Ashley - First off, tell me a little bit about yourself.
Amanda - I'm the oldest child in a really big family with deep New England roots. We live in Massachusetts, which is the best place in the country, IMHO. Where else do you find all four seasons, oodles of history, one of the most fashionable cities in the country... and the ocean? I'm sorry, but you just can't beat it. :)
I am currently pursuing a (future) career in creative writing and working hard to finish my second full-length novel by the end of the year. I know that most people don't make it big in writing and publishing until they are in their 30s or 40s, so I figure that now is the time to practice and get as good as I can. ;) Writing is a passion that gives me a great sense of accomplishment, and one that it's hard to get away from. I also indulge my love of music by singing and playing fiddle in a folk band, dabbling in musical theater when I get the chance, and belting Broadway and big band tunes around the house until my mum covers her ears. ;)
Ashley - What inspired you to start your blog, AmandaBeth Online?
Amanda - I'd been reading and learning about fashion, beauty and style for a couple of years when I started up the blog, and I wanted some way to share it. Although I have never considered myself an expert, it seemed a pity to waste all of the information that I had stuffed my brain with (and I had already figured out that people get awfully tired of having you spew it at them in person ;). I also felt that there was a real need for a conservative approach to the fashion world and more girls and women should know that you could be modest while still being fashionable and looking fabulous.
Amanda - Fashion has been interesting to me ever since I was little, probably due to my childhood infatuation (ok, so it has continued) with such Disney classics as The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Oh yes, and then Anne of Green Gables had a big impact on my life. So most of my interest, probably until I was in my mid-teens, was purely historical. Then I read a boatload of fashion and style books and became interested in current trends and predictions. I've never been a slave to fashion, but I sure do enjoy seeing what they come up with! :)
I don't think that modesty was ever really talked about or stressed in my family's house until I was well into my teens. I had always dressed conservatively because that's what made me comfortable and my parents were fine about that. Then I went through a period where I had a really strong opinion on what was or was not modest and how I thought women should dress. I can see now that this was my opinion, not God's, and sprung from a heart that was full of pride and quick to pass judgment on those who didn't meet my "standards." These are things I still struggle with today but I thank God that He has freed me to be who I am meant to be in Him, and to see that the way I dress should just be a natural outpouring of His impact on my life, instead of a strict set of rules, which are prideful and not Biblically based.
I could talk about this topic for quite some time, but let's just leave it at the truth that "modesty" is first and foremost about the heart, and all the clothing in the world can't change that.
Ashley - What is your biggest fashion inspiration?
Amanda - As far as a person goes, it would have to be Audrey Hepburn. She's an icon, obviously, and was beautiful and classy inside as well as out. I think that really, all periods of fashion history are interesting and inspiring. And I just love the retro styles of the 1920s and 30s. They make me wish I had a silk evening gown, an amazing feather be-decked cloché and a fur coat. Oh yes, and someplace to wear them... lol
Amanda - I know that I would love to be seen as creative and eclectic, but I think my style of dressing is still very classic and often conservative. Sophisticated might be a nice way to put it, but I'd like some second opinions. ;)
Ashley - What are your some of your favorite pieces in your closet?
Amanda - I've been given a nice collection of jackets over the past year, in different colors - black, blue, denim, brown, tan, et cetera - and I love how comfy and versatile they are. They can go with pretty much anything and keep me cozy during the in-between seasons of spring and fall. Plus they are good, classic staples that you don't get bored of quickly. I also love boots for the cold weather. They are stylish, practical and comfy; and easy to find!
Ashley - What do you think about while picking out an outfit each day?
Amanda - To be honest, I have developed a tendency for jeans and comfy knits tops over the years, especially when I am at home writing or working. (And now that it's almost winter, my main goal is just to stay warm!) I do dress up for church, evening, or weekend activities, and that's when I'll usually wear a skirt and high heels (I love high heels :). I've tried all sorts of "methods" for picking outfits over the years. I usually start with one item and then build the rest of the outfit around it, whether it's shoes, a new top, or an amazing set of jewelry. I used to have certain "outfits" that were a combo of pieces that I always wore together, but now I try and mix things up so that I don't wear all of the same pieces together twice (I blame it on a short attention span). It really stretches my creativity to figure out how to wear a blouse a different way each time.
Ashley - What style blogs do you follow that are favorites?
Amanda - I love browsing Tumblr.com for style inspiration - there's so many amazing images on there! - and it's fun to see what Michelle Obama is currently wearing: http://michelleostyle.blogspot.com . I actually don't follow a whole lot of fashion blogs very steadily. It's fun to see fashion-y glimpses from people I admire, like The Girls With Glasses Show - http://thegirlswithglassesshow.blogspot.com/ - and artist Emily Martin - http://www.theblackapple.typepad.com/somegirlswander/ - but for the most part I get my fashion inspiration from varying sources, and it's always sporadic. :)
Ashley - What are your favorite movies to watch - fashion wise?
Amanda - I used to be really big into period dramas, and while I still enjoy them immensely, I do really like to see modern films with fun fashions. I absolutely loved Penelope. Her outfits were adorable (very Anthropologie) and the story was beautifully crafted. I don't consider myself an avid "chic flick" fan, but I do enjoy a fun, girly movie with nice dresses... You know, like The Princess Diaries. ;)
Oh yes, and I adore old films from the 1930s and 40s. Any of Ginger's gowns in the Astaire/Rogers flicks are exactly my cup of tea. My favorite fashion era ever.
Ashley - What are your favorite stores to shop at?
Amanda - I've been a big fan of Kohls for some time and also like Target and (I cringe at saying this :P) Walmart for their affordability. Thrift stores can also be a lot of fun when looking for unique pieces and lots of variety, and some of wonderfully stylish people I know shop them almost exclusively. Of course, there's some fun trendy stores in the mall, like Charlotte Russe and Forever 21. New York and Company and Ann Taylor have gorgeous, classy clothes, but their prices are definitely higher.
Ashley - Do you have any shopping tips?
Amanda - Know what looks good on you and which colors suit you best (Color me Beautiful is a good start). It's really helpful to have that sense in mind, so that you can skim over all of the "not for you" pieces that will be a waste of your time. (Who wants to waste hours trying on stuff that doesn't work? Not me!) At the same time, don't be afraid to try something different that you wouldn't usually imagine yourself wearing. You made be pleasantly surprised and unlock a whole new realm of possibility!
Lastly, it's better to come home with just a few great pieces than a whole trash bag full of the mediocre. You'd better be sure you're going to wear it and wear it well if you are willing to dish out money for it! If for no other reason than the recession the country is in, please stick to your budget!
Ashley - What is your advice to girls who want to dress modestly, yet fashionably? Amanda - Don't be afraid to go to the mall! A lot of people are under the impression that normal clothing stores do not carry anything modest, but the truth is that there are a lot of conservative pieces out there, just hiding on the racks and waiting to be found. The variety of styles available now make it easier than ever before to find modest clothing that is still super-stylish. And many styles can be made modest with a bit of simple layering (which is very popular and fashionable these days). Be creative and allow yourself to think outside of the box!
Ashley - Any tips to girls who want to start their own modest fashion blogs?
Amanda - First of all, be sure that it's something you really want to do and that your heart's really in it. I think a great blog will reflect the author's passion for their subject. Be sure that you know your stuff; read, research and browse away. Unfortunately, when you're trying to find more conservative and modest fashion to share, you have to wade through a lot of garbage, and that's one of the downsides to having a limited modest fashion industry at the moment. Of course, the exciting thing is that you can be a part of building a modest alternative to the fashion world and encourage other women around the globe! It's amazing how something "small" can grow and make a difference.
Lastly, don't be afraid to re-evaluate and change the way you do things every once in a while. We've always got to check our heart attitudes, our motives and the way we do everything we do. Fortunately, when we let God be our guide, and follow him whole-heartedly... everything else falls into place. :)
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Thank you, once again Amanda for answering my questions! It was great getting to know you even more. Also if you have never checked out Amanda's blog, be sure to go and check it out. You won't be disappointed.
~Ashley
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