The Blogger Style Icons
Part Nine, Louise

Some of you might remember the Blogger Style Icon interviews I posted last year? Well, I've still got a few goodies left. One of them is the lovely Louise, the creator of the blog Pandora. She's appeared on sites like Facehunter and Garance Doré because of her incredible personal style. In this interview with Style Spot the French beauty gives you insight to her style confidence and her various fashion choices. It's easy to get lost in the world of style and fashion, but Louise is truly an original gem shining bright and strong in it.



Describe your everyday style
My everyday style depends on my mood. I do a lot of walking during the daytime so I try to find a style that is both feminine and easy to move in. I often wear vintage lace-up booties with a bowler hat and a pretty dress. Sometimes it's romantic, sometimes more boho or rock-inspired. It's rather versatile.

Describe your party style
It's a different story when I go out, though. My outfits become more fun and crazy - almost like a disguise! In a way, the night is some kind of metamorphosis, so I completely let go if, for instance, I feel like dressing up like a rock star. I put on ultra-high heels, perhaps something sequined, too, and I go crazy accessories like feathers...it's like a play.



What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?
I wear a lot of hats - bowler, top hat, navy cap - I always love to wear something different on my head. I almost always put on vintage jewelry, like cameos and pocketwatches. I like piling everything up to make them look like fancy charms from the attic. There are accessories, though, that I can't wear at daytime, for example, it isn't very discreet wearing a top hat in broad daylight.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I take a little bit of everything from anything around me. When there's something I like, be it from art, or designers or even from music, I take inspiration from these things and give my own interpretation through my outfits. It's a mix of everything - art, costume history, music as well as fashion from the streets and the runway.



Favourite designers
I'm a super-fan of Ricardo Tisci, what he does for Givenchy is fabulous. I also admire Balmain, Luella, Charles Anastase, Alexander McQueen and Rodarte.

Favourite style icons
I love styles that are special and out of the ordinary which makes a person unique. That's why I love Anna Karina, Adam Ant, Edith Piaf and also, Pamela des Barres. I also love the style of groupies and muses of the 60s and 70s that's almost trashy but not quite, and completely eccentric.



Favourite places to shop
I shop according to my means. I can't buy myself tons of designer clothes. That happens rarely to me. I get some of my clothes from Topshop, but mostly from the thrift shops, which really give me a lot of room for creativity.

Best shopping tip
Having bought some clothes that I've never worn, make sure to wear what you buy more than once. But don't forget to get yourself some crazy-looking pieces every now and then.



Favourite piece of clothing
Dresses, of course! A dress is so versatile. You can do everything with it.

Favourite pair of shoes
Black skate-like booties. I found a perfect pair at Topshop.



Favourite accessory
Cameos everywhere. At the moment I like wearing headpieces made of feathers (fascinators) to give a 20s look to my outfits.

Best styling tip
Find something that truly pleases you rather than follow the trends. Create your own style, innovate by making use of everything around you. A style is way more interesting if it really speaks about your own personality.

Photos: Pandora

The Blogger Style Icons

Part Eight, Ashleigh

I bet most of you know of the gorgeous Ashleigh from the blog I Am Ashleigh, but if you don't you're really missing out on a wonderful and sweet girl with impeccable style. Not only does she wear amazing outfits, which stretches from boho chic to "wangster" grunge, and that many of us want to copy, but she also has an amazing personality. By looking at the photographs on her blog, it really shines through that she is a woman with a golden heart. Ashleigh is one of those girls who are the perfect examples of being "beautiful both on the inside aswell as the outside". Check it out for yourself...

Describe your everyday style

I'm usually pretty casual. I tend to keep the heels for night time and going out, and wear flats/boots/sandals everyday as I am just always bouncing around to new adventures. I'm definitely split in two when it comes to everyday. If the weather is warm, I tend to look towards the bohemian type of look with loose tops, lace florals and tans, but I definitely have a soft spot for the more grungier looks and that's when I reach for the tartan, the black boots, black jeans and black! I definitely wear a lot of black. I've always been a bit of a girly rocker.

Describe your party style

I don't change too much from everyday Ashleigh to party Ashleigh. I really like to stay true to myself and I don't dress up just because I feel I have to. I tend to wear a lot of black and that normally keeps me on the safe side. Oh and perhaps a couple more accessories and definitely some killer heels, that I normally regret after hours of dancing.

What kind of accessories do you use the most?

I always have my Ray Ban wayfarers on me at all times! I tend to wear the same jewellery every day, which is a mixture of gold and silver. My most loved at the moment is a studded bracelet that you would have to pry from my arm.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am such a blog stalker! I love stomping around the blogosphere looking for great looks. Because I'm normally in a different season from many of the bloggers around the world, I always keep my favourite photos in one big file and as the seasons change I start to look back through them. I normally buy and flip through a stack of magazines once a month. But it's not just that I love. Different era's and a past rock star, movie star or model can just as easily inspire me as anyone else. I have a stack of photography books which always come in handy. And I'm a sucker for a Mary-Kate fan site too.

Favourite designers

I really want to sound like I know my designers off by heart, but I don't! The fashion giants stand out like Alexander Wang. I'm a massive fan of what he creates. But local designers like Alice McCall, State of Georgia, Lover and Josh Goot definitely make me proud to be an Aussie. Oh and you can't go past Zimmermann for their absolutely amazing swimwear!

Favourite style icons

I really find something inspiring in "real people", like bloggers and people on the street. I like the sense that the style is actually achieveable, so they are probably my first go to. But I'm going with the obvious ones: I am such an embarassingly obsessed Mary-Kate fan. Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny. But I like to take a part of their style and make it my own. As much as we hate to admit it, these girls pioneer what we wear just as much as designers do.

Favourite places to shop?

I'm completely on a student budget so all the chain stores are fairly good to grab something cheap from and then splurge on a nice bag, necklace or shoes to add to it and really make it your own style. Sportsgirl, Bardot, General Pants, Cotton On. I love cheap overseas manufactured clothing for that disposable fashion and then the cheapies like Target, Kmart and Big W! Ebay was once an obsession of mine which I steer clear of now. I love op shops! Not the overpriced ones, but the Salvation Army, Savers/Value Village. I have found gold in these! And of course, American Apparel.

Best shopping tip

If you love it, leave it. If you're still thinking about it the next day, you're free to spend as you please. I live by that (well, most of the time).

Favourite piece of clothing

My leather bomber jacket. My absolute saviour!

Favourite pair of shoes

I'm going with my Oxford lace ups from Ebay right now. They're pretty much connected to my feet. They give me that bit of edge when I'm wearing nothing but shorts and a plain tee. There's nothing better than shoes with attitude!

Favourite accessory

Anything with studs! And over the knee socks!

Best styling tip

My friends dress completely different to me, gosh, they probably hate my style. I used to feel influenced by this and I would change my style when I was around them. I've now learnt to love that I am different, that perhaps my outfit makes people look at me for good or bad. Always be yourself. No matter how you don't think you'll "fit the mould" of those around you, you'll always feel much worse trying to fit in when you were born to stand out.

Images: http://www.love-ashleigh.blogspot.com/

The Blogger Style Icons
Part Seven, Karoline

Karoline from Fashion Flash has one of those blogs you just love to visit every day because you know that there is always something amazing waiting for you there. Her outfits are never disappointing and her rocky grunge look is excellent. Also, her photos are always a pleasure for the eye. There's something very exciting and artsy about them! Karoline is one of those brilliant and stylish Swedish girls we all want to be, and who we want to learn style secrets from. In this interview, Karoline tells us some of hers...

Describe your everyday style

Easy. T-shirt and black jeans. Converse and a hat.

Describe your party style

Black! High heels, smoky eyes and red lips.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?

I wear my rings every day! So I have to say my rings. I use my accessories when it's time for party too!

Favourite style icons

I love Kurt Cobain. And Erin Wasson.

Favourite designer

Alexander Wang! It's so easy, sexy and cool.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Everywhere. Love everything with that rock and grunge look. So I find my inspiration in music videos, magazines, movies, on the street, old photos, rock stars...

Favourite places to shop

Second hand and H&M.

Favorite accessory

Oh my...I love my hat, I love my rings...I love everything!

Favourite piece of clothing

My old t-shirt. A grey one.

Favourite pair of shoes

I don't know, have not found them! Converse maybe.

Best shopping tip

Buy big clothes! I am a "small", but my clothes are "large". Try it!

Best styling tip
A "boyfriend" t-shirt and jeans. Or shorts. Add a lot of accessories!

Images: http://www.pause.se/author/karoline/

The Blogger Style Icons
Part Six, Maria

Finally, it's time for another one of "The Blogger Style Icons" interviews, and this time it's none other than the gorgeous Maria from Vanilla Scented. Maria's style is something that many people think is easy to copy because it's simple with a lot of basic clothing and few accessories, but in reality it's one of the hardest styles to pull off because in addition to the laidback and chic clothing, you also need to have a lot of charm and a kind of x-factor. This is no problem for Maria because she has style, charm and x-factor to the maximum! This girl is truly inspirational and she is an excellent style blogger. So if you want to learn from her, just keep on reading...

Describe your everyday style

I like to play with many styles so it varies from day to day. Some days I'm all sweet in florals, and the other day I'll be all black with heavy boots and a leather jacket. But to sum it all up, my style is simple, laidback and chic :)

Describe your party style

I usually go for an eyecathing one-piece. Or...I don't know. I think that many of the styles I wear everyday are worn to parties too!

What kind of accessories do you use? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?

Hats and can I say high heels..? They are my fave accessories. It doesn't differ. Right now I'm in this period where I don't use a lot of jewelry. Simplicity is the keyword. But, if I do, I like to wear one piece at a time. A bold piece, for example a statement necklace or a huge ring. I like Givenchy's goldchain necklaces though, the ones you've seen on every blog these days.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Mostly from other bloggers. But also the catwalk, streetstyle, celebrities, models' everyday style, movies, my mood, the weather and so on. Everywhere actually.

Favourite designers

Chloé, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Acne and so on.

Favourite style icons

Mary Kate :) Hehe of course. She always looks effortlessly chic. And Gala Gonzalez, Alma, Karoline and Carolina. Some of my favourite blogs.

Favourite places to shop

There's nothing better than finding vintage treasures on ebay/vintage stores.

Favourite piece of clothing

A blazer. Makes you look chic at once.

Favourite pair of shoes

This fall it's the black studded ankle boots from Chloé. Drool.

Favourite accessory

Hats.

Best shopping tip

Search everywhere. Brand, store and price has nothing to say. Vintage stores are the best. What's better than having a unique piece?

Best styling tip

Don't try too hard. Remember that fashion is fun, and you should buy and wear the clothes that make YOU feel great! It's good to be updated in the fashion world, but you don't have to follow each trend to look good :)

Images: http://vanillascented.blogg.no/02/

Ps. I know that I've not been very good at replying to your comments. I want you all to know that I appreciate every single one of your them A LOT!! I will reply to them all as soon as I have the time :)

The Blogger Style Icons
Part Five, Richel

This time it's the sweet Richel's turn to talk about her remarkable style. On her blog Ragamala, she posts photos of her wonderful, creative and original outfits, and she never disappoints! She owns so many fabulous pieces that she manages to put together in her very own special way. Richel is definitely one of those girls that you just have to have another look at because they're style is so good, fun and unique. So just keep on reading to get the tips and advice on how to get Richel's lovely style...

Describe your everyday style
My personal style, in a nutshell, would have to be described as low maintenance. Each morning, as I usually wake up minutes before I have to leave, I mentally put together things that I think would look good and add my favorite accessories to dress it up. Since I live in San Francisco, I love taking advantage of the fact that I could dress as crazily as humanly possible knowing no one would give it a second thought.

Describe your party style

I wouldn’t say that I have a distinctive party style, per se, but I do have a pretty active nightlife/social style. I guess I try to make my outfits look more put together and I’m more conscious of how things fit on my body.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?

My accessories are, for the most part, overly done. My dad frequently visits India for business, and never fails to lug home hundreds of different colored bangles. I also love my moms pearls, silver lockets, and my sister’s Marc Jacobs necklace that she just gave me. I think my accessories translate well from day to night, but for a more “party” style, I avoid mixing metals.

Best styling tip
Stop being so overly conscious of what others might think, you only live once, life’s too short to be wearing a boring outfit!

Favourite designers
I’m going to be really cliché and say Marc Jacobs. He uses such bold colors with such structured design, and it just works for me. He uses a color palette that’s such his own, I love it. If I could afford Luella or any of the designers on net-a-porter, I’m sure I’d be more descriptive in my answer.

Favourite style icons

Alexa Chung, definitely. She never wears jeans or pants and gets away with it. She only has like 20 basic pieces but mixes and matches to create completely new outfits! Rachel Bilson is a big one, also. Her line, Edie Rose for DKNY is so simply adorable. The lines of the garments look so flattering on her, or probably anyone for that matter. If I could mention fictional characters, I’d say Cassie Ainsworth from Skins. She’s so brave with her style choices, she pairs dresses and neon or sparkly leggings with oxfords and men’s blazers, I love it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get inspiration from everything. My mom lives for foreign magazines so I love skimming the pages for different styles. I also tend to get inspiration for different neighborhoods in my city. The Castro is drowned in color, the Haight in culture and imported vintage, and Union Street in structured designer denim.

Favourite places to shop

I shop everywhere! When I have to stick to my budget I go to vintage stores on The Haight. Luckily, I’m usually accompanied by my sisters who donate to the charitable cause that is my wardrobe. When I’m with them, we browse tons of different shops in Hayes Valley , South of Market or Cow Hallow. All of the shops carry different designers and styles, it’s such an adventure!

Favourite piece of clothing
My little boy’s blazer I found at the Goodwill. It cleans up my entire look, and is like perfectly tailored to my body!


Favourite accessory
My grandmother’s silver plated clip on earrings. They aren’t fussy, and they are so ornate; they tell their own story.

Favourite pair of shoes

My Jimmy Choo studded sandals that I got on mega sale. They go with everything, and I mean everything.

Best shopping tip

Never say no to second-hand, it’s my saving grace.

Images: http://ragamalas.blogspot.com/

The Blogger Style Icons

Part Four, Luxe

In part four of "The Blogger Style Icons" interviews, it's the lovely Luxe from Luxenoir who has answered a few questions about her fabulous style. Her outfits are very inspiring indeed and even though they are often quite simple, she's still got that extra something that makes her style reach to another level. She's one of those girls who can put on just anything and look absolutely amazing in it. So, read on if you want to get some great tips from the one and only stylish Luxe...

Describe your everyday style
My everyday style is pretty basic, maybe a vest, cut-off denims and Dr Martens or a baggy tee, leggings and a blazer dependant on the wonderful British weather. I can't wait for winter to come around so I can start wearing my leather pants again!


Describe your party style

My party style is quite different to my everyday look; I opt for mini-dresses and shorter hemlines in general. I will either wear head to toe black or bright colours depending on my mood.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does is differ from your everyday style to your party style?
I barely wear jewellery as I like to keep my outfits pretty simple but I have two gold rings (one was a present from a friend) which I wear everyday and have become quite suspicious of what would happen if I didn't wear them, I suppose they have become my talisman. I nearly always wear flat shoes in the day because I'm tall anyway (5'10) and I hate being uncomfortable and I nearly always use clutch bags at night and I wear heels no matter what!

Best styling tip
Don't buy within the rules of what works with your body shape, buy what you love!

Favourite designers?
At the moment I adore what Riccardo Tisci has done with Givenchy and I would kill for a pair of Givenchy leather pants from the Fall 08 rtw collection. I also love the way he will use a colour head to toe whether it is a regal purple, hot pink or a nude. I also love Balmain, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Lanvin, Miu Miu, Jenni Kayne and Rodarte.

Favourite style icons?
I have far too many! Carine Roitfeld, Erin Wasson, Anna Dello Russo, Brigitte Bardot, Chloe Sevigny, Daphne Guinness, Bianca Jagger, Anna Karina, Frida Kahlo and many, many more.

Favourite places to shop?
I love the highstreet but charity shop shopping and eBay are my favourites. I love finding pieces no one else has and the thrill of finding something really amazing.

Favourite accessories?

My two gold rings and my new Moschino belt.

Favourite piece of clothing?
My leather pants.

Favourite pair of shoes?
Some leather gladiator shoes I bought in Paris, they are the most comfortable heels I have ever owned even though I'm sure everybody is sick of them by now!

Best shopping tip
eBay! Oh and travel to charity shops (thrift stores) far and wide, cast your net further and who knows what you'll find!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
From everywhere, fashion magazines, movies and literature but I prefer to just let ideas come to me rather than trying to copy something I have seen somewhere else.

Images: http://luxenoir.wordpress.com/
I will reply to all of the comments later today or tomorrow - things are still quite hectic around here, so please bare with me!

The Blogger Style Icons
Part Three, Wendy

It's time for another "The Blogger Style Icons" interview, and this time it's the sweet Wendy from the fabulous blog Hand It Over who is talking about her style and where she finds inspiration. Everyone who has visited Wendy's blog knows that she is a girl with a lot of confidence who has a great eye for fashion and style. In this interview, she also tells us how she manages to look so amazingly cool and chic all the time. You know you desperately want to know, so just keep on reading...



Describe your everyday style
I don't really stick to one particular style but my everyday style sticks very close to Parisian. I like to wear a lot of blazers, skinny jeans, and super tall heels.

Describe your party style
I prefer feminine frofrou dresses than tight fitting "I want every guy to look at me" dresses. Even if I wear a body con, I'd throw it off with something cute.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?
Actually I don't own a lot of accessories. My collection consists of bracelets, necklaces, and some rings. I wear all of them equally much but never put too much on at one time.

Best styling tip

To look effortless, go with instincts on what to wear and not plan too much.

Favourite designers

Right now I am obsessed with Alexander Wang (like millions of others) and Alexander McQueen. Yes, both Alexanders.

Favourite style icon

My favorite style icon is Mary Kate Olsen.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Style blogs are my biggest inspiration!

Favourite places to shop
I love to shop at Forever 21 but lately, its been sort of hard to pick stuff out. My go-to is Thrift Town in my city.

Favourite piece of clothing
My navy school boy blazer.




Favourite accessory
A cross necklace I purchased in Los Cabos.

Favourite pair of shoes
This is the toughest one. I'd have to go with my Nine West gladiators.

Best shopping tip
If you want it, buy it.

Images: http://handmeover.blogspot.com/

THE BLOGGER STYLE ICONS

PART TWO, SILJE

Today I give you part deux of the interviews with the blogger style icons, and this time it's the gorgeous Silje from Silje's Fashion. Silje is a journalist, stylist and personal shopper, and I think that no-one will disagree with me when I say that this woman definitely knows what she's doing. She is so creative when it comes to her clothes combinations, and I think that each of her outfits tell a little story. Just check it out yourself.

Describe your everyday style

My everyday style is a mixture of laidback 70s style and rock chic.

Describe your party style

For parties I like to get dressed up and take it all out. Long 70s maxidresses, jumpsuits and 50s dresses are my favorites on the dancefloor.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?

My must have accessories are my diamond wedding rings, my gold bangles and a large watch(that I usually borrow from my husband). For night I bring extra bangles and either a costume necklace or earrings. I believe in a few statement pieces that are "you" and shows your personality.

Best styling tip

A scarf gives instant style. So does jewelry and a pair of killer heels. Black, leopard, snakeskin, silver or gold shoes never go out of fashion.

Favourite designer(s)

Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, Anna Sui, Gucci, Halston and Biba.

Favourite style icon(s)

Chloe Sevigny, Carrie Bradshaw, Jane Birkin, Edie Sedgwick, Ali McGraw and tons of bloggergirls, who loves to experiment with different looks.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere!! Girls on the street, in a fabric store, bloggers, online, fashion mags, editorials, catwalk shows, vintage shopping and at the market and in our apartment. I also get very inspired by movies! Love Story, Rear Window, The Birds, Sex and the City (+ the series), Bonnie & Clyde and Saturday Night Fever are some of my favourites.

Favourite piece of clothing

I collect vintage dresses, but I also love jeans for their versatility.

Favourite pair of shoes

Just one is impossible, but I would say it changes after seasons. You can never have to many shoes!

Favourite accessory

That would be my wedding rings, they mean so much to me. I also collect vintage bracelets and have many that I use over and over again. I believe that you should strive to love the things you buy. Classics like Chanel 2.55, a Hermes Scarf or a Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet, never goes out of style. You can wear them from one season to another and they "are" what defines your style. That said, its not necessary to spend a lot of money to get individual style. Style comes when you play around and have fun with fashion. My experience is that a red lipstick or a cool piece of costume jewelry like a brooch, goes a long way.

Favourite places to shop

I love to shop, but my favorites are Ebay, small vintage shops, huge malls like Nordstroms and Gallery Lafayette. H&M and Forever 21 are also cheap favorites. I love to go shopping when I am on vacation, because you can find so many great local treasures, like unique jewelry and brands not available were I live.

Best shopping tip

If you hit the sales, go early and buy quality items. If you are shopping flea markets, go early in the first day and late in the last days, as you can get different kinds of bargains, depending on what you are looking for.

Images: http://www.siljesfashion.com/

THE BLOGGER STYLE ICONS

Ah yes, the blogger style icons. Don't we just love them?! The blogosphere is filled with blogs where people from all around the world post their outfits and inspire thousands of others. I don't think that I'm only speaking for myself when I say that some of these style bloggers are truly fascinating and that their outfits are one of my big main sources for inspiration when I get dressed.

I have spoken to quite a few bloggers who are referred to as blogger style icons and who have made it big with their style. Throughout this autumn I will regularly post these interviews where they talk about their style, how they themselves get inspired and you will even get a few inside tips from your favourite style bloggers.

PART ONE, ERIKA

First up is the lovely Erika from the blog Fashion Chalet. Erika started blogging January 2008, and now, 7 months later, her blog attracts a huge amount of people who go there to see her latest creations. She is extremely versatile in the way she dresses, something that makes her stand out in a crowd and makes her truly original.

Describe your everyday style

It's casual, yet somewhat feminine. I love simple accessories as well as vintage finds. My collection of handbags, dresses and heels continue to grow.

Describe your party style

I love cocktail, above the knee, dresses. I also really like floaty tops and platforms with skinny leg pants/denim.

What kind of accessories do you use the most? Does it differ from your everyday style to your party style?

For everyday, I usually just wear what I already have on, my nameplate bracelet, evil eye charm and earrings that have been given to me for birthday or Christmas presents. Right now I have on my heart-shaped birthstone earrings (sapphire). For parties, I may amp it up a notch, with more bangles, necklaces or larger earrings. But before leaving the house, I always remove one piece of accessory. Less is more.

Best styling tip

Wear what fits you. If you don't like it once it's on, it won't magically look great when you get home either.

Favourite designer(s)

Marc Jacobs' Marc by Marc line. Stella McCartney, Chanel, Vera Wang, Oleg Cassini, Miu Miu Lanvin and Givenchy.

Favourite styleicon(s)

Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Kate Moss and Frankie Rayder.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I pull from old Hollywood, I love modern day candid/street style as well... Nicole Richie, Rachel Bilson, Vanessa Traina and FaceHunter. I also really like getting inspired from other blogs, magazines, movies and music. Sometimes I'll even inspire myself when trying to piece a look together. I find that style, is about being yourself and letting that shine through. Have fun with it. For me, everyday is a game of dress up. I never know who I will be next.

Favourite piece of clothing

Used to be my jeans, now it's my dresses.

Favourite pair of shoes

Anything ladylike (I am addicted to pretty shoes).

Favourite accessory
I love bracelets and rings.

Favourite place(s) to shop?

Vintage, Forever 21, Nordstrom and Barneys.

Best shopping tip

Go with an idea in mind and a set budget. There will always be things you see and feel you want, but don't necessarily need. Save for the things you must absolutely own!

Images: http://fashionchalet.blogspot.com