Our editor, Michelle Ibarra during a lovely home visit to San Diego interviewed awesome San Diegoan fashionista Vanessa Balli, a popular fashion blogger setting trends in the west coast. We are obsessed with her everyday fashion tips, looks, and ‘Oh My’ her Smile, has that Julia Roberts feel (warm and friendly). If you’re looking for advice for Date Night, Girl’s Night Out, or that in a rush look, you’re likely to fall in love with Vanessa’s OOTD (Outfits of the Day). This California Style Setter has been featured in major international magazines, such as Marie Claire & Lucky. We asked her a few questions in relation to Asia/Western fashion, and here’s what she had to say!
Tell District Gal about yourself. How did you get into fashion?
“Hi! My name is Vanessa and I live in the beautiful city of San Diego, California. I’ve always loved fashion, flipping through magazines to see the latest trends, watching my favorite TV shows (Sex and the City) to see just how out of the box they can go with an outfit. I’ve always appreciated the beauty of fashion.”
How long ago did you start fashion blogging and what are your goals for your blog?
“I started my blog, Vanessa Balli Outfit of the Day, about a year and a half ago. I first started blogging as a creative outlet to share my outfits with my girlfriends. Then I noticed people commenting and asking where I bought a certain article of clothing or how they should wear a piece in their closet. It inspired me to start posting more often and incorporating all different trends and accessories for the everyday girl.”
Do you think any of your fashion style comes from other countries (Asia in specific), where do you get your inspiration?
“When I think of fashion in other countries like Asia for example, the first thing that comes to mind is Harajuku girls! It’s fun, outrageous and some of the purest forms of fashion. I haven’t featured this style in my blog yet but I think I may have to! I get my inspiration from mostly staring into my own closet trying to figure out what would go together. I read the latest trends and I’m subscribed to just about every magazine so I keep up on trends.”
What do you think of Korean fashion?
“I love how often different patterns, prints and fabrics are mixed together. There is a touch of elegance, chic and fierceness.”
How is Korean fashion in comparison to Western fashion?
“I think Korean fashion is willing to take more risks than Western fashion. I’d like to see more people step out of their comfort zone and take inspiration from different parts of the world.”
What would you say to Koreans to inspire them to start taking notice of Western fashion?
“Our styles may appear simple at times, but don’t be mistaken. There is always an excuse to dress up whether we are wearing designer jeans, Christian Louboutin heels, or a Prada gown.”
How would you suggest we make a bridge between East and West fashion?
“I think there should be more collaborations between brands and countries who are constantly finding new ways to showcase their different styles. I’m always on the lookout for new bloggers and Instagram accounts to follow who have an expression in fashion!”
It’s no surprise Japanese fashion is the first thought that comes to mind when bringing up Asian fashion because of its eclectic styles and Harajuku girls who have marked the planet with their wildly imaginative attitude towards fashion. Different from Japan, Korea’s specialty lies between trendy (hipsters), conservative (Addams Family stiff collars) & Coco Chanel sophistication. Finally, that’s exactly right, showcasing different styles requires more brands and country collaborations. Therefore we’re sharing Vanessa’s style to showcase diversity and her k-friendly comments. What’s your take on Asian/Western fashion?
An outfit October fave: http://www.vanessaballi.com/2013/10/pumpkin-patch.html
Vanessa’s Official Blog: http://www.vanessaballi.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/vanessaballi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessaballiOOTD
Photo Courtesy of Vanessa Balli
Pretty Vanessa! XD
Lovely look dear!
xx Easy Outfits, by Pip
Pretty girl. The outfits suits her personality. I think the tank top paired with tattered jean was awesome.
I also found a website that has great collections on Korean Fashion for men http://koreanfashionformen.com/ Kindly check it out!