Today we have a lovely interview with Holly of Create Loves. Holly is a sweet lady of many talents and trades. She spends her days being a momma to two littles (and has one of the way!), stylin up pretty hair (from time to time now that she’s a SAHM), and crafts up some of the pretties scrapbooking and cross stitching pieces I’ve ever seen! She is also a proud Red Velvet Girl and comes down from Canada whenever she can to spend time with the other sweet RV girls (Elsie, Rachel, Emma and Katie!).
-I’m currently a Stay at Home Mom, living in a small Canadian Prairie town. I’m also a trained hairstylist and own a salon & spa business with my husband. I’m staying at home with my kids while awaiting the arrival of our third child in January. I enjoy dressing up, going out for coffee/tea, knitting & crocheting, pretty tattoos, collecting vintage dresses for my daughter, and overall being creative with my day to day life.
2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?
-I started my blog, Create*Loves, after my first son was born. He inspired me to start scrapbooking, and I wanted an outlet to share my layouts, and my photos, as I was also getting into photography at that time. I found it to be a good connection to “the world” as I stayed at home during his first year. I’ve been blogging since 2007.
3. Can you tell us about your style?
4. You’re involved with Red Velvet Art and are one of the Red Velvet girls yourself! How has being a Red Velvet girl influenced your style, and outlook on design aesthetic (anything from sewing, knitting, painting, etc.)?
-Being involved with Red Velvet Art is such a highlight in my life! In more ways than one, too. Being a Red Velvet girl has influenced my style by giving me more confidence to wear vintage. All the girls have such fantastic style, and I’m always inspired by how they put together an outfit. It’s also taught me how to find “the goods” at thrift stores and flea markets. I have better perspective on the potential for a piece I find while thrifting. Those girls are gifted in repurposing found items. I’m constantly encouraged by the girls in my talents, and in my blogging as well. We find it important to share thoughts and ideas, and encourage and inspire each other in the process. Seeing the RV Dress Lines take shape and seeing their success has helped me realize that dreams are not just dreams… with a lot of hard work and support, they can become a rewarding reality. I’m still learning about product design, and how I can contribute to Red Velvet. It’s so much fun!
5. What are your favorite trends for fall?
-Head scarves, wide leg, leather, and ponchos. Don’t forget a deep dark shade for your manicure. (think Lincoln Park After Dark, or Russian Navy by OPI)
6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?
-When I’m not blogging, I’m running around after my kids, trying to keep up with my household! Two kids are a handful, but they come first. I usually blog after they have gone to sleep. I knit, drink tea, shop online, and enjoy baking when I can. I also like dreaming up decor ideas for my children’s rooms, and etsy shopping for them and their space.
7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?
-Orla Kiely is a huge source of inspiration for me. From the patterns & colors, to the collection videos, to the designs themselves. I fall in love with every one of her pieces. I also draw inspiration from mid-century modern designs. The Red Velvet girls are a major source of inspiration to me when it comes to utilizing vintage in my wardrobe. I follow a number of fashion blogs and enjoy reading them daily to refresh my outlook on current trends.
8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?
-That’s are hard choice to make! It would have to be a nice pair of wide leg denim, layers on top with a quality cardigan or blazer, bold scarf, flats, retro sunnies (Orla Kiely’s sunglasses are on my wish list, Ditzy Clover please) 😉 and a great leather bag.
9. You’re a momma of two, and have one of the way! How has being a mom affected your style, and what have you found to be your best “fashion friend” while being pregnant?
-Being pregnant is not a time that I totally enjoy. With the discomforts, and fluctuating weight, it makes it hard to dress in anything except what’s comfortable and practical… This time around I have challenged myself to not put my style on hold while awaiting this baby, and embrace a new maternity style. I find that dresses are most flattering, especially ones with empire waists. I feel like I’ve been “pregnant” for the last 5 years (no joke) and have found it very hard on my style. It’s easy to give up on it, and feel frumpy and dissatisfied with your image when your pregnant. I’m embracing my growing self this time around and finding ways to still dress feminine and fun. Maternity leggings or Bella Bands are awesome for making me feel more comfortable with the baby bump. I have a weekly Maternity Style feature on my blog, so you can see how I dress as I progress in this pregnancy.
10. Do you have any advice for aspiring lifestyle bloggers? What about for someone searching for their true style, but is having a hard time pinpointing it.
-My biggest advice would be not to let it get competitive. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you don’t have anything good to offer compared to other fashion/lifestyle blogs. Comparing yourself to others can lead to an unhealthy competitive nature. Staying true to yourself, and blogging about what YOU love and what YOU are interested in, is what makes a good blog. For those searching for their true style: experiment! Surround yourself with things and people that make you the most happy, and embrace it. It takes time… I’m still pinpointing my true style, but it’s a process that can be a very positive one, when you stay true to yourself. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself “I am interesting, and I have a lot to offer.” Positivity.
Thank you SO much for doing this interview, Holly! Don’t forget to check out Holly’s blog and keep up with her sweet Twitter page!
-Chelsea XO