Style and Crochet Heroes – an Interview with Lazy Daisy Jones
Ready for the weekend I have a lovely little treat for you. For many years I have followed blogger and crocheter – Lazy Daisy Jones – also known as Ashley. She has built a really successful blogging and intagram following. In my year of the fashion fast I have found her style post particularly inspiring and I thought it would be great to get some advice and wisdom from Ashley for fashionable dressing as a ‘midster’ but also as a blogger.
Ashley, I avidly follow your Instagram account and indeed take time out to follow your blog posts. You came to my attention for your crochet and crafting but now I really look forward to seeing your posts on fashion and beauty. How has your blog evolved since you began in 2013?
Emma, thank you for having me on your lovely blog! Did you know you are one of my Crochet Heroes?
My blog Lazy Daisy Jones has evolved with my life. No one stays the same forever. As our families grow up and we grow older our tastes change.
My son was 11 when I started blogging, he is 16 now so I Have far more time for myself and my other interests.
I have always written about crafts and home restoration projects and I realised that my blog was rapidly turning into a lifestyle blog, not just a crochet and sewing blog. I decided to go with the flow and share what I was wearing and using on my skin. It was scary at first, and I was worried that my readers would think ‘who does she think she is at her age?’ ( I’m 54)
However, gradually my confidence increased and I found other women of my age were enjoying and actually reading what I was sharing.
Your photographs are always very beautiful. I am very envious of your confidence with your fashion posts. What would your top tip be for great images?
Thank you, it has been a steep learning curve. Trial and error would be the best way to explain it.
Luckily I have some wonderful blogger friends who advised me on photographing outfits.
My partner takes all the pics and I shout instructions to him! My top tips would be:
a. Always use a tripod this stops camera blur/shake.
b. Get out and about, find some pretty locations.
c. Enjoy yourself, smile, smile smile!
You know that this year I am having a fashion fast – basically not buying a new clothes. But I am always on the lookout for something new. I find your fashion posts particularly inspiring. How has your style changed over the last few years?
That is an interesting question! I have always loved colour and clever details. However, I don’t think my style has changed, I think my confidence has. I now know what suits me and my body shape. Confidence plays such a huge part in personal style. I think if you feel good in what you are wearing, than you will look good too.
I feel that I might be in a bit of fashion transition. Having been an avid buyer of clothes – I have taken a fashion fast this year (not buying any new items)…help! What would be your top tips for fashion conscious style… for a woman for any age?
Emma I think you have done the right thing, by taking a break and probably reviewing where you want to be style wise.
The first thing I would say is empty your wardrobe onto your bed and only put back the things you love and wear a lot. Even if you end up with a wardrobe full of jeans and t-shirts, you will have your answer?
My advice would be, wear what you love and dress for your lifestyle.
I live in jeans and there is nothing wrong with that! I change things up with my shoes and tops. Mules and a frilly blouse one day. Knitwear and brogues the next!
I love Hello fashion monthly its only £1 and has wonderful tips and fashion trend info. Buy it with your next weekly shop?
You were recently featured in Woman and Home Magazine as one of the top influencers – how did that come about?
When I started writing about fashion and my style and posting pics on my Instagram account Lazy Daisy Jones, I lost a lot of followers. I don’t think my crochet fans wanted to see it at that point.
So on a whim I started a new style account Daisy Jones Style, and just posted fashion images. Somehow that got noticed very early on. It snowballed from there and I started working with Brands and Pr companies. Woman and Home Magazine champion the older woman so that was probably how they found me. A proud moment for me!
As a blogger myself I notice that you have taken your blog to another level. You work with many companies in collaboration and have an diverse range of content? It looks like a full time job to create that level of excellence. What advice would you give someone wanting to break into that level of blogging?
You are right I started full time blogging this year!
Make no mistake, blogging takes hard work, I work on my blog everyday and try to post at least 3 times a week.
In my opinion publishing good content is very important. I try to mix it up a lot by writing about my home as well as fashion, beauty and crochet.
My top tip is just to get it out there on a regular basis and teach yourself about SEO (search engine optimization) Also find yourself a professional looking template and make it your own. Be unique don’t do what everyone else is doing!
Now let’s talk about crochet – do you get any time to with the hook anymore? If so what new trends do you see on the horizon?
I still adore crochet, but I must admit I get less time with my crochet hooks these days. I now use crochet as a form of relaxation, I crochet in the evenings whilst watching the TV unless I have a blog deadline to finish.
I am still loving the chunky crochet trend whilst amigurumi is still a favourite and always will be. I loved your latest book too. At the moment I am hooking up a very simple blanket.
I’m a huge fan of tassel’s and I see that the trend is still going places!
Do you have a big dream?
I am constantly amazed at the opportunities my little blog has brought me. Travel, working with amazing brands and of course the friends I have made along the way.
My dream would be for it to continue as I feel very lucky to be in this position.
I am so grateful to you Ashley for sharing your wisdom and being such an inspiration – Thank you so much x
If you would like to follow Ashley, then read her fabulous blog: Lazy Daisy Jones
On Twitter LazyDaisyJones
On Instagram LazyDaisyJones
Style and Crochet Heroes – an Interview with Lazy Daisy Jones Read More »