Blogger of the Moment: Color Me Nana
Don't let her new Philadelphia zip code fool you. Fashion blogger Dylana Suarez is one sunny, smiley lady courtesy of California roots. Just check out the pictures on her blog, Color Me Nana, in which the best accessory to her ultra-feminine, casual cool style is her ear-to-ear smile (and considering her closet, that's really saying something). Sometimes she gets so excited about her latest ensemble, she—quite literally—jumps for joy. We're talking about a girl who really loves personal style.
But we're also talking about the kind of down-to-earth lady who invites other celebrated style bloggers to pose alongside her for daily post pics, including her sister and fellow blogger, Natalie. Dylana loves the '80s, citing Molly Ringwald-style (circa John Hughes) as one she covets, and frequently professes her love for Pretty in Pink's Duckie. Enviable style and an unabashed love for retro movies? She's a girl after our own heart!
1/11Get to know internet it girl Dylana Suarez in this Q&A.
2/11Hometown: Southern California (now living in Philadelphia, PA)
Date Started Blogging: 2009
Why did you initially decide to start a blog?
I decided to start my blog way back when I was still in college. I wanted a way to be able to connect to the fashion world even though I wasn't actually in it. I just really loved to write about fashion and everything else in between, so starting a blog just made sense. It slowly grew into a personal style blog, and my blog really went through a full transition about two years ago.
3/11What is the story behind your blog's title?
I wanted my title to somewhat describe who I am in totality. Nana was my childhood nickname, and I like to look at the world through a colorful lens. You can say that that was the idea behind my blog.
If your blog had a mission statement, what would it be?
Everyday is a chance to look and feel fabulous.
4/11How would you describe your style?
I would say that my personal style is minimalistic with a quirky twist.
Who are your favorite designers?
I really adore the designs of Hannah MacGibbon for Chloé, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, the Mulleavy sisters, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Pheobe Philo, and the designers of Rag Bone.
5/11What are your personal favorite blogs? Why?
Right now, I really adore afterDRK because of her simple and clean style. It’s very refreshing. I also really love Lovely Pepa because she is always so fun and young with her fashion choices. And I always go to Stockholm Streetstyle for my favorite looks off the street.
6/11Any advice for anyone who wants to start her/his own blog?
Always blog about what you love and stay true to yourself. It may be frustrating in the beginning because you feel like nobody is reading your blog, but that's not what blogging is really about. You should be blog because you love to read what's on your blog. It is important to connect with other bloggers and make a presence through comments and feedback.
7/11Who inspires your wardrobe and why?
I am inspired so much by street style. I like seeing all the unexpected ways people put together outfits. I also really love fashionable girls like Alexa Chung, Lou Doillon, the Olsen twins, and Hanneli.
What do you do when you're not blogging?
When I'm not blogging, I am working full time, hanging out with my friends, trying out new restaurants, cooking, going to see live bands play, reading, ercising, shopping, and exploring the city.
8/11What are the best aspects of running your own blog? What are the hardest aspects?
The best aspects about running a blog are getting to know all my amazing readers through comments and emails. I love being able to inspire people with my own ideas about fashion, how to wear things, a picture I like, a color I think is pretty, and even personal things about myself. It's nice to know that there are people out there who connect. The hardest aspect can be trying not to get overwhelmed at times. There are so many emails I have to get back to everyday, clothes to feature, pictures to take.
It can be stressful sometimes, especially since I have a full-time job that I am totally committed to. It's hard to find a healthy balance between blogging, work, and having a normal social life, but I do and I really enjoy it at the end of the day. It takes a lot of commitment, and I feel that this entire experience has made me a much stronger, more well-rounded person.
9/11What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
I would love to see the quirky Molly Ringwald look come back. Prints on prints, huge shoulders, wild hats. Fashion would sure be interesting to look at on the streets!
What clothing item would you say is timeless?
A black leather motorcycle jacket, most definitely!
10/11What type of camera do you use?
I use a Canon Rebel XS.
How do you capture your outfits each day?
I have either my friends or my sister take them.
11/11Where are your favorite places to shop?
I love to shop everywhere! Urban Outfitters, Zara, Free People, Bloomingdales, Forever 21, H&M, thrift stores, random boutiques with good sales, J. Crew, Madewell... the list could go on.
Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
I love the colorful trousers, jeans, and corduroys coming back. I'm also really adoring little shift dresses that show a little more leg. They are so much fun and such a great way to show off tights.
