Meet Ashelle. She works in the field of behavioural science technology and is a fashion correspondent for Ottawa fashion blog Twenty York Street. As if that's not enough, she's also the brains, beauty and emotions behind the blog Pink Beautiful Love. Here she talks more about fashion and the journey to create Pink Beautiful Love.
Occupation: Blogger. Fashion Correspondent for Twenty York Street . Trained and work in the field of behavioural science technology.
When and why did you first start your blog?
In August of 2010, I started blogging with the support and encouragement of my dear friend, Krista. I started it as a creative outlet. In the last two years, I've become more stressed out with my job and life. My coping mechanism was an unhealthy one, which is through managing my food intake and body weight. As my blogging progressed, it became more of a personal story about going through the process of therapy with the goal of self-love, appreciation and control.
There is a bit of fashion, as it is an art form that I love. At the same time, I am hesitant with diving too much into the world of fashion. There is still a strong idolization of thinness, as described here, so I am careful to not get caught in it.
In the last few months, I have become part of the Twenty York Street (20YS) team. 20YS is more of a fashion blog, where I get to learn and experience more fashion than I could have ever done alone. I'm thankful for the opportunity to cover local fashion events and to see new lines by upcoming and well-established designers.
How would you describe your blog?
My blog is a combination of different parts of my life; like my love for fashion, experience with therapies and other stories that I like to share.
Who are your style icons?
Right now, the list includes: Audrey Hepburn. Lady Gaga. Most pop stars. My mom & sister. Countless other fashion bloggers. There are many different people I look up to for fashion inspiration. A lot of the time, the person I will think of depends on my mood and environment.
Describe your personal style.
Undefined. Most of the time it really depends on my mood, where I am and what I am doing. The best way I can explain it is, that there's a: slob, lady, rebel, tree-hugger and fashionista-wannabe, all influencing my wardrobe.
Where are some of your favourite spots to shop in Ottawa?
There's so many great places to shop in Ottawa. Value Village and Winners on Innes Road are the places I enjoy for major deals. When I'm downtown I like to go to: Ruby, Off the Wall, Milk, Victoire and Hush. But soon my all-time favourite store Forever 21 is opening in Ottawa. And I dream that H&M will come too. But I do like the more commercial stores like: Dynamite, Aldo, Urban Behaviour, American Apparel, Guess and more…
What are some of your favourite trends this season?
Mostly, I'm obvious to what the trend is unless I google it. But for the summer, I love colour blocking. Its tons of fun and can take on that retro '80s feel.
The most annoying thing to me is when people point out others to say something along the lines of "what is he/she wearing?!" I think that when people say things like that they just make themselves look insecure and pathetically and are just seeking reinforcement.
What do you never leave home without?
My iPhone. Sounds really sad but without it, I sort of panic. Riding the bus isn't the same without music and Twitter.
Where will you be in five years?
Honestly I have no idea where I will be in five years. I do have dreams and goals that I hope to accomplish in five years, such as: completing my degree and becoming independent in my trained occupation. In terms of fashion, I would love to be invited to attend events outside of Ottawa and to report on printed or video media. Also, I would love to be involved in some project that encourages all kinds of beauty and individuality in fashion. And last is to complete the renovations of our home.
