Hi , could you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I'm Sara, a 25-year-old aspiring writer living in New York, who loves YA books, watching too much TV, and going on Instagram.
Can you tell us about your blog, and what inspired you to start it?
My blog, Sincerely, Sara, is about my style, books, outfits inspired by books, movies, and TV, what I read, my life, and what I'm inspired by. I started it because someone told me a writer should have a blog, but when I first started writing it three years ago I had no idea what I wanted it to be about. But I decided to blog about my two favorite things: style and books!
How would you describe your own personal style?
I would say my style is colorful and comfortable. I like wearing bright colors and fun prints, like florals and polka dots, but I wear a lot of cardigans, jeans, fit and flare dresses, and flats because I like being comfy.
What do you think will be the big hits fashion wise for next season?
Fringe, slip-on sneakers, and wide leg jeans seem to be everywhere right now.
Where do you tend to buy your clothes, and why?
I'm not in grad school anymore, but I'm still on a grad school budget, so my favorite places to shop are Forever 21, Old Navy, Loft, Kohls, and American Eagle Outfitters because they have cute clothes and almost always have a sale.
What do you spurge on? (spend a lot of money on)
I try not to spend a lot of money on anything in particular really, but last year I splurged on a DSLR camera and a lens. I'm willing to splurge on beauty items from Sephora that I really love, like my favorite Stila eyeliner and Benefit mascara.
Do shops and advertisers send you samples of their goods to feature?
Yes, sometimes, but I always make sure that I only write about products that I would actually use, that are budget-friendly, and that I think my readers would like to know about. I have no problem saying that I don't like something, and I have in the past.
Do you have any fashion rules when putting an outfit together?
Nope! I mix black and blue, I wear gold with silver, I mix prints. I think fashion is more fun when you disregard fashion "rules."
Where do you find the inspiration for your blog posts?
Anywhere and everywhere: Pinterest, other bloggers, TV shows, movies, quotes, Instagram, magazines, and books.
Is there a person that is a fashion inspiration to you?
Oh my god, there are so many people that inspire me fashion-wise. On the internet, my blogger friends are some of the most fashionable people I know, and in real life, my mom is the one who inspires me to dress how I like and be me.
What’s your next fashion must have?
I really want a pair of printed slip-on sneakers for my adventures around town this summer.
Who does your amazing photography?
I take all of my photography myself. To take outfit pictures, I use a tripod and camera remote. I'll be honest, it did take some getting used to. You press the remote and have to pose but still look natural, and sometimes people see you taking pictures, so it can be awkward, but it's also a lot of fun.
What is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?
I think the biggest challenge is sometimes feeling like you're always competing with other fashion bloggers. Do I have the best content? Do I wear the newest clothes? Does my site look interesting? It can be tough, but if you take a step back and just blog for yourself it's very freeing and less challenging.
What do you love most about blogging?
I love that blogging has connected me to people all over the world. I've met so many fantastic people through blogging, some of which I've got to meet in real life. Blogging really is a community.
Where do you see your blog in the next five years?
To be perfectly honest, I have no idea where I see my blog in five years. I hope I'm still blogging and I hope that my blog turns into something more, but what that more is I don't know right now.
Thank you Sara for taking the time to share and connect with all the readers of Fashionista Smile worldwide.
Visit her blog, and follow Sara Strauss along the journey on the diverse social networks, you will love what you will see.
(Courtesy Sincerely, Sara - Press Office)