In this series, KP Fusion talks with fellow fashion bloggers to find out what inspires them, what’s in their makeup bag, some of their favorite trends, and that one wardrobe staple that they can’t live without. Read along to discover something new about your blogger’s favorite bloggers! Name: Casee Marie Homebase: New England, currently, although I grew up in the Midwest. Blog: The Girl Who Stole The Eiffel Tower Month/Year Blog Launched: May 2010 How did you get into blogging? I’ve been blogging in one capacity or another for about eight years (and yes, that does make me feel old), but I didn’t really get involved in blogging on a theme, for an audience and as a business until January of 2010 when I joined a diverse group of gals on the launch of a collaborative fashion blog. We all proceeded to eventually pursue blogging independently, but I learned a lot from each of them and I’m terribly grateful for their friendship, as well as the support they ceaselessly offer. What has been the best thing about it? Hardest? Establishing relationships with other bloggers has been a wonderful aspect of blogging. I’ve had opportunities to meet bloggers I admire at various events, not to mention the chance to engage in conversations with like-minded bloggers on all the various social media platforms. It makes blogging all the more special when you get to interact with people who share your interests. Also, forming acquaintances with brands and working with companies has been incredibly fun. And simply being fortunate enough to have an audience for my writing is a huge dream-come-true for me. The hardest part has probably been finding my identity as a blogger; it’s easy to feel swayed into thinking you have to conform in some way when you blog on certain topics. I’ve often thought The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower is a little too broad of topic –fashion to book reviews, beauty, film, the arts, food, décor – and my content doesn’t typically stick to one specific genre, but in the end I realize that it’s about everything, in a way, and I’m (as vain as it sounds) the glue that sticks it all together. It’s dizzying to think people actually want to read that, but somehow I guess it works; I’m often flabbergasted, but always completely honored! What do you do when you aren’t working on your blog? I think I’m always working on the blog in some way. If I’m not writing a new post I’ll be networking, reading a book for review, responding to e-mails and comments, seeking inspiration or reading my favorite blogs. When I’m not doing all of that, though, I try to find time to spend pursuing my interests: books, film, travel, art, French culture, fashion and beauty – and of course there’s a bit of shopping, some wine and time with family in between. Dream Job: It’s absolutely my dream to be a published author! I’ve written two novels and I’m dabbling in the editing process (not speedily, mind you). If I could see one of them successfully published I’d be thrilled. Describe your look in five words: Bold, classic, sophisticated, elegant and (maybe a little) adventurous. Who/what influences your style? I define my style as encompassing more than just what I wear, but also the overall way I live my life. And I think the biggest inspiration behind all of that, for me, is Audrey Hepburn. Her outward style, her wisdom and her outlook on life all had an affect on me from a very young age. Some of my other inspirations are certainly Sophie Dahl, the Duchess of Cambridge, Keira Knightley, Marion Cotillard, Christina Hendricks, Audrey Tautou, Liv Tyler, Kate Winslet, Eva Green and Drew Barrymore to name…well, quite a few. Who are some of your favorite designers? I absolutely adore Tom Ford! Everything he’s done and continues to do. The way he’s established his brand is inspiring and his design aesthetic really resonates with me. Otherwise, I’m a big fan of Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Cynthia Rowley. I also love Jason Wu and Adam Lippes, I think they both have a tendency to reinvent the classics in a way that’s modern but still timeless. There are likely a ton of others – Betsey Johnson, the Mulleavy sisters, Sarah Burton, etc. – but in a way I think I like everyone. The industry is so steeped in diversity right now; that in itself is inspiring! Where are some of your favorite places to shop? Being a quality-conscious gal on a blogger budget I’m a big discount shopper – so it’s TJ Maxx and Marshalls or the sale racks at my favorite department stores most of the time. I’m more recently into consignment shopping as well – on my first visit I found a pair of Marc Jacobs trousers for $20! That was definitely a moment. What’s one item in your wardrobe that you can’t live without? Leggings are a year-round must for me! I love layering dresses and long sweaters with them. They’re probably the single thing in my closet that I couldn’t get by without. High black leather boots are necessary, too! What’s a classic item that every woman should own? A basic black pump, as cliché as it sounds. I actually no longer have a pair and it’s a big hole in my wardrobe! Fashion on Film: Which movies inspire you? So many! I love the fashion in lots of Audrey Hepburn’s films, obviously – Sabrina, How to Steal a Million, Charade and Two for the Road, especially – plus plenty of other classic films, particularly Pillow Talk, Notorious, Rebecca, À bout de soufflé and Bande à part. Three magazines that you MUST read monthly: Vogue and W are my go-to glossies, and the only ones I’m subscribing to at the moment! If I had to pick a third I think it would be Real Simple; it’s a brilliant resource for practical, stylish living. […]