Carolyn Thompson, 27, Willoughby
Owner and author of her blog Carolyn Shavaughn and part-time driver for Uber and Lyft
How do you describe your style?
I would say I’m Boho-chic mixed with sassy. Because I love glitter, lace and bright colors, prints and heels. All of that is sexy and sassy, too.
What does your wardrobe tell us about you?
It shows that I am bold and confident and that I can be stylish and comfortable, too.
Where does your love for fashion come from?
I think it comes from my father. He’s something! He’s loved fashion since he was young and passed it on to me.
Fashion Flash: Style blogger Carolyn Thompson visits
Tell us about your blog.
It’s called Carolyn Shavaughn and it’s a fashion and lifestyle blog. I discuss fitness and getting back into shape. I show the different outfits that I wear for working out and for going out. I talk about what’s going on in fashion, what the plus-size models are wearing. I’ve been a size 4, now I’m about a 16. I don’t worry about the size numbers or the scale. I just work on being fit and healthy.
What’s next for the blog?
I will be launching my online store through the blog in April. I’ll offer clothing and accessories, all unique handmade things, some made by me and some things made by other Clevelanders.
How did you come to be an Uber and Lyft driver and what’s it like?
I was laid-off from my job last February. I use my own car and make my own hours. Only a couple of times have I turned people away. Sometimes people are too drunk or obnoxious or make me wait too long. For safety reasons a small group of us uses a walkie-talkie app to stay in touch.
Where do you like to shop?
I’m good at mixing pieces together. I like to go to Dillard’s, Lane Bryant, Stein Mart, Torrid, Burlington and consignment shops. I think H&M has good styles and accessories at great prices. Online, I like Dia&Co., Missguided and Eloquii. I’m always looking to save and I shop on a budget. You don’t have to spend a lot to look stylish and put-together.
When is your favorite season?
I love the fall for the colors and that you can wear anything from peep-toe shoes to boots and booties. I love that it’s the most versatile time of year.
Where do you find fashion inspiration?
I like the easy, chic look of both Vera Wang and Diane von Furstenberg. I also like Andre Leon Talley, he was the editor-at-large and is a current contributing editor for Vogue Magazine. He knows fashion and he inspires me. I also like Vogue editor Anna Wintour. I met style icon Fern Mallis in 2014 during the first time I volunteered at New York Fashion week.
How did you get to New York Fashion Week?
After getting my associate’s degree in business, I became the vice president of a fashion club called Passport to Fashion. We had a big annual fashion show. Then I applied to volunteer at Cleveland Fashion Week. I modeled and volunteered the first year and volunteered the following year. After that I applied to New York Fashion Week. I took a bus to New York for the 15-minute interview and came back the same day. I got the job! I volunteered the first year and went the following year as a spectator. It was the best experience ever.
How do you see what’s trending?
I shop and see what’s on the web. I worked at Saks Fifth Avenue a couple of years ago. I loved the bags and the fur accessories. It was fun to see what sells in the luxury end of things. It illustrated to me that shoes, bags and accessories can make an outfit. I’m always looking at Instagram and social media. Most importantly, I go with what I like. Bright colors put me in a better mood, so I’ll wear them.
If you could buy a dream fashion item and money didn’t matter, what would you buy?
I would buy a Hermes Birkin Bag. It would have to be purple, my favorite color.
What kind of makeup do you use?
I get it everywhere from the drugstores to the more expensive makeup counters. I have lipsticks by Chanel, foundation by MAC and I have a lot of Cover Girl. I want the Kylie Jenner lip kit. For skincare, I use Clinique’s three-step process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing. Vaseline and shea butter fix everything.
What do people know you for?
They probably know me for my big hair. I change it a lot. I have ever-changing hairstyles. I’ll wear braids, twists and wigs. I always look different.
What’s next for you?
I’m planning to move to New York later on this year. I’m going for my dream of being a big-time blogger. I want to move to Harlem or New Jersey. I’ll use networking tools like Linkedin and work hard to contact designers.
What’s your best advice?
Not everyone is meant to be a size 2 or a size 20. If you are happy where you are, then be happy.
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Fashion Flash is always looking for Clevelanders with a fresh take on style. If you or someone you know has a great fashion sense click here for the submission form or email me at acarey@plaind.com.
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