Interview with Kelly of Kelly in the City

Meet Kelly Larkin!  She's the lovely blogger behind Kelly in the City!

Couldn't resist throwing in a picture of Noodle, her dog, who might just be the cutest thing ever.

Kelly's blog is one of the few that I read every day.  I love all her outfits and her beautiful photography of Chicago, where she moved to from New York with her husband, Mitch, and her dog, Noodle.  (a tidbit about Noodle- she's practically famous!  See her very own Instagram @noodleinthecity)  Kelly is definitely one of my favorite bloggers, and she's incredibly sweet.

The fact that I had the opportunity to interview Kelly made me so honored, happy, and freakin excited. I look up to her for style wisdom and inspiration, so the chance to chat with her was such a wonderful experience that I enjoyed thoroughly.  She was so kind to answer a few questions about her life, style, and everything else behind Kelly in the City.  Enjoy!

What is one of your favorite things to do/visit in Chicago?
One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is visit the harbors and go out on the water. No one ever told me how blue Lake Michigan would be... and I'm constantly amazed by how much it resembles the ocean in tropical locations!

What does "modern-day preppy" style mean to you, and what are some of your essentials?
I suppose "Modern Day Preppy Style" just means putting a twist on traditional preppy styles, or infusing them with current trends. Some of my essentials are a classic black dress, because the styling opportunities are endless; a tote that goes with everything; pearls, because they class up and dress up nearly any look; and Jack Rogers sandals.

Do you think there are any misconceptions people have about preppy style?
I think the main misconception about preppy style is that it's expensive. True preppy style, in my opinion, is not about owning a ton of stuff. It's about owning a few classic pieces that don't go out of style and therefore can be worn again and again. In the end, they actually save you money.

What does your post creation process typically consist of?
I’m not sure I have a process at all. I’m most inspired late at night, from about 10 PM until 2 AM, and find that my writing is far better when I do it then. I certainly don’t stay up until the wee hours of the morning on a daily basis, but I do have a couple of super late nights every week.

In terms of how most posts are structured, I typically write about what’s going on in my life—whether it’s something exciting or something completely ordinary—and touch upon what I’m wearing in the photos and what trends, products, sales or companies I’m currently loving. Other posts have nothing to do with fashion, and are simple recaps of trips I’ve taken or events I’ve attended. And others are just about what’s on my mind.

So I suppose I don’t have a real process—or format—that I adhere to. But that, in my opinion, is what makes blogging so wonderful. I don’t necessarily need to include a lede, an interesting quote from an expert, or an eye-catching graphic. How fun!

What is one of the hardest parts of starting a successful blog?
I think that one of the biggest challenges is not comparing yourself or your blog to others. Certainly draw inspiration from others’ work, but remember that your differences make your little slice of the internet stand out. Stay true to yourself and your style, and write and post about what inspires you. Be honest and real, and be proud of who you are and the life that you have. No one wants to read about a fake life! (Well, I suppose some people do. Fiction is still pretty popular, haha. But I’m sure you get my point.)

Your photos are so lovely!  What are some of your favorite locations to shoot at, and some outfit-picture tips?

Thank you! Honestly, I shoot wherever is convenient on that particular day. While I'd love to go shoot in different locations all over Chicago, that would take a lot of time and planning--and I fear I'd burn out quickly. ;) I also want my blog and photos to be authentic depictions of what my life is really like, so I simply tuck my camera in my bag and shoot wherever I am that day!

In terms of the photos themselves, I shoot with a Nikon DSLR and 50mm lens. (Though I'm hoping to switch to a Canon and a 35mm in the coming year!) I'm terrible at posing, but I try my best to look as natural as possible in pictures. Still getting the hang of that!

Who's your style icon, and what do you collect inspiration from?

My style icons are my mom, grandmother, aunt and cousins. I also collect inspiration from the city streets, other bloggers, and Pinterest!

Since starting Kelly in the City, what have been your biggest "pinch-me" moments?

Since starting my blog, I think my biggest "pinch me" moments have been attending events around New York and Chicago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd ever attend a fashion show at Fashion Week, for example, or visit some of the venues and restaurants I've visited. I'm beyond grateful for these experiences, and know that I wouldn't have them without my amazing readers! :)

Thank you so much Kelly!  

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If you don't already follow Kelly (which I would highly recommend), you can check out her blog and Instagram here!

Shop Kelly's style from these pictures: