After a few months of going back and forth about whether I should keep my Instagram account or not, I finally decided to deactivate it at the start of the new year. I am not sure if I will ever be back on the app, but for the genuine ladies that have always been kind, supportive and enjoyed seeing my posts you are welcome to stop by my blog or browse my Pinterest boards whenever you want to.
When I started my Instagram account back in 2014, it was a harmless space to share my love for handbags and shoes with a small group of ladies mostly from the Purse Forum. In 2019 my account snowballed as a few of my posts went “viral”, and big accounts started reposting and sharing my outfits. As a result, I was now reaching a different audience that was quick to judge me based on my choice of handbags and shoes or by my fashion “faux pas” of mixing high street and Hermès! In the last year, I felt that my Instagram account was no longer mine because I was no longer free to post and share what I wanted to share without receiving some form of unnecessary negativity in the comments and direct messages.
I understand that the COVID pandemic negatively impacted many lives and continues to do so, which is why many people are probably more impolite and rude online than ever before. I have a very simple, calm offline life, respectfully I don’t need this online negativity. Which is why I decided that the best thing for me to do is deactivate my Instagram account. I know it’s not the most mature way to handle an unpleasant situation – but I don’t think constantly blocking people, filtering my comments to the max and avoiding the DM section is any better. I would love to be the type of person that can easily ignore online negativity; unfortunately, that is not who I am.
I hope this post will not offend anyone; it is not my intention to do so. I just think that I owe my genuine “followers” an authentic explanation for my disappearance from the app. Thank you very much to all the wonderful ladies that have been so kind to me over the years, I will definitely miss my interactions with you!
AshaB says
Steffy, I frantically spent the last hour searching everywhere on Instagram to find you. You have inspired me for years to think differently about my wardrobe and your account was my #1 inspiration on Instagram. I am so sorry to hear what you have been through and so grateful we still have this space where you can continue to share with all of us who adore you!
Margaret says
Dear Steffy
I looked for you on Instagram because you inspired me to rethink my wardrobe after years of wearing black. Your Instagram gave me so much inspiration and was a beacon of light during the pandemic and I’m absolutely heart broken that you had to deactivate it. I’m really sorry to hear what you had to go through.
I’m really glad that I have found this blog of yours instead. Please keep doing what you love. We love what you love to do and we will support you through it all.
Kind regards
Marg
Klaudia says
I was looking for an outfit of yours this week and I just couldn’t find your account!
Luckily I found your blog! 🙂 I hope you will be surrounded by supportive, kind followers.
I wish you all the best from Hungary and I hope to see many amazing outfits here.
Emma says
Such a shame that people feel the need to be unkind. I will never understand man’s inhumanity to man and Instagram seems to be an outlet for those who are unhappy to try to heap it on others. You made the right decision. Wishing you all the best, will be following here & Pinterest as you have amazing style.
R says
Your style is exquisite! I’m so inspired. I find instagram tricky aswell. I hope you are ok. Thank you so much for sharing your taste and items. It is great to learn from you. Kindest regards
Anonymous says
SteefyStyle miss you already on Instagram. Glad you still post here as I absolutely adore your look. Mind yourself xx
kyrstyn hokey says
Hello, Steffy! I recently came across your blog, and I’m in love! I applaud you for getting off Instagram. If it’s causing you that much pain, you don’t need it. I recently did the same with Facebook and am considering Instagram as well. Thanks for setting the example. I much prefer to sit down with a cup of coffee and read someone’s genuine blog posts and Pinterest boards anyway!
I’m definitely a new follower!
Kyrstyn Hokey
Cathy says
Also miss your posts and i‘m so happy to see that your blog is still online. Wish you all the best! Lost of love Cathy
Marketa says
I am so glad I found your blog. I was looking for your profile on instagram several times cause you are my ultimate style inspiration. So chic and elegant.
I am very sorry you have experienced such negativity and really wonder what kind of people can write such a mean messages.
I am very glad though you will continue posting for those who love your style.
Wish you only the best
Tak care
Marketa, fan from Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Steffy says
Thank you for your kindness and support 🥰
Anna Faltin says
Hi Steffy, I have missed your posts and stories and I am so happy to see that your blog is still online 🙂
You inspire me so much. I think it shows strong character to delete your instagram account, not a sign of weakness!
Greetings xx,
Annie
Jenny Scott says
I had noticed you weren’t on Instagram anymore. I was so sad to see you go! Sorry people are so rude. Social media can be just plain awful.
I love all your posts and your classic style! I will be following you here and Pinterest going forward. Love love love your classy style!
Alex says
Hi Steffy, I wondered where you had gone and if something that happened to cause you to deactivate your account. So glad you have kept your blog though! I really enjoyed your thoughtful posts on IG but I totally get what you mean about negativity, it is so unnecessary. I admire you for being true to yourself and deactivating the app when it is was having a negative impact on you! 🙂 Selfishly I hope you keep posting on the blog because I really enjoy your perspective and elegant taste.
Anonymous says
I was looking for you on insta and came here to know that you deactivated your acct.I will def miss your post. So sorry this happened to you.
Mel says
So sorry to see you go, I genuinely enjoyed your posts and love your style. I completely understand choosing yourself however, I have never left an unkind comment on social media and I do not understand people who feel the need to be unkind to others when you can simply ignore or unfollow if you don’t like something. I wish you and your family the best!
Cherry says
Sorry to see you go. You are my style inspiration and your recommendation never disappoint! However, I totally understand the situation. Will need to visit your website more often now since you are no longer on Insta.
Beatrice says
Hello,
I myself stayed away from the whole instagram situation for a while, so I just discovered now that your account is gone permanently.
Your account was one of my favourite among all, I loved the peace and the genuine passion for style that transpired from your pictures. I could tell how much you cared for your privacy, and I really hoped nothing like this would ever happen. I purchased a couple of items thanks to you, your good taste shaped my personal style so I have to thank you.
Being a shy and sensitive person I totally understand your choice but it leaves a sour taste in my mouth considering it’s because of ignorance and arrogance.
That’s sad.
I’ll follow you on pinterest, take care
B
Alia Gormley says
I’m sad to see you go….your posts and fashion were delightful and you were so lovely in always taking the time to reply. I’m happy for you that you took control over a situation that you were no longer happy with. Good for you. Petty minded little people are the worst! Best of luck x
Manuela says
I am so glad I found you! I was looking for some inspiration, but i could not find you on IG. So now I will follow you too your blog. I think you did the right thing deleting IG because nobody wants negativity and especially not whrom strangers who think they know you by your pictures only.
Greetings from the netherlands
Naomi says
Omg I found you! Was looking for your insta for inspo. Was lucky to find your website, but yes it would be so hard, and all you want to do was show your passion and interests. Some people are so mean, it’s sad that there’s people like that out there.
Well some of us are nice and admire your style! 💛
Will be looking forward for your posts via Pinterest!
Take Care ☺️
Fan from South Australia 🇦🇺
Frances says
Hi Steffy! I just discovered you on Pinterest and I absolutely LOVE your style! It’s impeccable. So timeless and classy. Totally understand the whole deactivating Instagram thing. I did the same thing 3 years ago and never looked back — best decision ever. It’s so liberating not having to worry about likes / comments and what people think. Out of sight, out of mind!
Looking forward to following your style on your website & Pinterest xx
Take care!
Franneh
Leela says
You have to take care of yourself and your mental health, even if that means we lose you on Instagram. So glad that you’ll continue to share your wonderful style with us on here and on Pinterest. I can’t convey how much it meant to me to see another brown lady, who mixed luxury and high street effortlessly; you’re such an inspiration!
Veronica O. says
I was wondering what happened!
I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been through. :'( You were one of my favourite accounts on IG. I will definitely miss you, but also completely respect your position.
You have AMAZING taste. I admire your minimalist, classic and elegant aesthetic. Selfishly, I hope you don’t disappear entirely, as I rely on your content for inspo so much! (Especially since I’ll be starting a new job soon and need ideas for outfits!) 😀
Keep taking care of yourself and be well. <3
Lily says
I hope you will most more on Pinterest and on the blog, I only just found out because I couldn’t find you on IG. I absolutely LOVE your style. Lots of love ❤️
Michelle says
I loved your Instagram account!! Thank you so much for sharing…you have impeccable style and I hope you will post regularly on your blog. Perhaps one day you will come back to Instagram.
lavielavish says
Hi Steffy 🙂 ! I was so happy to find your blog because when I realized you had deactivated your instagram I was so sad! You were my favorite fashion account! I looked at you as an inspiration when I put together outfits as well ! I am so sorry that you had to go through all that negativity! Your style is impeccable. You allowed people such as myself, a fashion lover BUT also with the budget of a student, to see that you do not need a million dollar outfit to feel like a million dollars! I hope you continuous success and will follow you here so that I can continue to be amazed by your style! Thank you for inspiring many of us, and I hope you get an abundance of happiness and peace! Take care xoxo
Steffy says
Thank you for leaving such a kind and warm-hearted comment, it really means a lot to me 🥰
Katrina says
I was so confused and shocked, I thought your @ handle had changed and I was looking for you again. I’m just glad you are continuing somewhere. I look to your simple, elegant style as inspiration as it’s something I would like to cultivate myself. I wish you all the best for the new year and look forward to following you here and on Pinterest. Much love xo
Steffy says
Thank you for your lovely message and well wishes Katrina!
Alysa says
I couldn’t agree more — I have removed the app several times. Sometimes, I find it intimidating and it doesn’t make me feel joy. I loved your account, but I do not think this is immature. In fact, I think it is exceptionally mature. Life and loved ones and happiness are the things that truly matter. I am excited to see some of your Pinterest posts (I have always preferred Pinterest anyways).
Salud! x
Steffy says
Thank you Alysa! I’m glad to read that you prefer Pinterest anyway – I think it’s a “safer” platform, people are purely using Pinterest for “inspiration”/ideas.
Bianca says
Oh Stef! I think people see social media accounts with beautiful pictures, and don’t realize there is a human being behind it…no one should be subjected to hate comments and negatively. It’s not normal, and should not be tolerated. I was thinking about you today and couldn’t find your insta so I googled you. Thank you for posting this update on your blog, really appreciate what you have given so whole heartedly to us viewers!
Steffy says
Thank you Bianca, your kindness and understanding means a lot to me.
Sonia says
Your posts have always been so authentic and inspiring. I will truly miss them, but I completely understand your position and even though I am very sorry to see you leave, I honestly think that you are making a simple, elegant and very mature decision, exactly as you always presented yourself to us. I wish you only the best.
Steffy says
Thank you Sonia!
Talia says
For a while there, I thought someone had hijacked your account, as the name is still there; albeit free for public postings…As for that nasty audience – one wonders If It’s all jealousy & immaturity.. Nonetheless I wish you a happy journey going forward without IG… and Happy New Year!
Steffy says
Hi, my original IG account @steffysstyle has been deactivated since the 3rd of January and is no longer visible on the app. The other account I think you are referring to is another user who happens to have a similar username.
Thank you very much for the well wishes and I wish you a happy new year too ☺️
Sophia says
Hey Steffy,
I hope you are well and thank you for posting this. I was gutted to see your account was no longer active as I utterly adored it and your style but I am so glad to hear you are putting yourself first and I am sorry that some people can be so unkind-you (and no one else) deserves that! I will most definitely keep up to date with your Pinterest. Thank you for always being so kind and for answering my questions/replying to messages. I would not have known how to style my Louboutin Adox boots without you! Wishing you all the very best for this year and always! X
Steffy says
Thank you Sophia! I wish you a happy 2021 and I hope when things get “back to normal” you will get lots of use out of your beautiful Adox boots!
Sheena says
So sorry to see you going, but honestly, I can completely understand. There is enough negativity in the world and protecting ones mental health should be a top priority. Its hard to believe people can be so unkind, but I think you are making a very mature decision and I am so happy to see be able to see your clothing on your blog and Pinterest. I wish you only the best
Steffy says
Thank you so much for your kindness and empathy 🥰
SMR says
Cheers for choosing yourself over the chaos. I am a recent follower and really enjoyed your posts and was disheartened when you deactivated. Sending you positive vibes to make up for the negative ones. Glad your continuing to post here, as selfish as that sounds, wholeheartedly love your content ❤️
Steffy says
Thank you for understanding ☺️
Lisa DiPasquale says
Stay true to yourself. There are many jealous people out there. Sad to see you off of Instagram but as long as you will still post on Pinterest (where I first found your posts), you will always have a following. I really admire your style.
Steffy says
Thank you Lisa. Yes, I will continue to post on Pinterest, it’s a different platform compared to Instagram (in terms of users) – I find it’s less personal and more about getting “inspiration”.
Joanna Lo says
That is so unfortunate! I am so sorry you had to deal with that negativity. I so loved your style and your posts but totally understand your position.
Please take care and stay safe. Most of us just loved and were inspired by your pictures.
Big hug from Canada!
Steffy says
Thank you so much for understanding 🥰
E says
I hope you’ll continue to post outfits on LTK! Always love your clothes too!
Francesca says
Dear Steffy l totally get your point. I haven’t been checking out my Instagram since months as l started to feel uncomfortable catching up with a world that was so far away from my real life more and more. I love handbags and shoes and clothes but… I also love people who are genuine, positive, happy and true! I will be keeping reading your posts here on your blog and sharing with you and the other beautiful ladies our passion. I hope that you feel better. You deserve the best as you are a beautiful soul. Ciao cara.
Steffy says
Thank you Francesca, you have always been so lovely and kind to me!
GTS says
After getting off Facebook I decided to keep Instagram to continue following you. I’m so sad to see you go, I loved everything you shared!
S says
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I admire your calm and thoughtful way to address the negativity. Personally, I am so happy to see a blogger/influencer who appreciates clothes and accessories for what they are: just clothes and a form of expression irrespective of price. Additionally, I liked to see things in my budget that I could gain inspiration from and incorporate into my closet. I hope you continue with this blog and continue to have fun! I love seeing your posts and getting inspired from them.
Steffy says
Thank you for understanding and yes I will be continuing on with my blog.
Silke Mussler says
I‘m so sad that you delegated you Instagram account, you was always my inspiration ❤️
Anda says
I miss you and your beautiful outfits so much Steffy! It is truly sad that you had to go through so much negativity and had to close your account 😔. I hope you come back to us one day 🙏❤️🤗
Steffy says
Hi Anda, I miss seeing your beautiful Dubai posts and your elegant outfits!
I hope you and your husband had a wonderful start in the new year.
Allison says
I’m sorry to hear about the negativity you’ve received on Instagram. It blows my mind that people think it’s acceptable to leave nasty comments on a strangers’ post! I’m trying to avoid Instagram as well, so I’m looking forward to following you on your blog and via Pinterest. Hope you had a happy New year!
Steffy says
Thank you Allison!
Yolanda Porterfield says
You will be missed I enjoyed all your content but I truly understand what you’re saying so sorry for the ignorance of some humans
Steffy says
Thank you Yolanda, you have always been so kind – I really appreciate your support over the years. I hope you are doing well and I wish you a healthy and happy 2021!
Sabrina says
Steffy, I wish you still had your instagram but totally understand your reasoning for getting off of the platform. I have a question for you regarding shoes. What are your thoughts on the Manolo Blahnik Maysale style? Thank you!