2021 Summer Break
You read the headline correctly! I’m taking the Summer off from OSFL. While I have a few short road trips planned, I’m not going on any big vacation or traveling the world. Quite frankly, I’m burnt out and I just need a break. You might recall a recent blog post that mentioned a sabbatical for the Summer, so here’s the break down of why and what I’m doing with the blog right now.
Morning Coffee Chat | March 2021
Why?
In short, this is happening for mental health reasons. I’m just burnt out and can’t get my creative juices flowing.
Mental Health
After struggling with the idea of taking a break or shutting down my blog completely, I recently read about Naomi Osaka and her decision to withdraw from the 2021 French Open. It might just be a matter of semantics, but the way I saw things… She choose herself. And I thought to myself: “Well, if a 23 year old world champion tennis player can make the decision not to play at the French Open, there’s no reason some 25 year old blogger can’t take a f*cking, right?” So, here I am.
Self-Care
I won’t divulge all of the details, but this pandemic has been really tough on me and I just need a break. Between losing a few friends, spending so much time away from my friends and family, and coping with the side effects of a toxic work environment, blogging became a burden. And now I’m choosing to take care of myself, despite the missed opportunities to partner with brands like Banana Republic and Bandier, a luxury med spa in Manhattan, non-toxic nail design studio, collaborations with other bloggers and influencers, and comped dining at Michelin rated restaurants. Brands have already terminated our relationship once I announced sort of a “leak of absence” this Summer. I’ve cancelled trips to places like Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia. These cities aren’t even a plane ride away, but honestly, I’d be happy just sitting on the beach and doing nothing this Summer. I can't be my best for everyone else if I don’t take care of myself. I’m taking some much-needed time off to focus on me and get myself back to 💯.
My Team
I’d like to thank anyone who’s reached out to check on me these past few weeks. I appreciate all of your thoughts and concern, and will respond to those individual messages in my own time. While I’ve never needed likes on social media to feel validated, it is a nice feeling to know that a few people have noticed fewer posts on social media.
Desiree & Rebecca - Thanks so much for your continued support even during my time off from blogging. You ladies are beyond amazing and I can’t wait to meet up in person.
What now?
During this time, social media posts will become much less frequent. IG Highlight Covers have been rebranded for Summer. I’ll post swimwear and other Summer outfits on the LTK app as beach days come up on my calendar, but there won’t be a schedule for that. Those posts and links to shop will those looks will be posted on my other social media accounts by a member of the OSFL team.
Email newsletters will still go out as scheduled because they will be automated. The Latest @ OSFL newsletter rounding up fashion, beauty, and food posts will still go out weekly and the OSFL Boss Babes newsletter will also continue to be sent on a monthly basis. Sponsored content that I committed to previously will still be posted. I’ve turned on my automated email reply for both my personal and business email. Summer Giveaways are still on! But I won’t announce winners until mid-summer. Enter the giveaway on IG and see post for more details.
What’s next?
When I return, I’ll be on the hunt for a few guest bloggers because I’d like to turn OSFL into a team of bloggers instead of flying solo all the time. I’d also like to focus on content partnerships built around a purpose, so please feel free to respond with any ideas. For now, my main goal is to prep for a #SelfLove campaign for February 2022. But, I’m also open to holiday campaigns geared towards family traditions and new recipes.
OOO Message
MIA Summer “21
Here’s a bit from my automated email response just as an FYI, but of course, please feel free to reach out to bianca@ohsofashionablylate.com for anything.
For readers with questions about a recent post, responses to an email newsletter, or any other general inquiries, please expect a response no earlier than August 1, 2021.
For shoppers who need an updated promo code or to report a broken link, please include the word SHOPPING in all caps in the subject line. Reply to this email with the item you’re trying to purchase, the specific issue (I.e.- invalid promo code, sold out item, broken link) you’re experiencing, and a link to the blog post you’re attempting to shop from. For any other styled posts, shop them directly on LiketoKnow.It.
For brands currently engaged in a partnership with OSFL, if you have an urgent request or concern about an existing project or sponsored post, please include the words TIME SENSITIVE in all caps in the subject line of your email. If the request is not urgent, I’ll respond to your email by September 24, 2021.
I will not be engaging in new brand partnerships between June and September of 2021.
For vendors seeking pitch opportunities for a product or service that will help my business, please follow up with me in the Fall.
This break has been a long time coming and I can’t wait to return for sweater weather and venti PSLs in the Fall. Until then, I’m going to hit the pause button so that I can reset.
See you in the Fall!
