Blazer: Helmut Lang (sadly, sold out) | Denim: Levis + also here| Tee: Vince | Shoes: Alaia | Bag: Chanel Maxi
When I asked you all for your answers to a few questions I was genuinely just curious about, I really did NOT expect over 160 replies. Every single time a new reply came in, I got so excited! So THANK YOU. Thank you for reading this blog which comes with its share of imperfections. Thank you for your feedback because without it, there would be no blog. And thank you for taking out a few moments of your day to respond to my questions. Of course, it’s only fair for me to answer the same questions back, so here it goes:
Where Are You From?
Born in Far Rockaway, Queens and in Brooklyn for the last 15 years. Parents are from Moscow, Russia and I’m first generation American.
What Do You Do For a Living?
I’ve been in some aspect of the Fashion Industry for the last 15 years. When I left my job several years ago (working for a large accessories manufactuer), I focused on styling and merchandising. As the time went on, I started to focus more on the opportunities that came with this blog. I figured, if not now then when? Currently, I’m balancing the blog and being a new mom. It’s been tricky at times, like trying to find the time to shoot and create new content. At night, after he goes to sleep, I know I have a lot of work to do, but sometimes I feel so tired that I just want to relax and shut my brain off. The balancing act can get tough, but as the weeks and months go on, we’re figuring it all out! I realize that an extra set of hands to help with both the blog and the baby is almost necessary.
How Old Are You?
34! Ah! I still can’t believe it myself and as some of you put it, I often think that I’m 28 and have to think twice when someone asks me. With that being said, I’ve never felt happier and more comfortable in my own skin. You know what’s so crazy? When I first started this blog, I was 28/29 years old and at times, I felt I was too old to be blogging. So many bloggers were younger girls and it felt like such a young industry. I didn’t think that “older people” were reading blogs, but as the time went on, I realized just how wrong I was. After going through every single one of your comments, I also realized what a diverse age group I have, ranging from 17-65. So amazing!
What Are Your Favorite Things About Reading Blogs?
Even as a blogger myself, I love to turn to other blogs for inspiration. Whether I’m in a rut (personal, style, diet, home, etc…) or just need a dose of beautiful imagery or words, I always look forward to taking out the time to catch up on my favorites! I also love to see what people are doing to better themselves and better their lives. As I’ve gotten older, that’s become so important to me. It can be something as simple as drinking warm lemon water every morning or something a little more serious like cutting toxic relationships out of your life.
Side note: on Snapchat (@brooklynblonde1), a lot of you have been asking me to share what healthy foods I’ve been eating to shed off these last few baby pounds (about 10 pounds to go to be at my pre pregnancy weight), so I’ve been doing that! Personally, I love to see what easy, healthy meals people are eating.
What Are Your Least Favorite Things About Reading Blogs?
I loved reading all of your honest answers to this question. The answers varied from too many images of one outfit, too many bloggers posting the same thing (ex: Nordstrom anniversary sale – yes, 100% agreed!) and sponsored posts that don’t align with the blogger. So again, I thank you guys for your honesty! I agreed with so many of your answers.
Listen, the truth is, for the people who do run their blogs as their business, sponsored posts are inevitable. But you have to trust the blogger that they’ll take on the projects that work for them, work with their aesthetic, their brand and are not just doing it for money. Unfortunately, I can’t speak for everyone, but just speaking for myself. I know I’ve said it in a past post, but I’ve made some mistakes that I’ve learned from, but these days, I try to be as honest as possible. I recently did this post with Nexxus and someone left me a comment saying “this doesn’t feel real and you have too many sponsored posts.” I promise you guys, when I got approached to work with them, I was so excited because it really was a brand I’ve been using for eons. I honestly swear by the Emergencee treatment, especially when I was trying to save my hair! Same goes for this Skinceuticals project – another incredible product that I genuinely feel good about recommending on here. But I hear you all, sometimes you wonder if the excitement is genuine or just for a project. Reading all of your comments was just a reminder to be mindful of what I take on and to make sure it aligns with my overall style and brand.
Do You Have Children? Want Children?
As you all probably know by now, we have a three month old boy and not sure if we want anymore. If you ask me, I’m leaning towards probably not and if you ask Keith, he’s leaning towards definitely not. While there is zero doubt that Nate has been the absolute best thing in the world, having a child is hard work. To top it off, having a child in NYC, even harder! And having more than one child, in NYC, while trying to maintain a certain life, is a whole other ball game. In the end, only time will tell!
If you could live in any city in this entire world, where would it be?
New York City has my heart. It’s part of who I am and at the moment, I really cannot imagine living elsewhere. If we were to ever move, I dream about living in a European city like Barcelona, rather than somewhere else in the states.
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If calories don’t count, french fries with a medley of dipping sauces! I also love almond croissants, chocolate, pizza and sushi.
What’s Your Favorite Movie?
Totally cheating and picking more than one. There are not many movies that I can watch over and over again, but the ones that I can: Mean Girls, Dirty Dancing, The Notebook, The Departed and Good Will Hunting.
What’s Your Favorite TV Show?
Felicity, Sex & The City, Friends and Parenthood.
Again, thank you all for taking out the time to comment. I loved learning a little more about each and every one of you!
33 comments
Natali
Loved reading your answers! Such a great way to interact and learn more about each others!!
http://lartoffashion.com
July 27, 2016Jess
I love your look in the photo accompanying this post. Can you please share the outfit details? Thanks!!
July 27, 2016Helena
Ooops! Sorry about that. Just updated with outfit details.
July 27, 2016Ev
Great post!
July 27, 2016http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Sarah t.
I meant to answer your questions yesterday and completely forgot but I’ve been a longtime reader of your blog (I believe since almost when you started it). I thought we were about the same age and found your style very relatable. I think one of the things I’ve appreciated is that you don’t do sponsored content that doesn’t fit with your blog. And I loved that you took the time to blog through your pregnancy and now afterwards. I don’t have kids yet but I know it’s a huge balance. Know that your readers will be here no matter what if you need to take more down time, especially in the beginning. I’ve always admired your style, it’s classic with a twist. Keep up the good work!
July 27, 2016Helena
Sarah,
July 27, 2016Thank you so much! Means a lot!
Frannie pantz
I have to say Helena that you were one of the first blogs that I remember following when I started blogging 5 years ago. A comment was left on my blog linking back to your site and when I saw how amazing your site was, I thought this must have been an intern or something leaving me such a nice comment. But as time has gone on, I realize that you seem like a truly genuine person. I very much appreciate your style and your personality through your blog. And, girl, I have 4 kids in Colorado so I cannot IMAGINE the cost let alone the physical challenges of more than one kid (hefting strollers and car seats around all the time!).
July 27, 2016brett
Loved reading your answers! Both of these posts were really fun!
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
July 27, 2016Diane
Awesome post !
http://www.fruityandpassion.com/2016/07/walk-walk.html
July 27, 2016Suzie Q
Such a cute concept! I loved reading and learning more about you and also about the wide range of readers that you have and their views on blogging in general. I love how you keep it real with your readers! Yay to us new mommies! 🙂
xo, Suzie Q
July 27, 2016StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
Victoria Sullivan
I love learning more about you! Keep doing more of these.
xo,
July 27, 2016Vicky
http://www.aspiringsocialite.com/
SOPHIE
I was born in NYC myself and moved to Moscow when I was 5 (now I live in Austria), so I was interested to hear that your parents are Russian!
July 27, 2016http://www.ofsilkandsatin.com
I would love it if you checked out my blog!
Kimberly frick
I love your style and enjoy these posts where you share!
July 27, 2016Teah
Hi Helena, thanks so much for sharing your answers with us. These two posts were fun because I enjoyed learning more about you, but also about the other readers who follow your blog as well!
July 27, 2016Nicole Sioui
Thank you for giving us this opportunity as it clearly demonstrates that you have a genuine interest your readers. I visit approx. 5 blogs on a regular basis, however, yours, well; it has been my favorite from the start! Your fashion never fails to inspire and your “transparency” has always left me with a feeling of trust as well as enthusiasm for upcoming posts. Keep doing what you’re doing!
July 27, 2016Vous êtes incroyable! Merci!
Sab
I always liked your blog but after reading your answers i was surprised to find we have the same favorite foods and movies! LOL no wonder i like your blog, we seem to like the same stuff.
July 27, 2016agen wsc biolo
setelan gaya yang sangat apik
July 28, 2016Diana
Thanks for sharing more about you!! Love your blazer.
July 28, 2016|| D I A N A ||
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Kristie
Nice way to get to know more about you. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com
July 28, 2016http://www.fashionnotfear.wordpress.com
Azu
This was so much fun reading about you! I also enjoyed answering these questions and reading what your subscribers had to say.
Just want you to know that your sponsored posts never came out sounding fake or forced. In my answer about my least favorite thing about blogging, I wrote that sponsored posts that didn’t seem genuine were annoying. But I wasn’t referring to you. Not every blogger is like that. Right now, I can only think of two bloggers who fit in that category lol. But I can’t judge them…I can only roll my eyes a little lol.
BTW. Your outfit is amazing. Love those ripped jeans and gorgeous blazer.
xo Azu
http://www.raven-locks.blogspot.com
July 28, 2016Caitlin
Recently Sheri and John over at Young House Love put together a podcast episode talking specifically about sponsored posts. I’m sure there are differences between home design blogs and fashion blogs, but the episode really opened my eyes to the inner workings and reasons behind sponsored posts. Thought you might find it interesting!
http://www.younghouselove.com/2016/07/podcast-8-sponsored-posts/
July 28, 2016moNIKA
Loved reading your replies! It is great to know you a bit more.
Love,
July 29, 2016http://www.thestyleventure.com
Liz
I love it that you said Felicity as your favorite show!!!! Love Felicity and unfortunately no one talks about that show anymore!
August 1, 2016: )
CLK0724
The show “Felicity” — Amen, sister. I still get the chin bouncy tears when they cue Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You” in the series finale. Chokes me up somethin’ good every time.
August 1, 2016Taylor
Sex and the City is also my favorite show, you remind me of Carrie because of your love of fashion and your closet! Which character do you identify with the most? Love your blog!
August 2, 2016clarice
I love your look in the photo , perfect one…:)!
August 6, 2016sara smith
We are providing 24X7 Support for Canon Printer. Call on canon printer technical support phone number 877-234-3909 and for more information visit at http://www.oncalltechsupport.co/canon-printersupport.php
August 9, 2016crystal chanelle
I was born and raised in Far Rockaway, Queens as well but currently reside in the DMV area. I enjoy your consistency with the blog and simple yet chic your style is.
August 14, 2016Winnie rose
Where are you from? Born in Naga City, Philippines. Been living in California for 25+ years.
What do you do for a living? Technical Designer (I work in the fast past corporate fashion.)
If you don’t mind answering, how old are you? 30.
What’s your favorite thing about reading blogs? Inspiration, whether it is for outfits, interior, baby and makeup.
Least favorite? When bloggers post outrageous outfit posts that cost thousands of dollars. The fact is, I think it brings out false hopes to readers. The majority of us are either college students or people with median income. Sometimes if a blogger wears an outfit where the bag itself is $4,000 and the total outfit is around almost a down payment on a Toyota, it’s just unrealistic. Visually it is appealing, but the majority of us take a life time to come up with that type of cash.
Do you have children? want children? Not yet, but hope to within the next 3 years.
If you could live in any city in this entire world, where would it be? I am not much of a city girl. I am more of the tropics, but it be a tie between New York and Chicago (only during the Spring and Fall Seasons though.)
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sour gummy bears.
What’s your favorite movie? Tie between “It’s Complicated” and “The Devil Wears Prada”.
favorite TV show? That 70’s Show.
December 19, 2016Jacqueline
Hi Helena,
A little late to the party on this one as sometimes I like to save up all the posts and dip into them and binge! I have loved hearing you on snap chat this year – it was fun to hear your voice and your accent!!
I’m from Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Used to be a school teacher and then career hopped into school operations and now I’m working in the not-for-profit world in youth employment (3 changes in 3 years!)
I’m 34 (35 in a month) – no idea how that happened!
I love getting to know the bloggers (only 4-5 I read) and have been following along on your travels since about 2011. I love the pics and the ideas about new things to read and do. I love bloggers like you who combine androgynous elements of style with feminine.
I cannot stand poorly written blogs with spelling errors and poorly constructed sentences – you don’t have to be Shakespeare but someone should read through it for errors! Also hate it when bloggers become parents and the fashion feeds stop.
I don’t have children, I have some eggs on ice though, hopefully I will meet the right guy. If not, I will be OK.
I do love Sydney, it’s where I was born and I have the best lifestyle by the beach and swim all year round. Hated London (weather was hell) but Paris or Sorrento in Italy would be amazing 🙂
Pasta pasta pasta
Anchorman
Felicity (SNAP), Seinfeld, Sex and the City, ER 🙂
Thanks Helena, keep doing what you’re doing. I reckon if I bumped into you in NYC we would have a great laugh!
January 22, 2017