Blogger of the Month (May): Nicole

I'm very happy to announce this month's featured blogger, Nicole. She blogs over at Frankie Hearts Fashion and has become one of my favorite reads (see a pattern here? New favorite bloggers that hold my attention= blogger of the month!). We were featured together on one of Kai's 'Fab Friends Fridays' where my admiration for her blog began (but then I remembered that I had 'met' both of them a few weeks before for Carrie's White Denim in Winter Challenge.) Anyway, besides being sweet, funny and considerate, Nicole has killer style. I could go on, but read her interview and then check out her blog to see what I mean. Without further ado...

Location? the burbs of Los Angeles

Occupation? Below the Line Talent Agency

Age? I feel like I'm still 18...does that count?

How did you first get into blogging and why? When I started the blog I was fresh into my new career in the entertainment industry having just left the fashion biz after 8 years. For me it was really just a platform to release my inner creativity and keep my love and connection to fashion going. I told no one except my family and went in undercover as "Frankie", a nickname that my sister gave me because of my oh so pleasant ability to be Frank! 

What does an average day look like for you? I try to start my day at the gym ("try" is the operative word here)! During the week I work until about 6:30, have dinner with the hubs, and then I go into "the blogging dungeon" as we like to call it. 

What do you think is the best/favorite thing about blogging? It has really allowed me to push myself to do things I wouldn't have normally done and I have discovered a whole new side of me. I've met some amazing people and am still in awe at how this little (not so little) community of bloggers comes together and helps each other out. Pretty amazing.

How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about? There are definitely those days..and for me it's best to keep it short and sweet!

Would you like blogging to become your full time job? Yes please!

Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road? When I started the blog I really had no expectations, so the fact that I have put myself out there and met some pretty incredible people has already been pretty rewarding. I look forward to continue on this path and enjoy the journey. Excited to see what lies ahead!

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? The weekends are truly my BFF! It's my time to chill, spend time with my family, shop (yes, I have a problem), catch up on my magazines, tivo and all the other things I don't get to do during the week.

What advice would you give to new bloggers? I know this is a pretty standard answer but it's important to keep your own identity and stay true to who you really are. There are always going to be people who lift you up and and people who pull you down. Always listen to yourself...it's all about improving, learning and evolving. 

What mistakes/ realizations have you come to throughout your journey as a blogger? Is it harder/easier/more fun than you expected? It took me a little while to figure the whole blogosphere out. At first, we were just casually dating, then it evolved into a full blown relationship which ended in a marriage proposal. It's pretty safe to say that the blog and I are in love. And love takes patience, 100% effort and most importantly TIME. One thing I didn't know was how much time I would be spending on a daily basis doing this...but I can honestly say that it has done more for me than you would ever believe, I'm truly grateful to have this platform to spew my creative juices on. 

What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business? Twitter is really an amazing tool that allows you to connect not only with fellow bloggers but it also gives you the opportunity to reach out to brands directly. 

How would you describe your personal style? Classically polished with a twist of boho and a splash of edginess. Jeez..That was a mouthful.

Where do you get your style inspirations? I pull inspiration from all over the place really. My mom has been a huge source of inspiration for me....she's so creative and looking through her closet always provides tons of ideas for me. It is also necessary for me to mention that I am a huge magazine slore! If you saw my coffee table right now you would have reading material for months, no joke. Perusing online is another a great source of inspiration and one of my favorite things to do. I have tons of different folders on my computer all organized in true OCD fashion. There is everything from street style to food to home decor to SHOES, oh and did I mention SHOES?

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why? I have so much admiration for Jenna Lyons not only for the style maven that she is, but for her perseverance and ability to take a company and turn it into something so magical. She has truly transformed the brand and has everyone and their mother coveting all things J. Crew. An inspiring woman indeed.

Who are your influences/ fashion favorites? Where do I begin? Abbey Lee Kershaw, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Alexa Chung, and Meredith Melling Burke to name a few.

What role does your budget play in shaping your style? Yes, budget definitely plays a role! As I have gotten older I have learned when to save and when to splurge. I have an insane love for shoes...A good pair of heels can make me go weak at the knees. I know, it's sick! But since there is not an infinite supply of benji's laying around I have to be choosy and smart about buying. 

Whose closet would you most like to raid? Jenna Lyons, Joanna Hillman, Taylor Tomasi Hill

If you could trade places with any other person for a week (famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional) who would it be? The ultimate Golden Girl...Rose aka Betty White! Her laissez faire attitude and zeal for life is one I admire. She is the perfect example of constant reinvention no matter what age you are.....something that we all could learn from.

If a movie was made about your life, who would you like to play the lead role? The illustrious and fabulous Rachel Bilson.

What is your secret dream? To live in a cottage in Santa Barbara by the beach! 

What are some things on your bucket list? Travel through Europe, learn how to paint, road trip across the U.S., have a family, get a tattoo, and the list goes on.....

What is(are) your personal motto(s)? Never let your fears keep you from following your heart, your ambitions and your love of life. Always excel to be the person you were born to be. My daily mantra!

Ever been to another country or state that you liked better then where you currently live? I've been to many places that I absolutely loved but I'm a Cali girl at heart!

A phrase you use far too often? "That's amazing" and "It's amazing." Pretty sure I said amazing about 10 times already...

Thank you, Nicole!

Check out Frankie Hearts Fashion for more.

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