Learning from a Pro

Blogging about fashion has never really interested me. In fact, the very idea has intimidated me. I’ve often wondered who would care about my thoughts, why would people listen to my ideas, and what would make me unique in an unending sea of bloggers. However, after exploring various blogs I learned that you have to be fearless and express what is meaningful to you, even if it is contrary to the mainstream. With that in mind I’m ready for this new experience, of course after I scout out some pointers from well established blogs.

My search has lead to me to the four year old Garance Doré blog, the namesake of its 34 year old writer. She is a French illustrator that provides her readers with international scoops on what is hot in her native Paris, New York, London, Milan, and even on occasion Barcelona. Her blog is refreshing to me as she sometimes gives an “outsider’s” perspective on American trends and practices. For example, while at a fashion show during New York’s fashion week, she couldn’t understand why Mary-Kate Olsen would hide behind large black sunglasses. She believes that when in such public environments, you are meant to be recognized.

In her blog, Doré also conveys a down to earth vibe, nothing is pretentious. She cleverly intertwines her personality and daily activities in her posts about new finds and trends. In one entry, for example, she begins by stating “In New York I was seduced by the Rag & Bone show. So I went and took a stroll through their showroom…..” Her posts fall into different categories including Beauté, Dressing, Illustrations, and Street Style Photos. There are several more, but the one draw back to some of these entries is that they are not updated routinely, sometimes leaving readers in the dark. Though I am just starting out I know the importance of the timeliness.

In Beauté, Doré discloses popular street trends in hairstyles, hair colors and make-up. Similarly, in Dressing she reports on unique dress practices she encounters on a daily basis. In Illustrations, Doré provides her readers with a window into her creative mind displaying her youthful fashion sketches. The Street Style Photos is my favorite category because she skillfully captures the mystique of street style in the fashion capitals of the world. Whether it be of a woman on her way to work in London, a friendly encounter with a native Barcelonan, or a fashionista taking a walk in a Parisian Park you can somehow decode their story through their clothing, which underlines her theme: free expression.

Here is a link to Garance Doré's blog http://www.garancedore.fr/en/