Silvia Njoki is a Kenyan fashion stylist and blogger. She studied fashion styling in London and Milan.
Her blog; Style by Silvia was created as a creative outlet for her DIY activities in pursuit of dressing her infant daughter, but has gradually evolved into a more fashion oriented vehicle where Silvia shares her own personal style, Her blog is all about fashion, including her own style and the style of her 1 ½ year old daughter Nielsine. Silvia uses the blog to share clothes that she crafts for her and dress her in.
Silvia was also crowned as the Most Promising New Blogger at the just concluded OLX Social Media Awards. We had a few questions for her and here is what she had to say.
1. What made you decide to start blogging?
I decided to start blogging a few months after my daughter Nielsine was born. I was home on maternity leave with so much free time. My initial intention was to make it a DIY blog sharing my attempts to crochet, knit and sew outfits for her. When I got back to work, my blog was dormant for a while since I did not have time to sew, knit and sew as much. I decided to ‘revive’ it by sharing photos and short texts of my every other day outfits. The reception was great ! While I will still occasionally do DIY’s, Since then my blog has of course taken a different direction.
2. Take us through your process of coming up with a blog post
Today the majority of my blog posts are about outfits that I wear. For this category of post, the process begins at the time of getting dressed in the outfit I have chosen for an occasion or for the day. And picking the accessories to go with it. I then have someone take a series of photos of me in that outfit, hopefully but not always in context of the place I have worn the outfit. And subsequently spend some time selecting and editing the pics, which I want to include in the post. The text I include in such posts are very short and to the point, I try to not be too wordy, focusing on why I like that particular outfit. I conclude the post by listing the shops or suppliers from where I acquired the individual garments and accessories. I will share whatever outfit I manage to wear, whether I am really in love with it or not, because honestly, I am not always excited about all the outfits that I wear. I have my ‘yaaay’ and ‘its ok’ days, as most people do, and I want my readers to have a feel of my casual and glamorous side. I do upload other types of posts as well, particularly about my daughter, and in those cases the starting point is also in the photos I have available to share.
3. Who would you say is your number one fashion inspiration?
Its hard to single it to just 1 thing. I get inspired by street style blogs, www.facehunter.org is one of my faves, here, I get to see the playful side of fashion. I also try to keep myself inspired by following ‘fashion people’ on social media, especially on instagram. But what would I give to have my fashion Icons wardrobe, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser is the epitome of class and style
4. Favorite fashion magazine?
5. What are some of your current fashion obsessions?
I am presently in a phase of obsession with all-black outfits, anoraks, camo and military inspired pieces.
6. What is your dream job?
My dream job would be as the producer of my own fashion TV show, preferably with Africa wide or international coverage. Owning my own fashion network, But I would not turn down an offer for the post of fashion editor of a major international magazine
7. What are your top 3 favorite Kenyan blogs and why?
The Fashion Notebook by Nancie Mwai – I love her versatility when It comes to blogging. Plus I have learnt a lot from her about blogging at a personal level.
benkiruthi.com – Awesome photography! plus every girl loves to dream about their ‘dream wedding’ he brings it closer home for me with his awesomely captured moments.
pikachakula.com – I am a foodie, I love to cook and pika chakula is a great place to get inspiration
8. Heels or Flats?
I love how I look in heels but not how I feel. so flats days, are good days. Surprisingly, I have more heels than I do flats!
9. Favorite lipstick color?
I love to experiment – But if I have to choose a color, currently it would be the browns and maroons.
10. Favorite Quote?
“ If you do what you love, you will never work for a day in your life” – Marc Anthony
11. What is one thing your readers would be surprised to hear about you?
When I was in high school, I was determined to become a nun, and actually signed up for a trial period at a convent.
12. What should people expect from your blog going forward?
Content, consistency and honesty. I try to blog as frequently as I can without wearing myself out. Also I have made a serious vow, to only to post photos of or promote garments and articles which I would be comfortable and proud to wear or use myself. I do not accept money for clothes or accessories that don’t speak to my style. I definitely will interact more with my fans on social media and on my blog. As I move forward, I shall strive to give my followers what I have learned appeal to them and to be ready to respond to relevant requests for fashion related material and information. I am just now launching a new segment on my blog “Ask Silvia” I want to interact with my fans more, and help them in their personal style journeys.
All images courtesy of Style by Silvia