Babe Behind the Blog: The Styling Dutchman

Hi lovelies. Here is one of my new features (more which I will get around to in the coming Easter break). Just a bunch of random questions I'll be asking some of my favourite bloggers. I'll try and make it as regular as possible, either monthly or fortnightly depending on how it goes. Enjoy.

This weeks Babe Behind the Blog is none other than the lovely Annebeth from The Styling Dutchman. I first noticed Annebeth on Chictopia, (check it out here) her outfits kept popping up on my radar and I just loved every one of them. She has a very feminine/retro style and mixes and matches every item in her wardrobe so perfectly. I can honestly say I'd probably love to wear every outfit she's ever posted.

What made you start a blog?

I guess I wanted "in" on that thing all those awesome blogger girls seemed to have! I wanted to know what it felt like to blog, to see if my writing and style were any good, and to share my interests with awesome people from around the globe. I always loved dressing up and clothes, so discovering outfitblogs was an epiphany to me. On one hand it took some getting used to the fact that people apparently were putting so much "out there", but on the other hand I totally understood and wanted to try it for myself. Creating something, having a blog of your own ... it feels very special. Like a html version of your self (or at least aspects of your self).

How would you describe your style?

There have always been feminine influences and a bit of quirk to the way I dressed, but the longer I'm "into" fashion, the more I seem to travel towards timeless classics, retro influences (especially 50s-60s) and all of that rolled up in an innocent girliness, without losing track of sophistication. I dress girly, not childish. Oh, and I love color and prints!

What do you do when you're not blogging?

Reading stuff on the internet, studying for school, hanging out with friends, being a dork, watching movies, cleaning up, watching cooking shows, eating or all of the above.

Who are some of your style icons?

UhmMmMMmMMMmm this is so hard! Okey if I had to name ONE ultimate style icon, it would definitely be Lolita Haze(the one from Nabokov's book). Of course a book hardly offers us a lot of visual stimuli, but her personality, the way she carries herself, that mix of precociousness and childlike wonder, of modesty and flirtation, of boldness and vulnerability: that is something I never want to lose. I want to embody it in my personality and wear it on my sleeve, so to speak. I always dress to express.

And Peggy Olson! Every time that chick walks into a room during a scene of Mad Men, I go OOOOOH I want that outfit! Except when she was pregnant.

What items could you not live without?

My laptop, a big bag to carry all my stuffs and my hot water bottle, because I always get cold feet at night.  I have no idea what I would do without these items.

First ever fashion memories?

I clearly remember getting a flamenco doll on a vacation to Spain with my mom when I was about 3 or 4 years old. The best thing was that I got a MATCHING DRESS! I loved that dress so much.  See me wearing it on a Spanish beach here: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5588179441_69944af6ed_b.jpg

Most shameful fashion moments?

I will NEVER be ashamed of something I wore. Fashion doesn't make sense anyway, so how could anyone tell you the difference between right and wrong? My most shameful fashion moment was the moment where I didn't dare to be myself.

Favourite stores to shop?

T2 (vintage store in Antwerp), ASOS, H&M, Zara, River Island, New Look, Pimkie: anywhere cheap :-D

Any advice for wannabe bloggers?

Don't try to emulate other bloggers, just find the things that YOU love and share them with the world. I love a blog that clearly has its own personality. And do it for yourself, because you love it, not to get loads of followers!

 

 

Thanks so much again to Annebeth for being my first interviewee. 

I loved reading your honest answers as I'm sure everyone else did.