Fashion Beauty Friend Friday: Seeing the world through a blogger's lens

This week's Fashion Beauty Friend Friday questions were suggested by Suze of Miss Vinyl Ahoy. They focus on the ways being a fashion blogger has influenced your personal style. As I just passed my six month blogiversary I've spent a bit of time reflecting on the ways in which blogging has changed me, both in regards to my personal style and the way I view fashion and trends. I really enjoyed this week's questions and look forward to reading everyone's responses on Modly Chic.

1.      Since you began blogging, do you notice a change in the types of things you gravitate towards while shopping?

Not only has my style changed since I began blogging, but the environment in which I shop in has changed too. For awhile, I stuck to mall and discount stores for my clothes and accessories, tending towards a slightly conservative look in a muted palette. Blogging has changed all of that. It encouraged me to revisit my love for thrift stores and look for clothes that are unique. I also have a renewed interest in being creative when getting dressed, pairing items together than I would have avoided in the past. There's also the fact that I give thought to how garments will look when photographed, leading me to chose interesting patterns and bold colors. Blogging has led me to be much more courageous and individual in my clothing choices, and I'm so thankful for it.

2.      Do you find, as a fashion blogger, that you dress differently from your family and friends? Do they comment on that?

I've almost always dressed differently than my family. In high school I bought most of my clothes secondhand, and enjoyed the contrast between my family's conservative tastes and my shabby vintage clothes. I dyed my hair and wore ripped jeans and super short skirts and Doc Martins. They preferred designer clothes with recognizable labels and logos, but were supportive of my taste.

In my late twenties, after I gave birth to my children, I felt pressure to dress more conservatively and went through a phase where I turned towards designer clothes. I have a closet full of high-end jeans, expensive handbags and shoes...all that I never wear. Truthfully, when I wore these items, I never quite felt like I was expressing who I was. I was dressing to fit in and be accepted, and wore what I thought I was supposed to given my role as suburban mom. When I returned to thrifting I immediately felt much more like me. Now, my tattoos have been an adjustment for my family to accept, but over time they've learned to look past them.

3.      What’s the weirdest fashion that you secretly like, even if you aren’t bold enough to wear it?

I have always, always wanted pink hair. I daydream of pink streaks and have coveted brightly colored hair for as long as I can remember. I just can't seem to bring myself to get it done. Because of my age (about to turn 37!) I worry I'll look ridiculous. I worry about how it would look again my red pixie. And I end up talking myself out of it. But there will always be a part of me that covets pink hair.

4.      Looking at current trends – what would you like to try but need to build up the courage to do?

I honesty can't think of anything I feel the need to build up courage to try. I conquered my fear of maxi skirts and bold color blocking this season, and those were the only fashion goals I had. I'm just going to enjoy giving my own interpretation to trends and wearing clothes I feel pretty and comfortable in.

5.      Toot someone’s horn – what fashion blogger out there inspires you with her bold fashion choices? 

Erin immediately comes to mind - I have always admired her fearless, completely individual take on fashion. She's really encouraged me to break out of the box.