Playing Dress Ups: All things fashion with Sonia Styling

it’s saturday night.

I’m looking in the wardrobe. I pull out about 30 pieces of clothing. I try some on, I throw some across the room, I end up on my knees digging through my shoe boxes looking for a pair of flats (let’s face it, my feet hate heels). yet some how I always walk out the door wearing the same ~~shit~~ stuff, generally in black. because well, black is slimming and my exercise routine is non existent at the moment.

so when I got the chance to ask some questions of my favourite SA fashion and lifestyle blogger, Sonia Bavistock from Sonia Styling I had a little squeal of excitement. Sonia’s posts vary from her passion for fashion (excuse the rhyme), love of home wears to various topics that we all talk about day to day. Her content is refreshing, down to earth and honest. her sparkly personality and warmth shines through on her blog, which I think is one of the many reasons why she has such a following here in SA, as well as interstate and abroad. and even better, you’ll find her showing you how to dress in the latest fashion without having to take a personal loan. now that’s my kinda lady! she’s been so kind to give me a few tips + a little insight into her life as a blogger.

so pull up a chair, grab a glass of bubbly and lets take 5 with Sonia.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself, and your blog Sonia Styling.
Hi, I’m Sonia! I’m a born and bred Adelaide girl who loves a chat, a glass of wine and leopard print – in equal measure. My blog, Sonia Styling is a go-to resource for accessible fashion and beauty tips, simple hair tutorials, home decorating inspiration, health and wellbeing information and so much more. Sonia Styling is about life and style with sparkle.

What pushed you to be a fashion and lifestyle blogger?

I wanted a platform to communicate and connect. I’ve always been an English nerd at heart – not to mention a chatterbox and compulsive over-sharer – so a blog was probably the most perfect choice! And I’ve always loved fashion, beauty, homewares and the like so those topics felt natural for me to write about.

I can’t walk out the door without…

My iPhone – sad but true!

Who are your favourite fashion designers right now?

We have so many incredibly talented Aussie designers! Some of my faves include TY-LR, Sass & Bide, Maticevski, Cue, Bec & Bridge and Alex Perry.

I love that you wear pieces that affordable and won’t break the bank. How do you find the incredible pieces at great prices?

There are so many fantastic affordable brands and stores out there; it’s all about having a keen eye for good quality and detail with an even better price tag. And if you see something you love, buy it immediately because chances are it won’t be there when you go back. As for the brands at higher price points, sign up to their loyalty programs and mailing lists. Sales happen more than twice a year nowadays, so you can bag yourself a beautiful bargain a lot more regularly.

Online shopping is a huge thing these days. Do you prefer in store shopping or scrolling online?

I think both have their place and time. If I have a spare moment, I do enjoy flicking through racks and trying things on in store. On the flip side, I also love the convenience of being able to shop online at any time of the day or night and having those items delivered directly to my front door.

What is your go to outfit at the moment?

In the cooler weather, I’m all about jeans, a relaxed fit top, tailored blazer and ankle boots. When it starts warming up, my go to piece is a dress because it’s feminine, flattering and is an instant outfit.

I’m forever struggling to dress up an outfit. What are your top tips to bring a basic outfit up to dinner-drinks standard?

You can’t go wrong with great tailoring, so a fabulous blazer is worth its weight in gold. Add a slick of lipstick in your favourite hue and finish with a kick-arse pair of shoes. Oh, and never underestimate the power of a professional blow dry!

Your favourite clothing items this season?

It’s all about lace, florals and boho for me this Spring/Summer.

What’s on the cards for Sonia Styling in the next 12 months?

Lots of hard work with hustle and heart!

Where do you go for fashion inspiration?

I tend to draw my fashion inspiration from everywhere (particularly blogs, Instagram and Pinterest) and from everyone (Olivia Palermo, Blake Lively, Lauren Conrad, fellow style bloggers and my gorgeous friends).

If you could give us one piece of fashion advice what would it be?

Dress for your shape and your personal style. You don’t have to buy into every single trend that comes along – pick and choose what works for you. And at the end of the day, fashion is to be enjoyed!

Who are you following in the fashion and beauty world?

There are so many inspiring people out there, but a few that I love to follow include:
Gary Pepper Girl
Happily Grey
Inspiring Wit
Sincerely Jules
Styling You