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Michelle Green | Fashion Blog

June 3, 2015

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, and your love for fashion.

I am a proud Mom and animal lover whose love for fashion and beauty inspired me to start my own blog. I recently started a fashion blog to share my personal style and love for affordable, timeless pieces. Please stop by and feel free to follow me on Instagram: @shopngym and online at www.shopngym.wix.com/shopngym and www.liketoknow.it/shopngym.

When did this passion for fashion develop?

Was it something you have always been interested in? Fashion was always something I had a passion for. Even at a very young age, I was very particular about what I did and did not like. Growing up, I was a typical girl and would play for hours with my dolls, dressing them up and doing their hair. As I got older, I loved reading fashion magazines and keeping up with the latest trends. After joining Instagram a few years ago I realized there was an entire community of supportive and inspiring women whose love for fashion inspired me to create my own blog.

What is the name of your blog? How did you come up with that name? What your blog is about?

My blog’s name is Shopngym which is a name I came up with years ago when creating a Gmail account. My interests have always included shopping and working out at the gym, so it seemed like the logical choice for a fashion and beauty blog.

What made you decide to start blogging? How long have you been blogging?

I have always loved fashion and after seeing so many fashion bloggers on Instagram posting their amazing looks and where to get them, I was inspired to start my own blog. I have been posting and blogging for about 9 months.

How active are you on a weekly basis with your blog? How often do you post and communicate with your followers?

On average I will post once a week to the blog and communicate daily with my followers on Instagram. However, when collaborating with retailers and boutiques to promote their pieces, I may post more than once a week. I have found that most collaborations have a deadline of 3-4 weeks within which to post to ensure that these items are available for purchase.

What would you say is the biggest challenge about fashion blogging?

Finding the time to style and photograph outfits for the blog with my busy schedule.

Did traffic on your blog grow steadily over time or was there a specific turning point when you saw exponential growth?

I have seen tremendous growth with my Instagram account which directs my followers to the blog. Since August of 2014, my followers have increased from 300 to over 11,000.

One challenge new bloggers face is finding their unique voice and blog niche. How long did it take you to feel as though you had built an identity with your blog?

It didn’t take long. I have always been true to myself and my own style. I also don’t compare or compete with other bloggers. There is plenty of room for all of us! My blog appeals to the stylish Mom on a budget. I love a good bargain and I believe you don’t have to spend a fortune to look good.

How do you go about scheduling content for your blog? Do you always work ahead or do you tend to post in real-time?

For the most part, I plan out my outfits and posts ahead of time. It takes a little preparation, especially when working with retailers or boutiques to photograph and promote their items. However, on Instagram, there are plenty of occasions where I will post in real-time.

Is it difficult to keep up with the evolving blog world while balancing your day job?

Yes, it is very difficult to balance a full-time job, being a single mom and blogging but I enjoy each of these things so I ultimately find a way to make the time. The content on the blog has evolved from basic outfit posts to collaborations with retailers and boutiques. Typically I am contacted by representatives from these companies to select an item of my choice to style and post on my blog and Instagram. Although I currently don’t get paid to promote these items, these outfits and pieces are given to me for free which I love!

Who would you say is your number one fashion inspiration/style icon?

I love the personal style of Rachel Parcell of the Pink Peonies blog.

How would you describe your own personal style?

I would describe my style as casual and comfortable. I gravitate towards classic pieces that aren’t too trendy and can be worn more than one season.

What’s your favorite outfit from your blog?

One of my favorites is the mixing and layering outfit I posted back in February. I took a risk layering a few basic pieces but I love how it all came together.

When you can’t think of anything to wear, what’s your go-to outfit?

A little black dress (LBD) or jeans and a casual tee. These pieces are effortless and never go out of style.

What is your favorite fashion magazine?

InStyle Magazine.

What are some of your current fashion obsessions?

I am currently obsessed with distressed denim, studded sandals and bucket bags.

Does your daughter ever steal your clothes?

Typically no but that is only because she is 5’8” and wears a size 10 shoe so most of my clothes don’t fit her. She does, however, like to borrow my accessories.

Best splurge you’ve ever made?

My Celine bag.

What is your best budget-friendly shopping advice?

I rarely pay full price. If you do a little research, you can usually find out about upcoming sales in stores or Google to locate coupons and discount codes online.