Nothing pleases me more than finding stylish and inspirational local bloggers.
I came across the beautiful Lei Lei Clavey on Instagram earlier this year and have been following her closely ever since.
I’m always inspired by her informative blog posts on all things beauty, travel, and fashion as well as her gorgeous photography and stunning sense of style.
Below I chat to Lei Lei about her top 5 wardrobe essentials, the best place to shop in Melbourne, and what inspires her.
(all images via Lei Lady Lei)
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your blog Lei Lady Lei.
I have always loved blogs. I’ve been following them from when the first big fashion bloggers began. But never thought about creating my own. In 2012 when I was living in New York City and between jobs, I felt unmotivated so I started Lei Lady Lei. It was the creative outlet I needed. I never thought that 5 years on that Lei Lady Lei would be where it is today. I’ve worked with amazing brands that I love and admire and met amazing people. It has been an incredible journey so far and I hope it will continue to be.
How would you describe your personal Style?
I like to think that I have an eclectic personal style. Day to day it changes depending on my mood. Sometimes I want to feel elegant and refined so vintage trousers and a blouse is what I reach for. Other days I want to feel edgier so leather pants, ankle boots, a t-shirt and oversized blazer is what I’ll throw on. I developed my own style while living in New York City. I was challenged to step outside my style comfort zone. Because no matter how out there I thought I looked, I was never the most over the top on the street.
What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?
Tailored blazers
That one dress you feel amazing in
Statement shoes. Mine are a pair of metallic studded Laurence Dacade ankle boots or my Valentino silver pumps I bought for my wedding.
Leather pants. Many people don’t think they can pull these off but they’re a staple and add luxe texture to an outfit
A hat, they elevate any outfit.
Where is the best place to shop in Melbourne?
I love Grace Melbourne. They stock all the brands I love although majority of what they sell is out of my budget. They have great sales and sample sales which is what I hang out for.
I also love Scanlan Theodore. Their garments are classic, quality and timeless pieces. They touch on current trends but they’re wearable for seasons which is why I love their designs.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why?
Mira Duma the Russian digital entrepreneur of Buro247 inspires me. She’s incredible and her style is also a standout. Marie Claire Australia’s fashion editor-at-large Clare Press is another inspiration. She is passionate about sustainability in the fashion world, a major issue and one I feel strongly about. She is doing a great job creating awareness. I also admire creatives who set off on their own, fired by their own passion and make it work for them as a career. Their motivation and drive is inspiring.
What are 3 of your favourite resources which you go to for inspiration?
1. Social platforms: Pinterest, Instagram are two great sources of visual inspiration but you have to filter through the clutter.
2. I love looking at blogs for inspiration. The Everygirl have a mix of lifestyle, style and career tips that are relevant and relatable. Both Margo&Me & Peony Lim are great for elevated fashion blogging. Their fashion editorials are to-die-for!
3. Magazines are still up there as one of my favourite resources for inspiration. Vogue Paris, Elle UK, Elle Australia and Porter are my favourites.
What’s involved in a typical day of blogging for you?
Depending what I’m working on the day will change. Some days I’m photographing and editing. Other days I’m writing or brainstorming and researching upcoming content.
The beginning of a blogging day begins in the same way though. I sit down with a coffee and write a list of everything I need to complete including photos and blog posts I need to shoot and write. I answer emails and write briefs to pitch to brands. I check in on my content calendar to see what I have coming up so I can prepare.
If I’m shooting an outfit, product feature or beauty editorial I schedule in time to photograph that day so I don’t miss the best light. Morning or late afternoon are best for interior shots. Golden hour and cloudy days are best for outfit shots.
I love that every blogging day is different depending on what I’m working on. It’s forever exciting and never gets boring.
What is your favourite part of blogging?
Blogging gives me the chance to put on different creative hats. As a blogger you are the producer, curator, stylist, photographer, writer and PR agent all at once. It’s endlessly creative and challenging making you think outside the box everyday.
I love the opportunities that blogging has opened up to me. I’ve met and worked with fantastic people and brands that I would never have dreamed of working with if it wasn’t for this platform.
What’s your favourite place in Melbourne?
That’s a difficult question! There are so many amazing places in Melbourne. Depending on mood, time of day and season my favourite place changes. For a sunny Saturday it’s Millstone Patisserie in Malvern, sitting outside sipping coffee and eating brunch. For evenings cocktails I love Siglo, the rooftop bar overlooking Parliament House on Spring Street. It’s Melbourne’s own slice of Paris.