Kate Lately is a fashion blog produced by Katherine Lutes a St. Thomas grad. She graduated last year and has been blogging for quite some time. She talked about her blog and the things she loves, like fashion and writing.
By Nathalie Sturgeon
Q: What is your blog about?
A: My blog started out as purely fashion based, but has expanded into a fashion and lifestyle blog. It is my outlet to share with the world things I love, products I’ve enjoyed using, outfits I just can’t wait to share and anything else that I feel inspired to write about. It’s my little space on the Internet.
Q: How did you get into fashion?
A: Fashion has always been a part of my life. I grew up with two older sisters who loved fashion and watching them inspired me every day. Once I was old enough to use the Internet, I was constantly looking at celebrities on the best dressed list and watching shows such as “What Not to Wear” or “Project Runway”. I don’t remember not having fashion in my life and always knew I wanted it to be a part of my future.
Q: How did you get into blogging?
A: Along with fashion, I’ve always loved to write. There are always so many ideas and words running through my mind. When I entered university, I started to read other fashion blogs and began to research how they were created. While I had always thought about having my own blog, I never thought I could do it. My mom was (and always has been) my biggest fan. She was the one who encouraged me to start my own blog, even if she was my only reader! When it came time for me to decide to expand into YouTube…it was her once again encouraging me to take the leap.
Q: What kind of things inspire you to write?
A: I get inspiration from so many places. I’m constantly being inspired by people around me, whether in real life or via the internet. I love to see people using “trends” and mixing them with their own personal style. I’m also inspired by travelling and exploring the world around me. My family and friends are always inspiring me as well. Whether I snap a photo of my nephew running through a park or hear a beautiful piece of inspiration spoken by my best friend, it can inspire me to want to share it with the world. I truly believe inspiration should be a part of every day life.
Q: Who, if anyone has inspired your fashion sense, and why?
A: I’m not sure one person has inspired my fashion sense, but I believe my fashion is pieces of many people around me infused with my own personality. The ladies in my family have always been so fashionable and beautiful, I take a lot of my inspiration from them. We, as Christian women, find it an exciting challenge to be fashion forward, yet modest so that we do not conform to the sensual ideals of today’s world.
When it comes to celebrity inspiration, I have a few favourites that I often find myself taking ideas from. These ladies include Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, Princess Kate and Perrie Edwards. My favourite brands also provide me inspiration, brands such as Kate Spade, Alice & Olivia and Topshop.
Q: You have a background in communications, how has that helped you write your blog?
A: My background in communications did not help in writing my blog, in fact it was the other way around. Writing my blog helped me to realize that communications would be a great path for me. Social media is the main connection between my blog and my degree. Learning more about etiquette on social media and how to network really helped to take my blog to the next step. I just so enjoy writing on my blog and knew that if I could spend my life doing something I loved this much, I would always be happy.
Q: What kind of things do you hope to write about in the future?
A: I hope my blog grows with me. I hope I continue to write about fashion and lifestyle, maybe even expanding into weddings, relationships and children when the time comes. I believe my blog is a reflection of who I am as a person and so it should grow as I grow. Although, I hope to never lose my passion for all things clothes, makeup and shoes!
Q: Tell me about a typical outfit you might wear/write about on your blog?
A: A typical outfit on my blog…that’s a hard one. I tend to wobble back and forth between more dressy, sophisticated outfits or trendy, comfortable outfits. I think one of my most “typical” and favourite posts was a collab done with my friend, Maddie, on CassidyLou.com. We both styled jean jackets and I paired my jacket with a tulle dress from Forever 21 and my old prom shoes! I love re-using old clothing or accessories to give them new life. It was really cool to see how I’d gone from wearing those sandals with my prom dress, to wearing them with denim and tulle for an everyday outfit. I’m not sure I have a “typical” outfit, but every outfit I post is based on what I love to wear, what I think is beautiful and I can assure you I dress for no one other than myself. I also try to show other people that you don’t have to be a model or a stick figure to look beautiful. I’m a curvy girl and I can still be fashion forward. It’s an important message and one I’m proud to share.
Q: If you could give anyone advice about fashion, what would it be?
A: Advice on fashion…well there’s a lot I’ve heard over the years. While I think it’s important to stay true to yourself, I believe that is more of a piece of life advice than fashion advice. My favourite piece of advice is to try something new. When I started my blog, I was very safe with my fashion choices. Since then, I have stepped outside the box and tried trends I never thought I’d be able to pull off. Of course, some failed, but some are now my favourite outfits! Of course, when trying new trends, never spend a lot of money on the brand names. Save your expensive purchases for timeless pieces that will last you years. Hit up thrift stores or department stores to experiment with new trends. Once you figure out what you love, then you can go back and purchase better quality items. It’s about balance, budgeting and a lot of fun!