FashionZest got an opportunity to interview Karine, who is the creator of the inspirational fashion blog The Fashion Economist. We learned more about her blog and her thoughts of fashion.
Jenny: Lets start by hearing a little about yourself… who is Karine?
Karine: I’m a girl in my twenties who’s based in Oslo and have a passion for for many things in life: Fashion, photo, web communication, design, home decor, cooking, travelling, yoga. A glimpse of that is expressed through my blog.
Jenny: What led you to write about / be involved in the fashion industry?
Karine: For as long as I can remember I have been drawn to beautiful clothes and glossy magazines. When I was a student, I got a part time job at the head office of a clothing retailer, and learned a lot about clothing production as well as the commercial part of it. I think that was wen I really got my eyes up for the world of fashion. I started to open up for inspiration and developing a more personal style.
Jenny: So what is The Fashion Economist all about?
Karine: The Fashion Economist is a blog aimed at demonstrating that style doesn’t nesessarily have to break the bank. I share my personal styling tips, post bargain alerts, like tips to sample sales, promotion codes and other good fashion and beauty buys. This mixed with outfit pictures, inpirational star – or street style pics, as well as shopping advice from travels and experiences pretty much make the framework of my blog.
Jenny: How did The Fashion Economist start?
Karine: Well, I’m an economist by profession, and probably more than averagly concerned with handling money wisely. On the other side, I don’t want to compromise my style. As I’m a rumoured bargain hunter, friends often came to me for smart shopping advice. I started to think of a way to share this with a bigger audience, and that’s how I came up with The Fashion Ecnonomist: a guide to save money without sacrifising style.
Jenny: What do you hope to achieve with The Fashion Economist?
Karine: Besides from sharing bargain tips, I hope to give some inspiration and share a part of my world. And of course, I love to get feedback and get to know likeminded in the blogsphere. Blogging is a great way of interacting with the world within your field of interest.
Jenny: How would you describe your personal style?
Karine: My style is playful, feminine and mood driven. I try to put an effort in every outfit and make my own styling rules:)
Jenny: Who or what has been your greatest fashion influence?
Karine: I cant’ name one specific source of influence, but I pick up bits here and there. I get inspired by people on the street, photo spreads in magazines, fashion bloggers (of course), as well as friends and my sister. My favourite city is Paris, and that’s indeed an inspirational haven!
Jenny: Which is your favorite fashion designer at the moment, and why?
Karine: I loved Christopher Bailey’s Burberry Prosrum s/s 2010 show at London Fashion Week. those tulle drapings and glamourous shoulders… loved it all! Alexander Wang is on everyone’s lips these days, but I can see why. I love his bags and simple, but sexy dresses.
Jenny: What current fashion trends do you like and dislike the most at the moment?
Karine: I’ve become a great fan of mixing sloppy with glamour – like snake printed leggings paired with an oversized printed t-shirt, a tailor cut blazer of trophy jacket and platform pumps. I also adore the revised Chanel look: A ladylike cardigan and a classic chanel bag combined with distressed jeans and loads of jewelry!
I’m not that comfortable with harem trousers, though. I shall never say never, but you will hardly see me in those hang loose pants and high heels!
Jenny: What would be the one fashion tip you would give to a friend?
Karine: I would say don’t be afraid to combine your wardrobe in unusual ways. Dress down your evening dress for daytime wear, and use accessories to bring an old piece of clothing back into style. And above all: When in doubt, dress up! The worst that will happen? You will be the party’s best dressed:)
Jenny: And finally… as the creator of The Fashion Economist, where do you see the site in 5 years time?
Karine: Oh… 5 years time! I haven’t really mapped out a five year blog plan. Hopefully, I will have the chance to spend more time on my blog to improve its quality i nthe future. And if people still like my work, I’ll sure keep going:)
