Claire’s blog, “The View from Here” is approximately 2 years old and was created by a stylish girl because, in her own words, “you don’t have to be stupid or shallow to take an interest in what you wear”. Claire is a student at Oxford and writes with arefreshing sense of familiarity all appreciaters of fashion can enjoy. I’ve asked Claire a few questions about her blog, style and aspirations here:

1. Why blog about fashion?

I started when I started reading other blogs and wanted to comment. I keep on blogging because I find it interesting to read other, “normal” people’s takes on fashion, so if I enjoy that, then other people might enjoy reading my blog.

2. What is the most timeless item of clothing you own?

Hmm tough one! Possibly my green cocktail dress, I can’t see it ever dating.

3. What is/has been your favourite fashion event?

I’ve had a super-fun pampering evening courtesy of Aussie hair care. Read about it in the “Aussie Pampering Session” blog post

4. Does style run in your family? Who is your most fashionable family member/friend?

Style only really goes in the female side of the family!! My Mum is pretty stylish and has some great staples (she used to be a stiletto queen) and apparently my Grandma was also a shoe fiend in the day!

5. Have you ever worked with any designers? If not, who would be your dream match?

I’ve never worked with any designers but I’d love to work with King Karl, because I’d love to see his creative process, or with Jean-Pierre Braganza because I love the sculptural clothes he makes.

6. If you created your own collection, what item would you work on first?

The shoes. Easily, the shoes!!

7. What’s in your handbag?

I’m super organised, so diary, umbrella, sun cream, phone, purse, keys, oyster card, lunch box, tissues, red lipstick (just in case I have to go out formally in the evening)

8. What’s your oldest clothes item?

Thing I bought from new – black, velvet H&M blazer (approx 6 years ago). Vintage item – red sequinned gown, I think from the 1980s.

9. What’s the funniest/strangest/best comment you ever got on your blog?

I love comments like “That outfit makes you look awesome!”. It just gives me a little flutter of happiness!!!

10. Finish the sentence – “The best thing about my style is…”

“…I vary what I wear alll the time and don’t feel consigned to a single style!”

Gabi Gregg, the creator of Young, Fat and Fabulous has very kindly agreed to let me ask her a few questions in my first featured blogger post. In her own words, she is ‘trying to change the world one fat girl at a time’ and doing a pretty great job at it. Check out her answers about designing, designers and what’s in her wardrobe.

1. Why blog about fashion?

I blog about fashion because I am passionate about it. People seem to like my outfits, so they trust my taste. Since I discuss plus size fashion, my blog caters to a specific audience that often gets left out of mainstream fashion blogs.

2. What is the most timeless item of clothing you own?

Honestly, I need to start collecting more of them. I have a tendency (like many girls my age) to buy disposable, trendy clothing, and often I regret it. I think some trendy pieces are essential, but they should not make up your entire wardrobe. I would say the most timeless item I own is a little black dress I bought from Banana Republic. It’s perfect, and will never go out of style.

3. What was your favourite fashion event?

I haven’t been to many! But my favorite so far would probably be The Art of Fashion, a small event where Jibri showed her fall ‘09 collection. I love her clothes, she really understands that plus sizes should not have to sacrifice style.

4. Does style run in your family? Who is your most fashionable family member/friend?

Definitely. I have three older sisters, and my mother, sisters, grandmother, and aunt would always drag me to the mall when I was growing up. One of my sisters who lives in Miami is a buyer and is actually thinking about starting a fashion blog. My best friend is also super stylish; she has interned in the fashion departments at Teen Vogue and Essence Magazines.

5. Have you ever worked with any designers? If not, who would be your dream match?

Not yet! I have done a tiny bit of fashion styling for photo shoots, and I have met some great designers including Monif C, but I have yet to work with any. I would absolutely love to work with a high end designer like Marc Jacobs or Philip Lim, but I don’t forsee that happening. I would also love to team up with a plus size retailer like Evans or Torrid and help them create some great collections.

6. If you created your own collection, what item would you work on first?

I would probably work on a sequined mini dress. I have a ton of ideas in my head, and have actually sketched some things out.  I can only hope that one day I’ll actually be creating a real line.

7. What’s in your handbag?

The essentials: cell phone, keys, wallet, lip gloss, and my digital camera.

8. What’s your oldest clothes item?

Wow, that’s tough. I tend to hoard things, which is terrible. The oldest thing I can remember would probably be a mesh top that I got in 7th or 8th grade. I’m glad I held onto it though! Mesh is back!

9. What’s the funniest/strangest/best comment you ever got on your blog?

Oh man, I have gotten some funny things. I think the funniest comment was probably someone telling me that I was helping America become obese.

10. Finish the sentence – “The best thing about my style is…”

…the fact that it changes so much!

A massive thanks to Gabi for sharing her blog with the world and for taking the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate it and wish you all the best in your fashion endeavours!