On Blogging
Managing her time between her passions, Zoe divides her daily hours between a full time job in the fast-paced finance industry and growing her now flourishing blog. It's been a journey and Zoe highlights that things have not always been as successful as they are now.
“I started blogging as a hobby. I realised I didn’t have anything else to do on the weekends except watch TV – and I definitely didn’t want to start doing exercise!”
Despite its difficulties, Zoe assures her readers that blogging is a labour of love and a sacrifice she is willing to make.
“...I could never give one up so it's just about managing the time to do them all.”
The fashion industry is famous for many things, including its sometimes unpredictable influences, trends and the downright unobtainable lifestyle (for us mere mortals!). As a blogger, Zoe is a breath of fresh air and she wholeheartedly enjoys providing a more humble and practical approach.
“My style is very down-to-earth and real. Because I have a full-time job, I’m not reliant on sponsorships and advertisements so I tend to only write about things that I personally have really enjoyed.”
But the glamour of being a top blogger comes at a price. For every event invitation, or drinks at a swanky hotel, are deadlines, unsavoury comments and periods of writer’s block to deal with. Zoe tries to keep the balance by providing an honest viewpoint on her blog, so that readers can connect with the real person behind the screen who loves writing and sharing. Retaining a sense of individuality and personal relationship in the digital world is tricky, and Zoe acknowldges this.
“So many blogs are now becoming mini magazines - it's easy to lose sight of the real person that started it all.”
Style and being Stylish
The Face Value Beauty Blog is not without inspiration and on recalling her first style icon, Zoe remembers with fond incredulity a punk rock and goth phase in her childhood.
“I remember the first person I actively wanted to look like was Avril Lavigne. How things change!”
When describing her style today, the blogger highlights the current ‘normcore’ trend - clean silhouettes, simple patterns and a lesser focus on statement items. The statement aspect of 'normcore' is the lack of statement itself, which in the oversaturated and often OTT fashion industry can actually be more daring and loud than any bright pattern or embellishment.
“I’d say my current fashion inspiration is someone like Victoria Beckham – without all the high heels.”
Sunglasses
We collaborated with Zoe earlier this year and she shared some of her latest fashion tips for eyewear.
“I love the Celine Sunglasses – they’re a really classic and elegant shape that will go with any outfit.”
Speaking from the point of view of a real woman and working gal, Zoe notes that eyewear can hide a multitude of inconvenient beauty marks including wrinkles, dark circles and everyday badges of honor for party animals and active types alike. She also recommends eyewear as the final touch to add a surprising flair to any outfit.
“... a pair of sunglasses with the right outfit makes even a boring accountant like me feel like a badass!”
The final verdict for eyewear? Face Value Beauty Blog suggests keeping an eye on glasses trends from the 1970’s. Rather than phasing out, she believes they are in for an update with mirrored or coloured lenses and pilot shapes frames.
Follow Zoe on he radventures here and read above to find out her favourite eyewear styles.