I'm so excited to announce that Elana is June's blogger of the month! I recently came across her blog after she left a comment on mine (I think that's how it went down) and I fell in love with her cute smile and her way of putting outfits together (especially whenever she ties shirts over dresses, since that's something I love to do as well!). Be sure to check out her blog, Room 334!
First off, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Thanks so much for having me! Well, I'm an almost 21-year-old (in about a month) college student majoring in fashion merchandising and minoring in journalism. I was born and raised in Southern California, but I go to school out in the Midwest. I'm a lover of a good collar, a good deal, and a good movie or TV show. Did I say love? I meant obsessed. I'm also one of those people who insists on using sarcasm in pretty much every interaction I have. I like to think I'm funny sometimes.
Congrats on one year of blogging! What has been the best thing that has come from your blogging experience so far?
Thank you! I know this is what everyone says, but it really is all of the people who I've met! I love that I've made really good friends from around the world who have the same interests as I do. It's been great to start real friendships, even outside of blogging, with some of them too. I can't get over how many talented, stylish, intelligent women I've had the pleasure of meeting through this. I'm not worthy of them, but don't tell them that.
What about the biggest obstacle you overcame?
In terms of blogging? I guess it would be the time management things. Going to school, having a job, keeping up with friends and family, AND running a blog can be a little much sometimes, but I think I've figured out my balance over the past year.
I was so excited when I heard about your internship, can you tell a little bit about that?
It's kind of surreal actually! I'm interning with Sophia Banks Coloma, a celebrity stylist in LA. I only just started and haven't gotten to do TOO much yet, but it's crazy sorting through racks of designer clothes and then seeing a celebrity wearing something that I held. I just got to go through the studio and pick out clothes for a Just Jared photo shoot the other day and I'm still hyperventilating about how cool it was.
How would you describe your personal style?
Very, very feminine. I'm starting to lean towards wanting more classic pieces in my wardrobe now, but right now you're most likely to find me in something with polka dots, lace, or a Peter Pan collar. Fit and flare dresses are my homegirls.
Is there any piece of clothing you'll never get rid of? If so, what is it?
There are a couple, actually. There's this 70s gold belt that I wear a lot on my blog that was one my very first vintage pieces that I bought in high school from my favorite vintage store that I think I'll always keep. It's mostly the vintage stuff that I have a hard time letting go of.
What's it like working with the girls of Flock Together?
It's incredible of course! When Jessica (from Midwest Muse) and I started it together, we had no idea how it would work out, especially with so many girls. Luckily, we couldn't have chosen a better group and everyone has been nothing short of wonderful. It's great that now ALL of us are brainstorming ideas for posts and ways to make it even better; everyone is so involved. Plus, it takes a lot of trust to be sending out your favorite clothes to people who you've never met in person, so it's great that we've all developed that. I feel bad because we keep getting emails from AMAZING bloggers asking to join, but we just already have so many people. I wish we could have everyone!
I just finished up a week's worth of mixology posts. Do you have any tips for people who want to remix things but are a little unsure of how to do so?
Just play around with things! Even things that you don't think would go together, just try it. And never underestimate the versatility of a dress. I wear mine as tops tucked into skirts and as skirts with shirts knotted over them all the time to get more use out of them.
So what's next for Room 334?
Well, I just got a new design that I couldn't be happier about and I'm hoping to add some more variety of posts. I'm starting to bring back what I used to do on my old blog, and dedicate posts to up-and-coming designers and stores that I love. Other than that, mostly just a general trying not humiliate myself and finding ways to make my readers laugh when I think I'm funny. You know, the usual things.
Thank you so much Elana for letting me interview you. It has been great getting to know you!
Be sure to check out Elana on her blog, Room 334!
