In this series, we’ve been interviewing some of our favorite fashion bloggers around the world, today our featured blogger is Mel of Marmalade.
Mel, tell us a little bit about yourself (who you are/what you do/where you’re from, etc.).
I’m an advertising manager working in the media industry in London and living far beyond my means. Originally (and still at heart) I’m a country bumpkin from Winchester. My job is hard work but also comes with lots of perks like luxury treats, lunch at top London restaurants, award shows and VIP festival trips. I am a fashion addict and have a serious problem with shopping, I love travel and spend most my money on these two things: fashion & travel. I am also the very proud owner of my blog www.mediamarmalade.com which is where my very own fashion journalist ultra ego comes out to play.
How would you define your style?
Defining my style is not an easy feat as it’s quite eclectic. I am an absolute fashion junkie and tend to try the latest trends in one form or another. I’m pretty girly, absolutely love shoes, and have an addiction to designer handbags. My fashion style is a complete mix of high street and designer and so you are most likely to find me in my Topshop skinnies, KG heels, cute Zara blouse, animal print fur coat with one of my many trusty Mulberry handbags. Ultimately I dress dependent on the mood I am in, and so my style will change from Posh & Rah, to cute and girly, to rock chic or ultra glam.
What inspired you to start a style blog? What motivates you to keep blogging?
I’ve always been seriously into fashion & style. Since I was born I’ve been addicted to bags and I’ve grown up wanting to be a fashion journalist … well fashion editor really and my blog appears to be my very own way to combine my too dream activities. Working in the media opened me up to the blogging world, and with some serious encouragement from my friends I decided to start my own. I’ve not looked back once and only wish I’d started sooner. I love sharing my latest styles or purchases with everyone and I’ve had an amazing reception from the blogging community which keeps me motivated to keep doing more and more.
How did you choose the name of your blog?
The name of my blog originates from a nickname my Grandpa gave me when I was a little toddler, my Grandpa has a nickname for everyone in the family and mine happens to be marmalade. I also thought it was suitable, as the perks I get from working in the advertising industry are pretty jammy too. Mediamarmalade felt like an original and completely personal name for my blog.
What was the best comment you ever received from a reader?
Oh gosh, picking one comment is near impossible. Every comment means so much and when people write to tell you how much they love reading your posts and following your outfit ideas it makes everything feel even more worthwhile. There really isn’t a better feeling than seeing new followers, post comments or getting interest in your blog. I did this year also win British Style Blogger of the month award which was such an amazing achievement for me. My blog was relatively new at this point and this gave me such a great buzz and inspired me even more to blog.
Who/what inspires you?
Wow, what doesn’t? I think everything in life inspires me really, my travels and the different cultures that I get to see and experience, the magazines I constantly read, other fabulous style bloggers, my family, celebrities, fashion designers, movies, being successful & receiving good feedback.
Style wise I wouldn’t say there isn’t one particular icon that inspires me, but I must admit I love the style and looks of Edie Sedgwick, Rachel Bilson, Blake Lively and Mollie King. They choose such fab fashion pieces and always work a look that I’d love to have myself.
What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?
I have a few favourite wardrobe pieces; my Mulberry collection is my pride and joy. I have 6 or so bags now, and love them all dearly. I am also a bit of shoe collector and now have a very large range of killer heels, cute pumps, and quirky boots which I adore. I love my Kurt Geiger cream strapped 6 inch sandals which look fab with my leather trousers and a big glam fur jacket. I am a very big fan of my fur coats and silk scarfs, I have quite a lovely selection building up.
What is your top fashion tip?
Simple: Have the confidence and conviction in yourself to wear the clothes you really want to. Be brave and admire your own choices & style.
I am also a big fan of mixing cheap & chic, it’s geat to combine some bargain jeans with your Reiss blouse & Fendi handbag. A collective wardrobe is always a winner for me. And don’t think you have to fit to one stereotype … you can be whoever you want to be, dress in whichever style you please, on whatever day you choose.
What advice do you have for new bloggers or people considering starting a blog?
GO FOR IT. It’s one of the most rewarding hobbies (if you can even call it that, it does takeover) I’ve ever had, Its so therapeutic and if you love fashion, craft, cooking, art, photography, writing or whatever it’s a fab way to express yourself. It’s also a great community and you get the chance to meet so many lovely people.
My only other tip is to be patient, don’t expect to be the best, have hundreds of followers and get invites to sit at Fashion week. You need to do this for yourself and anything else that comes with it is a total bonus, but shouldn’t be your motivation. Take your time, be yourself, and keep your integrity, that’s what’ll keep your readers coming back.
What importance do social networks have for you?
Social networking is how I’ve built my follower base, met other bloggers & been introduced to fab new fashion brands. It’s absolutely integral to blogging, in my mind the two come hand in hand and my blog wouldn’t have progressed so much had it not been for all the publicity it gets from twitter. I believe not just for bloggers, but brands and designers in general social networking and building a trusted community with your fans and consumers is 100% essential in modern day society.
Your first thought in the morning?
Is it really morning already? Oooooh, what shall I wear today? And will someone make me a cuppa!
What is your favourite thing to do when not blogging?
I actually have a couple of hobbies other than shopping and blogging, I love skiing and go away every year, I’d like to get my instructor qualification one season. I also play netball every week, this is one of my oldest & favourite hobbies. Generally, I love seeing my boyfriend, family, friends, eating good food, shopping, drinking red wine and champagne, cycling on my gorgeous pashley bike and drinking vanilla lattes. Working hard and playing hard tends to be what takes up most my time.
Do you find Mel’s style inspiring? Let us know in the comments!
Here are some Mel’s tips for shopping on Giglio.com:
MOSCHINO DRESS
BALENCIAGA DRESS
GIORGIO ARMANI FUR
PUCCI CLUTCH
FENDI BAG
