Interview With A Fashion Blogger
Last month, we gave Sian from Rebel Angel blog an opportunity to update one of our ugly dresses and transform it into something beautiful that suited her. And she did an amazing job!
So we thought we would catch up with her, and talk to her about who she is and what she does!
Questions about you.
Tell us a bit about your average day.
My average week day isn’t particularly exciting because of work, so I’ll go for a relaxing weekend day instead!
I’ve never been an early bird, but I’ve recently got a bit better at getting up earlier but I’m still not great at making the most of my mornings – they’ll mostly involve a bit of faffing around on social media and tidying up. If I’ve got a whole day free at home, I’ll usually get started on a sewing project later on (I’m a little bit addicted to bra making right now) with a favourite movie soundtrack playing in the background (currently Saving Mr Banks). A Saturday in for me usually means cooking something more exciting for tea than the usual, such as a lamb vindaloo or slow cooked pulled pork. In the evenings, I like to sit down and relax in front of the TV and a favourite murder mystery, and I’ll try to set aside some time to have a bath and read.
Do you have any specific goals for the rest of this year?
My goals this year aren’t very specific – I’m just hoping to improve as a person in general. For me this means focusing on my health and fitness, as I can be really lazy about that, so I’m doing lots of yoga and the occasional gym workout. It also means keeping on top of things at home, such as cleaning and finances – I’ve done a big wardrobe clear out recently so I’m focusing on buying more investment pieces.
What would be your dream job?
My dream job is pretty much what I do now! I work in digital marketing and outreach on a daily basis with bloggers and influencers as well as content writing. The only thing that could make it better would be having more fashion related clients!
One person you would love to meet?
So I imagine most people might pick out a famous fashion icon or historical figure, so mine might seem a little odd: I’d love to meet Rick Stein! I’m a massive fan of his TV programmes and books, and actually I “met” him very briefly when we visited his restaurant last year, although didn’t get a chance to talk. I think he sounds like the kind of person you could have a really interesting conversation with all about his travels and work.
Questions about blogging.
Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?
My blog is Rebel Angel – it’s a personal style and lifestyle blog. I started out back in 2010 not really knowing what the whole blogging thing was about, then it quickly morphed into a place where I shared my daily outfits which I tend to describe as classic with a vintage and retro twist. Nowadays I don’t get the chance to share as many outfits due to time, but I still like to when I can. As I’ve got older, I’ve also started sharing more about my life too – how we’re decorating our home, what books I’m reading and what I’m sewing.
What is your favourite bit about blogging?
I love a lot of things about blogging – it’s hard to choose! I’ve always loved writing, so having a platform that’s all my own to do that is amazing. I love the opportunities that blogging has given me – in fact, I got my job because of it! And I love interacting with people who are of a similar mind set to me all around the world through blogging.
How active are you on a weekly basis? How often do you communicate with your followers?
I’m all over the place with how active I am in blogging! I try to blog at least once a week, but I go through times where I’m blogging every day for a several weeks. I’m constantly on social media though and love chatting to followers daily.
Is blogging your profession or just a hobby?
It’s a bit of both for me! While I work full time, it’s sometimes an extension of blogging as I work with friends I know in the blogging world, but I also like to keep some aspects of blogging more to my personal life so that it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Questions about fashion.
What is your favourite thing about vintage fashion?
I love that vintage fashion is seen as unique. I am definitely influenced by current trends, but I am always inspired by vintage ones too – mixing the two together gives you the opportunity to create a look that’s all your own.
What is your favourite item of clothing?
This changes almost weekly for me – I’m a fickle soul with clothing! Currently I love a big oversized woolly jumper that I recently found, but once the weather warms up, I’m sure I’ll swap back to one of my old favourite retro style dresses – I have one that I bought from a high street store about 7 years ago that I love and that comes out every summer without fail. I guess that’s probably my favourite!
Who was your first style icon?
I didn’t really get into fashion until I’d started blogging, so I was a bit late to the style icon party! Random one, but I did always love Emma Pillsbury’s fun and retro inspired looks on Glee.
Favourite fashion magazine?
Nowadays I don’t really read fashion magazines any more, aside from sewing ones! Back when I used to read them, I’d have said Glamour, but now I tend to read blogs instead as I find them more realistic and relatable than magazines.
Click here to see the "before" ugly dress blog post.
Click here to see the "after" ugly dress blog post.