This week I would like to introduce you to the really sweet Kristy from Monochromachic. I met Kristy through Chictopia a year ago and was delighted to learn that she had recently started her own blog.
It is no surprise that her blog already has a huge following, thanks to her amazing style and the witty banter in her posts (which are also evident in her answers below). Meet the fabulously chic Kristy
1.Who or what inspired you to start your own blog?
I accidentally stumbled upon the Chictopia website about a year ago. I started browsing through the website daily (maybe even hourly) and I was so inspired by what the members wore in their posts. After a couple of months of rigorous stalking, I finally decided to create my own account and started posting my outfits on Chictopia. About 10 months in, I felt the need to have my own place, where I could express myself (outfits, random thoughts, fashion-unrelated stuff) more freely. So I started my own blog, called Monochromachic :)
2. How would you describe your style?
It changes from time to time, but I always like to keep it simple and well put together, with a hint of elegance. I don’t normally wear prints although leopard and floral are exceptions. I try to stay away from anything “grunge/punk” like shredded tops, ripped jeans, and Doc Martens and I also like to layer my clothes, but maintain a simple/monochromatic color palette.
3. Who inspires you fashion wise?
I get most of my inspirations from other fashion bloggers. In terms of celebrities, I adore Olivia Palermo, Ashley Olsen, Miroslava Duma, and Carine Roitfeld. In terms of designers, I like Marc Jacobs, Philip Lim, Stella McCartney, Helmut Lang.
4. What are your 5 favourite fashion items and why?
1. Footwear- they can “make or break” your overall look. Most of my shoes are black because it is the easiest color to mix with other colors. Once you go black, you would never go back : )
2. Tights- both solid and patterned. Tights elongate your legs better than leggings. I like patterned tights because they serve two purposes: they keep your legs warm AND they accessorize them with pretty lace or dots.
3. Cropped biker jackets – they add an edge to any outfit.
4. Lace up boots – I wear them a lot in order to survive the cruel Canadian winter and to look chic while doing so.
(I guess this should go under footwear,oh well)
5. Oversized sweaters – they look great with skinny jeans, leggings, tights, high waisted skirts, pants, and the list goes on…
5. Describe a typical day in your life?
I work a 9-5 job at a software engineering company which pretty much takes up most of my time. When I get home, I usually go online and check my blog, Chictopia and emails for any updates. Then I have my dinner at around 8, which I usually cook or reheat any left overs while watching TV. Then I clean up a bit, take a shower, do some more online browsing and head off to bed. That’s pretty much it! When I have time in the morning, I take pictures of what I’m wearing to work but that only happens once in a blue moon because I like to sleep in.
6. Do people recognize you from your blog?
So far no, but I don’t expect them to do so. They might scare me off! Hahaha…
7. What is the number one rule you stick to when purchasing garments?
I always look at how the garment will look on me and I need to look good wearing it. For example, the harem pants were the “it” pants last year and almost everybody had (or still has) them. I don’t own any because I tried them on once and I looked ridiculous in them.
I am a firm believer that you don’t have to wear what the runway models are wearing in order to look chic or trendy. I pick clothes that can work with my body type and stick to them. So instead of harem pants, I opted for high-waisted trousers sans the drop crotch ;)
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I plan to go back to school in 2 years time to study Fashion Merchandising, of course after that, I’d like to work in the fashion industry, preferably as a fashion buyer (but we’ll see!) I know for sure that I want to stay in fashion because that’s where my heart belongs, wish me luck!
9. How do you find a balance between blogging and your every day life ?
I think I manage my time pretty well between blogging and my every day life. I blog from home in the evening after I get back from work and I take pictures mostly over the weekends, because my work outfits are usually very plain/too business-ey :(
10. What advice would you give to aspiring bloggers?
Gosh, I’m a newbie myself so I need some advice as well. Hmmm… I guess try to find your personal style that can distinguish you from other bloggers, I’m still trying to find my personal style too. It takes time but all you have to do is experiment, experiment and keep experimenting until you find the right mix :). Also, learn to develop a thick skin because you are putting yourself out there for others to see and ‘judge’ and you have to be ready to accept any criticisms and suggestions. Be open to them, take in the positives and don’t let the negatives get to you.
Kristy may follow trends but wears them according to her style and her outfit posts are always very inspiring. She speaks her mind yet always has a kind word for everyone and thats what makes her one of The Fearless Fashionistas.
You can see more of Kristys style on her Blog, Chictopia and look book.nu
great effortless style!
Whats a great interview. She is so cute and seems to have a very natural style