Zara is a London based digital influencer and the creator of the beauty and lifestyle blog, Mouldy Fruit, which in recent years has gathered a steady and loyal audience. Bringing together her love of travel and beauty, Mouldy Fruit is a one-stop-shop for makeup and travel addicts. With over 17,000 followers on Instagram and 30,000 subscribers on Youtube, Mouldy Fruit is more than just a blog- it is an expanding digital empire.
The enormity of her success is life changing for Zara. Yet it all began as a simple hobby.
“I had just left university and I created MouldyFruit to distract myself from job applications. I had always loved reading blogs and I thought maybe somebody would like to hear what I had to say.”
With such a large audience following her every post and video, it seems that there are indeed quite a few people who would like to hear what she has to say.
The response to Mouldy Fruit has been certainly be clear. Thousands of readers check in every month, eagerly reading the lines lovingly crafted by Zara on her latest beauty insights and travel experiences. The decision to pursue blogging full time is not an easy one; it is an endevour that tests and pushes the creative faculty as well as the purse string. But, it certainly seems to have paid off for Zara.
“...here I am now, 7 years later. It wasn't a clear career path for me, it was a hobby which has now become my full time job.”
Mouldy Fruit covers an array of content from travelling and makeup reviews to monthly favorites. Her photos show a world of luxury makeup in shiny, pretty packaging- think sleek black and gold Tom Ford lipsticks and Parisian chic Chanel perfumes. Making a living off of playing with makeup is every child's dream! Despite its glamorous appearance, Zara is keen to assure us that blogging is a process of creative labor that is not as simple as people may think.
Zara expresses a growing sentiment emgerging from the blogging community; the competition and sheer concentration of blogs and digital influencers out there has reached critical mass. Everyone is trying to stay ahead of the game, and the challenges of staying unique and interesting amongst a mass of similar blogs is becoming impossible. Zara's honesty is something that is reflected in her content- using her no-nonsense approach to life to endear readers and followers.
SmartBuyGlasses were lucky enough to collaborate with Mouldy Fruit to bring you a hand-selected selection of sunglasses that encapsulate Zara’s personal style.
When asked to describe her style, Zara explained that she prefers classic, timeless looks over anything extravagant or flashy. She is glamorous yet still down to earth, quirky without being ostentatious, and relatable without being boring. She compared her own personal style to that of her icon Audrey Hepburn, who she stated was the epitome of "timeless glamour".
“I feel like my own style is very simple, I like basics and I like layers. I'm often quite androgynous and I wear a LOT of black, I think it's clean, classic and chic.”
Zara states that eyewear is a classic and important accessory addition to any outfit, instantly transforming a look. She chose the Celine Baby Audrey model as an example of a classic, timeless style that can be worn all year round.
“I love the Baby Audrey Celine sunglasses... I think the shape is flattering on many people and they're like an updated more modern version of the Wayfarer.”
The Trend Report
She gave us a break-down of the hottest current eyewear trends, from the cat-eye style to polarized lenses.
“I think the cat eye trend is here to stay for a little longer. I also think that polarized or mirrored lenses will continue to be a popular choice.”
"I love a good cat eye and Fendi are probably top of the game with this one. I also love Ray-ban because there's always something for everyone whether it's an aviator or wayfarer I'm always happy with Ray-ban frames. I'm particularly loving their hexagonal mirrored framed sunglasses, they're super cool!”
Follow Zara on her fashion jaunts here and check out her favourite eyewear styles above.
