What does style mean to you?

Style to me is using color, texture, pattern, and shape to express to the world who you are. Style should be deeply personal, transcend trends, and make you feel your very best.

What can’t you live without?

A strong WiFi signal, a soft bed, and the love and security of my family and friends. Outside of that I would mention a great pair of sunglasses, eyeliner, and a closet full of color!

What could you do without?

Unsolicited opinions, multiple loud noises at once, and bad wine. 

What’s the last book you read?

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Favorite piece in your closet?

I have an old sail print Lauren silk button down. In high school I saved up my babysitting money to buy it - and still wear it now! It is an important reminder that truly great pieces of clothing can survive decades of changing trends…even through college ;).

Favorite pastime?

Sitting down with a great crossword puzzle. 

What are you wearing right now?

An oversized fisherman's sweater, a pair of relaxed denim, and a classic pair of flats. It is a casual day for me - but I am still wearing hoards of jewelry. 

Is there a color or palette you’re currently obsessed with?

This is always changing! There are so many color combos that I love and experiment with. As we go into Holiday mint green and red/burgundy and light blue are always fun!

Where do you find inspiration?

Cliche but true - everywhere. Sometimes I am embarrassed that I don't have a deeply moving answer to this question. I could be as trite as seeing a splatter of color on a dumpster in NYC that makes an interesting color combo to traveling halfway around the world and seeing 300 year old architecture that I have never seen before. 

What is your process for putting together such striking, colorful looks? Do you start with one piece or a full vision?

Always one piece. I start with an item I am drawn to and then build the outfit around it. It could be anything from a brand new pair of shoes to a particular lipstick shade. 

What equipment or tools do you swear by for capturing content on the go?

My iPhone, a great point and shoot camera, and a small, portable light. 

Do you have any fashion rules you always follow... or always break?

No. The only fashion rule that I keep is to wear what makes you happy. As women we are constantly being told what is in and what is out - how to dress, how to act, and to smile more. We need less rules, not more. I try not to yuck anyone’s yum. So when I am asked ‘what would I NEVER wear’ or ‘my least favorite trend’ or ‘an outfit I regret wearing’ I typically politely decline to answer. I would like the online space to be as positive as possible. What may not work for me will work for someone else, so why would I try to make them feel bad for what they love?

What’s your best tip for someone who is afraid to mix and match bold colors and patterns?

Start small. Start with mixing in small ways and ways that make you comfortable. Accessories are a great place to start. You can get more bold and confident as you find the combinations that spark joy for you. 

What is your creative process for producing such stunning content on social media?

It’s always changing. Some days I am planning exactly what I want to post and other days I am just like ‘let’s see if this works’. Some of my most thoughtful, painstaking shoots have turned out mediocre and some of my last minute, on-a-whim shoots have become some of my most treasured. I try to stay organized and planful, but always leave room for the unexpected. Experimentation and creativity take time and it is what helps me grow.

Is there a particular city or destination that always inspires your visual storytelling?

Paris. How can you not go to Paris and feel inspired. The architecture, the art, the food, the people. Amazing. 

How do you style Frances Valentine?

I think “what would Elyce do”?! She wears the brand so well - OF COURSE SHE DOES! I try to mix new and old and try to always mix high and low. Frances Valentine is so easy to mix and match within each collection because the brand does such a fabulous job merchandising. I also find that as we share a love of color, bold prints, and retro shapes, the pieces go so well with the items already living in my closet. 

What are your favorite Frances Valentine pieces right now? 

It would be a tie between this beaded bag and these fab two tones gloves.I love a great conversation starter, especially at a holiday party, and these two pieces would for sure spark a few fun fashion convos.

In a fast-changing digital landscape, how do you preserve your signature content style and aesthetic?

It is very difficult to keep up with changing digital trends, new platforms, and the ever evolving algorithms. What I try to remember is that fashion and styling are at the core of everything I do. Hopefully, if I continue to inspire people through that lens then I will always have a place in the space. My style has never been trend heavy and I try to remain true to my personal style and not look outward to see what everyone else may be doing. That’s never been important to me. The internet landscape is becoming more and more driven by trends - both trending content as well as what is trending in fashion. I believe that if I commit to staying true to myself I will continue to stand out more as a unique voice. 

Experience more of Blair’s creative universe on Instagram, and find an extended look into her inspirations and styling ethos in the blog linked below.