Fashion's Other Influential Carrie

SJP's Carrie had Patricia Field, but Carrie of Couture Carrie does it all on her own. Couture Carrie is infused with inspiring looks and photos. Day after day it gives its readers a daily dose of inspiration, just the right amount to pull together an outfit for the day, plan your shopping list, add to your wish list or give you something to daydream about to get you through an otherwise monotonuos day.

CC is beautiful, warm, kind and despite her large following, always makes time to leave lovely comments on her readers' blogs, makes herself available via email, and is truly delightful. Addressing her readers in nothing but sweetness, CC is a true "darling" and didn't hesitate to set aside some time to do this interview with me, one of her 521(and counting) followers.

Ela: Under your profile you begin by saying “Fashion is my sustenance!” How did this love for fashion come about?
CC: According to my parents [CC's mom, pictured right, in Vietnam], I began selecting my own outfits and delighting in clothes at the ripe old age of 2, so if it's possible, I feel that my love for fashion is innate!

Ela: Speaking of sustenance, what else sustains you, what are your favourite things to eat?
CC: Avocados and bacon are at the top of the list. And of course there's robust red wine and dark chocolate, preferably together!

Ela: Every post is so cohesive, what inspires you? Do the photos you come across lead to the inspiration or does the search for relevant photos come after you’ve established the title?
CC: When I view the collections, I see common threads among Designers, and these commonalities inspire posts. I then add my own research of past and present looks to round out the theme. I also draw inspiration for editorials and off on-the-runway model photos on nymag.com/fashion. Of course, I also rely on my Fellow Fashionistas for inspiration!

Ela: Your readers only get to see the fabulous result, on average, how long does it take to put together at post?
CC: I would say that each post "percolates" in my subconscious and has a corresponding folder on my computer for several weeks before it matures. Then, when I sit down to write it and caption the images, each CC post takes about an hour to publish.

Ela: How would you say your blog has evolved since you first started in February 2008?
CC: My blog began as a very personal endeavor...a journal of sorts that I began while at a crossroads in my career and life. I don't think I had any readers at all for the first few months, and I didn't mind. As I became more emotionally invested in Couture Carrie, I devoted more time and energy to the cause and was rewarded with feedback and followers.

Ela: Do you have a post you favour most?
CC: My two favorite items of clothing are bustiers and legwear, so my corsetry and tights posts are imbued with true CC passion! They are definitely my favorite types of posts to research and compose.

Ela: Looking through your favourite movies, you’ve listed quite a few. What are your top 3, or have you listed them in order?
CC: My favourite movies are the Princess Bride, Anchorman and Legally Blonde.

Ela: What’s the one piece of advise you think every blogger (newbie or seasoned) ought to know?
CC: If you give love, you get love. Be a frequent commenter, be sincere, and value the kinship among your Fellow Fashionistas.

Ela: Is there a current trend fashionistas have hopped on that you wish they hadn’t?
CC: CC is not a huge fan of the jean cut-offs and tights phenomenon...I also deplore terry clothing in all forms (except perhaps robes!)
[Ela: Note to self, do not post Juicy Couture gym outfits]

Ela: Single most influential style icon?
CC: My mother. She was quite the fashionista in the 60s and 70s, and I now have all her vintage garments to play with and from which to draw inspiration.

Ela: Style icon whose style you most emulate?
CC: Sienna Miller. She always looks polished, whether she’s going to the market or to a film premiere at Cannes.

Ela: If we spotted you on the street on a Sunday afternoon, what would you be wearing?
CC: J Brand skinnies, boots of some type – Loeffler Randall is a fave, a white Old Navy tank, and a Tolani or American Apparel scarf.

Ela: Can your readers look forward to an outfit post?
CC: Hmmm... CC occasionally throws in some personal pics, but they are few and far between. Here’s one!
Ela: Beautiful photo CC, but we want one where we can see you :)

Ela: If only one item of clothing had to stand out while the rest remained insignificant, what would it be?
CC: A patterned tunic or minidress ~ so versatile, seasonally malleable and striking.

Ela: Are there any questions you’ve always wanted to answer or think your readers wonder but perhaps never ask?
CC: Curiously, no one really ever inquires as to what I do for a living. I have had several careers thus far. I was a commercial real estate attorney for a large Connecticut firm for two years, then I taught high school Spanish for four years in New York City. Now I am a part-time Pilates Instructor and fulltime Blogger/Editor. This is, by far, my best job yet!

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Ela ~
I really enjoyed the interview!
xoxox,
CC

Thank you CC, you are an absolute delight!
And thank you for the lovely advice, which you so lovingly exemplify,
you are a true darling!
If you haven't already, get clicking to Couture Carrie.
Be prepared to be inspired!

~Ela

[All photos provided by CC]