A Daily Dose of Inspiration, Wisconsin Style

Fashion is more than what you’re planning to wear to work tomorrow; it’s a way of life, and a creative outlet for the fashion conscious. And there are those who take their passion for fashion even further, creating their own community around looks and inspiration they love. Fashion blogs have grown in popularity and have a reputation as a foremost resource for the latest trends and styles, becoming a way many fashionistas express their affinity for clothes (both sale and splurge-worthy pieces), their fashionable lifestyle and DIY fashion projects galore.

In Wisconsin, a few local fashion bloggers have proven themselves as the “it” source for all things fashionable and fabulous. I chatted with two of my favorite Wisconsin bloggers, Lauren Felix, the writer behind La Petite Fashionista and Carly Haslee of A Simple Affair. Although both Carly and Lauren are under the age of 25, they’ve created a substantial online presence, sharing daily inspiration from fashion steals to runway fashion and everything in between.

Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista knew she wanted to be involved in fashion at a young age. While in high school, she realized that there weren’t too many blogs focusing on younger audiences she could relate to.

“I started my blog way back in March of 2007,” she said. “At the time there weren’t many fashion blogs written by young people for young people. I wanted to make fashion and trends fun and accessible for everyone.” Besides being a vehicle for her inspirations, Lauren also uses her blog to document her journey into her current career in fashion merchandising, sharing lessons along the way.

Lauren finds inspiration for her blog everywhere, and makes sure to mix it up on a daily basis.

“My posts might be inspired by a runway collection, or a cocktail concoction for the weekend, or even a cool trend I noticed someone on the street wearing,” she said.

Currently, Lauren is loving cozy sweaters on these cold Wisconsin days, “I’m a Florida transplant turned Wisconsinite, so I’ve been trying to learn the art of staying warm and looking stylish. I’ve been buying up what I like to call ‘Statement Sweaters’; bright colors, interesting cables, or sparkly threads woven in have been all new additions to my closet this year.”

When Lauren isn’t working or blogging about her favorite pieces, she can be found putting together her digital magazine La Petite Fashionista Magazine.

“My goal was to create an interactive digital publication that was realistic – easy entertaining ideas, affordable fashion pieces, and delicious, simple recipes,” she said. “I have an editorial staff from around the country and I love that the magazine can be relatable yet still inspiring.”

Her magazine is just that; filled with graphically beautiful DIY’s, stunning photographs and useful tips for any fashionista. Somehow, Lauren is able to pull all this off with style and grace and still find fresh inspiration from the world around her.

Similarly, Carly Haslee, the writer behind A Simple Affair, uses her blog to express her love of fashion and flair for design on a daily basis. Her blog initially began to better share her life as a graduate with friends and family, but eventually it became much more.

“As I became more comfortable, I started to share more DIY projects and daily inspiration, which transitioned into sharing outfit posts, style and organizational tips,” she said. “The more I became inspired, the more I wanted to inspire others.”

Carly’s inspiration comes from her everyday surroundings, whether it’s a fashion trend she discovers, or from a walk around her neighborhood. During the fall and winter months, Carly is rarely without her favorite pieces – a comfy sweater and perfect pair of boots. “Right now, my brown boots are in high rotation in addition to a cozy knit. Staying warm is number one on my list, and a nice pair of boots does just that and really polishes off an outfit. I also keep a scarf in my bag in case it cools down, it’s also the perfect way to add a fun color or print to a look,” she said. Carly shares some of her favorite looks on A Simple Affair, and she is often spotted around the blogosphere sharing tips on other prominent blogs, including The Everygirl. Although Carly only started her blog a little over a year ago, it’s quickly become one of my favorites for a daily dose of beautiful inspiration.

Although keeping a fashion blog takes an incredible amount of work and passion, both Lauren and Carly have found their blogs to be an outlet for their creativity. Carly explains, “I love that I can fully embrace my creative side and push myself to learn more. I feel like I’ve discovered more of my personal style when it comes to fashion and interior design.”

Both their blogs have also become a way to interact with other fashion-minded people around the world, some of which they’ve eventually met through their blogs.  Lauren says, “I’ve made so many friends, some with people I’ve never even met in person. It’s incredible to connect to so many talented and stylish bloggers who share my passions.”

Whether you want to learn more about the latest styles, or take a peak into the lives of stylish women in Wisconsin, Carly and Lauren’s blogs are the perfect way to get your share of daily fashion and design inspirations.