Style blogging can get a bad rep, because taking photos of yourself in a series of expensive outfits reads narcissistic, out of touch, insensitive. Another problem with style blogging is the abysmal aesthetic lines all the writers seem to follow—like, you know, the "walking on cobblestones while casually glimpsing backward" shot. But it turns out, there's another way. Here are 5 Instagrams—some not even explicitly about style—that are rethinking what aesthetic inspiration can look like, and making self-indulgence look good.
1. The Color-Fetishist: @kingminzly
@kingminzly is a model and creative director out of Philly, and we're obsessed with her eye for sharp color blocking, translucent textures, and varied angles. Her fits are always sexual and strong, unabashedly feminine and bold. Plus, she reads The FADER.
The Denim Series PT.2
A photo posted by @kingminzly on
#VFSP | @VFiles 🍊 shot by @raeeography
A photo posted by @kingminzly on
2. The Neo-Romantic: @stacey_a_nishimoto
Stacey Nishomoto (formerly @stacey___nishimoto) is a California-based Into The Gloss contributor, stylist, and the brilliant mastermind behind our favorite instashop, @the_corner_store. Her style lies somewhere between neo-Lolita and '60s schoolboy, with a good dash of the avant-garde. Her personal Instagram's unique aesthetic manifests seamlessly in between her many careers and her busy life as a mom to the cutest kid ever.
@the_corner_store
A photo posted by @stacey___nishimoto on
Crunkmas @the_corner_store
A photo posted by @stacey___nishimoto on
3. The Monochromist: @venedaanastasia
With 47 thousand followers, model Anastasia Budny isn't exactly flying under the radar, but the New York-based model is more than just a pretty face. We take inspiration from her clean, monochromatic tomboy style and minimal jewelry—all of which she showcases through series of headless shots. Her account lets us vicariously travel the world in brand new sneakers.
4. The Evil Doll: @laurenaliceavery
Less a style blog than a lifestyle, Lauren Alice Avery's aesthetic is like fucked-up Laura Ashley. Dressed like an Upper East Side bargain bin, she terrorizes her family and her country club. Expect blood and bruises, pouting brats, and bastardized luxury.
Still waiting for someone to take me to see The Purge
A photo posted by Lauren Alice Avery (@laurenaliceavery) on
Really fun party tonight
A photo posted by Lauren Alice Avery (@laurenaliceavery) on
Take care of me forever
A photo posted by Lauren Alice Avery (@laurenaliceavery) on
5. The Jokester: @naomi__larbi
Model Naomi Larbi's feed is one of the few that's able to balance style without taking itself too seriously (her account's name is "Liam Neeson"). Her account is full of jokes and innuendos, art and self-deprecation. But none of that compromises the unfiltered interior glimpse Larbi gives her viewers.
#acnescars 🙊
A photo posted by Liam Neeson (@naomi__larbi) on
Backseat cuddle fantasy
A photo posted by Liam Neeson (@naomi__larbi) on
#swoll
A photo posted by Liam Neeson (@naomi__larbi) on