Style Profile: The Fashionista Next Door

Photos courtesy of  Eboni Ifé of The Fashionista Next Door


This month's style profile is from Eboni Ifé of The Fashionista Next Door.  Eboni exhibits a great attention to detail in putting her outfits together.  Eboni also has a fabulous shoe collection!  Her regular feature, "Style Me Friday" really shows off her styling skills and ability to put together outfits that look just as good if not better than the inspiration.  Now let's get to the interview!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title?

Eboni Ifé: I started blogging on accident, really. I've always had a love affair with fashion, but my blog started out as a blog all about my general randomness, and the blog's name was "Miss Ifé's World." (My middle name is Ifé). But, the truth is all I wanted to write about was fashion and personal style. I was pretty much obsessed with Love Maegan and Karla's Closet at the time, but I was so intimidated by fashion bloggers who seemed to be so endlessly stylish! Finally, I took the plunge and committed to being a "style blogger." (and my first few posts were pretty bad. LOL!) My blog's title took a little while to come into it's own. It went from Miss Ifé's World to "Frugal Fashionista," which I quickly discovered was already in use on a well established blog. Not to mention, a friend of mine mentioned to me that she hated the name! So, I started thinking about my style, and beyond that, the woman I wanted to be in terms of style, and it just came to me...The Fashionista Next Door. (sorry for the LONG answer. LOL!)

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Is it influenced by your career/job? 

Eboni Ifé: I think my style is fun...daring...unexpected at times. I really just like to have fun with fashion. Fortunately, I've always had jobs where I was free to wear whatever I wanted, so I can't say that my career has had a strong influence on my style...though, I am thankful that it has allowed my style to blossom and evolve completely unrestricted by dress codes.

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style? If it hasn't, what has inspired your style? 

Eboni Ifé: I'm a California girl through and through...I grew up moving back and forth from from NorCal to SoCal, and if you've spent much time in either place, you know how different the aesthetic is in both cities. LA is the perfect combination of flip flops, stilettos, and versace shades! The bay area is a little bit preppy, a little bit activist, and a little bit boho...and 100% fabulous! I think my style is influenced by both...I guess that's why I call my style eclectic.

Shen Dove: What do you enjoy most about blogging about style and fashion? 

Eboni Ifé: Honestly, it's become about so much more than fashion. I work full-time and I have a family...I hardly have time to maintain a blog, but I couldn't walk away from the community of amazing, brilliant, beautiful bloggers I've met along this journey. Other bloggers (like you) are a constant source of inspiration. So, thank you!

Shen Dove: Thanks for the compliment! What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of fashion blogging? Do you have any hidden talents? 

Eboni Ifé: I am a major foodie! Love reading cookbooks, watching cooking shows, trying new recipes...and eating, of course! Hidden talents...umm, the hubby says I have musical turrets. I subconsciously know just about every song...or at least every hook ever written. Hehe! Sing a line or hum melody...and I just can't help but to burst out into the full song...and I tend to sing it non-stop until a new song enters my brain. I am also the reigning Def Jams Rap Star!

Shen Dove: Spring is officially here!  What are you excited about wearing this season?

Eboni Ifé: Florals, florals, and more florals! (and polka dots...and yellow!)

Shen Dove: Do you have any blog related goals for 2012?

Eboni Ifé: I have really been working to maintain an "editorial calendar." I really want to be more consistent with my posting schedule and my content.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so what are they? 

Eboni Ifé: Nope. No rules. Fashion...and more importantly, personal style, is about wearing what makes YOU feel good.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Eboni!  Be sure to bookmark The Fashionista Next Door to see Eboni's latest updates.

Style Profile: Natasha Fatah

Photos courtesy of Natasha Fatah

This month's style profile is from Natasha Fatah who has a lovely, authentic writing style and wears colors and patterns in creative ways.  She's also a fellow cat owner! Now let's get to the questions!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog? 

Natasha: The blog has had two incarnations. I first started it in 2010 as a street style blog, profiling people I'd see, but that became too difficult to maintain. What inspired this latest incarnation of a personal style blog and journal came about because my dad got sick in February last year. He was diagnosed with cancer, and his tumor crushed his nervous system which meant he lost the ability to walk. He spent months in various hospitals. He's cancer free now, and well on his way to walking normally again soon. It was his ability to see joy and beauty even in the darkest moments, and the fact that my mother always dressed impeccably for him at the hospital, because she wanted to look beautiful for her husband, just strengthened my the belief that beautiful style and clothing is a source of inspiration. I get a lot of joy from dressing up and playing with colours and styles, and I wanted to share that joy in the blog. Life is short. Time to celebrate what we love.

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Have you seen your style evolve since you started your blog? 

Natasha:  I would describe my style as playful, colourful, eclectic. I've only been working on the blog since November but I would say it's given me a boost of confidence to try different things, and take risks.  I don't think I would have worn a men's bow tie to work a year ago.  The blog gives me permission to experiment.

Shen Dove: Does your career at all impact the way you dress? How do you maintain your sense of style in the workplace? 

Natasha: My career definitely impacts how I dress. I'm a journalist, and I work in a creative space so we don't have a strict dress code. Pretty much anything goes, so I can try all sorts of things. However, if I'm going out to interview someone then I dress with respect in my mind. Respect for my guest, and respect for myself. I dress conservatively and modestly because I don't want my clothes and appearance to be a reason to not take me seriously.

Shen Dove: How has the city you live in influenced your style? If it hasn't you can explain why.

Natasha:  I live in Toronto, a city I absolutely love! But, let's face it - it can get pretty darn cold, so that impacts the way I dress - more practically, I always have to consider the weather. And because Toronto is such a ethnically diverse city, I feel free to wear clothing I've picked up in every corner of the world. If I want to wear a Pakistani or India kurta or tunic with jeans to work, nobody bats an eye. We really are an international city.

Shen Dove: Spring is around the corner, is there anything that you are excited about wearing this spring? 

Natasha: Can't wait to wear open toed shoes, fun dresses, and neon yellow!

Shen Dove: Do you have any hobbies outside of blogging that you really enjoy? 

Natasha: I do a lot of writing - I know it's part of my profession - but I get a lot of joy from writing.  My husband and I are big movie buffs, we watch a lot of films, and he has introduced to tons of European movies and cinema, I've introduced him to Bollywood.

Shen Dove: Do you have any local shops or restaurants that you'd for recommend visitors to check out?

Natasha: You must go to Kensington Market, which is a neighbourhood filled with vintage and second hand stores, tons of places to eat and has a wonderful bohemian vibe.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so what are they? 

Natasha: Modesty. My personal rule for a long time has been if I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it in front of my grandparents, I won't wear it out in public. There's enough skin out there, I think self-respect, dignity and modesty are undervalued.

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Natasha! Be sure to bookmark Natasha's blog to see her latest updates.

Style Profile: Comme Coco

Images courtesy of  Jennifer of Comme Coco

This month's style profile is from Jennifer of Comme Coco.  Jennifer has a fab sense of style and her passion for blogging/fashion definitely come through in her writing.  Now let's get to the questions!

Shen Dove: What inspired you to start your blog and how did you come up with the title? 

Jennifer: My blog title came to be when I was looking up quotes for my personal Facebook page. I rarely put up personal statuses and usually use quotes to convey the message that I want for that day. While looking up quotes, I stumbled upon Coco Chanel’s quotes and realized that I LOVED them all and could relate to them. So I decided to title the blog “Comme Coco” which is French (my 1st language) for Like Coco.  I did contemplate changing my blog name a few months back to ‘The J-Face’ which is the name given to the pouty face I always make in pics but was recommended not to because Comme Coco is synonymous with me now.  It's my brand lol.

Shen Dove: How would you describe your personal style? Have you seen your style evolve since you started your blog? 

Jennifer: Wow, my personal style… well it's never really the same but the silhouettes I wear tend to stay the same (if that made ANY sense)! I dress with my moods.  I could care less about trends and what the magazines are telling me is "cute" or “in”… I will wear it as long as I WANT to.  Like overalls... I love overalls. When I was in high school I had overalls in EVERY color/fabric and silhouette. If I could find cute ones, I'd wear them now. With that said, I love menswear, rocker chic, and anything studded lol. I haven’t embraced the whole girly girl feminine look even though I think it looks A.MA.ZING on a lot of women, it's just not me.  If I wear something frilly, I almost ALWAYS have to toughen it up by throwing on a leather jacket or a studded belt or wearing it with combat boots or a newsboy hat. I don’t know why but it's just me lol.My style hasn’t really evolved much but I have found with having a blog that I have more of a “ I don’t give an “F,” I'm going to wear it anyway" mentality. I have definitely gained much more confidence from exposing myself daily on the internet (oops that sounded kinda bad huh).

Shen Dove: How has the city/town you live in influenced your style? If it hasn't please explain one or two factors that have influences your style.

Jennifer:  To be totally honest…DC has not influenced my style at all. I love this city more than anything, but I am still a Midwestern girl from East Lansing, MI (SPARTY ON!!).  Most of the clothes I wear on the blog are things I had in college or styles I've worn since college. I'm a sucker for really big flared jeans and wide legged pants. In college I had a MAJOR obsession with Silver Sisley and Charo jeans because of there extreme bell.. we are talking 24 inch opening.. SWOON!!! I'm still saving up moolah for the Elizabeth and James Extreme Jimi jeans… I am not super inspired by others when it comes to my style. Of course I read blogs and will see outfits in mags or even on the street and think “OH I like that a lot” and I may take something from that style but all in all, everything is me, myself and I. What truly inspires me is being happy with myself. There was a time when I wasn’t happy with myself and/or I had the wrong people around me who took advantage of my weak state and it made me sad a lot. I had a hard time figuring out who I was but once I did, my style was indestructible hahaha. Now that I am 110% ridiculously happy, it shows through my style. I think we are the masters of our style and we are the captains of our closets : )

Shen Dove: Spring will be here before you know it.  Are there any items that you are particularly excited about wearing next season? 

Jennifer: Knowing me, it's going to be the same stuff but but remixed.  I do like neon so I will probably throw in a little neon here and there but other than that, I'll probably wear the same old silhouettes that I am known for such as wide leg pants, body con skirts, layered tanks and leather…. I also want to use more accessories. I definitely will do the hippie handband thing around my head but of course I need to find a super A.MA.ZING studded one to wear.  I also love the Ralph Lauren collared halter shirts and definitely plan to wear one with an oversized bow tie. I do plan on changing up the materials/textures of what I own (wear more silk etc…).   OH and shoes… I SO NEED to upgrade my shoe game.  I can officially say it’s the WORST!!!!

Shen Dove: Do you have a non-blogging hobby that you really enjoy? Please tell us a bit about it. 

Jennifer: FOOTBALL!!! I love watching and playing football. About a year ago I started playing co-ed flag football and fell in love with it. I enjoy it so much that now I watch regular football even more. I think because I now understand the game a little bit more that it's far more fun to watch on TV. This season I started playing on an all-women flag football team as well and I’m SO GEEKED! Everyone thinks flag is pansy but oh little do they know, it's pretty much full contact without the pads. You really have to body up to pull flags sometimes. I have torn a ligament in my knee/broken a finger/ and had my jaw partially dislocated from it….. as crazy as it sounds, I'd love to play in the Lingerie Football League…yup I said it!

Shen Dove: Do you have one goal (blog related or non-blog related) that you plan to focus on in 2012? 

Jennifer: In 2012 my biggest blog related goal is to just reach out to more people outside of the US. I love the States but I love the welcoming nature of blog readers in Europe and Asia. They are so sweet and so stylish and not as competitive. As far as non-blog related, its' ALL ABOUT Facon Magazine for me.  I was just named the managing editor for Facon Magazine and it's my goal to help the magazine be even MORE successful than it's already destined to be. What could be better than a publication dedicated to emerging fashion? Yup, I'm waiting…lol.

Shen Dove: Do you have any DC area shopping suggestions or favorite restaurants you'd recommend that locals and visitors check out? 

Jennifer: I adore the Twig Thrift Store in Alexandria, Va and I also like Frugalista in Mt. Pleasant. As far as restaurants, I'm OBSESSED with Filomenas for Italian.  I just stumbled upon Urban Eats in Mt. Rainier and I adore it.  I'm planning on hosting my 4th blogger meetup there for the meetup group I founded.

Shen Dove: Do you have any personal style rules you live by? If so what are they? 

Jennifer: Dress for yourself and your figure and you will ALWAYS be haute!Don't be a walking page out of a magazine.You are and can be stylish at ANY size.Always smile in whatever you wear because that is your BEST accessory (well that and a bomb ass leather jacket!!).

Shen Dove: Thanks for the interview Jennifer!  Be sure to bookmark Comme Coco to see the latest updates from this stylish lady.