I’ve said it once, twice, and I’ll probably say it a million times again. The best bit of blogging is getting to meet interesting people doing fun and creative things.
I love my interview series because it gives you a chance to see behind the curtain. To get a sneak peek into the lives of artists and designers, but I also love chatting to other bloggers as we all have such different platforms and work on projects differently.
It’s interesting to find out what motivates other local bloggers to create their content.
I met Lena from Sunkissed Sundays at a bloggers fashion market hosted by The Fashion Advocate, and hitting it off we decided to meet up again for some photoshoots a and a glass of rosé.
You can see some past shoots & photos that Lena took here & here.
Today I get the privilege to interview Lena as we discuss what her favourite part of blogging is and what inspires her most. Read on below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start your blog Sunkissed Sundays?
Sunkissed Sundays came out of my obsession with fashion, travel and my need to tell stories.
I studied graphic design straight out of high school, but became disillusioned with the creative industry, so I went back to school and did law. If I have learnt anything there is no getting away from creativity, it will chase you down night and day until it has you. Whilst studying law and applying for less than exciting grad law jobs, the creative outlet always nearby popping up in unexpected ways.
It started with photos — I have always loved capturing my travels.
Then fashion — I have always been fashion obsessed, the kind of girl who plans her week around outfits and what I would like to wear. I decided to share my travel photos, travel tips, fashion looks and styling ideas with the world, as both a creative outlet and a way to connect with and inspire a wider audience.
The message that I would like to share with the world is that, although not every day is a sunkissed Sunday, you can choose to focus on the things that make you happy – whether these are the big adventures or the little things in life. Listen to the little things you like to do.
How would you describe your personal Style?
I like keeping simple and classic while adding that unique piece – whether it is a vintage Prada bag, cool vintage leather trousers or a unique top from an up and coming designer.
What are your top 5 wardrobe essentials?
A great pair of 90s style blue jeans, cool boots to make me feel bad ass, a tiny handbag that barely fits the essentials, an oversized white shirt and some jewellery that I can layer up to make it feel more polished.
What is the best style advice you have ever received?
My Russian mother who loves her heels had always said that your shoes are what makes or breaks your outfit.
Where is your favourite place to shop in Melbourne?
I mostly shop online these days! I find that my online purchasers a lot more considered and researched – far less impulsive than when the item is right in front of me. I buy a lot of pre-loved higher end clothes and accessories on places like Ebay, Vestiaire Collective and Facebook Marketplace. I also love checking out our local op shops for some treasures.
Tell us about some of the people in the industry who inspire you and why
There are just so many – I’ve been following Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast, Amanda Shadforth of Oracle Fox and Chiara Ferragni of the Blonde Salad from like 2011 and I love seeing how these women have turned the blogs into incredible businesses all while staying true to who they are.
What are 3 of your favourite resources that you turn to for inspiration?
I love Instagram for some major unique styling inspiration, WhoWhatWear for the best street style edits and Pinterest for those 90s Chanel and Tom Form campaigns.
What’s involved in a typical day of blogging for you?
Blogging is currently my part time job – about 3 days a week. On these days I will write, film, shoot (usually either with my partner or my trusted tripod), plan and organise, brainstorm, email brands, pitch to brands, catch up with fellow creatives. It’s different every week depending on what I am working on and I love it!
What is your favourite part of blogging?
Being a part of a wonderful community of people who are unashamedly creative. I love that it is a female dominated and an incredibly diverse industry that gives people the opportunity to say what they actually feel.
How are you staying creative or inspired in the current climate?
Staying inspired was incredibly difficult for me at the beginning of lockdown – just like it was for everybody I’ve spoken to. A few weeks on and I’ve learned that I need keep myself stimulated both mentally and physically – I’ve been reading a lot, listening to podcasts and audio books, going on lots of long walk and runs. This gives me the energy, the mental space and the focus needed to think about things outside my surroundings – where imagination and inspiration comes from.
Where is your favourite place in Melbourne?
I love heading into the CBD early on a Sunday morning, having coffee at Brother Baba Budan as city wakes up; then wondering in and out of the smaller boutiques and book stores for those unexpected finds.
What is next for Sunkissed Sundays?
I’m relaunching my blog, launching an e-commerce to do with all things sustainable fashion and I’m actually loving TikTok at the moment – the short video format is super fun to create!