Elizabeth Ramsey began her blog, Natty Gal, as a personal means for creative expression. When some of her friends found her blog online, they encouraged her to promote it publicly, and at the beginning of 2017, she did just that. Ramsey chatted with us about starting her blog, finding inspiration and sharing style advice.
What made you decide to start blogging?
Fashion has been an interest from early on! I even started out studying fashion merchandising while at Kent State but switched to marketing/business management as a more versatile option. Life rolled on, and I found myself working in health care consulting when a side gig popped up with then start-up Keaton Row (an online personal styling service). Styling for Keaton Row’s clients really reignited my passion for creative expression.
When Keaton Row downsized, I started blogging as way to replace that creative outlet but kept it completely private. Learning about WordPress and the backend blogging process was incredibly interesting, and I enjoyed writing about fashion, lifestyle and travel interests. Nearly a year into it, a couple friends came across NattyGal.com organically and were surprised that I’d never mentioned working on it. They convinced me to go public towards the start of 2017!
What advice would you give to someone just starting a lifestyle or fashion blog?
It’s never too early to build your audience! Start forming relationships with other bloggers in your niche and work to grow an engaged network of subscribers. If your hope is to blog as a source of side (or even full-time) income, these two variables are integral to your long-term success. Be true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to revamp a few times until you find that perfect mix between your expertise and the needs of your readers. Keep taking small steps forward. Blogging is not an “overnight success” sort of endeavor for most of us.
Where do you find inspiration for your posts?
So many places! In a very broad sense, from nature, travel and artwork. More tangibly, other bloggers, magazines and social sites like Pinterest and Instagram all offer great inspiration. Reader feedback inspires some posts as well!
How would you describe your personal style?
Simple and classic pieces are always what I’ve gravitated toward. I love a sense of timelessness! It’s the quality that makes photos of classic style icons like Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn so hard to date. Also, with a strong foundation of classics, you can easily transform a look to meet different moods or styles. For instance, a pair of mid-rise, trim cut ankle pants without a lot of embellishment can be paired with a flowy floral top and fringed sandals for a Bohemian feel, or can be paired with a leather shell and stud embellished heel or clutch for a more edgy, metropolitan vibe.
What is the best piece of style advice you've ever received?
May I share three?
1) “Wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.” My interpretation of this is that your clothing should reflect and complement the person you are inside. We’ve all come across someone that’s been over styled or is trying too hard. Ultimately, we want others to remember US not a caricature that we’ve created.
2) Invest in classics; save on trends.
3) A smile is your best accessory!
Read more at Natty Gal.
