This week i had the fantastic opportunity to interview Kim from Sweet Monday.

So then, tell me a bit about Sweet Monday. when and why did it start?

I started it in summer of 2010. It got off to a slow start, I can't even remember why I started it now, because I saw a few friends doing it. I've always been creative and thought it was a great place to be just that. Like right down to the blog itself, it reminded me of myspace, with all the html etc. And I'd missed having a page like that that was my own. Facebook just isn't the same.

I was looking back through some of your old stuff, it seems pretty similar to how you post now. Do you think you have changed your style and what you post much?

I'm not sure. I'm happier with my blog now, layout wise and I have a new camera so I think that side has got better. But I hope that what I write about is the same. I don't want to change and my blog to change. Nails, cupcakes, outfits, crafts - that's all me!

I do love the new layout! And yeah, you do have a great focus in your blog, its always wanting to make me get crafty or buy something new. I was wondering how your shop was coming along and whether you were continuing with it?

Yes it's getting there! I've made a few things but I'm currently waiting on labels and other bits to package them. Annoy when I have everything ready to go but I'm a bit crazy over the small things! I guess a bit of a perfectionist!

(Expect pieces like this in the shop)

Sounds like its going to be great!

It takes time and a lot of effort! To be honest if it wasn't for my blog and the fact I work part time atm I probably wouldn't have done it. My blogs really got going recently and I think it's all because I've actually got some time to do things.

You’ve collaborated with a lot of shops as well, has that helped?

Yeh it's helped a lot. I've known the shop Dixi for years now, way before I started a blog so they've really stood by me and done giveaways through my blog and given me pieces. I'd say they've been the biggest help.

Onto the future then? Any big ideas?

Not really. I find this question so hard. Hopefully get a shop off the ground and see how that goes, see if it can make me any money on the side if people like the things i make. Haha um and really continue as I am. 

My blogs taken off over the last couple of months, I don't know how it's happened but it's gone crazy recently, so we'll see if that continues :) I hope it never gets boring, I guess everyone plods along posting about the same things. But luckily fashion and seasons change so so does your blog in a way.

Fashion is definitely something that wont get boring lol. You also entered the Company Casting Call with River Island, is modeling something you might like to do more of?

Oh I don't think I could do that. I'm no where near pretty enough or good enough for that kind of thing. I never ever enter things like this but as my blog had got a bit more popular I thought why not. And even though it would be scary how amazing would it be if I won?! So fingers crossed! I think I'm going to try and enter more things like that. You've got to get yourself out there don't you. Not be such a scaredy cat! :P

You’re definitely pretty enough! And even if you enter and find its not your thing it will be a great experience.

Yeah, I've seen so many bloggers have amazing opportunities through big names like Company and River Island. I think it's so good.

Thank you so much to Kim for talking to me and letting me feature her blog. It really is a great inspiration for me and gives me so many great ideas! So everyone should go vote for her in the Company Casting Call here. I also now really want to attend a blogger meet up which is something i havent had the confidence to do yet, it will go on my to do list for this year.

x

Thought i would do another interview for you guys. This one is with Rose from rosedl. I absoloutely love her blog. Its one of those ones who makes me happy when it comes up on my blogroll. She has great style and what she writes about is great to read. So read on to find out a bit more about her and her blog:

What/who inspired you to start a blog?

Well, I was reading blogs before i started my own, and i have to say i was inspired by LLYMLRS. I saw a lot of blogs through Lookbook/chictopia and i stumbled across hers and thought OMG this is amazing. And then decided to start my own.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?

Keep at it! It may feel like your getting no where at the start and no one is even reading your blog but they are and they will! Keep at it and it's not all about the followers and page views. Do it for yourself if anything.

Do you think it was important for you to gain followers?

No i don't think it is! I still read blogs that don't have many followers, it doesn't mean there not good? I think obviously it's nice to have followers but it's not all about that. I blog for myself i feel like it's a nice thing to do and as a sort of diary for college mostly. It actually really good for stress relief (i sound like an old women right now) but when I'm stressed with college ect i take 5 minutes to blog and let it all out!

Your studying art right now, is that what you want to continue with in the future?

Yes, I think so. Well I'm more in to Fashion/Textiles but i definitely want to go in to the whole art industry in the future!

I love your hair! Have you always had it that long?

Aww thank you! And yeah. When i was younger it was always long and was almost down to my bum. But then when i was in year 4/5 my Mum cut it all off in to a bob... Never been so upset in my life! I was so attached to my hair hahaha. Then in year 8 i went through my whole emo stage and got a fringe and short layers so it was shorter then. But I've been growing it ever since. 

Whose is your favourite blog to read? And why?

I read SO many blogs and follow so many, so it's hard to list them all but the ones i love reading at the moment are.

http://tattyboots.blogspot.com/

http://www.vipxo.co.uk/

http://www.ahashakeheartbreaker.com/

http://www.daisybutter.com/

http://www.fromgemwithlove.com/

http://ellabellevintage.blogspot.com/

http://www.llymlrs.com/

http://sweetmondayblog.blogspot.com/

http://lucyjournals.blogspot.com/

woah okay sorry for the long list! I hope i haven't left anyone out. I do read so many i kind off forget haha

What’s your favourite high street store to buy from?

The usual, Topshop H&M Urban outfitters. I'm really loving H&M at the moment the spring clothes are all lovely so far!

You’re selling quite a few things on ebay at the moment, any tips for other people who want to sell?

Oh that reminds me i need to put some more things up hahha! Ermm I don't really know I'm a new ebayer but I'd say just go for it! It’s a great way to make some money. And it's nice to know people will get wear out of clothes you don't wear anymore yourself (sorry for the shit answer there)

How long do you think you will continue your blog for?

Oh I don't know! I haven't though about that. Probably a long time! Till i go Uni maybe? I'm not sure... I think i may have to stop sooner or later as college work is getting harder! Hopefully it's no time soon :)

Vivatramp

In a bid to get to know the bloggers i follow better i have done an interview with Bee from Vivatramp. I have followed her for a while now and i love her writing style and what she posts about. I can relate to quite alot of what she posts about, and the knew 'What if..' posts she has just started writing have already got me daydreaming! And for the interview:

What/who inspired you to start a blog?

I've always had an interest in writing and the release it can give people. This inspired me to start my own blog and engage people with my own writing. I didn't really know anyone with a blog prior to starting one so it's amazing to think of the amount of friends I've made due to it!

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?

Work out your niché. Do you want it to be a food blog? A fashion blog? A lifestyle blog? Ensure that you write features relevant to you, your passions in life and your blog. Don't feel you have to be part of the crowd. After all, it's your individuality that'll set you apart from thousands of bloggers. There's also a really handy guide at Michelle's gorgeous blog: http://www.daisybutter.com/p/blogging-tips-and-tricks.html

Do you think it was important for you to gain followers?

For me, it's not really a popularity contest. I'm still as happy blogging as I was when I had about 10 followers. However, this is not to say that I don't value each and every single one of my readers. Their interest means the world to me and it's so rewarding to see the blog growing. It's really quite overwhelming. Basically, don't make blogging about followers...make it for you. I think once you lose that personal element you lose part of your spark.

I love all your posts but my favourite is H is for Happy. Which is your favourite to write?

I'm glad you like 'H is for Happy'. I think it might be my favourite to put together too! I think it's because it makes me feel good to be thinking about the simple things in life that make me smile. It's also nice to receive good feedback from people saying that it's cheered up their day. Although, my new post 'What If...' is also a lot of fun to write too! I hope people like it!

Whose is your favourite blog to read? And why?

Oh god, that's like picking your favourite child! It's impossible :/ Oww, this is horrendous to answer because I've made soooo many friends and I find so many blogs inspirational  :| Okay, I'm going to go with the lovely Lyzi's blog over at http://littlebeinglittle.blogspot.com/. I love it's eclecticism. I'm also madly in love with Lyzi - not in a gay way. I definitely advise you head on over there now!

Even though fashion isn’t your main blog focus, if you could only have one type of piece of clothing forever, what would it be? And why?

Oh god :/ I'm gunna go with a cape. A sparkly gold cape. I think it's one of those items of clothing that you'd treasure forever and it'd set you apart from the crowd. It'd also make you look like a superhero and that's a brilliant look. If I was going to pick my favourite piece that I own...I'd have to say it's probably my bright red coat. I'm visible for miles in it and this makes me feel safe. Ha!

What’s your favourite high street store to buy from?

I don't really buy a lot of things and when I do it's usually online :S However, I loooove browsing Accessorize for all their gorgeous accessories. I think you can get some really high end looking pieces for a small price. I'm one for cheap and cheerful fashion so any high street stores like: Topshop, River Island, H & M, New Look and Primark take my fancy.

How long do you think you will continue your blog for?

I will stick with it for as long as it makes me happy and feels right! Vivatramp has become my baby. I want to be here to see it grow up!

I think you would be crazy not to check out this blog! 

ps: i may have a giveaway lined up for when i hit 100 followers. i found the cutest little bag!