Featured Blogger: First Edition

I'd like to introduce you (but I'm sure you already know her) to my first featured blogger, Delightfully Tacky. The reason I chose her is because she has been such a friend in this whole experience and I couldn't be happier to just know her. She has supported and helped with my blog so much from the very beginning. She has such a unique style and personality. She stands out completely from the rest. I feel like we are very similar, so if you like reading my blog, you'll love hers. So be sure to head over to Delightfully Tacky and be prepared to fall in love!

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

I really don't know. Blogging has been such an interesting venture for me, so it's hard to say where it will go. I love being able to share my inspirations and style with other people and, in turn, inspire them. I'm so glad that my blog has received such a positive response, so it really makes me want to continue it. Six months from now, I'm sure my blog will be similar to how it is now. Five years? I have no idea. It'd sure be fun to still have my blog going five years down the road. Who knows what my life will even look like by then!

2. Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?

On some days I know exactly what I want to wear, either because I was inspired by another blogger or just because I had an idea in my mind. Other days it's like a wrestling match with my closet, trying to find something that I like. I mostly am inspired by regular people, though. I love "low" fashion, I suppose. I have an appreciation for runway styles but most of my interest and inspiration lies in what regular people wear, which is why I love browsing Chictopia, Lookbook and blogs so much.

3. What is the ultimate goal for your blog?

I mean, wouldn't it be great to quit my job and be able to make a living blogging? Haha. No, I don't necessarily have a "goal" for it. I guess my main goal would be to reach out to people and inspire them. I love getting new followers, not because it makes me feel cooler or anything, but because I'm excited that people are inspired by Delightfully Tacky and want to come back and see more.

4. What is another passion of yours besides fashion?

Art. Sometimes I think I should give up any sort of career and just live by the sea in an RV and make art. With a dog, of course. I love making things. People always ask me what kind of art I do and, really, it's everything. Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, music. My life would be worthless without art, I think.

5. Have you ever been to another country? If so, where?

Obviously: Canada/Mexico. I've also been to Guatemala. I went there the summer after my senior year of high school on a mission trip. It was really interesting. We helped build an orphanage for these girls who had been rescued from prostitution and child slavery and stuff. Really moving. Puts life in perspective.

6. How long have you been interested in fashion/style?

I started thinking about style in a different way probably two years ago. Before that I kind of had the mindset that fashion and primping were all too fussy and shallow. I also felt really uncomfortable being "out there" with my clothes, so I would only wear t-shirts and jeans. I had a style of my own but it was pretty limited. I think I finally was able to bloom, per se, when I grew out of my self-consciousness. I would 100% never wear the stuff I do now back in high school. Getting over the self-consciousness really allowed me a whole new outlook on style. It's been very fun exploring new styles now that I don't care what people think.

7. What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Thrift and antique stores. I'll shop anywhere, really. It's just a matter of keeping my eye out for pieces that work for my wardrobe. I'm not the kind of person who walks into a store searching for a whole outfit or two. I like shopping online too, though that's mostly window shopping. I rarely get stuff from websites because I chicken out, not wanting to spend money.

8. Do you have any tips for bloggers on blogging etiquette?

I don't know. I try to get back to my commenters, but sometimes it's hard in between daily blog reading, creating posts, and doing everything else I do during the day. Right now I barely have time to even make my own posts! I always check out new followers though. I love going to their blogs and seeing who they are. I've found a lot blogs I follow by clicking on my new followers.

9. What's a typical daily routine for you?

Sleep sleep sleep work work work work work work work eat blog blog watch tv eat blog blog sleep sleep sleep. Clearly my social life is a force to be reckoned with.

10. Any specific tips you have for new blogger s who want to make it in the blogging community?

Be yourself. Sounds corny, but it's always true. "Making it" is a relative term. For some it means to get hundreds of followers and comments, for me it's just knowing that people like reading and come back for more.

For myself, I always like blogs that look good. It's the artist/graphic designer in me, I know, but if your blog is poorly designed, I really have a hard time reading it. Taking great self style photos is also a plus. I think it's almost as important to have good photos as it is to have great style. I mean, if your photos are trash then no one can see what your style is like anyway, right? Don't underestimate the power of imitation. Figure out why your favorite blog looks so good and imitate the layout. Find out why someone's photos look nice and try to emulate them. I always tried to emulate Rebecca's (of The Clothes Horse) photos because they were so cool. Be yourself. Blog you.

See? Isn't she great?