http://thestyleline.tumblr.com/

The Style Line is happy to present our third and...

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:57:06 -0400

The Style Line is happy to present our third and finalgiveaway to celebrate 300,000 followers with one of the most beautifully curated online boutiques - Marissa Collections! The rules are the same, enter to win the above MICHAEL KORS watch by following these three simple steps:

1. Entrants will be required to follow Marissa Collections on Tumblr

2. Tweet @marissanaples & @thestyleline to let us know you’ve entered and be sure to include your tumblr username!

3. Re-blog/like this post for your chance to win!

The winner will be announced via The Style Line’s social media platforms and contacted on Wednesday May 29th - Good luck to all!

Happy Tuesday! First off, apologies for the lack of regularly...

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:11:00 -0400

Happy Tuesday!

First off, apologies for the lack of regularly scheduled posting - Even a full-time blogger has full-time responsibilities outside the interwebs, and in my case it’s my studies. Finals are in full swing and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel… In one week I’ll be a {somewhat} normal person again.

But on to the good stuff: For those of you who follow via The Style Line’s social media platforms {AKA if you’re not get on it!} you may already be aware of the exciting news…

This summer The Style Line is relaunching.

Meaning: New design. New site capabilities. New content. New contributors. New direction. New possibilities … And for you all possibly new opportunities.

I’m not going to disclose the full information just yet, but this post is to let you guys know, that we are looking to expand the team. As such, we are looking to take on active contributors to help publish/manage content on the site so if you are interested in publishing your work or learning more about what this entails please email me at rachelschwartzmann@yahoo.com - Serious inquiries only and also please pass along to friends who you think may be interested!

There’s a lot to look forward to friends - Emails have already started rolling in, and I look forward to working with you all! xo

Happy Saturday! The Style Line is happy to present our...

Sat, 04 May 2013 11:45:29 -0400

Happy Saturday! The Style Line is happy to present our second giveaway to celebrate 300,000 followers with one of the hottest contemporary jewelry brands around - Karen London! The rules are the same, enter to win a Karen London Demi Chain Bracelet {As seen on Demi Lovato!} by following these three simple steps:

1. Follow @thestyleline and @KLondonJewelry on Twitter

2. “Like” both The Style Line and Karen London Jewelry on Facebook

3. Re-blog/like this post for your chance to win!

The winner will be contacted on Saturday May 11th - Good luck to all!

LOVERS + FRIENDS Am I having a Sex and the City moment because I...

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:25:19 -0400

LOVERS + FRIENDS

Am I having a Sex and the City moment because I can’t help but wonder: What is New York made up of? Lovers, friends & everything in between…But most of all it’s made up of good fashion. Call me crazy or just plain annoying for considering this post an homage to everything and anything having to do with New York style, as I’m sure you’ve heard and it seen all before… But it may just be because I am overly attached to my new Lovers + Friends moto jacket and whenever I’m excited about a new piece I have to try to attach it to some deeper meaning. After-all, fashion is more then materials, it’s expression right? As such, I consider this jacket to be the ultimate city girl staple.

Wearing: {jacket}: c/o Lovers + Friends {top}: Forever21 {skirt}: Everley {accessories}: Emma Sunnies c/o Nanette Lepore, Assorted jewelry including gold ring c/o Karen London Jewelry {bag}: via DBA B{shoes}: c/o Shoemint via Bollare

LISA DENGLER, 24, ARCHITECTURE STUDENT + FASHION BLOGGER,...

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:50:00 -0400

LISA DENGLER, 24, ARCHITECTURE STUDENT + FASHION BLOGGER, UNITED STATES

LISA’S STYLE: I think my style is pretty simple. I like paying attention to the little details, and not make the overall look too overwhelming, But then I’ll throw on a hat or a long vintage-like jacket to make the look a little more edgy / unique.

INSPIRATION: What doesn’t inspire me? I live for being constantly inspired, whether it be from other bloggers, from people on the street, from a nice interaction, from a book I read, from something I eat, from travelling. I think the world is beautiful, as are the people in it, and I constantly am observing everything that is going on around me.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? A good question. Let’s say in terms of fashion, I don’t have a lot of money to buy any designer pieces (those that I do have I’ve won, or are secondhand, etc.), so my style is very relatable to most of the population because they can literally go buy the same clothes I do without spending a lot of money.

WHAT ABOUT FASHION INTERESTS YOU THE MOST? I love how fashion is always changing at a speed we sometimes can’t even grasp. I love interpreting what I see on the runway into real life and seeing how others react to it. And then it’s really interesting to observe the whole cycle, from runway to people in the fashion industry to mainstream. I think it’s a fascinating subject.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? I feel like social media is slowly taking over my life. Between Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest (not to mention blogging!), my day is kept busy trying to keep the rest of the world informed about my life. But don’t get me wrong, it’s my guilty pleasure! Especially Instagram. I’m a little bit obsessed.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? Whites (though I always manage to get it dirty within a half hour), flats (an amen to women’s feet everywhere), leather, and denim denim denim.

WHAT IS ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? To be honest, I listen to other people’s playlists on 8tracks. I’ll find a song I love, play it on repeat for a few days, then forget it ever existed. Last night I found the song My Head is a Jungle by Wankelmut and Emma-Louise. Any playlist tagged with indie or indie remix I love. Oh, and The XX and Alt-J are good go-to bands for me.

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like what you see? link up with lisa by checking out her site here:

http://justanotherfashionmagazine.com/

LIDIA FROLOVA, 28, BLOGGER, PHOTOGRAPHER + PERSONAL SHOPPER,...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:25:00 -0400

LIDIA FROLOVA, 28, BLOGGER, PHOTOGRAPHER + PERSONAL SHOPPER, RUSSIA

LIDIA’S STYLE: I try to not drive myself into the framework of any specific style (it would be boring) and I guess my style is a mixture of different things. But anyway I love wearing dresses and unusual, a little bit rough shoes (preferably on high heel and platforms).

INSPIRATION: I get inspiration from all around.My friends, weather, movies and books, photographs!

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? My short haircut, I can knit very well (I can knit almost everything!) and I can also play the violin!

WHAT ABOUT FASHION INTERESTS YOU THE MOST? I really like to follow fashion trends, watch fashion shows. But the most favorite aspect of fashion is the ability to constantly change. Update wardrobe at the beginning of each new fashion season - It’s very exciting!

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? It takes a lot of time in my life! I’m especially keen on LOOKBOOK.NU and blogs, of course. Also Instagram - I don’t go a day without taking a photo!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? You know, in Russia winter lasts for a very long time but I’m looking forward to the spring to wear light clothes like dress made of chiffon, sandals and short shorts! Also lace, a lot of lace! As well as denim jumpsuits, smock dresses with prints, raffia platforms, transparent heels and bags.

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like what you see? link up with lidia by checking out her site here:

http://www.gvozdishe.com/

As promised, to celebrate 300,000 followers The Style Line will...

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:35:37 -0400

As promised, to celebrate 300,000 followers The Style Line will be unveiling a series of giveaways! First up, enter to win a custom The Style Line x Cambridge Satchel Company Signature Neon Orange Fluoro bag by following these three simple steps:

1. Follow @thestyleline and @CamSatchelCo on Twitter

2. “Like” both The Style Line and The Cambridge Satchel Company on Facebook

3. Re-blog/like this post for your chance to win!

The winner will be contacted on Tuesday April 30th - Good luck to all!

OUT & ABOUT An unseasonably warm day only means one thing,...

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:24:17 -0400

OUT & ABOUT

An unseasonably warm day only means one thing, out with the {c}old and in with the new! Spring cleaning has never seemed so relevant in regards to all facets of life. Sartorially speaking, I for one and am ready to sport pretty pastels, light layers and embark on adventures in the best backyard there is… The big apple. With the onset of festival and vacation season, I’m finding myself in a very easy-going mentality, despite any looming responsibilities that may be presenting themselves. Strolls in the city and lazy days in Central Park? YES PLEASE. I’m ready to constantly be out & about… Starting now!!

Wearing: {coat}: GAP {tops}: H&M tee shirt, ZARA mint knit sweater, H&M white blazer {accessories}: Caradona ring c/o Karen London, Necklace c/o Rebecca Minkoff, J.Crew Panama Hat, Forever21 sunglasses, H&M knit scarf, Assorted vintage jewelry {bag}: #2 clutch c/o RB of McD {jeans}: c/o Vigoss USA {shoes}: c/o Cole Haan

300,000. I honestly can’t even fathom how great of a...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:03:56 -0400

300,000.

I honestly can’t even fathom how great of a number it is and especially since when one thinks of a number like 300,000 they usually associate it with something very large… Maybe along the lines of population size or college tuition (haha unfortunately) but basically anything that is larger than life…

Yeah no kidding, so what’s my point? Well forgive me if I sound like the ultimate broken record, but as I continue to advance in my career I am constantly reminded of this cliche but totally true idea: When you think big, there’s a big chance that your dreams can more fluidly come into fruition.

The reality is that I’ve now come to look at this blog, if I can even call it that anymore, as a source of community. It’s incredible to see The Style Line’s growth in the past two years and I can honestly say I’ve grown right along with it.

All of your continued support, feedback and dedicated readership has contributed to the success and evolution of The Style Line. Without your participation and enthusiasm for it’s endeavors, this would honestly not mean as much to me, as it does now. I can promise you that there are some really amazing things that are going to happen this year that will benefit you all just as equally as it will for me - This starts with celebrating 300,000 milestone… Prepare for a month of stellar giveaways, with what I can guarantee are some of your favorite brands!

Get ready. Be excited. {I mean it!}

I love you all,

Rachel xo

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{Not crediting is never okay kiddies - Balloon Image Credit!}

TUMBLR TEA PARTY {Presented by tumblr, Lela Rose, Steven Kolb of...

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:43:35 -0400

TUMBLR TEA PARTY {Presented by tumblr, Lela Rose, Steven Kolb of the CFDA + Kusmi Tea}

The fashion community on Tumblr has become exceptionally close, as such there always is a group of us who get to endure the most amazing opportunities… And the best a part about it is that we’re together. One of these events being the first ever Tumblr Tea Party hosted by fashion designer Lela Rose {in her GORGEOUS home, click through to see more}, Steven Kolb of the CFDA and Kusmi tea.

The amount of talent which resides in New York was further proved upon visiting Lela’s home and getting a chance to really speak with her. A southern belle to the core, Lela’s warm, welcoming and girly personality aligns perfectly with her feminine design aesthetic both shown in her clothes and home. She was gracious enough to take us through the entire four flour loft, complete with a shoe closet sent from the gods, tables which lower themselves from the ceiling and rise discreetly from the floor and of course a doggie elevator! Sipping on some wellness tea provided by Kusmi and having a chance to sit with a great, was obviously the perfect way to start my Monday.

Thank you to all of those involved who helped bring this gorgeous event to life! I wonder what’s next… Another tea party? Maybe we’ll go all out with a blogger slumber party… {Stay tuned?!}
xo

LOWER WEST STYLE The influx of taxi’s, stylish folk and...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:26:17 -0400

LOWER WEST STYLE

The influx of taxi’s, stylish folk and reminence of what an older New York used to look like, there’s something so irresistibly charming about the West Village…… And I guess you can consider this look my take on west side style - A little chic, a little daring and a little experimental… Probably a little more eclectic then I originally intended aha. Being that I spend a lot of my week in Chelsea, I’ve developed an affinity for the lower west side and you can usually catch me at least once a week coming out of the Christopher Street station off of the 1 train. These photos were snapped along a side street near Bleecker as I was indulging in one of my favorite {free} past-times, which is admiring the beautiful brownstones that house who I consider to be the luckiest New Yorkers. That’s the thing about New York, virtually everything and everyone emulates some sort of unique beauty or at least peaks intrigue everywhere you turn. A girl can only take so much inspiration…

Wearing: {coat}:c/o Nanette Lepore {dress}: c/o Kelly Wearstler via DBA {accessories}: Planner c/o Henri Bendel, Flame Satchel c/o Rebecca Minkoff, Emma Sunglasses c/o Nanette Lepore, Cuff c/o Giles & Brother via DBA, bangles c/o Alex & Ani via DBA, Caradona ring c/o Karen London {skirt}: H&M {shoes}: Nine West

AMY SCHEEPERS, 23, PHOTOGRAPHER, SOUTH...

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:09:00 -0400

AMY SCHEEPERS, 23, PHOTOGRAPHER, SOUTH AFRICA

AMY’S STYLE: I guess my style is quite a combination of things. I’d like to think of myself as more bohemian than anything else, and a tad scruffy! I’m always wearing beanies and black leather boots, and you’ll very rarely see me in pants.

INSPIRATION: People and photo’s inspire me, & other blogs and bloggers for sure.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? I care about animals more than the average human & I can hula hoop for hours without fail. I’m also borderline obsessive about photography.

FEAR FACTOR: [I am afraid of] the dark. I know it’s silly but I have such a fear of the dark. In a far broader sense I fear that I will not accomplish all of goals and dreams.

STYLE EVOLVING OVER THE YEARS: I think it will probably become more refined, I’m really looking forward to defining my signature style. I see myself always wearing bohemian pieces though, and I’d like to get into accessorizing more.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? It does take up a fair amount of my time! Lately I’v been pretty hooked on instagram haha, I’m too damn curious and love looking at other peoples pictures! I’d say blogs are my main time-waster, I’m not too bothered with Facebook & Twitter though.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? In South Africa it’s going into Autumn right now so I’m not too sure, probably little printed dresses, wide brim hats, flares, and florals.

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like what you see? link up with amy by checking out her sites here:

http://www.fancypantstheblog.com/

ISABELLA RAKONIC, 19, LAW STUDENT + MODEL,...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:41:00 -0400

ISABELLA RAKONIC, 19, LAW STUDENT + MODEL, CROATIA

ISABELLA’S STYLE: I don’t like to describe my style because I think defining it would stop me from exploring new things. I don’t have any signature trademarks, not that I know of anyway!

INSPIRATION: I find inspirations everywhere, from magazines and fashion icons and movies to my own grandmother!

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? I don’t know how to answer that question. I can only say that everyone is unique, even of he or she doesn’t know it. We’re all uniques, but still a part of one amazing world.

STYLE EVOLVING OVER THE YEARS: I see myself more mature, with more experience in fashion. I think that’s very important, and you can gain that only when time passes. I think the big change will be when I finish law school, get my own place, find a job, and make my own money. When I have my own money, I am free to spend it however I like to, not depending on my parent’s approval (for example for buying expensive heels).

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? I don’t read or watch any celebrity gossip news. I’m more into news and politics, and that really doesn’t have any influence in my fashion world.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? It’s very ugly weather here in Zagreb, and I’m still wearing winter clothes even tough I bought a whole lot of new spring clothes. I just can’t wait for sun to come so I can wear them all. I’m thinking of a lot of white, yellow and pastel colours, stiletto heels, sunglasses and a big smile.

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like what you see? link up with isabella by checking out her sites here:

http://www.thepileofstyle.com/

BUSY BEE Wearing bright colors and showing {some} bare skin...

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 10:35:00 -0400

BUSY BEE

Wearing bright colors and showing {some} bare skin seems to be all that’s on my mind as far as style is concerned. Although, I haven’t had much time to think more in depth about this sartorial subject. I’ve been running rampant between school, meetings and maintaining a social life and blogging affairs…{For those of you who don’t know, Le Style Child is currently in transition in being re-designed and adopting a new title.} As such, keeping everything straight has proven to be incredibly time consuming. So I guess the look you see pictured above is my way of embracing the craziness, by dressing in an appropriate black and yellow palette and clutching my new planner for dear life… I mean, I didn’t name this post “Busy Bee” for nothing… Bzzzzzz Bzzzzzz. Stay tuned!

Wearing: {coat}: c/o Nanette Lepore {sweater}: GAP {accessories}: Planner c/o Henri Bendel, Flame Satchel c/o Rebecca Minkoff, Emma Sunglasses c/o Nanette Lepore, ALDO gloves, H&M knit hat {skirt}: H&M {shoes}: Nine West

NATASHA ALIA, 22, FASHION DESIGNER + FASHION/PHYSICS...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:06:00 -0400

NATASHA ALIA, 22, FASHION DESIGNER + FASHION/PHYSICS STUDENT, UNITED STATES

NATASHA’S STYLE: The easiest way to describe my style is feminine, but not in the cutesy, girlish sense, although I have (too often) been compared to a doll. I love dresses that have full skirts with provocative details like cut-outs, plunging backs, gold metal zippers and (perfectly on trend) studs and embellishments. I don’t have a signature piece, but my trademark would definitely be florals.

INSPIRATION: Creating stories - in terms of fashion, the idea of what setting or mood I create with a particular outfit, or what that outfit reveals about me to the outside world and how I can control that impression by choosing particular garments. If one day I want to appear dark and moody, the next day as an artsy student or an elegant businesswoman - the possibilities are inspiring.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? Well, I know I don’t consider myself a person who has one of the - as Vladimir Nabokov called it - “ready-made souls in plastic bags.” I suppose people are always surprised when they discover I study physics, or that I take part in conservation work for cheetahs, or that I routinely do my best to rescue stray animals in India whenever I travel there. I would say these things make me “unique”, or at the very least separate me from the majority of fashion designers.

FEAR FACTOR: I fear that I won’t be able to fulfill my expectations, that I won’t be able to do something truly remarkable for animals or humanity, or all of those people who undergo unnecessary and inhumane suffering. And I am terrified of fire - I can barely light a matchstick.

STYLE EVOLVING OVER THE YEARS: I would suspect that in the coming years my style may become more refined, though I’m not sure if I can pull away from mini lengths. The biggest influence in style is age, in my opinion, even though that is and is not a good thing. I don’t want to feel pressured to dress more conservatively, but I understand that strutting around in hot pants at the age of 30 might not be the most suitable.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? Blogs are always a source of influence - to see how other women pair certain items, and how they appear as a result. Sometimes, I discover great treasures through a blogger’s tips about brands or boutiques. I don’t use Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook that often, though.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? I know what I’m looking forward to not wearing - tights and coats. But I’m most excited to wear hot shorts and floral mini dresses with ankle-strap pumps.

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like what you see? link up with natasha by checking out her sites here:

http://narrina.blogspot.com/

NATASHA NDLOVU, BLOGGER + MODEL, UNITED...

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:55:00 -0400

NATASHA NDLOVU, BLOGGER + MODEL, UNITED KINGDOM

NATASHA’S STYLE: It’s constantly changing. Recently I cut my hair short, so I don’t dress as “girly” as before but I still keep it feminine. I don’t like to stick to one style because I love everything, and with my job as a model I like to experiment with brands and styles because I work with such a diverse range of designer or brands, so I take something from each one. I will, however, always incorporate my leather jackets and skinny jeans into my outfits from time to time.

INSPIRATION: Art, music and my travels inspire me. When I am somewhere new, I like to imagine myself in that environment and how I would interact and live in it. I live in London, but if I were to move to Tokyo tomorrow, I feel like I would be eating, dressing, and doing things differently from where I am now because of my surroundings.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR STYLE EVOLVING? I want to wear skirts and dresses more. My job as a model keeps me in leggings and skinny jeans most of the time, so I need to break away from that. I also want to invest in tailor made pieces and designer clothes from the likes of Valentino, Dior, etc. A big influence on that happening of course will be money ! I will need to work hard and have a good income to afford such things.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? It depends on what you mean by unique. I like to think of it more in terms of life experiences than something such as one’s fashion sense or artistic abilities. Yes, I can draw, take photographs, but I also speak 5 languages, have lived on my own since I was 18, across the world from my family in several countries and run an online store, so to me such an experience is what makes me unique.

FEAR FACTOR: {I fear} not achieving my goals at the moment I want them to, but then again, as my mother said, that’s a voice in one’s head from society telling you that at 16, 18, 24, 30, etc you must have this and have done that in your life. Everything else compared to this, is just a phobia. I’m scared of snakes and I’m scared of flying but that’s not what I fear the most at the end of the day.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? I waste so much time on social media because I am addicted. Haha! Instagram is a blessing and curse mainly because I take about 5 variations of one photo to get the right angle then it’s on to what filter will make it look amazing. But the good thing about it is that I can share my experiences with my readers, inspire them and give them ideas. I also learn from other people as well through social media.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? Lots of color. My wardrobe needs color and different prints. Also, I want to wear more white. I worry about staining white clothes, which is why I have never bought white pants or jeans, but I told myself I will go for it this season.

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like what you see? link up with natasha by checking out her sites here:

http://www.bisousnatasha.com/

WILD WINTER So it would appear that winter is back, and despite...

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:08:39 -0400

WILD WINTER

So it would appear that winter is back, and despite the physical evidence that mother nature is imposing her rigid wrath here on the east coast, I can’t seem to shake warm weather trends from my mind. As such, I decided to make a style compromise which would fulfill my spring sartorial desires while remaining functional for the harsh climates. Here we go… My pre-spring warm up essentials: A printed dress courtesy of emerging brand Leota, my J.Crew panama hat and light weight denim jacket courtesy of Quiksilver. And to make this outfit seasonal: My vintage fur trim and Silvia booties from Coye Nokes - Two dark pieces that fit the winter palette seamlessly. I’d say this is taking mixing and matching to an entirely new level.

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Wearing: {jacket}: Denim jacket c/o Quiksilver via Bollare {dress}: c/o Leota New York {bag}: Clutch c/o RB of MCD via Bollare {accessories}: Sunglasses c/o Tumblr, All jewelry c/o Karen London, J.Crew Panama hat, vintage fur trim {shoes}: Silvia Booties c/o Coye Nokes

ZI QIANG, 25, PHOTOGRAPHER + GRAPHIC/JEWELRY DESIGNER,...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:09:00 -0400

ZI QIANG, 25, PHOTOGRAPHER + GRAPHIC/JEWELRY DESIGNER, TAIWAN

ZI’S STYLE: Simply boyish and vintage, not particularly like which brand, because I often looking for something in particular and classical product to the secondhand market.

INSPIRATION: I am a model, so luckily I could try every new styles at work. Day by day, I knee on mix style.

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE? I mix and Match, fashion and vintage clothing.

FEAR FACTOR: Not afraid to try out any kind of genres so far.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? Indeed, but also because of social media, so I continue to learn.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? A pair of a sense of design, and comfortable shoes (this is important!).

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like what you see? link up with zi by checking out her sites here:

http://lovearching.pixnet.net/blog

JESSIE ARTIGUE, BLOGGER//CONSULTANT//FOUNDER OF PEPPEROLOGIE,...

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:08:00 -0400

JESSIE ARTIGUE, BLOGGER//CONSULTANT//FOUNDER OF PEPPEROLOGIE, UNITED STATES

JESSIE’S STYLE: I like to describe my style as a smile-inducing mix of vintage treasures and modern trends. I try to keep it interesting by having an experimental outlook, and using fashion to express my mood on any given day.

INSPIRATION: I find so much inspiration in the world around me, but especially love exploring new places, eating delicious cuisine and listening to old music to find my own happy place.

BLOGGING VS. FASHION JOURNALISM: Haha, I’ve heard so many different debates on this that I’m actually not even sure if I know which one you mean. I’m a 3rd-generation journalist and a long-time lover of words, but I’ve also been blogging for about 5 years so I suppose I consider myself someone with a foot in each camp? I treat my blog as a very personal account of my own adventures in style, and then tend to approach my client work from a more professional, journalistic perspective. The two end up being very separate in my own life/career, but as industries, I see quite a bit of overlap.

HOMETOWN GLORY: How would you describe the style in your hometown? I spent most of my growing-up-years in Scottsdale, AZ and I love incorporating little bits and pieces of the culture and history there in my day-to-day looks. Citrus-y shades, turquoise jewelry and beat-up boots (always better after years of horseback riding) can always find a home within my wardrobe. I’ve also spent much of my life near the beach in San Diego, so I’d say that several seaside sensibilities - nautical accents, sun-washed chambray, and beach-y wavy hair - tend to find their ways in there as well.

WHAT ROLE DOES SOCIAL MEDIA PLAY IN YOUR LIFE? I’m online quite a lot, and I’d say it has had a very (positive) significant outcome on my career, but I try to remember to take breaks and unplug every now and again. Paying close attention to making sure I’m not alienating friends or family by being “connected” is very important to me, and it’s something that I’m constantly working on being better at.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WEARING THIS SPRING? I’m looking forward to wearing flowy dresses, wedge sandals and lots of chambray! The thing about Spring that I always look forward to most is putting away my heavy sweaters and thick socks, and trading them in for strappy sandals, short shorts and straw hats. Have only had to deal with frigid Winters for the last few years, and the season-changes are always very welcome at our house!

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like what you see? link up with jessie by checking out her sites here:

http://www.styleandpepperblog.com/;http://www.pepperologie.com/

As my partnership with IBM comes to a close, I thought it would...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:13:00 -0500

As my partnership with IBM comes to a close, I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate the voice of someone who I have always regarded as a force of nature here in the blogosphere. As such, I’d like to introduce Christina Topacio of the fashion + lifestyle blog Profresh Style as she dishes some no-nonsense commentary on the future of the digital age and it’s impact on fashion and business…

Tell us a bit about your background.

I’m a Community Manager working for JWALK in midtown, got the job based off my experience of being a blogger for the past five years. I love it, everything social. It’s my generation, it’s what I breathe. How exciting is it to know that only a small portion of society actually knows how the world of social works? I couldn’t of asked for a better industry to work my way into.

What are your thoughts on blogging? How is it evolved since you first started Profresh Style?

Blogging is a hot/cold topic for me. I go back and forth between hating my blog and absolutely loving it. For the most party, I love my readers. My blog, not so much. But it seems it’s the only way to have a conversation with strangers… To have a blog about my life and open up to these awesome individuals. It’s a conversation, it’s a clique, it’s a really open clique, cooler than the cool-kid table. I started Profresh Style as a rolodex of my style but I knew that wouldn’t never be just it. I love video, I love writing. All these components became aspects of what I wanted my voice to be on PS.

However, it’s not always done with other bloggers. Most bloggers stay within a bubble. Hey, it’s why they are successful right? But I’m not worried about success. I taught myself what I know and now have a kick-ass job because of it. At least when my blog dies, I won’t have to start all over again because I wasted time writing a blog that wouldn’t go anywhere. I worry about blogs that don’t evolve. Sterling Style did that wonderfully. Taylor turned her blog into a central world for the glitter, the pretty, the fun and the girly - Glitter Guide is a huge success now. But most blogs won’t turn out that way. They will turn into dead space. I genuinely feel that blogs can’t just be about outfits. At the end of it all, who cares? Or maybe that’s just my opinion. But I believe in the power of evolution. So, evolve I will.

How often do you use social media? Have you used it on the job? How much have an increase in social media engagement have you seen in brands?

Social media is a requirement and no brand can truly succeed without it now. Now that I get to see both sides of it: both brand and blogger, I have a 360 degree view of how this all works. Using social media as a daily aspect of a brand, of a blog or of a business is so important. And if you don’t jump on the train, expect your business to tank in a year. It’s just the way the world works now. Claim that Twitter handle now!

How do you think the digital age is influencing fashion and business? How necessary is it?

The exciting part about digital space is that brands are having so much more fun being a part of a digital age. There’s no more traditionalism. It’s about being the NEW, the HOT SHIT, the BEST at whatever it is they do. And they can do that in 5 seconds depending on an approval of a tweet, a Facebook post, a video or photo album. The evolution of the internet has given us a voyeuristic vantage point, both as a consumer and a brand. So now any brand can become the new HOT SHIT simply by evolving their social footprint. Pretty fucking cool.

As a fashion-driven consumer, what advice would you give to to brands in regards to their use of social media marketing? How much of it actually convinces you to purchase?

Be real. Oh man, be sooo real. All a consumer wants is a pretty truth. Denying a consumer of value in a beautiful space is like telling the consumer they don’t matter enough. Working for JWALK has helped me see the side of brands - What they need, what they want, what they crave. I get to help them tell how to communicate to my generation, an ever-consuming generation. I don’t care what it is, if you have a smart angle with a social perspective, I’ll buy whatever it is you’re selling me.

How would you define Smarter Commerce?

Smarter Commerce to me means being able to differentiate between the shit and the real thing. As a digital consumer, we’re fed things all day long, whether on our Twitter feed or via a friend’s facebook post - especially in a blogger space. We’re fed things all day long. But being able to see the pure identity from the brand to a completed purchase would be considered a successful campaign. And if you can convince a consumer to purchase whatever product or service you’re offering with a pure identity, it’s a golden egg. For consumers, it’s about being knowledgeable of what’s out there, the history, the reasoning, the purpose.

Images via Profresh Style + tumblr

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http://www.profreshstyle.com/