What inspired you to start blogging?
I've been blogging in some capacity since middle school. I've been all over the blogging world from LiveJournal to personal websites to music blogging. I've always had the drive and desire to write for an audience. Blogging gives me that opportunity. Back in middle school I developed a love for taking self-portraits and that manifested over the years from creative self-portraits to documenting my outfits within the creative photos. I got a nicer camera, learned how to use it, my style evolved, and at the time it was at the beginning of the fashion blogging world. I started soaking up those blogs and never once did I think I could do it. But I had the style, the camera, and the love of blogging. I gave it a whirl an here we are...
What is the idea behind The Midwest Muse?
It's a place for me to document my daily style through nice photography, life stories, and anything else I can dream up. I think one of the main concepts for me is to showcase style on a real budget for real people. I'm not rich. I don't have a wardrobe full of gifted items. I'm not chasing trends. I think in a culture over saturated with fashion bloggers, it's hard to be original. It's hard not to get lost in the "popular" bloggers. I'm more of the everyday college girl. I also aim to share recipes, photographs, tips, and anything else I can create because for me, it's not just about the fashion. I'm the girl with the colored tights.
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[/caption]Is style blogging more of a passion or would you turn it into a career?
I don't know that I would turn it into a career. I think when you turn a hobby like blogging into a career it loses what makes it special. The passion is replaced with a paycheck. I have worked with companies and received free pieces and for me, that's enough. I would love to do something in the fashion writing world or in the fashion world in general, but I don't know that turning a blog into a full time job is something I would ever do, but I'm not ruling it out.
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[/caption]Do you ever have "writer's block"?
Oh yes! I am an english/creative writing major. So, I've had my fair share of blocks. One of my professors gave me the best advice anyone has ever given me for writers block, "ASS + CHAIR." Meaning sit in that chair until you've created something! Write to write and don't stop. Get up, walk away, get back and chances are it will be good writing. It's never failed me.
How do you use social media?
The only social media websites I use are Twitter, Tumblr, and Chictopia.Twitter is a way to post new outfit links and random life updates. It surprisingly drives a lot of traffic to the blog and is a way for people to get to know me in a more random and personal way. It's also wonderful for interaction and building friendships. Tumblr is where I post inspiration and photos that link to my blog. Again, it brings traffic to my blog, but it isn't so much about interaction. Chictopia is great on so many levels! The fashion community there is top notch and all the members are so sweet. Wonderful for traffic, interaction, discovering new bloggers, and building relationships. So, I guess, I use social media to interact, build relationships, and drive personalized traffic to the blog.
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[/caption]What advice could you give to aspiring fashion bloggers?
JUST DO IT. Don't worry about the right time, the right design, the right outfit, the right name. Everything will change, expand, and manifest eventually. Do make a plan. Decide your focus. Develop your persona and run with it. Make a schedule and stick to it. Get creative. DON'T compare yourself to the big name bloggers you idolize. Search out the little blogs. That's where the friendship, inspiration, and realistic goals come from. It's a wonderful and rewarding world to be a part of. If you're going to do it, learn how to be authentic, personable, you, and learn the art of networking with other bloggers in an attempt to build deeper friendships and bonds. And always, always proofread.
What would I find in your closet right now?
An unlimited supply of printed dresses and chiffon skirts.
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[/caption]Favorite designer/brand?
I am not a huge designer girl. But I love Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, and Rachel Antonoff. All of them have accessible, colorful, imaginative, well designed items. I feel as if all three of them design with me in mind because I'd wear just about every piece they've created.
Do you thrift? If so, where?
I thrift often. The majority of my wardrobe is thrifted. My city (Akron, Ohio) has a large amount of good thrift stores. I've learned the art of thrifting, being aggressive and seeing the potential in pieces that need a little work. I'm also excellent at finding designer gems for $3. I actually thrift so much that I get sick if I see a price tag above $10. It's more work, but it's ultimately more rewarding.
One last thing: stilettos or doc martens?
I've never worn a stiletto, but I own a pair of Docs and I feel like a bad ass in them. So, there's that.
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