Blog Spotlight: Blame it on Barneys

Cleveland fashion Blog Spotlight: Blame it on Barneys

Lauren Letizio recently moved her family - and her well-established fashion blog, Blame it on Barneys - from San Diego to Cleveland. She was kind enough to chat with us via email about starting a blog, creating good content and how moving to Cleveland has changed her.

See what she had to say:

What made you decide to start blogging? 

I've always had a really creative side, and I've had blogs in the past prior to my personal style blog, Blame it on Barneys. After going to NY during NYFW one year, I was inspired by all the bloggers doing their thing. I thought, "I could do this!" So I went home and started Blame it on Barneys the very next day! 

Also, prior to blogs being a super popular thing, my best friend and I always thought that it would be so fun to document our daily outfits so we can look back one day and see what was "in style" at the time. So in a sense, this is a way for me to do just that - document all the fun styles and give me something to look back on one day. 

What advice would you give to someone just starting a lifestyle or fashion blog?

My advice would be to take it seriously and be consistent. I've talked to so many people who want to start a blog and never do, or they'll start it and quit after a couple of months because they don't see the results they want right away. If you are serious about having a blog, then treat it like you already have a readership and following who are looking to you for fashion or lifestyle content. Eventually after creating GOOD content, your people will find you and you'll start to build a community. It definitely takes time and persistence and you'll want to quit, but if you keep pushing through, you'll usually see the most growth after those hard times. 

Where do you find inspiration for your posts?

I look to a lot of different places for inspiration - vintage clothing, European fashion magazines, and Pinterest are a few of my go-to's when I'm looking for inspiration. It's easy to get in a rut or feel burnt out if you're posting a lot and consuming a lot of other blogger's content. When I feel like that I try to take a step back from social media and get re-inspired by going to the thrift store or a vintage clothing boutique and finding something unique to style. 

How would you describe your personal style?

I think my personal style would best be described as trendy minimalism with an edge. I also love to combine flirty elements with edgy elements - think a flowy skirt with combat boots, or on the contrary a leather skirt with a fuzzy knit. I say minimalism because I don't really wear a lot of color - I tend to stick to black, white, and gray, and then sometimes I'll throw in a fun print or a bold-colored top. 

How does living in Cleveland influence your style and blog? How does that differ from when you were living in California?

I honestly don't know if moving to Cleveland has influenced my personal style as of yet. I do feel that Cleveland has more of a city vibe than San Diego did and we get some great shots here because of all the cool architecture downtown. I'm also having to incorporate a lot more layers due to the weather, so that's something new for me. 

What is the best piece of style advice you've ever received? 

Dress for you, not anyone else. This is easier said than done because a lot of us are easily influenced by our friends, family or peers. I've even noticed myself toning down my style when I'm going around certain people, but that really takes the fun out of being you. I always try to make a point to wear what I love, no matter who I'm going to be around or what they might think. If I stay true to my personal style preferences, then I am going to be comfortable in my clothes no matter where I am.

 

Follow Lauren at Blame it on Barneys.

Monday, December 10, 2018