It’s the weekend! My father remarried for a sixth time hours earlier as of this writing, doing so on a beach near Clearwater, Florida at sunset. I wish I could’ve been there, but I didn’t have the means. At least the family dog’s not lonely, though, as I’m watching him until they return on Sunday.

In the meantime, it’s Friday.

Going back to the original 52 featured pre-Anglicization, we take you to Seattle to profile Bella Q of The Citizen Rosebud, who recently moved to the Emerald City from her native Sacramento. What brought about the change in scenery? Make the jump to learn more about the move, as well as her interest in sustainable fashion, the story behind the name of her blog, and what it really means to “bloom madly.”

Bella Q of The Citizen Rosebud as the Lady in Red.

Name of Blog: The Citizen Rosebud

Date of Founding: November 2008

A Short Description of Your Blog: A personal style blog written by a baby-faced, plus-forty thrift-aholic, dedicated to sustainable, local and D.I.Y. fashion.

How did you find your way into fashion blogging?

Bella: I have been selling vintage clothing casually off and on again for about a decade now. I was looking for a way to market online on the cheap, and blogging seemed the best way to do that. Little did I know that the blogging bug would bite, and I became more smitten with the blogging than with the selling.

What is the story behind the name of your blog?

Bella: I was looking for a name for an artist collective — which is ultimately my dream to create — and I wanted something catchy and quirky that described my vision of an artful, original and sustainable community. I love art-house movies, and so Citizen Kane seemed a good starting point. The punchline to that movie is “Rosebud,” and I liked the pairing of it — the masculine term of Citizen with the flowery Rosebud. I felt like the name fit with the direction I was heading, and I’ve been the Citizen Rosebud ever since.

You recently relocated from your home in Sacramento, California to Seattle. What brought about this change of scenery, and how, if at all, has this move been reflected in your blog?

Bella: I did it for L-O-V-E! Over a year ago, I got back in touch with an old flame, someone who still sparked my heart. We began a long-distance romance, and let me tell you, it is frustrating! After he spent a month with me in Sacramento — and it was just so nice to be in his company — we decided to figure out a way to be together. Seattle is a beautiful place, he is already established there, and since I was freelancing with no real ties to Sactown, I thought I’d take the plunge, and move. I am so glad I did! The beauty of the place is very inspiring, and the politics (very eco-friendly, very progressive) are right up my alley. I feel very comfortable here, and am loving the fact that I get to spend every spare moment with my charming boyfriend!

Your motto is “Bloom Madly!” How would you describe this statement to my readers, and how do you embody your motto in your everyday life?

Bella: For me it is permission to flourish, and to be yourself. I feel that so many people keep it under wraps, their true style because for some reason they try to fit in. But fit into what? I’m not sure, because the people I find interesting and inspiring are pure originals, and by being over the top themselves, they inspire me to be true to myself and my style.

All of the outfit posts you do feature styles composed of pieces found in vintage/second-hand/charity shops, and your overall style is about sustainability. How did you come to incorporating sustainability into your life and closet?

Bella: I am personally very passionate about sustainability as a whole. That includes dedication to recycling, upcycling, organic gardening, supporting Fair Trade business practicing and trying to create a lighter carbon footprint on the planet. I don’t drive a car. Instead I take public transportation, ride my bike and I walk. I support small, local business, and larger business that are dedicated to people over profits. I’m from a working class family, I don’t make a lot of money, and unfortunately many eco-friendly products are cost prohibitive. One of those products is eco-fashion. I can’t afford a $50 organic cotton T-shirt, I just can’t. However, I can afford $10 for a gorgeous vintage frock purchase from a Goodwill or thrift store that donates to a charity. That’s a win-win for me. That is why I chose to focus in recycled and upcycled fashion. I am into being frugal as well as sustainable, and “shopping secondhand first” is a great way to be both.

Mme Bella blooming madly in polka dots and plaid.

Bella: Ahhhh! There have been so many! The first great moment was being approached by a local magazine I admired and being ask to write for them. Then I was asked to be on a blogger panel for the Bill Cunningham documentary, since at the time I photographed, wrote and published for a street style blog (Street Style SACRAMENTO). But I must say my high point as a blogger was meeting some of my blogger friends for the first time. It was in New York at the IFB Blogger Conference over a year ago, and there I met such stellar lights as Vahni of Grit and Glamour, Anika of By Anika, Lee Oliveira, Wendy Brandes, and Jill of Everything Just So. These people, who I admire and related to online, were just as phenom in person. Really amazing, inspirational and down to earth people in real life. Quite a highpoint for me.

Why do you blog?

Bella: Because I love it!

What one piece of advice would you offer my readers regarding:

Style: Wear what you love, and wear it well.

Thrifting: Support the charity shops, by donating your unused items and also by shopping there. I recommend purchasing quality, classic garments that you like, and will wear for years. But thrift stores are also a great way to try things you wouldn’t normally think to wear. Iffy about neon? Try a thrifted neon shirt or skirt or belt. It’ll set you back a few greenbacks, and you may discover something fun and new to wear!

Life in general: My advice for life in general is to be true to yourself, and kind to others.

Who is your blog for?

Bella: My blog is for anybody who enjoys seeing a chubby, middle-aged Latina cavort in front of the camera. And particularly for women of all ages to see how an original but average and over 40-year-old woman expresses herself in dress, and hopefully inspire them to dress to express themselves. I also blog to show that you don’t have to be a skinny, long legged 20-year-old to throw down style. I am not leggy, blonde or 20, but peeps, when it comes to style, I can seriously throw down.

Any final words?

Bella: Yes! Thank you!

You can find Bella Q’s blog at thecitizenrosebud.com, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo credits: Wikipedia (title card) + Bella Q.

Follow Friday – The Citizen Rosebud originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 18 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Last month, I introduced a new feature, one that focuses on those who have little, if anything at all, to do with the world of fashion. They may have great personal style, but you won’t find the subjects of this new line of profiles within the pages of Elle, Vogue or Refinery 29.

It’s time to think Outside the Box once more.

In this profile, we head over to my city to interview Tamara Evans, weekend anchor for FOX affiliate WDRB. Make the jump to read about how Evans first decided she wanted to be in television journalism, what she loves about Kentucky, and what advice she offers to anyone wanting to go into journalism.

Tamara Evans of WDRB News on the red carpet during the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Profession: TV Anchor/Reporter.

Location: Louisville, Kentucky.

A Brief Description of You and Your Work: I try to keep television viewers informed. I anchor the weekend show at WDRB, and report during the week. I love telling a good story that will leave a lasting impression on viewers.

How did you find yourself in the world of television journalism?

Evans: When I was really young, I was torn between a nurse, teacher, and TV reporter. I made up my mind by 4th grade. I clearly remember telling my mom I wanted to be on television. The reporters in the middle of breaking news or crazy weather used to fascinate me.

Now, I’m the one in the middle of it all. I became determined at a young age to be where I am today.

You hail from Bowling Green, and have been in Lexington and Louisville as well. How do those three places compare/contrast with each other, and if you had to choose between the three (for any reason), which one stands out the most, and why?

Evans: Bowling Green and Lexington remind me of each other. Both cities are beautiful, and have so much to offer. They are both college towns and are fun to live in. Louisville has more of the bigger city feel to it. It’s amazing how many fun things there are to do here. That’s probably the biggest difference between all three cities. Louisville has such a large variety of restaurants, and places to shop. I’m always discovering new places to visit that I didn’t know about.

Having to choose would be tough. My family lives in Bowling Green, Lexington is one of the prettiest places in the state, and Louisville is such fun city. I would probably choose Louisville. It’s the halfway point between the other two cities as well. It doesn’t take me very long to visit friends and family in both cities. Tough question :)

Aside from anchoring and reporting, what other talents do you possess?

Evans: I love taking photos. I should be a part-time photographer on the side. I usually carry my camera with me, just in case I see something worth taking a photo of. My friends love it. They don’t have to carry a camera when we all go on vacations. I always remember mine.

I also love singing. I was always in chorus when I was in school. I made it to the state competition in high school and received a “distinguished”, which was the highest honor you could receive. Bowling Green wasn’t too far from Nashville, so I always thought it would be fun to become a singer, but I never pursued it. I tried to learn how to play guitar, but gave up after a couple of days!

Mlle Evans pretty in pink while in front of the cameras during a WDRB newscast.

How would you describe your personal style?

Evans: How I dress for work, and how I dress when I’m away from work are completely different. At work, I love the classic look of pencil skirts with a pair of heels, and a cute, colorful shirt or jacket. I love having a pop of color with my outfit. My favorite jacket right now is a bright pink blazer that I love to wear when I’m reporting. It is simple, but is feminine and grabs your attention. I always make sure to pay attention to what I wear on TV. When I first started in this business I was told that if you want to be taken seriously on television, you have to dress with that in mind. If you are wearing clothes that are too revealing, you won’t be taken seriously as a journalist. Trying to be too trendy on television sometimes doesn’t go over well with viewers. I’ve learned that you can make a statement with your clothing, and still look classy at the same time. That’s what I always strive to be on-air.

When I’m not at work, I’m all about jeans, a comfortable plain T-shirt, flats and cute jewelry. It’s still a classic type of style, but more laid-back. I was told by a stylist years ago that I always need to be dressed up in public, just in case people were to recognize you from being on TV. I truly haven’t listened to that advice. I enjoy wearing my glasses or a baseball hat when I run errands or to the grocery store. I dress up on TV all the time. I love the days when I can dress casual. A lot of times I’ll pair up a cute pair of jeans with a shirt and a little jacket. I love jackets. I have my on-air jackets and my casual jackets. Those are my favorite.

My favorite accessory: My Chanel glasses. I wear contacts, so I love to give my eyes a break on my days off from work. I love my glasses. They are trendy so I don’t wear them on-air very often, but the few times I have I’ve received good feedback about them.

Do you read any fashion blogs? If so, which ones?

Evans: I’m more into fashion magazines. I do check out blogs from time to time, but the magazines always get me. I can always find something in them that I want to buy immediately. I’m also a sucker for sales! If it’s a good price, I always talk myself into it.

What has been your favourite moment as an anchor?

Evans: This past April, I received a big honor from the Kentucky Associated Press. I was awarded “Best TV News Anchor”. I couldn’t attend the awards ceremony. I was at a wedding that evening, but my former boss messaged me the news when my name was announced. I immediately called my mom. She’s always the first person I tell things to. I was up against two amazing women, and never imagined winning this award. It has probably been my favorite moment as an anchor, especially because I’m from Kentucky…so winning this award in my home state meant a lot to me.

Mlle Evans in black with a fascinator for the Mint Jubilee.

Evans: I truly love my job. I love meeting new people everyday, and telling stories to viewers. I love informing people about the news of the day, and giving them important information. I can’t imagine what I would be doing if I weren’t in television. I have been lucky to have worked with amazing people over the years that have made my job so enjoyable.

If you had to pick one item from your résumé that says, “This is what my career is all about,” which one would it be?

Evans: Probably my job title when I was in Bowling Green. My job title was Anchor/Reporter/Producer/Assignment Editor/Photographer… it basically shows that I know how to do a lot in this business. I was always told, the more you know in this business, the more of an asset you’ll be. When I was in Bowling Green I was the weekend anchor, but also decided what stories we’d cover for the weekends. I’d get to work early on those days and shoot stories, and then edit them for the newscast. I’d also write and anchor the weekend newscast. It was a lot, and it was very stressful at times, but it shows how determined I was to get to where I am today. It also makes me appreciate where I am now in my career.

What advice do you have for my readers regarding:

Style: You want to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, otherwise, you won’t appear to be confident. Confidence is important to have, no matter what you are wearing. If you don’t love what you are wearing, it will probably show. Dress in a way that you love, and don’t be afraid to take risks or try something new. :)

Journalism (television, print et al): You may not start off doing what you love, but it’s all about getting your foot in the door. I started in tv as a part-time editor. I wanted to be an anchor, but so does almost every other person coming out of college! I worked on my résumé and showed it to my News Director over and over again. Finally, when there was a reporter opening, he moved me up while I was a student at WKU, and the rest is history. Don’t give up. My first news director didn’t love my first tape I showed him, but I kept trying. I was young and determined.

On life: Enjoy it! As much as I love TV news, some of my best moments in life have been outside of the newsroom. I have skydived, zip-lined, swam with dolphins in Mexico, and have had some of the best vacations with friends that I would not trade for anything. When you look back on life, those are the moments you will remember. Cherish them… and enjoy them!

Any final words?

Evans: Watch WDRB News, especially on the weekends (I had to throw it in somewhere! haha)! :)

Tamara Evans can be seen on the weekends on WDRB.

Photo credits: Steve Jurvetson (title card) + Tamara Evans.

Outside the Box – Tamara Evans originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 16 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

This one’s for the four-stringed gunslingers.

Yesterday, bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn left this mortal coil in his sleep while on tour in Japan. His most notable work was with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, as well as being a session musician for the Memphis, Tennessee-based Stax Records. Rather than focus on Dunn’s long body of work, though, I’ve decided to dedicate this edition of Music Monday to some of the most talented bassists who have moved forward into the next life, including Dunn.

“Green Onions” – Booker T. & the M.G.’s: Dunn wasn’t originally on this single, having replaced the band’s original bassist in 1965. The instrumental R&B group was not only a solo act, but were also the house band of Stax Records, where Dunn’s unique grooves could be found on many an album. The bassist — who had a vast discography in his own right — would remain a part of the M.G.’s until his passing.

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” – Metallica: Cliff Burton wasn’t Metallica’s first bassist (that honour goes to Ron McGovney), but his melodic playing caught the ears of founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich — who had to have him join their ranks upon seeing a bassist playing a guitar solo with only four strings — and left a permanent mark in metal. Burton’s tragic passing in late September 1986 would affect the San Francisco Bay Area band for years to come.

“Sanity” – Killing Joke: Paul Raven joined the British post-punk band in 1982, appearing on albums including Nighttime, Brighter than a Thousand Suns and Extremities, Dirt & Various Repressed Emotions before going on to work with the likes of Prong and Ministry. After a heart attack took Raven’s life at the age of 46, Killing Joke dedicated “The Raven King” from 2010′s Absolute Dissent to his memory.

“The American Ruse” – MC5: Earlier this year, MC5 bassist Michael Davis passed away from liver failure at the age of 68. As part of the Motor City Five, his playing could be heard under classics such as “Kick Out the Jams,” “Looking at You” and the above, fusing R&B with garage rock, blues and psychedelic rock, and influencing a number of bands, including Rage Against the Machine, The Damned and Pearl Jam.

“Whiskey in the Jar” – Thin Lizzy: Phil Lynott helmed the Irish rock band from its inception in 1969 until its first disbanding in 1983, writing or co-writing nearly all of the band’s songs. Lynott also wrote two books of poetry (recompiled as “Songs for While I’m Away” in 1997). His passing at the age of 36 due to sepsis took away a legend whose songs and poetry will not soon be forgotten.

Music Monday – 14 May 2012 originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 14 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Another week has come to a close. What happened? Have a look…

• Rode shotgun in a ’70s cop car with MCA one last time
• Showed off old photos from my senior year in high school
• And wrote my first “hard news” piece for TTAC

Until Monday, I leave you all with the Italo disco outfit Pink Project performing “B. Project” — a mashup of “Jeopardy” by The Greg Kihn Band and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson — on an Italian music show sometime in the early 1980s. All the best to you, and to all the mothers out there celebrating Mother’s Day in the U.S. and elsewhere.

The Week That Was – 13 May 2012 Edition originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 13 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Commencement Day. The day where your life changes, whether you’re about to depart from the high school parking lot for the last time, or looking at the world head-on as your collect your college degree.

I figured that just this once, I’d show you photos of myself from my senior year in high school. What you’ll see will blow your mind (if you didn’t know already, that is).

Ready?

Let’s start with my prom photo; I’m in the tuxedo. My date’s name was Lenora. She was my first kiss. Not sure where she is now, though; last I saw of her was at a drugstore in 2002.

This is one of my senior photos. Behind me (was) the then-abandoned Augusta Refinery. I was really into “ruin porn” at the time, long before the subject was cool; therefore, I’m a proto-hipster. Check out my washed silk shirt, though!

Another one of my senior photos, this was found by one of my classmates some time ago, and uploaded onto her Facebook account with my name tagged. I’m not sure where I was in this photo. I know of at least one other that my mom has where I’m near a high-voltage zone; Mom says it hangs on her bedroom wall.

Finally, we come to my high school commencement. I was in concert choir all four years in high school, placed among the baritone majority in the bass section (which, if you ever heard me talk — even then — might be just as surprising as, well, these photos).

The last song we sang as a choir was our school’s alma mater.

I don’t really have a commencement speech, let alone any words of wisdom to share, so I’ll let Jaz Coleman & Co. do the talking for me. All the best to you, Class of 2012.

Photo credits: Nathan Reed (title card).

Commencement Day: Memories of My Senior Year in High School originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 11 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

I sometimes wonder if someone outside our plane of existence is attempting to put on a summer festival of their own….

Last Friday, the music world lost yet another soul. This week’s Music Monday is in tribute to Adam Yauch, better known under his alias as MCA. Alongside his comrades Ad-Rock and Mike D, the trio known as the Beastie Boys have made their mark upon hip-hop and rock, having recently been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, only the third rap act to be voted into the museum.

“No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn” – Licensed to Ill: The Beasties’ 1986 debut was one of the fastest-selling releases by their then-label Def Jam/Columbia at the time, going on to sell more than 9 million copies. The album is still also the only release from a white rap act to earn the coveted 5-mic rating from the hip-hop magazine The Source.

“Hey Ladies” – Paul’s Boutique: The follow-up to their debut, Paul’s Boutique took a hard turn towards the experimental. While it didn’t have the commercial success their debut brought, it is held in critical acclaim to this day, being viewed as a landmark album in terms of the heavy use of sampling.

“Sabotage” – Ill Communication: Their fourth studio album and their second #1 release, this album is known for its first single “Sabotage,” whose video was directed by MCA’s alter-ego Nathanial Hörnblowér, one of many videos to be so directed.

“Intergalatic” – Hello Nasty: Debuting at #1 in the first week, The Beasties’ fifth disc helped the trio take home two Grammys in 1999 for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

“Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win” – Hot Sauce Committee Part Two: Part Two and the long-delayed Part One may serve as the last two discs to feature MCA, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. The video above would also mark his final video appearance.

I leave you with the mini-documentary Fight For Your Right to Party (Revisited). All the best to you, Monsieur Yauch.

Music Monday – 7 May 2012 originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 7 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Were any of you able to keep your shirts during this weekend’s 138th running of the Kentucky Derby? While you’re recovering from the celebrations this weekend, here’s a look back on what you may have missed (or might need to remember, depending on how many mint juleps you consumed).

• Bid farewell to the month of April 2012
• Introduced you to Amber McNaught of Forever Amber
• Brought some new posts for your perusal
• And published my second post for The Truth About Cars

Speaking of my newest writing gig, I think it may be time to retire The Showroom, my feature on all things fashionable and automotive. My reasoning is simple: I now have a new outlet for this feature.

No worries: The posts will still be there; there just won’t be any new ones.

Anyway, until Monday, I leave you with Mary J. Blige performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs from the 138th Kentucky Derby. All the best!

The Week That Was – 6 May 2012 Edition originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 6 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

The 138th running of the Kentucky Derby is on, mint juleps are being spilled in the infield and in Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs, and I’m nowhere to be found. Oh well. Maybe next year.

Until then, here is this week’s Links à la Mode from IFB and Shopbop!

Midis, Maxis, and May

Edited by: Victoria of vmac+cheese

When I was a little kid, it was tough to find me in anything other than pants or shorts. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was a tomboy, but skirts and dresses just weren’t my thing.

Fast-forward 20+ years, and I’ve finally seen the light. Flowy skirts and pretty dresses not only lend an instant ladylike vibe to your look, but they’re also insanely comfortable.

This week, plenty of bloggers are embracing the warmer temps with midi and maxi skirts, easy cotton dresses, and all in bold summer colors, natch. They’re looks that even my seven-year-old self would’ve approved of!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MAY 3RD

• A Woman Like Me: Can I Get Some Aztec Please?
• A’s Fashion Files: April Wedding Showers
• Aspiring New Moms: A Pop of Color {Yellow}
• Barefoot Duchess: Low Budget Bridal Spring 2012
• Broke with Designer Taste: Dare to be Daring
• Closet Fix: My Style Fix
• Dress Code: High Fashion: White for All Occasions S/S 12
• Easy Petite Looks: 5 Q’s to Ask Before Every Fashion Purchase
• elle bow room: Handmade Blues
• Elle Yeah: It’s Like (Rose Gold) Dust
• The Fashion Firecracker: Outfit of the Day: Colorful Courage
• Globetrotting in Heels: Style Q&A: Go Long
• Hailes Hearts Fashion: Top Tips from Bloggers’ Lips
• Haley Cakes: That’s When I Know You’re Alone
• My Berlin Fashion: Pastel
• Shrimp Salad Circus: The Pants and Stripes. I Wore It.
• Something Old, Something New: Sunshine and Blues
• Sweet Escape: Summer Essential: Maxi Dress
• Where Can I Find The…?: The Fringe Effect
• Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion School is Now in Session
• 40+ Style: Putting it all in one outfit

SPONSOR: Shorts at Shopbop: Something Else, Free People Shorts, A+O Shorts, Textile, Vince Denim, L.A.M.B., Siwy Cutoffs, Bermudas, MiH, 7′s Shorts, ALC, Wildfox Tees and Maison Scotch shorts

Links à la Mode – 3 May 2012 Edition originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 5 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Two years ago, I began blogging in earnest. I wasn’t sure what my first step in fashion blogging would be, until I came upon Tokyobanhbao, the first blogger I would profile for what is now known as “Follow Friday.”

I’ve come a long way since then, but it will always be a pleasure to shine the spotlight on my fellow fashion bloggers until it comes time to fade into the fog of history.

Thankfully, that time has yet to come.

This week’s profile is on Scottish blogger Amber McNaught of Forever Amber. Aside from her personal style blog, she also operates The Fashion Police, Shoeperwoman and Hey, Dollface! full time. Make the jump to read more about McNaught as she talks about how her skills as a journalist influence her blogging, the origin of her blog’s name, and what other bloggers should be mindful of as burgeoning professionals in their own right.

Amber McNaught of Forever Amber lounging on a rock in the sun.

Name of Blog: Forever Amber

Date of Founding: May 2006

A Short Description of Your Blog: Forever Amber is really just a journal of my life, with a bit of personal style thrown in, and a lot of photos of my dog!

How did you find your way into fashion blogging?

McNaught: My background is in journalism, but I realised I wasn’t really cut out for news writing: I wanted to be able to work for myself and write about the things I was interested in, one of which was fashion. I had no experience in fashion writing whatsoever, so I figured that as no-one was going to offer me a job in the industry, I’d just create one for myself. I launched The Fashion Police in late 2006, and didn’t look back!

What is the story behind the name of your blog?

McNaught: The blog is named after Kathleen Winsor’s novel of the same name. My name is Amber, the book is one of my favourites, and although I had no idea what the site would end up morphing into it when I started, I knew that it would be “forever Amber,” so it seemed fitting!

You not only have your personal blog, but also run The Fashion Police, Hey, Dollface! and Shoeperwoman as part of your blogging business. How has your professional writing, if at all, influenced Forever Amber, and has your personal blog influenced your professional work?

McNaught: When Forever Amber started, it was really just a personal diary: There were hardly any photos, and I didn’t talk much about my own personal style, because I didn’t really have any! The fact that I spend my entire working day thinking and writing about fashion, though, means that it’s a much bigger part of my life now than it was when I started out. My own style has changed to reflect that, and I think my blog has, too; there’s now much more of a personal style element mixed in with the day-to-day stuff.

You reside in Scotland, whose government is currently preparing for possible secession from the UK. How does the fashion in Scotland compare/contrast with its neighbour to the south, as well as other capitals of fashion such as New York and Paris?

McNaught: I don’t think there are any differences between fashion in Scotland and in the rest of the UK, or not that I’ve noticed, anyway. Obviously there are people everywhere in the world with very different styles, but Scotland has the same stores as the rest of the UK, and the same kind of influences in terms of popular culture etc, so I think we’re much less different than a lot of people seem to assume!

If any of my readers were to visit Scotland, what would recommend regarding lodging/dining/shopping/cultural norms to be mindful of et al?

McNaught: It would really depend on which part of the country you were visiting. The best shopping opportunities are found in the larger cities: Edinburgh now has quite a few stores like Anthropologie and Harvey Nichols, which you won’t find elsewhere in Scotland, and also has a lot of good vintage and thrift stores.

Mme McNaught sitting on a pipe with her fluffy dog Rubin at her side.

McNaught: A couple of years ago I started doing an annual challenge on Shoeperwoman, in which I attempt to wear all of my 100 pairs of shoes at least once in the space of a year, and document my progress on the blog. This year, I decided to open up the challenge to my readers, and launched a new community part of the site where people can sign up and do their own Shoe Challenges. I had almost 100 people register in the first week, and it was an amazing feeling to see how enthusiastic people were about it!

Why do you blog?

McNaught: At Forever Amber I blog because I love to write: I’ve always kept journals, and am the kind of person who feels like an experience isn’t really “complete” until I’ve written it down. Blogging is a natural extension of that, and a good way to share those experiences with other people.

What one piece of advice would you offer my readers regarding:

Style: Don’t follow fashion purely for the sake of it. Work out what you like and what suits you. It’s much more rewarding than just wearing the same things as everyone else. And don’t be afraid to be different; the most interesting people always are.

Writing (blogging, journalism et al): Worry more about what you’re writing than who you’re writing for. I see a lot of new bloggers who seem to really obsess over how to get more followers, but I think it’s more important to create content that people will want to follow.

I also think it’s really important to educate yourself about the legalities of publishing, which is what blogging is. Too many bloggers seem to be under the impression that the internet is different from “real life” and that there are no rules, but online publishing is subject to the same laws as any other kind of publishing, and it’s really important to be aware of that and not get yourself into trouble!

Life in general: Try not to compare yourself to other people. Just concentrate on making your own life the best it can be.

Who is your blog for?

McNaught: Anyone who wants to read it!

You can find McNaught’s personal style blog at foreveramber.co.uk. You can also find her on Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook, as well as through her professional blogs at thefashionpolice.net, shoeperwoman.com and hey-dollface.com.

Photo credits: Wikipedia (title card) + Amber McNaught.

Follow Friday – Forever Amber originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 4 May 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.

Here we are. Another month is about to fade into the ether of time. Before it does, however, let us have one last glimpse into the face of April 2012.

• Introduced you to Jill Burgess of Everything Just So
• Reintroduced you to Kristin, one-half of BonBon Rose Girls
• Shone the spotlight upon Louisville’s newest food truck
• Said our farewells to Jim Marshall and Dick Clark
• Hoped we would also not need to bid farewell to Robin Gibb
• Celebrated the long career of Killing Joke
• Took a few more steps toward establishing my own business
• Became a contributing writer for The Truth About Cars
• Scored an internship with Louisville Public Media
• Interviewed by a Chicago university paper regarding a bit of fiction I wrote in 1998
• And finally, went outside the box for an interview with Tabitha St. Germain, whose voice gives life to many an animated character, including the one who is my blog’s (and soon, my boutique’s) unofficial mascot

That last item is very important to me for a number of reasons:

First, the interview brought new eyes to 33 avenue Miquelon.

Second, because of that interview — more than anything I’ve written to date — this blog will see nearly 12,500 monthly visitors by the time 1st May rolls around. This will be the first time ever that I’ve ever seen over 10,000 visitors in one month.

And finally, this interview brought my blog back to what it’s supposed to be about: Fashion, through my eyes. If you recall in December, I came out as the creator of a fictional posthuman/alien genetic mutation that had, in the last decade, took on a life of its own. I came out in order for this idiocy to die, even if it meant dashing the hopes and dreams of many a young teenage girl (most of whom discovered and embraced my monster via Tumblr) against the jagged rocks of reality to do so.

Alas, the most popular post since coming out has been that very one. Interviewing the voice behind my mascot Rarity — a unicorn who designs fashions for the Canterlot elite and her friends — was the only way to bring it back home, as it were.

TL;DR: Bronies > Children of the Violet Eye Brigade. Always.

Until next month, I leave you with a live performance of Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” from their 2011 appearance on Letterman.

To be continued…

Through the Rearview – April 2012 originally appeared on 33 avenue Miquelon on 30 April 2012. If you see it elsewhere, let me know so I can adjust the LOIC accordingly. Thank you.