Follow Friday – Lou What Wear

New York Fashion Week AW12 may have just kicked off, but that doesn’t mean I can’t squeeze in a regular feature between the runway coverage, right? And as luck would have it, I am not alone when it comes to fashion blogging in Possibility City.

This week’s profile takes us to my fair city of Louisville, Kentucky, where we meet up with Danielle Rudy Davis of Lou What Wear, discussing Louisville’s style, how her career in public relations influences her writing, and what you should consider visiting in Louisville during Waterfront Fashion Week. Make the jump to read my profile on Danielle Rudy Davis.

Name: Danielle Rudy Davis

Name of Blog: Lou What Wear

Date of Founding: 12 September 2011

A Short Description of Your Blog: Style-spotting in Louisville so you don’t have to.

How did you find your way into fashion blogging?

Davis: I fell in love with fashion blogs but I noticed that so many were in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or the like. I felt like there was a ton of style here in Louisville that wasn’t being shared.

My main goal when I started was style-spotting and sharing local deals, but my job got so crazy that it was hard to always feature others, so I’ve started to do my own outfit posts. It’s always evolving.

What is the story behind the name of your blog?

Davis: My friend Kelly came up with it. I told her what I was thinking concept-wise, she just threw it out there, and it was perfect.

You work for Boxcar Public Relations here in Louisville. How did you find your way into that field of work, and how has your work in PR influenced how you blog and what you write for other publications?

Davis: I got into PR after majoring in journalism but realizing that traditional journalism wasn’t for me. PR fit my personality better and I love it. I think it helps because I understand both sides of the PR pitch now. I think it’s also helped how I approach vendors I work with because I understand what works and what doesn’t (not that I’m always right, but I think it helps).

Our city is not New York, Paris, or any one of the larger fashion capitals. One of your goals with the blog is to show off our city’s style. What have you found through your lens that represents Louisville, and how would you compare/contrast Louisville’s style against those of New York et al?

Davis: I think Louisville is a really stylish town. There are people who are more traditionally chic, there are risk takers and everywhere in between. I grew up in Miami, Florida, and Louisville’s style is very different than Miami — but I think Miami is a whole different fashion scene.

Here in Louisville, we don’t have all the fabulous shopping options as bigger cities, but people are still able to make trends work whether it be hunting boutiques and the malls or shopping online.

Waterfront Fashion Week will mark the first time Louisville will have her own fashion week. If any of my readers were to come in mid-October, what recommendations would you have regarding lodging, shopping, dining, cultural norms to know et al?

Davis: When people come to Louisville, they are always blown away with all the city has to offer.

As far as hotels, I would recommend checking out 21c for the art, The Brown for the history, or the Marriott for the best general atmosphere. NuLu for home decor shopping and drinks (and Ghyslain for a sweet treat). Bardstown Road to get a real feel for the city (and great shopping). I love Lynn’s for breakfast (because you just have to see it), Harvest on Market, Jack Fry’s for dinner, and the Blind Pig for a great bar vibe.

What has been your favourite moment as a fashion blogger?

Davis: That’s a hard one. I guess my favorite moment was when someone came up to my friend and said, “You’re the girl that was on Lou What Wear.” She had been featured in a boutique piece, and had been recognized randomly while out. I loved hearing that!

Why do you blog?

Davis: Because I love fashion, I love writing, and I’m having fun sharing my perspective.

If you had to pick one post that says “This is what my blog is all about,” which would it be?

Davis: My New Year’s Eve feature.

Finally, who is your blog for, and who is it not for?

Davis: My blog is for anyone that enjoys it, I guess. I’m never going to be able to feature a full designer outfit, but I think it’s all about making fashion relatable and showing that you can look great in affordable clothes. I’m not really sure who it’s not for, although I’m sure my style and perspective aren’t for everyone. I try to post what I love and enjoy in hopes that others will find it and enjoy it, too!

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You can find Danielle Rudy Davis on her blog at www.louwhatwear.com, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. You can also find her competing with fellow fashion bloggers to become Refinery 29′s Next Big Style Blogger as of this writing.

Photo credits: Wikipedia (title card) and Danielle Rudy Davis (upper and lower images).