Today, I would love to introduce Lyndsay, a Canadian blogger and creative mind behind Over My Styled Body. She is very talented fashionista from Edmonton. Her unique and cutting edge style is amazing and her Instagram game in on point. I actually first met Lyndsay when her and my sister played volleyball for their University but then years later found her blog (small world right?). Hope you enjoy getting to know Lyndsay as much as I did.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lyndsey Forest and I'm the creative mind behind the fashion and lifestyle blog, Over My Styled Body. I recently said goodbye to my home in the burbs (Sherwood Park) as we just bought our first home in the big city of YEG! So when I'm not having fun decorating our new place I spend a lot of my working on my blog, brainstorming, and 'instagramming'. Yes, I am an instagram addict and not even ashamed to admit it!
Fashion has always been a driving force in my life. My mom always tells me how picky I was as a little girl and wouldn't leave the house if my outfit wasn't just right. Knowing the direction I wanted to take, I started out working in small boutiques and soaked up as much knowledge as I could about the fashion industry. I then went on to get my business degree and have been working as a visual merchandiser ever since graduating.
When instagram came around I started using the app to share pictures of my ootd's and fashion inspiration. I slowly started gaining a following and had people ask me all the time if I had a blog. It was from there that Over My Styled Body was born!
I started blogging as merely a hobby but it hasn't been until the last year or so that I could see myself doing this as a career. I love the creative outlet it offers and I always have so much fun putting looks together and sharing them with the fashion community!
How would you best describe your own personal style?
To be honest, I can't really pin point what my style would be as it all depends on the day and changes like the wind! But I think that's kind of a good thing, as there's no limits as to what I might wear next. I will say thought that I love a lot of colour, fun accessories, and high heels! Oh ya, and I definitely consider leopard a neutral and wear it religiously.
Do you think there is a difference between “fashion” and “style”?
To me, fashion is all about what's happening on the runways, what we see in the magazines, and what's "trending". But style is how you take those fashion moments and make them your own. It's unique to everyone.
Do you stick to conventional fashion or like to try and be original?
I wouldn't say I stick to conventional fashion and I'd like to think I'm somewhat original! I like to pick and choose which trends work me and try and put my own spin on them. I have fun with fashion and don't think there are any rules. For me, it's all about wearing what makes me feel good, not necessarily if it's on 'on trend". Cause what's the fun in that!?
If you were a fashion designer, what style of clothing or accessories would you design?
I am a total shoe addict so needless to say I would love to design some type of footwear. If only I could draw...#thestruggle
What advice could you give to someone aspiring to get into blogging and world of fashion?
Like anything in life if you love what you do it will show in your work and at the end of the day it won't even feel like a real job. So if fashion is where you'd love to be, I say go for it! Work hard, be persistent, and never forget to have fun!
What is your favorite thing about your chosen career? Why?
I love that whether I'm heading to my day job or blogging at home, I'm always in a creative environment that allows me to express myself.
What advice could you give to someone who wants to feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin?
I would say take baby steps. If you always wear black and want to start wearing colour, don't feel like you need to wear a red one piece suit! Maybe opt for a coloured scarf or a fun necklace. It's in those moments where you step out of your comfort zone just a little bit that we start to grow and gain that confidence.
In your opinion what is the biggest challenge women face today?
There will always be challenges no matter what gender, colour, or race you might be. But when it comes to women in the fashion industry I think there's an underlying competition that starts to happen. Like who has the hottest new handbag? How many followers do you have? That type of thing. For me, I think it's about surrounding yourself with amazing people and counting your blessings everyday. Like they always say, "girls compete against each other, women empower one another!"
What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you
Oh and...
Never go to bed mad, it's all about the peace and happiness :)
If you didn’t need to work for income, what would you do with your time?
Honestly, I think I would still be blogging but I'd love to take it international! I love travelling so I would definitely be doing a lot of that.
Lyndsay, THANK YOU so much for sharing your answers with me and Letters to LALA land readers.
*all images of provided by Overmystyledbody.com and Lyndsay
