Monday Maven: Opal

This week's Monday Maven is one of the most recent blogs I've come accross. I absolutely LOVE her style... from the color schemes she chooses to the silhouettes she puts together and textures she throws into the mix, this girl's outfit choices are DEAD-ON, straight up droolworthy everytime! Dolls, meet Opal of Opal by Opal!

StyledByU: What made you begin blogging and what motivates you to keep going?Opal: I began blogging because I discovered the vast amount of influence fashion blogs had in regards to the way in which ordinary people viewed and embraced fashion. It allows people to feel unrestricted when it comes to how they outfit themselves. I created my fashion blog to inspire others to set their own standards and express themselves freely without being confined to fit a certain mold. My goal is to see more individuals, as I put it, “over-dressing” for themselves rather than “under-dressing” for society.

SBU: What advice would you give rookie bloggers for building a successful blog? O: I would difinitely advise anyone who has become inspired to start blogging to go in with a humble state of mind. They should have a goal in mind and stay true to themselves and their goal, because in doing so, their authenticity will shine through and they will in turn acquire a loyal fan base who truly appreciate anything they have to say and offer.

SBU: How would you describe your personal style?

O: My personal style varies. It really depends on my mood. Some days my look will be very classic and feminine and other days I’ll dress like a complete “man-repeller.” But I generally like to pair simple pieces together and add a bold accesory or a statement piece that pulls the whole outfit together. One thing that will always be consistent in my style is my love for high heels. I don’t like my heels to be below 5.5 inches even if it’s a struggle to walk in ;)

SBU: Who is your all-time favorite fashion inspiration, living or dead?

O: don’t particularly have one individual who inspires my style. I grab inspirations from different people who’s style grab my attention.

SBU: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know just by
following your blog...

O: Something that people generally wouldn’t know just by reading my blog is that I don’t workout at all. Many people believe that I must have one of the healthiest diets but I don’t. I often wake up in the middle of the night and eat all the junk I can find. This bad habit will soon have to go away though. I might double in size if I continue eating the way I do haha.

SBU: Will you style my outfit for the day?
O: Dress # 3, Shoe # 14, with a cute over-sized tote bag and exagerated drop earrings.

Thank you so much for the chance to feature you, Opal!

Check back to see how I wear her suggestion! :)

Versatile Chic

Hi Dolls!

So for this Christmas break I'm going to be spending an action-packed week in Namibia, doing all sorts of fun and adventurous things ranging from Safaris, four-wheeling in the sand dunes, family dinners, and lots of good conversation. Oh and shopping, can't forget the shopping part :)

So to all of you reading, here's your chance to help me pack! What are some items you suggest I take along on a trip like this? My outfits need to be chic yet versatiles for doing anything between going out to eat, get-togethers, or outdoor activities... what do you think I should wear?

Leave a comment below with suggestions! :D Thanks!

much love,

~elisa~

Monday Maven: Michelle

Today's Monday Maven (I know it's Tuesday... my computer got a virus and was out of commission all day yesterday... sorry!) is as fun to read as the outfits she chooses. I love me a gal that can rock anything from sophisticated neutrals to flirty brights, in her clothing items as well as her shoes (She even has a tab dedicated to her amazing collection of shoes on her blog!). She is not only a fashion inspiration but also a fitness inspiration (she's got some UBER killer abs!). I introduce to you Michelle of Michelle's Style File!

StyledByU: What made you begin blogging and what motivates you to keep going?

Michelle: I liked the idea of keeping a record of my outfits, but then once I got started I found it a little addictive being apart of such a great community. I actually find the blogosphere really inspirational and that motivates me to keep going, along with the amazing support from my readers.

SBU: What advice would you give rookie bloggers for building a successful blog?
M: You have to love what you do, and of course be involved in the blogging community.

SBU: How would you describe your personal style?
M: I'd say classic with a modern twist. I think what I wear is very accessible to others.

SBU: Who is your all-time favorite fashion inspiration, living or dead?
M: Hmmmm I'd have to say my Grandma- she is in her 80's and has amazing classic style.

SBU: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know just by following your blog...
M: I have a truck license ; )

Thanks Michelle for agreeing to this interview! I loved your answers! :D

Scarlet Twilight

Suggested by Anna of FashBoulevard:
Shoes #8
Top #47
Scarf #14
Pants #13

Sorry about the dim lighting... the living room light bulb blew out right before I took these pictures. Hopefully you can still see the fabulously comfy outfit Anna put together for me! I love it, easy-to-wear pieces dressed up with the black heels that took me from the office to after-work errands seamlessly.

Thanks for the suggestion, Anna!

Monday Maven: Anna Hodge

Today's Monday Maven is pure glamour personified. She's chic, she's trendy, and she's not only a complete fashion inspiration of mine, but also a role model to many aspiring fashionistas out there. I love her use of colors and textures in her everyday style, and she really knows how to have fun with fashion... I'm extremely excited to introduce to you the one and only Anna of FashBoulevard!



StyledByU: What made you begin blogging and what motivates you to keep going?
Anna: After moving to California I was lucky enough to land a dream job as a visual merchandiser for multiple brands. Unfortunately, a month before Christmas that dream job was ripped away from me unexpectedly. I suddenly found myself jobless and thousands of miles away from my friends and family. So, after a slew of disappointing interviews, I realized it was time to start moving towards my real dreams of becoming an author and designing my own accessory line. In order to do those things I would need to build a following, so in March I took the first step towards that dream by launching Fash Boulevard. Every morning I wake up to close to a hundred personal emails from girls telling me about their dreams and how my journey has inspired them. I can't imagine anything being more motivating than that. It's a truly wonderful feeling.


SBU: What advice would you give rookie bloggers for building a successful blog?
A: Well, honestly I still feel like a rookie blogger myself. But what I've learned is that it's all about having a unique voice. I suggest deciding what you want to blog about and then study other blogs that are similar. Try to find what you think their strengths and weaknesses are, and then come up with ways to fill in those spaces and add your creative twist. As far as building a following, it's all about promoting yourself. There's dozens of social media sites that are ideal platforms for spreading the word. You just have to get involved in those which takes a lot of time but will totally pay off in the end.

SBU: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Dramatically simple with far too many accessories. Growing up in the south and now living in LA I've had the pleasure of being exposed to an eclectic mix of fashion trends and styles. Some days I feel like being over the top, others... like the girl next door. But usually my favorite outfits are the ones that merge those two styles.

SBU: Who is your all-time favorite fashion inspiration, living or dead?
A: I'm really inspired by old Hollywood. I absolutely adore Marilyn Monroe and Edie Sedgwick. They're classics and their lives and wardrobes are endlessly fascinating to me. My modern day inspirations are Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie and Rachel Bilson.


SBU: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know just by following your blog...
A: I was a barista for a day. I got a job at a little coffee shop in Auburn while I was in college and after one day of working I had to quit. I love drinking coffee but never realized how much goes into making the hundreds of different types of drinks. I was instantly overwhelmed. I now have a whole new appreciation for the workers at Starbucks. They're basically chemist.

SBU: Will you style my outfit for the day?
A: #8 shoes, #47 top, #14 scarf, #13 pants


Isn't she amazing? And such a beauty!
Check back to see how I wear Anna's outfit suggestion later this week! Thank you so much for the chance to interview you, Anna. Stay fabulous!

Star-Studded Thursday: Top Notch

Inspired by Kourtney Kardashian:


Top #16
Skirt #30
Shoe #13

I loved the way Kourtney K styled herself (or was styled by her stylist) with basic pieces, in a classic black-and-white color scheme, that came off so effortlessly sophisticated. I pulled a few basic pieces from my own wardrobe to mimic this fabulous look. I think it turned out top notch!

Wildcard Wednesday: Thrice as Nice

So I went completely wild for Wildcard Wednesday and decided to let random.org choose my top, my bottom, and my shoes... here's the result:

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself! :)

Tuesday Treasure: B for Bel

Ok so you know how you can find yourself jumping from blog to blog based on whichever blogger's comment catches your eye on a blog you already peruse frequently? That's what happened to me earlier this week, and that's how I came upon this wonderful blog-

B for Bel: Everything that makes you go ooohhh...

which I decided to feature in this week's Tuesday Treasure post. This blog is simply jam-packed with feel-good tidbits of information about anything and everything that is cute, funny, delectable, aesthetically pleasing or just generally entertaining.

Everything she writes about will leave you giddy or giggly, she's an immediate cheerer-upper... from the way she greets you as you first read the 'About' page ('Hello fantastic human being!') to the way she gave her followers a fittingly adorable nickname ('Belly Buttons').

Make sure to check out her blog, you'll be so glad that you did!

Monday Maven: Andrea

I'm so thrilled to introduce to you one of my biggest style crushes: Andrea of Blonde Bedhead. She is the perfect combination of funky and classy, and she rocks an awesome head of blonde curls like nobody else!

Styled By U: What made you begin blogging and what motivates you to keep going?

Andrea: I started blogging because I just wanted a place to write, share my own photography and my style. I'm motivated to keep going after almost two years because it's as fun as it was Day One and I've made friends with some incredible people and I hope to keep meeting new, awesome people!

SBU: What advice would you give rookie bloggers for building a successful blog?

A: Really, it's what everyone else says: authenticity. Be you! And make sure you're thoughtful with considering design, writing and photography. It all has to be quality for people to stick around.

SBU: How would you describe your personal style?
A: I'd describe my style as minimalist, but edgy.

SBU: Who is your all-time favorite fashion inspiration, living or dead?
A: Caroline of Caroline's Mode. She has such a similar aesthetic, but is a risk taker and really rocks some great pieces that I find inspiring.

SBU: Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know just by

following your blog...
A: I didn't always have my own personal style. In high school I wore pink and sparkles and straightened my hair to fit in. I just tried too hard, but it just goes to show how much people mature as they get a little older and develop confidence and acceptance of who they are!

Thanks so much for agreeing to be featured on my blog, Andrea. Stay fabulous!