1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
-Hi there! My name is Megan Nielsen, but most people just call me Meg 🙂 I’m an Aussie designer, and I currently live in the USA near Washington DC with my wonderful hubby and our two adorable toddlers. I love my family, I love to laugh and I love creating sweet feminine clothing full of pretty details.
2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?
-I started blogging in 2009. Since I was far away from my family and friends, I could no longer show them what I’d been making, and I craved a way to share my designs. That’s when I discovered blogs! I started my Design Diary as a way to catalogue and share all the things I created. I just loved blogging! I launched my clothing line in early 2010, and all of the support and encouragement I got through my blog was so wonderful.
3. Can you tell us about your style?
-I always find it hard to describe my style!! But I think if pressed, I would describe it as feminine and nostalgic. I have an undying love of pretty details and vintage silhouettes – and I think above all I just like to dress like a woman.
4. You design, sew, and sell your very own clothes. How did you decide that you wanted to become a designer, and what has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your designing career?
-Gosh, well I’d say in my heart of hearts I’ve wanted to be a designer since I was very young. I started designing my own clothing when I was around 11, and it has been my constant passion and obsession even while I pursued a different career. I have always created things for family and friends on the side, but I reached a real turning point almost 2 years ago. Through the exposure I got through my blog a lot of people started asking if they could buy my designs, and that’s when I decided to take the leap and launch my line. I’m so grateful for how successful it’s been, and how much support I’ve gotten from the blogging community. It’s really a dream come true for me!
With respect to obstacles – for me the biggest has always been finding the time to devote to my clothing line. Since I have 2 small children, I only get a few hours to work a day – which means I often work in the middle of the night. I released my first collection in 2010 when I was pregnant with my son, and I’ve got to say, being 7 months pregnant and working that hard was tough. But it’s also been so rewarding. I’m really grateful that I’m blessed to be able to look after my kids full time and still pursue my design career.
5. What are your favorite trends for summer?
-I am absolutely loving this summer! My favourite trends right now are crop tops and knife pleated skirts. I could wear those pieces over and over. But honestly, this is the first summer for a while that I’ve really loved a lot of trends, and I think it’s because I have such a soft spot for the 90’s!
6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?
-When I’m not blogging you’ll find me either working on my designs, or running after my little darlings! I am a pretty busy person, so I’m normally running from one task to another.
7. With regards to fashion, what do you draw inspiration from?
-Well when it comes to dressing myself, I get a lot of inspiration from my fellow bloggers – there are some insanely stylish ladies out there! I’ve actually stopped reading magazines because I’m so into reading blogs 🙂
When it comes to designing clothing – I draw most of my inspiration from nature, whether it be my hometown in Australia or the picturesque Virginia countryside where I live now. There’s just something about the outdoors that makes my heart pitter patter.
8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?
-Oh gosh! I am such a sucker for a full skirt and a pretty blouse – so if I had to wear something for the rest of my life, it would be a pretty full skirt (probably in pink), and definitely high waisted, with a light weight peter pan collar blouse. Add in some sky high wedges and my favourite vintage Coach cross body bag, and I think I’d be quite satisfied!
9. What do you love most about designing and creating your own clothes?
-I really adore designing my own clothing! The thing I love the most is the individuality it brings. I love knowing that what I am wearing is totally unique, that no-one can find it. I’m also really fussy and often can’t find what I want in stores, so I love knowing that I can get exactly what I want. Imagination come to life 🙂
10. Do you have any advice for aspiring personal style bloggers? What about for someone interested in learning how to sew clothing, but doesn’t know where to start?
-For aspiring personal style bloggers, I’d say just start posting and have fun! Sometimes people take all this too seriously, but at the end of the day it’s just so fun being able to experiment with outfits and share them with the blogging community.
For those who want to learn to sew, I think the best way to learn is by reading good books, and experimenting. I learnt to sew by ripping up my old clothing and trying to make it into something new, and I think that’s a fun way to learn!
Thank you so much for doing this interview, Megan! Don’t forget to check out Megan’s blog and shop!
Here’s to another day of fun traveling with my love! Today we are heading to Durango! We’re hoping to find lots to do there and maybe come home with a few souvenirs !
-Chelsea XO
