behind the blog: pearls & paws

I'm a big fan of Heather from Pearls and Paws. Not only does she have impeccable style, but her dog (who makes quite a bit of appearances on her blog) is too cute. Plus as both of us are UW alums, I knew she would be a smart lady to talk to ;)

Tell us what motivate you to start blogging. Were you following a lot of personal style/fashion blogs before you started blogging?

Before blogging I was unaware of the fabulous blogging world I was missing out on!  I started the blog as friends/coworkers asked me where I got my clothes – and they’d always be surprised when I said places like Old Navy, H&M, Target, etc. Most people assume you have to spend a lot for great style.  My blog is all about looking fabulous for less (and my dog Rex).

Which blogs do you read every day? 

I read many different blogs that have the same philosophy as I do about fashion for less.  I used to follow some of the big name bloggers, but I’ve found that the ones I have real connections with via commenting and social media are the ones I like visiting the most.

 

Who takes your pictures? What camera and lens do you use? Have you ever been caught in the act of taking these?

My wonderful boyfriend takes pictures for me (we use a Nikon D3100) and I work with several fantastic photographers (Belkis Cruz Photography, Dave Haas Photography, and Nicole Lai Photography).  I’ve been caught in the act several times and yes it’s embarrassing and awkward – but like anything else over time you get used to it. I try to think like Rex in those moments... who doesn’t care what anyone thinks ;)

Do people in real life know about your blog? What were their reactions when they found out about your blog?

Most of my friends and family know about my blog  - and everyone has been extremely supportive… which I am very grateful for.  And they keep me honest!  If I’ve gone too long without featuring Rex they will make requests for more paws.

You showcase a lot of cute work outfits. What restrictions do you have when it comes to work wear, and how do you keep your outfits fresh?

When it comes to work I’ve certainly broken my own rules (sequins and/or leather in the office to name a couple).  Fashion is fun and certainly has a place at work.  I live in pencil skirts and dresses and add personality through my heels and accessories.  I also try to remix pieces as often as possible – you can give your clothes new life by wearing a dress as a skirt, layering a shirt under a dress, belting a scarf, etc.  The possibilities are endless, and other blogs and Pinterest have been great sources of inspiration.

Many fashion bloggers hop from one trend to the next. How do you manage to stay on trend without breaking the bank and just blindly following each trend?

Trying new trends is a great way to push your fashion boundaries, and since there are so many different ones you can certainly spend more than necessary.  I pick and choose the trends that align most with my style (classic, polished, and feminine). The easiest way to incorporate a trend is through accessories – and places like Forever 21, Old Navy, and H&M are great places to pick up the hottest trends for less.  And never underestimate the power of scarves! 

Putting yourself on the internet comes with the expectation that not everyone will always love what you are wearing and writing. Have you encountered any of these criticisms, and if so, how do you handle it?

I’m so grateful that I haven’t had any negative comments on my blog.  And style is so personal I can see how those comments can feel like a personal attack. Anyone that takes the time to put negativity on someone’s personal blog probably isn’t the happiest person, and isn’t worth more time than what it takes to roll your eyes and delete the comment.

What has been the best thing to come out of blogging? 

Most definitely meeting fabulous ladies all over the world... it’s a wonderful community of women supporting other women! 

When it comes to promotion of your blog, what methods do you use? Do you spend a lot of time commenting on other blogs, pinning your looks, doing link ups?

I use the typical social media avenues – facebook, twitter, instagram… and I love finding other blogs through comments.  Instagram has become one of my favorite social media outlets.

What tips or suggestions do you have for your fellow bloggers? 

Don’t let anyone else’s blog or rules define your own… there will be trends when it comes to outfits/blog style/posts, etc – it’s your world and you can do whatever you want! 

Thank you for being willing to answer all of these questions Heather! Make sure you visit her blog, and then come back next week to learn more about Jessica from Bedknobs and Baubles!