Blog Spotter: Dressed Up Alligators By: Hanane Zahrouni A man once said: ‘blogging is graffiti with the use of punctuation.’ He was so far from the truth. However, despite this, one blogger, who goes by the name Diana Yanec was extremely passionate about the fashion industry and its creativeness and after reading a variety of blogs, she found an intelligent approach in getting into the industry by using the back door in order to provide her prospective employers a concrete portfolio which consists of her vision of style as well as her work ethic. In time, after brainstorming a variety of ideas, Dressed Up Alligators was born with a unique and eccentric name which was enthused from a song in Ugly Casanova’s Things I Don’t Remember.
However, prior to this, Diana originally planned to go to college and study medicine. But fate would not have it any other way. Even with a competitive and intense industry, Diana was certain that she could not live a life that lacked imagination and originality. And so, she switched her major to Marketing and Advertising – the first step to her goal to grow and learn in a career she wants to strive in. Hailing from Boston, she gained her fashion knowledge from her own blog and aims to inspire her readers to enjoy the world of fashion by mixing patterns and to create unique looks and not to take it too seriously. After all, it is a way of finding your unique prospective. Fashion is based on the notion of being comfortable in your own skin. It is a form of art and design, the coming together of beautiful fabrics, textures, thoughts, designs and colors to create beauty. It has to be appreciated and desired. But like all art forms, it is also to be absorbed elegantly with various degrees of maturity. Diana was kind enough to provide CK with an exclusive interview on her daily inspiration for her blog, while sharing tips and advice for our readers! CK: What is 'Dressed Up Alligators' all about? When and why did you begin blogging? Dressed Up Alligators is a personal style blog that chronicles what I wear on a daily basis as well as what trends I like and how I would style them. My approach to fashion and shopping has always been creating great outfits that look expensive but were found on sale or at discount retailers. I love hunting for deals, and find it is much more rewarding to discover something I’ve loved months later for a great price. I started blogging about two years ago one summer when I had nothing to do and wanted to start something productive. I would spend hours creating outfits that I would want to wear, and it seemed disappointing that I couldn’t document them somehow. So when I discovered blogs I remember being immediately attracted to the idea of it.
The original plan for Dressed Up Alligators was to serve as a portfolio to show potential employers when I began applying for jobs. But it has since bloomed into an everyday hobby and passion. It has given me to great opportunities and skills I probably wouldn’t have found if I never started. CK: Walk me though an average day in your life. What do you do apart from blogging? For the past year, I had been juggling five classes, an internship, and blogging and commuting from Providence to Boston five times a week, so my time was very structured. Since I graduated in May, there has been a huge shift from being always busy and on a schedule, to a schedule that changes daily, so I don’t think I have an average day at the moment. For now, I am blogging, job searching and enjoying the summer. CK: Your blog has been in many well-known fashion publications including Teen Vogue! What’s it like having this type of exposure? Ever since I was a kid, it was a dream to be involved in some way with Teen Vogue, so when I became a part of their blogger network I couldn’t be happier. It’s been amazing and so humbling to have my style posted to their website among so many other great bloggers. I am also in the Lucky Style Collective network, which has also been a dream come true. It pushes me to create even more interesting outfits, content and stories to post. CK: What are your suitcase essentials when traveling in general? I am a notorious over packer, even for overnight trips – packing an unreasonable amount of outfits I don’t actually wear is my favorite thing to do. My biggest tip is to take everything out that you are considering taking, and editing it that way. It is easier to see that not everything you want to take makes sense, and it helps you see what pieces are the most versatile. I always try to narrow it down to a few essentials to keep myself in check: Clothing: Basics such as a great pair of jeans, a blazer, skirt, a longer boyfriend cardigan and ballet flats are my automatic choices when packing. It is SO important to choose things you would actually wear at home. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve packed something I hated wearing because I thought it would look cute. I throw in a few prints to keep things more interesting such as my favorite stripes, polka dots and leopard pieces, because they go with everything yet still make you look fresh and pulled together when away. Accessories: An oversized bag is a must have – I love my large Longchamp Le Pilage tote – completely traveler friendly since it folds up easily and holds everything I own. I love wearing jewelry. It can transform any simple look you have when traveling. I will grab 2-3 statement necklaces and a handful of stackable bracelets I can mix and match. As far as shoes, I will take at least 3 different pairs – one in a pattern (leopard, polka dots), one neutral, and possibly one pair of heels, but all comfortable and wearable. A scarf is another accessory I typically pack – they can keep you warm if the weather is chilly without adding bulk. And I always pack a pair of oversized sunglasses.
Beauty: I am so low maintenance with makeup. All I bring are mascara, liquid eyeliner, lip balm and a lip color that I love at the moment. A face scrub and moisturizer are always packed too. Beyond that, I take my camera; computer and iPhone are with me wherever I go. CK: Where are you based at the moment and how does the city inspire you on your blogging? I am based in a town somewhat near Boston for the moment. I absolutely love Boston – the history, architecture and how welcoming it feels. It’s a beautiful city, and I am always inspired by how different each part of the city is: the North End and Beacon Hill are like a European town center, while Newbury Street is classic Boston brownstones. CK: Would you recommend any other blogs, which tend to inspire you both daily? I love reading blogs that look at fashion through a different lens and create outfits and pictures I would have never thought of. I love Sandra from 5 Inch and Up – she is always, always doing something inspiring. I am also reading Tuula, Gary Pepper Vintage, Atlantic-Pacific, Park & Cube, The Beauty Department, Love Aesthetics, Late Afternoon, Vasilieva, Oracle Fox, Cherry Blossom Girl, Song of Style, Sincerely Jules, and We Wore What. CK: Who are your favorite designers and style icons and why? I love designers who continuously surprises me each season and make me want to jump into my computer screen and play with their clothes. Favorite designers would include Marc by Marc Jacobs, Walter Baker, J Crew, Tibi, Kate Spade, DVF, Alice & Olivia. Favorite style icons are definitely Olivia Palermo (See Olivia Palermo Article), the Olsen sisters, Alexa Chung, and even bloggers such as 5 Inch and Up, Atlantic Pacific, and Sincerely Jules. These ladies are always doing something inspiring and creating looks I wish I thought of! CK: How would you describe your own personal style? Do you have any fashion rules you follow? My personal style is always evolving, but it typically is very lady-like and colorful. I love patterns, and finding new ways to mix them. As far as rules, I don’t really think fashion should necessarily have rules, but I do follow two of them: 1. Fit: Buying clothes that fit you and not paying attention to the number on the label is important. I am all over the place in terms of sizing depending on different stores so I don’t get depressed if I am a size or two bigger at H&M than I am at J Crew, nor do I squeeze into a smaller size to say I can “fit” into it, just as long as it fits me well. 2. Do not follow the trends so much that you lose your personal style: Trends are great. They inspire us for a new season and get us excited to create new looks. However, incorporating every trend that ever existed for a season is something I try to avoid. It’s ok to not like something that
is popular. Instead I notice what trends I gravitate towards most and find ways to incorporate them into my existing aesthetic. CK: There are so many trends coming up this season–which are your favorite and what would you recommend to our readers as must-have pieces of clothing that are worth the investment? I am most excited about the fact that oxblood/deep red/Bordeaux (whatever you want to call it) is the color of the season. It is so versatile and can act like a great basic replacing black or brown as a neutral to create an updated look. A great way to incorporate in this look without spending too much is through accessories such as shoes, bags and even nail polish. Or if you were feeling bolder a great oxblood jacket (I love the leather ones that are popping up) or skirt would be my pick. CK: Do you have any upcoming projects? I do! But I can’t say just yet…stay tuned! CK: What kind of advice would you provide to aspiring bloggers? One of my biggest pieces of advice for perspective bloggers is to avoid, avoid, and avoid comparing yourself to other bloggers. Of course everyone does it, myself included, but there is nothing worse and more discouraging than that. It is important to remember that staying true to yourself will make you come across as more authentic, confident and different. Stay true to your style and vision, and blog because you love it, not because of the numbers – everyone starts small. Also, put your best work out there and be proud of what you’ve created. If you love what you blog, there’s a chance others will too. CK: Apart from blogging, what do you do in your spare time? I love biking, reading, hanging out with friends, cooking, watching movies, going on walks in the city, exploring, traveling, and of course shopping! CK: Finally, what is so rewarding to you about being part of such a successful blog and how do you think blogging is reshaping the fashion industry? I think it is incredible how bloggers are shaping the fashion world and how people are responding to it. The relatable factor is huge – seeing real girls interpret the hottest trends but on a budget and non-model figure is the new perspective. Although models and gorgeous, extravagant editorials will always exist (and some bloggers are beginning to influence that too), it is great to have a new category of “real-girl” style. It makes fashion more interactive and helps connect girls who love the same thing! I think the biggest reward for me is being able to realize my dream of creating my own voice in fashion. It has given me the confidence and experience to create content I love, as well as work with brands I’ve admired since I was that young girl, buried in my closet playing dress up before school.