Today our feautured blogger is Sarah of City Girl Secrets.
Hi Sarah, tell us a bit about yourself
I live in downtown Chicago- probably one of the best cities in the world! I have a love for fashion illustration, wardrobe styling, artwork, and everything in between, in addition to modeling. I knew my whole life that this market was my calling. I am also getting involved as a wardrobe stylist and personal shopper, which is a long time goal of mine. It brings me great joy to help other women look the best they can, to help them become confident with themselves and embrace their bodies as they are.
What inspired you to start a style blog? What motivates you to keep blogging?
My passion for blogging began about 6 months ago. I love being involved in the fashion industry any way I can, so I wanted to have an outlet to share my creativity with others, as well as to inspire women to be their own version of a “City Gurl.” I want to be not only a fashion blog, but more of a resource outlet for women who want to discover information on beauty, health, and industry news as well! My passion for blogging is what keeps me motivated, it is something I truly love to do, and I love sharing ideas and inspiring other women.
What message do you hope to send to your readers?
The ideal City Gurl is chic, fun, but doesn’t rely on wearing designer duds from head to toe. The City Gurl knows how to live smart, not “in your face” lavishly. She knows the latest trends, but makes up her own. She is confident with who she is, lives life to the fullest, sharing her secrets along the way. I believe that every woman wants to be a City Gurl at some point. And my job is to inspire them to embody the “City Gurl” attitude no matter where they live. This is why I share at-home beauty remedies, budget finds, and provide my own secrets and resources to achieving that inner AND outer glow.
How Would you define your Style?
I’m a fashion chameleon. I am always changing my style, whatever is inspiring me at the moment I will channel into what I wear. One day I’ll embody glamour with preppy accents, and the next I will rock out in platform black boots, leather pants, and a cropped top with messy hair. It all depends on my mood, which is why I love fashion.
What advice do you have for new bloggers or people considering starting a blog?
My most important advice for anyone starting a new blog is: be patient and persistent! Becoming a successful fashion blogger does not happen overnight. You need to connect to an audience, you need to reel readers in with your content so that they want more. Most importantly, you need to be DIFFERENT and UNIQUE. If you use ideas from other fashion bloggers constantly, people will be able to tell. Try to make your layout and your content as different and unique from others as possible, so that you can call it your own.
Who/What inspires you?
Living in Chicago is one BIG inspirational journey. Everywhere I go I am inspired. By the people, by the architecture, by the nature (yes there are parks in the city), by everything. The sense of style of a city-goer is extremely eclectic, so different. I really enjoy walking around my neighborhood just to see what other people are wearing; it is like a little fashion hobby of mine.
The energy the city of Chicago gives off clears my mind to come up with innovative ideas. Usually, a person needs to be in complete solitude to maintain a clear mind, but I need high buzzing energy. Strange, I know.
What importance do social networks have for you?
Social networks are the way I connect with my readers! They are extremely important. Every blogger and every business needs to be involved in social media. That way, you can achieve a more personal connection with others. I love using Facebook and Twitter because I can talk about topics or issues that I do not discuss in CGS. It can keep my readers entertained constantly when I don’t have new content up.
What is your favorite thing to do when not blogging?
I consider myself a bundle of creativity. When I’m not blogging I’m always on the go doing things I have a passion for. I teach dance to girls aging from 6-13 which I love. They always bring a smile to my face. I have been modeling since I was 11, and am now also entertaining the idea of getting back into acting as well. I also love to paint and draw. Soon I will be featuring some of my artwork on CGS, but I can’t give away details!
For You, what is the world’s most fashionable city?
I would have to say New York. Not because it is THE MOST fashionable city, but I admire the taste in fashion and style the people in NYC have. I think every city wears different trends at different times. I traveled to New York in January, then San Francisco in February, and thought the people were equally fashionable. In my opinion New Yorker’s have more of an edgy, constructed taste in clothes, and Californian’s admire more of the loose and comfortable trends.
How did you find your sense of style?
That took a great deal of trial and error. My worst style habits started in 7th and 8th grade, when I started to experiment. The horror, I would come to school wearing a checkered skirt, white leggings, and a neon yellow t-shirt. I started to find my sense of style about 4 years ago, when I became seriously involved in modeling. I was around more people that had actual fashion sense, and started shopping more and reading more about the industry. It just happened naturally to me at that time then, and now I love my personal style. It defines who I am!
What is your top fashion tip?
Wear what makes YOU feel good. Just because someone claims that blouse is “soooo last season”, doesn’t mean it won’t look smashing with the rest of your outfit. You don’t necessarily have to follow all the current trends religiously. If everyone did that, then we would all dress the same, there would be no individuality. That is what I believe is most important in fashion, finding your own unique style, and showcasing your individuality with your everyday style.
Do you find Sarah’s style inspiring? Let us know in the comments!
Here are some Sarah’s tips for shopping on Giglio.com:
ALBERTA FERRETTI DRESS
FENDI BAG
JIMMY CHOO SHOES
BOTTEGA VENETA BAG
ROBERTO CAVALLI DRESS
