creative and fun outlet this site has provided me with. Lord knows I’m already coming in last place in the beautiful styled coffee table, perfect placed peonies and macaroon eating categories of Instagram (although my cute baby game is pretty on point). My follower count and number of c/o items can attest to that.

I’m never going to have the latest IT bag before everyone else, I wish I drank green juice every morning and a pair of $400 shoes look beautiful but I’d rather grab 4 pairs and save the rest of the money for my next inevitable plumbing disaster.


Like many other bloggers out there, I started this when I was in a job that I not only hated but loathed. To keep myself from creating some sort of viral “I Quit” video, I started this blog to give myself a creative outlet. Not quite sure when I exactly came up with the idea of doing * lou what wear * but I thought it would be fun to document the great looks I spotted while out and about. That initial idea has evolved (I don’t go out quite as much as I used to) and it seemed people liked the personal style posts when I began incorporating them as much as the style spotting.

But the personal style blogging arena is big, competitive and crowded. For a while I tried to keep up with the Jones’ but lately I’ve realized that I’m not even remotely good at that and it’s just not worth it. Life (and kids) are expensive; time is precious and as much as I can complain about the stresses of my 9 to 5 public relations job, I really love it. But I also love this blog. And I’m hoping some of you do too. I want to make it and the consistent flow of content better. And I want to write about (and post pretty pictures of) stuff you’re interested in.

Oh and it goes without saying that I love Louisville. Yeah it’s no NYC, LA or Miami especially when it comes to shopping. Here’s the thing though. The people are exceedingly nice (which was a big adjustment for this cold black-hearted gal), the food is delicious, the living is easy and the traffic is non-existent (well except around all that bridge nonsense). So yeah, no big city move in my future anytime soon.

All of this ranting really boils down to one thing: I don’t want to just keep posting outfit pictures for the sake of it.  I certainly don’t want to waste your time with life updates if you just want me to stick to the outfits. I dig doing inspiration round-ups but maybe you think they’re dumb. Annoyed with sponsored content, I get it. I gotta keep the lights on over here somehow but I want to partner with brands and companies you all relate to (although I am picky about who/what I work with on and only feature brands that I actually wear/use).

So I put together a quick survey (seriously, it will take you all of ahhh minute to complete) to get a better idea of what you like and what you frankly just don’t care about. Promise it will only take a sec – so just head over here.

I really appreciate you all reading whether you’re from near or far (sorry, I know you probably don’t care about Louisville’s latest ______) and whether your new here (hey girl hey) or been reading since day one (that’s you Kelly). Last but not least, I used to write Bachelor/ette recaps on my original blog Secondary Embarrassment. They were hella long and took almost an eternity to write (no shortage of secondary embarrassment on those shows) but I loved writing them. So if you’d like me bring a little of that commentary over here, let me know. I’m seriously considering it.

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  1. hello! I’m a local(ish) gal (representing the fine city of frankfort) and love your blog! I’m clueless when it comes to fashion so I love those posts, and I also love the Louisville posts! I started blogging earlier this year: it’s definitely more competitive than I could have imagined. Thanks for keeping things fresh!

    • Danielle says:

      Hey Lindsay – So glad you commented so I could check out your blog. Love it! Thanks so much for the kind words and great feedback.

  2. Laura says:

    I love your blog for the reasons you mentioned above. I don’t have time to read all of the competitive fashion blogs, so I stick with yours about a real girl with amazing style. Your posts inspire me!

    • Danielle says:

      Thanks so much Laura, it truly means a lot. I’m going to keep on keeping on in hopes it continues to provide a little slice of inspiration. Make sure to let me know though when I need a little kick in the pants!

  3. Lauren says:

    I love this post – your blog and the authenticity you bring! I feel the EXACT SAME WAY – I’m in a rut as well and have taking PRBlonde down to really evaluate the reason why I am in this space and what my role is.

    So glad I am not the only one and I give you all the credit in the world for “coming clean.” There may be a post on PRBlonde tomorrow just like it. Thanks D!

    xx – LP/PRB

    • Danielle says:

      Hey Lady! I’m glad I am not the only one (although I figured I wasn’t). Sometimes the whole competitiveness of it all can just become a little much.
      Can’t wait to see what direction YOU take PR Blonde. Whatever you decide to do will obviously be great. xo

  4. Jacob Phelps says:

    I personally love your blog! It’s one of my favorites to read. I spend my weekends in Louisville and I think it is such an amazing city.

    Keep on, keeping on!
    Love from Centre College.

  5. DO NOT STOP WRITING. Your voice is fresh and original. We have a billion girls showing how they styled $800 bags to go get a latte. Your life has substance, and you look great wading through it!

    • Danielle says:

      Haha, thanks Peggy. No plans to stop right now. Just needed a little gut check. And you can bet there will be no $800 bags on here soon. Thanks so much for all your support.

  6. Samantha says:

    I love this post, and I love your blog! You have something that so many of those other fashion bloggers don’t – personality!!! And a cute baby, but that’s a whole other topic! 🙂
    Do you!! Share the personal, the home life, the inspiration pics, the beauty reviews, and maybe some mom life too!! I want it all!!
    Oh, and your IG game is on point girl, don’t let those macaroon eating bitches tell you otherwise!!
    XO – Samantha

    • Danielle says:

      Thank you so much Samantha – the sentiment is shared!
      I appreciate your feedback and am going to try and incorporate more family stuff into the mix along with whatever else pops into my head.
      As far as my instagram game, I definitely need to step it up but you can guarantee it won’t include macaroons anytime soon. 🙂

  7. Victoria says:

    Samantha said it best! We would love to see your role as a mom, advice, kiddo outfits, home style, inspirational posts, everything! You are Original and your keeping it real. Can’t wait to see what’s new.

  8. I’m going through some of the same thoughts — I love HerKentucky and I love the direction that site is taking. But…(and it’s a big but), sometimes I want to write about other things. I want to maybe talk about an outfit without having to become a FASHION BLOGGER. And I want to talk about politics without becoming that girl who rants about her political agenda. I see it all as coming full-circle. We all used to just blog about what we want, then came Big Blog Branding and everything became about what would sell or fit a niche. Now, to be honest, it seems exhausting to only talk about one subject, let alone blog about it.

    For me, I’ve realized that reading a blog is like catching up with your girlfriends. You don’t just talk to your friends about one topic all the time. You choose friends because they’re multi-dimensional and interesting. And if that means that sometimes they talk about the Bachelor, that’s even better… 🙂

    TL/DR: Go for it.

    • Danielle says:

      Thanks so much Heather! Things can get out of control with the blogger as a brand business and I just want to be me.
      Definitely expect some TV talk along with other fun stuff.
      xo

  9. Kelly says:

    Your unabashedly honest and funny approach to a variety of topics appeals to real people and keeps readers coming back for more. The posts on the challenges of work/life balance and post-baby bodies are refreshing and relatable. Your style is pretty, put-together and (best of all) accessible. LouWhatWear is, and should always be, a reflection of you! Your genuineness is what sets you apart from the pack- you do you girl. Love you!

  10. Chelsea says:

    Preach sister! I got into blogging for similar reasons and continue to do so for the creativity and the community aspect of it. That being said, I try to continue to evolve my blog along with the pace and needs of my life. I cannot wait to continue to follow along and yes, bring back the Bachelor/ette commentary!

    Chelsea
    Haute Child in the City

  11. Jessica says:

    I took the survey but forgot to write that I love all the Derby posts you do, so more of that!!

  12. Whitney says:

    Echoing what Peggy, Samantha and Kelly said so eloquently. We love your perspective on life, family, fashion, and the way in which you share it like… no one else. Keep doing you here, and BRING ON the bachelor(ette) commentary!

  13. […] related note since it is also long overdue, I’ve mentally put together a post-schedule to reflect the feedback you all sent my way (so much thanks for that). It will, hopefully, make it easier for you to stop […]

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