For this month's Spotlight On I am featuring the lovely PinkBow. Now this is a blog I have long loved and is constantly providing inspiration to improve my own! The lady behind the blog is the sweetest girl, which I think always comes across and makes the blog a delight to read. Her photography is also excellent providing a visual treat. She's a total Francophile and always looks sophisticated whether she is in a simple and chic outfit or a fabulous vintage frock, so let's get to know her...
I love how the branding across your blog is so strong and cohesive under the theme of 'PinkBow', how did the name come about?
Thank you. It is actually made up of my own name. When I first started out, I didn't want my name coming up on any google searches (and still don't!), so came up with a pseudonym for myself. Then when I had my blog re-designed, I had a very clear idea of how I wanted to 'build my brand', focussing on the name itself to tie in with the design.
What inspired you to start blogging and has your motivation to carry on changed at all?
I suppose like a lot of other bloggers, I started reading other blogs. The first I came across was Style Bubble and I've been hooked ever since. I've always been quite creative and this seems like the perfect creative space as I am able to encompass all of my interests in one place. I definitely think my blog has evolved, it changes as I do, which I think is completely natural. I continue to be as inspired now as when I first started as I am always finding new things to be inspired by. I suppose when that stops, it will be time to stop blogging.
What were the hardest challenges to solve or work around in your early blogging days?
I think it was definitely a lot quieter 3 years ago than it is now, there are so many more blogs around, sometimes it feels a little overwhelming how many there actually are. I very much felt in the early days that I was purely posting for myself as I had such a low readership. I think the biggest challenge for me was getting my blog to look the way I wanted it to. I had no knowledge of HTML whatsoever and I began to feel a lot more confident once I was happy with the design.
What or who do you look to for style inspiration?
There are so many, stars from a by-gone era, such as the leading ladies in Godard's films. Or just regular people on the street and featured in blogs and the predictable trend-setters like Alexa Chung and Zooey Deschanel.
Do you have a favourite era in fashion?
I have a few - the roaring 20's for the amazing flapper style and decadence; the 50's style in those amazing Technicolor films and the late 50's/early 60's for the Beat Generation.
Do you feel your style has evolved at all since you began blogging?
I've been a fashion/style lover since I was a little girl and I think it is a natural process anyway for personal style to evolve. I would say that my style has always been relatively classic but I look for quirky details. I don't think too much about following a style but rather I buy pieces I love and they all somehow seem to fit together.
What's your favourite nail polish?
Oh, I have so many! I am an absolute nail polish addict but anything by Chanel is good. Current favourites are bright fuschia or coral.
I find your photography really inspiring and it makes me work to improve my own! Do you have any top tips for getting a fantastic photograph?
Thank you! I think the most important thing in photography is light. So shoot in as much natural light as possible. Also for me, I prefer a slightly cloudy/overcast day as the light provides a more natural look I think than shadows and glare caused by the sun.
What would your dream afternoon tea comprise of? And on what crockery?
Oh, I love Afternoon Tea! One of my favourite things to do, I love trying new places as I have such a sweet-tooth. I think my favourite so far has to be the (rather predictable) Laduree. The pastel pastacchio green and rose pink theme with silver cutlery/teapots etc is just perfect. It's so feminine, French and traditional - these are the components for the perfect tea. And their sweets are so divine, they somehow manage to create a very individual taste, that is very much their own. Here are some of my Laduree posts -
A close second would be Claridges in London. And I'm always on the hunt for new places...so any suggestions would be welcome!
What is the very best thing from your blogging experience?
I think it is the chance to connect with people from around the world. There are so many people I have 'met' who have the same interests as me which I don't find so much in my everyday life. Also, I think to be recognised by some big brands and being able to work with them is pretty amazing too.
What's the best piece of blogging advice you've been given and would you like to add some wisdom of your own?
I don't think I've ever been given any blogging advice, I've very much learned for myself along the way. I think longevity is key as well as good content. Blog only about what you are passionate about and try to make it as good as possible. So if photography is your thing, learn about how to make it better. Also, blog for the right reasons, because you love it and not to gain followers and popularity - that will come with time if you have something really good to offer.
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