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!