Girl of the Blogosphere: Amanda (A. Co Est. 1984)

Name: Amanda aka. A. Co Est. 1984

City: Ontario, Canada

Occupation: Executive Assistant

Blog: A.CoEst.1984

Who is your fashion inspiration?

I draw inspiration from everywhere. Life in general. Other bloggers, celebrities, friends, etc. I think the blogger community, though, is a great place to draw from because there is always someone, spoting something, you would have never thought to put together.

What is your favourite place to shop?

I love shopping online and buy almost all of my shoes there - I love coming home to a package from the UPS man. However, I could never give up shopping in stores in favour of online. My favourite places to shop at H&M and Forever 21. The stores offfer such great variety and styles, at even better price points. Sadly, we don't have either of those stores here (yet - I hope?) so when I don't travel to shop there, I really love Costa Blanca, Urban Behaviour, Dynamite, Sirens, Le Chateau, Suzy Shier, Winners, Adène (to name a few) - I'll shop anywhere, I don't discriminate and I enjoy taking time to browse through all the racks to find a great deal.

What is your current favourite fashion trend?

Lace. I love the femininity of it and it pairs well with more edgy pieces like leather jackets, studs, denim, etc. If it's done right, it will never look elderly.

What is the current trend you dislike the most?

I'm pretty open to all trends, but if I had to choose one, it'd be clogs. I know a lot of women are feeling them, including several of my blogger friends, but it is not for me. First, I hate the word, 'Clog', it makes me shudder (ha!) and the idea of rocking them just doesn't appeal to me. That said, when I see them on others, I'm indifferent. I can appreciate others' taste and taking risks in fashion.

Why did you start your blog?

One of my best friends, Kayla, had started a food blog and I was so inspired by it, I thought about starting my own blog. The only problem? I was unsure of what to blog about. I turned to my new blogging friend for advice, and she said it was a no-brainer: fashion, of course! She really encouraged me to start it, and within a week, I was up and running. Thanks to her, I've found a new, super-enjoyable hobby and have met tons of great girls in the blogosphere.

How would you describe your style?

My style is girly-chic with a bit of an edge. I tend to prefer skirts to pants (especially for work) and I love dressing up. However, I never want to look too perfect, and like to throw something in the mix to spice things up: a studded jacket, fierce peep-toe ankle booties, a man's watch, chunky jewellery, etc. Never too matchy-matchy.

What is one thing you are dying to buy this summer?

I don't think there is one thing in particular that I want to buy this summer, but in general, I'm dying for a pair of Louboutins. I've been coveting them for years, any pair will do, really (hehe). I am especially partial to the Very Privé in nude patent leather.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought?

This is a tough question as I tend to purchase more inexpensive items, however, the one label I refuse to 'go cheap on', so to speak, are Uggs. I cannot get enough, and winter in Ontario is rough (-30 degress Celcius or worse). Last year I bought the Bailey Button in grey and they got tons of play. Uggs may not seem uber expensive to some, but to get them in Canada, you are looking at at least $300. Add that with the fact that you are wearing them in snow and sleet (basically running the risk of ruining them with the first wear) doesn't help. However, the cusion, the warmth, and the durability of Uggs, makes it all worth it. I'm already debating which pair I'll purchase this fall.

What is the least expensive thing you have bought?

I recently bought a pair of barely-worn Aldo cork wedges from the thrift store for $5. The kicker? They are still selling these shoes in the store for $80. Major score.

What is one thing that you regret buying?

I don't regret buying anything. If I buy it and regret it, I return it, no questions. If I am unsure about something in the store, I'll leave it for a day. If I have to have it the next day, I go back and get it. If it's still there, it's meant to be.

If you could meet one person from the fashion industry / a fashion icon who would it be?

I've thought about this question for a while, and I guess I would have to say Monica Rose (http://monicarosestylist.blogspot.com/). Monica is a stylist to the stars, namely the Kardashians. I love the looks she puts together for those girls and can really relate to that style. She's got a fantastic blog, where she posts various shots of her clients and outlines what they are wearing, various inspiration, sales, looks she's lusting after, etc. There are a few pictures of her, but they are few and far in between, but in general, she just seems like such a cool girl with a fantastic eye for style.

What is your favourite vacation destination?

I haven't been to that many places, but am looking forward to my upcoming honeymoon (I'm getting married August 20th!). We haven't planned exactly where we will go, but it will be an all-inclusive down south somewhere. One place I really love though, is Coco Beach, Florida. About an hour outside of Orlando, the small beach town boasts beautiful beaches, a happenin' Pier, some great beach shops, a small mall, great mini golf and a plethora of restaurants. Travelling south in the winter is so fantastic because when you live in a place you get snow six months of the year, sitting on a beach in February is truly surreal.

To see more of Amanda's looks go to her blog A.CoEst.1984

Photos: acoest1984.blogspot.com