What’s the story behind blogging? What makes a busy lawyer want to blog? I recently interviewed fellow fashion blogger Ana from www.champagnegirlsabouttown.co.uk. Like me Ana is a busy lawyer and I enjoyed a great interview with her (see my previous blog post).
We had so much fun with it, Ana decided to interview me. Here’s my Q and A. Hope you enjoy! Stay deliciously fabulous over this Family Day long weekend (in Ontario).
Q: How would you describe your style?
A little Carrie Bradshaw in that I am a chameleon and love to experiment with different looks. I love to dress according to my mood and what my day will require of me. If I have a presentation or a meeting I may be in total lawyer mode (with a Pina twist of course). It all depends on the day, but one thing I will always focus on, is proportion. I am only 5 1/2 ft tall ,and I always need to make sure that I don’t get lost in my clothes so I will typically cinch in my waist with a belt. I love corset belts and I was wearing them before they became mainstream this year. Heels for me are pretty much non-negotiable. I love to to look polished, whether I am going for a work appropriate look, or walking the dog in distressed jeans.
I love turning an everyday look into a money look. It doesn’t take much to make a t-shirt and jeans look glam…and that’s where I have the most fun with my outfits.
I love YSL! His designs are truly timeless. I love a great suit, but it has to always have a special touch. Just a jacket and pants or a skirt are too dry for me. I will always add something to give it a modern look, (a fur, a Chanel pin, a big choker or layered necklaces, a big bow, oversized glasses, are a few examples).
Q: What does the inside of your closet look like?
A mix of pencil skirts, distressed jeans, blazers, lots of shoes, belts and accessories. I have a mix of designer finds (Chanel, Hermes, Louboutin) and ultra affordable items such as Forever21, H&M and Zara. I love mixing high-low. Lots of furs – obsessed!
I love going into my closet and creating a look that is uniquely my own. I see myself as a painter. I am the artist as the stylist, and my closet is my box of crayons or my paint palette, and I am responsible for creating the OOTD, and its mood. I challenge myself each morning in this way and I have a blast with it.
I also find Lola’s bones in my closet as she hides them in my shoes or bags.
Q: What’s at the top of your shopping list for 2017?
I am actually not sure, as I am waiting for Spring 2017 to hit the retailers before I can wrap my mind around how to style the next hot look (example, ballet trend hello!). I usually shop for new trends at the beginning of the season and then work them in into my wardrobe as the season progresses.
Q: How did you start your blog?
I used to get stopped in the street by strangers telling me that they loved my outfit. I realized that I would never wear it again in the same style, so I thought I should start capturing my outfits in pictures. I also wanted the world to know that being a lawyer doesn’t mean you are drab and boring, and I wanted women to realize that you don’t have to sacrifice style for smarts, because my big belief is that you can be smart and stylish, in fact the two go hand in hand.
I still get stopped on the streets of Toronto, in the grocery store, in my office building and at the mall. The only difference is that this time I politely thank them and tell them I am a fashion blogger…here’s my card and check out my blog and Instagram page for more outfits and looks you will love, and be inspired by.
Q: What’s the best thing about being a fashion blogger?
Being able to inspire women and young girls. The emails and messages I receive from women thanking me for inspiring them, or telling me that they want to be like me – a stylish lawyer one day – is truly rewarding. Getting recognized is fun because it makes me realize that I am actually reaching people and accomplishing my mission. It’s amazing to actually meet my followers in person (when they recognize me in the city) and I love getting pics with them. I am very grateful for my followers.
Q: What are the style rules you live by?
Proportion is key. Never make the clothes wear you – you wear the clothes. Mix high and low brands. Have fun with fashion and never leave the house unless you love your outfit. Own your look and be true to who you are. For example, if you can’t walk in heels, then don’t wear them because you won’t walk gracefully. Stay true to your authentic style self, and always put your best self forward. You are your personal brand.
Q: Who inspires your style?
I am my own inspiration and I look to creative ways of building my look. For example, I recently found a left over ribbon from xmas and used it for a choker and a bracelet and it looked great. The other night I went out for a drink with my friends and at the last minute I grabbed my 2 belly dancing sequinned cuffs to complete my look, and it looked so money! I like thinking outside the box. I love adding these special touches. It makes my outfits truly unique.
Q: What’s the one thing you don’t think your readers know about you?
I am a great life coach and I love motivating people (maybe this you could tell from my blog). I am on point with reading situations and people, and my friends rely on me for being the voice of reason.
I am a big believer in being the best version of yourself. This takes time and it is a journey but you owe it to yourself. Life’s journey is to be appreciated.
I love a good spray tan and the minute I start to go pale I start to panic.
I talk to my little Lola (my chihuahua), as if she were human. Yes I talk to myself because it keeps me sane and focused.
I am funny without trying to be.
I find it challenging to walk in flats (yeah you probably already know that).
I need sunlight or I go cuckoo…I am sure I have SAD and I do everything within my power to fight it off all winter long (blue light, vitamin D, salt lamp).
I truly love my followers because I have the best followers ever! Many of them have been following me since my first post and I am so grateful that they are on this journey with me.
Q: What’s your beauty regime?
I love trying different products and brands but for the last year I have been obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s products . They are very hydrating and much needed for living in Canada. I use her Eye Rescue cream as well as her Magic cream as a daily facial moisturizer, and her night Magic cream. I also looove her clay mask because it makes my skin glow a la JLo. Charlotte Tilbury in Canada is available at Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom. I have super dark circles and I use Cle de Peau’s miraculous concealer. It’s expensive but it is the best I have ever used.
Q: Where do you shop?
I love Zara, H&M and Forever21 for my trendy fun items. I also have a local Toronto designer who sews me up some great stuff. I love a few local Toronto shops such as Mendocino and M Boutique. I find the higher end products wherever I find them…sometimes through resellers and consignment shops. I love haute classics, a consignment shop in Toronto.
Q: Where would you like to travel this year?
ITALIA! I want to visit the land of my DNA. The Italians always look so effortlessly chic. (I also featured an article on the effortless style of Italian men and women, published by Panorama Italia).
I also want to take a quick trip to Miami. I love the glitz and glam and the architecture. Their coloured buildings look like candy! Come to think of it, Positano and Miami are both similar in their beautiful colours….maybe that’s why I love them both.
www.charlottetilbury.com available in Canada at
http://www.shop.nordstrom.com
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