Gloomy weather getting you down?

Apparently not Gemma (shot here for Vogue Italia and one of our favorite photographs of the gorg Aussie model and Vogue darling) but for most of us, the rain is an excuse to do one of two things…

1. Curl up with some hot cocoa (or a hot toddy…pick your poison)

2. Our reccomendation – cheer up with some rainy day shopping and come check out the looks you’ll wear once all of our sun dancing pays off!

…And for those of you who are prepared for summer already, we also have fall pieces for you to sport in the meantime.

xx

We love the blog Nonsense & Sensibility as well as it’s founder, Haley Schultheis! After meeting her this past Fashion Week, we were so impressed with her view on style and how bloggers influence the business today that we decided to share her perspective. Read our interview with the oh so fun blogger below…

Shooting Films producer Laura Brooks DuBois & Haley Schultheis (of Nonsense & Sensibility) at a private screening of “And After All” in NYC.

VB: Why did you start N/S and how did you settle on the title?

Haley: When I was 11 years old, I wrote to Vogue and asked them what they would suggest I study in school if I wanted to work for them someday.  They sent me back a lovely letter letting me know that many of their editors had Art History and English majors and that might be a good path to follow. I loved the idea of both creating and editing my own inspirational space online. In 2008, when I launched my website, I merged my love for online publishing (instant gratification) and the Old World sensibility of Jane Austen novels into the modern twist of: Nonsense & Sensibility.  I wanted my website to be stylishly smart, modern, and classic – with a slight flair for the unexpected and frivolous.

VB: Why do you think blogs have become so influential in the fashion industry? Both as inspiration boards and as selling tools?

Haley: Blogs open up the two-way conversation between consumers and brands.  People wanted an alternative to magazines telling them what to wear and how to wear it.  The individuals behind the publications were seemingly out of reach. With a blog, a reader can relate to a single individual and one they often learn to trust and affiliate with daily. And, if that blogger is listing her 5 picks for spring – then it becomes a great selling tool because it feels attainable and authentic.  The draw is frequency, relatability and the fact that they are an optimal medium for instant gratification.

VB: Favorite trend to buy into this Spring?

Haley: SUITS AND STRIPES – crisp tailoring with a flair.  I love beautiful tailoring for spring and summer.  Sharp and immaculately cut flattering garments with a dash of whimsy- be it stripes or a bold accessory (earrings or shoes).  And, I’m smitten with statement colors – magenta, turquoise, and aquamarine are my current favorites.

A few of Haley’s favorite VB pieces trending for Spring…

VB: What was one of your most memorable interviews and why?

Haley: I absolutely loved interviewing Garance Doré last fall when she came to visit Dallas. Instead of a hurried ten-minute interview before her appearance, I had coffee with Garance Doré in her hotel lobby.  As one might imagine, it felt like I was having coffee with a friend. She is innately chic, kind, and radiates authenticity. She followed her dream of becoming an illustrator and is now moving mountains (and quite fashionable ones at that).

 VB: Is there an upcoming topic, story or image you are particularly excited about sharing with your readers? 

Haley: Of course, I’m excited to FINALLY share my images from attending Veronica Beard fall/winter 2013 market. I loved seeing all of the gorgeous clothes in person.  It was both a memorable experience and a treat!

For more from Haley, visit her blog at

Nonsense & Sensibility

xx