This is a guest post by Kristen of Style Wax Poetic. If you’d like to write a guest post for Style Sample, check out the guidelines and submit your idea.
I had the opportunity to speak with the lovely Valerie, aka the genius right-side conversationalist of BLEACHBLACK. I stumbled upon the great BLEACHBLACK.com through a coworker and I remember being captivated by the concept of a conversation online between two fashion designers, best friends and most importantly, two seemingly very cool girls!
Anticipating my meeting with Valerie, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew she had a love for 60′s and 70′s-era style (she counts Jane Birkin as her ultimate muse), that she had amazing style (product features off the hizzy), and of course, she was talented (Who else knows how to paint on a pair of shorts without making them look like a kindergartner got their hands on them?) What I came to find after speaking with her was that she is nothing short of lovely to work with and had the sweetest, kindest nature about her.
What is your history with fashion?
I’ve been sewing for years, starting with matching navy blue wrap dresses for my Barbies. I’ve also always been tearing my clothes apart, buying vintage, and trying to personalize it. My day job is in men’s apparel design, in the skateboard industry, which I completely love.
How do you manage the time between blogging, your professional life and personal life?
It’s hard, I don’t have much downtime. Actually, I have no downtime! I try to make time for friends a few nights a week, but otherwise I’m always working on a project, reading, sewing, making something, blogging, etc. I recently bought my first (fixer-upper) condo, which is the ultimate do-it-yourself project. It’s been a ton of work, but I love it!
Name three things that you can’t live without this summer:
- Evian Brumisateur Spray (www.shopevian.com) — It’s the BEST at the beach and only $8.00!
- Missoni Beach Pants — Obnoxious? Maybe, but believe it or not, they are ridiculously versatile! I wear mine with a grey vintage tee, or pile on a ton of necklaces for dinner with friends.
- Clarins SPF40 UV – Mandatory.
Tell us about some of your favorite trends this season:
Sheer, flowy kaftans and turbans and anything white macramé/crochet.
Shopbop via BLEACHBLACK, American Archive via BLEACHBLACK
Where did the success of BLEACHBLACK come from?
We really have no idea, but we do work really hard to find our own unique content every day.
What advice would you give a fashion blogger just getting started?
Original content, clean imagery, frequent updates. Also, use a name that everyone can say and spell.
Do you and Kristin actually speak now that you have a daily conversation through email?
Haha, yes! We talk every day, sometimes twice! She’s the best.
By Kristen of Style Wax Poetic
About the author: Kristen is a freelance writer, PR professional and blogger. When she’s working, you’ll most likely find her at Pilates or at the beach with a high stack of fashion mags, then later showing off her summer glow in heels at the Palihouse. |
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