Today on Fabulous & Fearless Feature I m very excited to introduce Vanessa. She is one of the first bloggers I started following. She is a true fashionista with unique and edgy style who has been a huge inspiration. In the Fall of 2010, Vanessa began writing fashion articles for FACTIO Magazine which ultimately led to the idea of her amazing blog – What Would V Wear. I hope you enjoy getting to know Vanessa as much as I did.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Vanessa, but my friends call me “Vanis”. I have been fashion conscious since my early childhood. At the tender age of three I could already be found walking around in elaborate dresses, which certainly paved my way as a little fashionista.
I was born and raised in Europe hence I was exposed to a variety of artistry and cultures that I now incorporate in my fashion and own style mantra. My enduring fascination with fashion led me to the creation of extravagance designs; and to wear clothing that is beyond the mainstream.
Do you think there is a difference between “fashion” and “style”?
I certainly do, yes. Fashion is the relationship to the external, meaning “What’s out there?!”, “What’s new?!”, etc. Fashion distracts, style connects. Style is something that you either have or not. It comes from within. You don’t always have to have the latest fashion in order to be considered stylish. You need to find your own voice. Style is a way to create a closer relationship with yourself.
If you were a fashion designer, what style of clothing or accessories would you design?
I love this question since I am actually a fashion designer. I graduated with honors and received my Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design in 2010. I’m currently working on a line coming out this summer. I’ve been recognized for my polished mix of sharp, clean lines and intelligent tailoring in the Chicago area.
What advice could you give to someone aspiring to get into blogging and world of fashion?
Be authentic and be patient. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Be dedicated and work hard. Also, don’t compare yourself to other bloggers – it will only discourage you. Always focus on yourself and find ways to stand out!
What is your favorite thing about your chosen career? Why?
Firstly, it means that I have a lot of clothes to wear. I remember always searching for special clothes that would suit me in color, fit, etc. but I didn’t always find them, so for me, being a fashion designer is first and foremost my ability to design clothes for myself that will express my own individuality, and of course, the ability to share them with all of you. However, my actual full-time job is in the Governmental Services field which I also love! I work with a wonderful team, and I couldn’t be happier to be in a position that allows me to pursue other interests as well, such as fashion.
What advice could you give to someone who wants to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin?
It all starts with thinking positively. If you want to feel comfortable in your own skin, then you have to start thinking about the best thing that can happen to you instead of always expecting the worst. Any time you catch yourself thinking negatively, fight your negative thoughts with at least two or three positive ones. Make an effort to rationalize your negative thoughts away and to expect good things to happen to you; the more you expect good things to happen, the more they will.
Further, make it an effort to develop confidence. Confidence comes from within, and developing your confidence means feeling good about who you are, where you are, and what you have to bring to the table.Developing confidence may take a lifetime but you can start NOW to make a commitment to start changing the way you feel about yourself.
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
To never give up, and that God always comes first.
If you didn’t need to work for income, what would you do with your time?
I’d be blogging all day! LOL
No, I would spend more time with my family and travel the world together.
You have a beautiful son, how do you manage blogging, working and motherhood?
Thank you. My son just turned 3 and he’s a lot of fun! My son, Kingston, is usually with me when I have my photo shoots. He always makes me laugh which is why you see me laughing/smiling so much! To manage it all I think it truly depends on a great support system which would be my husband in my case. He’s my biggest help and supporter and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for him. Also, time management is super important. My days are literally structured to every single minute of a day which helps me and my family tremendously.
Vanessa, Thank you so much for sharing your answers with me and Letters to LALA land.
You can follow Vanessa and What Would V Wear on Instagram , Twitter & Facebook
*all images of Vanessa provided by WhatwouldVwear.com and Vanessa
*all images of Vanessa provided by WhatwouldVwear.com and Vanessa
