#MyBlogLife: STELLAR Meets Blogger & Teen Vogue Correspondent Louise Cooney

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging in college as part of a course, it was just the push I needed to get started, as it’s something I’ve always followed and loved. Moving to New York gave me the perfect reason to commit; it acted as a diary for me.

Tell us about NYC and becoming Teen Vogue’s student fashion correspondent?

New York is every fashion lovers dream – I fell in love with fashion all over again over there. Everyone I met had jobs you see on TV and you don’t think actually exist. My friend Phil is one of these people. He works with Teen Vogue. He told me about the online fashion course Teen Vogue and Parsons were launching together. I was asked to try out the course and report back with my experience . I can’t even explain how excited I was. Their slogan is “fashion starts here” and with where I am with the blog at the moment, it was a perfect fit.

What’s the Parsons Fashion course like?

So I’m taking part in the Teen Vogue x Parsons Online Fashion Course for a certificate in Fashion Industry Essentials. It’s a 10 week online fashion course with five different sections, one every two weeks. I’m four weeks into the course and I have honestly already learnt so much. Each section of the course is a mix of different lessons in style taught via videos with staff from Parsons school of Design and Industry Professionals. It’s very interactive and it really makes you feel like you’re part of a class. The course also offers lots of career advice from some of the most well respected people in the fashion industry. It’s so worthwhile for anyone who loves fashion.

How does Irish fashion differ from what you see in NYC?

Irish people definitely have more fun with their style. In NYC it’s all about practicality – people wear a lot of black and white. We’re so blessed with the shops we have in Ireland, you don’t even realise. I actually think we’re more in tune with the trends at home here than people are in NYC.

What’s your favourite iconic fashion item?

For me it has to be the statement white dress. I find myself with a new one in my wardrobe every season and it’s definitely my go-to. It’s a timeless and elegant item that you can get so much wear out of.

Fashion wise, what’s your favourite era?

I’m torn between the 1970’s and the 1990’s. I love the boho style of the 1970’s but I’m a ’90’s kid and I would just love to relive some of those trends, think Levi jeans, bellytops and scrunchies. I was too young to really embrace them at the time.

Describe your own style

Minimalistic, feminine and classic. I like to keep things simple but I also love mixing that simplicity with new trends and fun pieces that catch my eye.

Do you always accessorize?

I would most of the time, even if it is just a watch, or a ring, or a nice handbag – it’s such an easy way to dress up a simple outfit.

Splurge or save?

Most of the time I try to save, I love having new things to wear – especially for my blog, so it would get a bit crazy if I was splurging every time. But when it comes to things that I’ll get a lot of wear out of; a handbag, sunglasses, a good pair of boots, I don’t mind splurging.

Next big buy?

An Olympus Penn camera

What’s your fashion weakness? 

Skirts and dresses – I wish I was more of a practical shopper but my eye is instantly drawn to pretty dresses and girly skirts.

Favourite brands?

Favourite designer brands: Kate Spade, Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent
Favourite highstreet brands: Zara, Boohoo, Topshop.

Favourite places to shop in Ireland?

I’m definitely more of an online shopper but after my year away I’m so glad to be back to Penneys and Dunnes and reasonably-priced shops like Zara, Topshop and H&M. They’re so expensive in the US.

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

A well fitting pair of jeans – I’m currently hunting for the perfect pair!

Tell us about modelling; is it something you want to keep up?

Yes definitely – I love fashion so any way I can be around it is something I 100% want to be involved in. I’ve made great friends and met some really inspiring people through modeling too so I’ll keep it up as long as I can.

What did you take home with you from your NYC experience?

Where do I even start? Between the people I met, the places I went and the experiences I had, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve learnt. I did a blog post on some of my take aways from the year. Looking back I think one of the most valuable things I learnt is to keep dreaming and working towards those dreams. As the saying goes, ‘Good things come to those who work their asses off and never give up!’.

Would you recommend a year-long graduate programme to the US?

Yes it’s so worthwhile, I may be biased but I really think it’s one of the best graduate programmes out there. You get a year of invaluable international business experience. There’s also a great support network running the programme – it’s the perfect way to transition from college to professional life. Especially for people wanting to work in the fashion industry.

Give us three fashion tips that you can swear by

1.Less is more.
2.It is always better to be overdressed.
3.When in doubt wear black.

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