Our Wonderful New Addition to our Blogger Family : BRANDI

We would like to shout out our wonderful new addition to our Blogger Affiliate Program Brandi! Check out Brandi’s spotlight below and her wonderful blog

Diaryofaflashpacker.com

1. What is your nickname?

Most frequently people call me B but some others have been Cognac and Bambi.

2. Provide 3 words to describe yourself

Alternative; I slag my friend about this but she once called me the “alternative friend”, Ive found its actually well suited so I stick with it.

Outgoing; A nice way of saying I just talk too much.

Restless; I don’t do well with free time so I try and keep busy.

3. What is your favorite quote?

“They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” From Edgar Allen Poe’s short story Eleonora.

4. Wardrobe must haves?

Textured pieces:

I prefer texture over prints. There are so many beautiful fabrics that add a dimension that prints just don’t have. An easy way of doing this is finding a tweed jacket but try experimenting a bit!

A statement shoe:

I tend to keep my bags pretty neutral so a statement shoe is my favorite way of accessorizing. A great statement piece for this season is the Elly Clay Morgan Web.

Vintage:

Make sure to have some vintage pieces, nobody else will have them. My favorite vintage shop is Porcelain and Red in London

The most important part of building your wardrobe is quality. It is better to have fewer quality pieces than 100 garments that only last a season and everyone else has.

5. Your favorite Elly Clay product?

I love my Skylar Pumps! They add a sporty feel to a killer stiletto. The color is amazing and I love the mixing of materials

6. Ultimate celeb crush?

Johnny Depp… And Kate Moss. Together or separate.

7. “I run to the dance floor when I hear_____”

I dance with or without music so pretty much anything.

8. If you had a super power what would it be?

Flying. I wouldn’t have to pay for travel and I am a sucker for a good cape.

9. Ultimate travel destination?

Tanzania, I am dying to climb Kilimanjaro. I think everyone needs to travel, it has been the best experience seeing more of the world. I am a born and raised New Yorker, and I still love my home city but living in Europe has opened my eyes to more than I could ever imagine. It has inspired me in so many different ways. Traveling is also much easier and can be much cheaper than most realize. You can check out my blog’s travel section as well as my friend Kate’s Blog Katefromthestates.com for budget traveling.

THANK YOU SO MUCH BRANDI ❤

The Soul in Stilettos

Today we feature blogger Emilie Sobel from Soul in Stilettos. Emilie is 22 years old and from Miami, Florida. In June, she graduated with a degree in Fashion Marketing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She love all things fashion, anything creative and she is always looking to be inspired. Aside from fashion, she really loves to travel and explore new places and cultures.

Photo by Mallory Prevatt

Can you tell us about your blog, and what inspired you to start it?

My blog Soul in Stilettos was founded almost two years ago. I had always followed The Man Repeller, Cupcakes and Cashmere and The Sartorialist, I loved how these individuals were sharing not only their style, but what they loved in their lives. I was always itching to start my own blog, the idea of having a place to archive my very own inspiration and style was really important to me and I knew I just had to do it, regardless of how many people would actually follow it. I am a huge advocate of personal style and I have always been asked for style advice and ‘where to shop,’ so starting a blog was a way for me to connect with my friends and family on a whole new fashion level.

How would you describe your own personal style?

My personal style is glam meets grunge. I cannot go a day without throwing on a pair of motorcycle boots and my favorite lipstick Candy Yum Yum from MAC, a seriously hot pink that makes any dark outfit 10 times girlier.

What do you think will be the big hits fashion wise for next season?

I’m really excited to see people embrace the ‘rock star’ look next season. Tommy Hilfiger has been one of my favorite shows this NYFW and the whole show was so rock star. I loved how he had stars through out the collection and dark reds, so cool! Another trend I see happening is the revival of the scrunchie. I was in Europe a few weeks ago and all of the girls had the coolest outfits on with scrunchies to match. I’m a huge fan of 90s fashion so I’m stoked to see this come back. I’ve already bought a few to wear out and about.

Where do you tend to buy your clothes, and why?

I’m the world’s biggest bargain shopper, my whole closet is either from Forever 21, the ZARA sale, vintage or stolen from my mom’s closet. I believe that great style doesn’t come from having a huge bank account. While I love a good Chanel bag, I’m all about wearing affordable pieces. We’re so lucky to have fast-fashion retailers so easily available and I definitely take advantage of that. However, investing in key pieces is always important and it’s okay to mix and match luxury items with a dress from H&M, I do it all the time.

What is one item you will splurge on?

Accessories are always worth the splurge. I’m really lucky to have a cool and fashionable mom, so her closet is my closet and vice versa. We adore every designer bag but I think it’s important to keep in mind that money should be spent on classic pieces. If you’re going to splurge on something, make sure you’ll wear it and love it forever, the kind of item you’ll want to pass onto your daughter. Shoes are always a good idea, you can never have too many and the same goes for handbags.

Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?

Never, ever worry about what other people may think. I have always been a risk taker when it comes to fashion, I know what I like and I will wear it regardless. When I was in elementary school, all I wanted was a Spice Girls concert t-shirt. Of course, I couldn’t find one anywhere until my mom found one, literally a size extra large. She bought it for me and the tiny 8 year old that I was wore it to school the next day like a smock dress with shorts underneath. I vividly remember being teased, but I also remember not caring because I absolutely loved it. Fashion is meant to be fun, never let others tell you otherwise.

Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?

I am a huge people watcher and find myself being inspired by individuals on the street. I love to travel because it gives me the opportunity to see and experience new people, places, things, etc. I had my notepad out all summer in Europe, jotting down cool trends I saw people wearing out and about.

Is there a person that is a fashion inspiration to you?

At the risk of sounding cliché, Sarah Jessica Parker is my fashion guru. I remember seeing my mom watch SATC when I was younger and I was always admiring Carrie’s outfits. When I was finally old enough to watch the show, I took notes and re-watched each episode over and over. Carrie Bradshaw is obviously amazing, but I can’t help but believe SJP had a lot to do with the style. Her attitude, her confidence, her passion are all things I not only admire but adore. It was so cool watching someone love fashion so much. She took so many risks on and off screen and that really stuck with me. SJP is definitely the main fashion inspiration in my life, forever.

What’s your next fashion must have?

Without a doubt, thigh-high black boots. I have been lusting over them for months now and am saving up for the perfect pair.

What’s the biggest tip you have for anyone wanting to start a fashion blog or website?

If you want to start a fashion blog or website, do it for yourself and no one else. There are so many bloggers out there, showing off their closets and purchases of the day. I love shopping as much as the next girl, but bloggers should be relatable. Nothing bothers me more than seeing girls younger than me flaunting the newest Chanel bag that cost more than a car. Don’t get me wrong, a Chanel bag is something every girl should have, but one is enough – especially at 16. If you want to blog just to show off, stop there. Blog because you want to share what you love with people who care.

What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?

The competition is definitely the biggest challenge. I try really hard not to compare myself to other people, especially because I am all about being an individual and embracing my personal style. However, I’d be lying if I said that I don’t find myself envying other people every now and then. There are so many amazing blogs out there and so many cool people on the internet so it is sometimes difficult.

What do you love most about blogging?

I have made so many new friends through blogging, and for that, I am so thankful. I love being inspired by the people in my life, I was lucky to go to SCAD where the most talented people on the planet became my closest friends. Through blogging, a whole new world of talent has been introduced to me and I love it. I get to work and collaborate with people I idolize, it’s so cool and fun.

Check out Emilie’s blog, Soul in Stilettos! 

The Key To Chic

Today we feature blogger Melissa from The Key To Chic. Melissa is a southern California-based fashion blogger with a background in fashion trend forecasting and footwear product development. On her blogs, she shares fashion reviews, trend forecasts, travel photos, and personal style. What her readers might not know about her is that she enjoys fitness almost as much as fashion!

Can you tell us about your blog, and what inspired you to start it?

I started my first blog, Fashion Trend Guide, in the winter of 2007. I recall experiencing boredom one day at work, so I began to browse street style blogs for inspiration and outfit ideas. Soon I realized that I wanted to have a website of my own to share photos and fashion inspiration. I launched my blog on Blogger one afternoon with little planning, and it grew from there. I learned as I went by Googling any issues I had and asking other bloggers for their advice. In the summer of 2011, I created The Key To Chic as a place to share more of my personal style.

How would you describe your own personal style?

My personal style is constantly evolving, and I love trying out new trends. At this time, my style is heavily influenced by simple silhouettes and comfortable footwear. Since I have an active lifestyle, it’s key for me to have casual, comfortable staples in my closet. In heavy rotation right now are: skinny boyfriend jeans, boxy quilted tees, statement necklaces, Birkenstocks, Adidas track pants, embellished knits, slogan tees, and an abundance of floral joggers.

What do you think will be the big hits fashion wise for next season?

For fall 2014, I think we’ll see plaid prints, embellished sweatshirts, novelty knits, crop tops, chunky-soled footwear, distressed denim, and slogan tops as key pieces. Sport influences are strong, and will continue to dominate through 2015, especially with the sporty Alexander Wang for H&M collection this November. The minimalism of the ’90s and the mod shapes of the ’60s will be influential for 2015. It’s also interesting to note that trend forecasters are heralding the return of wide leg pants, and the full midi skirt is another key item.

Where do you tend to buy your clothes, and why?

I shop in many different stores, as well as online. I spend a disproportionate amount of time shopping at Target, due to its convenience. I buy so many things there, from vegetables and cosmetics to shoes and workout gear. The icing on the cake is that are always on top of emerging fashion trends, and their designer collaborations get my attention.

What is one item you will spurge on?

My recent splurges include great leather bags. A nice bag can elevate your look instantly. I have my eye on two styles right now: the Coach Rhyder bag (I love what Stuart Vevers is doing at Coach), and a versatile crossbody style by Kate Spade.

Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?

When putting a look together, my number one rule is to trust my instinct. If I don’t feel great about what I’m wearing and how I look, I’ll change until I love it. Loving what you wear and how you feel goes a long way towards making you feel confident.

Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?

Inspiration for blog content can come from anywhere: a book I’m reading, the landscape from a scenic vacation moment, something I spot while out shopping, a photo on Pinterest, vintage shopping displays, etc. It’s always handy to snap a photo or jot down some notes with my phone so that I can document the inspiration during the moment. Sometimes my best ideas come to me while I’m walking my dog!

Is there a person that is a fashion inspiration to you?

Jenna Lyons is an icon and an inspiration to me because of her effortless mix of tomboy and feminine elements. She has a laid-back, cool-girl vibe about her that’s harder to achieve than it looks.

 

What’s your next fashion must have?

My next fashion must-have is actually the perfect pair of worn-in vintage Levi’s 501s. I’m hunting all the thrift stores in my area. They are classic! The slightly slouchy fit, faded denim, and ’90s nonchalance are perfect for pairing with breezy blouses, embellished boots, and cropped jackets.

What’s the biggest tip you have for anyone wanting to start a fashion blog or website?

My biggest tip is for anyone starting a blog or website is to focus on being original, have a unique voice, and create authentic, quality content. Also, don’t forget to spell check!

What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?

The biggest challenge about blogging is keeping up with all the new apps, websites, and changes in technology. There’s always something new and exciting happening, so it’s important to stay on top of emerging trends.

What do you love most about blogging?

I love the creative freedom that blogging offers, as well as the ability to connect with others in the fashion industry. In the past few years, I’ve made great friends, met amazing people, and I appreciate the sense of community and support among bloggers.

Check out Melissa’s blog, The Key To Chic. Thanks for the interview, Melissa!

 

Behind the Scenes With Nasty Gal’s Sophia Amoruso

“The entrepreneur behind the online fashion phenomenon.”
A nice little flashback into the business life of Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal! We love love love NastyGal. Their edgy clothes pair up perfectly with all Elly Clay products! So glad we are sold on their website. Check out this cool video about how she started her company…In the meanwhile check out our website and do some peaceful shopping. Happy Sundays Elly Clay gals :*

Interview with Jessica Xie

Jessica Xie, a student at Parsons The New School for Design, was the brilliant photographer behind Elly Clay’s Fall/Winter campaign that took place this past spring. Read our interview with Xie below and checkout some of her fabulous photos!

Tell us a bit about your background and what sparked your interest in photography?

I was born and raised in the city. I still live Lower Manhattan with my family. My interest in photography started when I was about 14 years old. I don’t know if this is usually how it starts off for most people but I started with self-portraits. They weren’t any good but I began teaching myself that way. I was interested in what the camera can do fundamentally and I think when I was about to graduate high school, I decided I wanted to pursue photography as a profession. Here I am now, currently a third-year photo student at Parsons The New School for Design. 

What do you feel is the most challenging thing about photographing fashion?

Funny you ask because this is actually my first fashion based shoot. Prior to college, I wanted to be a fashion photographer but I knew little about photography. When I started Parsons, I learned so much from my teachers and peers and opened up my mind to the medium. I no longer want to shoot fashion as a career although, I still appreciate it and respect it. This is something I like to do more of on the side because I want to get better at it. 

What is one last impression you want to leave in your photos?

Basing this question on my personal work, I would have to say that I want others to keep an open mind and to always appreciate those closest to you.

What brands could you see yourself working with in the future?

This is a hard question. I cannot say any specific brand for sure but I definitely want to pursue advertising/commercial/editorial and fine art work. Let’s see what the future holds.

Your photos always come out amazing! What camera and lenses do you use? Do you mainly shoot with natural light or flash?

Aw, thank you. That means a lot. I don’t use digital that much, only for studio work but recently I started shooting medium format film in the studio. I shoot with my medium format (6×7) Pentax film camera with a 105mm portrait lens and a 55mm wide-angle lens. Natural light and flash, I shoot both a lot. I would have to say more natural in my years of shooting though.

What is the best advice you have received so far about photography?

I wrote this on my blog once: “I met photographer, Vincent Dixon, at my company’s party and had a great chat with him. He gave me a piece of very valuable advice: ‘Photograph what you know. Photograph the things closest to you because it’s that, that makes your work truly unique. What you can see, others can’t.'” That’s probably the best advice I’ve ever received.

 

Self-portrait, Jessica Xie. See some of her select works at jessicaxiephoto.tumblr.com!