Interview: Style Phenomenon

Hey guys! So I have been super excited for this post for a while now! It is an interview with one of my favorite fashion bloggers Taryn, from Style Phenomenon.! Taryn is 17 (18 in December, as she told me in part of the interview). She has great style which I have been swooning over for quite a few months now and  has a great blogging style, which is truly admirable. I was really interested in finding out her answers to these questions myself and also wanted to expose you to what her style is all about. Taryn is truly one of the loveliest girls, and I highly reccomend her blog! http://style-phenomenon.blogspot.com/ 

 

Taryn, how would you describe your style?

My style is all about contrast. I tend to gravitate to more vintage or romantic inspired casual looks, but I'm not afraid to try things that are edgy either.

Favorite Color?

Black and gray are two of my favorite colors to wear but that can get monotonous, so I like to add in pastels and nude tones with the occasional big pop of color. My favorite general color is bright purple.

What stores do you shop at most?

I probably shop the most at Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange, Forever 21, and thrift stores. However, some of my favorite pieces have come from random vintage boutiques or my grandma's closet.

I know it is way too difficult to choose just 1 favorite item in your closet, so what are your top 5?

1. Tan Louboutins - I had never even dreamed of owning a pair of theseshoes till I was much older, but a family friend was cleaning out her closet and decided to pass them my way.

2. Car Purse - Found at a big vintage boutique in Hollywood, my car purse is my go to bag for almost any outfit. Its black leather and a completely accurate replica of a little car including headlights and door handles. Definitely a good conversation starter. :)

3. Grandma's Gold Watch - For my 17th birthday last year, my grandma gave me a gold watch which she had received at about the same age. It is more delicate than a lot of the really chunky gold watches that are popular now, but I like that because it feels unique.

4. Grandpa's Dior Sweater - This is my go to oversized, comfy, yet chic top. It is dark maroon with a V-neck and incredibly soft.

5. Riding Boots - Readers of my blog know just how much I love my riding boots. The pair I have is Lauren by Ralph Lauren and they are fantastically durable and comfortable.

Almost everyone reads blogs these days fashion or otherwise, they have become a great news source. So what are some of your favorite blogs?

I am addicted to fashion news blogs such as Fashionista, Refinery29, and Nitro:licious. My favorite blogs for style inspiration are Fashion Toast, Jak and Jill, The Cherry Blossom Girl, Natalie Off Duty, and Sequin Magazine.

On a more personal note I have to agree The Cherry Blossom Girl is awesome, and Refinery29 is one of my daily guilty pleasures, though it’s not that guilty, right?

If you could buy one thing no matter the cost what would it be?

This is a toughie. It would either have to be something from Alexander McQueen's last living collection, or a pair of Miu Miu sparrow printed shoes.

Good choices, I think most fashionistas would love to own something from McQueen’s last collection.

Do you prefer vintage or new?

I love either, I think the determining factor is how the piece fits. Certain era's of vintage clothes fit me better than others, while certain brands cut their clothes differently.

What is your favorite thing to shop for?

I would have to say dresses. Nothing beats the feeling of slipping on a new dress. As much as I love shoes, I get terribly nervous shoe shopping (weird I know) so I prefer to do that online.

While I have come to love shoe shopping, it does make me nervous. I think that it is left over nerves from my childhood when I dreaded shoe shopping due to the fact it would take me hours because I had an EXTREMELY narrow foot. I am glad to know I am not the only way who gets nervous about something most girls adore.

These are the riding boots, I lust over them whenever she does a post with them.

What is your favorite outfit?

This is really hard to pin down, but I'd have to say anything I feel unique in. When it comes to fashion, I enjoy standing out. I'm definitely one to overdress for an occasion.

As they say it is better to be overdressed than underdressed!

What are you inspired by as far as fashion goes?

I am immensely inspired by characters, whether it be someone on TV or in a movie or even a book. My outfits are usually inspired story (real or imagined) or mood.

As an avid reader of your blog I’ve come to know that you live in California, but where is you’re favorite city for fashion and shopping?

New York City is a no-brainer, however I only got a taste of what its like to shop there during my week long stay. The people walking around are insanely fashionable as well. More locally, I love exploring Los Angeles because new stores pop up in the most unexpected places. Old Towne Orange here in SoCal is a cozy place to find seriously adorable vintage and thrift.

Next time I visit my aunt in SoCal, I will have to check out that little town. Thanks for the tip!

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would really like to go to Japan. The culture there fascinates me and there would be so many interesting places to explore.

 

Favorite Magazines?

Nylon is probably my favorite magazine I read consistently. I would love to get my hands on a copy of Lula.

Have you ever considered fashion as a career choice?

Definitely. I really hope fashion is a part of my future in some way, shape, or form.

Do you do anything else as far as fashion goes?

This summer I'm hoping to get together a little online vintage boutique. It's been a dream of mine for years and I already have some pieces to start with.

You will definitely have to keep me updated with that!

Last question, what are some of your other interests?

I am a competitive figure skater and part of a dance company. I absolutely love both and couldn't imagine my life without those two things.

That sounds like so much fun!  

I hope you all check out Taryn! And I am hoping to do more interviews with some of my favorite bloggers or just other fashionable people I admire.