Lately, I’ve been hooked Carlinn’s blog Superficial Girls. She’s a local (Cape Town Girl) blogger who posts outfit blogs, almost every day. If she’s not posting her outfit photo’s she showing her fave beauty products, DIY fashion accessorizing projects and well, just about everything in between!
Her blog is vibrant, crisp and clean and her photos are amazeballs! Her style is fun, sophisticated and girly, plus she’s pretty to boot! I just knew that I had to feature Carlinn in my first Front Row with… series, which will be a weekly series here on StyleScoop, going behind the scenes of people living and working in the fashion, beauty and style world.
Enjoy the first installment…
How did you get started in fashion blogging?
When we moved overseas three and a half years ago, I felt like I needed to do something other than just go to the beach (we lived on an island), so I started a lifestyle blog that turned into a beauty blog then evolved into more fashion with a sprinkle of beauty decor and food.
You have such beautiful photographs on your blog. Do you have a professional who takes them or do you take them yourself?
I am lucky enough to have a boyfriend that does photography and is willing to take photos of me almost every day. I have a Canon 550D and my boyfriend has a Canon 7D, we share 4 lenses as well as tripods, lights and all sorts of other photography goodies. It is an expensive but rewarding hobby! I love using Photoshop filters on some of my outfit posts to give them a vintage feel, but I mostly just play with the levels to get the picture crisp and clear.
What does the average day in the life of a fashion blogger look like? What do you do, where do you go?
I usually scout for ideas and locations in the mornings and then take outfit photos later when I am out and about. I then edit the photos that night to use for the next days post, or if I have time, then the same day. It doesn’t seem like it, but filming, photographing editing uploading etc takes up a lot of time!
Where do you buy most of your clothes from? Any fashion label loves?
I used to buy most of my clothes from ASOS and Boohoo, two UK online sites when I lived in Malta and of course Zara and New Look, which were a five minute walk away from my apartment. Locally I love Mr Price for trendy pieces, Luella for shoes and Forever New for all things pretty!
You have a real flair for colour blocking. Tell us what’s the secret to pulling off the colour blocking trend with style?
If you are going to attempt colour blocking try and keep the details of your outfit to a minimum with plain cuts, otherwise you might look like a circus clown or exotic bird! I would suggest starting off with one or two base colours like pink and orange for example and mix it with a neutral like white or cream.
I can tell by your Look of the Day that you’re a real jacket girl. Tell me, honestly, how many pairs of jackets do you own?
I only recently started getting in to jackets and then went on a crazy jacket buying spree! I have about 15 jackets in all colors mostly from Zara. They have the best jackets!
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I love my pink blazer from Zara as you can throw it on over a plain top and jeans and the outfit will pop! I also love my camel Zara one with leopard cuffs because it seems to go with everything!
I see you also love shoes – which woman doesn’t? Tell me, do you know how many pairs you own and what’s your fave pair?
I tried to not buy a lot of shoes when we were living overseas as I knew I had to bring them back to SA when we moved back and shipping is so expensive, but I managed to bring about 40 pairs over with me after giving loads away!
My favourite pair is by Kandee shoes and it it has clear, light yellow, light pink and light turquoise stripes. It is so different and looks like pastel ice cream and I always get loads of compliments when I wear them.
What are your five key clothing items this summer and how would you wear them?
- Wedges – These are great with cute summer dresses for cocktails and shorts for a more casual look
- Bright blazer – Great to spruce up any outfit day or night. Wear with skinny jeans or pretty white dress
- Stripe dress – Nautical or candy stripe anything goes whether it is a maxi dress or 60’s shape these are super hot for summer with some high platforms or wedges.
- Animal print camisole – I think this should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe and it is perfect to pair with lots of gold accessories for hot summer evenings
- Gold chunky necklace or bangles – Go glam this summer and wear some bold chunky gold jewellery either dressed down or for a night out.
What are you beauty must haves?
Bronzer (don’t tan your face!) and a good gel eyeliner which is something I just cant live without!
What do you always carry in your handbag?
Powder and lipstick and a little mirror.
Signature perfume?
Gucci Rush for evening and Chanel Chance for daytime
Signature lip colour?
I love MAC Vegas Volt, Revlon Renewist Cherry Desirable and MNY Material Girl. I am so into bold lips for summer!
Favourite nail colour for Summer?
I own quite a few Models Own polishes and I would have to say Top Turquoise is a perfect summer colour.
Which fashion bloggers inspire you?
I have been an avid follower of Chiara (The Blonde Salad) since she started and I also love Atlantic Pacifics quirky style!
For more great pics, style and to follow Carlinn, visit her blog www.superficialgirls.com
