Interview W/ Ariel of Couturing

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to interview Ariel over at Couturing (couturing.blogspot.com). She was one of the first people I followed when I started my blog && I quickly became a fan of her style. Bold enough to get you to take notice yet chic enough to look polished. Read my interview with her && I bet you'll become a fan of her too.

At what age did you realize you wanted to work in fashion?

It's probably a cliche answer, but I think I've always known. I used to draw a lot when I was younger and I was always very into dressing up (embarrassingly so). It took me until high school to realize how common it was for people to think about what they were going to do with their lives. I'm just happy I don't have to.

How would you define your style?

I think about this pretty often, and to be honest, I have no idea. I find interest in so many styles that I come across but I don't shop often enough to know how it affects my actual style. I would say that I always love a mix of masculine and feminine. I like free flowing, delicate, and floral mixed with clean-cut, rough, structured. Things like that.

What people, places, or things inspire your style and/or fashion choices?

My biggest inspirations would probably be Tumblr and Youtube. I love finding inspiration for outfits through the endless amount of street style and runway fashion I see on Tumblr and through the fashion vloggers I subscribe to on Youtube. High school inspires me as well, which is kind of odd to say. The wardrobe is a little less than diverse, so it keeps me motivated and inspired to find things that are diverse and can be appreciated. Fashion bloggers like myself and those with much higher acclaim inspire me as well because they are who I want to be.

What made you start your blog? 

Every so often, I would check through personal style blogs on Blogger and on individual websites. It was something I wanted so badly to do and to be. I wanted to be creative and show off what I could do. I'm still trying for that.

What advice would you give to others who want to start their own fashion blog?

A) Know what you want to do. You don't have to know all of the ins and outs of "blogging" per se, but you have to have somewhat of an understanding of what you're doing. B) Look for inspiration anywhere you can and try to be creative with it. Don't get lost in a sea of uniformity. And C) don't do it because it looks cool. Get into it because you can see it as an enjoyable/continuous part of your life.

What content do you think a fashion blogger shouldn't have on their blog?

I suppose I would say beware of anything that gets easily annoying or distracting from the point of your blog. Personally, I would say that this includes auto playing music, too many ads, things like that. Also, being gifted items from shops is wonderful, but a great blogger (jeangreige.blogspot.com) brought out a point that I liked--you shouldn't endorse a brand or something that they send you if you don't truly like it. Compensation for blogging about something seems much more worthwhile when it's genuine.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

This is pretty challenging. I haven't hooked onto any specific designers since I've only been watching for 2-3 seasons, but I've enjoyed Ashish, Prabal Gurung, and Peter Som. I can't go without mentioning Jeffrey Campbell though. Those shoes are amazing.

What spring trends will you be rocking this season?

Definitely the whole nudes-and-neons trend. I am in love with these Cole Haan brogues (http://cheekychicago.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CH-OXford.png). They're really unique which makes them super easily paired with a casual outfit. Masculine jewelry like cuffs and lots of rings really appeal to me. I like the prints-on-prints and sheer as well, so I'll be trying that out.

What trends do you not like? 

I'm not a huge fan of color blocking, really. I can see it working on other people, but I won't likely be doing it.