Chelsea Bird

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

–I’m Emily {but you can call me Em, everyone does}, I’m a 21-year old journalism student living in Ottawa. I suppose I’m a writer above all else, but really I like to think of myself as a world traveler, music fiend, aspiring novelist, big sister, happy girlfriend, carrot cake connoisseur, beauty/fashion junkie and creative soul. I blog and tweet about silly stories and all the things I’m in love with.

2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?

–I’ve always been a writer, a journal-keeper, a documentor and one day decided to take it online. I’ve had a whole bunch of blogs since 2004 before finally committing. I started Say Anything to keep in touch with friends. It was an easy way to mass-update, and I was completely bewildered when people started subscribing.

3. Can you tell us about your style?

-Where I live, we’re buried under heaps of snow for about 6 months. So, half the year is purely about warmth {think: long johns, multiple sweaters, and three pairs of socks}. Not so stylish…

When it’s finally warm enough not to wear snowpants, I’m all about dusty florals, stripes, plaid flannels, lace, leather, and little dresses. High-waisted skirts, knee socks, trench coats, peep-toe shoes, classic pieces too…

I’m sort of a work in progress, trying to find my style. Lately I tend to fluctuate between cosy library-chic, super girly-prepster, and a little rock n roll grunge. I always try and channel that innately European sense of style.

4. You’re a broadcast journalism student (a girl after my own journalistic heart). How do you think being a student, and also someone that is in front of the camera from time to time, has changed your style?

-Comfort is key as a student, especially one who is running around interviewing so much, but I think everyone should be able to incorporate some glamour into their everyday outfits. I’ve never been one for sweatpants anyways, so jeggings {despite the ugly name} became king of my closet this year. My J-Brand jeggings, flat knee-high boots, and button down shirts are my campus uniform.

For studying, I’m usually in a thick-knit oversize sweater {pockets are good for pens and scraps of paper!}, skinny jeans and ballet flats. Kind of ironic for a self-proclaimed pants-hater.

5. What are your favorite trends for spring?

-I love the slim, cuffed khaki look with some cute flats and a striped shirt. I also can’t wait to wear high-waisted denim shorts with a classic white shirt tucked in and bright pink lipstick. Colour is another thing I’m going to experiment with…I usually stay in neutral territory. AND wooden platforms, but not too tall, I’m sort of a giant!

6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?

–School and work usually, but I go on lots of dates with Ryan, do yoga, sip tons of peppermint tea, read, bake, find new favourite songs, try out Ottawa’s more absurd fitness classes, watch 30 Rock in hysterical laughter, and take polaroid pictures.

7. You seem to have a great love for the sweet moments in life. What are a few things that make your heart happy?

-True kindness. Friends all over the world. Freshly baked bread with honey. Forehead kisses. Spending time with my sisters. The smell of bonfires, jasmine, and brazil nut body scrub. Reading a perfect sentence. Getting to the bus stop right as it pulls up. Dancing. Picnics. Photobooth strips. Anything blackcurrant. That first breath of spring, and sunlight pouring in windows. Little kids speaking French. Freckles. Messy hair.

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?

-Cute floral dress, peep-toe shoes, comfy cardigan with pockets {I’m big on pockets}, a classic trench, wooly hat {just in case}, pretty scarf, and a big huge brown leather bag {try as I might, I will never be a little-purse girl}.

9. You currently live in Canada, but seem to have traveled so much and lived in amazing places (England!!). What is your favorite thing about traveling, and what is your favorite spot in England?

-My favourite thing about traveling is just realizing what a BIG, HUGE, DIVERSE world we have! And how exciting it is to venture out and explore it! Whenever I travel I’m always reminded there are billions of people just going about their lives. How crazy we all exist and are so unaware of each other.

My favourite spot in England? London. It’s electric. The energy just knocks you off your feet. I’m a big-city girl, so I feel quite at peace there.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring bloggers? What about someone interested in traveling, but doesn’t really know the ropes (tricks and tips!)?

-Aspiring bloggers? Well…I’m still working on advice for myself. Write with your own voice, don’t rely on comments and followers, dive into the network {there are so many friends out there!}, decide on what you want to write and write about it. Make a mission statement and post regularly. Mostly, have fun! It’s about you most of all.

Aspiring travelers? Just go for it! I’d recommend staying in apartment-hotels, which often allow you to live more like the locals, and get the full experience of a city. Don’t be afraid of language barriers and go everywhere with an open mind. The most wonderful things can happen if you leave space in your itinerary to just be somewhere.

Thank you so much for doing this interview with me Emily. Don’t forget to check out Emily’s blog for happy posts that are sure to make your day!

-Chelsea