Take Note: International Blogger Of The Month

Earlier in the week, I introduced you to Helen as our UK Blogger of the Month and now it's the turn of our international blogger. I have chosen Beatrice from Dear Beatrice. Her blog is so charming with her amazing sense of style. I love everything she wears and is one of the bloggers I would love to rummage through her wardrobe. Her etsy stores (found here and here) are also stunning and I just find Beatrice a beautiful inspiration. She has even inspired me to learn to make my own clothes. Read her interview then head on over to check out her lovely blog.

How did you first get involved in the world of blogging? 

I started blogging in June of 2009 as a way to organize my outfit pictures a little bit more. I had been posting them on my old Flickr (which now no longer exists), but I wanted a more cozy place to post them and to leave little comments on what I was wearing here and there. So one day out of no where I decided to blog. At the time I had no idea about blogging or other fashion blogs and to see it come all this way has been such fun. 

 

How would you describe your personal style? 

My style is really all over the place. I would definitely say it's very eclectic but I always wear what I want regardless of trends or fads. 

 

Does where you live affect your style? 

Definitely! I live in Orange County, Ca and the weather is constantly changing. One day it will be cold and overcast and the next unbearably hot. So I can never put my coats or shorts in storage when the seasons change. 

 

How has your style developed since you started blogging? 

Since starting a blog I wouldn't say that my style has developed since it's never been one aesthetic. I would say, however, that I'm more aware of what I wear and always try to challenge myself to mix and match more often. I don't really like to wear one outfit more than once unless I'm completely in love with the look. 

 

What do you do when you're not blogging?

 When I'm not blogging I am at work Mondays through Fridays. I'm a designer at Tulle so a lot of the times you will see me wearing Tulle. On weekends I like to go out and explore places such as museums with friends and family and I always make time to create new pieces for my shop and of course sewing. I also make time to play and care for my yorkie puppy, Teddy!

 

When did you start learning to sew and make your own jewellery? I'm a big fan of your etsy store. 

Thanks Chloe! I learned how to sew out of boredom at the age of 15. I got my mom's old Kenmore out and just went for it. At first I started making little things like coin purses which eventually turned into handbags which eventually led to clothes. As for making jewelry, when I was younger I used to make little rings made out of little beads but that was about it. It wasn't until recently, about the beginning of the year, that I started to make jewelry like the ones in my shop. And the only reason I started making them was because I could never find jewelry that I wanted at an affordable price so I started making them for myself but eventually it got out of control and I decided to sell them. 

 

Where do you like to shop and do you have any tips for successful shopping? 

I like to shop on etsy for vintage pieces, but for my non- vintage clothing I like to shop at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, H&M, Zara, Nordstrom Rack, and Modcloth. I also like shopping at little boutiques and thrift stores like St. Vincent's when I have time. For the most part I never buy anything at full price, unless it's vintage, handmade, or sunglasses, I'm what you call a smart shopper. I love sales and great bargains! But of course every now and then I treat myself to something a bit pricey, but special. At places like Nordstrom Rack or TJ Maxx find out from a sales person when they restock and get new items in. They always have the best stuff on those days and chances of them being there a couple days later are very slim. For instance, my local Nordstrom Rack, which restocks every Friday, had a bunch of pairs of Miu Miu shoes and were all gone within minutes! As for sales at places like Anthropologie I always just check in at the most twice a month, it seems like lately every store has a sale going on every week. 

 

Your taste in accessories and jewellery is impeccable and a lot of the items are from etsy. Do you have any favourite etsy stores? 

For vintage accessories and jewelry I typically just search what I'm looking for. For instance, if I want a cameo ring I will type in "cameo ring" in the search box and a whole bunch of shops will pop up. For handmade jewelry some of my absolute favorites are Melissa Loschy, Mama's Little Babies, and my dear friend's shop Oh, hello friend. 

 

What would be your dream job? 

My dream job is to one day have my own clothing line, that is more than just my etsy shop :)

 

What's your favourite book, favourite film and favourite band? 

My all time favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, I don't have a favorite film but I love and always watch Hayao Miyazaki's films over and over again without tiring of them, as for a band, I like too many to pin point a favorite, but lately I'm really loving The Radio Department, Au Revoir Simone, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. 

 

Lastly, is there any tips you would like to give to aspiring personal style bloggers?

 My tip to aspiring personal style bloggers is to just be yourself and to wear what you love! Your blog should be about what you want it to be and have fun with it!