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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Blogger of the Month (April): Jamie-Lee

This month's featured blogger is Jamie from page sixxx. I found her blog a few months ago and quickly became addicted to her gorgeous photos, beautiful backdrops, upbeat attitude and amazing style. If there was one blogger's closet (and jewelry box) I'd love to raid, hands down, it's Jaime-lee's.

Location? Wellington, New Zealand
Occupation? I work as an Executive Assistant

Age? 23

How did you come up with the name of your blog? If I recall correctly, the name had originally had a different purpose - It was over a few drinks with a friend when discussing names for an online magazine... which is yet to eventuate!

How did you first get into blogging and why? I've actually been blogging on and off since I was about 13. I started with a Livejournal, as I liked the idea of keeping a track of what was happening in my life then moved on to my own domain which I designed the layout for, and then more recently in the last few years, I started a fashion blogs as I have a keen interest in it, and I love the idea of having a project outside of work. I think pagesixxx is probably my third fashion blog, but it's the first one that I've managed to keep at for more than just a few months.

What does an average day look like for you? It always starts with me deciding what I'm going to wear for the day, lol. On a weekday, I go to work from 8:30am-5pm and once I get home I'll usually go for a run - anywhere from 7-13km - and then I might go out for dinner or drinks with friends, have a movie night, catch up on blogs or do a bit of reading.
How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about? Writer's block, I hate it! I usually don't try to force myself to write anything, I think if it's forced the reader can tell. Usually I have something on the back of my mind, but sometimes it just takes me a little longer to form the text, which is a bit of a challenge but there's nothing wrong with that.

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why? This may sound cliche, but I really llok up to figures like Anna Della Russo for her absolute fearlessness in what she wears, that it sometimes almost borders on being outlandish but with her confidence she pulls it off. I find those types of people incredible, as others can be very judgemental, and it's great to see they have the confidence to wear whatever they like without giving this a thought!
Would you like blogging to become your full time job? I've never really thought about it that way - It's hard to tell what opportunities are there for you in the future so anything is possible!
Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road? Well.. in 6 months I'll be in the US & Canada with one of my best friends so I imagine momentarily my blog will become a visual feast chronicling my travels, but I guess aside from that I hope to maintain a similar aesthetic to what I have now and see how trends evolve, and my style with it. Essentially I see my blog as one of growth - it's like looking back on a photo album, except here I have a myriad of photographs and am able to track how I feel about certain things.
What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? I usually try to spend a lot of time with my friends - trying to convince some to join me on my mission to try every restaurant and cafe in Wellington - I go shopping (probably should do less of this), watch movies, play video games, bake cookies etc.
 

What advice would you give to new bloggers? This is probably the same advice as most other bloggers give out, but I would say, create good original content with high quality photos, and write about what you want to write about. Your blog should be a reflection of you and the things you love.
What mistakes/ realizations have you come to throughout your journey as a blogger? I think I never realised how much hard work having a blog can be. Sometimes, there just isn't time to take photographs or to update my blog, and I think the biggest thing is responding to comments and in particular questions. I try to respond to most of the comments I get (I would say about 3/4), and I love discovering new blogs but sometimes it is very easy to lag behind!
How do you describe your personal style? Quite girly, with a touch of edginess
Who are your influences/ fashion favorites? I would have to say ladies like Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth and Olivia Palermo
What role does your budget play in shaping your style? I'm quite lucky to have amassed a large collection of clothing over the years - I've worked since I was 14, and while at uni I worked 30+, and in my last year I was doing up to 60 hours a week so was able to fund my shopping addiction while I was still studying. But in saying that, I don't think that money equals style. A lot of it has to do with finding well cut pieces in a nice fabric, that suit your body type. Some of the things I wear the most and love and some of the cheaper things in my wardrobe. Besides, style is subjective.
Whose closet would you most like to raid? I think Olivia Palermo, her mix of high and low is always so spot on.

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? That is a tough one.. I think it would have to be Marie Attoinette, whilst the French were still enamoured with her.
Ever been to another country or state that you liked better then where you currently live? This is hard, because I love Wellington so much, yet there are numerous other places I've been to that I loved! I think my top two would have to be Melbourne, Australia and Paris, France.
What are some things on your bucket list? Go on a hot air balloon ride, go whale watching, learn to speak French fluently
What is your personal motto? Always try to see the positive side in everything, and don't take life too seriously
What is your secret dream? to own a chocolate shop in France. Maybe a la Chocolat
 A phrase you use far too often? lovely. everything is lovely.

 Thank you, Jamie!

Visit page sixxx here.

Blogger of the Month (March): Estelle

This month's featured blogger is Estelle from Ash & Belle. She has quickly become one of my favorite bloggers; inspiring me with her laid-back style, beautiful photos, great use of colors (and florals! and clogs!). She also has a great penchant for thrifted pieces and borrowed items (schooling shopaholics like me on the art of being frugal with style). Here is my interview with the naturally gorgeous and effortlessly stylish, Estelle.

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Occupation: Full time journalism student and part-time editorial assistant

Age: 18

How did you first get into blogging and why? After years of reading other people's blogs, I decided to start my own to stop myself from being lazy! I'm studying to be a writer and I thought that having a blog would make me want to write regularly!

What does an average day look like for you? An average day for me starts with me changing my outfit at least three times, before hopping on a city bound train early in the morning, usually with a piece of toast wedged between my teeth. The city is where its at for me- its where my university is and where my office is located. I work/study til about 6pm, then its back home and I'm ready to party! Just kidding...I usually end my night snuggled in bed with some sort of fantasy novel and a cup of tea.  

What do you think is the best/favorite thing about blogging? The best thing about blogging is that you get to connect with people who love and understand my obsession with clothes! People on the street in your home town might think you're a bit weird for wearing a certain outfit but in the blogosphere people are much more open minded.

How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about? Ohhh this happens to me so often! I usually look to my best friend and my boyfriend....I've generally kept them hidden on the blog because both of them are WAY more stylish than me and they make me look so lame in comparison! I usually get my inspiration from those two- they're both very creative.

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why? My favourite blogger is Gala Darling. I look up to her because her writing style is so witty, unique and uplifting and she is a girl who really knows what she wants, and is confident and endearing enough to help others realize what they want too! The way she dresses turns heads and whenever I need a pick my up I read Gala Darling. She is amazing and totally my inspiration. In terms of fashion, my favourite blogger right now is Kathleen Carla from Inspirafashion. Oh and Jane Aldridge from Sea of Shoes. She is so damn cool.

Would you like blogging to become your full time job? No, I don't think so. It's more of a hobby for me, but who knows?

Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road? I see myself owning a camera and a tripod so I can take my own photos and not have to annoy my friends to take photos for me! Five years down the track...I just want to be still blogging, even if it might be about something else!

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? I work at a magazine, so deadlines take up a lot of my time. I love weekends because I get to relax, I'll usually get lunch with my friends or go thrifting with my boyfriend....we always buy the most pointless stuff. I bought a couch once.  

What advice would you give to new bloggers? I'm still new at this so I'm not sure! Ash & Belle is 3 months old, but I guess I can say that in that time I've learn that you should always reply to people's comments...if they've taken the time out of their day to write to you, I think its only nice that you should do that back. It creates a fun, encouraging atmosphere too!

What mistakes/ realizations have you come to throughout your journey as a blogger? Is it harder/easier/more fun than you expected? I've realized that you just have to persevere. I think when you start blogging you'll always feel a bit silly, writing on the Internet to a seeming audience of no-one. But slowly people will start reading, and I wish someone had told me that I should just trust in that. Blogging can be difficult, especially in the way you have to discipline yourself to keep motivated and enthusiastic, but all in all it is very rewarding. I love talking to other bloggers, or being approached by people who say they read my blog. Makes me so happy!

What networking do you do that you feel helps your blogging business? I don't really network that much. When I started my blog I contemplated linking my posts to Facebook but I decided that I didn't want just anyone reading my blog. I wanted my readers to be strangers...is that weird?

How would you describe your personal style? If my style was a person, I think it would have a multiple personality disorder! I go through different phases- girly, tomboy, minimalist, eccentric cat lady. The things that remain constant are that I always wear something vintage and I don't like wearing heaps of jewellery. I wear my gold Casio watch everyday and that's about it usually. The best compliment I've ever received is that "You can pull off anything" so I try to tell myself that and take risks with what I wear. 

Where do you get your style inspirations? I can get inspired by really weird things, like wallpaper or second hand books or old ladies who have no idea that they look awesome. Recently I went paint shopping with my boyfriend and was so inspired by all the different colour combinations!

Who are your influences/ fashion favorites? I try not to dress like celebrities because in this day and age I think it looks totally obvious that you're copying. But I must say, Mary-Kate Olsen, Kate Bosworth and Isabel Lucas never get it wrong!

What role does your budget play in shaping your style? Budget is EVERYTHING. On a day to day basis, my outfit is made up of more thrifted items than items bought from a store. I have a really small budget for clothes and you can see that coming through my outfits. I'm generally very honest about how some of my clothes are just stolen from my friends, my mum or my boyfriend! I have this rule with myself that I never spend over $50 on clothing unless its REALLY special. I really think that buying second hand clothing is the way to go- my friend is a buyer and she says that the chain stores just copy vintage anyway!

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? Elizabeth Bennet

What is your secret dream? To be a Victoria's Secret model! They have the life, I swear.

What are some things on your bucket list? To run my own magazine, to get married, to make the perfect lemon meringue pie, to go backpacking by myself (still plucking up the courage to do this one).

Thank you, Estelle! 

To see more, visit Ash & Belle Blog

Blogger of the Month (February): Carrie

This month's featured blogger is Carrie from This Free Bird. In true Californian fashion, she is every bit the "free bird" when it comes to her personal style, wearing mostly bohemian ensembles with the occasional New York 'Palermo' twist. Carrie's posts are super funny, excruciatingly stylish, and always sincere. She's the unofficial spokesperson of Free People, but my official February Blogger of the Month.

How did you first get into blogging and why?  I was bored.  I've been an Executive Recruiter for over 10 years and worked primarily in Retail/Wholesale/Consumer.  When the economy slowed down and I didn't have the search load I'd been accustomed to, I was feeling disconnected from the industry.  For years one of the Senior Partners I work closely with had been encouraging me to write a book, and several of my friends in retail had been on me to start blogging.  Since I'm not  sure how one even goes about beginning to write a book I went the route of the blog. 

What do you think is the best thing about blogging?  The sense of community with other bloggers has been an unexpected delight - and I love the sharing of ideas.  Who doesn't want to grow as a person?  That comes by learning!
How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about?  This really doesn't happen to me - usually I have the opposite - too many things I'd like to write about and not enough time.  Then again I find humor and inspiration in a spider hanging above a pile of clothing that hasn't made it out of the bathroom and into the laundry room...

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere & why?  Carey at Corks + Caftans.  I've been reading the blog she writes with her husband, Rob, for about 2 years - long before I even contemplated blogging, read any others, or was even aware of what blogs really were.  She is an excellent writer, her outfit posts are original and thoughtful, and the blog itself is very unique.  Carey is comfortable with herself and not trying to be anyone else.  And she totally cracks me up!! Did you ever see the post where Rob cut the fringe off her skirt and DIY'd a headband?  I about fell off my chair in hysterics!

What advice would you give to new bloggers?  Be yourself.  Don't worry/think about what everyone else is doing - do what you want to do and provide content that is meaningful to you.  If you do that, the rest will flow naturally.

What mistakes/ realizations have you come to throughout your journey as a blogger? Is it harder/easier/more fun than you expected?  I don't know that I've made any mistakes, but I have realized that blogging is a lot harder than I thought  it would be simply because it is time consuming...  A good post takes consideration and consideration takes time.  I also try to respond to as many comments as possible, but sometimes I just don't have enough time with work and I feel badly about that.  As the writer of a blog, I feel a certain level of commitment to the people who take the time to read it.  And that means responding as often as I'm able..  However I'm also trying not to let the blog run my life.  Everyone needs personal time, too.  So finding and maintaining that balance is something I'm currently working on.

How would you describe your personal style?  This is tough for me because the pendulum swings between Boho-chic and Classic/Basic Prep.  Is that close enough?  I'm a touch of Farrah Fawcett, a dash of Stevie Nicks, a pinch of Janet Wood and Mrs. Roper meets Olivia Palermo, Lauren Hutton and Jackie O.  I'm all kinds of in love with different styles which is why you see my outfits run the full gamut!  I also think that Keri Russell is flawless - whether she's in jeans and a T or dressed for awards.  There is a young woman who is comfortable in her own skin.

Where do you get your style inspirations?  Looking back.  I am always looking back through images of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Audrey Hepburn, and Farrah Fawcett.  When I'm watching movies I will earmark certain ones to return to:  A Lot Like Love w/Amanda Peet and Ashton Kutcher:  Amanda Peet's style is me to a t in that movie.  But who can't find inspiration from Carrie Bradshaw?  I know it's cliche, but it's totally true.  

Who are your influences/ fashion favorites?  Isabel Marant and Gaby Basora.  My two faves hands down.  Sarah Jessica Parker a distant third as far as styling goes.

What role does your budget play in shaping your style?  I'm not independently wealthy (sad, but true), so it has to play a role.  I think long term, watch sales, and hold myself accountable.  I'm not a blogger that wears things once and you never see it again.  I buy things I love and will want to wear multiple times for more than one season.  Look for me in all my Tucker pieces again this spring and summer!  They were an investment that I'll have for years to come.  A lot of the things I wear now, I've had for years.

Whose closet would you most like to raid?  Olivia Palermo.  Or maybe the Olsen Twins!!  I'm close to the same size as all 3 of them so that would minimize the alterations....haha!!
What are some things on your bucket list?  Visit Israel, see the sun rise/set over the Black Sea, own a home on an island in the Pacific Northwest
What is(are) your personal motto(s)? I strive to live my life in such a way that I will never look back and say "Gee I wish I would have..."

 Thank you, Carrie!

...This Free Bird ...

Blogger of the Month (January): Daniela

Happy 2011, everyone! With the new year, I'm starting a new feature showcasing my favorite bloggers, aptly named "Blogger of the Month." In BOTM, I will interview the featured blogger as well as do a few illustrations of them. 

January's BOTM is Daniela from D, etc. She was one of the first few who welcomed me into the blog world when I first started out and we have kept in touch ever since. It was she who gave me the idea to draw bloggers after my post on the Sea of Shoes contest, so it's fitting to give her the first spot.  

Daniela has incredible style, simple yet chic, and is always finding great deals; making F21 items look like designer pieces. D, etc has become a must read for me, so I encourage you to check it out. Without further ado, here is her interview... 

Blogging:

How did you first get into blogging and why?

I actually first got into blogging about 3 years ago, believe it or not! I had a fashion blog called "Subject: Fashion" (English translation)  and a celebrity gossip blog called "Rich Trash." I had a lot of fun doing the celebrity gossip one but my interest in celebrity life in general died down after a while and I gave up on the blog... I wish I hadn't deleted it, at least! I had a friend (the only one who knows I blog) who really loved it cause it really was hilarious. The fashion blog was also written all in Portuguese and had mostly visitors from Brazil, but it ended up not having the feel I wanted.  A year later I decided to try again, aiming towards readers and writers in the US - and I love it! I blog for fun and to share and receive inspiration from other bloggers.

What do you think is the best/favorite thing about blogging?

I think the best thing about blogging is all the people you "meet". My blog is still pretty new and I've yet to 'in real life' meet a fellow blogger, but contact with people from all over the US and sometimes the world is amazing.

How do you handle it when you just can’t think of anything to write about?

I look to magazines, other blogs, or maybe I just take a day, not worrying about having to come up with something but just appreciating what other people have done. Everything serves as inspiration and the ideas come eventually.

Who do you look up to within the blogosphere/fashion industry & why?

I think I most admire people who have made blogging a full time job and have had opportunities to be a part of the real life fashion world from doing something they love - like Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere and Chiara from The Blonde Salad.

Would you like blogging to become your full time job?

Yes, absolutely!!

Where do you see yourself blogging wise in the next 6 months, and 5 years down the road?

In the next 6 months my blog will have completed a year, and I think my #1 goal is to just make it more reader friendly and more popular, with better pictures and material. I'd like to have time to focus more on outfit photos, because that's what I most like to read/see so I think that's what others want to see too. 5 years from now I'll be married and I might be on my way to starting a family, so the blog might take a whole other direction then!

What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog?

When I'm not working on my blog I'm usually really working (full time job), in school or enjoying time with my fiance and our dogs! 2011 will be a busy year because we're getting married so we've been busy planning our wedding and honeymoon!

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