Meet Ashley. She's a combination gypsy - well heeled Parisian who calls Ottawa home. Her blog Dare to Unravel is designed as a forum where she can showcase her maniacal creativity and inspiration, plus so much more. Did we mention she likes to shop at hardware stores? She's definitely one of a kind, and not afraid to unravel.
Name: Ashley McConnell
Age: 28
Occupation: Writer and Stylist
When and why did you first start your blog?
I began the site in April 2010. Like most people, I just wanted an outlet for all the creativity and thoughts swirling around my head. I read a lot of blogs and was constantly coming across images, ideas and music that I wanted to share. I also wanted my blog to reflect me and be something that was personal and sincere. I think most people normally want to feel a connection or get to know the author, in this case, blogger, or else why would they keep coming back to the site? I didn't necessarily have a goal in mind with Dare to Unravel. It all started very casual and as I progressed I began to enjoy the thrill of writing something revealing or simply sharing an idea with people and getting a response.
How would you describe your blog?
As a forum with multiple personality disorder. Sometimes I use the site to promote my work, other times I post images or videos I like. Sometimes I feel the need to be really candid and post intimate thoughts or stories, and then there are times I post snaps and updates about what's going on in my day-to-day life.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I think this is a difficult question to answer since inspiration comes in unexpected forms at unexpected times. I am a very visual person, so anything I can see usually triggers some response. I listen to a lot of different music and read a lot of books as well, which is another great source of inspiration for me. I am also very fortunate to have a few very dear people in my life who I can think out loud with. Being able to distill some of my maniacal creativity and the forcing the ideas further always leads to inspiration.
Who are your style icons?
Honestly, I don't really have specific style icons. There are so many people who style I admire, but it is always changing for me. I enjoy seeing how people interpret fashion and how they wear their clothes, rather than what they are wearing. I like the effortless sexuality of Charlotte Rampling and I'm in awe of the simple, yet dramatic style of Angelica Huston.
Describe your personal style.
If a gypsy caravan collided with a well-heeled Parisian. In other words: relaxes, edgy, tasteful, innate and slightly-grungy. Sometimes I like to experiment with different styles, other times I like to wear the same baggy white t-shirt and leather jacket for days and try to subtly alter the look.
Where are some of your favourite spots to shop?
The Ottawa Antique Market, Ruby X, hardware stores, Club Monaco, and Dace and Complex Geometrics collections that are sold at Victoire.
What are some of your favourite trends this season.
Ummm, this is kind of embarassing, but I have no idea what the trends are this season. I tried to follow trends for a few years, but quickly realized that I was mindlessly buying pieces that I would lose interest in after wearing only a few times. I purposefully stay away from trends. But, I can tell you about a few looks I'm digging right now: rosegold-coloured jewelery; white, baggy and backless dresses; white jeans; long lose sweaters worn as dresses; metal belts; tortoiseshell glasses; and bad-ass boots.
Style/Beauty Pet Peeves?
White girls in feather head dresses. Suntan oil instead of sunscreen.
When people pull of fidget with their clothes or hair - I find it really distracting.
What do you never leave home without?
I'd like to say my charm, but if you were to catch me on a Monday morning pre-espresso, you know I would be lying. So, I guess a spritz of perfume, Rosebud Slave, a pen, something to read and sunglasses.
Where will you be in five years?
I hope to be writing, creating, taking pictures and brunching with friends. I hope I will have taken a risk or two. I hope to be in a much more balanced place in my life. I have a tendency to become completely fixated at times. Sometimes it is with work, with people or with ideas. I hope to steady the scale over the next few years.
Find Ashley's blog, Dare to Unravel here... and follow her on Twitter to be part of the daily sartorial conversation.
Ashley is great- she really has a way with words and her style is unique, funky and fresh.
ReplyDelete