Local blogger Vanessa Renae has always had a knack for style. What started as sharing pictures of her outfits with her friends has quickly grown into a significant social media presence and robust website. Vanessa was kind enough to answer some questions for us about blogging, inspiration and style advice - read her responses below:
What made you decide to start blogging?
Sending my friends Snapchats of my outfits led to an Instagram account which then grew into a blog. I wanted to start providing more detail around why I was styling an outfit the way that I did in hopes to inspire others when creating their own outfit.
What advice would you give to someone just starting a lifestyle or fashion blog?
As difficult as it may be, don't look at other blogs for inspiration. With the blogger market being so saturated right now, standing out is key, and if you look at other bloggers and what they're doing to inspire your goal, you may actually be hindering your own authenticity that you can bring to the table.
Where do you find inspiration for your posts?
I typically go two ways:
1. I have a blog topic in mind that I jot down in my phone. Then I go to my closet to see what I can use from my wardrobe to accommodate the idea from an outfit standpoint.
2. I create an outfit, then brainstorm a blog topic centered around that.
No matter which route I take, I always try to write my posts with some sort of advice. I want to provide value for my readers when it comes to outfit creation vs. simply stating that "I wore a romper last weekend and it was cute." I want to enhance inspiration for veteran fashionistas but also provide confidence/ideas to those who need a little help.
How would you describe your personal style?
I dress how I feel at the moment
What is the best piece of style advice you've ever received?
I read an article once that Anna Wintour wore a Chanel dress about 20 times before she retired it. If someone with that big of a fashion allowance can re-wear something, I sure as heck can, too. It's not always about having the latest and greatest - it's about feeling your best.
Learn more about Vanessa at www.vanessarenae.com
