Take Note: October's UK Blogger of The Month.

Welcome to Take Note's October Edition. This month I'm featuring a wonderful UK lady, Phoebe from Phoebe Does. Her style is so lovely and eclectic, it's always an inspiration to have a look through her outfit posts. She was kind enough to answer some questions for me to share with you!

How did you first get involved with blogging?

I used to read lots of fashion blogs whilst I was at university, and since finishing and being un-employed for a while I had some time on my hands so thought I may as well give it a go, considering two of my favorite things are fashion and photography I thought it was the perfect way to combine the two and do something vaguely creative with my time.

How would you describe your personal style?

Feminine, eclectic, grungy, bohemian, retro and a bit random, slight contradictions I know, but what I wear varies quite a bit from day to day.

Do you find where you live affects your style?

Definitely! I’m living in my home-town of Brighton again and I LOVE it, its such a relaxed city. It’s vibrant and eclectic and completely individual. Brightoners are pretty hard to shock (we’ve seen it all) so I always feel like I can wear what ever I want. 

Where do you look for inspiration?

I am a bit of a history lover and quite often get inspired by my favorite eras, the Victorians, Edwardians, 1920’s flapper girls and of course the 70’s as I am always being told my hair looks vaguely 70’s-esque.

I find fabrics, textures and prints quite inspiring- If I have something with a beautiful print, I’ll base my whole look around it.

I also read loads of magazines and fashion blogs, which are great for drawing inspiration from. 

Who are your style icons?

Slightly clichéd to say Alexa Chung, but I’m going to anyway as she always looks amazing. Chloe Sevigny is another well dressed woman that I admire. I also adore old screen icons like Grace Kelly, just because she was always so well put together and radiant.

If you could be anywhere in the world where would you be?

Oh blimey, I wish I was in Japan! My best friend and I have been longing to go for so long, but alas money has prevented us so far. It just looks amazing and crazy and I hope that one day I get to see it.

What's your favourite book, band and film?

Favourite book is pretty hard, as I tend to read them once and not revisit them. Actually that’s a lie, I’ve read Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du-maurier twice, that’s a good book. I read tones of Steven King books and I love Phillipa Gregory’s historical fiction.

Favourite band is probably The Smiths, Morissey is a moody chap but I love him anyway.

Favourite film is really hard to pick too! ‘Some like it hot’ is brilliant. The Studio Ghibli film ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is so cute and beautifully drawn, if you like Japanese anime I would highly recommend it. I also have many guilty pleasure films such as ‘Mamma Mia!’ (how can you not love that film) and the ‘Carry on’ films! People always laugh at me for this, I don’t know why I like them, I just do.

Has your style developed at all?

Yeah I think so, I’ve been wearing some styles for ages (floral tea-dresses being one) but I think I’m slightly less cluttered these days, and put a bit more thought into my outfits. I used to wear much more jewelry, whereas now I generally limit it to one or two really nice pieces.

What's one fashion faux pas that you secretly love?

Gosh there are MANY. Mixing brown and black (is that still a faux pas actually?) I have a penchance for retro American-style sweaters with prints of animals on the front too.

Do you have any tips for vintage/second hand shopping?

Personally I can’t get enough of rooting through mounds of clothes in second hand shops, but I know it can be a bit disheartening when you don’t find anything! I think perseverance is the key, you have to keep checking these shops regularly, and most of the time you’ll walk away empty handed but then for all the times you find nothing you’ll find one amazing item which will make up for it.

I am also a frequenter of Car-boot sales (I think you can probably find out where the ones nearest you are on-line), most of the time people selling at these don’t know they’re onto a good thing and you can pick up some really cheap bargains. 

Last but not least, Vintage shops may be more expensive than second-hand rooting, but someone has already done all the hunting which is nice. Beyond Retro (Brighton, London & Stockholm) is a great one, with tones of good stuff at a fairly reasonable price.

What's your favourite item in your wardrobe?

That’s quite tricky as it tends to change quite a bit. I love all my dresses, to the point that I now have a wardrobe stuffed to bursting with them as I can never bring myself to throw any away.

I have got a little vintage 1920’s velvet handbag/purse thing with a pearl and gem fastener which I don’t use enough but love to pieces.

Any tips for aspiring style bloggers?

Just go for it and don’t try to be something your not. Be honest with your style and in the way you write and I think people will appreciate you for it. Also don’t be fixated on getting loads of followers and making money from ads, just have fun with it. I’m pretty new to all this, but the fashion blogging community has been so lovely and really supportive

So, go and check out Phoebe's blog by clicking here! 

My international blogger for October will be up soon.