I had so much fun this past month and a half interviewing some awesome style bloggers, that I figured I would “interview” myself. I thought it might be a fun way for some of you readers to get to know me better. So here it goes…
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as colorfully classic. I love styles that work with my curvy figure, so I tend to wear a lot of dresses and skirts, but also love to mix stuff up and do things that would be unexpected, so I guess you could call my style funky feminine.
How/why did you start your blog?
I used to have a photography business, so I had a blog to post clients’ pictures. Life got too busy and I ended up stopping doing portrait shots, but I was still paying for my blog, so I implemented “Fashion Friday” where I posted all the pictures of my outfits from the week. It has since grown from there and I spread it out throughout the week, but I also love to have a place that is all my own to do whatever I want with it. I’ve found it’s a wonderful little creative outlet.
What is the biggest challenge about having a style blog?
I think the hardest thing is having my picture taken all the time. My sweet husband is my photographer 99.9% of the time, but it’s a challenge on time for when to take the pictures because usually I’m rushing out the door in the morning and then am dead tired by the time I get home, plus I don’t look as fresh and pretty. Also, it’s hard to keep coming up with interesting content for Fashion Friday, especially when being a mother and a full-time employee takes up a good portion of my brain space.
How has your style changed/evolved since you started your blog?
I think I try to plan my outfits more than I used to and also incorporate my accessories into my outfits more than I used to. I also take the time to recreate outfits I’ve been inspired by.
Where do you get outfit ideas from?
I rip outfit pictures I like out of magazines I look at (Lucky, Seventeen, People Style, In Style) and keep them in a 3-ring-binder in clear sheet protectors to flip through. I also go through my Pinterest board and look at new ideas when I’m feeling uninspired.
Who has been your fashion inspiration?
My cousin Emily has been a huge inspiration in my life. She is incredibly fashionable. She is the kind of person who can pick up something that others would deem “ugly” or “strange” and then totally make it work. She has outstanding confidence and always looks good.
If you could have any clothing item right now, what would it be?
I’ve been looking for a good pair of brown or black high heeled oxfords similar to these. I am also interested in purchasing some printed skinny jeans.
What are some favorite fashion tips/tricks you would pass on to a little sister or your future daughter?
I think the biggest piece of advice would be to dress for your body type. This is an especially hard thing to grasp, especially as you grow and mature. I remember waking up with giant hips one day in eighth grade and having to shop in the women’s section where my mom bought me pleated mom jeans (AAHH!!!). I have now grown to love my curvy figure, but it took me a while to appreciate and learn how to dress. I also think it’s a huge accomplishment to build a confidence in your daughter where she has the ability to wear what she loves and not care what people think of her. I hope someday I can instill this confidence in my future daughter.
What’s your biggest fashion mistake?
Feel free to see the hall of shame pics here. I think the outfit that makes me groan the most, was a turtleneck under corduroy overalls, which I wore almost every other day. My 9th grade homecoming dress was also pretty disgusting. I guess there was a reason I didn’t date in high school. Ha!
What’s your favorite place to shop?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE thrift store shopping. It is truly retail therapy to take hours just skimming through previously owned racks looking for treasure. My favorite thrift stores are Valley Thrift and Goodwill (both in Escondido) and La Tienda in San Clemente. Because of this, I have an incredibly difficult time buying items at normal price. I do also shop at Old Navy, GAP, Target and Plato’s Closet a lot too.
What’s the best way to spend $50?
I would hands down, no hesitation take that fifty dollars to a thrift store where I would get the most amount for my money. I’m all about quantity of clothing over quality (no offense Anthropologie).
What item is without fail, always in your purse?
Besides the usual wallet, phone and keys, I have a ridiculous amount of lipstick choices, plus gum and probably a Matchbox car that was stuck in there by one of my boys.
What do you think are five key pieces every woman should own?
A pair of skinny jeans that she loves, a solid colored dress that is versatile for casual and dressy occasions, a well made pair of brown, leather boots, a black blazer and a statement necklace (dresses up any outfit in a flash!).
Happy Fashion Friday!
The Girl With The Smile 