This week, FashionZest got an opportunity to interview fashion blogger Elana Pruitt from Good Girl Gone Shopping, to hear more about her and her blog and her view on fashion!
Jenny: Lets start by hearing a little about yourself… who is Elana Pruitt?
Elana: Wow…how can I sum up who I am without writing a book? I suppose you could say, in a nutshell, that I am a dreamer who is living her dreams as a writer, editor, and personal shopper. I am someone who believes in hard work and paying your dues. A 29 year-old with youthful energy and old, contemplative soul, I believe that inspiration comes from within.
Jenny: What led you to write about / be involved in the fashion industry?
Elana: As a kid, I always loved playing dress up. Mixing and matching colors, prints, and accessories was so exciting! So that passion always stayed with me. In junior high and high school, sometimes I was criticized for looking too ecclectic and “weird.” The dress-up girl in me was always there, in which I never have truly believed in fashion rules. (Of course, some don’ts are truly don’ts!). When I was in college, I worked at Nordstrom, which was a great experience. I became familiar with tons of amazing designer lines and gained a big clientele. At that time, I also interned at Hollywood Scriptwriter magazine where I learned the ins and outs of journalism and entertainment. To make a long story short, I gained a truly inspirational contact who invited me to come onto her magazine as a fashion columnist – Kaylene Peoples of Agenda Magazine played a huge role in my involvement with the fashion industry. Through her and the mag, I attended numerous fashion shows and events. My blog and business, Good Girl Gone Shopping, developed soon thereafter – just over a year ago. And now I am a contributor and editor for several other blogs and websites, and publications. It all came full circle.
Jenny: So what is Good Girl Gone Shopping all about?
Elana: Good Girl Gone Shopping is all about finding your true style and fashionable, affordable finds. I am a one-woman business, and I cater to the needs of all individuals needing assistance in uncovering the best fashion pieces for their personality, style, size, shape, and lifestyle.
Jenny: How did Good Girl Gone Shopping start?
Elana: My blog started first, which was originally titled, “Diary of a Personal Shopper.” I then created my business, called Good Girl Gone Shopping. I decided to rename my site after my business to help promote my brand. It’s also catchier! Trends come and go, but my business and blog are dedicated to providing individuals with options, tips, and good finds. I pride myself as the ‘Good Girl’ because I help others unveil there true personality through fashion. And I do so without allowing them to spend their entire life savings on a new wardrobe.
Jenny: What do you hope to achieve with Good Girl Gone Shopping?
Elana: I hope to grow my business into a full-fledged corporation one day, where I have personal shopping appointment setters, package deliverers, large, fancy fitting rooms, an in-house, accessible complimentary coffee bar, and a private car for dropping off and picking up clients. The Rachel Zoe brand is a huge influence, as she built her business based on her passion with a dedicated team (including her hubby!)
I also hope to work with diverse fashion stylists and image consultants, one day. I would love to combine talents and produce amazing, collaborative results.
Jenny: How would you describe your personal style?
Elana: I enjoy chic style with an edge. I love all black with a pink heel as well as a men’s blazer combined with a pair of jeans and booties. I never tried to impact the lives of other women, but I began giving out tips and advice to friends and colleagues who needed help with uncovering their true personality through fashion. My own sense of style, I believe, was a big, contributing factor as to why I developed Good Girl Gone Shopping; I realized the need for my services!
Jenny: Who or what has been your greatest fashion influence?
Elana: My mother’s 60s vibe with a mix of ethnic “Chico”-ish style continues to make me smile, influencing me to always stay true to who I am. Playing with colors, fabrics, and trends have always been in her vocabulary – mine as well. All of the scarves I wear in my hair today are from her big box in the closet, which have become one of my signature looks.
I also adore Gwen Stefani’s innate, fierce style. From the No Doubt “Beacon Street Collection” to her solo albums and L.A.M.B. collection, she knows no boundaries and consistently redefines a trend and what it means to be a stylish woman.
Jenny: Which is your favorite fashion designer at the moment, and why?
Elana: Betsey Johnson will always rock my world.
Jenny: What current fashion trends do you like and dislike the most at the moment?
Elana: I am still unsure as to how I feel about over-the-knee boots. There is such an obvious “Look at me, I’m making a sext fashion statement” that is a little unnatural. On the other hand, I love thigh, high flat boots and ankle boots. Men’s blazers for women and the Sgt. Pepper-inspired navy and olive-colored jackets are exciting trends that look to last for some time.
Jenny: What would be the one fashion tip you would give to a friend?
Elana: Never follow trends. Rather, make them your own by putting your own twist to it based on your personality.
Jenny: And finally… as the creator of Good Girl Gone Shopping, where do you see the site in 5 years time?
Elana: I plan to continue writing about fashion, talking about fashion, and providing my personal shopping and wardrobe consulting skills to the public. I would like to travel more, and gain a bigger national clientele while continuing to work with my local clientele and appearing in the media regarding my business (I am regularly featured as a fashion consultant on “Southern California Life,” a local cable television show). I am determined to make Good Girl Gone shopping a household name.
