Vahni Georgoulakos from gritandglamour.com

In between writing for her own blog GritAndGlamour.com, Vahni Georgoulakos is busy contributing to huge sites like IFB. She recently sat down with FashionBlogLove.com and spoke on everything from trends to career highlights! Have a read…

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into blogging.
I’m first-generation Greek-American, and was raised in the gorgeous southeastern U.S. I have a Master’s in English (professional/technical writing), so writing has always been what I do - but after grad school (and with the growth of the Internet...yes, I’m that old!), I discovered that I’m kind of a geek, a techie. So although I began my career in journalism, I ended up in Web content development/management in the financial services industry. If I could have a do-over, I would have gone to Parsons in New York, and gone into fashion. My true connection with fashion didn’t really sink in until my late 20s. By then, I wasn’t about to go back to school or internship-level pay.

While I love what I do, the subject matter isn’t the most creative. I got into blogging back in 2006 to find an outlet for my writing that was more fulfilling on a personal level. Blogging turned out to be such a good fit for me, because it melds technology and the verbal and visual aspects of written communication.

Can you remember your initial reasons for starting your blog? What were they?
As I mentioned above, I love my career and am so blessed in that regard. But a stylista writing about 401(k)s and mortgages? Uh, not such a great fit. I can do it, but we all know you really excel when you combine talent and passion. Grit & Glamour was my way to express myself and get involved in fashion.

How did you decide on the name?
Funny thing, that. I was contemplating it and at the time I read an article that described the “grit and glamour” of a place, probably in New York (where I was born, incidentally). I read those words and thought nothing could better describe me, my life. I am both things. Strong, willing to get my hands dirty on occasion, but also very feminine and refined (or so I’ve been told).

In three words, describe your own personal style.
Edgy, sophisticated, unexpected.

Are you an avid trend follower or do you march to the beat of your own drum? What are your reasons for doing so?
I do follow trends and enjoy working them into my style. My attention span is so short, in virtually everything. Trends keep me entertained. But I still tend to march the beat of my own drum. I don’t care when flares are in or skinnies are out. I wear all black quite often, year-round, even in the south. I buy and wear what I love. For years.

You lived in Australia for some time? Did you find any significant similarities/differences in ladies fashion, between the US and Australia?
I wouldn’t say there are any major differences except for the influence that lines like my fave— Sass & Bide—have on mainstream reproductions. Sass & Bide hasn’t hit mainstream U.S. markets, and I’m not sure the designers are even interested in that (boo). But this iconic and very unique Aussie brand certainly trickles into mass-marketed Australian fashion via inexpensive clothing inspired by S&B. I will say that Aussie girls are really great at the boho/surfer chick look. They wear their gladiators and summer scarves and a lot more of them seem to have long locks than in the U.S. So many gorgeous women there, at least in Sydney.

Also, you see fewer authentic, identifiable accessories (e.g., bags and sunnies) from brands like Gucci and Prada. They’re there, but not on every other woman, like in an American mall. I’m guessing that’s because prices are absolutely exorbitant for the average consumer. Pretty much double U.S. prices across the board. Ouch!

Congratulations on being featured in Grazia Australia! What other highlights have you experienced during your time blogging?

Thank you! Oh, so many. Moderating the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) conference in New York last February was definitely the top so far. I’ve really enjoyed partnering with brands like Gucci and Foley + Corinna, whose products I adore. I also LOVE that companies like Target, Maybelline, Kmart, Kimberly Ovitz, Jeffrey Campbell, Juicy Couture, and Dolce Vita completely get social media, and that they are listening and interacting with bloggers daily. A+ for them!
Of course, a major highlight of blogging is the people.

I have so many blog friends now, all over the world. Meeting and being photographed by Lee Oliveira (and totally hitting it off with him - he’s probably my blogging bestie) was such a treat and an honor. Also, when my most beloved uncle lost his fight to ALS, I was completely floored when I received a letter from the Joe Martin ALS Foundation acknowledging donations made to the organization on behalf of my uncle by my blogger friends, most of whom I’ve never met in person. Absolutely blew my mind.

Can you name the top three versatile wardrobe pieces you believe every woman should own?

Classic black stilettos, a pencil skirt, and a high-quality handbag.

Do you have any tips for new bloggers?

Be you, be authentic. Spell-check, proofread, and then do it again. Acknowledge your commenters on your blog, and theirs. Start your blog on the WordPress platform. If you’re not there, move over ASAP. Oh, and if you do no other social media, you must at least have a Twitter account! It is indispensable for bloggers.

And now, for our lightning round...

Favourite colour?
Black.

Favourite designer/brand?
Tom Ford.

Favourite place to shop?
Online.

Hardest fashion trend to pull off, past or present?
Harem pants.

Person you’d most like to meet, past or present?
Tom Ford.

What a fab interview! Make sure you stop by Vahni's blog GritAndGlamour.com