You Asked, I Answered

You Asked, I Answered

Happy Tuesday y’all! Remember last week when I said on Instagram that you could ask me anything and I’d answer your questions in a blog post? Well, here it is! You asked, I answered.

1. Why are you so fly?
I’m actually a huge nerd but okay…I’ll take it! Thank you!

2. When did you decide fashion is your thing?
To be honest, last year. I didn’t talk about it much but 2016 was one of the worst years of my life in every aspect. The blog was the only bright spot and so I poured myself into it. Then I realized I was truly my happiest when I was styling outfits and talking/writing about fashion. People would tell me that it was like I lit up inside whenever I spoke about it. That’s when I decided right then and there that I would transition my career to fashion and leave data analysis for good. So I did.

3. What’s your must have wardrobe staple?
Crewneck t-shirts. I seriously live in them and I have at least 20. They go with everything. Hanes men’s t-shirts are my favorites and I buy like 6 at a time. Never enough.

4. How can I seriously get as cool as you?
I’m really not that cool. You can ask my younger sister😏

5. Where did you get those pants? (most asked)
I got them from my girl Fancy Success’s clothing boutique. They’re everything! I purposely unbuttoned the bottom 3-4 buttons to add drama and so y’all can see my shoes😉

6. How did you become such a successful blogger?
I would say it was when I decided to focus on my own proverbial grass and not focus on anyone else’s. Also, I stopped focusing on my numbers. As long as I was happy with my content, that’s all that mattered. Everyone tries to give you advice about how to grow your Instagram and other things but you have to figure out what’s best for YOU. In other words, I do what I want, when I want, and I answer to no one but myself. And my receipts speak for themselves #BLOOP

7. What is your key to confidence?
Not caring at all what everyone else thinks or does. Turning 30 definitely helped with that too (I’m 32 by the way). Wear and do whatever makes YOU happy because not everyone is going to like you anyway.

8. Do you ever find yourself in an Instagram rut? If so, how do you get out of it?
Oh, definitely! That’s usually when I either take a break from the ‘gram or post a picture of Dexter😂

9. How do you bridge the gap between edgy and classic?
I buy trendy pieces that can be easily incorporated into my wardrobe. My wardrobe is mostly neutral and classic pieces for a reason. It’s extremely versatile! Also, you have to know yourself and your personal style. For example, if you know you’ll never wear white ankle boots, don’t buy any. It’s that simple. Finally, there’s a fine line between edgy and tacky. Some people try too hard to be edgy (i.e. trying to wear every trend in one outfit) and end up looking a hot mess. Less is more in my opinion.

10. Who are your favorite influencers/style crushes?
Kahlana Barfield Brown is my biggest style crush of all time. She always gets it right and is effortlessly chic. Seriously. Look her up. North of Manhattan is my best friend in my head. She just gets me and is a total sweetheart. Brooklyn Blonde’s style is timeless and flawlessly executed. She was one of the first bloggers I followed when I first got Instagram in 2012 and had no idea what a fashion blogger was. Style Pantry is just everything. I have no words. She just slays every day. And she has a banging body at 40 and after 3 kids #goals

11. What are your fashion essentials that you can’t live without?
A bold red lip (Red Lizard by NARS is my go-to), a killer pair of pointed toe pumps, a black blazer, Hanes tees (men’s shirts are way softer), a great fitting pair of blue jeans (my wedgie fit Levi’s are lyfe), oversized sunnies, and a black satchel which screams boss babe (cue my YSL Cabas).

12. What inspired you to start your blog?
I started taking mirror selfies of my daily outfits in 2012 to show my family and friends what I was wearing that day to inspire them. I thought about starting a blog then but I didn’t. In 2015, I finally decided to be a legit fashion blogger instead of an insta-blogger. I came up with the name with the help of some friends, bought the domain, and hired a web designer to build my site. And there was no turning back after that so then I started taking photos and writing. The rest is history.

13. What’s your go-to for online and offline shopping?
Online is definitely ASOS and Nordstrom. I order from them at least twice per month (usually shoes). Offline (lately) has been J.Crew. Yes, I currently work there but the fall collection has been lit. I’ve never wanted so many pieces from them! And I’m by NO means preppy. But when I’m not at J.Crew I shop at H&M and Zara for the most part. I don’t shop for clothes very often though.

I had a blast answering all of your questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know (but were afraid to ask), shoot me an email. I’ll definitely answer it!

xoxo, CCB

Photography: Elliott Alexander