This week I would like to introduce you to Jennie from the amazing blog GoingWest. Jennie who lives in Berkley California, is not only a blogger but also grad school student and is studying at a small private school to receive an MA in Museum Studies along with an MBA in Management.
Jennie’s love for band tees and her rock chick style is evident in her outfit posts. Her way of mixing and matching items is truly inspiring and having a boyfriend for a hairdresser ensures that she looks rock chick chic all the time. Meet the fabulous Jennie.
1.Who or what inspired you to start your own blog?
I think being on Chictopia was an inspiration and it just seemed like a fun idea. It’s been a good way for my family to see what I’m up to (they all live in Iowa, where I’m originally from) and it keeps a record of how I have tried wearing different things.
2. How would you describe your style?
I’d say my style usually falls in the range of simple and classic to more rock ‘n roll. I love wearing blazers, tall shoes, dark colors, tights pants with loose tops. I guess you could compare my style to that of Kate Moss all the way to Erin Wasson.
3. Who inspires you fashion wise?
I’m definitely inspired by Kate Moss, I find her style so simple yet classic and timeless. I’m also inspired by
different designers during different seasons,for example, Nina Ricci’s pre-fall 2010 is definitely influential.
I am loving most of the recent fashion week collections with the chunky knits, fur and
leather details (although I’d rather wear man-made materials similar to the real thing.)
Lastly, rock music influences me,I used to be such a tomboy and I always loved the idea of looking like a
badass. I love tattered old band shirts.
4. What are your 5 favourite fashion items and why?
1. Shoes-I love tall shoes. They are a must, I never wore heels up until about a year ago and I’ll never turn back. What was I thinking before then??
2. Trench coats:I’m obsessed with them. I don’t even own one yet, but they are such a staple item that everyone should have!
3. Jewelry:I’m doing more experimenting with jewelry. You’ll notice on my blog I don’t often wear many accessories, but in more recent posts, you can see how I’m experimenting with statement pieces as it can totally transform an outfit.
4. Band tee- Everyone needs a good “I didn’t try to look good today, but I did anyway” piece and I think old band tees are perfect for
this. Throw them on with chunky jewelry and some tight pants or cutoff shorts, awesome shoes and you look like a million bucks without looking like you tried too hard.
5. Investment pieces- They are important, but throw in at least one wacky, trendy item into your wardrobe. Investment pieces can be mixed and matched, but that last crazy item gives your outfit character.
5. Describe a typical day in your life?
My life is so hectic right now, I work full time and have class at night. A typical weekday involves going to work all day, then either going to class until bed time, or watching Friends while getting blogging and school work done. Weekends are for cleaning, school work, and going out with friends to help me relax after a long week! Now that LOST is back on for its final season, it makes things more tough to squeeze in.
Nothing gets in the way of LOST!
6. Do people recognize you from your blog?
I don’t know if people recognize me,if they do, they don’t tell me, which is what I hear from friends when th
ey see other bloggers. How do you tell a blogger hello in person when you read about them online? You feel weird! Like when I was at the Chictopia10 conference recently, I saw Carolina Engman from Fashion Squad, and she had me star struck! I didn’t introduce myself though which I regret.
7. What is the number one rule you stick to when purchasing garments?
I mostly threw out my rules as they ended up limiting me and making me regret not buying items. However, I do try to keep a good head on my shoulders and ask the basic questions:
Do I need this?
Can I afford it?
How will I wear it?
Will I wear it often?
Sometimes I will buy a crazy item just for the sake of a challenge.
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In five years, I hope I have a great career somehow involved in art. I used to think I knew what I wanted to do, but now I’m more open, as long as it involves art, which is my passion. I also better have a dog and an awesome wardrobe! Maybe I’ll be living by the beach too,I love listening to the ocean.
9. How do you find a balance between blogging and your every day life?
With my schedule, people ask me this a lot, I really enjoy blogging, with such a hectic schedule and constant need to be on top of work and school, blogging is my release. It’s something fun that helps me stay sane during everything else. I hate that I can’t blog everyday or take photos everyday, but I’m happy that I can manage to get at least a few posts a week. (But let’s just say that this summer, I’ll have a LOT of time on my hands to focus on my blog!)
10. What advice would you give to aspiring bloggers?
If you want to start a blog for fun, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t or it’s not worth it. You must remember, it takes time! You don’t just snap a couple shots and throw them on a website, you take more like a hundred shots of one outfit and hope you get a good one in there.
Also, get ready to have your name and face out where everyone can see. Getting nice comments is fun, but get ready for people to take a jab at you and give you some harsh criticism. If you’re confident enough and like your blog because YOU like it, then those negative people won’t matter.
Jennie really gives some very insightful as well as supportive answers to the blogging world and that mixed with her classic yet funky fashion sense definitely makes her one of the Fearless Fashionistas!
You can see more of Jennies style on her blog – GoingWest, chictopia, lookbook, weardrobe
I love Jennies style!