I've always been a bit ambitious. In elementary school, it was all…
Read moreBlog Questions from a Middle Schooler: Answered
Photo by Erin Krespan
So the coolest thing happened last week. My mom told me that her students had started following my blog! Not only was I stoked about the traffic increase (thanks, kids!) but I’m so thrilled that students are inspired by my style! Makes me feel young again! ;)
One of her students sent along a few interview questions, and I thought it would be really fun to answer them on here! Here’s what her student wanted to know:
How do you get your name out there?
I think the top way I’ve gotten the word out about my blog is through attending local events. Whether it’s a blog-focused event, a fashion show, a store opening or just grabbing coffee with another blogger, putting yourself out there is key! When I started the blog, I knew almost no one in the fashion blogging community. But through getting out there, meeting people in person and engaging with bloggers and brands on social media, I’ve become more well-known in the community.
Another way I get my name out there is through working with brands I love. If I’m sent an item or collaborate with a brand on a post, I’m going to create the best content I can so they’ll want to share with their audience too, which gives me more exposure. I also upload photos (that link back to my blog) to fashion websites like Lookbook. This expands my reach even further and gives me a chance to grow my readership!
Where do you get your fashion ideas?
I’ve mentioned this a little before here, but I get inspiration from everywhere - particularly from magazines, traveling, styles I see on the street and websites like Who What Wear. Sometimes I’ll spot an outfit I like then realize, hey! I have all the pieces for that look…then I recreate it with my own twist on the blog.
How do you afford your clothing?
While I have a more detailed post coming up on how I budget, I’ll share a few key things I do to afford the "blogging lifestyle."
I save. This is very difficult for me, but I’ve learned to not give in to every emotional purchase tugging on my heartstrings. I’ve learned that I enjoy nice things and nice things often cost more money. So when I find something I love, I'll wait a few months, decrease my impulse buys then pull the trigger if I find it’s something I need.
I thrift. This is one of my super secret ways of affording the lifestyle I want. I shop websites like Thredup, Vestaire Collective and Poshmark (follow my closet: @juliengarman) to find unique pieces I really love.
I keep my closet versatile. This means that I’m always finding new ways to style the pieces I already own. I purchase clothing I know I can pair with multiple items so I’m getting my money’s worth.
I work with brands. Sometimes, I work with brands to share about the latest trends with you. Companies will sometimes provide free clothing so I can share about their pieces with you, but when I do that, it’s always, always, always a brand that I’d buy myself.
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been blogging for about two and a half years. When I started, I was just a girl trying to figure out what style was…now I feel that I’ve really started to discover what I like wearing and actually enjoy putting outfits together. It used to be stressful for me, but ever since I’ve started filling my closet with pieces I truly love, it’s a blast!
What inspired you to do this?
To be honest, my first job out of college (working for a magazine) took a lot out of me emotionally. I’d return home drained, barely able to make dinner without having a meltdown. But when I moved jobs three years ago, I felt this renewed sense of energy. So I decided I’d start my own blog as a way to channel my creativity. And oddly enough, I wanted to make friends who had the same interests as me! That’s definitely been one of my favorite parts of blogging so far.
How hard is it for you to do your blogs and other accounts?
It’s HARD. I'm not even gonna pretend it’s not. Managing a full time job and blog on the side? It’s a lot. Sometimes people see my blog and think it’s all getting dress stuff and going to fun parties. What you don’t see? Trying to find the perfect location to complement the outfit you’re wearing, hours of writing posts, searching for the pieces online so it’s easy for you to shop them, late evenings spent editing photos from a shoot before a post is due…and those are just a few things. I’m not trying to say it’s like being a doctor or serving our country by any means, yet it’s still a lot of work. But is it 100% worth it? You bet.
I'd love to keep the conversation going - ask any questions you want to know in the comments below and I'll answer them in another post soon! XO!
Behind the Biz: Cuero and Mor
All photos via Cuero and Mor
It's Julien is taking you behind the biz with one of my new favorite companies, Cuero&Mør. Learn more about what inspires founders, Maria Diaz and Pepe Romero, and enter to win $100 from their online shop below! (You can see how I styled one of their gorgeous bags here!)
Tell me about your background - what made you both interested in starting Cuero&Mør?
We are a couple focused on the aestethics and design. Since our childhood we both were really interested in making things with our own hands. Create a product that comes from natural and raw materials and transforming them into something with a specific function is what drives Cuero&Mør. We took completely different roads before getting here, and looking back every part of our life seems to make sense now. Maria went to medical school. This gave her an obsession to the small details, the value of treating organic materials and how to find the right balance on each part that compounds the whole design. I am an architect. Studied architecture, art and design. This gave me an strong connection with the functionality and shape. To me, every piece and shape needs to have a reason of why is included in the design.
What inspired your latest collection?
This latest collection is seeking to go back to the essentials. We believe that beautiful materials should be treat with respect. We want our materials to speak by themselves, to age and change at the same time that the person who uses it. Clean lines and honesty will always be our main goal and this collection is all about that.
What goes into making one of your handmade bags?
Our products are cut and assembled by us for every customer in our studio in Los Angeles.
This is the reason why every piece is unique, we control every stitch, every rivet, every second of the production process. And that is exactly how we want it to be.
How do you choose the materials you use?
Before we choose the material we think on what we would like people to feel when they use one of our pieces. With the selection of the right material, texture and color, you can achieve totally different states of feelings.
Who is the kind of woman or man who carries your handmade products?
People like us, that is looking to find elegant and unique products to add in their everyday life.
Our pieces will change with them, will mold to them and will acquire their own character.
Check out Cuero&Mør's website and enter to win $100 to their online shop below (this bag is at the top of my wish list!) Prices range from $35-$420. All bags are handmade in Los Angeles. Use code ITSJULIEN for 15% off until Nov. 1!
