Styled On

"My purpose is simply to inspire the uninspired." That's what Opal Stewart's "about me" section says on her blog, Opal by Opal, and you'd be hard pressed not to find inpiration in the posts that follow. From her sleek, classic style the the motivational prose and poems that are scattered throughout her blog, Opal's confident, warm personality is one that we had to get to know a little bit better. Read on to learn more about her and see her blog here!

StyledOn: Tell us a little about yourself – how did you get into blogging?
Opal Stewart: I have always had an immense interest in fashion. I view it as an imperative form of self expression, but when I was younger I wasn't able to truly dress the way I wanted. I wore uniform in High School and of course when you're young, what you wear is usually monitored by your parents... so fashion magazines were my guilty pleasure and still are. A few years ago I discovered fashion blogs and I just admired the way in which each blogger had something unique to contribute to the world of fashion. It was inspiring because they weren't celebrities dressed up in the latest designer pieces, but rather everyday individuals who took pride in the way they presented themselves and who shopped at the same stores I shopped. I started my blog in the summer of 2010 and took a year hiatus because I was not quite sure if I had much to contribute but a year later, in summer 2011, I decided that I did indeed have something to contribute. My main goal is to inspire anyone who needs a motivational push to go after whatever it is that they want, in style.

SO: Your blog not only features inspiring fashion, but motivating and inspiring writing, too. Who is a writer that inspires you?
OS: There is not one particular writer who inspires me per se. I am a lover of prose, and any chance I get to read something inspirational or motivational, I indulge. I am the person who googles the lyrics while listening to a song because its important for me to know what's being said. I am the person who breaks down and analyzes the meaning of a poem. I am also the person who enjoys reading quotes from great thinkers. I feel like I really learn a lot from doing this – it opens your mind to different perspectives and sometimes, if you read the right thing, it challenges every view you ever had. Which is a good thing in my opinion.

SO: Who in your life has influenced your style?
OS: Everyone in my life influences my style. I admire creativity in people and I am surrounded by many of those creative ones. My sisters are my main influences.

SO: What are your hopes and dreams for your career?
OS: My hopes and dreams for my career are simply, success. I just want to live the best life I can doing what I Love. I see myself owning something with my name written on it. I am not quite sure what it is just yet, but I assure you, it will be amazing. I also want to be an inspiration to others because as the great Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived" is to have succeeded.

SO: What is the most treasured item in your closet?
OS: I must say that my most treasured items are my scarves. I am usually always wearing a scarf, whether it be knit or silk and if I'm not wearing it, I have it attached to my bag, especially in the spring, fall and winter months. As long as my neck is warm, all is well in my world.

SO: What’s at the top of your wishlist right now?
OS: I really do not need much of anything now but what's always been on my wish list and will always be until I get them are the Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Mary Jane Pumps in Nude. I love their divine simplicity and timeless aura, and of course that the heel is sky high.

SO: In your opinion, what makes a great personal style blog?
OS: In my opinion, a great personal style blog is one that isn't loud and pretentious. I enjoy reading blogs whose authors are humble and stays true to themselves.

SO: If you could go shopping with anyone for the day, who would it be and why?
OS: It would definitely have to be Rihanna. I absolutely adore her style and I know that shopping with her for a day would be a blast. I love her edgy unpredictable style.

SO: We love your blog and read it on a regular basis. Which blogs do you read the most?
OS: The Sartorialist is on the top of my list of daily reads along with Streetpeeper. There is a lot of great inspiration on those blogs.

SO: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.
OS: I have the worst diet ever. I feel that many people probably expect me to have a crazy workout regimen but I don't. I have an addiction to Subway macadamia nut cookies and I indulge in them ALMOST everyday. I literally don't watch TV and I dislike ribbons because they seem too girly to me. Especially those little ones that are always on lingerie. I always cut them off. I am also a hopeless romantic but I'm quite sure you all already knew that. ;)

Are you inspired by Opal and her awesome style?

http://www.opalbyopal.com/