• HOME
  • BEAUTY
  • FASHION
  • LIFE
  • YAP
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • ARCHIVE

Vicki Duong

May 22, 2018

Blah, Blah, Blah-ging

Oh, hi there. It’s me. Blogging. Again. I have started, paused and restarted this whole blogging thing more times than I can count.​

Truth be told I struggled a lot to come up with content that I think would be engaging and interesting while contemplating what it means to be a content creator. I know what I like writing about but it doesn’t seem to be what people enjoy reading. I love researching sustainable and ethical fashion brands, supporting local business and reviewing (seemingly) gimmicky products – a lot of different things that don’t necessarily mesh together. ​I am also reluctant to call my blog a fashion blog because I don’t really think anyone draws inspiration from my sense of style since it doesn’t check off any of the Instagram-made blogger aesthetic. I love wearing bright colours, I’m not a size small and fuck FashionNova.

I want to write about fashion and beauty brands who care about the impact they make on a sustainable and ethical level. Highlight local businesses that contribute to our community on a more personal level than large chain stores with little to no personality. Interviewing real individuals working in the industry giving it a deeper context than what can be seen as a superficial and materialistic industry. I am also part of the group that believes in OG blogging; real written content > Instagram likes any day of the week.

I tend to gravitate towards blogs that lean more towards someone sharing their thoughts as oppose to them marketing a product. Don’t get me wrong, I totally get that the people who hope to go full time with blogging have to generate revenue and good on them for being able to market themselves, but this has always something I’ve done just for fun. With the fleeting nature that is an Instagram post in a clusterfuck of new information generated constantly there can be a lot of pressure to push out new content daily that will keep views engaged while keeping up with “girlfriend” voice. You know that friend that tells you where to get the best spa treatments and every new thing they get is “literally their favourite thing ever”? Yeah, that’s girlfriend voice and I’m extremely bad at it. My tone is more cynical and sarcastic, less “this manicure changed my life” which makes me a harder pill to swallow compared to my bubbly brand-friendly counterparts.

My biggest obstacles every time I’ve tried to start writing independently was getting to wrapped in in how often I should post and what kind of content I should be producing to engage with a larger audience. After taking a few months off of wracking my brain about what I should be writing about next I decided “fuck it” and here we are. I have zero interest to determining a “theme” for my Instagram since I love posting whatever I feel like and don’t care about trying to market myself as an influencer (or worst – a public figure *GAG*) trying to hawk something I wouldn’t actually buy myself.

So no, I’m not going to rush out to Ikea to get that furry white rug, I’m not going to say I have a “thing for rose gold” or pretend that I can afford to live in a bright white loft with exposed brick walls and luscious indoor jungle. I will always disclose if I get product for free and I will still let you know if I think it’s a total gimmick. I will purchase gimmicky products myself and let you know what I honestly think of them – with the exception of products that I feel promote an unhealthy body image. (So if you’re looking for a honest review of a tea that makes you shit an ungodly amount, then search elsewhere.)
​
Like me, this blog will be a work in progress, full of swears and kinda cynical at times.
_
Photos by Alley Osborn

Posted In: ARCHIVE, Archive Personal · Tagged: blog, personal

Connect

The Fine Print

vickiduong.com does participate in some advertising and affiliate marketing links. LEARN MORE.

vickiduong

Where the wild west meets the group chat. Where the wild west meets the group chat.
Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clut Growing up, I used to feel embarrassed by the clutter in our home—half-used bottles, worn-out packaging, and drawers full of “almost empties.” Now? I find it all deeply endearing.

Years ago, I dreamed of becoming so “successful” that I could replace everything old or used in her house. But I’ve come to realize, she never needed anything replaced. She doesn’t want a new life. She just lets me add to hers.

Anyone who’s heard me talk about my mom knows she’s the reason I understand gratitude and compassion the way I do. She’s the original project pan queen, the real sustainability influencer in my life and she still teaches me how to make the most of what you have, every single day.

#projectpan #beautyempties #immigrantparents
Just back from Peru and already planning my next p Just back from Peru and already planning my next photo album because some memories deserve more than just a spot on your phone.

I use @blacks to turn travel pics into keepsakes. Their print quality’s amazing, they’re Canadian, and right now you can get 33% off with GIFT4YOU (until July 12).

#CelebrateLovedOnes #ad
postcards from @peru postcards from @peru
Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t ha Acne is complicated, but getting help doesn’t have to be. After years of trying to manage my acne, I finally spoke to a doctor—and it changed the game. If you’re struggling, talk to a healthcare provider. #myacnejourney #ad sponsored by Sun Pharma
One day. 15+ km. Roughly 5,000 stairs. And a full One day. 15+ km. Roughly 5,000 stairs. And a full spectrum of emotions.

I am not a hiker. Historically, I begrudgingly agree to one hike a year—and even that is usually under 3k, with the promise of brunch after. So when I agreed to the one-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, I knew it would be a challenge. But I didn’t realise how hard it would be. I cried out of frustration. I was mad at myself for not being fitter, for not coping better, for not moving faster.

But with the encouragement of Ale, Robert, and the incredible @intrepidtravel crew, I kept going. One shaky, slow, stubborn step at a time. And when I finally walked through the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu unfold in front of me? All of it—every tear, every stair, every mental spiral—felt completely worth it.

Truly one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. And yes, I now understand why men everywhere use this view as their dating profile pic. It’s iconic.
Girlie, those are your organs. This is also a re Girlie, those are your organs. 

This is also a reminder to future me who can be so critical of myself sometimes: don’t talk about my friend that way.
One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’ One thing I think makes me good at what I do? I’m a boots-on-the-ground kind of person. People often ask how I know about so many small local brands—and the answer is simple. I go to a lot of markets.

When I first moved to Vancouver, I started blogging about the brands I’d discover at craft fairs and pop-ups. What’s so special about markets is that when you buy from a small maker, the person you’re talking to is usually the person who made it.

That’s why public events matter. Sure, I get hundreds of press releases a week—but some of the best finds are the ones that aren’t backed by PR. They’re just passionate people putting their work out there.

Copyright © 2025 Vicki Duong · Theme by 17th Avenue