#MyBlogLife: Síomha Connolly From Talking Threads Is One Of The Slickest Bloggers You’ll See This Year

How did you get into fashion blogging?

Blogging started off as a hobby. It was a way to put together a portfolio of sorts, separate from college stuff. I’ve always wanted to get into fashion writing and this seemed like the most logical first step. These days blogging is so accessible, it’s so easy to start your own blog and develop a platform to share your personal interests with others. It can be a form of escapism too.

How did you start working up a following?

It really came quite naturally. I started posting pictures on Instagram of my outfits which began getting a good response and then people started following me. People with similar interests/styles tend to find each other quite easily on Instagram through the use of hashtags and tagging brands in your photos etc. That’s how I find most of the pages I love, so I imagine it’s the same for others.

What does a day in your blogging shoes look like?

It usually starts off taking outfit pictures with my sister/photographer Liadh. We’ll wander around until we find a spot that we like and take some nice photos. Then at home, Liadh sorts through the photos while I prepare the text for the post. Other days, I’ll spend a couple of hours replying to emails and preparing some inspiration or trend report blog posts that don’t require personal outfit photos.

What do you do asides from blogging?

I split my time between writing for an online magazine Maven46.com, and working in Topshop where I manage a vintage concession called Loving Youth.

How would you describe your personal style?

My outfits tend to be pared down, simple, casual looks. I stick to mostly neutral colours, and I’m quite drawn to relaxed, oversized silhouettes.

Your wardrobe is AMAZING. Where do you shop?

I like to pick and choose my pieces so my wardrobe is a mismatch of pieces from all over. If I’m shopping in town I’ll always stop into COS on Wicklow Street, it’s one of my favourite stores for clean cut classic pieces. I shop in Topshop, Zara and H&M quite often too. If I’m shopping online I’ll go for & Other Stories and Asos. I also love vintage shopping, especially if I’m abroad, some of my favourite clothes are vintage pieces that I’ve picked up for next to nothing on my travels! I also love (window) shopping in Brown Thomas, where I like to keep an eye on brands like Acne Studios, Joseph, Céline, Marni and Whistles for inspiration, and the occasional investment purchase.

How often do you buy new things?

I’ll usually make two to three purchases a month.

Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My COS wool and cashmere coat that I bought just before Christmas. I’ve lived in it since I bought it so it’s definitely earned it’s cost per wear already!

Favourite item you’ve ever bought?

My Levi 501s that I bought in a vintage shop in Brick Lane for £10 about five years ago. It’s so hard to find a good fit but these ones are perfect for me. They’re definitely my most worn item in my wardrobe.

What are your key pieces for SS16?

I’ll be hanging onto my cropped flares from last year, they’re set to be big again this season.

Do you follow trends or do your own thing?

I like to do a bit of both. It’s nice to have your own personal style and to stick to it, but if I’m drawn to a current trend and if it suits my look then I would incorporate it into my wardrobe. The good thing about trends is that it makes certain items really accessible on the high street, but then there’s always the danger of that look becoming really overdone really quickly. So I guess I enjoy trends, in moderation.

Who’s your style icon and where do you get your fashion inspo?

I don’t have a specific style icon, I get my fashion inspiration everywhere, mainly from fashion magazines and editorials which I follow closely. I buy so many magazines, you wouldn’t believe.  I keep up with lots of other blogs, and I also get a lot of inspiration scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest where I follow a tonne of really stylish girls.

Who are your favourite bloggers?

Carmen Hamilton from Chronicles of Her, Pernille Taisbaek from LookdePernille, Olivia Lopez from LustforLife and Camille Charriére from CamilleOvertheRainbow.

What are your favourite fashion websites?

Matches Fashion for their style guides, Net-a-Porter for The Edit, The Business of Fashion for updates on breaking fashion news and ManRepeller for their endless sartorial inspiration and daily dose of humour.

Where would you like to take your own brand?

At the end of the day, if I can write and share my stories I’m happy. If I can grow Talking Threads into a successful brand that allows me to do that as a full time job it would be amazing. Right now I’m focusing on building a portfolio that I’m proud of, and gaining as much experience as I can to further my writing career. Curating and creating content for Talking Threads is a pastime right now, but who knows where it will lead me in the future.

Wanna be a part of #MyBlogLife? It runs online weekly and in the magazine monthly, too. To be considered, you need to have a personal blog. Join STELLAR’s Facebook group, open to all personal bloggers, or drop an email to info@stellar.ie, telling us why we should feature you.

• #mybloglife
• Siomha Connolly
• Talking Threads