As a Gen Z, we have had to deal with the abundance of criticism that we're lazy, entitled, and narcissistic, but there's a much more creative side to our generation that allows fashion to be in it's most prominent stage yet. More and more people are inspired by fashion, what people wear, how they wear it, and more importantly what message it sends. With this new era also comes with the new era of technology and being able to post what you think about something in an instant. Welcome to the era of the fashion blogger, and welcome to my first interview with my gorgeous friend Nicola from 'The Blonde & Co'.
SSS: Firstly, for people that don’t know who you are and what your blog is about. Can you give them a little insight into what it’s all about?
My name is Nicola Burton, I am a 20-year-old little Aussie. I’m currently completing a double degree in Commerce and Public relations; however, my interests lie within fashion. My blog, originally The Tipsy Blonde, now The Blonde & Co (will explain later) is a commentary on global fashion and the Canberra fashion scene from my perspective. I spent most of last year in Europe studying many different elements of the fashion industry – this is where my blog was born. An assignment in class, in Florence, has boomed and grown into an expanding platform for me to share all things industry related. From Tipsy nights at Milan fashion week, hence the name, The Tipsy Blond, to collaborations back home in Canberra, now The blonde & co. as I’m keen to grow a team.
When did you first realise fashion and it’s industry was important to you?
I think it has always been a big part of me and who I am. Growing up I was a feral little army brat who spent her days outside in the bush and her nights sketching dresses and playing “fashion parades”. As I grew up I think I really grew into my love for fashion and creativity and who I always wanted to be.
What’s a certain style that you believe will never go out of fashion?
The Blazer. I think it’s a timeless, sophisticated piece. It gives such a powerful yet elegant silhouette and can be worn in an endless amount of ways. A blazer can take you form brunch, through work and out for drinks. A quality blazer is a worth investment.
Do you favor more of a natural or striking look with makeup when styling with clothes?
I am not a big makeup person. I really just work with the bare minimum I guess. I love to keep all my looks very dewy, gold, glowy and natural. If I was to add a pop of colour, I love a bold red lip. I think it can change the whole attitude and feel of an outfit while adding a level of sophistication and sexiness.
You’ve been very passionate about your skin lately, why now?
I guess I’ve never had an issue with it before, until now. So, it’s been a big focus of mine as I’m dealing with an all new situation. Who better to ask than Instagram, the response’s I’ve receive and advice I’ve been given has got me over a massive hurtle leaving me with soft clear skin once again.
What makes you feel most confident?
Clean and clear natural skin! I love feeling confident and amazing without any makeup or an outfit to assist. I don’t think you can really be confident in your style or look without loving what’s underneath first.
How important is social media to you and your blog?
When I created my blog as an assignment, we were to create social media accounts alongside it. Social media is where my audience comes from and without it my blog really wouldn’t exist and would certainly not have many readers. I’m able to reach so many more interested readers through social media and promotion so very important.
From one blogger to another do you feel like this is something you see yourself doing for a long time and what reward do get from it?
I hope so. Writing and writing about fashion is my favourite thing to do. I’m working hard to get my blog to a place where it could potentially be my full-time job and something that’ll send me around the world. I love to create and create with other brilliant creatives, especially when it comes to styling, design and writing. Helping others through styling sessions, tips and tricks and general advice brings me so much joy and is a big part of why I do what I do. I’m all about sharing my love for the industry and creating discussion and engagement about it - hoping that in my own little way I can shape a part of it.
Do you ever feel pressured in your career with such competition?
I do. A lot of the time I feel like I’m behind the eight ball. I want to be miles ahead and feel I’m not doing enough but I forget that I am only 20, still studying and gaining experience. The people I admire and aspire to be started where I am and worked there buts off to be where they are 10 years down the track so if I stay focused and work hard for what I want, I know I’ll get there in the end – just not tomorrow. I know I need to establish my own little niche, I don’t want to do what everyone else is doing - I’m doing my best to stay different and pave my own way. I have to keep reminding myself to stick with it and stay realistic about no gaining overnight fame. Rome wasn’t built in a day!
Is there a certain place you go to get your creative juices flowing or to concentrate on a piece?
I love a noisy place, so I don’t get too caught up in my thoughts and stuck in my head. A cafe is perfect as I love to people watch – look at people’s style, behavior and manner. Fashion is all about the person wearing it so watching how people act in their clothes I find fascinating and is excellent content material. I also love my writing chair/corner in my room. It’s just a beautiful spot where I’m cosy and comfortable and can really get in the creative mood. But otherwise anywhere around people as they are so inspiring, influential and at the root of the industry itself.
Fashion (especially) lately has been a way to announce political stances and to stand up for certain issues- whether that be on sustainable fashion, vegan clothing, political issues or a movement like stand up movement. Do you ever think about your clothing as a message?
Not so much. I don’t think I have a really bold message in what I wear. I have however got an issue with fast fashion and do my best to invest in quality pieces rather than buying cheap, easy and quick pieces which will find themselves in the bin after a couple of wears. On a student’s budget however this can be difficult. I loved Prabal Gurung’s finale t-shirt collection at NYFW last year, “ The Future is Female”. What a brilliant, simple yet powerful message. That’s definitely a movement I get behind.
How have your experiences shaped how you dress and what you like to write about?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Europe, and love everything Parisian. I think my style and writing reflect this. Mostly because that is where I was while writing and have had some epic experiences over there. Growing up sewing with my grandmother has also taught me a lot about the clothes themselves and style (I have the coolest grandmother in the world). That would be where my love for tailored and structured, yet elegant and refined shapes comes from. She also gave me my taste for the finer luxury things in life.
Who would be the ultimate person to interview?
Anna Wintour. She is who I aspire to be – listen up Vogue!! She has seen and been through so much and has shaped the fashion industry to be what it is through Vogue. There would be so much to learn from her.
Favourite international designer
Chanel – Paris is me.
Favourite Australian designer
This is hard. Australia has the most up and coming designer scene I don’t think I have an all-time favourite. But if I was to say one of my top, it would be Alex Perry.
How do you describe your style?
Eclectic, vintage and French! I love up styling and incorporating vintage pieces with modern edgy shapes. While sticking to my Parisian chic style, I’d also say effortless. I don’t put too much effort into it – I just build it in the moment, experiment and keep my costs low. Again, paring high end, quality pieces with everyday elements is the key to brilliant style. Comfort in what I wear is a big thing too. I love heels and fitted outfits and am always comfortable in them but love to wear a more relaxed style to Uni or brunch.
Statement pieces you’ll wear to make an outfit your own
I have a vintage Carla Zampatti blazer that takes me across all hours of the day. I’ve worn it as a dress, with jeans or as a suit. It’s so versatile so elegant and so me! I love shoes too, so paring a cool outfit with even cooler funky shoes is very me.
Last but not least what can we expect in the future from you and your blog?
I hope to keep growing it and to reach more people. As well as growing to be quite a prominent figure in Australian fashion as well as on a glob scale. I’d love to travel the world writing with the fashion weeks and eventually for Vogue. I’m at the beginning of an epic journey and I can wait to see where it takes me!
To check out Nicola's blog head to https://theblondeandco.wordpress.com/ to read all things fashion.
T x
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