Everyone wants to share a picture-perfect version of their lives online, and we all take inspiration from others – but how far is too far when it comes to copying the perfect picture?

We've discussed the phenomenon of bloggers copying other bloggers before here at SHEmazing HQ, but this latest instance out of the US has captured the imaginations of the masses. 

Chicago-based blogger Jenn Lake took to her blog to accuse a fellow Instgrammer of using her social media like a 'template.'

 

A post shared by Jenn Lake (@jenniferlake) on Nov 1, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

Taking to her blog at Style Charade, Lake posted a lengthy article on what do do when you're being copied on Instagram. 

In the piece, the blogger doesn't name names, but highlights that a number of her followers have brought a particular unnamed account to her attention over the years. 

'Beyond being fed up (and copying being straight-up wrong), Instagram is a business,' she wrote.

 

A post shared by r o s i e c l a y t o n (@rclayton) on Nov 8, 2017 at 7:14pm PST

'I wholeheartedly believe that there’s room for everyone to have success in the industry, but the challenge comes when an individual does so by replicating another person’s content.'

'By doing so, they dilute the other person’s brand, and, in the end, it hurts their business.'

Lake alleges that this type of imitation robs her brand financially, as sponsorships may go to the copy-cat, or companies may want them to work together on a sponsored campaign due to the similarities in their content. 

 

A post shared by Jenn Lake (@jenniferlake) on Jul 31, 2017 at 6:12am PDT

While she specifically does not name anyone in the post, it is widely speculated that she is referring to fellow Chicago-based influencer Rosie Clayton, according to Chicago Mag. 

Clayton vehemently denies the allegations, telling Chicago Mag that 'because I have less followers it looks like I’m the one copying.'

Clayton pointed out to the publication that her clothing and locations are not uniquely accessible to Lake, and that many women have a similar style. 

 

A post shared by r o s i e c l a y t o n (@rclayton) on Aug 27, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT

The pair are two of Chicago's top influencers, with Lake boasting over 150,000 Instagram followers, and Clayton having over 119,000 followers. 

After scouring their feeds, it's clear that the pair share a passion for feminine fashion and punchy backgrounds. 

Could it be coincidence or a case of a copycat?

Feature image: Instagram / jenniferlake / rclayton