Posted by Melissa Burriss of zestes de mode
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How did you start whippedSTYLE and turn it in to your little empire?
My style tends to be very eclectic and it's ever-changing. Some days I like to play the role of a super prep and the next I want to wear cut-offs, leather and tons of studs. Add to that my love of vintage finds and an obsession with discovering new Etsy artists and designers— I'm all over the place. I didn't like that I had to visit a million blogs a day to get my fix for all these loves— so I just decided to start my own where I'd mash'em up— or "whip" them up :)
My cousin-by-marriage, Rachel, was a stationary designer and active member on Etsy so I knew right away she'd be the perfect person to fulfill that niche. Soon after, Allie was on board and her eye for fashion and interiors is fab. The three of us have been the consistent contributors since the launch with me having final creative say on everything. We work so well together and we have so many exciting things ahead!! In fact, we'll soon be launching services for the DC are and already have some styling jobs lined up so I'm, really, really excited!!!!
What is it that draws you to blogging?
It's something that's been really rewarding for me on so many levels. I's amazing to take time out of my day and do something really creative that doesn't at all feel like work— yet it makes me feel really productive. Blogging has helped me push my own creative boundaries and it's driven me out of a style comfort zone, which I love. And I've had many readers tell me that reading whippedSTYLE has helped them do the same!! NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING feels better than hearing a fan say we inspired them in some way. I never grow tired of it.
It's something that's been really rewarding for me on so many levels. I's amazing to take time out of my day and do something really creative that doesn't at all feel like work— yet it makes me feel really productive. Blogging has helped me push my own creative boundaries and it's driven me out of a style comfort zone, which I love. And I've had many readers tell me that reading whippedSTYLE has helped them do the same!! NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING feels better than hearing a fan say we inspired them in some way. I never grow tired of it.
It's denim even this month!! What denim trends are you most excited for fall/winter?
I'm a HUGE fan of dark denim with camel boots so I'm LOVING the J Brand skinnys right now.
I'm a HUGE fan of dark denim with camel boots so I'm LOVING the J Brand skinnys right now.
Besides the runway, where do you draw your style inspiration?
Street style!!!!! I'm OBSESSED with browsing street style blogs. I browse Pinterest and Tumblr day and night and I'm also so, so inspired by fellow bloggers or street style photogs.
Street style!!!!! I'm OBSESSED with browsing street style blogs. I browse Pinterest and Tumblr day and night and I'm also so, so inspired by fellow bloggers or street style photogs.
If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?
That question has always been a toss up between Blair Eadie and Olivia Palermo, but these days I have to say Blair all the way!
You're never truly satisfied without ______ ?
A statement piece! Or a statement element, really. Whether I'm styling myself, someone else or a photo shoot for a photog friend (which I've been doing on the side for fun) I always make sure there's an unexpected twist to the overall look that serves as a compliment and a surprise. It tops the look off every time. It can be as involved as sequins, tons of layers, and an arm party or as simple as a pop of nail lacquer— but it's gotta be there.
That question has always been a toss up between Blair Eadie and Olivia Palermo, but these days I have to say Blair all the way!
You're never truly satisfied without ______ ?
A statement piece! Or a statement element, really. Whether I'm styling myself, someone else or a photo shoot for a photog friend (which I've been doing on the side for fun) I always make sure there's an unexpected twist to the overall look that serves as a compliment and a surprise. It tops the look off every time. It can be as involved as sequins, tons of layers, and an arm party or as simple as a pop of nail lacquer— but it's gotta be there.