Playing at Being a Fashion Journalist

As many of you know we recently held our very first modest swimsuit giveaway hosted by Elaine at Clothed Much. Clothed Much is a "Look What I'm Wearing Today!" blog, but with the added emphasis on modesty and frugality. I picked Elaine to host our first swimsuit giveaway because I love her sense of style and how she proves that not only do you not have to have a ton of money to invest in your closet to look fashionable but you also don't need to compromise on modesty, either.

In working together getting the swimsuit giveaway up and running I had the opportunity to talk to Elaine and interview her. Channeling my inner Dianne Sawyer I really delivered some tough questions. Here is my interview with Elaine:

DM: Hi Elaine, and welcome. Who is your Fashion Icon?

Elaine: I actually don't have one fashion icon.. I try to receive inspiration from everywhere. I really look to fashion blogs, street style and chictopia.com for my fashion inspiration!

DM: What defines modesty to you?

Elaine: Modesty is not just a style choice but a lifestyle. I have learned to curb my desires and wants for what is really important - self-respect, dignity, and self-worth. Through my clothing choices and style, I want to portray to the world that I respect my body and want people to see me for who I am and not my hot body (ha!)

DM: Describe one of your favorite outfits.

Elaine: That's so hard!! Here's one... It's nothing special - I am just really proud of how I put the items together so they hold a special place in my closet.

DM: That outfit looks so comfy and yet just a little more dressed up than jeans. It's perfect! In reading your blog we get an insider's view of your closet but tell us a little about YOU.

Elaine: I was born in Seoul, Korea but immigrated to the states, specifically, Philadelphia, with my family when I was younger. I now live in Salt Lake City, UT with my dear husband of two years. I like to stare at my sewing machine and pretend to know how to use it. I like thrifting - I'm not very good at it but I like to think I am getting better!

DM: What are some of your favorite places to shop?

Elaine: Deseret Industries (a local thrift store), other thrift stores, Uptown Cheapskate, ebay... I've been looking at secondhand clothing a lot more. I like to think I'm "helping" the earth...and my wallet and husband appreciate it too ;)

DM: I'm also a big fan of eBay. What was one of your best shopping "scores"?

Elaine: This is going to be so boring and practical but definitely my secondhand Kenneth Cole Reaction coat. I've been looking for a new winter coat because my other one was too poofy and made me look like a marshmallow and so when I saw this at a consignment store for $60 I snagged it! I don't know the brand too well and I looked it up and their coats run for at least $300!!! So yeah...it was definitely a good score!!!

DM: That IS a gorgeous coat! Jealous! If you woke up late and only had 2 minutes to throw an outfit together, what would you put on?

Elaine: Hahaha that happens to me a lot often than you'd think...... I'd wear my J Brand jeans, Hanes men's v-neck, Geox flats (if it is warm outside) or my Tsubo boots, and my leopard print scarf! That is my default outfit...it has never failed me! ;)

DM: Thank you so much Elaine for stopping by. Since I already had a leopard print scarf, you inspired me to purchase a white v-neck Tee (on clearance!) and I now have a go-to outfit for those mornings when I don't want to think about what to wear to work!