Blogger Of The Moment: Isabella of Views of Now
Isabella may only be fifteen, but she's already a blogging vet, having started Views of Now when she was just twelve years old. She considers herself an elegant tomboy, and is a master of the fashion steal with thrift store finds, DIY pieces, and high street items dotting her amazing wardrobe. Inspired by perennial cool girl Alexa Chung, she certainly knows the impact of a great collar or the right print.
In keeping with her low-key vibe, Isabella takes most of her pictures in her neighbor's driveway in Brisbane, Australia. She also holds American citizenship, which means she spends a fair amount of time Stateside as well. But no matter where she is — or what the weather — you'll always find this fashionable teen in a super cute pair of boots.
1/11The fifteen-year-old Aussie shares her advice for starting a blog and why she can't get enough of Alexa Chung.
Isabella wears a Mika & Gala dress, Collete Accessories necklace, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.2/11Name: Isabella
Age: 15
Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
Blog: http://viewsofnow.com/
Blogging Since: December 2009
Why did you start Views of Now?
I was in the Los Angeles airport, in transit to Australia, and I picked up my very first Teen Vogue for the flight. The magazine had me smitten — Vogue had always been that little bit too old for me — and I spotted an article on teen blogger Tavi Gevinson. I decided, then and there, I needed to be a blogger.
What’s the story behind its name?
I wanted a name for my blog that wasn’t stereotypical, nothing with the words "fashion" or "style" in them. I figured they had been done. And then my baby, Views of Now, was born.
Isabella wears a Cherokee black T-shirt, Staring at Stars shorts, Mulberry for Target bag, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.3/11How would you describe your personal style?
I'd describe myself as an elegant tomboy. My go-to look includes staple pieces in luxurious fabrics and some form of boots. Always.
Who inspires your wardrobe?
Alexa Chung never gets it wrong. That elegant tomboy look I love so much? She nails it. Every time.
Isabella wears a MinkPink blouse, shorts made by her mother, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.4/11What's your first fashion memory?
My first trip to the zoo. It was freezing, and Mum made me wear the most beautiful black velvet coat and a matching hat. I screamed in protest for hours on end and eventually refused to wear it.
Isabella wears a Paper Hearts top, Faith & Lola skirt, Oasap ring, and thrifted shoes. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.5/11Who are your favorite designers?
In a dream world, I'd be constantly wearing a mix of Chloe, Sass and Bide, Alexander Wang, Acne, and some slick Karen Walker shades. But reality is I'm a schoolgirl with zero income, so I settle for secondhand and online shopping!
Where do you like to shop?
Queen Street, in the heart of Brisbane, has everything from Chanel window shopping to cheap and cheerful chain stores. I'm also a dual-national, so I travel between Australia and America a lot, and the shopping in America is definitely an exciting experience.
Isabella wears a Sheinside blouse, Sass & Bide shorts, and Target wedges. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.6/11What's the best thing you own?
It would easily be my vintage tan leather Coach bag. It's been in my family for generations, goes with every outfit, and has the perfect worn-in feel.
Isabella wears a Mika & Gala top, Dazzling dress, and Target wedges. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.7/11What do you do when you’re not blogging?
Honestly, right now blogging is my life. When I’m not doing schoolwork, out with friends, or sleeping, I’ll be blogging!
What sites do you visit?
I read every blog on the FELLT network religiously. I love my fellow Aussie ladies.
Isabella wears a striped shirt made by her mother, shorts she made herself, and Vans brogues. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.8/11How do you capture your outfits each day?
My lovely Mum takes my photos. I used to have a tripod, but it was fiddly and didn't tell me when I was out of focus or when my hair was sticking up. I prefer humans to tripods.
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon EOS Rebel T3, and switch it up with a variety of different lenses.
Isabella wears a Little Leona dress, ASOS hat, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.9/11What's the coolest part about running your own blog? What's the hardest part?
The coolest part would definitely be the relationships that I have developed with my readers and fellow bloggers. It's like having lots of really stylish pen pals. The hardest part is trying to maintain my blog when I'm in high school. Balancing my online life and my school life is one of the hardest tasks I have ever encountered. Another challenge I face is my shyness — I'm still too embarrassed to take outfit pictures in public, so 99% of them are taken on my neighbor's driveway!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a blogger?
To quote blogger extraordinaire Susie Bubble, "Your blog is a baby. If you don't feed it, it will die."
Isabella wears a Bardot dress, Oasap necklace, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.10/11What beauty product can you not live without?
I'm sure every Australian girl would agree that Lucas' Pawpaw ointment is an essential. It's the ultimate multi-tasker: from a lip balm to a spot treatment, it's covered.
Isabella wears a Pink Rogue Peter Pan collar top, Chic-a-booti shorts, La Vida earrings, and Miss Shop boots. Photo courtesy of Views of Now.11/11What are your favorite trends this season?
Pops of neon have been trickling into my wardrobe lately, and I think they add the perfect amount of color to an outfit. I have also fallen head over heels for the open-back and peplum trends. And I'm really not convinced I will ever get over the collar trend.
What look would you like to see make a comeback?
The 1920s were a great decade. Feathered headbands and fringed flapper dresses totally deserve a comeback.
What would you like to see disappear?
The skull trend is really not my favorite at the moment. I would prefer it if the dead would stay dead.
