Kate Lately is a
fashion blog produced by Katherine Lutes a St. Thomas grad. She graduated last
year and has been blogging for quite some time. She talked about her blog and
the things she loves, like fashion and writing.
By Nathalie Sturgeon
Q: What is your blog
about?
A: My blog started out
as purely fashion based, but has expanded into a fashion and lifestyle blog. It
is my outlet to share with the world things I love, products I've enjoyed
using, outfits I just can't wait to share and anything else that I feel
inspired to write about. It's my little space on the Internet.
Q: How
did you get into fashion?
A: Fashion has always
been a part of my life. I grew up with two older sisters who loved fashion and
watching them inspired me every day. Once I was old enough to use the Internet,
I was constantly looking at celebrities on the best dressed list and watching
shows such as "What Not to Wear" or "Project Runway". I
don't remember not having fashion in my life and always knew I wanted it to be
a part of my future.
Q: How
did you get into blogging?
A: Along with fashion,
I've always loved to write. There are always so many ideas and words running through
my mind. When I entered university, I started to read other fashion blogs and
began to research how they were created. While I had always thought about
having my own blog, I never thought I could do it. My mom was (and always has
been) my biggest fan. She was the one who encouraged me to start my own blog,
even if she was my only reader! When it came time for me to decide to expand
into YouTube...it was her once again encouraging me to take the leap.
Q: What
kind of things inspire you to write?
A: I get inspiration
from so many places. I'm constantly being inspired by people around me, whether
in real life or via the internet. I love to see people using "trends"
and mixing them with their own personal style. I'm also inspired by travelling
and exploring the world around me. My family and friends are always inspiring
me as well. Whether I snap a photo of my nephew running through a park or hear
a beautiful piece of inspiration spoken by my best friend, it can inspire me to
want to share it with the world. I truly believe inspiration should be a part
of every day life.
Q: Who,
if anyone has inspired your fashion sense, and why?
A: I'm not sure one
person has inspired my fashion sense, but I believe my fashion is pieces of
many people around me infused with my own personality. The ladies in my family
have always been so fashionable and beautiful, I take a lot of my inspiration
from them. We, as Christian women, find it an exciting challenge to be fashion
forward, yet modest so that we do not conform to the sensual ideals of today's
world.
When it comes to celebrity inspiration, I have
a few favourites that I often find myself taking ideas from. These ladies
include Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, Princess Kate and Perrie Edwards. My
favourite brands also provide me inspiration, brands such as Kate Spade, Alice
& Olivia and Topshop.
Q: You
have a background in communications, how has that helped you write your blog?
A: My background in communications
did not help in writing my blog, in fact it was the other way around. Writing
my blog helped me to realize that communications would be a great path for
me. Social media is the main connection between my blog and my degree. Learning
more about etiquette on social media and how to network really helped to take
my blog to the next step. I just so enjoy writing on my blog and knew that if I
could spend my life doing something I loved this much, I would always be happy.
Q: What
kind of things do you hope to write about in the future?
A: I hope my blog grows
with me. I hope I continue to write about fashion and lifestyle, maybe even
expanding into weddings, relationships and children when the time comes. I
believe my blog is a reflection of who I am as a person and so it should grow
as I grow. Although, I hope to never lose my passion for all things clothes,
makeup and shoes!
Q: Tell
me about a typical outfit you might wear/write about on your blog?
A: A typical outfit on
my blog...that's a hard one. I tend to wobble back and forth between more
dressy, sophisticated outfits or trendy, comfortable outfits. I think one of my
most "typical" and favourite posts was a collab done with my friend,
Maddie, on CassidyLou.com. We both styled jean jackets and I paired my jacket
with a tulle dress from Forever 21 and my old prom shoes! I love re-using old
clothing or accessories to give them new life. It was really cool to see how I'd
gone from wearing those sandals with my prom dress, to wearing them with denim
and tulle for an everyday outfit. I'm not sure I have a "typical"
outfit, but every outfit I post is based on what I love to wear, what I think
is beautiful and I can assure you I dress for no one other than myself. I also
try to show other people that you don't have to be a model or a stick figure to
look beautiful. I'm a curvy girl and I can still be fashion forward. It's an
important message and one I'm proud to share.
Q: If
you could give anyone advice about fashion, what would it be?
A: Advice on
fashion...well there's a lot I've heard over the years. While I think it's
important to stay true to yourself, I believe that is more of a piece of life
advice than fashion advice. My favourite piece of advice is to try something
new. When I started my blog, I was very safe with my fashion choices. Since
then, I have stepped outside the box and tried trends I never thought I'd be
able to pull off. Of course, some failed, but some are now my favourite
outfits! Of course, when trying new trends, never spend a lot of money on the
brand names. Save your expensive purchases for timeless pieces that will last
you years. Hit up thrift stores or department stores to experiment with new trends.
Once you figure out what you love, then you can go back and purchase better
quality items. It's about balance, budgeting and a lot of fun!