With her unique ability to style chic, affordable finds fabulously, blogger Lynne Gabriel has made a name for herself in the Houston area with her virtual style diary, Lynne Gabriel. As newcomers in the Houston fashion scene, we were tickled to chat with the fashionista-turned-entrepreneur and even more excited to see how gorgeous she looks rocking our Daphiney Earrings and Evie Earrings this week on her blog. Read on to find how this style savvy Texan got started and some of her style tips for fall…
**image: Lynne Gabriel: The Metallic Python
{1} Give us a brief background on how your blog got started…
Sometime last year, I went through a difficult time and buying cute clothes became my outlet. In other words, retail therapy. I wasn’t really splurging because I would just buy inexpensive brands like Forever 21. Then my mom saw something about a fashion blogger and she encouraged me to do the same since I was already spending money on clothes. From there, the blog just progressed.
{2} How would you describe your personal style?
I would say that it’s chic and trendy. I love trendy pieces. Sometimes I have too many in my closet that when I need some basic pieces such as perhaps a white shirt, I just can’t find any.
{3} As a budding entrepreneur, what advice would you give someone trying to start a blog?
Be prepared to be in it for the long run. The road to being a successful blogger isn’t easy. In fact, I still don’t consider myself being quite there yet. It takes a lot of time to build and grow a blog – the time and commitment required is enormous if you want to be successful.
Having a great support system is also a huge factor. My blog would have not been half as successful without my mom who has learned very well to take my photos. I couldn’t imagine how my pictures would turn out if I only have a tripod and clicker to take my photos. With her, I’m able to project better on the photos, have better composition, better lighting and location, and just great pictures overall.
Another thing is not to compete with others…only compete with yourself. That’s what I do. I hardly ever look at other blogs. There are so many great ones out there and when you look at them, there is a tendency to feel that you’re not doing enough. If you are ever visiting other blogs, use it as inspiration if any. Have that inner motivation to constantly put great content, great pictures, great outfits for readers to enjoy.
{4} If you could live in any era, what would you choose and why?
I think I would live in this era where we are at right now. I want to live in the present. Although life in the past was a lot simpler, the era we’re in right now has much more freedom in every sense – speech, style, trading. It’s a lot easier to reach out to people and it’s more possible now than ever to have a broader area of influence because of technology.
{5} Your five essentials for fall 2012…
Blazers, booties, scarfs, leggings to keep you warm during cold weather, and a great moisturizer to keep your skin from drying up.
{6} You look fabulous in all of your posts – what are your top three favorite outfits of all time featured on your blog?
Oh, thank you so much! It’s kind of hard to pick just three, especially, I have had hundreds of looks since I have started blogging but ones I probably enjoyed most were: The Katie May Look, Assymetrical Skirt and Peplum Top, and the recent Romeo and Juliet Couture Jeans and Top.
{7} What are your favorite dinner spots in Houston…
I’m not the one to ever go out a lot for dinner (I skip eating dinner 99% of the time) but Texas Roadhouse is a not-so-fancy place that I love because of the bread rolls they serve (yum!). Buca di Beppo is a great Italian place as well.
{8} Where do you find outfit inspiration?
Believe it or not, I find them from the retailers themselves. When I walk into a store and see the different pieces, they inspire me to just put outfits together.
{9} Best places to find good bargains on chic pieces?
H&M is definitely a go-to place for me! They have the most awesome pieces at affordable prices.
{10} What are you most excited about for fall 2012 fashion?
I think I’m super excited about shoes. Shoe designers came out with some really great designs for summer and I’m excited to see what else they’re coming out with this season. I’ve already seen some that I like from Zara and Aldo.
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