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:

Interview with Robin Van Crabb

I'm absolutely delighted to bring you this interview today with Robin Van Crabb!  

Robin is the gorgeous blogger behind The Dress Decoded, and she has the most amazing sense of style.  I've been following her on Instagram for a while as well (@robinvancrabb), where she shares more gorgeous snaps of preppy classic and amazing vintage pieces.  

The Dress Decoded is wonderful for garnering outfit inspiration and finding the perfect thing to wear for the perfect occasion.  I visit it regularly for styling tips and ideas!  You can follow along too at thedressdecoded.com.

Not only is Robin absolutely stunning and stylish, she's one of the genuinely sweetest people I've met online and she was so kind to answer a few questions about her style, blog, and life!

~~~

What made you decide to start The Dress Decoded?

I started The Dress Decoded because I wanted to give practical style advice to the normal girl on what to wear whether it's for a certain event or an everyday look. I want my readers to get more out of my blog than just what I'm wearing, but on how to style things for themselves. 

Your Instagram bio proclaims that you are "A Life Sized American Girl Doll."  Which American Girl are you?

I loved American Girl dolls growing up, and I had Molly. I would have to say I'm Molly because I love her story and her clothes. I always matched my doll growing up and now I like to think I still dress like a doll. ;)

Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

My favorite brands are Land's End, J Crew, and Ralph Lauren, and some of my most unique items are from Modcloth.com.

Who are some of your favorite Instagrammers?

@newenglandliving, @hamptonivy, & @summerwind41490

What do you take your photos with and what do you use to edit?

I use an old Canon camera or my iPhone, and I always use After Light to edit because you can straighten pictures really easily. I really don't do too much to my photos besides brighten them.

What's your favorite quote, and why?

I don't know if I have one favorite quote, but I love many from Henry Ford!

What is your favorite thing in your entire closet?

My pink tweed "skirt suit" hand's down. It's very lady like and I feel wonderful when I'm wearing it. Finding a non-professional skirt suit is very hard, so you rarely see anyone young wearing one. 

Who inspires your style?

That's a tough one! I love Doris Day and she influences me to wear things both classy and confidently.

What are some closet essentials for preppy style that you think are staples in a classic wardrobe?

First and foremost, oxford cloth button downs are essential, along with chinos, cable knit sweaters, and boat shoes.

What was it like getting to meet KJP and Sarah Vickers?  That's such an amazing opportunity!

It was incredible! They are the real deal - completely authentic, kind, and generous. The factory was amazing to see in real life, it's like someone out of a dream. 

When shopping vintage, what are some of the most important things to keep in mind?

Make sure you're buying something that you'll actually wear, not just something you wish you could wear. For example, a crazy print dress from the 60's seems like a fun idea, but you have to think realistically if you'll actually wear it. Always get items dry cleaned and tailored to make sure they fit you best!

What is your favorite kind of event to get dressed up for?

I love attending weddings because the venue and seasons are always different creating a new challenge to find the "perfect outfit". Thankfully I'm in that stage of life where I go to weddings pretty often!

When you think "confident", what is the first thing that comes to mind?

I think confidence comes with knowing your style and owning it. It's hard to figure out exactly what you're style is, but it's very fulfilling once you figure it out and wear what works best for you. Always dress comfortably yet fitted because it will show if you're uncomfortable in your clothes.

~~~

Thank you so much for the interview, Robin!

Follow along with Robin on her blog and Instagram.

Shop Robin's style from these photos:

Interview with Sarah Venckeleer

I'm so happy to be interviewing the lovely Sarah Venckeleer today!  

If you don't follow Sarah on Instagram already {@slvenck} you definitely should.  Sarah has an amazing and preppy sense of style, she's a chemical engineering major, and she's currently living down in Texas! 

I really admire her, and I'm so happy to be chatting with her on the blog today!  

Your Instagram photos are beautiful!  What do you take your photos with, and what do you use to edit?

Thank you! I actually use my iPhone for most of them (a few of them are taken with my mom’s professional camera). To edit them, I use the iPhone’s Photos app and VSCOcam.

What are three words you'd use to define your style?

Classic, elegant, and timeless.

What is your favorite quote, and why?

Oh gosh, this is hard. There are too many I really, really like! But if I had to pick just one, I think it would be “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.” I actually have this quote written everywhere - my phone, agenda, notebooks, you name it. I think one of the most satisfying things in life is accomplishing something that seemed almost impossible to you at first. I also like to think that the bigger the challenge, the better. So whenever I set a goal for myself, I think of this quote to make sure that my goal is somewhat challenging. Or in other words, I make sure that it scares me at least a little bit. I think reaching those scary goals and dreams is what eventually allows you to become the best version of yourself. This is a little cliché to say, but you only live once, so why not spend your life being the best you could possibly be? As one of my friends likes to say, “There’s no fun in accomplishing things that you know you can do."

I know you major in chemical engineering, and you are working for Dow!  What does an average day look like for you?

Mornings are usually always the same: I get up at 5 a.m. and get to work in between 6:30-6:45 a.m.  (I’m a huge morning person!). Once I’m there, I’ll have my cup of coffee, check my work email, write my to-do list, and then spend the rest of the day trying to cross off everything that’s in it. Typically, on your first day of work as a co-op student, you’re given a list of projects to work on throughout your term (I’ve got 6 going on right now). You pretty much sit down with your boss and he/she tells you something along the lines of “Okay, we have this problem, we want you to fix it, and here’s who you can contact if you have any questions”. From there on, it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to split up your time at work to finish all your projects. So since I don’t have a set schedule, every day is honestly different. Sometimes I have 5 meetings to go to, sometimes I spend all day at my desk, sometimes I get to go out into the actual plant… It’s always different (and always incredibly fun)! 

What is your favorite thing in your closet?

Hardest question ever! I’m gonna have to go with my white eyelet button-down from Ann Taylor. It’s one of those shirts I know for a fact I’ll never ever get rid of.

What are some of your favorite stores to shop at?

J.Crew is definitely my favorite, although I shop pretty much everywhere. If I see something I like, and if it looks like I’ll get some pretty good use out of it, I’ll buy it regardless of what store it’s from. Everything from J.Crew just happens to be perfect and impossible not to like.

Who are some of your favorite Instagrammers?

@carly, @besspearson, @stephens_louisa, @summerwind41490, @regan_peterson, and @sarahkjp.

What is your go-to, never-fail outfit?

A button-down with a nice pair of pants and a nice pair of shoes. And pearl earrings, of course!

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Thank you so much for the interview, Sarah!

Follow along with Sarah right here.

Shop Sarah's style here!

Interview with Cara of Caralina Style

Hi everyone!  Today, I'm so happy to be interviewing Cara of Caralina Style!

Cara is the gorgeous blogger behind Caralina Style and J'adore J. Crew.

You might recognize Cara from this collaboration I did with her in December!  

Cara was so kind to answer a few questions about her blog, style, and life.  

1.  What is your favorite thing in your closet?  

Probably my black Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater, I've had it for 5 years and I still wear it a lot! 

2.  What's your go to outfit?

A sweater with a button down underneath it, a statement necklace, jeans, and flats or boots.

3.  I love your tumblr!  Where do you find all the gorgeous photos for Jadore J.Crew?

Thanks! I get a majority of them from just reblogging from people I follow!

4.  Favorite Instagrammers?

@carly, @cmcoving, @blaireadiebee, @juliahengel, @rachparcell, @summerwind41490, @mackenziehoran, @enh410, @belleoftheball45, @besspearson, @shelbyrevis, @devonalana and many more!

5.  Go-to Starbucks order?

Peppermint Mocha in the fall/winter and Passion Tea Lemonade in the spring/summer!

6.  I love all your adorable preppy outfits!  What are some of your preppy essentials?  

Thank you! I probably wear a white button down shirt, monogram necklace, pearl studs, navy flats, and basic jeans all the time, all year round. Some other essentials include cable knit sweaters, silk tops, Jack Rogers sandals, boat shoes like Sperry's, Lilly Pulitzer dresses, chino shorts, and anything seersucker!

7.  Define your style in three words.

Classic yet trendy.

8.  What was the best part of starting Caralina Style?

Just having an outlet to express myself and being a part of this amazing blogging community!

Thank you so much for the interview Cara!

Interview with Jillian of Sweet & Spark

Meet Jillian!  She's the lovely lady behind the amazing vintage jewelry brand, Sweet & Spark!

Sweet & Spark is an amazing curated vintage jewelry brand, run by Jillian and her father (read about their story here, it's pretty amazing.)  Sweet & Spark sells the most beautiful vintage jewelry!

Today, I'm so happy to be interviewing Jillian.  She was so kind to answer a few questions about Sweet & Spark, vintage jewelry, and her sparkhuntin' adventures across America!

1.  All your pieces are amazing!  How long does it take to find a good vintage piece?

          Sweet & Spark started as a lifestyle blog in 2011 as a break from life on the road as an apparel buyer. When the brand I was working for closed, I decided to take some time off and found myself back at yard sales & flea markets with my dad, like I did as a kid, for the first time again in twenty years. I was amazed at the quality and style of vintage costume jewelry and was puzzled as to why there wasn't a brand dedicated to making vintage jewelry cool again. So I re-launched Sweet & Spark late in 2012 as a curated vintage jewelry brand with my dad as head buyer! We're doing the dirty work for you and you can follow our hunt (#sparkhuntin') on Instagram @sweetnspark. Most everything we sell is under $100!  Since we span decades, there’s always something for everyone. 

         I joke that my brain is a big rolodex of jewelry, for as much jewelry as we see, it's rare to see the same thing twice. It doesn't take long to find a good vintage piece. The challenge is getting it before someone else does. Jewelry is competitive at flea markets , estate sales etc. so in order to get the best stuff you have to be there first. And that can mean waking up as early as 4 or 5am!

2.  What's your current favorite jewelry item sold by Sweet & Spark? 

I'm a sucker for statement earrings. The bigger the better. I love rhinestone ear cuffs back to casual weekend wear as much as I love bold gold hoops back to a colorful print.

3.  Has there ever been a piece that you didn't pick up and regret not buying?

Honestly, I see so much jewelry that I hardly can keep track of what I do own. When we're out #sparkhuntin' we buy everything we see. You can follow the adventures on instagram @sweetnspark! We're actually heading out late next week. So stay tuned, we never know what we're going to find!

4.  Why is vintage jewelry better than jewelry manufactured today?

Vintage jewelry is better than today's fashion jewelry because most of it used to be made by hand here in the US and the finished were triple plated. Totally they are usually only dipped in the finish once so that's why today's fashion jewelry tarnishes more quickly. Also, if you were to compare the weight of vintage to today's jewelry, you'll notice that vintage jewelry is substantially heavier. Jewelry manufacturers today have a hard time producing the delicate details that are unique to vintage, like safety chains on bracelets, etching on chains and heavy clasps on necklaces.

5.  Do you ever keep a great find for yourself?

I definitely have my favorites, which actually inspired the exclusive collection Sweet & Spark for Piperlime. As you can tell, I especially love the 80s :)

6.  What's your favorite memory from starting Sweet & Spark with your father?

My dad is the vintage expert and I'm the fashion expert so together we make a solid team! He lives in Florida and I'm in San Francisco so every few months we get together and Spark Hunt the smallest towns in America. You can read more about our vintage jewelry curating process here. What I love most about our trips is that they keep me humble. They remind me of what's important in life and that's being happy and being able to spend time with my family when I want to. And I secretly love days that I don't wear any makeup :)

Thank you so much for the interview, Jillian!

Be sure to follow Sweet & Spark on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter!

Also, check out the lookbook for beautiful pictures!

Interview with Sydney of Summer Wind

Meet Sydney!  She's the gorgeous blogger behind Summer Wind!

<3 her hair

preppy style

Summer Wind is Sydney's personal style blog, where she shares her lovely classic style!

She was so sweet to answer a few questions!

1.  You always look so classic and preppy!  What do you think are the essentials for preppy style?

Thank you!  Definitely basics like cable knit sweaters, a Barbour jacket, Lilly shifts, L.L. Bean ducks boots, etc. are staples.  I always make sure to have at least one classic piece in my outfit... even if I'm wearing something trendy, like a leather skirt, I pair it with something classic, like a cashmere cable knit  to "tone it down".

2.  What is your favorite thing in your closet?

I have a 5 strand pearl necklace from J. Crew that I've had for years.  I wear it at least once a week and always get compliments.  It's classic with a twist, which is exactly how I like my style to be!

3.  Who is your style icon?

This is a tough one.  I love Jackie O and Samantha Stevens from Bewitched.  I love the mod, shift dress cuts, but I also love Carolina Herrera who is feminine, classic, and has mastered refined elegance.  

4.  Define your style in three words.  

Timeless, classic, with a twist (ok, that's five!)

5.  What is your favorite season to dress up for?

I love love love summer because I love madras, seersucker, Lilly prints, eyelet, etc.  But I also love around the holidays with all of the fair isle, silk taffeta, sequins, plaid, etc.  My least favorite season to dress for is spring.  

6.  On a day off, you'd rather be...

Either skiing, by the pool/beach or sleeping.

7.  What was the best part about starting Summer Wind?

Definitely the connections I have made!  I have made life long friends through Summer Wind and have had some amazing experiences.  

Thanks so much Sydney!  It was a pleasure!

Shop Sydney's looks from this post here:

Interview with Lindsay Narain of Vaughan

Meet, Lindsay Narain, the designer and creative director behind VAUGHAN!

VAUGHAN is a line of gorgeous silk shirts and blouses, essentials in anyone's wardrobe!

Lindsay was so kind to answer a few questions about her brand and designs.

1.  What three words would you use to describe the style of Vaughan shirts?

Understated, elegant, versatile.

2.  What does a typical day look like at Vaughan?

My day depends a lot on the season, and also where I am in the design process.  I'm about to launch a new style (The Cassie) in just a few days so I'm working on quite a few major products at the moment.  Most importantly I'm giving final approval for the finished shirts.  I'm also getting ready for our photoshoot, working closely with my photographer, casting models and arranging hair and makeup.  This is my favorite part of my job, there's so many possibilities and a lot of room for creativity.  I'm also gearing up for the holiday season and tying up any loose ends before the big rush starts.  Typically, I check email over coffee when I wake and I can take care of any urgent matters or any customer service enquiries.  I hit the gym around 8:30, shower, and get to my desk by 10:30 or so.  I'll take care of writing I need to do such are writing my blog, The Thread or updating my website.  I'll have a quick salad for lunch and afterward I'll schedule any meetings or conference calls or work on any big projects that require a good chunk of time.  I try to finish by 5:30 or so to be with my son.

3.  I love all the gorgeous shirts and blouses from Vaughan!  What's your favorite style and color?

It's funny you ask... there are so many times someone will buy a shirt and I say "Ooooh, that's my favorite!"  It depends a lot on my mood.  I think the Hepburn in Keeper of the Flame looks amazing with a lot of different prints and colors but the Hepburn shirt in Lion in Winter definitely gets the most play in my wardrobe at the moment.  I'm really excited to launch my new Cassie shirt.  I just have the sample at the moment but I've already had so much fun styling it and playing around with the detachable scarf.  

4.  Has living in Singapore influenced or inspired your style and design?

Definitely!  Singapore is a really diverse place and the women here are very dynamic.  People have so much going on, they need their wardrobes to work as hard as they do.  The typical woman is bringing kids to school, meeting colleagues for lunch and then grabbing dinner with her friends and family.  There's really no time for wardrobe changes so clothes have to be practical while still making her feel good.  I find that people in Singapore travel much more than any other city I've lived in.  The average person is on a plane more than once a month so they'll need a wardrobe that's going to work in every city where they spend time.  It's also hot and humid 365 days of the year which really drives home the importance of wearing natural fibers!

5. I love the story behind the bee on Vaughan shirts!  When was the idea for that unique touch inspired?  

Thank you!  The bee was something that came about very early on.  I don't like flashy logos but I still wanted a subtle way to make the shirts personal and special.   

6.  Where do you go or what do you do to get inspiration for designing?

I adore fashion magazines, blogs, and street style snaps on Instagram so I have a massive folder of silhouettes, color combinations and details that inspire me.  But actually, when it comes to designing, most of what actually gets produced is inspired by women I know and admire.  I try to think about their lifestyles and their wardrobes and think about what would work for them, what would compliment pieces already in their closet and what would make them feel good.

7.  Do you have any advice for aspiring designers wanting to start their own brand?

Be true to your instincts.  It's not exactly earth shattering advice, I'm sure most people have been hearing it since were children, but I find it works.  I think it's important to be genuine and create pieces that are true to you, your aesthetic, your sensibilities.  If something feels off, your customer will feel it and it's not going to work.  

Thank you, Lindsay!  It was so nice to interview you!

For 20% off, my readers can use the exclusive code 
20off4LMHC at Vaughan!