How to have fun with fashion – A style interview with Dawn Lucy

I ‘met’ Dawn Lucy through Instagram where she posts pictures of herself almost daily. She uses a smartphone for all her images so I thought it would be interesting to find out how she does it and she uses Instagram. The name of her blog Fashion Should Be Fun is something I wholeheartedly agree with. She sure seems to have lots of fun with fashion as her colorful casual chic outfits with a Californian vibe will attest. Time to find out more about her!

Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?

Let’s see … I’ve always loved fashion from a young age! I even majored in Fashion Merchandising in college for awhile, but decided to go with my other love, literature and teaching. I’ve been a high school English teacher for 22 years now and really enjoy my job, though it’s quite exhausting sometimes! I live in the Los Gatos/Santa Cruz mountains with my husband (and best friend!) and our “babies” … 2 dogs and 2 cats.

As a point of reference which age group do you belong to or perhaps you are willing to share your age?

I’m 48 and proud of it!

Can you tell us a bit more about your blog Fashion Should Be Fun and why you created it?

First I started using Instagram and connecting with other women interested in fashion. I started reading their blogs and so starting my own seemed like the natural next step!

You are also a very keen instagrammer, which is how I started noticing you. Why do you like it so much?

Instagram is a fun way to scroll through many different looks, from all over the world, in a short period of time. I like the immediacy of IG. Also, I feel less pressure on IG to have great pics! Lots of us on IG are doing quick selfies as we’re running out the door to work and that gives it a real life feel.

Which do you prefer? Your instagram or your blog?

I love them both! If I could only do one, I would choose my blog because I get to spend more time on one look or topic.

I believe you take all your photos with an iphone yourself. How do you do this exactly and what are your tips to get the best photographs?

I do! I was hoping when I started blogging that my husband would get interested in photography, but that didn’t happen! I just use an iphone 4S with a free timer cam app. (note from Sylvia: I use Camera+ which has a self-time and is also a great editing tool for your pictures!) I used to face the camera toward me so I could see myself pose, but then I realized that if I took shots the other way the photo was much clearer and less grainy. I usually just set my phone on our deck railing or again the fence, but sometimes I drag a little table around with me for more variety! I may invest in a good camera and tripod someday, but I’m a bit intimidated on all the new things I’ll need to learn!

Do you use any apps to enhance your images? If yes what do you use?

I use a free photo edit app on my iphone. I usually don’t use filters, but I do like the “illuminate” function for when my photos come out dark. And occasionally I’ll crop out a doggy tail!

How would you describe your own style?

I really like modern classics, mixed with fun trendy pieces. I tend to be drawn to things with a bit of an edge, like a rocker or boho vibe.

What would you consider the most important components of your style?

Functionality is very important to me. I really want to feel good wearing something … feel attractive, comfortable, and confident.

Where do you live and how does that influence your style?

That’s an interesting question for sure. I live in the Los Gatos/Santa Cruz mountains, just minutes from San Jose. Silicon Valley has that nerdy casual thing going on. Los Gatos is an upscale community and a bit more yuppie/preppy. Santa Cruz is notoriously hippy-chic! I think I’m influenced by all those styles. And I definitely lean toward California casual in general.

Do you feel you have a signature style?

I really like to experiment with my style, but if I had to pick something that was iconic to being me, I’d probably pick jeans, boots, a leather jacket, silver jewelry, big sunglasses and a big handbag!

What inspires your outfit choices the most?

I love to be inspired by other bloggers and Instagrammers. I also get inspiration from magazines, TV, and movies, and people watching. I even get inspiration from odd places, like once I created an outfit inspired by my husky’s coloring!

Do you take things like color profiling or body type into account when you dress?

I definitely think about body shape. I’m a pear shape and it really does affect how I look in certain things.

Back in the day, I was told I was a “spring” but I don’t really pay too much attention to that. I do know that certain colors work really well on me (red, charcoal, blue) and others fall flat (rust, pastels).

Has your style changed at all after turning 40?

I did decide to consciously start dressing a bit more mature when I turned 40. I was stuck in the juniors section for far longer than I probably should have been!

Do you believe in dressing ‘age appropriately’ and what does it mean to you?

I believe in dressing age appropriately for me, but I’m wary of making sweeping generalizations and rules. For example, I haven’t been in a mini skirt in years, but I do know some women looking great in them right into their 40’s. On the other hand, I love this new graphic tee trend, but I’m sure there are some mature ladies who wouldn’t be caught dead with some silly words across their chest! I think it’s all very personal, based on body type, lifestyle, and personality.

Would you say that at this stage of your life you are now more, or less interested in fashion, style and the way you look?

I am just as interested in fashion, but my focus has changed. Being sexy and trendy isn’t such an ideal anymore. At this point in my life, I’m more about expressing myself, being comfortable, playing with different looks and really just having fun.

Why is the way you look important to you?

We communicate to the world with our looks and style. I think we even communicate to ourselves about the way we feel about ourselves with the way we dress.

Which of the outfits on your blog are personal favorites and why?

I tend to like something with a bit of an edge, for examples my snakeskin look or my outfit with the collar necklace.

Do you follow trends? And if yes, which trends excite you at the moment?

I really enjoy trying out trends and sometimes they’re a good fit for me and of course, sometimes not so much. I’m loving the fit and flare trend. And I’m so happy to see skirts going to midi lengths which I think is more flattering on me than the knee skimming length.

Do you have any fashion and style tips for women over 40?

• Be playful. Try new things!
• Go to the store with a friend and pick out outfits for each other to try on and giggle a lot!
• Play fashion show in your living room!
• Take on an IG style challenge!
• Wear something that makes you smile!

What are your plans for your blog and how do you see it develop over the coming years?

That’s a great question. I hope to keep improving and growing, because that will make me happy. But I notice when I start treating my blog too much like a job or a business, I start to lose the fun that I’m having with it. I find that if I just focus on enjoying myself and writing the type of blog that I like to read, then the rest falls into place.

Anything further you would like to add?

Just a big thank you for asking me to be a part of your interview series. Sylvia. I’m so honored!

Great to read your tips and find out more about you Dawn Lucy. Don’t forget to go check out her blog or on Instagram!

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