In this series, we’ve been interviewing some of our favorite fashion bloggers around the world, today our featured blogger is Ashlei of Faltering Bird.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (who you are/what you do/where you’re from, etc.).
I’m Ashlei Louise, and I’m from Portland/Eugene, Oregon. I’ve been into various fashions and blogging since about 2005, but only recently started up my personal fashion blog, Faltering Bird.
How did you find your sense of style?
A lot of trial and error! And to be perfectly honest, I feel like my sense of fashion and what I like to wear changes day by day.
One week I’ll be really into one thing, and then next week I’ll have forgotten all about it! Fashion is kind of like fire–it’s constant and ever changing. Even now I don’t feel like I’ve found a particular style. I’m just me, I suppose!
What inspired you to start a style blog? What motivates you to keep blogging?
I started fashion blogging just to try it. I’d kept personal blogs (like on LiveJournal) before, but never really a public one. Way back in my Livejournal days, I gained so many followers on my blog I decided I might as well just make a public one. And while that blog is old and dead, it made me want to start another, newer fashion blog dedicated to who I am now, rather than who I was then.
And what keeps me blogging is my readers, most of all! If it wasn’t for them, there’d be no reason to blog! And also, my friend’s Courtney (http://abevyof.blogspot.com/ ) and Jenna (http://allthatglitters777.blogspot.com/ ) who also have blogs inspire me to keep posting with their lovely looks!
How did you choose the name of your blog?
“Faltering Bird” is a phrase I’ve used for online usernames for years. The reason why I tend to use this name, though, is because of a memory I have attached to the phrase. I was outside with a friend one day, years ago during a huge daytime thunderstorm/windstorm, and we saw a small, fragile looking flock of tiny birds trying to fly against the pressing wind. They were so small that they kept getting pushed about and thrown around, but they never gave up. They kept flying no matter how many times they got pushed around, or almost slammed into the ground. My friend turned to me and said “What an battle they’ve set forth to complete. I can only hope that the human endeavour is as strong.” And that’s why I named my blog “Faltering Bird”–to me, it’s the idea of never backing down, never giving up, and always pressing forward.
Who/what inspires you?
Anything and everything! Sometimes it’s not even people or clothes that inspire me. The other day I saw a bright red truck and I just had to wear red the next day! But usually, I just browse LookBook (with the filter off of course, you find so many more wonderful people when you don’t limit what you see!) and my favourite fashion blogs for inspiration.
What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?
I never really get rid of clothes, (Two entire closets full, an entire room full of rolling racks, and bins of stored clothing!) so believe me when I say I have a lot of favourites! However right now, my favourite garment is a worn out old black shirt with a leopard, roses, and lighting bolts on it.
My boyfriend found it for me at a vintage store in Portland, Oregon!
What importance do social networks have for you?
When it comes to fashion blogging, they’re a way to market yourself like a product. The more platforms you have and the more followers on each you have, the more relevant you become. But beyond that, I’m a really talkative person and love finding new friends! So to me personally, the importance of social networking lies with the joy I derive from friendship!
Your first thought in the morning?
Generally the first thing I think of when I wake up is the last thing I was thinking of when I was asleep, followed by me hurriedly trying to remember what my dreams were about before they fade away from the fraying edges of my memory. Dreams are tricky like that, you have to be fast!
How would you describe fashion in the city where you live?
There are two cities I primarily bounce back and forth from, and have lived in for long periods of time during the last 6 or so years. Portland, Oregon, and Eugene, Oregon. When it comes to Portland, I would say it’s actually a VERY fashion forward city. Most trends that I see hit the mainstream are generally visible years before in downtown Portland. When it comes to Eugene, it’s mostly a bunch of “hippies,” if you can imagine that that looks like. It’s a pretty small city so there’s not really much of a fashion scene, but I grew up in Eugene so I can’t help loving everything about it!
What message do you hope to send to your readers?
I simply want them to enjoy what I (and my boyfriend who is my photographer, http://lookbook.nu/joshpdx ) create for them! And I want them to remember that, even though the fashion world can seem unforgiving at times, no matter who you are, what your size is, what your creed is, what you like like, or any of those things, there are clothes that will look good on you. Anyone can look fashionable, if they so choose. It’s all up to you, and no matter who you are, just remember–you’re beautiful!
Do you find Ashlei ’s style inspiring? Let us know in the comments!
Here are some Ashlei ’s tips for shopping on Giglio.com:
ERMANNO SCERVINO DRESS
DOLCE & GABBANA DRESS
SCERVINO STREET COAT
RED VALENTINO DRESS
ARMANI JEANS DRESS
