Creative Fashionista Spotlight: Tracy of exploREDinLA

One gift that all creative fashionistas share is their ability to identify and choose clothes that flatter their body type. Some women are born with this inner eye, while others learned it by reading, observing and constant practicing. Through my visits on other fashion blogs, I´ve identified one fashion blogger that like those gifted girls, dresses up by accentuating and complementing her figure.

Our featured Creative Fashionista for today is Tracy of exploREDinLA. She gives us a glimpse of what it´s like to live in her city and how she dresses stylishly by rocking what she´s got.

Hello Tracy! Tell us a little about you and your blog.

Hi! A little bit about me… I was raised in Dallas, Texas and went to college at the University of Arizona. I’ve always loved writing and I graduated with a degree in journalism and mass communication. I moved to LA upon graduation in May of 2010 and the following May, decided to start my blog. The reason I think my blog differs from others is that it not only focuses on fashion but also incorporates other aspects of my life: music, food, events and other fun things I want to share with people.

What inspired you to start a fashion blog?

I was inspired to start a fashion blog after a friend at work showed me a few of her favorites. I absolutely fell in love with what I saw and immediately knew it was something I could do and wanted to do. Being able to write and post photos of fashion is incredible.

Do you have any plans for the growth of your blog?

As far as growth goes, I just look forward to being able to share my blog with as many people as possible. I am excited to hear more feedback and to meet new and inspiring people along the way. I definitely reach out to people through Facebook and Twitter but want to get more involved with other, more fashion based social media sites like Chictopia and Lookbook.

What´s your signature style?

My signature style really depends on where I am going. I will say that my closet has A LOT of black! I don’t even mean to buy that much of it but somehow I always find myself coming home from a day out with a ton of black! I am also a huge advocate of being comfortable so you won’t find me standing all day at work in 6-inch heels- those only come out if I know I’ll be sitting at my desk majority of the day!

What is your best-kept personal style secret?

My personal style secret is to always find clothes that are flattering for my body. I am very aware of what styles and colors look good on me and I always buy things that compliment me. This way, I feel confident in my outfits and am not concerned the whole day about whether or not I look my best.

What are the five fashion essentials every well-dressed woman must have?

1. Great pair of black heeled boots
2. Fur (faux or real) vest
3. Jeans that fit perfectly and are comfortable
4. A fabulous handbag that goes with everything but is still unique enough to get compliments on every time you wear it.
5. A fun, crazy pair of heels that people stop and stare at!

Do you have a celebrity style idol? Who and why?

My celebrity style idol is Kourtney Kardashian. She is so put together and has a natural ease about her style. She is never trying too hard or overdoing it. To me, her style is flawless: she takes just enough risks and stays classy at the same.

Which three shops do you love (the most) to shop?

My favorite shops are Kitson, H&M and Nasty Gal. I go to each depending on what I’m looking for: Kitson for something that’s super stylish and over the top, H&M for basics and comfort and Nasty Gal’s website for shoes and really unique dresses or tops for a really great price.

Enough talk! Show us some of the most creative outfits you´ve worn.

This outfit is a little more girly than an outfit I’d normally put together but I was actually really excited to wear it. I had been wanting these Tom Ford sunglasses for a while and finally gave in and bought them! The shoes were actually a gift from my dad (he shops just as much as I do) and I wore this Free People bra under the sheer shirt to add a little flare.

Although this outfit is a little more “harsh” than I’d typically wear, I made it softer by adding this MAC pink lipstick. These Jeffrey Campbell boots were an exclusive at OAK NYC and are my favorite boots this season- I know I will get a lot of use out of them! Also, can’t ever go wrong with cheetah pants. I’m excited to wear these with a red sweater!

And finally, if you could whisper a fail-safe style tip to every woman´s ears, what would it be?
Don’t always buy the “safe” color in a top or the most diverse heels. You will always be complimented for the stuff no one else has, not the stuff you see everyone´s wearing! To stand out, you must be different.

Have a great week, Tracy! Thank you so much for your helpful tips.